1/30 Prospect Update

Thursday 1/30
OHL
Windsor defeated Kingston 4-0
Ben Johnson LW: 2 Assists, +2, 2 PIM (Holding the Stick)
Season: 40 GP 18-15-33, +16, 20 PIM

-- Johnson has a goal and 4 assists in his last 3 games.

Ryan Kujawinski C: DNP (Wrist)
Season: 35 GP 16-13-29, E, 27 PIM

North Bay lost to London 9-4
Ben Thomson LW: 2 Goals, -1* 3rd Star
Season: 36 GP 17-11-28, +5, 66 PIM

Gavrus Update: During the KHL Olympic break, Gavrus will be playing for Belarus in the Euro Ice Hockey Challenge in Poland. Training camp opens February 1st. (Credit to In Lou We Trust for finding this)

Program Note: Wisconsin (Faust) vs. Michigan tomorrow night at 6:30 on Big Ten Network.

1/29 Prospect, Albany, and Elmira Update

Monday 1/27
KHL
Dinamo Minsk lost to SKA St. Petersburg 3-2
Artur Gavrus F: DNP (Sick?)

Wednesday 1/29
KHL
Dinamo Minsk defeated Lokomotiv Yaroslavl 3-1
Artur Gavrus: DNP (Sick?)
Season: 28 GP 1-2-3, -9, 8 PIM, 2.9 SH%, 1.2 SH/GP, 45.5 FO%, 11:38 ATOI

-- Due to the Olympic break, Dinamo Minsk doesn't play again until 2/26. I guess Gavrus will play for Dinamo-Shinnik in the MHL during that time or stay with Minsk for training and exhibitions.

QMJHL
Gatineau defeated Acadie-Bathurst 6-2
Anthony Brodeur G: DNP
Season: 23 GP 10-11-0, 3.06 GAA, .885 SV%, 1 SO

WHL
Kelowna lost to Spokane 6-5 (SO)
Damon Severson D: Goal, 2 Assists (1 PP), +1, Stopped in SO* 2nd Star
Season: 43 GP 12-29-41, +30, 30 PIM

Myles Bell RW: E, Stopped in SO
Season: 48 GP 29-23-52, +21, 38 PIM

AHL
Darcy Zajac back at Albany Devils practice so Artem Demkov has been loaned back to Elmira. Demkov had 6 goals, 5 assists in 22 games. Demkov was nearly in the 75th percentile in points per game for age 24 AHLers and above it for goals per game. Solid job in his first taste AHL action. Albany has a full 25 man roster now with D. Zajac healthy and the Devils organization now has 4 players in Elmira (Demkov, Boychuk, Young, Clermont). Things getting a bit crowded.

ECHL
Elmira defeated Kalamazoo 4-1
Artem Demkov: Goal (PP), Assist (PP), +1, 4 Shots
Riley Boychuk: E, 2 PIM (Holding), 3 Shots
Harry Young: E
Maxime Clermont: DNP (Injured)

-- Demkov has 11 goals, 3 assists in 18 ECHL games this season.

1/26 Prospect, Albany, and Elmira Update

Sunday 1/26
QMJHL
Gatineau defeated Shawinigan 4-3
Anthony Brodeur G: DNP
Season: 23 GP 10-11-0, 3.06 GAA, .885 SV%, 1 SO

OHL
Windsor defeated Sarnia 8-7 (SO)
Ben Johnson LW: 2 Assists, +1
Season: 39 GP 18-13-31, +14, 18 PIM

North Bay defeated Peterborough 3-1
Ben Thomson LW: +1
Season: 35 GP 15-11-26, +6, 66 PIM

Kingston defeated Belleville 6-1
Ryan Kujawinski C: DNP (Injured)
Season: 35 GP 16-13-29, E, 27 PIM

-- Kujawinski didn't practice after taking a tumble into the boards in his last game. I feel like this is at least the 4th or 5th blowout Kingston has had without him in the line up.

WHL
Kelowna lost to Seattle 4-1
Damon Severson D: -1
Season: 42 GP 11-27-38, +29, 30 PIM

Myles Bell RW: E
Season: 47 GP 29-23-52, +21, 38 PIM

AHL
Albany lost to Binghamton 6-3 for their 4th straight loss, this one coming against Maxime Clermont's ECHL G partner in Elmira. Scoring for the Devils was Hoeffel (Pelley, Larsson), Larsson (PP, Scarlett, Whitney), and Kelly (Sislo, Scarlett). Kinkaid started but was pulled after making no saves on 3 shots in 9:21. Wedgewood stopped 13 of 15 in 49:35. The Devils outshot the Senators 36-19 and went 1/5 on the PP and 2/3 on the PK. Larsson was 3rd star. Here is the gamesheet.


Stats:
Keith Kinkaid: 26 GP 16-8-1, 2.39 GAA, .910 SV%, 4 SO
Scott Wedgewood: 18 GP 7-8-2, 2.68 GAA, .893 SV%, 1 SO
Adam Larsson: 9 GP 1-6-7, +1, 6 PIM, 7.14 SH%, 1.55 SH/GP
Reece Scarlett: 37 GP 4-11-15, +9, 16 PIM, 8.51 SH%, 1.27 SH/GP
Mike Sislo: 33 GP 12-13-25, +8, 16 PIM, 15.18 SH%, 2.39 SH/GP

ECHL
Elmira defeated Fort Wayne 4-1
Maxime Clermont: DNP (Injured)
Riley Boychuk: E, 10 PIM (Misconduct)
Harry Young: Assist, +1, 2 PIM (Elbowing)

1/25 Prospect, Albany, and Elmira Update

Saturday 1/25
KHL
Dinamo Minsk lost to Atlant Moscow Oblast 7-1
Artur Gavrus F: DNP (Fever)

QMJHL
Gatineau lost to Blainville-Boisbriand 3-2 (SO)
Anthony Brodeur G: DNP

OHL
North Bay vs. Barrie - Postponed (Weather)
Ben Thomson LW: DNP

WHL
Swift Current lost to Saskatoon 3-2 (OT)
Graham Black C: Assist, E

-- 2 goals, 4 assists in last 4 games.

Kelowna defeated Lethbridge 5-0
Damon Severson D: +2
Myles Bell RW: Goal, Assist, +2, 2 PIM (Holding)* 3rd Star

-- Bell has 2 goals, 2 assists in his last 2 games.

NCAA
Wisconsin lost to Ohio State 3-1
Joe Faust D: -2, 2 Blocks
Curtis Gedig D: DNP (Injured)

North Dakota lost to Denver 3-0
Derek Rodwell RW: -1, 2 PIM (Roughing), 2 Shots

Miami defeated Colorado College 6-1
Blake Coleman C: DNP (Collarbone Injury)

Michigan Tech lost to Ferris State 3-0
Blake Pietila F: E, 2 PIM (Elbowing), 3 Shots, 16/24 Faceoffs

Boston College defeated Penn State 3-2
Steve Santini D: +1, 6 Blocks

AHL
Albany lost to Adirondack 2-1 for their 3rd loss in a row. The lone Devils goal came from Sislo (PP, Larsson, Boucher). Wedgewood stopped 20 of 22 shots to earn 3rd star. The Devils outshot the Phantoms 28-22 and went 1/3 on the PP and 3/3 on the PK. Burlon and Scarlett were the 2 healthy D scratches. Here is the gamesheet.


ECHL
Elmira lost to Fort Wayne 4-0
Maxime Clermont: DNP (Injured)
Riley Boychuk: E, 2 PIM (Elbowing), 3 Shots
Harry Young: E, 10 PIM (Misconduct), 1 Shot

1/24 Prospect, Albany, and Elmira Update

Friday 1/24
OHL
Windsor defeated Sault Ste. Marie 5-2
Ben Johnson LW: Goal, E* 1st Star

-- 1st goal after a 6 game drought.

WHL
Swift Current lost to Prince Albert 3-2 (SO)
Graham Black C: Goal, Assist, +2, Stopped in SO

Kelowna defeated Medicine Hat 6-2
Damon Severson D: Assist, +3
Myles Bell RW: Goal, Assist, +1

NCAA
Wisconsin defeated Ohio State 5-3
Joe Faust D: Goal, +2, 2 PIM (Slashing), 1 Shot
Curtis Gedig D: DNP (Injured)

North Dakota defeated Denver 4-2
Derek Rodwell RW: E, 2 PIM (Slashing), 2 Shots

Miami lost to Colorado College 4-1
Blake Coleman C: DNP (Collarbone Injury)

Michigan Tech defeated Ferris State 3-2
Blake Pietila LW: 3 Assists (1 PP), +1, 4 PIM (Slashing, Hooking), 2 Shots, 14/17 Faceoffs

Harvard lost to Union 4-3
Alex Kerfoot C: Goal, -1, 1 Shot, 4/4 Faceoffs

AHL
Albany lost to Binghamton 5-2. Scoring for the Devils was Matteau (Demkov, Tedenby) and Timmins (Urbom, Boucher). Kinkaid stopped 35 of 40 shots and picked up a 10 minute misconduct penalty. K. Zajac was scratched due to his minor injury, Hrabarenka and Scarlett were healthy scratches on D. The Devils were outshot 40-29 and went 0/3 on the PP allowing a SHG and 4/5 on the PK. Here is the gamesheet.

Stats:
Stefan Matteau: 34 GP 7-9-16, +1, 46 PIM, 13.72 SH%, 1.5 SH/GP
Artem Demkov: 20 GP 6-5-11, +8, 4 PIM, 14.28 SH%, 2.1 SH/GP
Scott Timmins: 27 GP 10-15-25, +9, 10 PIM, 16.94 SH%, 2.18 SH/GP
Keith Kinkaid: 25 GP 16-8-1, 2.28 GAA, .914 SV%, 4 SO

ECHL
Elmira lost to Fort Wayne 4-3
Maxime Clermont: DNP (Injured)
Riley Boychuk: Assist, -1
Harry Young: -1, 7 PIM (Fighting, Removing Helmet)

1/23 Prospect Update

Thursday 1/23
KHL
Dinamo Minsk defeated Severstal 2-1 (SO)
Artur Gavrus F: DNP (Fever)
Season: 28 GP 1-2-3, -9, 8 PIM, 2.9 SH%, 1.2 SH/GP, 45.5 FO%, 11:38 ATOI

QMJHL
Gatineau lost to Quebec 6-2
Anthony Brodeur G: 29 Saves on 35 Shots
Season: 23 GP 10-11-0, 3.06 GAA, .885 SV%, 1 SO

-- Brodeur gave up 5 goals in the 3rd, 3 of them were power play goals for Quebec though.

OHL
North Bay defeated Saginaw 5-1
Ben Thomson LW: Goal (PP), E
Season: 34 GP 15-11-26, +5, 66 PIM

-- Thomson has 5 goals, 1 assist in his last 4 games.

Program Note: Ohio State (Gedig) at Wisconsin (Faust) tomorrow night at 9 on Big Ten Network.

Minor League Roster Shuffle: Boychuk and Young to Elmira (1/18), Janssen (1/21) and Boucher (1/22) to Albany, Whitney to NJ (1/23).

1/22 Prospect Update

Wednesday 1/22
OHL
Kingston defeated Ottawa 6-4
Ryan Kujawinski C: Assist, +1
Season: 35 GP 16-13-29, E, 27 PIM

WHL
Swift Current defeated Brandon 4-3 (OT)
Graham Black C: Goal (PS, GWG), Assist, +3
Season: 46 GP 22-40-62, +16, 37 PIM

Kelowna defeated Everett 6-3
Damon Severson D: -2
Season: 39 GP 11-26-37, +25, 30 PIM

Myles Bell RW: +1
Season: 44 GP 27-21-48, +18, 36 PIM

1/21 Prospect Update

Tuesday 1/21
NCAA
Boston College defeated Merrimack 4-1
Steve Santini D: +1
Season: 19 GP 2-5-7, +18, 36 PIM, 10.52 SH%, 1.00 SH/GP

1/20 Prospect and Elmira Update

Monday 1/20
KHL
Dinamo Minsk defeated Barys 2-1 (OT)
Artur Gavrus F: E, 1 Shot, 11:12 TOI
Season: 28 GP 1-2-3, -9, 8 PIM, 2.9 SH%, 1.2 SH/GP, 45.5 FO%, 11:38 ATOI

ECHL
Elmira lost to Reading 3-2
Maxime Clermont: DNP (Injured)
Riley Boychuk: -1, 1 Shot
Harry Young: -1

Monday Reading
Insightful, old interview with ex-Devils prospect, Kirill Tulupov from ArtfulPuck. Some interesting tidbits:

PT:  There have been some issues with a few teams and their Russian players. It must be difficult for the players due to huge cultural issues, language issues, feeling as though you are in an alien land, etc.

Tulupov:  There are many, many issues. It could even be the food, language, many things.  Even friends.  Talking. Not many Russian guys know English. You don’t want to be by yourself all the time. I don’t like when they always speak about Russians chasing money and they return home to get more money. It’s not really hard for us to sit a couple of games if we are doing something wrong. We are willing to change. There are not many people to support you and the media is always ready to rip on you if there comes a chance. Hard pill to swallow.

------

PT: You were drafted in 2006 by the New Jersey Devils. Your style of play seems to fit the Devils Organization perfectly. What happened? Why did they opt out?

Tulupov:  Right after the NHL draft they offered me a contract. My father still keeps it on the wall. He was very proud of me. The more so, because that Devils were the club where his favorite player Fetisov had played and coached. Long time ago he bought me Fetisov’s The Overtime. It was my guide book in the world of Hockey. I still keep it along with me. Under that contract my AHL money amounted to $33,700. It was the matter of discussion but the agent – my previous agent – backed off. He decided to turn it down without any negotiations. Two years later I was really high in their prospect system, I was the second best defenseman overall, and the sixth in the top 20 list. From the very beginning I moved up from 13th spot to 6th spot, almost double, and 2nd best defenseman right after Corrente, the very first round pick of 2006 – a defenseman too but they opted to let me go this time. You have to know Devils’ GM Lou to understand that he never offers something twice for a player taken in the 3rd round. I trusted my agent but I was wrong. One more year in Q as a 20-year-old somehow calmed me down.

------

PT: This past summer was very painful for the entire hockey world – first, the deaths of Derek Boogaard, Rick Rypien and Wade Belak — and then the unimaginable happened when the Yaroslav Lokomotiv team died in a plane crash. I assume you knew some of those players, probably even played with them during your career.

Tulupov:  I had two good friends on the Lokomotiv team. One of them was drafted the same year with me in the New Jersey Devils. We played together in the National U-20. He was a 2nd round pick, the forward Alexander Vasyunov. And I was playing in the Q with another forward, Sergei Ostapchuk. Even now it’s very painful to think about. I was in Detroit at the time. It is an accident. It can happen with anybody, anywhere in the world. It is hard enough for us as hockey players, but I can’t imagine how hard it is for those close to these players. So terrible.

1/19 Prospect and Albany Update

Sunday 1/19
OHL
Windsor defeated Sudbury 3-1
Ben Johnson LW: E, 2 PIM (Check from Behind)
Season: 37 GP 17-11-28, +13, 18 PIM

-- No goals in his last 6 games, no points in his last 4 games. Not really having a huge age 19 season, wonder if he's a candidate to spend an overage season in juniors next year.

North Bay defeated Niagara 5-1
Ben Thomson LW: Goal (SH), Assist, +2* 2nd Star
Season: 33 GP 14-11-25, +5, 66 PIM

-- 19 points in 21 games with North Bay.

Kingston lost to Guelph 6-1
Ryan Kujawinski C: -1
Season: 34 GP 16-12-28, -1, 27 PIM

-- Just 1 assist in his last 4 games.

WHL
Swift Current defeated Prince Albert 7-0
Graham Black C: Assist, +2
Season: 45 GP 21-39-60, +13, 37 PIM

AHL
Albany lost to Hershey 4-3 (SO). Scoring for the Devils was Sislo (Timmins, McPherson), Sestito (Pelley), and Pelley (SH, McPherson). Tedenby had the lone shootout goal for the Devils. Wedgewood stopped 32 of 35 shots including 1 of 4 in the shootout. The Devils were outshot 35-28 and went 0/4 on the PP and 9/11 on the PK. Pelley was 2nd star. Albany dressed 7 D with Burlon being the healthy scratch. Here is the gamesheet.


Stats:
Scott Wedgewood: 16 GP 7-6-2, 2.73 GAA, .893 SV%
Mike Sislo: 30 GP 11-12-23, +9, 14 PIM, 15.71 SH%, 2.33 SH/GP
Scott Timmins: 26 GP 9-14-23, +9, 10 PIM, 15.78 SH%, 2.19 SH/GP
Corbin McPherson: 36 GP 0-7-7, +11, 29 PIM, 0.80 SH/GP

1/18 Prospect and Albany Update

Saturday 1/18
KHL
Dinamo Minsk lost to Avangard Omsk 7-2
Artur Gavrus F: -3, 11:58 TOI

QMJHL
Gatineau lost to Chicoutimi 4-3 (SO)
Anthony Brodeur G: 24 Saves on 27 Shots, Stopped 2 of 3 Shots in SO

OHL
Windsor defeated Plymouth 6-2
Ben Johnson LW: +3

-- No goals in last 5 games, no points in last 3 games.

WHL
Swift Current lost to Kootenay 5-2
Graham Black C: -2

Kelowna defeated Victoria 5-3
Damon Severson D: Assist, +1
Myles Bell RW: 2 Goals, +2* 1st Star

NCAA
Ohio State lost to Minnesota 4-2
Curtis Gedig D: E, 1 Block

North Dakota defeated Bemidji State 4-2
Derek Rodwell RW: Goal, +1, 4 Shots, 1 Block* 1st Star

Miami lost to Nebraska Omaha 5-1
Blake Coleman C: DNP (Collarbone Injury)

Boston College defeated Maine 7-2
Steve Santini D: +1

Harvard lost to Colgate 4-2
Alex Kerfoot C: Assist (PP), -1, 2 Shots, 0/3 Faceoffs

AHL
Albany defeated Adirondack 4-1. Scoring for the Devils was Pelley (Kelly, Kinkaid), K. Zajac (Tedenby, Burlon), Demkov (Kelly), and Sestito (McKelvie, Pesonen). Kinkaid stopped 21 of 22 shots and was first star. Albany outshot Adirondack 26-22 and went 0/2 on the PP and 3/4 on the PK. McKelvie, Matteau, and Hrabarenka all picked up fighting majors. Urbom and Scarlett were the healthy D scratches. Here is the gamesheet.

Stats:
Keith Kinkaid: 24 GP 16-7-1, 2.17 GAA, .916 SV%
Kelly Zajac: 33 GP 6-17-23, +9, 2 PIM, 15.38 SH%, 1.18 SH/GP
Artem Demkov: 18 GP 6-4-10, +9, 4 PIM, 15.78 SH%, 2.11 SH/GP
Harri Pesonen: 39 GP 7-11-18, +8, 34 PIM, 8.43 SH%, 2.12 SH/GP

Roster note: D Harry Young and LW Riley Boychuk have been reassigned to Elmira.

1/17 Prospect, Albany, and Elmira Update

Friday 1/17
QMJHL
Gatineau lost to Baie-Comeau 6-4
Anthony Brodeur G: 23 Saves on 29 Shots

OHL
North Bay defeated Mississauga 4-1
Ben Thomson LW: Goal, +1, 2 PIM (Unsportsmanlike)

Kingston lost to Erie 6-3
Ryan Kujawinski C: Assist (PP), -2

WHL
Swift Current lost to Brandon 6-5
Graham Black C: 2 Goals, +2* 3rd Star

Kelowna lost to Victoria 3-1
Damon Severson D: Assist, +1
Myles Bell RW: -1

NCAA
Ohio State lost to Minnesota 1-0
Curtis Gedig D: -1, 1 Shot

-- Was on for Minnesota's goal, gave Cammarata too much room and got beat to a loose puck in front of the net for the goal. Played a ton of minutes in all situations and was effective minus a few dicey plays against #1 Minnesota's swift, skilled forwards.

North Dakota tied Bemidji State 1-1
Derek Rodwell RW: -1, 6 Shots, 1 Block

Miami tied Nebraska Omaha 2-2
Blake Coleman C: DNP (Collarbone Injury)

-- According to this article, he won't return until next month.

Boston College defeated Boston University 6-4
Steve Santini D: Assist (EN), +1, 1 Shot, 2 Blocks

Harvard lost to Cornell 3-2
Alex Kerfoot C: -1, 2 Shots, 5/10 Faceoffs

USHS
Information on Miles Wood is limited but this is encouraging (New England Hockey Journal):

"Noble & Greenough (10-3-1) – The Bulldog offense is on fire with 26 goals in its last three games. Junior forward Miles Wood recorded at least three goals in each of those three games."

AHL
Albany defeated Utica 8-3 for their 2nd 8 goal performance of the season and 3rd in franchise history. Whitney had 2 goals and Tedenby, Pelley, K. Zajac, Pesonen, Sislo, and Hoeffel each added one. Kinkaid stopped 31 of 34 shots including a penalty shot. Whitney, McKelvie, and K. Zajac were the 3 stars. Albany played with 6 D so Burlon, Hrabarenka, and Young were healthy scratches. Here is the gamesheet.

ECHL Thursday
Elmira defeated Cincinnati 5-4
Maxime Clermont G: 25 Saves on 29 Shots

ECHL Friday
Elmira defeated Fort Wayne 5-3
Maxime Clermont G: 20 Saves on 22 Shots in 40:00 - Injured on a collision late in 2nd.

Rumor: Devils Interested in 21 Year Old Croatian F Borna Rendulic?

*This is a rumor. I can't verify the legitimacy of the news outlet as I am not familiar with the Finnish media. I still thought this was something interesting to pass on and monitor.*

Source - Roughly Translated

"Croatian plans for the future are still open. The proposals have come, but the agreement HPK with ends after this season.

- After all, this had some discussions with some NHL teams. I still do not know about it any more, because these things are usually made only in the summer when the NHL teams are looking for players to know Rendulić.

Rendulić, however, reveals a possible future club. The security issue, but not yet, so this is speculation edeleen level.

- Let's see what my agent gets done. I talked to the New Jersey Devils scout for about two years now, and he in turn has spoken to Devils GM for. They would like me to get there, but it depends on a range of issues yet, says Rendulić."

The right handed, Croatian F currently listed by EliteProspects at 6'3, 203 lbs. is set to turn 22 on March 25, thus making him an undrafted free agent. With Croatia not known as a hockey hot bed, he has spent the bulk of his youth and professional career in Finland working his way up the system to the highest level from the 2007-08 season till present day. He has also represented Croatia at numerous IIHF events every year. His EliteProspects page includes his full stats from recent years.

He currently plays in the top flight of Finnish hockey for HPK out of Hämeenlinna, Finland. His 9 goals and 12 assists in 37 games have him tied for 2nd in scoring on the team, impressive for his age. In his 77 career Liiga games he has 17 goals and 16 assists with a 8.9 SH%.

As you can see from his QuantHockey charts below, he has scored at an above average rate for his age in his 2 full time seasons in the league. He has also improved his overall point production from average to above average for his year 21 season. With his size and skill, it's certainly not a surprise he is recieving interest from NHL organizations.

To compare him to a recent Devils signing out of Finland, here are his graphs compared to Harri Pesonen who spent similar time in the league at age 20 and 21 like Rendulic. Though I can't speak to how much ice time either was getting at their age for full disclosure. It is worth noting that Rendulic's .568 points per game at age 21 compares to Pesonen's .583 at age 23. Rendulic's .243 goals per game at age 21 compares better than Pesonen's .204 at age 22. Perhaps Rendulic's game is more advanced than Pesonen's was when he was that age.

Some videos that show his humorous side and highlights:

 

With a prospect pool that is thin at quality forwards, it should be interesting to see if NJ offers him a contract later this year. Perhaps this is all for nothing, but I intend on monitoring the rumor mill.

1/16 Prospect and Elmira Update

Thursday 1/16
KHL
Dinamo Minsk lost to Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg    2-0
Artur Gavrus F: E, 9:17 TOI
Season: 26 GP 1-2-3, -6, 8 PIM, 3.0 SH%, 1.3 SH/GP, 45.5 FO%, 11:39 ATOI

-- Seems like he's been moved to wing and seen his ice time cut since returning from injury a few weeks ago. He played a MHL (major junior) game on 1/10 for Dinamo-Shinnik and was a -3 with 3 shots and won 11/23 faceoffs in a 6-1 loss.

OHL
Windsor lost to Sault Ste. Marie 6-0
Ben Johnson LW: -2
Season: 35 GP 17-11-28, +10, 16 PIM

North Bay lost to Barrie 4-3 (SO)
Ben Thomson LW: 2 Goals, +3* 1st Star
Season: 31 GP 12-10-22, +2, 64 PIM

-- 16 points in 19 games since being traded to North Bay.

Kingston lost to Niagara 6-3
Ryan Kujawinski C: E
Season: 32 GP 16-11-27, +2, 27 PIM

NCAA Program Note: You can check out D prospect Curtis Gedig tomorrow night on Big Ten Network at 9 PM when Ohio State takes on Minnesota.

ECHL
Elmira defeated Cincinnati 5-4
Maxime Clermont G: 25 Saves on 29 Shots
Season: 16 GP 5-9-1, 3.36 GAA, .892 SV%

1/14 Prospect Update

Tuesday 1/14
KHL
Dinamo Minsk lost to Yugra Khanty-Mansiysk 6-0
Artur Gavrus F: -4, 1 Shot, 11:02 TOI
Season: 25 GP 1-2-3, -6, 8 PIM, 3.0 SH%, 1.3 SH/GP, 45.5 FO%, 11:44 ATOI

1/12 Prospect, Albany, and Elmira Update

Sunday 1/12
QMJHL
Gatineau defeated Rimouski 7-2
Anthony Brodeur G: DNP
Season: 20 GP 10-8-0, 2.72 GAA, .895 SV%, 1 SO

OHL
Windsor lost to Erie 9-0
Ben Johnson LW: -2, 2 PIM (High Sticking)
Season: 34 GP 17-11-28, +12, 16 PIM

North Bay defeated Kingston 3-2
Ben Thomson LW: E
Season: 29 GP 10-10-20, -1, 64 PIM

Ryan Kujawinski C: DNP (Lower Body Injury)
Season: 31 GP 16-11-27, +2, 27 PIM

WHL
Kelowna defeated Calgary 4-2
Damon Severson D: +1
Season: 36 GP 11-24-35, +25, 30 PIM

Myles Bell RW: Assist, E
Season: 41 GP 25-21-46, +16, 36 PIM

AHL
Albany lost to Hershey 4-1. Scoring for the Devils was Demkov (Kelly). Kinkaid stopped 12 of 16 shots in 2 periods of action and Wedgewood stopped all 5 shots he faced in the 3rd. Albany outshot Hershey 30-21 and went 0/2 on the PP and 2/4 on the PK. Albany once again dressed 7 D with Urbom joining Young as a healthy scratch. Here is the gamesheet.

Stats:
Keith Kinkaid: 22 GP 14-7-1, 2.18 GAA, .915 SV%, 4 SO
Scott Wedgewood: 15 GP 7-6-1, 2.73 GAA, .890 SV%, 1 SO
Artem Demkov: 16 GP 5-3-8, +6, 4 PIM, 14.71 SH%, 2.13 SH/GP

ECHL
Elmira lost to Reading 3-0
Maxime Clermont: DNP

1/11 Prospect, Albany, and Elmira Update

Saturday 1/11
OHL
Windsor lost to Niagara 5-4 (OT)
Ben Johnson LW: Assist, E

North Bay lost to Peterborough 6-2
Ben Thomson LW: Goal, E

Kingston lost to Barrie 8-5
Ryan Kujawinski C: DNP (Lower Body Injury)

WHL
Swift Current lost to Red Deer 3-0
Graham Black C: -2

-- Snaps 6 game scoring streak: 2 goals, 9 assists.

Kelowna defeated Medicine Hat 5-4
Damon Severson D: 2 Assists (1 PP), +2
Myles Bell RW: -2

-- Severson has a goal and 4 assists in his last 4 games.

NCAA
Wisconsin defeated Michigan 3-1
Joe Faust D: E, 1 Block

Ohio State tied Michigan State 1-1
Curtis Gedig D: E, 4 Blocks

North Dakota defeated Colorado College 3-2
Derek Rodwell RW: +1, 2 PIM (Interference), 2 Shots

Miami lost to Western Michigan 3-2
Blake Coleman: DNP (Collarbone Injury)

Michigan Tech lost to Ferris State 3-2
Blake Pietila F: E, 2 PIM (High Sticking), 6 Shots, 12/21 Faceoffs

-- Averaging 3.16 shots per game but shooting at just 3.80%.

Boston College tied Brown 3-3
Steve Santini D: +2, 1 Shot

Harvard lost to Yale 5-1
Alex Kerfoot C: Assist (PP), E, 9/13 Faceoffs

Watched the Harvard - Yale game, my 1st look at Kerfoot since the Devils drafted him in 2012. Definitely an offensively minded player who shifted from center to wing and back as the game progressed. Lacks size and will need to add muscle but has good vision and reads the play well. Finds open space without the puck and looks to pass first with the puck. Appeared to be a good, fast skater, especially when he hit his stride, which seems to be something he improved on since being drafted. Showed good hands and decision making in space but will need to get better along the boards and against physical D. Played on the top PP unit on the half boards which suited his skill set well. Has the offensive tools, will be interesting to see if he can put it all together over the next few years.

AHL
Albany defeated Manchester 5-2. Leading the offense was Timmins with 2 goals and an assist and Larsson with 3 assists. K. Zajac, Whitney, and Burlon also added goals. Kinkaid stopped 21 of 23 shots. Albany was outshot 23-21 and went 1/4 on the PP and 3/4 on the PK. Timmins, Larsson, and Kinkaid were the 3 stars. Albany dressed 7 D again with Scarlett joining Young as a healthy scratch. Here is the gamesheet.


Stats:
Keith Kinkaid: 21 GP 14-6-1, 2.07 GAA, .920 SV%, 4 SO
Scott Timmins: 22 GP 9-13-22, +7, 8 PIM, 17.31 SH%, 2.36 SH/GP
Kelly Zajac: 30 GP 4-16-20, +7, 2 PIM, 11.11 SH%, 1.2 SH/GP
Artem Demkov: 15 GP 4-3-7, +5, 4 PIM, 13.33 SH%, 2.0 SH/GP
Joe Whitney: 36 GP 14-20-34, +1, 20 PIM, 14.0 SH%, 2.77 SH/GP

ECHL
Elmira lost to Reading 4-2
Maxime Clermont: 25 Saves on 29 Shots

1/10 Prospect, Albany, and Elmira Update

Friday 1/10
QMJHL
Gatineau lost to Victoriaville 1-0
Anthony Brodeur G: 33 Saves on 34 Shots* 1st Star

-- Last 4 GP (2 starts, 2 relief): 82 Saves on 83 Shots

OHL
Kingston defeated Oshawa 9-4
Ryan Kujawinski C: DNP (Lower Body Injury)

WHL
Swift Current defeated Saskatoon 5-0
Graham Black C: 3 Assists (1 PP), +2, 2 PIM (Unsportsmanlike)

-- 4th in the WHL in assists with 38 in 41 games.

Kelowna defeated Lethbridge 5-1
Damon Severson D: Goal, Assist, +3
Myles Bell RW: Goal (PP), E

-- Bell has 16 goals in his last 15 games.

NCAA
Wisconsin defeated Michigan 5-2
JOe Faust D: Assist, +2, 2 PIM (High Sticking), 1 Block

Ohio State defeated Michigan State 5-3
Curtis Gedig D: +1, 1 Block

North Dakota defeated Colorado College 5-3
Derek Rodwell RW: -1, 3 Blocks

Miami lost to Western Michigan 5-4
Blake Coleman: DNP (Collarbone Injury)

Michigan Tech lost to Ferris State 1-0
Blake Pietila F: -1, 2 Shots, 17/23 Faceoffs

Boston College defeated Providence 5-2
Steve Santini D: -1, 1 Shot

AHL
Albany defeated Springfield 3-0. Scoring for the Devils was Pelley (Larsson, Burlon), Whitney (Timmins), and Demkov (Pelley, Helgeson). Wedgewood stopped all 21 shots he faced. Albany outshot Springfield 26-21 and went 0/4 on the PP and 1/1 on the PK. Pelley, Whitney, and Wedgewood were the 3 stars. Albany dressed 7 D with Hrabarenka and Young sitting. Larsson had 3 shots to go along with his assist. Here is the gamesheet.

Stats:
Scott Wedgewood: 14 GP 7-6-1, 2.80 GAA, .889 SV%, 1 SO
Joe Whitney: 35 GP 13-20-33, +1, 20 PIM, 13.27 SH%, 2.8 SH/GP
Scott Timmins: 21 GP 7-12-19, +6, 8 PIM, 14.29 SH%, 2.33 SH/GP

ECHL
Elmira lost to Reading 4-1
Maxime Clermont: 14 Saves on 14 Shots in 37:53 (relief)

1/9 Prospect Update and Larsson In Albany

Thursday 1/9
OHL
Windsor lost to Ottawa 8-3
Ben Johnson LW: DNP (Upper Body Injury)
Season: 32 GP 17-10-27, +14, 14 PIM

North Bay defeated Mississauga 4-1
Ben Thomson LW: Assist, E
Season: 28 GP 9-10-19, -1, 64 PIM

AHL
D Adam Larsson is in Albany to get into gameshape following a lengthy IR stay.

1/8 Prospect Update, Urbom Re-Claimed and Sent to Albany

Wednesday 1/8
QMJHL
Gatineau defeated Chicoutimi 5-0
Anthony Brodeur G: 21 Save Shutout* 3rd Star
Season: 19 GP 10-7-0, 2.83 GAA, .889 SV%, 1 SO

WHL
Kelowna lost to Edmonton 4-2
Damon Severson D: -1
Season: 33 GP 10-21-31, +19, 30 PIM

Myles Bell RW: Goal, -1, 7 PIM (Roughing, Fighting)
Season: 38 GP 24-20-44, +18, 36 PIM

AHL
D Alexander Urbom has been re-claimed and sent to Albany. I'd expect Harry Young to get sent back down to Elmira shortly.

1/7 Prospect and Albany Update

Tuesday 1/7
NCAA
Harvard tied Quinnipiac 2-2
Alex Kerfoot C: Goal, Assist, +1, 1 Shot, 5/14 Faceoffs
Season: 12 GP 4-3-7, +5, 2 PIM, 21.05 SH%, 1.58 SH/GP, 43.24 FO%

AHL
Albany lost to Springfield 3-2 for their 4th straight loss, 2nd in regulation. Tedenby scored twice with K. Zajac picking up 2 assists. Kinkaid stopped 18 of 21 shots. Timmins had a game high 6 shots. Albany outshot Springfield 27-21 and went 0/4 on the PP and 2/3 on the PK. Here is the gamesheet.


Stats:
Keith Kinkaid: 20 GP 13-6-1, 2.07 GAA, .920 SV%, 4 SO
Kelly Zajac: 28 GP 3-16-19, +5, 2 PIM, 9.37 SH%, 1.14 SH/GP

1/6 Prospect Update and Should Gavrus Consider a Move After January?

Monday 1/6
KHL
Dinamo Minsk lost to Medvescak 4-1
Artur Gavrus F: E, 2 Shots, 10:22 TOI
Season: 23 GP 1-2-3, -2, 8 PIM, 3.3 SH%, 1.3 SH/GP, 45.5 FO%, 11:50 TOI/GP

With the KHL taking an even longer break than the NHL for the Olympics, I wonder if Gavrus is considering a move so he can get some game time rather than just practice for a month. Dinamo Minsk is one of the worst teams in the KHL and only plays 4 regular season games after the Olympic break. Then they head to the Nadezhda Cup which is the tournament for KHL teams not in the playoffs. Realistically after January, he's looking at 4-7 games at best probably before his season would end in March.

He played last year for Neman Grodno in the BXL (Belarus Extraliga) but they are nearly done with their season and only play 6 games in February so a return there doesn't seem like an option. I suppose Dinamo Minsk could assign him to their MHL (major junior in Russia) affiliate, Dinamo-Shinnik, who will have 10 February games before their playoffs. Perhaps he could return to the OHL again where Oshawa has an open import spot for him and they play 13 games in February, 6 in March, and should have a decent playoff run as they are 1st in the Eastern Conference right now. I don't know if they would be interested in adding him though. If he doesn't move anywhere and his season ends in March, then he wouldn't be back in action until May for the World Hockey Championship, hosted in Minsk.

1/5 Prospect Update

Sunday 1/5
QMJHL
Gatineau defeated Shawinigan 3-2 (SO)
Anthony Brodeur G: 17 Saves on 17 Shots in 45:00 of relief, Stopped 9 of 11 shootout attempts
Season: 18 GP 9-7-0, 3.03 GAA, .883 SV%

OHL
Windsor lost to Kingston 4-2
Ben Johnson LW: DNP (Upper Body Injury)
Season: 32 GP 17-10-27, +14, 14 PIM

Ryan Kujawinski C: DNP (Lower Body Injury)
Season: 31 GP 16-11-27, +2, 27 PIM

North Bay defeated Kitchener 6-3
Ben Thomson LW: DNP (Sick)
Season: 27 GP 9-9-18, -1, 64 PIM

1/4 Prospect, Albany, and Elmira Update

Saturday 1/4
KHL
Dinamo Minsk defeated Spartak Moskva 2-1
Artur Gavrus F: E, 11:02 TOI

OHL
Windsor lost to Belleville 3-1
Ben Johnson LW: DNP (Injured "banged up")

North Bay lost to Ottawa 6-5 (OT)
Ben Thomson LW: Goal, +2, 2 PIM (Hooking)

WHL
Swift Current defeated Medicine Hat 3-1
Graham Black C: Assist, E, 2 PIM (High Sticking)

-- 5 game scoring streak: 2 goals, 6 assists.

Kelowna defeated Vancouver 4-2
Damon Severson D: Assist, +1
Myles Bell RW: 2 Goals, Assist, +3, 2 PIM (Holding)* 1st Star

-- Bell has 13 goals in his last 11 games.

NCAA
Wisconsin defeated Alaska-Anchorage 4-3
Joe Faust D: E, 3 Blocks

Michigan Tech defeated Lake Superior State 3-2
Blake Pietila F: Goal (PP), -1, 5 Shots, 13/25 Faceoffs

-- 23 GP 3-9-12, -7, 56 PIM, 4.23 SH%, 3.09 SH/GP, 60.22 FO%, PP: 3-2-5, 9 of 12 points are primary.

Boston College defeated Notre Dame 4-3
Steve Santini D: E, 3 Blocks

Harvard defeated Boston University 7-4
Alex Kerfoot C: Assist (PP), -1, 1 Shot, 7/13 Faceoffs

AHL
Albany lost to Adirondack 4-0. Wedgewood stopped 31 of 35 shots and had 2 PIM for tripping. Tedenby, K. Zajac, and Matteau were all a -3. Albany was outshot 35-33 and went 0/3 on the PP and 2/3 on the PK. Here is the gamesheet.

ECHL
Elmira defeated Wheeling 4-3 (OT)
Maxime Clermont: DNP

1/3 Prospect, Albany, and Elmira Update

Friday 1/3
QMJHL
Gatineau defeated Sherbrooke 8-4
Anthony Brodeur G: 10 Saves on 10 Shots in 29:04 (Relief)

OHL
Windsor defeated Ottawa 4-1
Ben Johnson LW: +1, 4 PIM (Interference, Tripping)

Kingston defeated Peterborough 9-0
Ryan Kujawinski C: DNP (Left Shoulder Injury)

WHL
Swift Current lost to Kootenay 3-1
Graham Black C: Goal (PP), -1, 2 PIM (Goalie Interference)

-- 2 goals, 5 assists in last 4 games.

Kelowna lost to Vancouver 4-2
Damon Severson D: +1, 2 PIM (Roughing)
Myles Bell RW: E, 12 PIM (Roughing, Misconduct)

NCAA
Wisconsin lost to Alaska-Anchorage 3-2
Joe Faust D: -1, 1 Shot

Michigan Tech lost to Lake Superior State 4-3
Blake Pietila LW: 2 Assists, E, 3 Shots, 16/21 Faceoffs

-- Listed as a LW but has taken 244 faceoffs and has a 61.06%.

Program Note: Boston College (Santini) vs. Notre Dame from Fenway Park will be on NBCSN at 7:30 Saturday night.

AHL
Albany lost to Springfield 4-3 (OT). Scoring for the Devils was K. Zajac, Pesonen (K. Zajac), and Pelley (McKelvie, Hoeffel). Kinkaid stopped 24 of 28 shots. Albany outshot Springfield 32-28 and went 0/3 on the PP and 2/2 on the PK. Kelly Zajac was 2nd star. Hoeffel had a team high 6 shots. Here is the gamesheet.


Stats:
Keith Kinkaid: 19 GP 13-5-1, 2.02 GAA, .923 SV%, 4 SO
Kelly Zajac: 26 GP 3-14-17, +6, 2 PIM, 9.67 SH%, 1.19 SH/GP
Harri Pesonen: 32 GP 6-10-16, +6, 30 PIM, 8.00 SH%, 2.34 SH/GP

ECHL
Elmira lost to Wheeling 3-2 (OT)
Maxime Clermont: DNP

1/2 Prospect Update

Thursday 1/2
WJC
USA lost to IIHF 5-3
Stefan Matteau LW: Goal, Assist, +1, 2 PIM (Breathing on Russian), 1 Shot, 1/1 Faceoff
Steve Santini D: E, 2 PIM (Delay of Game)

WHL
Kelowna defeated Portland 7-2 (16th straight win)
Damon Severson D: +1, 2 PIM (Roughing)
Season: 30 GP 10-20-30, +18, 28 PIM

Myles Bell RW: 2 Goals (Both PP), 2 Assists, +2* 1st Star
Season: 35 GP 21-19-40, +16, 25 PIM

-- 3 goals, 4 assists in last 2 games or 12 goals, 9 assists in last 12 games.

1/1 Prospect Update

Wednesday 1/1
OHL
North Bay lost to Oshawa 3-2 (OT)
Ben Thomson LW: Assist, E
Season: 26 GP 8-9-17, -3, 62 PIM

Kingston defeated Ottawa 6-5 (SO)
Ryan Kujawinski C: +2
Season: 31 GP 16-11-27, +2, 27 PIM

-- Left game with left shoulder injury. (Source)

WHL
Swift Current lost to Saskatoon 6-3
Graham Black C: Goal (PP), -4
Season: 38 GP 18-34-52, +12, 31 PIM

12/31 Prospect and Elmira Update

Tuesday 12/31
WJC
USA lost to Canada 3-2
Stefan Matteau LW: Goal, +1, 2 PIM (Tripping), 2 Shots
Steve Santini D: E, 1 Shot

United States of Hockey

"2. Stefan Matteau (Fasching, Butcher), 17:15 — USA was trailing 3-1 at this point and a great rush started by Hudson Fasching led to a nice pass to Stefan Matteau whose hard wrist shot bounced out of the glove of Zach Fucale, off a defenseman’s stick and in to make it 3-2.

Steven Santini — Again, I thought Santini was consistently one of Team USA’s best overall defenders. He was physical, he was smart and I really liked his decisions with the puck today. He’s a better skater than he’s been given credit for and does a nice job of getting the puck out of trouble.

Stefan Matteau — Matteau’s size and speed was a factor a lot today and he plays hard every game. He was a big part of making that team so good in the first period with the way he was driving the net and making plays in the offensive zone physically."

OHL
Windsor defeated Plymouth 5-1
Ben Johnson LW: Goal, Assist, +3
Season: 31 GP 17-10-27, +13, 10 PIM

North Bay lost to Sudbury 2-1 (SO)
Ben Thomson LW: E, 5 PIM (Fighting)
Season: 25 GP 8-8-16, -3, 62 PIM

Kingston defeated Mississauga 3-2
Ryan Kujawinski C: 2 Goals (1 PP), +1* 1st Star
Season: 30 GP 16-11-27, E, 27 PIM

WHL
Kelowna defeated Portland 9-3 (15th straight win)
Damon Severson D: Goal (SH), +1, 2 PIM (Slashing)
Season: 29 GP 10-20-30, +17, 26 PIM

-- 8 game point streak: 4 goals, 6 assists.

Myles Bell RW: Goal, 2 Assists (Both PP), +1
Season: 34 GP 19-17-36, +14, 25 PIM

ECHL
Elmira lost to South Carolina 2-0
Maxime Clermont: 28 Saves on 30 Shots
Season: 13 GP 4-8-1, 3.42 GAA, .892 SV%