Game 3 between the Dubuque Fighting Saints and the Youngstown Phantoms was a nail-biter on Tuesday, with the teams locked in a scoreless tie until late in the third period. Dubuque finally broke through to take a 1-0 lead at the 13:33 mark, but Youngstown evened the score at 1-1 with just 1:42 remaining to force overtime. In a dramatic finish, Dubuque scored the game-winner with only 26 seconds left in the first overtime period to take a 2-1 series lead. Beckett Hendrickson did not record any points despite having 3 shots on goal and finishing with an even plus/minus rating.
Game 4 of the series occurred on Wednesday, with Dubuque prevailing 2-0 to take the best-of-5 series 3-1. Teams shut out their opponent in three of the four games. Beckett Hendrickson netted the decisive goal just five minutes into the third period, earning Second Star honors for his performance. He finished with two shots on goal and a plus-1 rating. With the victory, Dubuque now awaits the winner of the Green Bay-Muskegon series for the Eastern Conference Finals.
As they prepare for next month’s World Championships, the Latvian national hockey team lost 5-1 to Switzerland in an exhibition game on Friday. Dans Locmelis picked up the primary assist on Latvia’s lone goal in the loss. So far in their exhibition matches, Locmelis has mostly centered the third line.
The OHL Western Conference final between the London Knights and Saginaw Spirit began in London on Friday. The Knights won the first game 3-1, though London was without Jackson Edward, who missed the game for personal reasons.
On Saturday, Latvia lost their second exhibition game against Switzerland by a score of 4-0. Locmelis centered Latvia’s top line but did not record any points. He went 14 for 22 on faceoffs and logged 18:10 of ice time, the third-most amongst all players. At this point, Locmelis is a lock to make Latvia’s national team roster.
The London Knights defeated the Saginaw Spirit 3-1 on Sunday in game two of the OHL Western Conference Finals, taking a 2-0 series lead. The Knights once again played without Jackson Edward, who sat out his second straight game against Saginaw for personal reasons. The series now shifts to Saginaw for games three and four.
In the USHL, it took overtime but the Dubuque Fighting Saints defeated Muskegon Lumberjacks 4-3 to take game 1 in the best of five conference finals. Beckett Hendrickson was held scoreless and managed just one shot on goal in the opener.
Coming up this week:
Received a couple of question from Mike that deserve an answer:
Greatly enjoy your work. I like to see some focus on the prospect pipeline.
I had a couple of questions for you.
What is the point of signing Quinn Wichers, Reid Dyck, and Bryce Montgomery to PTOs (ATO for Dyck I believe) at this time of the year? Is it just to get a look at them while thinking about next year?
Is there anyone of the Maine team that could make a similar rise as Justin Brazeau?
Thanks
Thank you, Mike. First, injuries to both the Boston and Providence defensive groups left the team needing more experienced players as they approached the playoffs. This led to the signings of Montgomery and Wichers, who have more experience than Frederic Brunet or Ryan Mast for a playoff push. Regarding Dyck, Boston needs a third goalie and had been using Brandon Bussi, meaning Providence also required another goalie. Although Dyck is unlikely to see playoff action, being around a professional playoff environment will provide good experience.
As for someone on the Maine roster that could eventually be similar to Brazeau, I have to go with Adam Mechura. Keep an eye on him.
This and that
Ty Gallagher is joining the black and gold for the 2024-2025 season. Not the Bruins black and gold but Colorado College. After a difficult season with Boston University, Gallagher entered the transfer portal and landed on Colorado College.
Reid Dyck signed an amateur tryout contract (ATO) with the Providence Bruins on Thursday, allowing him to join the team for their playoff run. While this does not guarantee game action, Dyck can now practice and train with the team, gaining valuable experience of life as a professional hockey player. The possibility of an entry-level contract has not been confirmed at this time.
At the same time, Providence announced that they have signed Bryce Montgomery to a PTO. Montgomery becomes the third present/past London Knights’ defenceman to join the organization in the past 22 months joining Jackson Edward and Alec Regula. Because Montgomery was under a pro contract (ECHL), a PTO (not an ATO) was required to play in the AHL.
On Friday, Providence added defenceman Quinn Wichers on a PTO as well. Boston has injuries on defence requiring callups from Providence. Providence has injuries of their own.
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