In Thursday’s USHL matchup, the Dubuque Fighting Saints traveled to Fargo and beat the defending champions 7-4, bringing their season record to 5-1-0-0, which places them at the top of the league standings. While Dubuque showcased strong offensive skills, players Jonathan Morello and Kristian Kostadinski did not score any points. Morello performed better than in his previous game and was more noticeable on the ice. Kostadinski is becoming increasingly at ease with North American hockey as the season progresses.
On Friday, the Fighting Saints faced a tough match against the Sioux Falls Stampeders and lost 6-3. Morello and Kostadinski were unable to find the score sheet again. For Kostadinski, getting points isn’t the main focus, and he is showing improvement with each game, which is what matters. On the other hand, Morello usually scores points, but he hasn’t been performing at his best lately.
In the NCAA, Miami (Ohio) started the season with two ties before winning against Alaska-Anchorage with a score of 3-2. Casper Nassen had another strong performance, contributing an assist in the game, which brings his total to 3 points in 3 games. He is playing as the right winger on the second line and seems comfortable in that position. His move to North America has gone well so far. There is no concern about him getting penalized for hitting from behind, as he has never played that way.
Massachusetts faced a tough loss, falling 3-2 to Omaha in overtime. Dans Locmelis did not score but had three shots on goal and won 52.9% of his face-offs while centering the third line. His defensive skills are improving as he takes on more defensive duties.
Minnesota defeated Air Force 7-1 on Friday night. Beckett Hendrickson had a fantastic first game, scoring his first NCAA goal. He was everywhere on the ice, working hard and chasing the puck like a dog after a bone. Playing as the third line left wing, his effort stood out as the best among the players. If he keeps performing like this, he could move up to a more important position in the lineup.
Ty Gallagher needed a fresh start, so he left Boston University after last season for new chances at Colorado College. On Friday night, Colorado defeated Northern Michigan 4-3 in overtime. Although Gallagher didn’t have his best performance, he still contributed by getting an assist on the winning goal and played top-pair minutes with better offensive opportunities. This change in scenery could prove to be beneficial for his career.
In the last NCAA match on Friday, Boston College defeated Michigan State with a score of 3-0. Three Bruins prospects are currently playing at Boston College: Oskar Jellvik, Andre Gasseau, and Dean Letourneau. Jellvik scored a goal for BC after working hard to keep possession at the blue line and finding open space for an easy shot. Gasseau, who played on the second line as a right winger, did not score. Letourneau centered the third line but also did not record any points. He showed some of the talent the Bruins noticed in him while playing center, but he still needs improvement. This match proved that he can compete at the NCAA level after coming from Canadian high school hockey.
On Saturday, in NCAA hockey, Gallagher proved that moving to Colorado College was a smart choice. Colorado improved its record to 3-0-0 by defeating Northern Michigan 6-1. Gallagher assisted on the game-winning goal and then scored himself, putting the game out of reach early in the third period. He also added another assist on a power play with just one second left in the game. Gallagher played on the top pair, getting quality minutes and opportunities on the power play.
Philip Svedeback didn’t have the start to the season I had hoped, as his team, Providence College, lost 5-2 to Jake Schmaltz and North Dakota. In the game, Svedeback allowed 4 goals from 30 shots and seemed uneasy on several saves. Schmaltz did not register any points for North Dakota and won 10 out of 17 faceoffs. He mainly played on the fourth line in a shut down role.
Miami won against Alaska-Anchorage for the second straight night, finishing with a score of 4-1. Nassen had an impressive game, scoring his second goal of the season. He played as the right wing on the second line and a fixture on the powerplay, with his goal coming during one of those opportunities. I still believe Nassen performs better on his off wing, but why mess with the early success?
U-Mass improved to 2-1-0 with a 5-1 win against Air Force. Locmelis did not register any points while centering the third line, but his teammates Cole O’Hara and Aydar Suniev each had strong performances, with O’Hara getting 2 goals and 1 assist and Suniev earning 1 goal and 1 assist. They are the top scorers on the team, showing that Locmelis is playing with talented teammates. He won 15 out of 20 faceoffs and was credited 2 blocked shots.
Breaking news: Boston College lost a close one to Michigan State, ending 4-3. It was an exciting game to watch nonetheless. Jellvik had two assists but ended with a minus-1 rating and won only 2 out of 9 faceoffs. Gasseau didn’t score, recorded one shot on goal, and had a faceoff record of 4 for 9. Letourneau is still seeking his first NCAA point and struggled in faceoffs, winning just 1 out of 7. Although it’s early in the season, Jellvik appears to be on track as expected.
Minnesota lost to Omaha 2-1 in overtime, but the score doesn’t tell the whole story. They had a significant advantage in shots, outshooting Omaha 54 to 18. Hendrickson played on the fourth line as a left winger and consistently pressured the puck. His energy over the last two games has been impressive, and even though he didn’t score, it was exciting to see him play with such enthusiasm. If he can maintain that intensity, good things will happen.
Quinnipiac kicked off their season with a close 3-2 victory against Penn State. This game marked the first appearances for freshmen Chris Pelosi and Elliott Groenewold. Pelosi played as the center for the second line, while Groenewold was on the third pair. At first, they seemed a bit nervous, but they quickly found their rhythm. Overall, both players performed well, even though they didn’t find the scoresheet.
In the QMJHL it was a blowout as the Moncton Wildcats embarrassed the Sherbrooke Phoenix 9-3. Moncton got off to a 3-0 lead by the 13-minute mark of the first period with Loke Johansson picking up his first two assists of the season. There isn’t much to add about this lopsided game.
It was a mixed bag for the Providence Bruins on the weekend. On Saturday, Brandon Bussi did what he could as he was peppered with 39 shots as the Laval Rocket defeated your Bruins 5-2. Brett Harrison continued to show well after a good camp with Boston. Jackson Edward had a good first professional game and Patrick Brown displayed why he is a good leader for the young guns. Every one else was mediocre on this night.
Things were better on Sunday as they defeated the Bridgeport Islanders 3-2. Michael DiPietro was solid between the pipes stopping 28 of 30 shots. Harrison continued on his upward trajectory and Jordan Oesterle played like the seasoned veteran that he is. Vinni Lettieri had a solid performance as did Billy Sweezey. Fabian Lysell had some of the moments he did last season when Head Coach Ryan Mougenel had to call him out.
Here’s a look at the Providence Bruins leaders. You will notice a column called “Benchrates” This is provided by our friends at Benchrates. Created by a retired hockey player, Benchrates has created an algorithm that computes values in real time. The value you see is the cap hit value they’ve earned this season to date. Give them a look and check out their site.
Coming up this week:
AROUND THE GLOBE
WHO’S HOT:
Casper Nassen has a 3-game point streak with 2 goals and 2 assists.
Oskar Jellvik has a 2-game point streak with 1 goal and 2 assists.
Ty Gallagher has a 2-game point streak with 1 goal and 2 assists.
WHO’S COLD:
Jonathan Myrenberg has missed the first 9 games of the SHL season with an injury and is weeks away.
Cole Spicer has missed his last 6 games with an injury and hasn’t played since opening night in the USHL.
On Sunday, Chris Nosek and myself were on the Dom-Hockey Podcast discussing all the Bruins prospects. If you enjoy the show, please give us a like and subscribe so you never miss an episode.
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