Reving the Engine

The good news out of Moose Jaw today is that Dylan McIlrath (NYR 2010 1st) is practicing now at full speed so his return is now expected by this weekend. McIlrath who suffered an MCL sprain against Lethbridge on November 13th has watched his Moose Jaw Warriors go 4-2 during his absence.

The timing for McIlrath's return is perfect as the Warriors are on a roll working their way up to 2nd place in the WHL's East division as well as 5th overall in the Eastern Conference. Not bad for a team that started their season with just 2 wins in their first 10 games (now 15-11-0-1).

As for McIlrath, he has kept himself busy during his rehab by giving back to the folks in Moose Jaw. Our friend up in Moose Jaw Marnel Rasmussen let us know that McIlrath along with 2 teammates spoken to students at a local school on of all subjects "Fighting and Bullying"

Prospect Action

Islander prospect Kirill Kabanov (2010 3rd) was the only prospect to see action on Tuesday night as Kabanov's Lewiston MAINEaics looked to keep pace with the Saint Johns Sea Dogs and Quebec Remparts for the top spot in the QMJHL.

Kabanov was held scoreless as his MAINEaics escaped with a 2-1 overtime win over the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles for their 3rd straight win and 9th win in their last 10 games. The story of this game however was a 20 year old goalie named Andrew Hayes.

Hayes earned himself the first star of the game after stopping 49 out of 51 shots on goal, being run over several times and giving the Screaming Eagles a chance to steal a game they had no business being in.

Lewiston held the Screaming Eagles to just 11 shots on goal total for the entire game (3 in 1st, 2 in 2nd, 6 in 3rd, 0 in OT) as Lewiston dominated play. Kabanov only took 2 shots himself which makes it look like he took the night off (he did not he played hard).


(McIlrath/Moose Jaw, Kabanov/New York Islanders)