A Slow Sunday

Shane McColgan (Steve Hiscock)

Just 3 games on the Sunday prospect schedule for the New York Ranger and New York Islander prospects. With teams getting ready to lose some of their top talent to the various national teams in preparation for the various World Under-20 and Under-17 tournaments; coaches are trying to get looks at those who will be asked to step up their games.

Shane McColgan (NYR 2011 5th) and his Saskatoon Blades might want to play the Regina Pats more often especially after this weekend's "home and home." The Blades on Saturday won 9-0 at home and on the road Sunday, the Blades whipped them again this time 7-0.

McColgan had a 1-1-2 game on Sunday to improve to 7-20-27 but the expected hosts of the Memorial Cup as a team are barely over 500. McColgan had a power play goal on Sunday, his 4th of the season and the Blade's 1st in their last 23 opportunities.

This is not trying to pick on McColgan but a first line player needs to be more productive than where McColgan is currently at. The Blades next 5 games are against teams below them in the standings so here is McColgan's chance to pad his stats.

In the QMJHL, Loic Leduc (NYI 2012 4th) and his Cape Breton Screaming Eagles were able to halt a 9 game winless streak after a 3-0 win over the Chicoutimi Saguenéens. Leduc in his own way tried to stir things up for his team but very few players want to fight the 6'6 210 defender.

Leduc got a roughing minor 51 seconds into the game and while nobody fought Leduc, it did give his teammates a bit of jump to their game. Leduc also had 3 hits so now let us see how the team responds to the new coach and GM.

Adam Pelech (NYI 2012 3rd) and his Erie Otters ended their weekend on a sour note dropping a 5-2 decision to the Brampton Battalion. The Otters are another team in transition with a new coach coming in last week.

Pelech had a quiet game as one wonders if he was thinking ahead to his trip to Calgary to attend the Hockey Canada selection camp this week. Nothing against Pelech but he is a longshot to earn a spot on the roster.

I hope he does well as the experience at the camp will help him whether or not he makes the team. Erie though will miss his presence on the blueline greatly so they too won't mind if he doesn't make the roster.