Alumni in the Pros - March 2008

[Larry72]

Ithaca Journal Article on Topher Scott joining the Elmira Jackal's.
http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080326/SPORTS/803260330

[MINIteam8s]

We're leaving now - wearing our Cornell shirts - dinner first and then to cheer on Topher (and the Jackals, too)!

[imafrshmn]

Word has it that Ray Sawada has signed with the Dallas Stars today! Look for the news to break soon.

[Will]

[quote Larry72]Ithaca Journal Article on Topher Scott joining the Elmira Jackal's.
http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080326/SPORTS/803260330[/quote]

I went to the game last night.  Topher had an assist on the first Jackals goal (PPG) but was -1 for the night.  Too bad Elmira's goalie couldn't stop a puck to save his life in the third period.

I saw a few Cornell shirts (besides my own) in the stands as well.

Also playing in the game (for the Trenton Devils) was Tony Zancanaro, formerly of Providence, and twin brother of BU's Brad Zancanaro.  I was kinda hoping for a midget fight to break out, but there was no such luck.  Maybe next week, when the Jackals and Devils play again.

[RM 08]

Topher started and recorded an assist on a PP Goal in hist first game with the Jackals. Can't say I'm surprised at all.

Gamesheet: Trenton at Elmira

[redice]

I spoke with Jackals' GM Robbie Nichols after the game.    He seems excited to have Topher on the team.   He told me that Topher will be on the playoff roster.   I didn't think he would have played enough regular season games.  But, Robbie mentioned something about amateur signing being eligible.  

An interview with Topher was included in the WETM-TV 11PM News on Tuesday.   He was pleased to see so many red Cornell shirts in the crowd.   I was surprised that I did not hear a single "RED" yelled during the Nat'l Anthem.

Topher played on the first PK unit for a all PK's.   And (I think), he was on the second PP unit.  He didn't seem as physical as I'm used to seeing.   Frankly, I think he may have been a bit intimidated by the pro game.  I'm confident that this will pass quickly as he adjusts to the game.

Also, Topher was not the only former CU captain in the crowd.  We spotted Raymond Sawada in the crowd.

[imafrshmn]

http://stars.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=358437

Ray Sawada has signed a 2 year deal with the Stars and might be playing his first pro game tonight with the Iowa City Stars AHL team.  Congratulations Ray

[Larry72]

Ray scores first Iowa City goal in his first AHL game!!!  http://www.iowastarshockey.com/news/

[sah67]

[quote Larry72]Ray scores first Iowa City goal in his first AHL game!!!  http://www.iowastarshockey.com/news/[/quote]

He was also named the first star of the game with a +2 and the one goal on 3 shots.  Iowa ended up winning 4-1.  Way to go Ray!

[hockeychick470]

SAWADA!!!!  although, I'm going to miss having classes with him...

[David Harding]

Sasha Pokulok sent down from Hershey Bears (AHL) to Carolina Stingrays (ECHL)
http://www.charleston.net/blogs/stingrays/2008/mar/27/RaysBlog/, where he tallied four assists in his first game. http://www.charleston.net/news/2008/mar/29/new_faces_key_rays_rout35440/
The effort was helped by Matt Smith and Ben Nelson, less than two weeks out of RIT and Quinnipiac respectively.

Also http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=3611551

Generally negative discussion on Washington Capitols message board. http://boards.washingtoncaps.com/index.php?showtopic=67551

[Josh '99]

Dave played last night for Hartford at home against Worcester.  Made 20 saves on 22 shots (the second Worcester goal came late in the third with the goalie pulled) and was named the game's third star.  

Additionally, Mike Iggulden was in the lineup for Worcester and was an even plus/minus with three shots on goal.

[Chris 02]

I'm going to the Stars game this evening.  Not sure where the seats are, but we'll be sure to wear some red.

[sah67]

O'Byrne got a 5 minute major and a game misconduct for elbowing tonight in Montreal's 4-2 loss to Toronto.

[Chris 02]

Went to the Iowa Stars game last night.  Sawada was +1 with a holding penalty.  No goals or assists tonight.  At times, he seemed really with the play and had two really sweet passes to a guy in front that the goalie held on to.  Other times, he just skated around and seemed like he didn't know what to do.  It seemed like a fair bit of dumping the puck in when he had it rather than using his head to look around.  The penalty he took didn't seem like the best call.  I think the ref was trying to call everything early on in this game when some early scruffles made it seem like this game was getting out of hand.