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Last night's 3-1 win over UMass Lowell was Merrimack's seventh Hockey East win of the season (7-11-0). It guarantees the Warriors their highest win total in league games since at least 2002-03, when the Warriors finished 7-13-4 - a 7th place finish.
Merrimack's highest win total in league came in 1996-97, when the Warriors finished with 11 wins (11-11-2). They had eight wins in 1992-93.
With nine games remaining, a 5-4 record would give the Warriors their highest league win total since joining Hockey East. Just one more win would give them a tie for the second highest and a record of 2-7 down the stretch would be Merrimack's second-highest win total (9) since joining the league. The 1996-97 season has been the only one in which Merrimack has earned double-digit Hockey East wins.
A 5-4 record would finish Merrimack's league record at 12-15-0 -- 24 points.
Reax: Merrimack 3. UMass Lowell 1
Postgame
Mark Dennehy, Merrimack Head Coach
Ryan Flanigan, Merrimack Soph. Winger
Blaise MacDonald, Lowell Head Coach
Mike Machnik also brings us a podcast with Mark Dennehy and Ryan Flanigan. You can subscribe to all of Mike Machnik's podcasts (the first podcast linked with a college hockey team) by clicking here.
Highlights
Jeff Velleca scores a power play goal in the second period to tie the score, 1-1.
The Grades
Offense - A-
Another very good offensive night for the Warriors. Merrimack was on the attack from the opening faceoff and never turned down the heat. MC generated 33 shots on goal and really made Carter Hutton work. Hutton made some really great saves, including stonewalling Jesse Todd on a beautiful chance in the second period. Todd one-timed a puck that Hutton stuck the pad on. Nothing Todd could have done - just a great save by Hutton. Three goals is enough more often than not and the Warriors were swarming.
Defense - A+
This could be the first A+ given out since we started the grades. Lowell scores on a fluky goal in the second period and UML's only real scoring chances came on the power play, but even then, MC's penalty kill was exceptional. 5-on-5, I don't think Lowell had one chance from grade-A. The Warriors worked their tails off tonight. They blocked shots (13), they won physical battles along the boards and won races to loose pucks. There were times during this game where MC made Lowell look like it didn't belong on the same ice. There was a determination with the Warriors tonight and it really showed when they were defending.
Special Teams - A
Adam Ross was an animal on the penalty kill, hitting bodies and blocking shots. Merrimack's PK went 7 for 7 on the night and allowed just 10 shots in a little over 12 minutes of time on the kill. The power play netted the equalizer in the second period - Jeff Velleca's goal - and the Warriors utilized it to not only generate scoring chances, but gain and hold momentum. Merrimack's special teams give them a chance to win every night. In the two-referee era, special teams are crucial.
The Difference Maker
Merrimack's knockout punch
This was a 1-1 game heading into the third period, but two Merrimack scores in the first 4:30 put UML down for the count. Those early strikes were obviously the difference, and Merrimack almost netted a fourth. They didn't sit on a lead and the Warriors didn't take their foot off the gas for a second.
Warrior Of The Game
Carter Madsen, Sophomore Forward
This is a tough choice - I could literally make a case for everyone who dressed - but Madsen gets my nod. I'll tell you what - lately, he's been terrific. He's been flying all over the ice and winning battles. He's going 100% every time his blades touch the ice. He's just been everywhere. He didn't show up on the scoresheet but I thought that tonight was one of the best games he's played as a Warrior. It's like someone shot him out of a cannon tonight.
Not to be left out - Adam Ross was unreal on defense. Ryan Flanigan and linemantes J.C. Robitaille and John Jamieson continue to be just what the Warriors need. Chris Barton scored his 17th goal of the year, Velleca had a goal and Da Costa had two assists.
Oh, and getting lost in all this, Joe Cannata only allowed one goal. ... Literally, this could go to any player that was dressed in yellow. One of the best efforts of the year, period.
The Leftovers
> Good teams don't turtle in the face of adversity. They stand up, punch it in the mouth, and stomp on it. That's exactly what Merrimack did tonight. There's still a lot of hockey left, but I thought this was a must-win game for Merrimack. They needed to make a statement after Friday's loss to Northeastern. Consider the statement made.
> Joe Cannata picked up his first win since Nov. 13 against Boston University. The sophomore made 20 saves. He was having an easy night in the first two periods but Lowell had the bulk of its chances in the third and Cannata weathered the storm. He was moving well in the crease and most of the pucks were hitting the chest protector, which means positioning was impeccable.
> Jeff Velleca is a team-leading plus-5 on the season. Velleca has fit in quite nicely with Barton and Da Costa on the top line. The sophomore winger can flat out fly and it creates space for Barton and Da Costa to carry the puck. Teams have to be careful with him because of that speed.
> Only three Warriors - Chris Barton, Adam Ross and Pat Bowen - have appeared in every game for Merrimack this season.
Mark Dennehy, Merrimack Head Coach
Ryan Flanigan, Merrimack Soph. Winger
Blaise MacDonald, Lowell Head Coach
Mike Machnik also brings us a podcast with Mark Dennehy and Ryan Flanigan. You can subscribe to all of Mike Machnik's podcasts (the first podcast linked with a college hockey team) by clicking here.
Highlights
Jeff Velleca scores a power play goal in the second period to tie the score, 1-1.
The Grades
Offense - A-
Another very good offensive night for the Warriors. Merrimack was on the attack from the opening faceoff and never turned down the heat. MC generated 33 shots on goal and really made Carter Hutton work. Hutton made some really great saves, including stonewalling Jesse Todd on a beautiful chance in the second period. Todd one-timed a puck that Hutton stuck the pad on. Nothing Todd could have done - just a great save by Hutton. Three goals is enough more often than not and the Warriors were swarming.
Defense - A+
This could be the first A+ given out since we started the grades. Lowell scores on a fluky goal in the second period and UML's only real scoring chances came on the power play, but even then, MC's penalty kill was exceptional. 5-on-5, I don't think Lowell had one chance from grade-A. The Warriors worked their tails off tonight. They blocked shots (13), they won physical battles along the boards and won races to loose pucks. There were times during this game where MC made Lowell look like it didn't belong on the same ice. There was a determination with the Warriors tonight and it really showed when they were defending.
Special Teams - A
Adam Ross was an animal on the penalty kill, hitting bodies and blocking shots. Merrimack's PK went 7 for 7 on the night and allowed just 10 shots in a little over 12 minutes of time on the kill. The power play netted the equalizer in the second period - Jeff Velleca's goal - and the Warriors utilized it to not only generate scoring chances, but gain and hold momentum. Merrimack's special teams give them a chance to win every night. In the two-referee era, special teams are crucial.
The Difference Maker
Merrimack's knockout punch
This was a 1-1 game heading into the third period, but two Merrimack scores in the first 4:30 put UML down for the count. Those early strikes were obviously the difference, and Merrimack almost netted a fourth. They didn't sit on a lead and the Warriors didn't take their foot off the gas for a second.
Warrior Of The Game
Carter Madsen, Sophomore Forward
This is a tough choice - I could literally make a case for everyone who dressed - but Madsen gets my nod. I'll tell you what - lately, he's been terrific. He's been flying all over the ice and winning battles. He's going 100% every time his blades touch the ice. He's just been everywhere. He didn't show up on the scoresheet but I thought that tonight was one of the best games he's played as a Warrior. It's like someone shot him out of a cannon tonight.
Not to be left out - Adam Ross was unreal on defense. Ryan Flanigan and linemantes J.C. Robitaille and John Jamieson continue to be just what the Warriors need. Chris Barton scored his 17th goal of the year, Velleca had a goal and Da Costa had two assists.
Oh, and getting lost in all this, Joe Cannata only allowed one goal. ... Literally, this could go to any player that was dressed in yellow. One of the best efforts of the year, period.
The Leftovers
> Good teams don't turtle in the face of adversity. They stand up, punch it in the mouth, and stomp on it. That's exactly what Merrimack did tonight. There's still a lot of hockey left, but I thought this was a must-win game for Merrimack. They needed to make a statement after Friday's loss to Northeastern. Consider the statement made.
> Joe Cannata picked up his first win since Nov. 13 against Boston University. The sophomore made 20 saves. He was having an easy night in the first two periods but Lowell had the bulk of its chances in the third and Cannata weathered the storm. He was moving well in the crease and most of the pucks were hitting the chest protector, which means positioning was impeccable.
> Jeff Velleca is a team-leading plus-5 on the season. Velleca has fit in quite nicely with Barton and Da Costa on the top line. The sophomore winger can flat out fly and it creates space for Barton and Da Costa to carry the puck. Teams have to be careful with him because of that speed.
> Only three Warriors - Chris Barton, Adam Ross and Pat Bowen - have appeared in every game for Merrimack this season.
Pregame: UMass Lowell @ Merrimack
***Note***
The live blog will be posted at approximately 6:35 p.m.
NORTH ANDOVER -- Welcome inside the J. Thom Lawler Arena, where tonight the Merrimack Warriors look to rebound from last night's 5-1 setback to Northeastern by welcoming the UMass Lowell River Hawks for the only time at Lawler Arena this season.
A few changes for the Warriors tonight. Joe Cucci will be out of the lineup for the first time all season, with Carter Madsen taking his center spot on the second line between Brandon Brodhag and fellow Albertian Jesse Todd. Pat Kimball is back in the lineup, replacing Justin Bonitatibus on the Warriors' third line. Matt Moulakelis ends up being the center that takes Cucci's spot, centering the third line with Elliott Sheen, who was at the 3rd-line right-wing spot last night.
Merrimack's first and fourth lines remain the same, as do all of the defensive pairings. So the only personnel changes are, in essence, Moulakelis in for Cucci and Kimball in for Bonitatibus with Joe Cannata (3-9-0, 3.81, .876) starting between the pipes - throw some line shuffles in there, too.
Tonight will be Moulakelis' first game since the Ferris State game on Jan. 3rd. Kimball last played against UMass Lowell on Jan. 22nd and Cannata's last start was in that same game.
Lowell's starter has yet to be announced. Nevin Hamilton started last night for UML in a 3-2 loss to Boston University, which means the Warriors could see Carter Hutton tonight. But Hamilton seems to get the bulk of the starts against the Warriors the past few years.
Hutton is 8-7-0 on the year with a 2.07 GAA and a .928 save percentage. Hamilton's record is 6-4-2 with a 2.73 GAA and .911 save percentage. Hamilton started both games against the Warriors earlier this season.
The Warriors' lines:
Scratches: Rob Morton, Bobby Kramer, Simon Demers, John Heffernan, Justin Bonitatibus, Joe Cucci, Francois Ouimet
Tonight's Officials: John Gravallese (R), Tom Quinn (R), Chris Aughe (L), Brendan Blanchard (L)
The live blog will be posted at approximately 6:35 p.m.
NORTH ANDOVER -- Welcome inside the J. Thom Lawler Arena, where tonight the Merrimack Warriors look to rebound from last night's 5-1 setback to Northeastern by welcoming the UMass Lowell River Hawks for the only time at Lawler Arena this season.
A few changes for the Warriors tonight. Joe Cucci will be out of the lineup for the first time all season, with Carter Madsen taking his center spot on the second line between Brandon Brodhag and fellow Albertian Jesse Todd. Pat Kimball is back in the lineup, replacing Justin Bonitatibus on the Warriors' third line. Matt Moulakelis ends up being the center that takes Cucci's spot, centering the third line with Elliott Sheen, who was at the 3rd-line right-wing spot last night.
Merrimack's first and fourth lines remain the same, as do all of the defensive pairings. So the only personnel changes are, in essence, Moulakelis in for Cucci and Kimball in for Bonitatibus with Joe Cannata (3-9-0, 3.81, .876) starting between the pipes - throw some line shuffles in there, too.
Tonight will be Moulakelis' first game since the Ferris State game on Jan. 3rd. Kimball last played against UMass Lowell on Jan. 22nd and Cannata's last start was in that same game.
Lowell's starter has yet to be announced. Nevin Hamilton started last night for UML in a 3-2 loss to Boston University, which means the Warriors could see Carter Hutton tonight. But Hamilton seems to get the bulk of the starts against the Warriors the past few years.
Hutton is 8-7-0 on the year with a 2.07 GAA and a .928 save percentage. Hamilton's record is 6-4-2 with a 2.73 GAA and .911 save percentage. Hamilton started both games against the Warriors earlier this season.
The Warriors' lines:
| Chris Barton | Stephane Da Costa | Jeff Velleca |
| Brandon Brodhag | Carter Madsen | Jesse Todd |
| Pat Kimball | Matt Moulakelis | Elliott Sheen |
| Ryan Flanigan | John Jamieson | J.C. Robitaille |
| Karl Stollery | Kyle Bigos |
| Fraser Allan | Pat Bowen |
| Adam Ross | Brandon Sadlowski |
| Joe Cannata |
| Andrew Braithwaite |
| Nick Drew |
Scratches: Rob Morton, Bobby Kramer, Simon Demers, John Heffernan, Justin Bonitatibus, Joe Cucci, Francois Ouimet
Tonight's Officials: John Gravallese (R), Tom Quinn (R), Chris Aughe (L), Brendan Blanchard (L)
Looking Ahead: UMass Lowell
The Warriors welcome UMass Lowell to Lawler Arena tonight, trying to salvage two points after last night's disappointing 5-1 setback to Northeastern.
The River Hawks are coming off a 3-2 loss at Tsongas Arena to Boston University. The Terriers outshot UML 33-18 and UML had just two shots on net in the third period (11-2 BU).
Jeremy Dehner, who has a broken hand, did not play last night.
Here is a link to last night's game story.
UML has won the first two games of the season series against the Warriors - both games at Lowell's Tsongas Arena - crushing MC 6-3 on Nov. 21st and surviving a 5-4 game on Jan. 22nd.
How about this for a stat - the last time Merrimack beat UMass Lowell at Lawler Arena was Nov. 12, 2000 - two years before I was a freshman at the school and I'm not four years graduated. That's nine-plus years without a win at home over MC's closest rival going 0-10-3 in that stretch. The last time MC scored more than two goals against UMass Lowell in a home game was back in 2004, a 4-3 loss.
After last night, tonight's game takes on the utmost importance.
I'll be honest - last night was an aberration for Merrimack. If there is one thing the Warriors have proven this year, it's that they're leaps and bounds better than what they showed last night. Last night, and the 5-1 loss to Ferris State, have been the most disappointing games of the year. But, even the best teams in the country have nights like that.
It's a long season, games like last night are bound to happen once in a while.
The key becomes how Merrimack responds tonight. Make no ifs ands or buts about it - tonight is a statement game.
The River Hawks are coming off a 3-2 loss at Tsongas Arena to Boston University. The Terriers outshot UML 33-18 and UML had just two shots on net in the third period (11-2 BU).
Jeremy Dehner, who has a broken hand, did not play last night.
Here is a link to last night's game story.
UML has won the first two games of the season series against the Warriors - both games at Lowell's Tsongas Arena - crushing MC 6-3 on Nov. 21st and surviving a 5-4 game on Jan. 22nd.
How about this for a stat - the last time Merrimack beat UMass Lowell at Lawler Arena was Nov. 12, 2000 - two years before I was a freshman at the school and I'm not four years graduated. That's nine-plus years without a win at home over MC's closest rival going 0-10-3 in that stretch. The last time MC scored more than two goals against UMass Lowell in a home game was back in 2004, a 4-3 loss.
After last night, tonight's game takes on the utmost importance.
I'll be honest - last night was an aberration for Merrimack. If there is one thing the Warriors have proven this year, it's that they're leaps and bounds better than what they showed last night. Last night, and the 5-1 loss to Ferris State, have been the most disappointing games of the year. But, even the best teams in the country have nights like that.
It's a long season, games like last night are bound to happen once in a while.
The key becomes how Merrimack responds tonight. Make no ifs ands or buts about it - tonight is a statement game.
Reax: Northeastern 5, Merrimack 1
Postgame
Mark Dennehy, Merrimack College Head Coach
Greg Cronin, Northeastern Head Coach
Mike Machnik also brings us a podcast with Mark Dennehy and a chat before the game with Northeastern head coach Greg Cronin.You can subscribe to all of Mike Machnik's podcasts (the first podcast linked with a college hockey team) by clicking here.
Highlights
Chris Barton scores the Warriors only goal of the night, his 16th of the year, on the power play.
The Grades
Offense - B+
Despite scoring just one goal - none at even strength - I didn't think the Merrimack offense played that poorly. Heck, they generated 38 shots on net and out-attempted Northeastern 64-37. That's a lot of rubber thrown Chris Rawlings' way. The problem was that - especially in the third period - a lot of those chances were from the outside. NU did a good job tying Warriors up in front of the net, hooking sticks and practically mauling players at times. NU was very aggressive protecting their own net and it limited a lot of MC chances when the Warriors tried to penetrate deep into the zone, especially inside the dots above the crease.
Defense - C+
5-on-5, the defensive game wasn't that bad either. The Warriors allowed just 12 shots at even-strength. MC struggled at times in front of its netminder, Andrew Braithwaite, but did so on the penalty kill. At even strength, on defense, I thought the Warriors played a slightly above-average game. 12 shots at even strength is exceptional though two goals on 12 shots isn't.
Special Teams - D-
Chris Barton's power-play goal saves this from an "F". The Warriors' penalty kill had a lot of problems with NU's power play, which surprised me. Merrimack did a nice job generating pressure and chances on the power play. The Warriors first power play generated four shots, but none hit the back of the net. Their first power play was probably the best of the night - despite the goal coming later. On the flip, the penalty kill just didn't get the job done. Both NU power-play goals in the first period were goals I'm sure the PK unit would want a second chance at. Merrimack was really out-worked in front of their own net on the PK and it was, by far, the low point on the night.
You take away the three PP tallies and it's a 2-1 game.
The Difference Maker
Northeastern's workrate
The first period specifically, the Huskies just outworked the Warriors and won more battles. The start gave NU a comfortable cushion the rest of the way. If NU doesn't get off to the start it did in the first period, it's a different game. But, they came into a rink where the home team was 9-1 and didn't look intimidated of fazed. They dominated in the first period.
Warrior Of The Game
Chris Barton, Junior Forward
Barton's line - with Stephane Da Costa and Jeff Velleca - was excellent. By far Merrimack's best line of the night. But Barton in particular played very well. Obviously, he had MC's lone goal. But he was also getting to the gritty areas, where MC struggled most of the night. He's come a long way from he guy who was the third wheel on a line with Rob Ricci and Matt Jones as a freshman and has solidified himself as one of the best forwards in Hockey East. Let's call a spade a spade - he has 16 goals and every team in the league would take him in their top six - most would put him on their top line. He's not flashy, he just personifies what you have to love in a hockey player. He gets to the greasy areas and scores goals. He has a snipe - see that first PP goal at UNH - but he's also a dirt dog. A team with 20 Chris Bartons win a national championship.
The Leftovers
> I would not be a bit surprised to see some shakeup in the lineup tomorrow night against Lowell. Too many guys had off nights against Northeastern to come back with the same personnel.
> Stephane Da Costa registered seven shots on net in another impressive showing. At this point, he's going to win the Hockey East Rookie Of The Year in a runaway and should be national rookie of the year, too.
> The officiating was OK. All of the calls against Merrimack were warranted, but I'm not sure there was a lot of consistency between the two referees. It's a product of the two-referee system.
> A lot of parents and family were at the Arena tonight for Alumni weekend. Merrimack's alumni game will take place tomorrow afternoon. From what I'm told, it's one of the best turnouts in years for the event, which is always a fun afternoon. I am hoping to make it to the rink a bit early tomorrow for some hellos. I won't be able to be at the game, but I might be arriving around the end of the reception.
> Lawler Arena wasn't all that full to begin with - announced attendance was 1,700 and change - but Northeastern's fourth goal initiated a mass exodus from the building. The building was eerily silent as the time winded down. Only NU fans chanting their fight song. The fans that stayed appeared to be in shock.
Mark Dennehy, Merrimack College Head Coach
Greg Cronin, Northeastern Head Coach
Mike Machnik also brings us a podcast with Mark Dennehy and a chat before the game with Northeastern head coach Greg Cronin.You can subscribe to all of Mike Machnik's podcasts (the first podcast linked with a college hockey team) by clicking here.
Highlights
Chris Barton scores the Warriors only goal of the night, his 16th of the year, on the power play.
The Grades
Offense - B+
Despite scoring just one goal - none at even strength - I didn't think the Merrimack offense played that poorly. Heck, they generated 38 shots on net and out-attempted Northeastern 64-37. That's a lot of rubber thrown Chris Rawlings' way. The problem was that - especially in the third period - a lot of those chances were from the outside. NU did a good job tying Warriors up in front of the net, hooking sticks and practically mauling players at times. NU was very aggressive protecting their own net and it limited a lot of MC chances when the Warriors tried to penetrate deep into the zone, especially inside the dots above the crease.
Defense - C+
5-on-5, the defensive game wasn't that bad either. The Warriors allowed just 12 shots at even-strength. MC struggled at times in front of its netminder, Andrew Braithwaite, but did so on the penalty kill. At even strength, on defense, I thought the Warriors played a slightly above-average game. 12 shots at even strength is exceptional though two goals on 12 shots isn't.
Special Teams - D-
Chris Barton's power-play goal saves this from an "F". The Warriors' penalty kill had a lot of problems with NU's power play, which surprised me. Merrimack did a nice job generating pressure and chances on the power play. The Warriors first power play generated four shots, but none hit the back of the net. Their first power play was probably the best of the night - despite the goal coming later. On the flip, the penalty kill just didn't get the job done. Both NU power-play goals in the first period were goals I'm sure the PK unit would want a second chance at. Merrimack was really out-worked in front of their own net on the PK and it was, by far, the low point on the night.
You take away the three PP tallies and it's a 2-1 game.
The Difference Maker
Northeastern's workrate
The first period specifically, the Huskies just outworked the Warriors and won more battles. The start gave NU a comfortable cushion the rest of the way. If NU doesn't get off to the start it did in the first period, it's a different game. But, they came into a rink where the home team was 9-1 and didn't look intimidated of fazed. They dominated in the first period.
Warrior Of The Game
Chris Barton, Junior Forward
Barton's line - with Stephane Da Costa and Jeff Velleca - was excellent. By far Merrimack's best line of the night. But Barton in particular played very well. Obviously, he had MC's lone goal. But he was also getting to the gritty areas, where MC struggled most of the night. He's come a long way from he guy who was the third wheel on a line with Rob Ricci and Matt Jones as a freshman and has solidified himself as one of the best forwards in Hockey East. Let's call a spade a spade - he has 16 goals and every team in the league would take him in their top six - most would put him on their top line. He's not flashy, he just personifies what you have to love in a hockey player. He gets to the greasy areas and scores goals. He has a snipe - see that first PP goal at UNH - but he's also a dirt dog. A team with 20 Chris Bartons win a national championship.
The Leftovers
> I would not be a bit surprised to see some shakeup in the lineup tomorrow night against Lowell. Too many guys had off nights against Northeastern to come back with the same personnel.
> Stephane Da Costa registered seven shots on net in another impressive showing. At this point, he's going to win the Hockey East Rookie Of The Year in a runaway and should be national rookie of the year, too.
> The officiating was OK. All of the calls against Merrimack were warranted, but I'm not sure there was a lot of consistency between the two referees. It's a product of the two-referee system.
> A lot of parents and family were at the Arena tonight for Alumni weekend. Merrimack's alumni game will take place tomorrow afternoon. From what I'm told, it's one of the best turnouts in years for the event, which is always a fun afternoon. I am hoping to make it to the rink a bit early tomorrow for some hellos. I won't be able to be at the game, but I might be arriving around the end of the reception.
> Lawler Arena wasn't all that full to begin with - announced attendance was 1,700 and change - but Northeastern's fourth goal initiated a mass exodus from the building. The building was eerily silent as the time winded down. Only NU fans chanting their fight song. The fans that stayed appeared to be in shock.
Northeastern 5, Merrimack 1 - Final
NORTH ANDOVER -- Not a pretty night for the Warriors; Northeastern hands Merrimack just its second loss at home all season, 5-1, behind a 37-save effort from netminder Chris Rawlings.
Chris Barton scored his 16th goal of the year for Merrimack. Barton now has the most goals of any Warrior in the past eight seasons, dating back to Anthony Aquino, who potted 24 goals in 2001-02.
Barton could be the first Warriors to net 20 goals since 2001-02; he's four shy with 10 games to play.
Aquino left for Major Junior after his junior season. Aquino was a 3rd-round pick of the Dallas Stars and signed to attend their NHL camp, but did not make the team and was assigned to the OHL.
Look for a full Reax post later tonight.
Chris Barton scored his 16th goal of the year for Merrimack. Barton now has the most goals of any Warrior in the past eight seasons, dating back to Anthony Aquino, who potted 24 goals in 2001-02.
Barton could be the first Warriors to net 20 goals since 2001-02; he's four shy with 10 games to play.
Aquino left for Major Junior after his junior season. Aquino was a 3rd-round pick of the Dallas Stars and signed to attend their NHL camp, but did not make the team and was assigned to the OHL.
Look for a full Reax post later tonight.
