Ward, Michael

QMJHL FIRST ROUND - EASTERN DIVISION

Game 6: (5) Lewiston MAINEiacs 1 @ (4) Cape Breton Screaming Eagles 2 (OT)
Cape Breton wins Best of 7 series 4-2

D Michael Ward, LEW:
Game: 0-1-1, +1, 5 min. major for charging + game misconduct
Series: 5 GP, 0-3-3, +3, 13 PIM (Plus a game misconduct. Was suspended for Game 1)

Lewiston will not repeat as QMJHL champions as the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles overcame a 1-0 third period deficit to force overtime, then winger Murdock MacLellan scored just his fifth goal of the year at 9:46 of the extra session to clinch the series for CB. According to the Lewiston Sun-Journal, Ward stepped into a check at the right point with 2:15 to play in the second period and leveled CB’s Chris Culligan. Ward was kicked out and Culligan received a minor for roughing after the fact.

What’s Next for Ward: After a slow start to the season offensively, Ward came on over the second half and followed that up with 3 points in 5 playoff games. The 6-3, 200 pound defenseman also displayed more of a mean streak in the final month. Primarily a defensive-defenseman, Ward could break out statistically next season in the Q much the same way Paul Ranger did for Oshawa of the OHL a season after his draft year. Ward could be a two-way minute-eater for Lewiston next year and top 35 points and 100 PIM.

Results from Lewiston, Everett and Lethbridge.

Results from Lewiston, Everett, Lethbridge and a quick look around the CHL, including a Stamkos update.

Results posted for Lewiston, Lethbridge (another star for Fadden), and Kelowna/Seattle (Helenius back in net).

QMJHL FIRST ROUND -- EASTERN DIVISION

Game 2: (5) Lewiston MAINEiacs 0 @ (4) Cape Breton Screaming Eagles 3
Cape Breton leads Best of 7 series 2-0

D Michael Ward, LEW:
Game: 0-0-0, 4 PIM
Series: 1 GP, 0-0-0, 4 PIM (was suspended for Game 1)

Cape Breton has won 4 straight over Lewiston in the past week, including regular season games. Game 3 of the series is Tuesday in Lewiston.

WHL FIRST ROUND -- EASTERN CONFERENCE

Game 2: (6) Brandon Wheat Kings 3 @ (3) Lethbridge Hurricanes 4
Lethbridge leads Best of 7 series 2-0

C Mitch Fadden, LET:
Game: 0-2-2, -1, 0 PIM, *Second Star*
Series: 2 GP, 0-4-4, -1, 0 PIM

Brandon scored early in the third to make it a 4-3 game but couldn’t come all the way back. Both of Fadden’s assists came on the power play. He’s been 2nd Star in both games so far. Game 3 is Tuesday in Brandon.

WHL FIRST ROUND -- WESTERN CONFERENCE

Game 2: (6) Everett Silvertips 1 @ (3) Spokane Chiefs 4
Spokane leads Best of 7 series 2-0

D Dane Crowley, EVT:
Game: 0-0-0, -2, 0 PIM
Series: 2 GP, 0-0-0, -2, 2 PIM

Spokane again got out to a 3-0 lead and never looked back. Game 3 is Tuesday in Everett and the Silvertips have a lot of work to do to get back in the series.

Game 2: (5) Kelowna Rockets 3 @ (4) Seattle Thunderbirds 1
Kelowna leads Best of 7 series 2-0

G Torrie Jung, KEL:
Game: Did not play
Series: 0 GP

G Riku Helenius, SEA:
Game: Loss, 23 saves on 26 shots
Series: 2 GP, 0-2, 3.09 GAA, .885 sv%

Kelowna will return home Monday for Game 3 with a commanding lead in the series and home ice advantage. Kristofer Westblom has played well as Kelowna’s No.1 with a 1.50 GAA and a .943 save percentage in two games. Five of Kelowna’s six goals in the series have come on the power play. The game winning goal Saturday was scored when a centering pass deflected off a Seattle skate and behind Helenius.