The Buffalo Sabres reported on April 3 that several of their prospects are making progress in the first round of the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) playoffs, while defenseman Maxim Strbak has signed with the Rochester Americans.
Six Sabres prospects are participating in playoff action across the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), Western Hockey League (WHL), and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). These leagues follow a best-of-seven series format similar to the National Hockey League, with league winners advancing to compete for the Memorial Cup later in May.
In OHL play, goaltender Ryerson Leenders helped lead Brantford Bulldogs to a sweep over Sudbury Wolves. Leenders posted a 2.47 goals-against average and a .902 save percentage during the series, earning first star honors in Game 2. Defenseman David Bedkowski also contributed as Ottawa 67’s swept Kingston Frontenacs, scoring a game-winning goal and adding an assist over four games.
In QMJHL action, goaltender Samuel Meloche recorded two shutouts for Rouyn-Noranda Huskies before Gatineau Olympiques forced a fifth game. Simon-Pier Brunet’s season ended as Victoriaville Tigres were eliminated by Blainville-Boisbriand Armada. Noah Laberge assisted Newfoundland Regiment to take a 3-1 series lead against Cape Breton Eagles with multiple assists through four games.
Radim Mrtka of Seattle Thunderbirds helped his team avoid elimination against Penticton Vees in WHL competition after trailing three games to one; Game 5 is scheduled for Friday night.
Beyond junior hockey, Maxim Strbak has signed an amateur tryout agreement with Rochester Americans following his NCAA season at Michigan State. His three-year entry-level contract will begin next season. Meanwhile, Luke Osburn and Vasily Zelenov from University of Wisconsin have advanced to the Frozen Four after defeating Strbak’s Michigan State team.
Forward Konsta Helenius continues his strong performance for Rochester Americans with 55 points this season including multiple multi-point games and two career American Hockey League hat tricks.
