Witkowski, Luke

Ward continues to produce in Cape Breton ... another First Star for Fadden ... Tokarski strengthens league-leading stats ... Calgary knocks off Vancouver in battle of the WHL's top teams.

The USHL has announced their lineups for the 2009 USHL Prospects/All-Star Game to be held February 4 in Sioux Falls. Lightning prospect and Western Michigan University commit Luke Witkowski was named to the defensive squad for the West Division.

Teams are selected by a vote from league coaches.

Witkowski, a 2008 6th round pick, stands 6'2" and weights 200 pounds. The Force captain leads all Fargo defensemen in scoring with three goals and 10 points in 29 games this season. He also leads all Force players - and is fifth in the league among defensemen - in plus/minus with a plus-15 rating. He is second in the league among defensemen behind teammate Steve Spinnell (undrafted, Miami Univ. commit) in penalty minutes with 76.

Last season, Witkowski scored 13 points (3 goals) in 59 games with the Ohio Junior Blue Jackets - his first in the USHL. Luke will begin his collegiate career at WMU next fall.

USHL
Fargo Force 5 @ Tri-City Storm 2
D Luke Witkowski, FAR: 0-0-0, +1, 4 PIM (slashing, slashing), 4 SOG
Season totals: 26 GP, 3-5-8, +12, 72 PIM

QMJHL
Cape Breton Screaming Eagles 4 @ Moncton Wildcats 1
D Michael Ward, CB: 0-0-0, E, 2 PIM, 0 SOG
Season totals: 43 GP, 5-17-22, +3, 64 PIM
With Cape Breton: 8 GP, 1-4-5, +2, 12 PIM
D Mark Barberio, MCT: 0-0-0, -1, 0 PIM, 2 SOG
Season totals: 41 GP, 9-20-29, +10, 26 PIM

WHL
Edmonton Oil Kings 0 @ Regina Pats 3
G Torrie Jung, EDM: Loss, 32 saves on 35 shots
Season totals: 27 GP, 12-10-1-4, 2.50 GAA, .914 sv%, 2 shutouts

Luca's back ... Fadden's heating up again.

Big nights for Fadden and Young.

Team Canada Notes:
Dustin Tokarski will get the start in net tonight for Canada in their semi-final matchup vs. Russia. The game will air at 7 PM EST on NHL Network in the U.S.