For his efforts, the 17-year-old Markham resident and second-year forward with the Kitchener Rangers was named Player of the Game for Team OHL.

"It was a lot of fun playing with all these great players," Skinner said on the OHL's website. "I was just happy to be here and was lucky to get the two goals."

Despite having a terrific game, Skinner admitted he was a bit nervous before the opening faceoff.

"There were some butterflies," he said. "But after a few shifts you sort of get the jitters out and get into the flow of the game. That really helps out a lot."

The fourth game of the series is scheduled for Windsor Monday.

Kottaras grabbed by Brewers

When George Kottaras reports for spring training in 2010 he will be doing it with a new major league baseball team.

The 26-year-old Markham resident who toiled this past season as a catcher with the Boston Red Sox was claimed off waivers by the Milwaukee Brewers of the National League Wednesday.

Logging duty in 45 games with the Red Sox this past season, Kottaras had 93 trips to the plate and compiled a .237 batting average that included one home run and 22 base hits.

A 20th round draft pick of the San Diego Padres in the 2002 Major League Baseball Draft, Kottaras signed with the National League club in May, 2003 after logging one year at Connors State College in Warner, Ok.

Launching his professional career in the Pioneer League with the Idaho Falls Padres, Kottaras worked his way through the Padres' minor league system to the AAA level with the Portland Beavers in 2006.

That same year he participated in the 2006 All-Star Futures Game for Team World.

Kottaras was dealt to the Red Sox on Sept. 5, 2006 to complete a deal for pitcher David Wells.

Piper leads Canadian women over Team USA in Finland

Cherie Piper scored a goal and earned an assist to help Team Canada defeat Team USA 4-1 in the final of the recent Four Nations Cup tournament in Tikkurila, Finland.

The 28-year-old Markham native and veteran Team Canada forward earned an assist on a second-period power-play goal by Tessa Bonhomme that put Team Canada ahead 3-1.

In the third period, Piper deposited a power-play goal that padded Team Canada's advantage to 4-1.

In addition to Piper's presence on Team Canada's roster, Markham was represented by forward Gillian Apps.

For more on the tournament, log on to: www.hockeycanada.ca