Deschamps was tied for top scorer in the QMJHL this season.

BY PATRICK KING
sportsnet.ca

BRANDON, Man. -- Nicolas Deschamps skated for the second straight day with the Moncton Wildcats, but was scratched for Tuesday's game against the Windsor Spitfires. Meanwhile, in a surprise move, the Wildcats have opted to start Shane Owen in place of Nicola Riopel. Owen spent two and a half seasons with the Ontario Hockey League's Erie Otters before being waived through the league and picked up by the Wildcats.

Deschamps sustained a lower-body injury in Moncton's semifinal series against the Drummondville Voltigeurs and has not played since. The Wildcats could certainly use his offensive prowess as he tied Sean Couturier as the top scorer in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League this season.

"I felt really good, better than yesterday, but a decision is going to be at game time," he said after Tuesday's practice. "I just practised stop and start and my strides were better."

Deschamps said he will speak with the coaching staff prior to the game and his agent is also expected to be present. The 20-year-old does not want to make his injury worse and slow his development as a pro next season. He was drafted in the second round by the Anaheim Ducks in 2008 and signed an entry-level contract last summer.

If he does play, the most likely scenario is as a power-play specialist.

"He skated and we're meeting with the therapist at lunch," head coach Danny Flynn said. "He wants to examine him one more time and then we'll take it from there.

"We're going to talk about all the different scenarios."

KOZUN QUESTIONABLE

Deschamps isn't the only star player missing action. Calgary's Brandon Kozun was scratched for Monday's game against the Spitfires and his coach, Mike Williamson, admitted it may have been a mistake to play him in the first game.

"It might have been a distraction the first game having him on the bench and that's probably my fault," Williamson said. "We should have probably made a different decision to take that distraction away.

As for his status for Wednesday's game, Williamson said Kozun is day-to-day.

"He may be able to return later in the tournament, he may not."

SCOUTING HALL

Taylor Hall is leaving a lasting impression in the MasterCard Memorial Cup. Hall scored twice and added an assist in Monday's 6-2 win over Calgary. The first pick belongs to the Edmonton Oilers whose staff has been attending the tournament. Among those in attendance are general manager Steve Tambellini and Kevin Lowe, president of hockey operations.

Calgary Flames head coach Brent Sutter has also been in attendance during the tournament.

MISSING TEETH

Windsor defenceman Marc Cantin didn't get much chance to celebrate Monday's win. Cantin was checked from behind by Calgary co-captain Ian Schultz and as a result spent the night with Brandon's team dentist.

Schultz was spotted smiling and laughing a toothless grin on the jumbotron after the hit. He claims he was not laughing at Cantin's injury, rather a comment made from the bench.

"Somebody said, 'Hey Schultzie, he kind of looks like you now’ -- I don't have my front right tooth," he said following the game. "I didn't intend to hurt him (and) I didn't mean to joke about it after. Hockey is a very serious sport. You see a lot of bad injuries in hockey. It's no laughing matter if you see a guy get hurt."

Cantin disagreed and felt it was an intent to injure and may have warranted a suspension.

"Clearly it was a hit to the head," he said. "I know in the OHL that probably would have been a suspension."

Cantin is no worse for wear and plans on playing Tuesday against Moncton.

"It hurts a bit," he acknowledged. "I'll take a few Advils before the game, but I won't change my approach or anything. My compete-level will probably be higher than it was last night. If I block a shot in the face and knock my teeth out again I'll do it."