After a scoreless first period, the Spruce Kings came back from a 1-0 deficit, scoring two goals on the power play and adding another at even strength. It was a slow start for the Spruce Kings, but they clearly figured it out after generating some easier offense. The grades assigned to each player below are based solely on their performance at this event and do not reflect their overall potential or ability.
Langley Rivermen
Jack Bakker #22 (F, L, 6’0″, 160, Langley Rivermen, 05/31/2007, Minnesota State) -Bakker has decent speed, but he excels more in lateral movements and short bursts using his edge work. If he improves his overall speed, he would likely perform better in his own end. His motor tended to fade when it came to battling in the defensive zone, focusing more on creating offense. Offensively, he knows how to initiate plays effectively, excelling in small-area games and beating opponents with speed. He appeared raw but displayed skill with the puck, especially when playing instinctively. A couple of toe drags in his own end worked, though they had the potential to make his goalie nervous. Grade: C+
Hunter Curtis #4 (D, R, 6’2″, 205, Langley Rivermen, 07/08/2005) – Curtis scored the opening goal of the game tonight, providing an initial spark for his team. He did a good job pushing the pace and has a great first couple of steps that allow him to separate from other players. His standout trait is his skating ability, especially when moving forward, which pairs well with his size and physical style of play. He excels at carrying the puck through the neutral zone, using his speed and agility to maintain control and create offensive opportunities. Defensively, he uses his quick feet to close gaps early and aggressively, often forcing turnovers at the defensive blue line. His combination of speed, physicality, and puck-moving skills makes him a dynamic presence on the ice. He could add more offense to his game by holding on to the puck longer. Grade: B
Luke Pfoh #15 (F, L, 5’10”, 180, Langley Rivermen, 07/18/2005, Bowling Green) – Pfoh showcased his speed tonight as a winger who loves to stir things up, consistently agitating opponents with relentless pressure. With exceptional stickhandling skills and creativity, he’s a constant threat off the rush, demonstrating the ability to cut to the middle, pull up, or drive to the net. He thrives in a puck possession game, showing off his ability to control the play and find the perfect moment to unleash a pinpoint shot. Whether he’s setting up a play or finishing it himself, he always wants the puck on his stick. Grade: C+
Carsten Kayter #24 (D, L, 6’1″, 175, Langley Rivermen, 08/30/2006, Nebraska Omaha) – Kayter likes to play with the puck and frequently utilizes give-and-go plays. Defensively, he is stable—while not the most noticeable aspect of his game, he maintains strong positional play and uses a proactive stick and body to disrupt opponents. He’s quick to join the rush when necessary, recognizing when his team needs to shift momentum out of their zone. Overall, his quick thinking and balanced skill set give him the potential to evolve into a dependable two-way defenseman. Grade: B-
Ryan Schelling #19 (F, R, 6’0″, 185, Langley Rivermen, 04/09/2004, Providence) – In the offensive zone, Schelling showed that he is comfortable leading the charge by holding onto the puck for an extra second and absorbing hits. He has solid puck control and consistently spots great passing lanes. While he might not be a pure goal scorer, his release is sharp. His acceleration could use improvement, but once he reaches top speed, he’s tough for any defenseman to catch. At times, Schelling makes one too many moves—he has the skill to do so but tries it almost every shift, often opting not to make the simple chip play when it’s available. Grade: C+
Prince George Spruce Kings
Ryder Green #35 (G, L, 6’0″, 165, Prince George Spruce Kings, 02/26/2007) – The technical elements of Green’s game are highly refined, showcasing his ability to execute details effectively, such as sealing the post and making smooth transitions out of a reverse-VH. He plays with composure, avoiding overextending himself or forcing plays, consistently relying on his strong technical foundation to make saves. Desperation moves are rare, used only when absolutely necessary, as he maintains control and discipline in his positioning. While puck handling isn’t the strongest part of his game, Green is capable of moving the puck to a winger when needed. Grade: B
Zachary Hachey #3 (D, L, 6’3″, 205, Prince George Spruce Kings, 03/08/2007) – Hachey mostly plays a stay-at-home style. Tonight, he remained patient around the net, and when a loose puck found its way to the corner, he quickly reacted, though often didn’t secure possession. With the size, mobility, and physical attributes to stop opponents in their tracks, he made himself a tough player to go up against. A few of his long strides forced opponents back into regroups. He effectively shifted his weight and repositioned to the net-front, denying any attempts by the opposition to feed the puck there. Naturally, he excels at boxing out smaller opponents in front of the net, but he needs to apply that same mentality along the boards, where smaller opponents were able to get their sticks into his space, causing turnovers. Grade: C+
Ty Paisley #10 (F, L, 6’3″, 190, Prince George Spruce Kings, 04/14/2004, St. Thomas) – Paisley continues to be a key threat on this team. The larger forward did a good job getting involved in plays and consistently coming out with the puck. His solid, large frame gives him a physical edge on the ice. When he has the puck, he uses his size effectively, maintaining strong positioning and shielding it from defenders as he skates. His shot is the standout feature of his game, and tonight he showed that he can get it off quickly, often catching goalies off guard. One thing he did particularly well was playing along the wall, keeping the puck close to his feet while using his size to defend space. Grade: B+
Brogan McNeil #27 (F, R, 6’3″, 190, Prince George Spruce Kings, 09/04/2006) – McNeil is another larger forward for the Spruce Kings. At times, he plays with the pace of a smaller, quicker forward, using his fast feet and a mindset focused on getting to the net, often finding himself stationed at the crease. One standout aspect of McNeil’s game is his defense. He plays with a high level of composure, making the game seem effortless. His natural size and strength complement his smooth, fluid stride, allowing him to be highly mobile and move up and down the ice with ease. His awareness of both puck and body positioning is sharp, and his maturity is reflected in his consistently high-percentage decision-making, both with and without the puck. Grade: B+
Ryan Wachtel #20 (F, R, 5’9″, 161, Prince George Spruce Kings, 04/25/2006, Princeton) – As Wachtel played the bumper role on the power play tonight, he positioned himself to catch and shoot effectively. He scored by catching the goalie off guard with a quick snap shot, placing it perfectly while maintaining complete control in a high-pressure area of the offensive zone. His ability to bypass stickhandling and get his shot off quickly demonstrated that he was well-positioned for success on the power play. Grade: B+
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling