Neutral Zone viewed six BCHL regular season games, as highlighted in this report. On September 28, we observed West Kelowna’s 4-3 road win over Vernon. On October 4, we watched Salmon Arm’s 4-0 home victory against Vernon. That same day, we scouted Chilliwack’s 4-1 road win over Coquitlam. On October 5, we were in attendance as Penticton defeated Vernon 4-3 on the road, and we also viewed Alberni Valley’s 4-3 home win over Victoria. Finally, on October 11, we scouted Okotoks’ 6-3 home victory against Prince George. Each player below has been graded based solely on their performance in these games.
Vernon Vipers (3) vs West Kelowna Warriors (4): September 28
Vernon Vipers
Shea Busch #28 (LW, L, 6’1″, 195, Vernon Vipers, 06/12/2007, Penn State) – Busch has some very good tools but was invisible at times, as his shifts were too long or he was simply not contributing. That being said, he is a very good skater who moves well and is willing to take the puck to the middle on the attack. He showed that he can make plays in tight down low in the offensive zone. Grade: B-
Cooper Cleaves #22 (D, R, 6’4″, 220, Vernon Vipers, 01/05/2006, Dartmouth) – Cleaves is a very steady, reliable performer on the back end. He is a good skater who is very mobile, allowing him to be effective in both ends—defending on the hit and pinning in the defensive zone, as well as joining the attack and moving across the line with the puck in the offensive zone. His good puck skills allow him to make plays quickly and contribute effectively on the second power play unit. Grade: B+
Landon MacDonald #5 (F, L, 6’2″, 193, Vernon Vipers, 08/12/2004, Northern Michigan) – MacDonald has good speed, is a very good puck handler, and consistently wants the puck to make plays on the attack at high speed. His instincts are strong in the offensive zone, and he can make plays coming off the wall, using his body effectively. He also showed a willingness to engage physically. Grade: B
Georgios Stavrianeas #7 (F, L, 5’11”, 190, Vernon Vipers, 11/04/2005) – Stavrianeas is a relentless 200-foot player. He is not the biggest, but he is solid and very fast. He caused a lot of problems for the West Kelowna defenders on the attack. He has very good hands, can make plays in tight, and scored on a shorthanded breakaway. He plays bigger than his size, showing a willingness to engage physically. Grade: B+
West Kelowna Warriors
Elias Callgren #7 (F, L, 6’4″, 194, West Kelowna Warriors, 03/17/2004) – Up to now, it appears Callgren has spent his entire career in Sweden. His upside is very high, and as he becomes more accustomed to the North American game, he should continue to improve—just as he did throughout this game. I wanted more from him early, but as the game went on, he got significantly better. He has a big, lanky frame, and his skating was good, which he used effectively on the forecheck. His long reach proved to be disruptive. His puck skills were solid, but he needs to add more physicality to his game, which may develop as he adjusts to the game here. Grade: B
Eliot Compton #28 (RW, R, 6’3″, 191, West Kelowna Warriors, 05/10/2007) – Compton is a big body who moves well, which helps him stand out. He was very effective along the wall in all zones, aided by his good puck skills that allowed him to make plays with the puck. That said, he leaves you wanting more physically, though he was willing to go to the net. Grade: B
Luka Graziano #18 (D, R, 5’9″, 159, West Kelowna Warriors, 10/24/2007, Harvard) – Graziano is an undersized defenseman who skates very well. He has good puck skills, moves the puck effectively, and possesses strong offensive instincts (he was used on PP1). His quick first few strides make him evasive on retrievals. He demonstrates good awareness in terms of body positioning when defending, but the speed and physicality at this level are a step up from the OJHL, which sometimes puts him on the wrong side of plays. Grade: B
Callum Hughes #11 (C, L, 6’1″, 186, West Kelowna Warriors, 01/22/2006, Boston University) – Hughes is a very deceptive player—not flashy, but sneaky quick and fast. He makes excellent plays at high speed and can score. His hockey IQ is impressive, allowing him to make smart reads on when to release on the stretch. He corralled several difficult passes, then protected the puck and created chances for himself or his teammates. Grade: B+
Dylan Krayer #17 (F, R, 5’10”, 160, West Kelowna Warriors, 03/12/2007, Arizona State) – Krayer is not the biggest player (5’9.5″), but he is a high-end talent with significant upside. His first three strides are explosive, and he has impressive speed overall. He has a very quick release, as displayed early in the game when he put one under the bar from in tight, leaving the goalie with no chance to react. He handles the puck very well in tight spaces and can make plays in those situations. He is also willing to work on the defensive side, as shown by his excellent backcheck pursuit. He positions himself well in the defensive zone but struggled at times in one-on-one battles down low. Grade: A-
Coquitlam Express (1) vs Chilliwack Chiefs (4): October 4
Chilliwack Chiefs
Olivier Beaulieu #6 (D, L, 5’11”, 168, Chilliwack Chiefs, 01/07/2005, Clarkson) – Beaulieu is a puck-moving defenseman with quick feet, allowing him to beat pressure on the forecheck and create his own breakouts. He picked up a nice assist from what seemed like a routine play; he flipped the puck out of the zone, but it beat everyone and landed perfectly for his teammate, who converted it into a breakaway goal. Tonight, he was at his best, consistently sending opposing players the wrong way to evade pressure, whether on exits or to move into a better position in the offensive zone with the puck. He has no problem skating around the perimeter, waiting for a better offensive play to open up, though at times he may wait a bit too long. Grade: B-
Owen Bresson #39 (G, L, 6’3″, 168, Chilliwack Chiefs, 09/29/2006) – Bresson was solid tonight, stopping 28 of 29 shots. He did a good job of using his knee bend and upright torso to stay square to shooters, making himself look bigger in the net and taking away shooting angles. He is particularly strong down low, effectively sealing his posts, moving well, and excelling in one-on-one situations with a good stick and strong lateral movement. One-on-one situations do not always mean breakaways; he positions himself quickly for low plays, and when players attack from below the goal line, it often comes down to just him and the shooter. We would like to see him get out of his net a little more to stop some rims and control the flow of play. Too many times, the puck would get wrapped around to the other team when it could have been stopped and transitioned up ice. Grade: B+
Caleb Elfering #11 (F, R, 5’9″, 170, Chilliwack Chiefs, 09/15/2004, RIT) – Elfering scored a nice goal, making one of the hardest parts of hockey look easy by attacking the net. As the puck went from low to high, his first instinct was to get to the back post with his blade down, presenting himself as an option for the shooter. Despite his size, his scrappy nature allowed him to outmuscle larger players for position at the net front. Elfering also demonstrated good straight-line speed tonight, playing an attacking, direct game with the tools that style requires. He exploits gaps in the neutral zone, and his positioning allows him to carry the puck forward immediately or shift into stride off an outlet pass. Grade: B
Enzo Lottin #34 (F, R, 5’8″, 170, Chilliwack Chiefs, 02/11/2008) – Lottin has a real sense of the puck and knows where his linemates are. He demonstrated tonight that he is a small but crafty facilitator who sees the ice at an advanced level, problem-solves inside the offensive zone, and makes his linemates better as he is always looking to work first and create second. While he has a hard time winning battles along the wall and in front of the crease, he shows fight and is scrappy when it comes to scoring chances. Additionally, he displays the motor needed to win puck battles. Grade: B-
Dakota MacIntosh #91 (F, R, 6’2″, 190, Chilliwack Chiefs, 06/12/2004) – The bigger winger has a lot of tools that helped him become one of the more dominant players on the ice tonight. He scored a nice goal by using his head while following his own rebound into the corner. He knew the goalie was out of position, so he chucked the puck back out to the crease and was able to bank it off the goalie and into the back of the net. It was a risky play, no doubt, but the ability to make a quick decision like this under pressure is impressive. MacIntosh is a winger who can skate, which allowed him to attack off the rush and circle the offensive zone fairly frequently. Grade: A-
Hunter McInnes #5 (D, R, 6’1″, 183, Chilliwack Chiefs, 04/30/2005) – McInnes picked up a loose puck in the neutral zone, immediately attacked the net on a two-on-one, looked off his partner, and fired one low to the blocker. It was a great and timely goal that put his team back in the lead and ultimately became the game-winner. McInnes is a two-way defender but showed a bit of offense here, proving that he is capable of creating when the pressure is on. He is at his best in the neutral zone, where he can steer and control the game’s shape and tempo with his poise, footwork, and heads-up plays. He excels on his edges, gapping and re-gapping, or falling back onto his heels to accept passes and move them back up ice quickly. He demonstrated tonight that he is very difficult to beat off the rush, as he has a long reach and can skate with nearly every forward. Grade: B
Brady Milburn #17 (LW, L, 6’2″, 209, Chilliwack Chiefs, 03/03/2005, Denver) – Milburn is a forceful player who involves himself in shifts, wins pucks, and has a sneaky feel for the game inside the offensive zone, both off the cycle and around the net and high slot area. He has the size, but at times does not move quickly from a standstill; however, this is offset by his work ethic, which helps him stay on pucks. He demonstrated tonight that he goes to the net hard, often, and with purpose to look for a screen or rebound. Although he was not able to get on the board tonight, he created a couple of close chances. Grade: B-
Coquitlam Express
Adam Konowalchuk #24 (F, L, 6’1″, 185, Coquitlam Express, 07/21/2006) – Konowalchuk scored a nice goal by following the play into the zone and, with a one-timer in the slot, barely beat the goalie cleanly under the pads. He benefited from his teammates creating a really nice play but got his shot off just in time when it counted. Konowalchuk is neither small nor large; he has good size and strength, and unlike many larger players, he is capable of quick turns and great acceleration. With his skating stride, he was able to lead breakouts frequently, showcasing his pace throughout the game, which led to several odd-man rushes. Grade: B
James Shannon #12 (F, R, 5’10”, 175, Coquitlam Express, 08/12/2004, Yale) – Shannon was able to show a bit more jump from the wall or high slot to attack shooting lanes. Whether positioning himself as a passing option for a teammate or advancing toward the goalie to shoot by himself, Shannon demonstrated a lot of offensive initiative. He would often be the one to wind it up in his own end and carry the puck due to his great speed and skill. When his team was down, which was most of the game, he tended to try to do too much and put the entire game on his back. This led to a couple of unforced turnovers that shifted momentum the other way. He is a skilled player and looks good with the puck, but improved puck management and better use of his teammates could have kept the game closer for longer. Grade: C+
Cooper Wilson #3 (D, R, 6’4″, 209, Coquitlam Express, 10/25/2005) – Wilson is a bigger defenseman who can move his feet very well. He picked up a nice assist tonight, turning the puck up in transition and carrying it himself into the offensive zone. With a quick swivel-hip move to throw the defender off balance, he kicked the puck out wide, and two seconds later, he was celebrating with his team. He moves impressively well for his size. Defensively, he is very good positionally and recovers well when caught in tough situations. He has a very strong stick and was able to manhandle all the smaller players on the team. Wilson is a force, and with even more skating components to his game, he could be that much more dangerous. Grade: B+
Salmon Arm Silverbacks (4) vs Vernon Vipers (0): October 4
Salmon Arm Silverbacks
Riley Ashe #19 (RW, R, 6’0″, 180, Salmon Arm Silverbacks, 01/30/2006, Nebraska Omaha) – Ashe was a noticeable performer in this game. He was on the scoresheet with two assists, which reflects his strong work ethic. He is more than willing to go to the hard areas along the walls and in front of the net, consistently putting in the extra effort for loose pucks. One of his assists came from a great backhand cross-crease pass while driving to the net. He is a very good skater, skilled with the puck, and plays physically at all times. He is utilized on both top special teams units. Grade: B+
Liam Beamish #18 (F, L, 5’11”, 180, Salmon Arm Silverbacks, 01/04/2007, Penn State) – Beamish is a solid player who is relied upon in all situations and plays an effective two-way game. He does many things well, but he is not flashy. He skates well, which allows him to be effective on the forecheck. More importantly, he is persistent and consistently puts in the extra effort for loose pucks, and he is willing to block shots. While he may not be offensively gifted, he distributes the puck well to his speedy, offensively oriented wingers. He is utilized on the second power play unit and first penalty kill unit, which aligns with the previous comments. Grade: B
Ryan Grout #31 (G, L, 5’11”, 166, Salmon Arm Silverbacks, 08/15/2007, New Hampshire) – Grout had a shutout and was solid in this game, making several very good stops when called upon, although he did not face many shots. His numbers so far are impressive. He remains calm when there is traffic in front of him and tracks pucks well during scrambles, maintaining control in these situations. Overall, he looked very comfortable and confident. Although he is not very big, he is listed at 5’11”. Grade: B+
Ben Macbeath #20 (D, L, 6’0″, 183, Salmon Arm Silverbacks, 03/04/2008, Denver) – Macbeath was very sound in this game, given that he is a young defender. He is capable of making good plays with the puck, as he handles it well. He is also very reliable in his own end, as he has good feet that allow him to easily get in people’s way. He has the potential to be solid offensively as he becomes more confident over time. Grade: B+
Ryan Philbrick #7 (D, L, 6’0″, 180, Salmon Arm Silverbacks, 06/20/2004, New Hampshire) – Philbrick was very good in this game. He is a very mobile defender who does a lot of things well. His mobility was on display at both ends, as he excels in one-on-one situations down low, while also showing a willingness to lead or jump into the offense. Grade: B+
Vernon Vipers
Cooper Cleaves #22 (D, R, 6’4″, 220, Vernon Vipers, 01/05/2006, Dartmouth) – Cleaves consistently does good things with his reliability at both ends of the ice. His excellent overall play helps him stand out in every game. At 6’4″, he is a big player but moves smoothly, resembling a more mobile 6′ defenseman. He moves pucks well and will jump into the attack; as a result, he is a key player on the back end of PP1. Defensively, he is sound in low coverage in his own end. Grade: B+
Alberni Valley Bulldogs (4) vs Victoria Grizzlies (3): October 5
Alberni Valley Bulldogs
Grayson Badger #17 (RW, R, 6’2″, 188, Alberni Valley Bulldogs, 05/09/2004, Northeastern) – Badger consistently did the right things to get into scoring positions. He back-checked with intent, and once he saw his team had full possession, he stretched the zone to receive passes and generate offense. He created several good scoring opportunities, utilizing his speed to gain time and space, though he initially struggled to finish. However, he capitalized on a 5-on-3 power play by moving into a high-danger shooting area and executing a quick release that beat the goalie five-hole for a well-deserved goal. Grade: B
Wyatt Blace #22 (F, R, 6’2″, 188, Alberni Valley Bulldogs, 02/10/2007, Dartmouth) – Blace is a straightforward player who effectively chips pucks in and aggressively hunts them down on the forecheck. Leveraging his size and strength, he creates separation from defenders and attacks the net when the opportunity arises. His tenacity allows him to generate turnovers, leading to plays in the offensive zone that help build momentum for his team. Grade: B-
Lenny Greenberg #27 (D, R, 6’0″, 175, Alberni Valley Bulldogs, 03/07/2005, Sacred Heart) – Greenberg is a versatile right-shot defenseman. His ability to activate in the offensive zone while maintaining strong defensive play is a valuable asset. His smart rotations with linemates indicate a good hockey IQ, and his understanding of when to engage in the offensive flow showcases his strategic awareness. His mobility along the walls allows him to retrieve pucks effectively, which in turn enables him to send pucks to the net-front area, creating not only scoring opportunities but also second-chance opportunities. Grade: B
Samuel Leonard #9 (F, L, 5’11”, 168, Alberni Valley Bulldogs, 01/28/2006) – Leonard had a standout shift during the Bulldogs’ second goal of the game. After turning the puck over, he showcased his determination by hunting it down and regaining possession despite being initially out of the play. He then made a smart chip pass to his teammate, who set up a perfect shot that found the back of the net. This sequence highlighted Leonard’s tenacity and hunger for the puck, along with his ability to make skilled plays under pressure, ultimately leading to a crucial goal for his team. Grade: B
Brady McIsaac #28 (F, L, 5’9″, 171, Alberni Valley Bulldogs, 12/16/2004) – McIsaac was a dynamic force in the offensive zone, consistently creating opportunities for his team. His tenacity on the puck allowed him to win numerous battles, leading to extended offensive zone time. With his skillful puck handling, he could make those extra moves to navigate around defenders and drive toward the net. As a dual-threat player, he posed a significant challenge for opponents with his ability to shoot and pass effectively. One of his standout traits was his relentless back-checking; he often chased down pucks, lifted sticks, and generated turnovers, which sparked offensive chances for his team. Grade: B+
Carl Sandstrom #20 (D, L, 6’2″, 191, Alberni Valley Bulldogs, 10/12/2004) – Sandstrom possesses a strong offensive touch, consistently finding ways to get pucks on net. He keeps his feet moving and uses impressive edge work to identify and exploit gaps in the defense. Once he receives the puck, he acts quickly, firing it on goal and utilizing his quick release to create numerous second-chance opportunities (he scored the first goal of the game on a clean shot from the point as well). Defensively, Sandstrom plays a smooth and calculated game. While he may not rely on physicality, he effectively uses angles and maintains an active stick to disrupt plays. He excels at making quick, accurate passes to transition the puck up the ice. Grade: B+
Jacob Terpstra #12 (F, R, 6’0″, 194, Alberni Valley Bulldogs, 05/11/2005, Northern Michigan) – Terpstra netted the game-winning goal with a spectacular solo effort. He stole the puck from the corner and drove in from the goal line, delivering a quick-release shot that beat the goaltender high. Grade: C+
Colin Winn #1 (G, L, 6’1″, 190, Alberni Valley Bulldogs, 08/05/2004, St. Lawrence) – Winn demonstrated impressive mental toughness right from the start, overcoming two early goals to deliver a stellar performance for the rest of the game, ultimately guiding his team to victory. His intensity is palpable each time opponents enter the zone, as he stays alert and ready in his stance, poised to react to the puck’s movement. His strong skating ability enables him to get square to shooters, enhancing his effectiveness in goal. Additionally, Winn has a knack for making crucial desperation saves at key moments, stretching out and doing whatever it takes to keep the puck out of the net. Grade: B+
Jonathan Wong #4 (D, R, 5’10”, 161, Alberni Valley Bulldogs, 12/08/2004) – Wong made several impressive plays on the back end, effectively minimizing his time in the defensive zone. He excelled at puck retrievals, using his skating ability and awareness to move his feet and shoulder check, creating separation from forecheckers. After making his first pass, he confidently joined the rush, acting as a second wave of offense. Grade: B-
Victoria Grizzlies
Daniel D’Alessandro #6 (D, R, 5’9″, 177, Victoria Grizzlies, 01/28/2006, Princeton) – D’Alessandro may be undersized for a defenseman, but he makes up for it with exceptional skating ability and sharp awareness on the ice. He plays with his head up, which allows him to move the puck quickly up the ice and minimize time spent in his own zone, effectively supporting his team in the offensive zone. Whether he has the puck or not, he demonstrates a smooth style of play, using his agility to keep pace with opponents when defending. His strong edge work enables him to navigate the offensive blue line with ease, creating space and finding shot lanes to consistently get pucks through to the net. Grade: B
Malcolm Green #22 (C, R, 6’6″, 217, Victoria Grizzlies, 05/14/2005, Princeton) – Green is an imposing figure on the ice at 6’6″, using his size to great advantage in faceoff situations, where he consistently wins draws. His intense playing style elevates the energy on the ice, and he is not afraid to engage physically with opponents. A prime example of his impact occurred during a key moment in the game (the first goal) when he won a crucial faceoff cleanly and then maneuvered to the front of the net to tip in a shot for the Grizzlies’ first goal. This play highlights his offensive awareness and ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities. His blend of physicality and skill makes him a valuable asset in all three zones, whether he’s defending, generating offense, or contributing to the team’s overall presence on the ice. Grade: B+
Reegan Hiscock #17 (LW, L, 6’5″, 200, Victoria Grizzlies, 07/02/2004, Northeastern) – Hiscock is a complete player, combining size, strength, and impressive mobility. He effectively uses his body to shield pucks and maintain possession in various situations. Offensively, he can attack off the rush, utilizing his long reach to collect pucks and deliver quick-release shots on net. In five-on-five scenarios, he proves to be a menace, working the walls and driving to the net. His ability to win battles, paired with his grit and skill, makes him a valuable asset for his team every time he steps on the ice. Grade: A-
Drew Hockley #4 (D, R, 6’5″, 177, Victoria Grizzlies, 03/03/2005, Quinnipiac) – Hockley is the complete package as a right-shot defenseman, showcasing a blend of size, skill, and grit. While he may not be the most physical player, he effectively uses his positioning and angles, along with his long reach, to defend along the walls. His active stick allows him to disrupt plays and block shots effectively in the net-front area. Offensively, he demonstrates strong hockey sense, knowing when to be aggressive and when to play it safe. A standout moment in the first period highlighted his offensive ability when he slipped down to the back door and executed a perfect (offside) one-timer, finding the back of the net with precision. Grade: A-
Easton Kovacs #28 (D, L, 6’4″, 194, Victoria Grizzlies, 11/29/2004) – Kovacs is a sizable defender with a long reach who simplifies his game. He clearly understands his role and executes it well, particularly on the penalty kill. His ability to get in shooting lanes and apply pressure along the walls demonstrates his intensity and commitment to breaking up plays. Grade: C+
Landon Mackie #29 (F, R, 6’0″, 196, Victoria Grizzlies, 07/11/2006) – Mackie delivered a solid, well-rounded performance. He was responsible in the defensive zone, effectively stopping pucks and using his active stick and body checks to disrupt plays. Offensively, he contributed by getting to the hard areas and winning crucial puck battles, demonstrating his ability to impact the game at both ends of the ice. Grade: B-
Chase Pirtle #25 (RW, R, 6’2″, 174, Victoria Grizzlies, 03/08/2005, Cornell) – Pirtle is a strong and powerful forward for the Grizzlies, known for his solid skating and aggressive net attacks, particularly off the rush. He isn’t hesitant to lean on opponents, using his shoulder to drive toward the far post. In pressure situations, he effectively shields the puck with his body, allowing him to either distribute or take a shot. During five-on-five play, he has a knack for slipping behind defenders, creating opportunities for quick shots on net. Grade: B+
Ryan Watt #9 (F, R, 5’11”, 180, Victoria Grizzlies, 06/14/2004) – Watt utilized his speed to generate numerous scoring chances throughout the game. His smooth skating stride, combined with a low center of gravity, allowed him to weave through traffic effectively. He often pushed pucks past defenders, creating time and space to make plays. A key aspect of his game is his willingness to dump pucks in and retrieve them, opting for a strategic approach rather than taking unnecessary risks. His strong skating ability enabled him to consistently regain possession, putting pressure on opposing defenders. A highlight of his performance came on the Grizzlies’ second goal when he skillfully attacked from the half wall, cut to the middle, and delivered a clever back-door pass to a teammate streaking toward the net. Grade: B+
Vernon Vipers (3) vs Penticton Vees (4): October 5
Penticton Vees
Ryden Evers #21 (F, L, 6’4″, 192, Penticton Vees, 06/22/2005, Nebraska Omaha) – Evers was impressive in this game. What sets him apart is his size (6’4″) as a center and his smooth, relatively fast skating ability, which allows him to navigate the ice very well. He possesses excellent hands that enable him to make plays in tight, and he demonstrates persistence by sticking with pucks on retrievals and scoring opportunities, as shown on his goal. Grade: B+
Max Heise #14 (RW, R, 6’3″, 170, Penticton Vees, 02/26/2006, Michigan State) – Heise was very good in this game. He is a reliable player at both ends of the rink. While he is a strong skater, he does not possess high-end speed. Nevertheless, he is very capable offensively, demonstrating excellent hands, winning faceoffs, and making plays down low. He is dependable in the defensive zone, particularly in low coverage. He scored on an outnumbered attack, cutting off his wrong wing to the middle and beating the goaltender low blocker with a perfectly placed wrist shot. Grade: B
Eli McKamey #11 (F, R, 5’10”, 174, Penticton Vees, 01/19/2009) – McKamey is an elite talent. As he becomes more comfortable at this level (which won’t take long), he will begin to jump off the page. That being said, he can do things that only high-end players can do. He is quick, with very good top-end speed, although he didn’t use it much on the attack, as he seemed to prefer distributing the puck. His puck skills are excellent, and his superior vision makes him very dangerous five-on-five, but even more so on the power play, where he is on the top unit. He is constantly scanning the ice, both before he receives the puck and while he has it. His playmaking ability all over the ice is excellent, and he is more than willing to make plays in very tight quarters as well. Grade: B+
Simon Meier #29 (C, L, 5’10”, 165, Penticton Vees, 05/10/2005, Northern Michigan) – Meier is a coach’s player—very steady as a left-side winger in all areas. At 5’10”, he may not be the biggest player, but he is fast and has a relentless mentality over 200 feet. He handles the puck well but is more of a pass-first player. He is willing to battle on the boards in all areas of the ice and was effective on the puck in the defensive zone, making plays to get pucks out. Grade: B+
Zach Nyman #5 (D, L, 5’9″, 165, Penticton Vees, 02/12/2008, Michigan) – Nyman is a skilled player. While he may not be very big at 5’9″, his ability to defend down low is mitigated by his elite skating skills, both backward and forward, along with his strong stick and body positioning. This skating ability also makes him evasive and tough to handle during puck retrievals. His vision and playmaking abilities are next-level, as he is an excellent puck handler. With the puck, his head is always up, allowing him to make plays without looking down. Additionally, he pre-scans the ice before pucks arrive. Grade: A-
Nolan Stevenson #6 (D, R, 6’2″, 175, Penticton Vees, 01/04/2005) – Stevenson was very good in this game, providing a reliable and steady partner for the young Nyman. He is a good skater who is mobile, possesses excellent puck skills, and remains poised with the puck, allowing him to make plays effectively. Grade: B
Vernon Vipers
Shea Busch #28 (LW, L, 6’1″, 195, Vernon Vipers, 06/12/2007, Penn State) – Busch continues to deliver performances that leave me wanting more. He is a very smooth skater with good speed and size, but he rarely puts either to use, leading to inconsistencies from shift to shift. His long shifts seem to be a detriment to him. Grade: B-
Okotoks Oilers (6) vs Prince George Spruce Kings (3): October 11
Okotoks Oilers
Logan Broten # (D, L, 5’11”, 145, Okotoks Oilers, 07/05/2006) – Broten opened the scoring for the Oilers with a powerful one-timer from just outside the dots. Positioning himself up top on the blue line, he managed to find a clear lane and unleashed a hard shot that beat the goaltender cleanly. Grade: C+
Ryder DeNys #4 (D, L, 6’0″, 161, Okotoks Oilers, 05/04/2005) – DeNys is definitely a standout, smooth defender, particularly noted for his offensive instincts on the power play. His ability to deliver clean, tape-to-tape passes puts his teammates in prime positions for high-quality scoring chances. By playing with his head up, he effectively surveys the ice and anticipates where the pressure is coming from, allowing him to make smart decisions with the puck. With one goal and one assist in the game, his contributions were clear, as he not only impacted the scoreboard but also controlled the flow of play with his efficient decision-making. Grade: B+
Jacob Goudreau #21 (F, R, 5’9″, 175, Okotoks Oilers, 01/21/2006) – Goudreau was a force on the ice, demonstrating strength on his skates and an active stick that made him a constant nuisance for the opposition. He effectively chipped pucks in deep, always with the intention of retrieving them, which kept the pressure on the defenders. While he may not have generated many offensive chances directly, his ability to create turnovers led to extended offensive zone time for himself and his linemates. Grade: B-
Otto Hanson #7 (RW, R, 6’1″, 186, Okotoks Oilers, 06/28/2006) – Hanson is an impactful power forward who brings physicality and intensity to every zone. His ability to use his size effectively breaks up plays, helping his team maintain puck possession. He made a significant contribution to the Oilers’ victory by scoring two goals, showcasing his versatility as a scorer. Whether battling for position in front of the net or unleashing a powerful shot from the slot, he finds ways to finish plays. His combination of strength and scoring ability makes him a valuable asset to the team, and his presence on the ice is always felt. Grade: B
Michael Kowalski #15 (F, R, 5’10”, 160, Okotoks Oilers, 08/31/2005) – Kowalski was relentless on the forecheck, making life difficult for the Spruce Kings defenders. His chip-and-chase style was effective as he consistently pressured the puck, getting it behind the defense and working hard to retrieve it. His relentless skating and physical play set the tone, and his effort paid off when he assisted on the Oilers’ second goal. By creating a turnover behind the net, he set up his teammate for a quick shot from the high slot, showcasing his ability to impact the game both offensively and defensively. Grade: B-
Jackson Rowland #16 (C, L, 5’11”, 180, Okotoks Oilers, 07/15/2004) – Rowland showcased his speed and offensive instincts by picking up pucks in the neutral zone and launching attacks. His aggressive approach, particularly when he put his shoulder down and targeted the far post, generated several scoring opportunities. He consistently drove to the blue paint, creating valuable rebound chances for his linemates. In critical moments, he’s the type of player you want on the ice, demonstrating reliability and awareness. Securing the win with an empty-net goal highlighted his ability to make the right play and be in the right place at the right time. Grade: B
Brett Wilson #5 (F, L, 5’8″, 161, Okotoks Oilers, 01/09/2006, Bemidji State) – Wilson, normally a winger, stepped up as a centerman and performed admirably, bringing intensity and tenacity to every faceoff he took. His ability to win draws consistently helped his team gain possession, while his gritty, hard-nosed style of play made him effective in all areas of the ice. He was relentless in his pursuit of the puck and always drove to the net with purpose, making his presence felt. Grade: B-
Prince George Spruce Kings
Trent Ballentyne #22 (D, R, 6’3″, 191, Prince George Spruce Kings, 02/29/2004) – Ballentyne is an impressive two-way defenseman who balances defensive responsibility with offensive contributions. In his own end, he effectively disrupts plays with an active stick and excels at boxing out opponents in front of the net. His size allows him to shield off attackers, and he isn’t shy about using his physicality when needed. Offensively, he knows how to get shots on net, whether he’s joining the rush as the second wave or taking advantage of opportunities from the blue line. Grade: B
Evan Bellamy #5 (D, L, 6’0″, 181, Prince George Spruce Kings, 01/20/2005) – Bellamy was able to showcase his skills in both the defensive and offensive zones. On the power play, he effectively acted as the quarterback, making smart and simple plays that helped facilitate the attack. His good puck poise allowed him to draw defenders toward him, creating more time and space for his flankers to work with. Additionally, he demonstrated solid vision with some impressive breakout passes coming out of his own zone, helping to transition the play up the ice. Grade: B-
Linden Makow #14 (RW, R, 5’10”, 176, Prince George Spruce Kings, 07/18/2004) – Makow is a true leader on the ice, exemplifying a hard-nosed, in-your-face style of play. He doesn’t shy away from contact, delivering hits and taking them in return, which sets a tone for his team. Despite not being the biggest player, he finishes his checks and wins puck battles consistently. Grade: B-
Ethan Montroy #8 (F, L, 5’11”, 181, Prince George Spruce Kings, 08/30/2005) – Montroy was a standout player all night, consistently getting to the hard areas and reaping the rewards. He opened the scoring by crashing the crease and capitalizing on a loose puck, showcasing his tenacity. His hard-nosed style of play, combined with his skill, made him one of the most noticeable players on the ice for the Kings. He demonstrated great puck control while always looking to attack the net, unafraid to engage in physical battles regardless of the zone. Grade: B
Kazumo Sasaki #26 (LW, L, 5’10”, 169, Prince George Spruce Kings, 12/24/2005, Lake Superior) – Sasaki’s effectiveness on the power play half-wall really stands out due to his patience and vision. His ability to find teammates in open ice with seam passes demonstrates his hockey IQ, and playing with his head up allows him to read the game effectively. While he sometimes operates from the perimeter, his skill set definitely enables him to challenge defenders and create plays when he has time and space. His puck control and passing ability make him a valuable asset in those situations. Grade: B-
Ryan Wachtel #20 (F, R, 5’9″, 161, Prince George Spruce Kings, 04/25/2006, Princeton) – Wachtel clearly possesses a high skill set, showcasing his ability to make plays at speed and control the puck with impressive finesse. His talent for generating offense shines through, whether he’s attacking off the rush or contributing on the power play. However, there were moments when he tended to stay on the perimeter, which made it challenging for him to penetrate the middle of the ice. If he can focus on driving to those prime areas more consistently, his offensive impact could grow even further. Grade: B-
Cooper Williams #18 (LW, L, 5’8″, 164, Prince George Spruce Kings, 04/18/2007, Lake Superior) – Williams is an agile, shifty forward who excels at puck control, thanks to his patience, edge work, and impressive hands. He effectively collects pucks and utilizes tight turns to evade defenders, quickly finding his teammates before the defense has a chance to react. His ability to stick-handle in tight spaces allows him to create offensive opportunities, particularly by exploiting small pockets in the slot area. Grade: B
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling