Neutral Zone had three scouts in attendance at the NAHL Showcase in Blaine, Minnesota. Our scouts watched parts of every game, and all 35 teams played four games over the course of four days from September 25-28, 2024. Below are the top players from the event. Grades are based solely on a player’s performance at this event in relation to the other players in the report.
Aberdeen Wings
Luke Backel #14 (F, R, 5’10”, 180, Aberdeen Wings, 09/24/2004) – Backel was one of the best players on the Wings this weekend, contributing effectively at both ends of the ice. He killed every penalty, including a few 5-on-3 shorthanded situations, while also playing top power play minutes in late-game scenarios, whether the team was up or down by a goal. He tied for the team lead in points over the weekend. Luke played with speed, confidence, and a cerebral approach. He wasn’t afraid to take a hit to make a play, willingly doing so anywhere on the ice to advance the puck. Even if he got hit hard, he was back on his feet, charging to the net with purpose. Despite having an average-sized frame, Luke’s willingness to get physical made him effective. Off the rush, when in control, he could slow down and find a trailing teammate or send a saucer pass through the middle of the ice to the center-lane drive option for a redirect. Off the puck, he showed no hesitation to go to the net, battling in tough areas while also finding soft spots around the net to be an option. Backel scored once during a play that started with a scrum in the offensive corner. He stayed above the puck, just out of stick range from the weak-side defenseman and winger, catching a pass for a one-timer that beat the goalie short side. That goal began with a long stretch pass, which he redirected into the corner, taking a big hit but still flying to the net for the scoring chance. Luke’s confidence grew with each game, and he brought a variety of skills to help his team secure three wins over the weekend. Grade: A-
Leonid Bulgakov #27 (C, L, 5’9″, 165, Aberdeen Wings, 11/12/2004, Augustana) – Bulgakov is a creative, savvy finisher who ended the weekend with 3 goals and an assist, recording at least one point in each of the three games. At around 5’9″, he is relatively small, but he plays much bigger than his frame suggests and shows no fear in his game. There’s a deceptive pace to his play—it may not look like he’s flying, but he finds another gear when in possession and carries a dangerous edge. Leonid has a nifty release, which he can execute in different ways. He pushes and pulls his hands away from his body to use defensemen as screens, getting quality shots off even in tight spaces with minimal time. He can wire the puck at full speed by changing his blade angle, not giving goaltenders time to settle their feet. For a playmaking finisher, Bulgakov also kills penalties and is reliable in his own zone. He picked up a shorthanded goal after Lillsund blocked a shot; Leonid bolted to the neutral zone, chased down the puck, and finished with a hard forehand fake before tucking it in backhand. Against Chippewa, Leonid had a fast break where he made a quick deke on the defender, creating just enough space to fire a shorthanded shot that beat the goalie with a savvy play. He also scored from a sharp angle when his linemate won a battle along the wall, allowing Bulgakov to corral the puck just above the goal line and rifle a shot short side. He is a calm, calculated forward who knifes through traffic with his head up, just as effective off the rush as he is on the cycle, able to create his own space and be a constant offensive threat. Grade: A
Nick Comfort #8 (D, L, 6’0″, 180, Aberdeen Wings, 08/12/2004) – Comfort plays a hard-nosed game from the back end as a mid-sized defender. He is willing to block shots and times his pinches down the offensive zone wall with precision, catching opponents mishandling the puck and dislodging it. Nick doesn’t need to be overly physical, but he makes smart contact, leading with his stick to brush players off the puck. He jumps into the play at times without risking getting caught out of position, and when he does, he creates odd-man rushes for quality scoring chances up ice. Nick picked up an assist against Northeast when he fired a pass up ice, springing Martin-Gaudreault for a goal. While he isn’t a high-scoring defender, he plays a strong two-way game, occasionally contributing offensively while being tough and frustrating to play against in his own end. Grade: B-
Ryan Flaherty #19 (F, R, 5’11”, 185, Aberdeen Wings, 07/01/2005) – Flaherty is a strong presence on the ice, appearing bigger and stronger than his listed size. He uses a heavy stick to win battles along the boards and compete hard below the dots. While Ryan lacks the speed to gain much separation, he positions himself well to get quality shots off in tight spaces. He scored his lone goal of the weekend on the rush, driving down the weak side and hammering home a rebound with a hard one-timer upstairs, beating the outstretched goaltender. Grade: C
Madson Kuhl #22 (F, L, 6’2″, 203, Aberdeen Wings, 08/04/2005) – Kuhl finished the weekend tied for the team lead in points with 4, following a dominant performance against the Northeast Generals, where he tallied 2 goals, 1 assist, and was credited with 12 shots on net. He makes crisp passes and isn’t afraid to shoot from anywhere. His powerful wrist shot comes off quickly, even from sharp scoring angles. One of his goals came from a strong forecheck, where a loose puck squirted out to him inside the top circle, and he wired a shot against the grain as the goaltender was sliding. Jibber has an uncanny ability to control bouncing pucks, quickly settle them, and dish with a flat, crisp release. He can get quality shots off from tough angles, even when his body positioning isn’t perfect. While Kuhl doesn’t have top-end speed, he showed that even without winning footraces, he could bump defenders off 50/50 pucks to gain body positioning and win battles in the corners. His goal against El Paso came from a perfectly timed play, where he moved into the high slot with enough space to catch and release a missile. Jibber consistently sought out prime scoring areas and worked off the puck to make his linemates’ jobs easier. Grade: B+
Elvis Laskovs #5 (D, L, 6’4″, 187, Aberdeen Wings, 06/26/2004) – Laskovs is a tall, lean, and straightforward defenseman who excels at making accurate indirect passes under pressure. He provides a strong defensive presence around the net, using his long reach to get to pucks from a distance and to knock opponents off balance near the boards and crease. He keeps his breakouts simple, opting for easy passes to his partner or winger and utilizing the glass when necessary. Elvis steers plays wide and is tough to beat to the inside due to his range and positioning. He isn’t overly physical unless he needs to be, relying more on his reach, but he has the strength to win battles when necessary. Though not known for his puck-moving abilities, he picked up a pair of assists over the weekend. The first came when he stepped into a shot in the offensive zone that went wide but bounced perfectly to his winger, who jammed it home on the weak side. The second assist came when he fired a long pass off the boards, which Bulgakov chased down and converted into a goal. Grade: C+
Sebastian Lillsund #26 (F, R, 6’0″, 190, Aberdeen Wings, 04/20/2004) – Lillsund had a four-assist weekend while playing on the top line with Bulgakov, showcasing his vision and touch on the puck as a complete 200-foot center. There is a deceptive strength to his game that allows him to win battles and hold off opponents, which is impressive for a skilled player. He assisted on a shorthanded goal by Bulgakov after Sebastian blocked a shot that trickled into the neutral zone. He then won the race to the puck, maneuvered under the defender who was all over him, and tapped the puck up ice for Leonid to skate into and finish on the breakaway. Lillsund may not be the fastest player, but he takes a calculated approach, using his cerebral understanding of the game to position himself in the right areas of the ice to create plays and be an option. He always seems to find space, ready to distribute the puck even before it reaches his stick. In a game against Northeast, Sebastian caught a pass in tight, made a quick cut across the net, and got a shot over the goaltender’s shoulder that trickled in with under two minutes remaining. Sebastian demonstrated quality chemistry with his linemates, winning battles and consistently finding them all over the ice with accurate, zippy passes. Grade: B+
DJ MacLeish #15 (D, L, 5’11”, 175, Aberdeen Wings, 08/11/2005) – MacLeish demonstrated that he was comfortable being uncomfortable with the puck on his stick, handling heavy pressure well. He distributed the puck accurately to his targets while carrying his momentum up ice and leaning into his stick. DJ may not have the separation quickness in his own zone to reach clear ice, but he makes effective use of his existing speed to efficiently start breakouts. DJ fires point shots with a quick release, not giving the attacking winger time to settle or get in the lane, making it difficult for goaltenders to track the puck through traffic. He played a quietly effective game, avoiding any mistakes that would draw negative attention. Grade: C+
Matthew Martin-Gaudreault #13 (F, L, 6’6″, 220, Aberdeen Wings, 09/13/2005) – Martin-Gaudreault is a strong forward for the Wings who doesn’t hesitate to block shots and put his body on the line. His size allows him to clog up lanes with his reach, and he occupies significant space to prevent point shots from getting through. In the neutral zone, he instinctively positions himself to intercept passes and disrupt plays without relying heavily on physicality. Matthew demonstrates great positioning on the forecheck, staying above the puck and keeping plays down low. He is willing to drive to the net hard, lowering his shoulder to push the play toward the near post and keep defenders on their heels. Martin-Gaudreault attacked the net off the rush with a defender all over him, managing to send a backhand over the far pad to find the back of the net. Away from the puck, he maintains a strong presence in front of the net, making it difficult for opponents to move him and causing chaos around the blue paint. Grade: B-
Cade Moxham #12 (F, L, 6’2″, 195, Aberdeen Wings, 03/09/2004) – Moxham played a hard, gritty, and physically skilled game all weekend, picking up three points in the process. He uses his longer stick to clog up lanes and intercept or deflect passes while employing his speed to take away time and space from puck carriers. He smothers defenders on retrievals, quickly barreling down on them to finish his check and force turnovers. When he gets the puck, Cade is a freight train, using his pace to run through opponents while showcasing impressive hands that give him versatile options in attack. Off the rush, he can create chances at the net by lowering his shoulder and driving to the crease or by dishing the puck out wide before driving the center lane to position himself in front of the net. He made some clever puck touches while closely guarded, creating space for his teammates and causing defenders to lose their momentum. Cade has a speedy, powerful presence; he works well on the perimeter but isn’t shy about using his size and strength to get to the interior. Cade scored a goal off a line rush, holding off a defender as he drove hard to the net for a backhand shot on the pad, then crashing into the goalie, which allowed the puck to slide into the back of the net. He also picked up an assist after winning a loose puck behind the opposing net and quickly finding Backel in the slot for a one-touch goal. Moxham was everywhere on the ice, making positive contributions and creating quality results with each shift. Grade: B+
Kyle Murray-Smith #21 (F, L, 6’6″, 250, Aberdeen Wings, 01/18/2005) – Murray-Smith is a massive, powerful forward standing around 6’6″ and weighing 250 lbs, and he uses every bit of that on the ice. He delivers thundering checks and dislodges pucks as he competes physically, making his presence known with each shift. He plays a simple, hard-nosed game that is effective for winning battles and dominating around the opponent’s crease. While his hands may not be the quickest, he doesn’t try to do anything beyond his capabilities. Kyle simply chips pucks out of the zone when he has no options and uses his reach to disrupt passing lanes. On the forecheck, he finishes every hit and occupies a lot of space, even though he lacks the speed to get to pucks first. Murray-Smith consistently positions himself effectively on the forecheck, functioning like a wrecking ball, doing his best work along the wall and below the hash marks. He is at his best when he plays a straightforward north-south game. Grade: B-
Owen Pitters #24 (F, R, 6’0″, 185, Aberdeen Wings, 08/28/2005) – Pitters played a solid two-way game, killing penalties, logging time on the power play, and creating scoring chances from the perimeter. While shorthanded, he took smart routes to force pucks to the wall and stalled opposing rushes with his presence. He didn’t need to deliver checks to be effective; instead, he used his stick to get in passing lanes and prevent pucks from getting through or around him. He has a deceptive pair of hands, using smooth toe drags to dangle defenders and turn them inside out. There’s an element of toughness to his game, as he is willing to go through players when necessary, unafraid to lower his shoulder and drive opponents back on their heels. Off the rush, Owen possesses a crafty ability to create his own shooting lanes, rifling pucks on net while using defensemen as screens and finding another gear with the puck on his stick. Grade: B
Gavin Reed #2 (D, L, 6’3″, 213, Aberdeen Wings, 03/31/2005) – Reed is a larger, strong, mature, and mobile defender who can handle attacking pressure well with his back pace. He positioned himself in the middle of the ice during odd-man situations, preventing passes from getting through and clearing rebound chances as he stopped in front of his net. Gavin slid down on his stomach a few times to block passes, quickly recovering from his knees to get the puck out of danger. Under pressure, he consistently made calm, simple decisions and delivered accurate passes. Gavin is often sent out to defend leads late in games and even picked up an empty-netter to seal the victory against El Paso while shorthanded. Reed displayed quality hand-eye coordination, batting pucks down to prevent them from getting behind him. He could slow down attackers just enough on dumped pucks to avoid interference, giving his partner that extra split second to make a play up ice. It wasn’t always pretty, but Reed played a smart and straightforward game. Grade: B-
Grant Winkler #25 (D, L, 5’11”, 188, Aberdeen Wings, 09/15/2004) – Winkler played a versatile style from the back end for the Wings all weekend. He was deployed to kill 5-on-3 chances, diving to block shots and putting his body in front of anything to prevent pucks from getting through the middle of the ice. When in possession, he uses his edgework and foot speed to create time and space for himself, allowing him to dish the puck accurately under pressure. He is equipped with a heavy wrist shot that gets off quickly in tight areas. Grant distributes the puck while his feet are moving, then drives up ice and heads to the net off the rush. He can initiate breakouts with accurate passes and possesses the speed to add extra layers to the play. Grade: C+
Asher Wites #6 (D, R, 6’0″, 180, Aberdeen Wings, 06/25/2004) – Wites is a mid-sized, mobile defenseman who plays a smart, physical game without taking himself out of the play. Asher is light on his feet and can carry the puck during line rushes. He demonstrated his ability to rub opponents out along the wall, dislodge pucks, and quickly move them to an open teammate. He doesn’t get beaten back to his net after finishing checks, using his low, balanced stride to dart in any direction as needed. At the offensive blue line, he can fake shots to freeze defenders, then fire through the lane he created or accurately pass pucks across the line to his partner. Wites is capable of seeing the play and moving the puck up ice at top speed, showcasing quality vision and anticipation. His smooth crossovers allow him to generate speed with the puck and snap accurate passes through the neutral zone. Pucks rocket off his stick with crisp precision, hitting their target perfectly at full speed. Grade: B
Amarillo Wranglers
Ashton Breyer #4 (D, L, 6’5″, 195, Amarillo Wranglers, 05/26/2004) – Ashton played a strong, attentive game in his own end, using his size and strength effectively. Listed at 6’5″, he clogged lanes and was nearly impossible to sneak by, thanks to his large wingspan and tight gaps. The 2004-born player was physical, long, and rangy, smothering opponents in the corners during his first two games. He displayed excellent straight-line speed, taking space with possession and delivering sharp passes to the stretch man. His edge work and pivots looked athletic while defending in open ice, showcasing his potential. Ashton knocked a Maryland forward down as he drove to the net, playing with bite and starting transitions with a crisp cross-ice pass through the neutral zone. On the final day, he showed no signs of fatigue, continuing to make accurate passes. Breyer walked the offensive blue line and wired a quick shot from the point. With possession, his eyes were up, demonstrating deceptive lateral mobility for someone of his size. He has experience in the SJHL and AJHL and appears to be finding his way quickly in the NAHL. Points may not be his primary focus, as he effectively shuts down his end with an iron fist and smartly breaks the puck out. Grade: B+
Salvatore Cerrato #9 (D, R, 5’10”, 180, Amarillo Wranglers, 06/10/2004) – Cerrato was an offensive force from the back for Amarillo, scoring two goals and adding an assist while taking a dozen quality shots on goal. The 2004-born player moved quickly to defend, aiming to transition the Wranglers the other way as swiftly as possible. His stick was sharp, and he closed off time and space rapidly but under control, forcing opponents toward his teammates for support. Against the Mountain Kings, Salvatore jumped into the slot and took a feed from Jacobson for a catch-and-shoot goal. Cerrato played the point on the power play, using his quick feet, vision, and fast stick to set up teammates while always remaining a threat to attack the net. He added a goal on a give-and-go play with Semeniuk for a beautiful score. Salvatore regularly threw impressive sauce on his passes, showcasing his slick stickhandling. He finished plays with an extra pop at the end. As a talented offensive defenseman, Cerrato may be smaller in size, but he is exceptionally athletic. He disrupted opponents with his quick stick and demonstrated rapid closing speed. He jumped quickly to add depth to line rushes and had plenty of speed to get back and defend. In the final game, he still had gas in the tank, making forecheckers miss, accelerating to open space, and delivering a slick saucer pass to his partner. Elusive, energetic, and effective all weekend. Grade: A-
Trace Day #44 (F, L, 6’4″, 209, Amarillo Wranglers, 01/19/2005) – One scout described Trace as big, strong, and heavy. He won battles with physicality and made crisp passes. While he lacked a burst of speed, he played with weight and appeared athletic. He won many pucks, which is crucial. In his first game, Trace used his reach to gather pucks and was able to rip shots on net. He found open ice and unleashed shots on goal, hitting the crossbar against New Hampshire and scoring on the power play. On that goal, Trace cycled high and swapped positions with Maguire. He took the space available, while Day looped to the far post, where Maguire found Trace for a tap-in score. It was a smart play. Day also excelled at killing penalties; despite not being quick, he moved well and clogged lanes with his long, smart stick. He consistently got to great spots and used a disruptive stick to forecheck and defend. Against Fairbanks, we noted that Trace went to the front of the net, distracting the goalie. He fired lasers and wasn’t afraid to let his shot fly. Trace played the point on the power play and was again tough to play against, showcasing his skill, vision, and hockey sense. Grade: B+
Aiden Dres #3 (F, L, 6’3″, 215, Amarillo Wranglers, 01/06/2004) – Aiden played two games in Blaine, embracing a role focused on grinding out shifts and punishing opponents along the wall. His net-front presence was consistently agitating to opponents, and he could not be moved off his spot. He has a nose for the net, and we noted that he should score some goals this season. Against Maryland, the 6’3″, 215 lb Dres played strong along the edges and scored on a line rush with a quick release in stride at 4:30 in the second period. He played smart hockey, using his heavy stick and keeping his body low in the zone. Against New Hampshire, Aiden showcased his skill at 6’4″ with impressive pace. The 2004-born player looked rangy as he went end to end, flashing speed and skill throughout the game. He should have a chance to move up the lineup and pick up more points down the road. Aiden is versatile and intriguing—definitely one to watch. Grade: B
Grayson Gerhard #7 (D, L, 6’3″, 190, Amarillo Wranglers, 02/07/2005) – Grayson played on the first line for an excellent Amarillo team, and we saw all three of his games, in which he picked up two assists. Against New Hampshire, the 2005-born player moved smoothly with speed to create offensive rushes, initiate zone entries, and attack the net. He was a vital component of the power play, using his size and reliable stick to move pucks quickly. His shot was a rocket, and he could wire it on net from anywhere in the zone. Gerhard made athletic, sharp turns and delayed upon entering the offensive zone to wait for help. The Texas native manipulated opponents’ gaps with his pace, length, and changes in speed. Against Fairbanks, he showcased his straight-line speed and won a puck race for a shot. Grayson was always around the puck, attacking the net from the corners and during rushes. He used his length and strength to shield the puck effectively. While Grayson still needs to improve his edge work and overall mobility, he was the glue that held the first line together, doing a lot of the dirty work. In the final game, he continued to churn out solid shifts. Gerhard skated through a check along the wall on zone entry, finished a couple of hits along the boards, and effectively rubbed opponents off the puck. He played a hard, heavy game that can translate to higher levels, as both his offensive and defensive stick work were productive, and he showed good speed. Grade: B
Charles-Antoine Girard #31 (G, L, 6’4″, 174, Amarillo Wranglers, 02/07/2006) – Tall goaltender at 6’4″, who we saw against Fairbanks, the Quebec native stopped two breakaways and displayed himself as a clever, confident goalie. He moved well and was both intimidating and unpredictable for shooters. He showed his five-hole but was able to take it away a few times, moving in and out of his net effectively. Highly athletic and poised, Charles-Antoine made a great pad save with a flash of his leg in the third period to keep Amarillo up 2-1. Girard filled the net well and read plays effectively. He looked big, intelligent, and confident for a 2006-born player. He has a high ceiling, and we loved the way he moved when we watched. Grade: B+
Crusade Hanas #16 (F, L, 6’3″, 195, Amarillo Wranglers, 04/23/2005) – Crusade picked up a couple of assists at the NAHL Showcase. His stride was a bit choppy, but he moved with plenty of speed around the rink. His vision was excellent, and he made passes at top speed, which was impressive. Hanas dragged and snapped pucks on net, moving toward the middle of the ice at every opportunity. He was slippery, slick, and poised as he dished the puck on the power play with purpose. He stopped and curled on the rush to delay and allow plays to develop. His passes were nearly all perfect, and when he didn’t have possession, he used his 6’3″ frame and straight-line speed to disrupt opponents. The 2005-born player can tweak his stride to be more economical, but his pace was solid in this context. He was intriguing. Hanas bounced around the WHL with three teams over the last three seasons. Grade: B+
Carl Jacobson #39 (F, L, 5’10”, 180, Amarillo Wranglers, 06/25/2004) – Jacobson centered the third line, and we noted early in the first game that he played with poise and a productive stick blade. The 2004-born player swiveled and turned to find space, making a perfect pass to the slot from behind the net. While carrying the puck to create a zone entry, he showed speed in open space, then dragged his skate to slow down and wait for help, snapping a perfect pass across the zone. He was athletic, stayed on his skates, and drove to the net through heavy contact with success and no fear. The Swedish import played well on the second day, and we recognized him as a top forward for Amarillo in both contests. He competed hard against Fairbanks and was around the puck all game, drawing a tripping call during a quick transition. His first touches were soft, allowing Jacobson to make opponents miss and wiggle free from the corner. Carl played with good sense and solid skills. He is an intriguing player who will likely improve as the season progresses. We liked the overall quality of his skill set. Grade: B+
Corson Maguire #19 (LW, R, 5’10”, 183, Amarillo Wranglers, 04/28/2005) – Maguire looked to be on an upswing, showing more pace, strength, and confidence with the puck. He started last season with Amarillo and ended in the NCDC. His play at the Showcase, back with Amarillo, made it clear he would be off to a hot start this season. Maguire played with a chip on his shoulder, picking up three goals and an assist, and we expect he can maintain that pace this season. The 2005-born player scored two goals and an assist against New Hampshire. He demonstrated a soft touch on a firm pass that flew by a defenseman, whipping the puck home with an explosive release. He also delivered a slick backdoor pass on the power play to Trace Day for an assist. His other goal came with a quick release and accurate shot. Maguire impressed with his pace of play, acceleration, and balance through tough areas. Against Fairbanks, Corson displayed crafty hands at top speed, slipping into open ice from the wall. He played with smooth, soft hands, snapping pucks on the move and changing his release points. Without possession, he played hard and created chaos on the forecheck. He was influential on the power play, using his speed to win many puck races. After a timeout late in the third period, he was one of five players used on a 5-on-3 power play, where he positioned himself in front of the net and held his ground. An all-situations type of player, he has improved since last season and was superb here, trending upward. Grade: B+
Andrew Morton #27 (F, R, 6’0″, 185, Amarillo Wranglers, 05/14/2004) – Andrew played with a strong stick at both ends, able to maintain possession through chaos and contact while effectively picking up or locking up sticks when defending or forechecking. On Friday against the Mountain Kings, he worked the cycle high and low to stretch New Hampshire’s defense and showcased a heavy shot with a quick release in stride. He picked up an assist on a Cerrato goal with a nice give-and-go play for a tap-in score. While Andrew’s touches were decent, he did miss a couple of passes that were on his stick. The next day, his speed was evident against Fairbanks as he won puck races and excelled at reacting to chances and intercepting passes as the F3. He played with grit, and last season he recorded 65 points in 51 games for Renfrew in the CCHL. He is definitely one to watch, as he seems to have a plan in the offensive end and defends with his head on a swivel in his zone. Grade: B-
Heikki Peipinen #6 (D, L, 5’11”, 194, Amarillo Wranglers, 04/10/2006) – The 2006-born player was still finding his way in the NAHL after coming from playing Finnish hockey his entire life. He started off well, as Heikki defended his end with physicality, a head on a swivel, and a quick stick. Against Fairbanks, he showed the ability to defend with intensity and seemed to enjoy contact. While he was a bit inconsistent, he mostly played mistake-free hockey. Heikki played with fearlessness and embraced physical play, using his body to hit and disengage from checks. His best game was against Maryland, where he maintained a tight gap and managed the puck and the game effectively. He utilized his body and a solid defensive stick to win battles in his own end. He also appeared less nervous, intercepting a centering pass in the slot and initiating the transition the other way. His reads in the defensive zone were excellent, and his best hockey is still ahead. Grade: B-
Dan Rassega #77 (F, L, 5’11”, 180, Amarillo Wranglers, 03/14/2006) – The 2006-born player showcased impressive acceleration and excellent straight-line speed. He had a standout season with the Phoenix Jr. Coyotes in 2023-24 and received an A- grade at the USA Hockey Nationals. At the NAHL Showcase, it was clear he was athletic, but he was also still learning how to find time and space against older, bigger players. However, he did not look out of place in our two viewings. He created zone entries on the power play and used his speed to excel in transition. Rassega had a smooth handle on the puck, allowing him to access all his skills at top speed. He walked defensemen during line rushes and fired a smooth wrist shot with a quick release. While it will take time for Rassega to find consistency, we noticed his talent and hard work at both ends of the ice. Grade: C+
Will Sinclair #5 (D, R, 6’1″, 185, Amarillo Wranglers, 05/18/2004) – Will played with a high hockey IQ. The right-shot defender stopped opponents with a smart, active stick and was efficient in his movements on the penalty kill. Sinclair was steady and low-risk, maintaining tight gaps and displaying lateral mobility to thwart rushes in open space. The 2004-born player contributed on the power play, making accurate first passes and remaining poised under pressure. Will quickly defended his end and limited opponents’ time and space effectively. His passes had the right pace and hit the tape with precision. He always kept his head up and was able to play in all situations with success. In the final game, he demonstrated quick puck movement under pressure in the neutral zone and made an athletic shot block against a line rush. He moved swiftly to get his stick on pucks, and he was always aware of when to transition. He carried the puck up the middle through the neutral zone, drew attention, and dished it out to his wing for a clean entry. Grade: B
Emils Skeltins #17 (D, R, 6’4″, 190, Amarillo Wranglers, 02/08/2005) – Skeltins was one of the top defensive prospects at the NAHL Showcase. Long, wiry, strong, and athletic, Emils played a two-way game with snarl, strength, balance, and skill. He stayed out of the penalty box but managed to pancake a few opponents each game, knocking them flat on the ice. His reach was a valuable weapon for defense. He played with a mean streak that we loved, maintaining tight gaps in space and clearing opponents from in front of his net. The Latvian was making his first appearance in the USA and had international experience with Latvia while playing for the Stavanger Oilers U20 in Norway last season. We noted his strength and a terrifically balanced skating base as he approached 6’5″. He absorbed hits and made passes even when contact was imminent. Against New Hampshire, he demonstrated toughness and a raw edge, managing to do many things very well. His skating was powerful, his stick long, his touches soft, and he defended with his body, making opponents reluctant to return. Against Fairbanks, he jumped to the net and knocked a puck from mid-air for a goal. It was an athletic play and one of the most exciting goals of the entire week. He exuded upside and made many impressive hockey plays in Blaine. Grade: A
Noah Wood #12 (F, R, 6’2″, 190, Amarillo Wranglers, 12/23/2004) – Wood spent most of last season playing in the NCDC for the NJ Hitmen, scoring nine points in 28 games. We noted he had strong hands and made accurate passes. He could drag and shoot on the move and was clever along the wall, using his length and strong core to navigate contact and create space. He contributed defensively and played a winning brand of hockey with size and some grit. He has improved since our last viewings, now playing both ends with equal energy and passion. Wood has become a 200-foot player who can fit in anywhere on the roster. His strength and size benefited him at both ends of the ice, and he added an elusive element to his game. Against Fairbanks, Noah attacked the net and made a clever shot that started near his feet and fooled the goalie. Overall, he should be a player that all schools keep an eye on, as the 2004-born prospect has become well-rounded. Grade: C+
Anchorage Wolverines
Danny Bagnole #27 (F, L, 6’0″, 180, Anchorage Wolverines, 12/21/2004) – Bagnole was tough and around the puck all week. He made excellent decisions with it and demonstrated the speed to carry on the line rush and drive to the net. Danny executed a quick, clever cut across the offensive zone against Johnstown, snapping a puck on net through traffic and scoring. He set the whole play up nicely, leaving the goalie with no chance. His shot was explosive, and Danny proved difficult to defend as he valued possession. On the first day, he delivered a few big hits, pancaking two players to the ice in open space. Bagnole played in dirty areas and was effective at using some shake and bake moves to make defenders miss and reach scoring zones. In the game against New Jersey, Danny played with confidence bordering on swagger as he ran the power play and delivered a hard backhand pass across the offensive zone. He showcased skill and the gritty tools needed to play up and down the roster in any situation. Grade: B
Jakub Bednarik #40 (F, L, 6’3″, 192, Anchorage Wolverines, 01/01/2005) – The big Czech looked and played larger than his listed height of 6’3″. His reach was impactful as he deflected and collected pucks. He blocked shots, sacrificing his body, and was tough to play against, taking every opportunity to finish checks. Bednarik held his ground at the net front, where he loved to set up. He cycled well, demonstrating excellent puck protection, and consistently looked to his points and the net to get pucks on goal or drive toward the cage. Whenever a puck went to his defensemen at the offensive blue line, he immediately moved to obstruct the goaltender’s view. He found rebounds and then returned to the net front again. He played with a terrific approach, showcased balanced blades, and sought every opportunity to play directly to the net. He is tough to play against and shows real upside. Grade: C+
Toby Carlson #9 (F, R, 5’9″, 171, Anchorage Wolverines, 06/07/2006) – The 2006 battled by moving his feet and fearlessly jumping to pucks with a quick stick. We found his skating to be a bit too busy; however, he was consistently on pucks and made plays in each game, finishing with three assists. Carlson topped 100 points last season with Victory Honda U18, and we saw why in his style of play. He disrupted opponents and displayed pace and a clever stick when he had possession. The Alaska native had superb mobility, cut laterally, and even maneuvered away from pressure to get to the net. He drove the cage hard with and without the puck. He passed pucks without hesitation and executed a crafty give-and-go with Ushio on the power play. While on the man advantage, he played near the net and performed bigger than he looked. His balance and grit helped him succeed in tough areas, and in open space, he could quickly toe drag to change his shooting angle and beat opponents one-on-one from the corners. Carlson always had his head up and snapped passes across the neutral and offensive zones right on the tape. He appeared and played larger than his listed size, making his teammates better. His positioning at both ends was excellent, placing him in spots to defend and make plays all week. Getting off checks and sliding past contact along the wall made him dangerous in tight spaces. He is a high-IQ player with upside and an approach that will translate well for the remainder of the season. He should be watched closely. Grade: B+
Cole Christian #5 (F, L, 5’9″, 160, Anchorage Wolverines, 06/21/2004, Air Force) – Christian excelled at the NAHL Showcase, racking up six points in three games. He notched an assist on a Ushio goal in the first period of his opening game. Cole was superb throughout, killing penalties with quick stops and starts, as well as shot-blocking. The 2004 Air Force commit possessed the puck frequently, showcasing slick hands and the ability to navigate around traffic until plays opened up. He curled to delay and dish the puck, riding contact while maintaining possession. Cole displayed athletic feet and pace on the rush, maneuvering quickly in tight spaces. His play was dynamic, and he looked dangerous whenever he had the puck. He was active all over the ice, creating turnovers and ending up with the puck on his skilled stick blade. Christian’s edgework and puck control were exceptional, and he even added a smart dump to his repertoire. His quick feet and hands stood out against the Titans, making him elusive and fast-paced. He played with sharp, sturdy edges, curling, cutting, and crossing the ice to create opportunities. He unleashed a powerful one-timer on the power play and was effective in all situations. Christian looked elite in his skating, puck play, and effort, remaining unpredictable and able to make something out of nothing. He set up Ushio for a goal with a burst of speed away from traffic and delivered a quick, accurate pass from below the goal line to the slot. In a close game against the New Jersey Titans, he intercepted a pass to score an empty-net goal. His skill level, skating, intensity, and high hockey IQ will serve him well at the Division I level. Grade: A
Jack Darby #17 (D, L, 6’4″, 183, Anchorage Wolverines, 04/29/2004, Long Island University) – The LIU commit played first-pairing minutes and was a significant presence on the blue line, utilizing his size and ability to defend while quickly transitioning plays the other way. His eyes were always up, and his head was on a swivel in his own end. While defending, he held his blue line, effectively hiding his poke check while moving laterally and delivering solid hits against opponents. He clogged passing lanes and blocked shots. Darby was utilized on a 5v3 power play and looked comfortable on the offensive blue line. He moved smoothly in open ice, evading checkers with a long stick handle and using his body to protect the puck. He demonstrated poise and skill, although he did take an interference penalty that was less than favorable against New Jersey. As a solid athlete with size and the ability to perform in any situation, Darby still has his best hockey ahead of him. Grade: B+
Brock Devlin #20 (D, L, 5’10”, 165, Anchorage Wolverines, 05/11/2005) – Devlin has improved his confidence and strength on the wall since last season. The 2005-born player possesses terrific feet, with firm edges and a balanced base. He uses leverage well to win puck battles and shows some grit in the low zone. Brock surrounded the puck during retrievals, making quick, effective passes up ice without barely touching the puck beforehand. He initiated zone exits with easy, swift passes and jumped into the play as the late player on the rush. During a rush against Johnstown, Devlin carried the puck and made a slick backhand pass on the tape to an open teammate. As he moved up the ice, he varied his positioning around the offensive blue line to keep defenses guessing and create catch-and-shoot opportunities. All of his passes were firm and accurate, most made while he was skating rather than standing still. Brock utilized both sides of his blade and had the agility to track down loose pucks or pinch low and recover effectively. He played on the 5v3 power play against the Titans, and we noted his ability to pick pucks off the wall and from the air with ease. He looked smooth, demonstrating quick stickhandling and making area passes to Christian up ice. This showed his vision and touch with the puck. A player trending upward, Devlin is poised for a terrific season. Grade: A
Vaughn Makar #1 (G, L, 5’11”, 185, Anchorage Wolverines, 12/02/2004) – Vaughn won both games he started at the Showcase, and we saw both. He allowed two goals in each contest and stopped 57 shots. Standing at about 5’11”, he moved well in every direction, showing athleticism with quick feet and excellent reaction time. He had some of the fastest pads in Blaine. When he skated from the net to play the puck or came out to challenge shooters, he remained balanced on his skates, keeping his glove and blocker in front of his eyes. He stayed poised and effectively navigated through traffic. His rebound control appeared solid, and the Alaska native should be consistently reliable for the Wolverines. Grade: B
Parker Newman #23 (F, R, 5’11”, 180, Anchorage Wolverines, 12/06/2005) – Newman played a key role for Anchorage and stood out most against Johnstown in the two games we watched. The late 2006 played in the VJHL and NCDC after spending his youth hockey with Fox Motors. It had been a while since we last saw Parker, and he looked improved, playing fast with a strong stick. He snapped shots with pace while his feet were moving and drove to the net with strong crossovers to reach the crease. His speed pushed opposing defensemen back, making him look dangerous coming off the edge. His first touches were soft, and he used his decent stick skills to evade contact. He broke away on a breakaway attempt, and the puck did not slow him down. He played with grit and delivered solid checks. He’s an intriguing player with upside, as he can fly and plays a direct game. Grade: C+
Romulus Riego de Dios #13 (F, L, 6’1″, 175, Anchorage Wolverines, 04/13/2004, Air Force) – Romulus played a strong, steady game, picking up a goal in Blaine. Riego de Dios has long been a player that Neutral Zone scouts have graded highly. The 6’1″ Air Force commit played a versatile game, showcasing a high IQ, quick processing, and the ability to effectively participate in key power plays or penalty kills. He did not force plays up the ice; instead, Romulus waited and baited defenders and goaltenders. He valued possession and worked hard and smart in all three zones. He caught passes like a vacuum and demonstrated speed with the puck. He quickly snapped shots on the rush, hiding his release as he moved his feet, scoring a goal that way against New Jersey. The Ohio native exhibited speed, toughness, a productive stick, and moved well without the puck. While playing point on the power play, he looked comfortable and poised, making plays for teammates who had chances to get to the net. His best hockey is ahead, and his versatility will be his greatest asset at the next level. Grade: B+
Camden Shasby #7 (D, L, 5’9″, 167, Anchorage Wolverines, 12/02/2004, Western Michigan) – The Western Michigan commit and 2004 was a commanding presence on the blue line for the Wolverines. Though not a big player, he adapted well to the physicality of the league with swift feet, excellent mobility in every direction, and a powerful, economical stride. Seldom could anyone line Camden up for a hit, as he carried and passed the puck effectively and transitioned quickly through the neutral zone. Shasby swiveled and moved laterally to create seams for skating, passing, or shooting from the offensive blue line. In the win against Johnstown, he was one of three players on a critical 5v3 penalty kill, timing his jumps on puck carriers with explosive first steps. On Friday, Shasby looked sharp and played mistake-free hockey. He dove to make a poke check, got up quickly, and then carried the puck end to end to create a scoring opportunity. He delivered sharp passes and aimed for tips on the power play, picking up an assist in each game of the Showcase for a total of three points. His game was diverse; he can defend against size or speed while playing in any situation. Grade: A-
Jackson Stimple #14 (D, R, 6’5″, 215, Anchorage Wolverines, 09/07/2004) – Jackson had a quality season last year with Anchorage after playing with the Cleveland Barons through U18. He appeared to be all of 6’5″ and used his length to clog shooting and passing lanes, getting his blade on shot attempts. The most interesting aspect of his game was his puck handling. He dragged the puck and snapped it in the first game as he moved backward. Stimple showed enough agility to evade the forecheck and either carry or pass out of his end. He created clean zone entries on the power play, demonstrating speed and mobility. Jackson stole a puck in his own end and took off, quickly separating from the pack, which seemed to surprise his opponents. His release was quick, and he maintained a long handle on the puck. Against the Titans, Stimple carried the puck through the defense and snapped a perfect pass to Riego de Dios, who scored. Although the goal was called back due to goalie interference, it was an impressive play by the big man. He stood out all week but needs to become more of a lockdown defender in his own end. While he demonstrated he could skate and make plays, we wanted to see more physicality and attention in his zone for him to reach the ‘A’ grade range. He is a player that DI coaches should evaluate, as he still has room for growth and upside. Grade: B+
Patrick Tolan #26 (F, R, 6’0″, 175, Anchorage Wolverines, 02/25/2006) – In the first game against Johnstown, Patrick was tough to play against. He irritated the Tomahawks and was hard and fast on the forecheck. The 2006 played alongside Newman, and they connected well on the cycle, making some effective give-and-go plays. Tolan stole a puck and quickly snapped it home for a well-deserved goal against Johnstown. His efforts in his own end were excellent and well thought out; he blocked shots, helped protect the puck, and facilitated zone exits. He was consistent, adding energy, toughness, and a couple of assists. Tolan demonstrated strong vision and could make passes even with defenders on him along the wall. He caught our attention with his two-way game and grit. He has quality upside. Grade: B-
Taisetsu Ushio #10 (F, R, 5’9″, 170, Anchorage Wolverines, 12/05/2005, Alaska Anchorage) – The late 2005 prospect picked up two goals, one in each of the Wolverines’ first two games. The Japanese forward was cunning and played fast, showcasing dynamic, athletic edgework. He demonstrated straight-line speed and could accelerate with just a few strides to create chaos and make plays with possession. He turned, cut, and twisted away from defenders, excelling on the power play. In his own end, he helped with coverage in the high slot and blocked shots, even taking some hard hits. Taisetsu protected the puck well and contributed to penalty kills, including two 5v3 situations. During one of those 5v3s against Johnstown, he created a chance at the other end. His anticipation and stick work were elite. Ushio scored against the Tomahawks, popping a puck home on the rush to tie the game at 1-1. His passes were creative; for instance, he flipped a pass right to the glove of one of his linemates, the only way to get the puck through. In the game against New Jersey, Ushio received a pass on the power play and ripped it home to start the scoring. He skillfully stopped or delayed to change pace and let plays develop while exploiting the Titans’ gaps. Unafraid to shoot, Taisetsu wired pucks with a violent release that often created rebounds. He backchecked effectively, hitting a Titans player before quickly taking the puck and turning it into a transition opportunity. The Alaska Anchorage commit was dynamic offensively and responsible defensively. Ushio had an excellent week. Grade: A-
Austin Bruins
Connor Beckwith #13 (F, L, 5’9″, 170, Austin Bruins, 03/16/2005) – Beckwith won faceoffs with quick hands and a strong understanding of leverage. He displayed a high level of athletic intelligence as he twisted and curled to catch errant passes, adjusting his positioning to one-time pucks. Connor played fast, showcasing an excellent stride, glide, and the ability to accelerate on his crossovers. He played poised hockey and was a key part of the penalty kill brigade for Austin. The 2005 took smart angles in puck pursuit and had an aggressive, quick stick for defense. He knew when to jump on penalty kills, timing his moves beautifully while creating chances while short-handed. During one penalty kill against the Mountain Kings, he initiated two terrific offensive chances in a single shift, including an explosive wraparound attempt. Connor played well at both ends, and we appreciated his ability to win pucks with quick hands and good balance. In the game against New Hampshire, where he was particularly effective on the penalty kill, he scored a late goal on the power play by attacking the net from the corner on his backhand and snapping the puck home for his only point of the Showcase. Despite finishing with just one goal, he brought effort to every game and every shift, proving to be a versatile member of an excellent team. Grade: B-
Elijah Brown #29 (D, R, 6’6″, 207, Austin Bruins, 04/01/2004) – One of the more intriguing players at the NAHL Showcase, Brown stood at 6’6″. His size made him stand out, but we also noted that he was raw with significant upside. During a penalty kill against Elmira, he used a short, compact, yet powerful stride. He clogged lanes, blocked shots, and picked up an assist against Elmira when Elijah shot for a tip redirected by Luc Malkhassian. Eli showcased recovery speed and wasn’t afraid to take chances in the middle zone. He made two big hits in space and demonstrated balance and explosiveness on his skates, using his shoulder to punish opponents. His vision was solid, and he snapped crisp passes all over the ice. He played well here and is trending upward with a range of different tools. Grade: B+
Gus Elbert #2 (D, L, 6’0″, 185, Austin Bruins, 11/12/2006) – Gus had a solid season playing U18 for Sioux Falls last year. The Fargo native only appeared in one game we saw, but he caught our eye quite a bit. He showed flashes of skill and pace as he dodged the forecheck, demonstrating the ability to pass or carry the puck from his end. He looked smooth in open ice and could carry the puck with excellent pace. His stride was economical and balanced, and he effectively hid his poke check to create turnovers and initiate transitions. His retrievals were swift, and he picked pucks off the wall while in full flight. Elbert played with total effort, showcasing his upside and athleticism. He is definitely one to watch, and we would have liked to see more of him here. He received a B+ grade at USA Hockey Nationals. Grade: LV
Gavin Hruza #11 (F, L, 6’1″, 180, Austin Bruins, 12/15/2005) -Hruza played fast, showcasing quickness and speed. His excellent stride allowed him to tire less quickly than others. The West Fargo native played at Northstar Christian last season, scoring 65 goals. Highly regarded by our scouts at the U18 level, he stood out in the two games we watched with his pace, quality puck play, soft hands, and slick stickhandling. Gavin drove hard to the net with powerful crossovers, able to catch and shoot rapidly with force while remaining poised when settling pucks. He had the balance and strength to absorb contact and push the puck up the wall. He scored a goal by perfectly playing the F3 role, sneaking in to take a pass that he quickly snapped into the net. In the next game, he won puck races and kept the puck behind the New Hampshire defense, scoring another goal that we unfortunately missed. His feet were slick as he swiveled and curled away from pressure while handling the puck. Hruza created opportunities in space and on the rush, demonstrating craftiness and quickness. He even swiveled and dragged the puck for a shot that hit the post. He is an intriguing player with skill and upside as a late 2005. Grade: B
Kamden Kaiser #12 (F, R, 6’1″, 192, Austin Bruins, 06/23/2006) – Kamden improved as the event progressed. He got his feet moving, played with pace, and caught opponents on the backcheck, using a heavy stick to neutralize line rushes. He played hard at both ends of the ice. The 2006 had 57 points for Northfield (MN) and served as their captain last season. He played with intensity and took no nonsense from anyone. He stood up for his teammates and made it clear that he would be difficult to play against as he finds his way in a tough league. We appreciated his approach. He carried the puck in straight lines, showing enough wiggle to get to the net, and he paid excellent attention to detail. He stopped on pucks, backchecked through the middle and to the goal line, and moved the puck without hesitation. He took hits and delivered them, and he should improve rapidly as the season progresses. His upside is as a disruptive power forward with grit and a winning mentality. Grade: B-
Alex Laurenza #19 (F, L, 5’9″, 150, Austin Bruins, 02/24/2005, Union) – Laurenza played on the Bruins’ top line alongside Paddington and L. Malkhassian. In our first viewing, he wasn’t as noticeable as his linemates, but he won faceoffs, picked up a couple of assists with swift passes, and dragged and ripped two shots on net. He managed the game well, staying low to help his defensemen and facilitate breakouts. More of a distributor than a scorer, his head was always up, and he used both sides of his blade with accuracy and proper pace on his dishes. Alex settled bouncing pucks and handled bad passes while making his teammates better. In the next contest, he showcased more of his subtle skill and ability to make unselfish plays. He won two faceoffs by tying up his opponents and kicking the puck back to his defensemen. He rode his edges for a wraparound attempt and looked and played bigger than his 5’11” stature. He displayed speed and terrific balance. An interesting, versatile player, he is committed to Union. Grade: A-
Zander Lipsett #17 (F, L, 6’4″, 185, Austin Bruins, 11/07/2005) – We saw Lipsett against Elmira and during part of the New Mexico game. He played big at over 6’4″ and brought a tough, gritty attitude to his game. He stood up for his teammates, agitated opponents, and initiated contact with the puck to bully his way to the net. His reach was a weapon, allowing him to make passes even while pinned to the wall. He quickly got to the net front with a strong stride and heavy stick, making him difficult to move. Zander delivered a few strong hits along the wall, pulled the puck to change his release angle, and launched a shot with a smooth release from the top circles. He looked valuable to a team in a tough division, and his physicality made him a factor in low-zone play. The 2005 Kentucky native has considerable upside; he just needs time to develop. Grade: C+
Ryan Lund #25 (D, L, 6’4″, 190, Austin Bruins, 02/26/2006) – The 2006 stood out in both our viewings. At 6’4″ and over 200 lbs, he played a heavy, physical game both in his end and while defending against the rush. His stick and body worked in unison to defend, and he knocked forwards hard against the wall, often getting off checks first. He stopped forwards before they reached the net front and rubbed out the rush with some bite, sending the message that his end was his domain. His outlets were simple, and twice he poked pucks off sticks to start transitions. He played with excellent awareness and poise. The 2006 started off the event playing like a veteran. In the second game, he looked poised on the power play, making passes to players who had chances to make plays. He wired the puck from the point, showcasing slick puck play that included soft touches, quick snap passes, and a rapid release. He initiated plays and killed penalties effectively. On one kill, he had the presence of mind to sift a backhand pass to the half-wall, which his winger picked up to start an offensive rush. A high-ceiling player, he made an impact in each game. Grade: A
Evan Malkhassian #16 (RW, R, 5’9″, 165, Austin Bruins, 08/29/2007, Harvard) – Malkhassian played two games in Blaine and picked up an assist. The 2007 Harvard commit demonstrated right away that he was swift on his skates and had quick, slick hands. It took him some time to find space after a season in the OJHL, but he stayed active, changing direction with athletic edgework and could turn or stop on a dime. Most of the time, he was the fastest player on the ice, and once he realized that, he began to make plays. He darted through two defenders, hid the puck from contact, and then reconnected to snap a pass to his winger. Evan played fearless hockey low in the zone and ventured into tough areas. Against Elmira, he won the puck and quickly, without stickhandling, sifted a backhand pass to his linemate driving the net. In that game, he took a hit upon a zone entry, spun off the check, and made a pass to his center in one smooth motion. Without the puck, Malkhassian displayed a high hockey IQ, slipping into soft ice with excellent timing. As he settled into the game, he looked particularly slick against New Hampshire. He played on the power play, moving up for the high cycle and snapping shots through screens. He picked up an assist on a shot that created a rebound in the second period. A high-IQ player with a wealth of tools, Evan is poised to get better each day and has a very high ceiling. Grade: B
Luc Malkhassian #18 (F, R, 5’11”, 200, Austin Bruins, 05/18/2005) – Luc was one of the best players and prospects at the NAHL Showcase. He was built like a fire hydrant, showcasing speed, mobility, and athletic edgework. As an assistant captain, he led by example with a tough, productive brand of hockey. He played on the penalty kill and stole the puck twice in the first game we watched against Elmira; both interceptions led to scoring chances. Malkhassian was all over the ice, repeatedly driving to the net with and without possession. He scored a goal on a beautiful redirect and was effective both in open space and near the net on the power play. His hands were slick, and he combined them with a powerful core, maneuvering out of scrums and off the wall. His touches were clean, and his passes crisp. In the third period of the Elmira game, he found a loose puck at the net front and wheeled on his edges behind the net for a quick score. His shot was at a pro level, and he added three assists in that game, totaling five points. In our subsequent viewing against New Hampshire, Malkhassian played the point on the power play with poise and vision, identifying tip chances and waiting for screens. He also stole a puck on a penalty kill, leading to a breakaway. He impressed us with his diverse abilities, indicating significant upside and potential success at higher levels. Division One schools should take a hard look at the 2005 prospect. Grade: A
Ludvig Mellgren #28 (D, L, 5’9″, 165, Austin Bruins, 01/30/2004) – Mellgren played defense with some pop and an active, well-placed stick. His hands were swift and smooth. Ludvig made opponents miss to create outlets, and up ice, he was tough to defend along the offensive blue line and on the rush, as he was unpredictable with decent vision and a slippery element. He played fast but was not a burner. The 2004 prospect showcased an offensive game with quality defensive skills. He handled bad passes behind him and at his feet without breaking stride. Mellgren swiveled and toe-dragged off the wall, showing quickness in tight areas. He topped the rush at his blue line, had the puck a lot, and looked athletic as he batted a puck out of the air. Although he was the smallest of Austin’s defensemen, he added an offensive, up-tempo aspect to the group. He and Lund should be on the scoresheet all season. Grade: B+
EJ Paddington #9 (F, L, 6’3″, 205, Austin Bruins, 03/20/2005) – Paddington played last season in the SJHL, where he was voted the most improved player. In the NAHL, he was tough, mean, and always near the net. At 6’3″ and born in 2005, he can score and make life miserable for opponents. He was one of our favorite players in the entire Showcase. He used his length and speed—though his stride was a bit clunky—to get to pucks and win possession. EJ won almost every wall battle and knocked opponents flat on the ice. He rode opponents into the wall and set up at the net front, where they had little chance of moving him. He played on the power play and drove inside defenders to receive passes. He invited contact, either driving through checks or slipping by, disconnecting from the puck and reconnecting after taking contact. He protected the puck and turned quickly to rip a shot while surrounded by Elmira defenders. Midway through the first period, EJ was at the net front on the power play, standing directly in front of the goalie. A shot led to a rebound that Paddington won back, followed by a slick backhand pass to Rilei for the score. The 2005 prospect moved smartly without the puck, including into the high slot, where he showed the stick skills to deflect airborne pucks. He scored two goals in the Elmira game on day one. The first came off a pass from Luc Malkhassian, which EJ caught and fired home with authority to make it 4-1 Austin. The second goal came with 38 seconds left in the second period, when Paddington worked hard to reach the net front and jammed a rebound home. He had three points in that first game and could impact shifts even when he didn’t get on the scoresheet. In the next game against New Hampshire, Paddington added another goal on a breakaway, quickly firing a shot that went post and in. We noted he was a menace on the forecheck, winning wall battles repeatedly. He appeared to be a player rapidly improving, with strength, grit, skill, and a strong desire for the net. He was the straw that stirred the drink for Austin’s first line, along with Laurenza and L. Malkhassian. Grade: A-
Jackson Rilei #23 (F, R, 6’0″, 185, Austin Bruins, 01/27/2004) – Riley scored the first goal in the opening game against Elmira on the power play. He showcased a slick stick and made a clever move for the score, creating space in tight against the Aviators’ goaltender. We rated him as one of Austin’s five best players in that game. Jackson played with a strong stick along the wall and was able to absorb contact while slipping into space with possession. Rilei had the strength to drive to the net using crossovers and crossunders. His game should translate well to higher levels. He delivered firm, accurate passes on the power play and demonstrated good vision on the rush. In the next game, he played successfully in all situations and made crisp passes off the wall during breakouts. He exhibited a high hockey IQ without the puck, finding soft ice while effectively playing the bumper role on the power play. His game appeared diverse, and the 2004 prospect showed great promise. Grade: B+
Devin Rustlie #34 (G, L, 6’4″, 185, Austin Bruins, 02/10/2006) – The 6’4″ 2006 player participated in one game in Blaine and impressed with his quick flippers and athletic movements. Last season, he played for Bay Port High School in Wisconsin as well as Team Wisconsin. He received a ‘B’ grade in a loss for Bay Port in one game last season, where we noted he wasn’t quite aggressive enough. However, we didn’t see that here; he appeared stronger and more confident. He effectively took away angles and even came out to ice the puck all the way down on a penalty kill against the Mountain Kings. He read plays quickly and kicked out a puck that had been tipped, slowing its pace. He displayed athleticism and upside, making him a player to watch. He is trending upward. Grade: B+
Emil Samuelsson #26 (F, L, 6’1″, 169, Austin Bruins, 01/12/2004) – Emil centered the fourth line for a solid Austin team. He won faceoffs and battled with clever hands and excellent body positioning along the wall. His quick hands made him dangerous anywhere in the zone. Samuelsson played some point on the power play, proving he was not your average depth player. He showcased skill and pace, taking a pass on his backhand against Emil and, in the blink of an eye, quickly shifting to his forehand to fire a shot on net. He displayed a soft backhand touch on a firm pass at top speed, and Emil shot through a defender’s stick for a low bid on the net. With strong hands and a tricky stick, along with his ability to leverage space near the puck, he proved to be a threat. He played solid hockey and had excellent shifts, showcasing his skills on the power play. Grade: B
Tyler Shaver #5 (F, R, 6’2″, 200, Austin Bruins, 01/14/2005) – Shaver had a taste of the NAHL after a season with the Pitt Pens Elite U18s. We only saw him in one game here, but the 2005 played a rugged, direct style with some snarl, utilizing his frame and reach to battle and succeed in tough areas. He was all over the puck against Elmira, displaying speed, real pop, and physicality on the forecheck. His length clogged opponents’ passing lanes and helped him gather pucks. Tyler played through contact, keeping his eyes up even when challenged. His puck play was solid; he protected possession along the wall and made clever passes and stickhandles off the boards. His game was rugged, and he has upside as a depth player who can eventually kill penalties. The key for him will be whether he can become a plus player, as that would increase his value. He’s willing to take penalties, and that’s okay with us. Shaver won a fight against New Hampshire, landing two right hands after he knocked his opponent halfway into the bench to start the action. Grade: B-
Jack Solomon #31 (G, L, 6’3″, 200, Austin Bruins, 02/17/2005, UMass Lowell) – Jack picked up two wins here, only giving up a goal in each game and stopping 42 shots. His biggest challenge was that he played for one of the top teams and was not under pressure for large portions of both games. However, he stayed prepared, remaining aggressive with balanced movements and a sharp stick. Solomon filled the net well, going down at perfectly timed moments, and he could slide laterally in his crease quickly on his skates and pads. With quick hands and a high compete level, he’s a player our goalie scouts will take a hard look at. Jack had a quality season as a 2005 in the AJHL last year. Grade: A-
Jake Spraetz #14 (F, L, 5’11”, 180, Austin Bruins, 08/17/2006) – We only saw Jake in one game against Elmira, as he was a scratch for the Mountain Kings game. The 2006 draft pick by Sioux City last spring played in two games at that level. He played like a dog on a bone, believing the puck should belong to his team the entire game. That attitude can take you places. His effort was relentless and disciplined; he played with purpose and just enough grit to carve out space for himself and his teammates in tough areas. His first touches were excellent, and he played quickly in open ice, demonstrating the ability to snap passes all over the rink—directly and with some finesse. He looked clever and showed the ability to process plays quickly. Spraetz was quick, mobile, and had plenty of straight-line speed. He looked intriguing and showcased flashes of skill along with consistent effort, which bodes well for his progress. Grade: LV
Gustav Svantesson #20 (F, R, 6’3″, 187, Austin Bruins, 03/01/2004) – Gustav played a tough game, and we liked that he punished opponents on the wall and in open space with balance and a strong skating base. He played a significant role in helping Austin wear teams down. His skating was strong and of average speed. He snapped heavy shots off quickly, and we loved that he stood up for his teammates whenever necessary. A true team player, he should contribute on the scoresheet down the road. Grade: C+
Nathan Williams #15 (D, R, 6’1″, 185, Austin Bruins, 07/01/2005, Lake Superior) – Nathan played alongside Mellgren on the first pairing and in every situation. The 2005 prospect showed good reach and kept his stick on opponents’ sticks with tight gaps and decent mobility. Nathan effectively surrounded the puck in transition and was direct in his passing, leading forwards up the ice to attack the net. His puck play was simple, and his length gave him an advantage in finding passing lanes. Along the wall, he won battles and made straightforward outlets after gaining possession. Nathan demonstrated balanced edge work, although his stride could use some tightening. However, he could twist and make passes even with bodies on him. Williams was wiry and strong, using his center consistently for easy breakouts. He was versatile with a high ceiling. Grade: B-
Bismarck Bobcats
Calle Arvedson #9 (D, R, 5’11”, 170, Bismarck Bobcats, 10/01/2004) – Arvedson is a mid-sized right-shot defenseman who displays high confidence on the blue line with the puck. As the last player back, he makes smart, safe plays to avoid turnovers, and he doesn’t simply treat the puck like a grenade, throwing it down the wall without purpose. Calle spins off checks, slithers down the wall with the puck, and finds interior options for redirects and quick releases. When he carries the puck, he navigates well, creating quality chances as he advances it to favorable positions. Arvedson has the recovery speed from the weak side of the ice to prevent easy chances against his net, dashing back with smart angles. He effectively defends against dangerous odd-man rushes with pristine positioning and stick work. Grade: B-
Nathaniel Bannister #4 (D, L, 6’2″, 192, Bismarck Bobcats, 05/21/2004) – Bannister is a smooth puck-moving left-shot defenseman who consistently makes accurate, crisp first passes. He plays with high composure and can hit his center option on breakouts with speed. Nate may not be the fastest skater, but he becomes a freight train when he gets rolling up the ice, making him tough to knock off the puck. Defensively, his strength allows him to push opponents off the puck and ride them out along the wall to dispossess them, all while using tight gaps to smother puck carriers into turnovers. Bannister confidently holds the blue line, preventing easy zone exits and keeping pucks in with his body, longer reach, and stick in passing lanes. Grade: C+
Julian Beaumont #12 (F, L, 5’8″, 164, Bismarck Bobcats, 02/23/2004, Robert Morris) – Beaumont is a smaller veteran forward for the Bobcats who finished the weekend with 5 points (3G, 2A), 12 shots on goal, and a +2 rating, picking up a goal in each game played. He is a sturdy forward who consistently performs at a high level. He scored in the opening game on a breakaway, beating the netminder with a quick wrist shot just over the pad. Julian is a speedy winger who remains poised in possession, especially along the wall when time and space are limited. Beaumont can generate chances on his own from anywhere on the ice; he’s tough to knock off the puck and extends possessions with his vision. He effectively skates his linemates open and finds their tape from all over, while also adding a scoring touch. Julian scored a power-play goal after catching a pass in the high slot, ripping a shot without overhandling and beating the goalie on the low blocker side through the defender. He also peeled a puck out of a scrum in the offensive corner, keeping his head up to sauce a pass to the weak-side defenseman for a one-timer finish. Beaumont thrived on the power play, utilizing space well, but he also created his own space with quick, active feet. His game includes grit, tenacity, and a versatile skill set that make him a handful for the opposition; he can be deployed in all situations. Grade: A
Kyle Doll #5 (F, R, 6’0″, 185, Bismarck Bobcats, 03/19/2005) – Doll is an important piece of the Bobcats’ offense, even though he may not show much of an impact on the scoresheet. He is a puck retrieval specialist who loves to fight for pucks, win races, and compete in battles. If he loses a puck, Kyle is relentless in trying to get it back and consistently plays with a high motor. Doll works hard off the puck for his linemates, creating lanes, traffic, and chaos around him that leaves space for puck carriers. He shows a strong willingness to go to the net and hunt for rebounds or loose pucks to jam back on goal. His quick first step can break down defenders and put them in difficult positions as they struggle to keep up with him. Doll is utilized on both sides of special teams, mainly around the net on the power play to get to loose pucks, maintain possession, or win them back before they can be cleared. He also logs time on the penalty kill, using quick stops and starts to move in direct lines without getting pulled out of position. He can effectively dictate the forecheck with his stick and smart positioning. Grade: B
Ian Engel #19 (D, L, 6’0″, 186, Bismarck Bobcats, 05/13/2004) – Engel is an athletic defenseman who made several long stretch passes to spring his forwards for counterattack chances. On breakouts, he confidently uses any of his options with crisp passes, maintaining control of the puck even under heavy pressure. During puck retrievals, he quickly gets to the puck, remains calm under duress, and can absorb hits while still advancing the puck up the ice. Ian is mobile in every direction, with a quick first step that allows him to keep his man in front of him without getting crossed up. He can slow down rushes without interfering, positioning himself effectively to get to pucks using a reverse check for extra space. Engel adds extra zip to his shots, firing pucks through tight windows to hit his target accurately. He patrols the blue line, stalling rushes and preventing easy zone entries with his mobility. He loves to shoot the puck and can get it through traffic to the net with minimal wind-up, ending the three-game span with 11 shots on goal. He leads by example in every aspect, being deployed in all situations and finding success with a calm demeanor. Grade: B+
Jan Gaspar #16 (F, L, 5’10”, 175, Bismarck Bobcats, 10/18/2004) – Gaspar is a smaller forward who has the ability to maneuver with the puck and create scoring opportunities using his speed and vision. His edges are sharp, allowing him to spin and curl away from pressure while keeping the puck glued to his stick as he generates plays on the perimeter. Jan keeps his head up, quickly scanning for options and finding sticks in heavy traffic, demonstrating patience to allow lanes to open up. He displayed his cleverness in the offensive zone with subtle slip touches to turn defenders and make slick backhand passes to his teammates on the weak side. Defensively, he was somewhat quiet, but he became a significant threat with the puck on his stick. Grade: C
Evan Hunter #17 (RW, R, 5’9″, 177, Bismarck Bobcats, 08/20/2004) – Hunter is the type of player who has a “dog on a bone” style and consistently plays winning hockey. His intensity is unmatched, as he flies around the ice at a high pace, living in scoring areas and around the net. His spatial awareness allows him to find soft spots for dangerous scoring chances, complemented by his quick release. Evan is persistent in pursuing pucks, stopping and starting with precision, and relentlessly pressuring puck carriers below the top circles. Hunter positions himself in high-danger scoring areas; although he only picked up one goal, he was a threatening presence each shift. He can spin away from contact, protect the puck on the move, and drive pucks to the net. Hunter finished an easy chance created by Rafalski, where Evan simply established positioning and was able to tap the puck into the back of the net from behind the netminder. He has the ability to create plays with his feet and vision, avoiding overhandling pucks or risking turnovers. Grade: B+
Daniel Johnson #7 (D, L, 5’11”, 200, Bismarck Bobcats, 05/22/2005) – Johnson is a lean, active defenseman who takes calculated risks while maintaining strong positioning in his own end. On the offensive blue line, he can quickly throw pucks on net with no wind-up, preventing attackers from getting into his lane or giving the goalie time to set his feet. He doesn’t overhandle the puck but knows how to take space and slide off checks with his navigation skills. Daniel doesn’t try to make opponents miss in open space; instead, he finds open ice to deliver the puck. He remains disciplined, staying within the dots unless necessary, effectively sealing off the middle of the ice. Grade: C
Alexander Kim #21 (LW, R, 5’11”, 165, Bismarck Bobcats, 09/26/2005) – Kim has a sneaky pair of hands that he uses to create his own shooting lanes and generate chances on the rush. He averaged over 3 shots per game but was unable to find the back of the net this weekend. Alexandr has the ability to catch every pass thrown at him, corralling bouncing pucks and transitioning from feet to stick in a flash to distribute accurately. There’s a smoothness to his game as he carries the puck, slides off checks, and creates his own space with quickness. Around the net, his hands come alive, allowing him to make defenders miss and shield the puck while absorbing checks and maintaining control. Grade: C+
Jakub Kopecky #18 (F, L, 6’4″, 194, Bismarck Bobcats, 02/09/2004, St. Lawrence) – Kopecky is a tall, skilled forward heading to St. Lawrence next year, playing with a strong and powerful presence in all areas of the ice. He values the puck on his stick and can create opportunities under heavy pressure, showcasing offensive instincts and a poised demeanor. Jakub’s larger frame allows him to protect the puck and prevents him from being easily stripped, enabling him to drag bodies and pucks to the net. His firm presence is complemented by silky puck control, allowing him to dangle nearly at will and create his own space with smooth handling. Kopecky plays with a high work ethic, backchecking hard and effectively rubbing opponents off the puck, making him a bruiser when needed. He scored a goal off a rebound against Janesville after screening the goaltender, then knocking a puck out of the air and into the back of the net for the game-winning goal. His ability to extend plays with his length makes him a nuisance for defenders, as he gets his hands around sticks and finds interior options. Off the rush, he creates clean entries, leading to scoring chances. Kopecky is a versatile forward who treats the net front like a battleground, backchecking diligently and possessing the offensive flair to be a dangerous weapon on both sides of the puck. Grade: A-
Keanu Krenn #20 (F, R, 6’1″, 196, Bismarck Bobcats, 02/12/2004) – Krenn is a slippery presence on the puck, getting under bodies and evading checks to keep possession glued to his stick. In the corners, Keanu extends possessions with his speed and vision, controlling play out wide until he finds a pocket in the interior to distribute or take the puck himself. Around the net, he consistently distracts the opposition, taking away the netminder’s sight and putting pressure on defenders. He has a technically sound stride with solid speed and a quick release while in motion. One notable play saw him fire a one-touch shot from an awkward body position, putting enough force behind it to challenge the netminder from a spot that shouldn’t have posed much of a threat. Krenn has an uncanny ability to emerge from corners with the puck, break down the defense to open up lanes, and willingly get pucks around the net. He backchecks just as hard as he forechecks, making him a tough player to contend with in all three zones. Grade: B
Josh Lehto #10 (LW, L, 5’9″, 181, Bismarck Bobcats, 04/19/2004) – Lehto plays on both sides of special teams and loves to fire the puck, recording 11 shots on goal in 3 games. Josh is strong on his edges and can drive the net while protecting the puck out wide, leaning into defenders to make plays near the crease. While shorthanded, he keeps pucks to the outside and takes straight lines to his man, quickly returning to the house to prevent opponents from accessing the middle of the ice. On the power play, Lehto plays in the bumper position, making one-touch passes back to the perimeter, which turns penalty killers and gives teammates an extra second to make a play. He assisted on a goal by Beaumont after receiving a pass in the slot; he held the puck for a split second to allow the defense to converge before dishing it out wide, where Julian found room to snipe. Grade: B-
Matthew Rafalski #28 (D, R, 6’1″, 182, Bismarck Bobcats, 06/12/2004, Lindenwood) – Rafalski is a multi-dimensional, athletic defenseman who can adapt to any style and be an effective piece on the back end. Against Janesville, he had a game-high 9 shots on goal, creating lanes to fire shots through with no wind-up, preventing attackers from setting their feet and making it difficult for the goaltender to get comfortable. He also blocked at least 3 shots that looked extremely painful, yet he didn’t even flinch. Matthew is highly mobile, moving around the ice with ease and an effortless stride. Everything about his game is simple, and he makes it all look easy at this level. His passes are accurate rockets that reach their targets’ tape while in motion. He is nearly impossible to hit, using his edge work to cut and turn away from forecheckers, allowing for easy zone exits. Defensively, he clogs passing lanes, anticipates plays perfectly, and seals off the middle of the ice while being physical when needed. He delivered a solid hip check while defending his blue line that sent the puck carrier sprawling. Rafalski takes the right angles to pucks, forcing puck carriers into tight areas and stripping them with a smart, strong stick. Matthew caught a pass as the weak-side defenseman, maneuvered through a defender to reach the high slot, and then dished it back to the weak side for Hunter to score in space while everyone else on the ice was frozen. His transition game is quick, clean, and accurate, featuring snappy passes through traffic, and he has the ability to jump into the play. Rafalski is a high-IQ player who truly does it all, with a toolkit that exceeds the capabilities of most players in the league. Grade: A
Zane Rowan #25 (F, L, 5’11”, 195, Bismarck Bobcats, 05/27/2004) – Rowan is a mid-sized forward for the Bobcats who didn’t find the scoresheet in the three games played over the weekend. He is a supportive player who approaches the puck with speed, allowing him to gain momentum while carrying it up the ice. He is an easy option off the puck, consistently finding space to be available with his feet moving and bringing traffic with him. Zane carries the puck on the rush and can safely navigate to the middle of the ice without putting himself at risk of taking a big hit, allowing him to get shot opportunities. Grade: C
Wyatt Sypniewski #11 (F, L, 6’1″, 195, Bismarck Bobcats, 05/09/2007, Providence) – Sypniewski is a tall, athletic skater born in 2007 who plays with high confidence in all situations. He has an easy flex on his stick, allowing him to rocket pucks off with relative ease. Wyatt is a skilled forward with deceptive moves, utilizing his strength and showing fearlessness against bigger veterans. His release is smooth and quick, requiring minimal time to get shots off while his feet are moving. Sypniewski showcased his vision in a play against Janesville, where he swooped deep to help defend in his own zone, picked up a puck, rounded the net, sliced through a few attackers, and then dished the puck outside to initiate a rush up ice. He can quickly counterattack while also helping to defend in transition with his long, active stick to seal off openings. His powerful stride allows him to move up the ice with speed, but he will need to add a bit more pace to be even more effective. His game is still developing at a high rate, and he is a competitive, skilled forward who will continue to become more dangerous and dynamic over time. Grade: B+
Kai Weigel #29 (G, L, 6’0″, 185, Bismarck Bobcats, 10/21/2005) – Weigel played in only one game over the weekend but secured a 2-1 win against Danbury, stopping 15 of the 16 shots he faced. He had a relatively easy night in terms of shots, which could have led to him being uninterested, but he made everything look simple and effortless. He plays at the top of his crease to take away angles, forcing shooters to fire into his body and create difficult shooting lanes. He tracked the puck well, directing shots to safety with quality rebound control and catching everything with his glove. Kai didn’t let anything get through him and made the important saves when called upon, helping to secure the victory. Grade: B+
Chippewa Steel
Deke Davidson #11 (D, L, 6’1″, 181, Chippewa Steel, 06/04/2006) – Davidson is able to transition pucks up ice quickly and smoothly. He gets his feet under him rapidly, gathers speed, and uses that momentum to add extra zip to his passes. When his time and space are quickly taken away during retrievals, he doesn’t just throw pucks away; instead, he makes the right pass or holds the puck to absorb contact. There is a deceptive strength in his game that allows him to fend off opponents and maneuver them around his net. Deke is equipped with a quick stick and the ability to create clean breakouts. His backhand distribution is accurate and precise, as he often goes indirect or connects with his partner using an easy touch under pressure. Late in several tight games, Davidson logged quality minutes and was relied upon for play on both sides of the ice. Grade: B-
Camden Davis #19 (F, L, 6’3″, 210, Chippewa Steel, 03/24/2003) – Davis is a larger power forward who uses his frame to his advantage. He can use his body to separate from defenders and make plays with the puck while keeping it well away from his body. Camden appears to use minimal force, yet he flexes his stick with impressive power, generating a lot of zip behind his passes and shots. He doesn’t try to overhandle the puck or do anything beyond his capabilities, relying on simplicity as one of his best assets. Grade: C
Jakub Irsak #35 (G, L, 6’2″, 160, Chippewa Steel, 12/17/2005) – Irsak only manned the crease in one game over the weekend, but he made a significant impact. Jakub allowed 17 goals on 20 shots in a 3-2 loss that could have easily gone the other way. He tracked pucks well into his glove from a distance, keeping his eyes on the puck even through traffic. He didn’t commit to the butterfly too quickly, maintaining a stance that prevented pucks from going over his shoulder while showcasing quick recovery speed around his net. He works from post to post, then attacks once he has his feet under him and is positioned at the right angle. Grade: C+
Jackson Lackas #17 (F, L, 5’8″, 155, Chippewa Steel, 12/26/2006) – Lackas didn’t have much of an offensive showing, despite coming off a 5-point game heading into the showcase, but he was a highly impactful player in other ways. As an undersized forward, he is quick and lightning fast. His speed was a challenge for the opposition all weekend, as he generated offense off the rush and won races to loose pucks to initiate offensive pressure. Below the goal line, he was a pest, disrupting plays and making it difficult for opponents to execute clean exits. He drew multiple penalties due to his pace, often getting tripped or hauled down once he passed a defender. While shorthanded, he posed a significant problem for the opposing team, creating chances while down a man and using his speed to clear pucks and kill extra time. Even without dominating the scoresheet, he consistently made positive plays with his legs and proved to be a valuable player at both ends of the ice. Grade: B
Jacob Ligi #8 (F, R, 5’10”, 175, Chippewa Steel, 03/16/2004) – Ligi was an assist machine all weekend, finding teammates all over the ice with his accurate passes and vision. Jacob runs the top of the first power play unit from the point as well as the breakout up ice. He is a smaller forward with a quick, shifty, and agile nature that allows him to evade defenders in space and create clean zone entries with his pace. He advances the puck into favorable positions that generate dangerous chances at the net, extending possessions in the process. Jacob scored against Shreveport, where he had a shot blocked but stayed with the puck to hammer in a shot and take a 3-2 lead. One of his assists on the power play came from dragging the puck to the left along the blue line, then firing a missile shot pass on the ice for Percic to redirect in the slot. In the offensive corners, he displays a slippery nature, able to spin away from checks and create his own time and space with his footwork. His head is consistently up, scanning options quickly without overhandling the puck. Below the goal line, he made it difficult for defenders to keep up with him, doing some of his best work with tight, accurate touch passes to teammates in soft spots. Ligi is the leader of the team, playing in a variety of situations and being deployed when it matters most. Grade: B+
Colton Mauser #5 (D, L, 5’9″, 180, Chippewa Steel, 06/11/2004) – Mauser played physically at his blue line and didn’t allow any easy flybys while toeing the line of interference. There is a noticeable pop in his game when he plays the body, as he has a powerful core that helps him defend and battle effectively. When pucks were chipped behind him, he could turn quickly to retrieve them, using his body to shield and take a hit in order to advance the puck to his partner or winger. When the puck went to the weak side, he effectively slowed down opponents to prevent his partner from being put in tough spots, positioning himself for reverse options. Colton is an athletic skater who plays tough and makes smart decisions with the puck, avoiding putting it in harm’s way and maintaining space around his own net. Grade: C+
Ryder McIntosh #10 (C, 5’10”, 165, Chippewa Steel, 01/01/2005) – McIntosh was wiring pucks through tight windows with pristine accuracy all weekend. His cross-ice passes were crisp and right on target, even when faced with heavy pressure from pinching defensemen. Ryder demonstrated the ability to catch pucks on his backhand at speed while still maintaining enough pace to burn around defenders. He didn’t let pressure faze him, making quality decisions under duress and accurately hitting his targets. He has a unique ability to play at a high pace or slow things down, remaining effective in both scenarios. McIntosh plays with a high hockey IQ, but he needs to work on getting his feet under him for a more economical stride. He scored a rebound goal with a shot from a sharp angle that trickled into the back of the net after bouncing off the goaltender. He grew more confident as the weekend progressed, ultimately finding the touch he had been lacking in the last game, where he recorded a goal and an assist in a 4-3 win. Grade: C+
Gavin Middendorf #9 (F, R, 5’10”, 175, Chippewa Steel, 06/18/2004) – Middendorf is a playmaking forward who thrives with the puck on his stick and possesses high awareness. He navigates traffic well without getting bumped off possessions, doing most of his damage out on the perimeter. His zone entries create quality chances off the rush, as he can draw defenders in, touch pucks over sticks, and lay them out into space for his teammates. Gavin had a power play entry that led to a goal with a simple touch to space. His shot release is tough for goaltenders to pick up, as he can drag and release around or through defenders to avoid getting his shot blocked. While he doesn’t typically play at high speeds, he creates plays in almost a slow-motion fashion. This is not to say he can’t wheel with the puck; rather, he prefers to slow the game down and make plays with it. Gavin did find the back of the net on the power play, catching a pass across the blue line and letting the defender slide past him. He then dragged the puck around and rifled a shot high to the blocker side from around the top of the right circle. Grade: B
Matic Percic #28 (F, L, 6’2″, 198, Chippewa Steel, 04/11/2006) – Percic is a skilled and smooth forward for the Steel who has a strong presence on the puck. He is difficult to knock off the puck and possesses the hands to dangle, along with the strength to maintain control even while being bumped around in traffic. On the power play, he typically plays in the bumper position, either touching pucks to space or preparing to fire from any body position. Matic scored a power play goal while in motion in the slot, dragging a defender on his back. He redirected a shot pass from Ligi, which came from the flank, ramping it upstairs from above the hash marks. He doesn’t waste time with the puck on his stick and distributes it with crisp, flat passes. Grade: B-
George Peterson #14 (D, R, 6’0″, 185, Chippewa Steel, 06/05/2004) – Peterson is a veteran defenseman for the Steel who knows when to activate into the rush. He doesn’t typically carry the puck on his own but can hit his low support on the wall or in the middle of the ice before darting up to join the play. Off the rush, he demonstrates quality timing, getting to pucks to force them loose or pressuring puck carriers into turnover situations by causing them to bobble the puck. He doesn’t need to be overly physical to strip pucks; he can effectively rub opponents out and then use his strong stick to jar the puck loose. Peterson made several clever decisions with the puck, quickly reading the play and accurately distributing it during power play breakouts. Grade: C+
Henry Peterson #2 (D, R, 6’3″, 190, Chippewa Steel, 05/25/2007, St. Thomas) – Peterson is a long, lean right-shot defenseman who is still growing into his stride and is an active skater from the back end for the Steel. He has solid mobility for a player of his size and can control pucks in difficult situations as pressure bears down on him. His length allows him to protect pucks during retrievals and create clean space to make accurate passes to his targets. Henry stays composed, avoiding lunging for pucks or getting overextended off the rush, while remaining inside the dots. He can put significant mustard behind his passes, making it difficult even for his teammates to catch them. He takes his space with the puck without overhandling it, and even without contributing to the stat sheet, he helps get plays moving north. Grade: C+
Sam Schulte #7 (D, R, 6’2″, 183, Chippewa Steel, 03/20/2007) – Schulte is a well-sized, athletic 2007 defenseman who plays wisely beyond his years, showing no lack of confidence against older competition and demonstrating significant upside. His active stick effectively pokes pucks away from a distance, lunging only when the opportunity is right and without getting beat behind him. His edgework allows him to engage attackers while also spinning away from contact on retrievals to initiate clean breakouts up ice. Against the Mudbugs, he pinched up the wall, went to one leg to block a clearing attempt, and then fought through a hit to gain control of the puck and attack the net. Sam thrived on the offensive blue line, keeping pucks in by jumping and batting them down, while remaining highly composed under pressure at the top of the zone. He made several clever slip plays to create space for his teammates with give-and-go actions, effectively dragging defenders out with him. He moves the puck well and demonstrates a good hockey sense. Grade: B
Zach Sondreal # (D, R, 6’0″, 181, Chippewa Steel, 02/19/2004) – Sondreal is a defensive stalwart who plays a physical, straightforward game on the back end for the Steel. As the captain, Zach delivered a tough and steady performance all weekend, logging significant minutes and clogging up lanes. He is willing to block shots and do the dirty work around his net and in the corners to regain possession. His stick effectively disrupts plays, and he adds smart contact to rub opponents out and separate them from the puck. Around the crease, he boxes out well, lifting sticks and preventing secondary scoring chances with his strength. There’s a bit of agility in his game; he can curl and accelerate to create space and advance pucks up ice. Zach makes simple plays with the puck, avoiding overly aggressive or risky decisions. Grade: B-
Tomas Trunda #23 (F, L, 5’10”, 171, Chippewa Steel, 10/15/2004) – Trunda is a versatile forward from Czechia who excels in every situation. He possesses a unique smoothness that allows him to control pucks in tight areas and maneuver around checks as he navigates through the neutral zone. Tomas effectively killed off every shorthanded attempt while also being deployed on the top power play unit, demonstrating his reliability in various roles. He skated purposefully up and down the ice, able to sprint in straight lines. His touch was impeccable, saucing pucks through the house with perfect rotation to land flat on his teammate’s stick. While shorthanded, he showed no hesitation to block shots and put his body on the line, effectively taking away the middle of the ice. In one notable play, Trunda was the second forechecker in the neutral zone when a freight train of a puck carrier came charging through. Although he was knocked back and slid about 200 feet, he managed to force the puck loose, leading to a scoring chance off the ensuing rush. He can change speeds off the rush to exploit gaps and create difficult situations for opposing defensemen. One of his assists came from supporting a battle in the offensive corner, where he pulled the puck out of the scrum and quickly turned to hit Ligi in the slot. Tomas remains calm under pressure, never panicking and consistently playing with poise during high-stress situations. He is the player you want on the ice at any time to create plays and protect his own zone. Trunda plays the game with finesse and skill while being a dependable, versatile forward. Grade: A-
Colorado Grit
Christian Carter #94 (F, 5’10”, 165, Colorado Grit, 09/03/2005) – Carter is a smaller, speedy forward who excels at killing penalties and can fly in straight lines. When racing for pucks, he accelerates quickly to top speed, winning possessions with his legs. His game has a smooth pace, allowing him to be agile, jumping in any direction while stopping and starting effectively on pucks. He attacked plays shorthanded, not allowing the opposition to settle in when he was on the ice. His calculated pressure, combined with a commitment to not giving up the middle of the ice, enabled him to be aggressive in spurts. In one notable play, he went full speed while in possession, and when a defender attempted to make a hit, Carter’s glove flew off, but he kept going to the net, wiring a shot and then stopping for a rebound. Christian played a fearless game, even without making a significant offensive impact. Grade: C+
Alex German #9 (D, L, 6’1″, 185, Colorado Grit, 07/07/2004) – German is a savvy veteran defenseman for the Grit who contributes a bit offensively but is primarily relied upon for his play in his own end. He times his pinches to perfection, getting to pass receivers before the point of contact to jar pucks loose and force bobbles without having to deliver big hits or put himself out of position. He effectively works both blue lines, slowing up opposing rushes by contesting his line and forcing offsides with his stick and gap control, not allowing pucks to escape the offensive zone easily. Alexander has the strength to easily throw players off pucks, demonstrating this when necessary. While his puck movement may not be the crispest, he effectively wills pucks out of the zone by using the glass or even his legs when needed. German carries the puck like a freight train, barreling up ice with an aggressive presence without overhandling or putting himself in difficult spots to make plays. He scored a power-play goal where he was left alone on the weak side of the ice; after catching a pass across the blue line, he crept in a few steps and fired a missile high to the short side. Grade: B
Christopher Graves #28 (F, L, 5’9″, 165, Colorado Grit, 11/26/2005) – Graves is a speedy forward who utilizes his pace to chip pucks around defenders and gain first touches. While he didn’t receive credit for the assist, he dumped a puck along the near wall, won the race to it, and took a hit to touch it out to German, who was able to corral and finish. Chris started an overtime period against the Mallards and seemed to really flourish with the extra space. He values the puck to a certain extent, knowing when to get rid of it before being sealed off, but he also has the speed to maneuver around opponents and slip off checks. Grade: C
Luke Helgeson #55 (D, L, 6’0″, 200, Colorado Grit, 10/31/2004) – Helgeson plays a cerebral two-way game from the back end for the Grit, and he was the team’s points leader coming into the showcase. He has balanced mobility; he may not be the fastest or quickest player, but he has the footwork to create separation and find space for an accurate first pass. Luke likes to jump into the play, and if he isn’t carrying the puck, he will dish it out wide before joining the rush. In the offensive zone, he can slip down the weak side for backdoor chances, drawing attention away from the puck carriers. Luke has a gritty presence around the net and isn’t afraid to pursue loose pucks. When he pinches down the wall, he does so with a calculated approach, separating players from the puck without needing to deliver heavy hits. He times his movements well, getting to puck carriers as the puck approaches without being too early or too late. On retrievals, he can use his frame to hold off opponents, then drive to open ice and make plays under pressure. Helgeson loves to contribute to the offense, adding layers to the rush while breaking pucks out with confidence and quality. Grade: B+
William Johnson #8 (F, L, 5’10”, 170, Colorado Grit, 03/18/2004) – Johnson is a mid-sized forward who finished the weekend with 3 points in 3 games. He has an uncanny ability to wire pucks that are on edge with pristine accuracy. He can get pucks to land flat on his target, even if they are bouncing at first, and he can corral anything thrown at him with quick feet and smooth stick transitions. William has a quick, low stride that allows him to buzz around the ice with and without the puck. His lone goal of the weekend came from supporting his defensive zone with speed to create a one-on-one situation as he entered wide into the zone. He used the defenseman as a shield to hold the puck out wide, avoiding a poke check, and then wired a screamer far side, beating the goaltender low off the post while keeping his feet moving. Johnson is not a stagnant player; he works well off the puck for his linemates, creating lanes with his motion. His speed and tenacity set him apart, as he is willing to go to the tough areas unselfishly, giving his linemates more room to operate. Johnson added a pair of assists over the weekend, one of which came from a low battle in the corner where he supported Ori, pulled a puck out of the scrum, and hit Noble in the slot for a goal. In the first game of the weekend, he won a faceoff back to his defenseman, who ripped a shot right off the hop. Johnson plays a solid game at both ends of the ice and can carry a line with his efforts. Grade: B+
Cade Kozak #3 (D, L, 5’8″, 168, Colorado Grit, 11/06/2006) – Kozak is an undersized defenseman for the Grit who was able to find the back of the net on the power play this weekend. During an offensive zone draw, he caught a puck that was won back to him, and without handling it, he let it rip off the post and in, despite a little bit of traffic. His release is clean, allowing shots to get through bodies as he fires with his head up to avoid getting blocked. He moves quickly along the blue line, keeping the puck on his forehand and avoiding overstickhandling or fumbling pucks in vulnerable positions. Cade handles pressure well, making easy slip passes and spinning away from contact to start breakouts up ice using his legs. He has a knack for navigating through traffic without getting pickpocketed, creating entries off the rush. Grade: B-
Nicholas Noble #4 (F, R, 5’7″, 140, Colorado Grit, 04/22/2004) – Noble had a big game against Chippewa, where he picked up a goal and an assist while being an effective player at both ends of the ice. Nicholas finishes checks, backchecks, and plays a complete 200-foot game. Below the hash marks, he flourished, going hard after pucks, winning battles, pressuring puck carriers into tough handles and turnovers, and then getting pucks to the net. Noble is deployed shorthanded, confidently blocking shots and taking smart lanes on the forecheck to steer pucks out wide, preventing the second layer of the breakout from gaining momentum to easily access his zone. In the neutral zone, he positions himself effectively, using his stick to take away lanes, deflect passes, and close down time and space on puck carriers. Nicholas is like a shark that smells blood in the water, forcing turnovers. Even though he isn’t the biggest player, he can make a significant impact physically and mentally on the opposition. He was an annoyance to deal with, continuously poking the puck away and outworking the players next to him. Noble scored a massive game-winning goal with only three seconds left on the clock. He positioned himself in the slot above a battle below the hash marks and received a hard pass that was tough to handle. Without needing to dust it off, he fired it back on net, beating the goalie upstairs and securing the extra point for his team. Noble can be relied upon in a variety of situations and consistently improved his play as each game progressed. Grade: B+
Lucca Ori #15 (F, R, 5’9″, 145, Colorado Grit, 01/11/2006) – Ori had a solid weekend, both statistically and in his gameplay, finishing with a pair of assists. He is a smaller, stocky forward who is pesky on the forecheck, forcing defenders into mishandles without needing to be overly physical. He was a bloodhound below the dots, getting on loose pucks and steering plays to the wall to rub puck carriers off, then turning pucks toward the net. Lucca made his presence known as the F1, quickly pressuring puck retrievers and putting them in difficult positions to make plays. He doesn’t overdo it with his stick skills or try to be anything he isn’t; instead, he accelerates his linemates with his presence and utilizes his vision to distribute pucks effectively. Ori skates players open and holds the puck for just the right amount of time before delivering a smart pass. Grade: B-
Ben Rakowski #20 (LW, L, 6’1″, 175, Colorado Grit, 04/21/2006) – Rakowski is a bigger forward with a deceptive release that he uses in tight spaces to get quality shots off. Ben is able to pull pucks into his body, drag them around sticks, and generate enough power behind his shots even when his hands are farther from his body. He reads plays well, typically positioning himself as the high F3, slowing down exits and intercepting passes by being in the way and taking away the puck carrier’s first option, which often leads to bobbled and mishandled pucks. While he didn’t find much success on the scoresheet, his consistent smart positioning on the forecheck created opportunities by generating turnovers for his linemates to capitalize on. Grade: C
Sheldon Rioux #92 (F, L, 6’0″, 162, Colorado Grit, 05/24/2007) – Rioux, an ’07 birth year, didn’t dominate the scoresheet but made impactful plays as he quickly picked up the game in front of him. He managed only one assist, which came after he finished a check in the neutral zone that led to a turnover. He then dumped the puck into the near side corner, where he could get the first touch on it, spun off a check, and found Vlassis in the slot for a goal. He plays without fear and is willing to battle for position around the net, finding rebounds and secondary scoring chances to jam back on goal. Sheldon has slippery hands, allowing him to drag, release, and pull pucks around sticks to get quality shots off and catch unsuspecting goaltenders off guard with his release point. Rioux consistently found soft spots in the offensive zone and wasn’t afraid to pursue the play instead of waiting for it to come to him. Grade: B
Evan Smutney #6 (D, R, 6’3″, 208, Colorado Grit, 02/04/2004) – Smutney is a large, firm presence, standing around 6’3″, which allows him to take up a good amount of space in his own zone. Despite his size, he doesn’t rely on being overly physical; instead, he uses his reach to gain possession and smartly take the body to knock opponents off the puck. When attacked, he positions himself effectively, staying in the middle of the ice to prevent pucks from getting through the house. Evan can smother puck carriers from a distance, using his sheer size to his advantage. Offensively, he may not stand out on the stat sheet, but he contributes effectively. During breakouts, he looks to his winger to draw defenders and F3 in, then confidently delivers accurate passes to his center support option. Smutney picked up an assist by corralling a pass along the offensive zone wall and quickly sending a laser pass across the ice to German, who found the back of the net. Evan proved to be an important piece of the defensive group, helping to alleviate pressure in his own zone. Grade: B
Pete Sterling #33 (G, L, 6’5″, 181, Colorado Grit, 11/16/2004) – Sterling had a solid showing in a win against the Chippewa Steel, stopping 27 of the 29 shots he faced in a 3-2 victory that could have easily gone the other way. Standing around 6’5″, he is a towering presence in the crease who plays a blocking style without needing to get high to take away angles. His legs cover a lot of real estate in his butterfly, making it tough to beat him low as he closes off space effectively. Late in a tight game, he consistently made big saves to keep his team ahead and maintained momentum. When called upon, he answered the bell and proved difficult to beat in the victory. Grade: B-
Justin Vlassis #12 (F, L, 6’0″, 177, Colorado Grit, 05/11/2007) – Vlassis, a 2007 birth year, found the back of the net in the opening game of the weekend. He chipped a puck low off the rush, where his linemate won the race, then turned and found Justin just above the crease with a puck at his feet, which he one-touched into the net short side. He is a supportive two-way center who may not be an offensive juggernaut, but plays sound defensively before jumping into the offense. In the defensive zone, Justin plays with a low position, allowing his defenders to be more aggressive with their gaps. He jumps in to support battles when he sees fit, and his timing is usually spot-on. Vlassis plays without fear for a younger player in the league, driving the blue paint with purpose and willing to take a few extra whacks to make a play. He is trusted on the penalty kill, taking direct lanes to pucks and working his way back to the house to prevent pucks from getting through the middle of the ice. Late in games, he logged big minutes and proved to be a valuable asset on both sides of the puck during critical moments. Grade: B
Landon West #25 (F, L, 5’9″, 185, Colorado Grit, 09/25/2004) – West is a mid-sized forward with a unique ability to catch missile passes on his backhand while at top speed and on the move, allowing him to maintain his pace. His speed generated quality zone entries off the rush, and he was able to contort his body to corral pucks on the move. When attacking off the rush, he liked to drive toward the middle of the ice, drawing defenders in before dishing the puck out wide to give his teammates extra space to operate. Landon drove hard to the net off the puck, bringing bodies with him and stopping at the blue paint to capitalize on loose puck opportunities. Grade: C
Corpus Christi IceRays
Pier-Olivier Allard #4 (D, L, 5’11”, 185, Corpus Christi Ice Rays, 02/17/2004) – We noticed Allard in his game against Danbury. He was tough to play against, utilizing powerful and firm edges while quickly eliminating time and space in his zone. At about 5’11”, he has a thick core and is strong in tough areas. Compact and powerful, he made crisp passes and demonstrated mobility to evade forecheckers as he moved up the ice into the offensive zone. He protected his net and goalie, stopping rushes at or before his blue line with physicality and a quick stick. Pier-Olivier protected the puck well; in the neutral zone, he could skate laterally backward and quickly transition from back to front with possession. The Quebec native may not be an offensive force, but he is a reliable puck mover with some pop when defending. The 2004-born player did his job well and should be a plus player who can be used in all situations this season. Allard has experience in the CCHL, BCHL, and AJHL. Grade: B
Billy Biedermann #29 (F, L, 5’10”, 150, Corpus Christi Ice Rays, 06/17/2005) – Biederman didn’t stand out on the ice, but in our opinion, that was a positive for his game. He is in his second season with the Ice Rays, and they clearly recognize all the small things Billy does throughout a game. The 2005-born player was solid in the faceoff dot and took smart angles in puck pursuit. He had smooth hands, processed options quickly, and found open teammates. He could create plays or hesitate before releasing the puck to get defenders to bite. He moved laterally to locate teammates with firm passes and displayed athleticism with his hand-eye coordination, allowing him to bat pucks down around him. Although he took an unnecessary penalty while on the penalty kill, he played smart and mistake-free hockey overall. Grade: C+
Lars Petter Eckholm #11 (LW, L, 6’1″, 195, Corpus Christi Ice Rays, 03/07/2004) – Lars was listed as committed to UNH on the first day of the showcase, but 24 hours later, he was uncommitted. Regardless, he looked like a goal scorer, capable of carrying the puck or slipping into open ice to receive passes and shoot quickly on net. He stayed in motion and knew where to position himself to get scoring chances. The Norwegian played his first year of North American hockey in the BCHL last season and is now in the NAHL. His stride was balanced, allowing him to reach top speed quickly. With his head up, he took a shot on a 2-on-1 against Springfield to create a rebound chance. His pace enabled him to close in on opponents quickly, and he maintained a low stance to ride them off the puck. He wired shots on net and was slippery along the wall. Lars played with some edge and wasn’t afraid to go to tough areas, demonstrating excellent positioning in front of the net. Petter Eckholm pressured low below the dots on rebounds and dump-ins, creating issues for the opposing defense without being overly physical. Lars had enough size to fend off stick checks and roll off contact while showcasing a slippery element and an attacking mentality. He was intriguing, as he played well in every corner of the ice. Grade: B+
Matthew Green #19 (F, L, 6’1″, 185, Corpus Christi Ice Rays, 04/11/2004) – Green played in the NOJHL and then the OJHL for the last two seasons, during which time the Barrie native averaged about a point per game. In our last report, Matthew earned an ‘A’ grade for his performance in the OJHL. He displayed many of the same traits our Canadian scouts have noted, playing a hard, smart two-way game with a blend of grit and skill. Green did not force his skill into the game and maintained a low-risk, high-reward approach. He was very willing to take the puck to the net and crashed it hard a couple of times, which we appreciated. Although he did not register a point at the Showcase, he kept moving and accepted passes with soft touches. He slipped in and out of scoring areas with smart timing and worked to create lanes for puck carriers to find him. He played intelligent hockey and made his teammates better. Scoring will come, as he played a winning style. Grade: B-
Cody Kempf #21 (F, R, 5’9″, 165, Corpus Christi Ice Rays, 01/08/2004) – Against Danbury on the first day of the Showcase, Cody scored a power-play goal with a powerful shot from the top of the circles, leaving the goalie with no chance. The ferocious release of his shot mirrored his overall play. He brought intensity to the forecheck and finished his checks all over the ice. The Verona, WI native demonstrated plenty of speed as he flew in to forecheck and won puck races. His ability to hit and create turnovers was superb, and he held his ground near the net. He played bigger than his listed size and was an irritant to opponents. Kempf showed good jump and zipped passes to the point twice on the power play. He processed plays quickly and delivered crisp, flat, spinning passes on target. He split defenders for a breakaway; although he didn’t finish while getting harassed, he showcased his straight-line speed. He was excellent on the penalty kill, generating turnovers and creating offensive chances. Cody played in key situations, including a tight finish against Springfield. Reliable, rugged, and highly competitive, Cody should have plenty of options with small colleges very soon. Grade: B
Carter Krenke #17 (F, R, 6’5″, 195, Corpus Christi Ice Rays, 09/22/2004) – At 6’5″, Carter demonstrated the skating speed to stay on pucks and took smart angles on the forecheck. He used his length and strength to his advantage, employing a well-placed stick blade in all three zones to defend and prepare for possession. He remained active, getting to the net front and scoring areas. Krenke executed the give-and-go effectively, playing simply and directly with the puck. He cycled well, using his frame to protect the puck while keeping his head and eyes on the net. He spun and shielded possession below the dots, maintaining a firm base with his chest up and displaying some agility in his game. Krenke wheeled wide with pace, showcasing a reasonably fluid stride and broad reach to shield and protect the puck. An intriguing prospect, he made an impact in each game with his great size, solid skating, and awareness in all three zones. Grade: B+
Stepan Kuznetsov #16 (RW, R, 6’1″, 185, Corpus Christi Ice Rays, 03/24/2004) – Kuznetsov was our top-rated forward in all three Corpus Christi games at the Showcase. The tall Mississippi native displayed soft hands and looked highly athletic. Stepan consistently made defenders miss—often by a wide margin. He maneuvered around an opponent along the wall for a quick-release snapshot. He played a puck possession style with explosive acceleration for his size, demonstrating excellent puck control in space at speed. The puck seemed to stick to his blade. He showcased his edgework and stick presentation to help regroup in the neutral zone, often using quick bump passes or slick dodges to create space. The 2004-born player displayed soft hands around the net, with his movements quickening as he approached the goal. He navigated through contact and drew penalties with both force and finesse. His high skill level and athletic intelligence were evident on a goal against Danbury. Stepan executed a soft touch on a pass just inside the zone, dragged the puck to his left, and toe-dragged around a defender before firing a hard snapshot into the far side of the net—an elite highlight goal. Kuznetsov was crafty, making slick passes off the wall and creating opportunities in both open space and crowded areas. He showed some tenacity along the wall and at the net front, and his shot on the power play generated rebounds. The long, skilled forward has been with Corpus Christi since 2022, recording 22, 25, and 32 points in the last three NAHL seasons. He is on track to surpass 32 points by Christmas this season. With Division I talent, he must tighten up his defensive play to perform consistently at that level. He has made progress each season and should garner Division I interest. Grade: A
Troy Pelton #9 (C, L, 6’1″, 187, Corpus Christi Ice Rays, 12/06/2004, Union) – Pelton was wiry, showed speed, and could make skilled plays while grinding out tough shifts along the wall. He displayed decent poise and effectively worked the high and low cycle, using his reach and balance to protect possession. Troy was tough to play against and delivered impactful hits on the forecheck; his game was heavy and effective along the boards. The Union commit could also lead the line rush with pace, a quick stick, and his head up. He shot on the move and could catch and shoot with accuracy and a wicked release. He snapped a puck home against Springfield in the third period for the game-winner in a 1-0 victory for Corpus Christi. All week, he shot to score—not just to shoot—and his goal was a perfectly placed rocket. He also hit a post in that game. Troy drove the net hard and created chaos when open plays were unavailable, putting defenders on their heels and forcing them to scramble. He was quick, fast, and smooth in open ice, and the tighter the game became, the better he seemed to play. Pelton made a huge backcheck, preventing an easy goal into what was virtually an empty net. He stayed low to support his defensemen and was one of the best two-way forwards in Blaine. Grade: A-
Raymond Perrault #6 (D, L, 6’3″, 195, Corpus Christi Ice Rays, 11/19/2004) – It may not have shown on the scoresheet, but we liked how Raymond played at the Showcase. The 2004-born player was tall and demonstrated excellent straight-line speed. Against Danbury, he carried the puck end to end, and on his next shift, he knocked a Hattrick player to the ground, picked up the puck, and initiated a breakout. Perrault was a plus player for Maryland last season and should be even more impactful this year with the Icerays. We noted three times that he can play in all situations. He looked mobile, fluid, and athletic, and even saw some time on the second power play unit. His game is trending upward, as he clearly has a lot of upside. He surrounded the puck during long transition situations and snapped the puck up ice without overhandling or even needing to touch it before passing. His stride looked pure in open ice, and we never saw him out of position or make a significant mistake. He was intriguing and one to watch closely, as bigger players can take longer to develop, and Raymond appeared to have improved. Grade: B+
Max Ranstrom #5 (D, L, 5’11”, 191, Corpus Christi Ice Rays, 12/21/2004, Lake Superior) – Max played with moxie and demonstrated experience, seldom chasing the puck into bad spots. He remained relaxed and appeared well-prepared. Ranstrom played the last two seasons in the BCHL, posting solid numbers and receiving high evaluations in neutral zone play. The Swede’s skating allowed him to cover both blue lines and jump quickly to defend. He was smart and decisive in every situation, always seeking support. In a 5v3 penalty kill against Springfield, he effectively used a well-placed stick and showed a willingness to block shots. He was fluid in his pivots and movements, transitioning smoothly from back to front and front to back. Ranstrom snapped simple flicks on net with no wind-up or hesitation, successfully avoiding shot blocks. He recorded a point on a shot that was redirected in the slot for a goal. Ranstrom was adept at corraling any pass, whether it was bobbling or not. He scored a 5v3 power play goal by starting at the blue line, hesitating to get the goalie leaning, and then wiring the puck into the far side of the net. The Lake Superior commit is preparing for the next level with poise, confidence, and a diverse skill set. Grade: A-
William Reardon #12 (F, R, 6’6″, 205, Corpus Christi Ice Rays, 03/05/2004, Holy Cross) – Reardon is a player our New England scouts have evaluated highly. The Holy Cross commit looks taller and stronger than he did in prep school. He utilized his long reach to gather pucks, catch bad passes, and pull the puck to change his release point, firing on net with a smooth shot. He has productive hands with generally soft touches and was physical in the defensive zone. Reardon worked back to his end and made several hits on the backcheck to stop opposing rushes. He cycled well and played a possession game, showcasing terrific chemistry with Krenke. Will could score from anywhere in the zone, consistently wiring heavy shots on net each game. He scored a goal on a rip that hit the post and went in, assisted by a nice pass from Krenke. His balance, length, and strength made Reardon tough to defend. William played a direct game and bullied his way to the net, both with and without possession. His skating continues to improve. The 2004 prospect still has his best hockey ahead of him, demonstrating a balanced game that can translate to any situation on a college roster. Grade: B+
Pierson Sobush #91 (F, L, 5’9″, 175, Corpus Christi Ice Rays, 06/07/2004, Lake Superior) – From the puck drop on day one, Sobush showed excellent speed and could accelerate quickly from turns or a dead stop. He wore a ‘C’ and led by example with his effort. The Lake Superior commit was clever with spins off the wall, one of which was followed by a crisp dish to the point. Pierson walked the offensive blue line on the power play and ripped a low shot through. He could skate or pass the puck from his end and played with his head up as the puck carrier. He caught bad passes with pivots and reach, quickly transitioning from glove to skate blade and then to stick blade with ease, never breaking stride. On the final day, the 2004 scored two goals against North Iowa. One was a redirection in the slot as the goaltender slid the other way—an impressive play showing great awareness near the net. The second goal was a fantastic individual effort off an offensive zone draw, where the opposing defenseman mishandled the puck near the net. Sobush quickly fired a backhand shot, stayed with the puck, and buried the rebound upstairs. Overall, Pierson injected adrenaline into his team. He was involved all over the ice with grit, sense, and speed. He played a complete game all week, with only his slashing penalty against North Iowa serving as a negative against him. Grade: A-
Matteus Soderbom #24 (D, L, 6’4″, 225, Corpus Christi Ice Rays, 01/24/2004) – Matteus was tall and strong at 225 lbs. Our first note read “presence,” as he was menacing and tough for forwards to play against on the Icerays’ blue line. In the first game, we noted that he could carry a pass from his end and effectively play on the power play. He hit to punish opponents and displayed solid edgework and balance. He protected the puck well and was thoughtful when moving it quickly on the power play. Matteus made a big hit on a zone entry in the final game, showcasing his energy and toughness throughout the week. He fired a heavy wrist shot and another low bullet wrist shot from the point. He also executed slap shots and could one-time the puck effectively. Soderbom had a good stick and pinched at the offensive blue line. His skating in open ice was decent and can improve, but he played with experience and a solid hockey IQ. He killed time shorthanded by pinning the puck against the boards and not allowing it to escape. Grade: B+
Samuel Troutwine #55 (D, L, 6’4″, 215, Corpus Christi Ice Rays, 05/17/2006) – Our Minnesota scouts have mentioned Troutwine, but this was our first in-person viewing of the 6’4″, 2006 defender. He had a decent Elite League season last fall and a terrific year at Rock Ridge (MN). At the Showcase, he played tall and used his long reach to be disruptive. Sam clogged lanes and blocked shots effectively. His puck play featured soft hands and a long reach, allowing him to create passing and shooting lanes. His skating was particularly impressive; he showed both acceleration and speed, moving fluidly without being slowed by the puck. He defended the rush aggressively, maintaining tight gaps and moving well laterally. Troutwine pinned forwards against the wall deep in the zone with ease. He carried the puck several times during our viewings, even leaving his feet to jump over a sweep check on one occasion. He is athletic, fast, and has elite upside, but he must work on staying out of the penalty box. He’s definitely one to watch. Grade: B
Michael Valdez #7 (LW, L, 6’0″, 170, Corpus Christi Ice Rays, 01/20/2004) – Valdez was fast and consistently got to pucks all over the ice. He played a fearless, tough game, and during one shift, he appeared to be hurting but still sacrificed his body to block shots. Michael played quickly with possession, using a quick-release snapshot that surprised goalies. He maintained balance through contact and carried the puck end-to-end at top speed, with full control and his head up. Another scout noted that Michael’s speed and skill, along with his quick snapshot, gave goalies trouble. He is a highly competitive player at both ends of the ice. Grade: B-
Nikita Volski #35 (G, L, 6’2″, 190, Corpus Christi Ice Rays, 05/29/2004) – After playing for the Esmark Stars and in Pennsylvania high school hockey, Nikita had a superb season in the NCDC last year. He appeared big and strong in the net, and his athletic and technical abilities were sharp in Blaine. Volski was aggressive out of his net, quickly taking away shooting angles from opponents. His strength was crucial in pushing back against large, strong attackers near his goal. His stick was quick, and he excelled at absorbing rebounds. All of his movements were precise and athletic. Nikita used his paddle to deflect high pucks away from danger and handled the puck very well. All our scouts noted his quick glove and how he kept his hands up. He remained well-positioned, moved up and down rapidly, and even batted a puck away from the net with his stick. It was an excellent performance from a mature, prepared, and consistent goalie. He should have a terrific season, and his continued improvement should worry opponents. Grade: A
Danbury Jr. Hat Tricks
Ben Dempster #14 (F, R, 5’10”, 165, Danbury Hat Tricks, 07/17/2006) – Dempster had 75 points in 73 games with 36 goals for Victory Honda U18 last season. He earned a ‘B’ grade at USA Hockey Nationals last spring. In Blaine, he played center on the third line, where he focused on his defensive game, using leverage and speed to win puck battles. He was quick in spurts, staying on pucks in tight spaces, and had enough speed to negate icing calls. His game centered around being a plus player; he picked up sticks and stayed with opponents heading to the net. Dempster protected the puck well up ice and intercepted passes. His feet were always moving, and he seldom found himself caught in a bad position. His play on the penalty kill was precise, quick, and disruptive. He showcased skill while also playing the right way as a 2006 in a new league. He has offensive ability, and the points will come. Achieving fifteen points and a solid plus/minus would be a terrific foundation to build upon, and we believe he may surpass that. Grade: C+
Sam Esposito #25 (F, L, 5’8″, 148, Danbury Hat Tricks, 09/16/2006) – The smaller, speedy late 2006-born winger played fast and demonstrated soft first touches on pucks to initiate offensive zone attacks. He tracked pucks well during rebound retrievals and won races to the puck. Esposito stretched the offensive zone with cross-zone passes and effectively utilized his defensemen. His crossovers were explosive, and he got up on his edges to accelerate with possession during transition chances and offensive cycling. He played on the top line against Corpus Christi alongside Tournas and Omicioli, staying active and creating separation for breakaways. He drew a tripping penalty and processed his options quickly, always looking for open teammates. Although he didn’t register any points in Blaine, he showcased skill, speed, and effort throughout the games. Grade: B-
Jack Fialkoff #31 (G, L, 5’11”, 175, Danbury Hat Tricks, 04/22/2004) – Fialkoff faced a lot of shots in his two starts at the Showcase. We witnessed his entire 47-save effort against an excellent Corpus Christi team, where he allowed three goals but remained quick in tight, looked athletic, and made several impressive saves near his crease. He moved side to side and up and down with agility, using his smaller frame to his advantage by being aggressive and active, playing as if he truly loved the game. At the start of the third period, with his team down 3-1, Jack shut the door and gave his squad a fighting chance. He stopped four breakaways in the first ten minutes, competed hard for pucks, and even enjoyed the music during stoppages. He played with a relaxed demeanor and effectively stopped pucks. In the third period, Jack came out to play a puck, and when an Iceray player took away his winger, he took a stride and made a backhand pass to his center to initiate the zone exit. It was one of our favorite plays of the week, and Jack functioned like a fifth defenseman for Danbury. Grade: B+
Ameen Ghosheh #7 (F, L, 5’11”, 186, Danbury Hat Tricks, 01/05/2005) – Ameen handled the puck with nifty hands in crowded areas and showed the balance to bounce off checks. He played a direct game and had a strong nose for the net. The 2005 wore a letter for Danbury and played excellent hockey, demonstrating quick feet and an active stick on the penalty kill. He stole a puck against Corpus Christi while shorthanded and took off up ice for a quick shot on goal. He played with pace in open spaces and showcased a technically sound stride. He looked smooth and fast, making intelligent decisions on the power play. His head was always up, and he moved well without the puck. Ghosheh utilized the give-and-go to initiate zone exits and hunted the puck with smart angling and a clever stick. Ameen played the right way and was a valuable asset to an improving team. Grade: B-
Jack Harney #22 (D, R, 6’9″, 225, Danbury Hat Tricks, 11/22/2005) – Harney was listed at 6’9″ but may still be growing and looked even bigger than that. The towering defenseman took up a significant amount of space around his net, effectively eliminating time and space for puck carriers. Harney engulfed forwards and smothered them into turnovers. While still somewhat clunky and raw at times, he made some smart, clever plays with the puck. The 2005 showcased simple outlet passes and was capable of carrying and snapping cross-ice passes on the rush right onto the tape. In the second game against Corpus Christi, we noted that he avoided getting tied up and effectively shook off checks in his own end. He was also a sensational penalty killer, taking away numerous options in his area of the ice. During a 4v4 situation in the third period, he moved at a decent pace. He displayed some athleticism, decent touch, and pace on his passes, along with a powerful shot. However, he needs to get stronger on his stick; at times, he was almost too tall. He struggled to get low enough to drive opponents off the puck or move bodies around the net but was excellent at using his reach to disrupt plays and poke check. He is a highly intriguing player who will need time to develop, but he is well worth following. He has shown improvement and growth since last season. Grade: B
Andrew Horn #29 (D, L, 6’1″, 185, Danbury Hat Tricks, 03/02/2007, Princeton) – The athletic 2007 Princeton Tiger commit was one of the youngest players at the Showcase. He played all three games in Blaine, picking up an assist. At the beginning, he struggled a bit, running around in his zone, and his play with the puck in his end needs improvement overall. However, he settled in and came alive with possession. He could break the puck out or attract attention with his fleet feet and sharp edgework, allowing him to dish it off to his forwards. He made passes to his centers and effectively found the stretch man up ice. He anticipated plays well on the penalty kill and saw some limited power play time. With possession in space, Horn appeared dangerous, able to skate past opponents or cut and create with slick hands. Against Corpus Christi, Andrew shook off the forecheck with a right turn, exploded up ice, and wiggled into the offensive zone, where he backhand sauced a pass right onto the tape of a streaking teammate. On another rush, he executed a backhand move onto his skate, kicked it back up to his backhand, and drove up the left wing. Andrew showed flashes of elite skill and played on his toes, making only aggressive mistakes. He will improve rapidly, and at 6’1″, his skating and skill are exceptional. Grade: B
Ty Izadi #27 (F, R, 5’10”, 155, Danbury Hat Tricks, 10/26/2006) – “I loved his game; he was all over the ice and can fly,” was a brief conversation between our Director of US Scouting and the Director of Scouting after the second day. Ty stood out as the late 2006 player who played fast and pursued pucks like a dog on a bone. The California native played U18 for the Jr. Ducks last season and had an impressive career with them in youth hockey. He received a ‘B’ grade at the U18 National Championships, and we’ve noted him in several other reports, but this is the best we’ve seen him. Ty was flying from start to finish in each game. Beyond the pace of his game, Izadi was smartly aggressive on the penalty kill, working in sync with his linemates and moving off the puck to create lanes for receiving passes around the net. He caught passes with soft hands and used pivots or his skates to gather errant passes. Ty was a menace on the forecheck, able to stick with anyone and take away options, allowing the F2 to react and steal pucks. His hands were quick, and he changed his shooting angle in stride. Izadi played on the right side of the power play, and his ability to switch shooting slots gave goalies trouble. He threw some sauce across the offensive blue line and charged toward the net front. Overall, all week, Ty was speedy and quick to pucks on the forecheck, showcasing the offensive skill to score more in the future. He didn’t pick up any points in his three games here but was very close to an ‘A-‘ grade. His game is trending upward. Grade: B+
Andrew Jensen #3 (D, L, 5’8″, 161, Danbury Hat Tricks, 03/22/2006) – On the first day, we noted Jansen gapped up toward the middle to seal off the ice before going out to challenge. He moved well and stayed close to a fast, strong Bismarck team. Jensen maintained his balance through contact and along the wall, showcasing the mobility to defend in space with a quick stick while avoiding forecheckers to initiate zone exits. The 2006 didn’t force pucks and utilized his partner when needed. Andrew led the power play breakout with a shifty puck carry and crisp passes. He could carry or pass from deep in his end with a smooth stride and the ability to handle the puck, snapping it off to open teammates while keeping his feet moving. His head was on a constant swivel, as he was aware of his positioning and what his next move might be. His brain was a step ahead. Beyond his puck-moving ability, Andrew didn’t back down from anyone. He won pucks from 200-pound forwards and was unafraid to take a hit to make a play. Every forward knew they had been in a battle with Jensen. He is an intriguing puck mover who must continue improving in his own end, but he has made strides in that area since last season. Grade: B-
Thomas Kiesewetter #35 (G, L, 6’6″, 205, Danbury Hat Tricks, 01/02/2005, Princeton) – Kiesewetter is listed at 6’4″, but he looked and played even bigger. He was named Player of the Day on the first day of the Showcase, saving 35 of 37 shots in a loss, a game that could have easily been a blowout. He gave his team every chance to win with often spectacular and timely saves. The 2005 looked confident and composed around the crease and didn’t get caught out of position. He used his size to his advantage by taking smart angles, forcing opponents to make perfect shots. He remained calm and was not overaggressive in tense moments. Technically sound, he was tough for opponents to find space to shoot on. An intriguing prospect with loads of upside, he is committed to Princeton. Grade: B+
Pierre Larocque #28 (D, R, 6’1″, 185, Danbury Hat Tricks, 11/15/2004) – Pierre played on firm edges and defended with physicality and smart reads at both blue lines. Larocque effectively stopped the line rush at his blue line while maintaining tight gaps. His hits had pop behind them, and he was intelligent in the defensive zone, using an active stick to support his physical play. The 2004 held pucks in at the offensive blue line, demonstrating the skill to wiggle past defenders and attack the net. As an assistant captain, he activated offensively at the right times, moving in and out of the zone to keep defenses guessing. He trusted his feet, quickly eliminating time and space, and played a challenging game at both blue lines to slow down rushes and prevent easy exits. His performance was solid and steady, making his team better overall. Grade: B
Ryan Lukko #88 (D, L, 5’8″, 182, Danbury Hat Tricks, 08/16/2006, St. Lawrence) – Lukko stepped into his passes, executed a firm reverse, and checked incoming pressure on retrievals to create separation. He was termed “a puck-moving wizard” in our report from USA Hockey Nationals in April, and we saw that here as he was aware of pressure, surrounded pucks to move them quickly, and displayed quick feet in tight spaces. Ryan activated off the weak side rush as an additional layer, showcasing solid mobility and a well-presented stick. He had recovery speed and played in all three games. The St. Lawrence commit played a strong, straightforward game, though nothing dazzling. That is likely fine for a player his age in the NAHL, but as the season progresses, he should showcase his skills even more up the ice. Grade: C+
Joey Mallozzi #5 (F, L, 5’11”, 190, Danbury Hat Tricks, 02/21/2005) – Joey only played in two of the Hat Trick games in Blaine, but both our scouts noted him. In the first game, he played like a power forward at 5’9″ with plenty of bite and hard hits on the forecheck. He backchecked just as hard, blocking shots and pass attempts in his zone. His hands were quick, but his legs were his ticket to the net at both ends. The next day against Corpus Christi, Joey was quick out of turns and when stopping and starting. He stayed on pucks and was involved in positive plays. He made a clever swivel move and dragged the puck off a speed rush, but wired it over the net. Joey did find the back of the net, scoring on a rebound with some determination. He’s a total effort player who will improve because of his pace, attention to detail, and toughness. Grade: B-
Emerson Molas #15 (F, R, 6’2″, 195, Danbury Hat Tricks, 11/11/2004) – Team Captain Emerson used his firm but soft hands when making plays in traffic and around his net. Molas had hard dangles, and he could make opponents miss with slick handles and clever plays off the wall. He handled contact well and kept his eyes up. He moved well with the puck in space, changing pace, curling to delay, and cutting back in the zone to fire shots on net. On another shift, he bullied his way to open space and shifted across the top of the circles for a laser shot over the net. His combination of size and skill was tough to defend. He played center against Corpus Christi on a 5v3 power play and won a faceoff after chasing it down. One note read, “He is incredibly fast,” as he led the rush and made a slick puck play between his legs. There were moments when he skated into trouble, which is an area for improvement. Overall, he looked dangerous and impacted the game even without scoring. Grade: B-
Gates Omicioli #26 (F, L, 6’1″, 188, Danbury Hat Tricks, 12/05/2005) – Omicioli picked up a power-play assist in the first game with a slick but simple dish back to the point for Sciabarra to rip into space for the score. The 2005 played center with a low presence in the defensive zone, using his wiry strength to pin and rub opponents off the puck. Gates stayed flat to help breakouts and showed vision to carry or pass the puck from his end. He demonstrated straight-line speed on the rush and could zip past defenders to the net. His play on the power play was solid, as he kept moving and passed the puck quickly and often to force defenders into switches. He made a few shot attempts, but none looked particularly dangerous. He seemed close to breaking out offensively but had to wait until the final day. Against Kenai River, Omicioli scored on the power play with a hard one-timer to tie the game at 1-1. He also created chances and appeared more engaged up ice. He came into the Showcase with a few goals already under his belt and added a goal and an assist in the three games in Blaine. He looked solid, moved well, and was balanced on his blades. While we wanted to see more from him, he still ranked among the top half of the players we observed. Grade: A
Michael Sciabarra #8 (D, L, 5’11”, 185, Danbury Hat Tricks, 02/14/2006) – Sciabarra looked athletic and played with a solid frame. In the first game, his decision-making with possession was excellent, as he read plays well up ice. His puck control was precise, and he made plays without overhandling the puck. He positioned his feet and stick perfectly for passes and surrounded the puck when retrieving it. He hammered home a power-play goal from the point with a shot through traffic, all without dusting the puck off. He displayed a high hockey IQ, with strong puck-moving ability and the knack for limiting time and space quickly. Michael showed the “sneaky skill” we noted in the second game, as he could make opponents miss when necessary but seldom forced his stickhandling; he valued possession. The 2006 made swift passes against Corpus Christi and snapped the puck around the ice on the power play. A plus defenseman with puck-moving ability and a fast processor, he has significant upside. Grade: B
Niko Tournas #86 (RW, R, 6’2″, 188, Danbury Hat Tricks, 02/17/2006, New Hampshire) – Niko played with a strong frame and exhibited quality puck control, allowing him to separate from defenders. He showcased sophisticated puck shielding while moving under pressure around his net. The 2006 easily alleviated pressure, calmly creating plays along the wall to get pucks to the interior of the zone. His reach and strength combined with clever hands and smart decision-making with possession were impressive. He slipped passes through legs and opponent triangles at top speed, as well as while standing on the power play. He displayed a precise stick blade and used indirect and saucer passes effectively. He backchecked hard, stopping a line rush with a big hit before returning to his end. Soon after, against Corpus Christi, he played point on the power play, where he snapped passes and hammered home one-timers. The UNH commit has slick hands in space and employed simple “X” crosses with his linemates to confuse opponents. Tournas was tough along the wall while also demonstrating a highly creative element. He picked up an assist in two games but consistently directed pucks on net. While he is not the fastest player and missed a few passes, he showed a powerful stride that allowed him to power past contact and protect the puck. However, he needs to be more persistent when he loses possession, as he was not determined enough in those moments. With a high ceiling and the tools to make an impact at the DI level, he has great potential. Grade: B
El Paso Rhinos
Kyle Arias #21 (C, L, 6’0″, 165, El Paso Rhinos, 04/12/2005) – Arias is a crafty forward who served as the main power play puck carrier on the second unit. He can slice through traffic with the puck on a string and slide off checks to create quality zone entries with his wiry yet strong frame. Kyle fights through contact with his legs moving, finding ways to get to clean ice. Around the net, he battles for loose pucks and creates tough situations for the opposing goalie with his physicality. He demonstrated his touch on the puck, able to sauce passes without overhandling, landing flat on his target’s tape. Arias was deployed late in a 6-on-5 situation when the Rhinos were down a goal, trying to find some magic. Grade: C+
Brendan Coughlin #4 (F, R, 5’9″, 166, El Paso Rhinos, 12/15/2004) – Coughlin is a hard-nosed forward who plays the game without fear and is comfortable battling in the dirty areas. He hunted pucks aggressively, played the body, and consistently made his way to the net with his physicality. Brendan was tough to play against, finishing checks and adding some snarl and grit in the corners, making it difficult for defenders. He blocked a hard shot late in the second period that looked painful, but it was a crucial play in a tight game. His winning style of play is effective, as he sticks to his role and competes hard. Grade: C+
Cade DeWolf #16 (F, R, 5’10”, 170, El Paso Rhinos, 08/12/2004) – DeWolf had his best game against Minot, registering a goal and an assist while recording three shots on net. He scored by finishing firmly off a rebound near the net and then added an assist, showcasing his quick hands in tight as he deked and dished the puck over to Jerman. Cade made a crucial defensive play late in a tie game with a hard backcheck, lifting the stick of an opponent to force the puck loose just enough for the puck carrier to misfire. DeWolf was deployed late in the game with the Minot goalie pulled to help defend the lead, demonstrating his commitment to a complete 200-foot game. Grade: C+
Duke Gentzler #19 (F, L, 6’1″, 180, El Paso Rhinos, 09/20/2005) – Gentzler, a California native, had an eventful week on the scoresheet, recording three points, six shots, and eight penalty minutes in the three games played. Duke is fast and able to avoid contact with a slippery style, yet he also possesses the physicality to break through checks. His pace allowed him to win puck races and retrieve pucks to initiate offensive zone possessions. He assisted on a goal during a rush, carrying the puck with speed, looking for a shot, and then dishing a flat pass through the defender’s triangle to Solano for a one-timer that was blasted on net. Gentzler showed some finesse on the perimeter, finding his way to shooting areas to be a threat, while also demonstrating grit in his game. His goal came from a scrum in the corner, where a puck squirted out. He managed to shake free from two defenders to get a shot off and finished his own rebound just off the crease. Duke can change his pace to create gaps and values possession of the puck. While shorthanded, he knocked down a defenseman in his own end and then faced a breakaway; although he wasn’t able to finish, he played a relentless game and didn’t stop competing. Grade: B+
Paavo Hiltunen #6 (D, L, 6’1″, 170, El Paso Rhinos, 08/12/2004) – Hiltunen is a longer, leaner defender who plays an efficient game on both sides of the puck. He quickly corrals bouncing pucks to get them flat and accurately sends them up ice. He picked up an assist by catching a bobbling puck on the weak side and firing it to the crease for a redirection by his forward. Paavo releases shots without needing to dust them off or make extra moves. He defended odd-man rushes calmly, staying in the middle of the ice to prevent pucks from slipping through and giving the goaltender easy save options. He consistently got his stick on pucks to deflect shots and create loose pucks while being just physical enough when necessary. Paavo has a wicked release from the blue line, which he used effectively to get pucks through traffic and aimed at the net. Grade: C+
Jakub Jerman #22 (D, L, 6’3″, 195, El Paso Rhinos, 05/21/2004) – Jerman is a bigger two-way defenseman from Czechia who plays a cerebral game off the puck. He consistently takes smart angles to pucks, steering the play to the wall or reading the eyes of opponents from a distance to intercept passes. He stalls countless rushes at the blue line, forcing dumped pucks or turnovers with his reach and physicality. There is a mean streak in his game; he isn’t afraid to deliver big hits and give extra whacks to players around his net. Jakub is a force in his own zone, pushing opponents out of lanes to give his goaltender clear sightlines and using his body without hesitation. He utilizes his strength to lift sticks and prevent rebound chances while boxing out players with his long frame. Jerman is very difficult to get around due to both his size and positioning. He doesn’t get caught watching the puck, instead keeping his attacker in front of him and staying centered. When pucks are chipped in behind him, he skillfully navigates the line between interference and legal play. The puck rifles off his stick as he gathers it from a distance, reels himself in, and gets his feet moving to wire heavy passes and shots. Grade: B+
Tyler Kedzo # (LW, L, 5’11”, 165, El Paso Rhinos, 04/25/2006) – Kedzo has a speedy pair of wheels that allows him to drive plays both on and off the puck. He flies to the net, dragging defenders with him, stops at the blue paint, and is a detail-oriented forward. When in possession, he drives pucks down low, then can either hit trailers up high with space or lower his shoulder to push defenders back on their heels and get to the net. Tyler is a physical player with some bite to his game, willing to take hits to make plays, go into tough areas, and do the dirty work on every shift. His pace accelerates his linemates, effectively dragging them along as he is always in go mode. On breakouts, he gets pucks out cleanly under heavy pressure and handles pinching defensemen relatively easily, chipping pucks around them, hitting his center for support, or absorbing contact to create clean space. He is a powerful forward for his size and smartly uses his body to finish checks. Grade: B
Lawson Kimble #15 (F, R, 5’11”, 181, El Paso Rhinos, 08/18/2004) – Kimble is a defender who is willing to take pucks to the net offensively while playing an in-your-face style with tight gaps when attacked. He has the recovery speed to get back to the net and support his partner in tough spots, boxing out in front of the net to lift sticks and using his firm hands to clear pucks to safety. Lawson also saw some time on the power play, where he distributed the puck accurately with flat, crisp passes. Grade: C
Caleb Klein #10 (F, R, 6’1″, 175, El Paso Rhinos, 04/01/2006) – Klein is a balanced center with a strong stick, making it difficult for opponents to dispossess him. He takes supportive lanes for his puck carriers, providing a safe option while also positioning himself well in the defensive zone. Caleb has a quick, snappy release and doesn’t need much room to get his shot off, as demonstrated when he fired a shot while compressed by defenders. He scored a goal on the last day of the showcase by capitalizing on a bad D-to-D pass that landed on his stick just inside the blue line. He then dragged the puck into his body and wired a shot five-hole from the top portion of the slot. Klein is still picking up the pace in the league, but he has the size and capability to become a solid player as his confidence continues to grow. Grade: B-
Ryder Many Grey Horses #14 (F, R, 5’9″, 155, El Paso Rhinos, 10/29/2004) – Ryder is an absolute workhorse—no pun intended—who plays the game with passion and can be deployed in virtually every situation, making him a dependable asset to his team. Even without finding his name on the stat sheet during the showcase, he made a tremendous impact at both ends of the ice, on the penalty kill and the power play. Ryder effectively gets pucks out of tough areas and has the strength to win battles, using his body to leverage against opponents. He is a mid-sized forward who plays like a giant, finishing his checks and showing no fear when going into the hard areas of the ice. He is a dream linemate, chasing after pucks like a dog on a bone and creating space around him after winning battles. Ryder works well off the puck, driving to the net and staying in constant motion to be an option; he is never stagnant. When shorthanded, he will eat shots and make firm clear attempts to get the puck out. While Ryder may not be a highly skilled forward, he consistently outworks the guy next to him and proves to be a valuable player, regardless of what the coach needs from him. Grade: B
Michael Manzi #1 (G, L, 6’1″, 190, El Paso Rhinos, 07/01/2004) – Manzi had a busy weekend, playing only two games: a 2-1 win followed by a 4-2 loss that included an empty-net goal. Michael stopped 87 of the 91 shots he faced, showcasing his confidence as a goaltender who gave his team every chance to win in both games. He consistently appeared comfortable, dancing to the music and bopping between whistles, seeming to be in total control. He was aggressive, using a quick glove and paddling away pucks in tight scrums. There were moments when he got caught out of position and had to make desperation saves, but he moved like a rocket across the crease and sealed his post tightly. Manzi played an aggressive style, using his stick to prevent passes through his crease and swiping at opponents within his reach. He wasn’t afraid to get physically involved and defended his crease with a strong presence. Michael remained composed in stressful situations and tracked pucks well into his body from a distance. Grade: A-
Alexandre Pellerin #18 (D, L, 5’11”, 190, El Paso Rhinos, 10/26/2004) – Pellerin is a mobile defenseman with a low, wide, and strong stride. He excels at stepping down the wall with precise timing to force pucks loose and disrupt zone exits with his presence. One of these plays immediately led to a goal, as he timed his movement perfectly to poke the puck free from the receiver before they could handle it, resulting in a loose puck ending up in a scoring area for his forwards. Pellerin has the legs to break out on his own and a nifty ability to navigate through traffic. He displays impressive strength, capable of running opponents over while holding box outs around his crease to prevent secondary chances. Alexandre is a firm defender with a deceptive strength that allows him to play a solid two-way game at both ends of the ice in a safe and steady manner. Grade: B
AJ Reed #8 (F, L, 6’1″, 210, El Paso Rhinos, 09/17/2004) – Reed is a big, strong, physical forward for the Rhinos who can create plays on the perimeter or use his strength to generate opportunities in the interior of the ice. He finishes checks cleanly with thundering contact, exploding through bodies and making retrieving defenders second-guess their options when he is the F1. All weekend, he had defenders looking over their shoulders as he barreled down on them. In possession, he knocked a defender’s stick out of his hands while attempting a poke check, demonstrating a strong grip and presence. Most aspects of his game have a heavy nature. His shot is a cannon that he can release quickly and accurately. He scored a power-play goal from the top left circle, hesitating for a split second to let traffic develop before wiring a screamer low, far side, just off the post with a powerful wrist shot. AJ isn’t afraid to mix it up after the whistle and comes to the defense of his teammates, easily moving opponents around with his strength. While he may lack quickness in tight spaces, when he lowers his shoulder and drives, he is difficult to slow down. Reed was in beast mode, effectively killing late-game situations to secure wins while playing all over the ice in a positive manner. Grade: B+
Jake Solano #7 (F, L, 5’8″, 156, El Paso Rhinos, 02/21/2006) – Solano is a smaller forward who plays a versatile role on the penalty kill while contributing offensively. He loves to fire the puck from anywhere, registering 7 shots on net over 3 games and using his speed to create lanes for his shots. Jacob was deployed to defend a 4-on-3 penalty kill, where he positioned himself smartly, staying in the way and preventing pucks from getting through the house. He harassed puck carriers and forced turnovers with his tenacious aggressiveness. For a smaller forward, he is strong on his feet and makes solid plays while also utilizing his speed out wide. Off the rush, he can force opposing defenders into switches with his pace through the neutral zone and his ability to identify weak points. Solano stops on pucks and plays a detailed game at both ends, making him a reliable player in various situations. He effectively kills nearly every penalty, working in sync with his linemates to clear pucks and limit chances. Jacob was rewarded for his hard work over the weekend with a 2-on-1 opportunity, where he caught a pass on the weak side in a tough body position, quickly corralled it, and put his whole body behind the shot to beat the goaltender short side. Solano is a dependable forward who flourished in shorthanded situations. Grade: B+
Roope Tuomioksa #9 (F, L, 6’0″, 177, El Paso Rhinos, 04/01/2004, Augustana) – Tuomioksa has an explosive stride out of the gates and can burst in any direction with impressive speed. Roope darts off the wall with the puck in the offensive zone, nearly morphing around defenders, but he lacks the finishing touch around the crease to convert some quality chances. He isn’t afraid to get near the net, pulling pucks out of scrums and leaning into defenders to create space, making him a nuisance in low zones. He has the hands and skills to be flashy at times—sometimes overly so, which unfortunately leads to turnovers. While Tuomioksa didn’t register on the scoresheet, he helped create chances with his off-puck presence and disrupted play on the forecheck. Grade: C
Elmira Aviators
Brenden Bedorf #7 (D, R, 5’9″, 170, Elmira Aviators, 06/08/2005) – The 2005 played last season in the AJHL, where our Western Canadian scouts noted him. For Elmira, we observed that he battled hard in tough areas, staying low and using leverage to win pucks. He skated with balance and kept his chest up, which improved both his stability and vision. Brenden closed off space, eliminated time in his end, and demonstrated strong backward skating with the mobility to defend against line rushes. Bedorf transitioned from defense to offense, leading the line rush twice in his first game against Austin. He got his stick on many shots and passes, looking confident in every situation. Against New Mexico, Brenden continued to battle and protected his goalie with some tenacity. He was tough to play against, and we liked his game. Bedorf engaged forwards before they reached his net front, tying up open men while keeping an eye on the action around him. He maintained tight gaps, trusted his feet, and stepped up to make big hits in open ice on two occasions. He looked well-coached and played an intelligent game in defense of his end. Grade: B-
Clarence Beltz #22 (C, R, 6’3″, 179, Elmira Aviators, 02/22/2004) – Beltz scored three goals in his three games in Blaine and looked faster and stronger. Clarence won faceoffs and displayed a long reach with a quick stick. He scored a goal against New Mexico by finding space at the net to hammer home a rebound, putting his team up 3-1. Against Minnesota, Beltz netted two goals, the first on the power play, giving his team a 3-2 lead. On that play, Piccirillo made a pass to Clarence’s backhand as he faced the net, and he ripped a shot low from a tough angle for the goal. His quick hands and reach made that play possible. Later in the third period, Beltz crashed the net and deflected the puck, sending both himself and the puck into the net to give his team a 4-3 lead in a wild game. His ability to power through traffic and keep his stick on the ice made him a threat all week. He’s an intriguing player with size, sense, and grit who should have a great season. Grade: A-
Alexis Billequey #18 (F, R, 5’11”, 170, Elmira Aviators, 11/26/2004) – Alexis looked long and smooth with terrific reach when carrying the puck. The 2004 had a soft touch on both sides of his blade and played the point on the power play against Austin. He almost always made the correct play and demonstrated a high hockey IQ both with and without the puck. He protected pucks along the wall and made multiple passes on the tape to his center through tight windows. His wide cradle allowed him to move the puck efficiently with a quick swoop of his stick. He executed a slick move on a defenseman during a zone entry, maintaining control and deception at top speed. Although his skating was smooth, it could be tightened up a bit with some focused work. His game was clever and intelligent, and we liked his overall approach. He showed skill but also valued possession, finishing the weekend with two assists in his three games. Grade: B+
Ben Costantino #12 (D, L, 6’4″, 218, Elmira Aviators, 01/28/2005) – Ben played with a quick and smooth release in stride. His wrist shot was tough for goalies to read, and he demonstrated athleticism with his ability to keep pucks in at the offensive blue line. At his size, he often surprised opponents with his ability to reach pucks, recover, and intercept passes. He contorted his body to catch errant passes, showcasing both athleticism and intelligence. We noted his “quick hands” twice in the game against New Mexico. His feet were mobile, and his head remained up at all times. He scored a goal with a low snap shot that caught the goalie off guard. Ben also ripped one-timers against the Wilderness on a 5v4 power play. The 2005 has room to improve and is definitely a player to watch. He is a big, strong defenseman who plays with pace and defends with power and mobility. Grade: A-
Jacob Faith #44 (D, R, 6’3″, 225, Elmira Aviators, 03/08/2007) – The 2007 prospect had a strong, sturdy core, along with height and balance on his skates. He delivered hits to defend with impact and made effective outlets even when under pressure or pinned by opponents. He was remarkably strong for his age and used his reach to disrupt passes in his zone and clog lanes when set up defensively. He moved well and looked intriguing, with his best hockey still ahead of him. Grade: C+
Charlie Fink #19 (F, R, 6’2″, 200, Elmira Aviators, 03/04/2004) – Fink played with a powerful stride and precise glide all week. With experience in the OHL, OJHL, and QMJHL, he appeared stronger and more balanced than almost everyone he battled for the puck. Charlie succeeded along the wall, carrying it end to end a few times, and unleashed some heavy shots, several of which found the net. He moved up and down the wing with soft touches and played a clean game with precise passes and quick shots on goal. Tough to knock off the puck, Fink found success both low in the zone and on the rush. The puck found him frequently, allowing him to quickly make passes or wire sizzling shots on target. He demonstrated a strong shooting ability and played with poise and preparation, maintaining enough pace to negate icing calls. Overall, he was an intriguing player, showcasing savvy and strength along with his speed. Grade: B+
Jude Hunt #48 (D, R, 6’2″, 180, Elmira Aviators, 08/23/2005) – Jude played both left and right defense, staying square to defend and angling opponents toward his help low in the zone. He effectively knocked opponents down along the wall and displayed a quick blade to collect loose pucks. He played intelligent positional hockey, knowing when to stick with his man and when to leave him. His stick often interrupted opponents, and Hunt blocked several shots. He carried the puck deep into the offensive zone against New Mexico and then snapped a pass to the point while all attention was on him. He processed plays well and demonstrated the mobility needed to defend effectively. Overall, he is a high-IQ player with considerable upside. Grade: B-
Matthew Maglio #8 (F, R, 6’1″, 190, Elmira Aviators, 02/27/2006) – Maglio played in straight lines, using his skill to make plays near the net and slip by defenders in the corners. He invited contact and could drive to the cage with powerful crossovers. His edge work was excellent, and he held firm through contact, using the outside edges of his inside skate to power toward the net. The 2006 player demonstrated maturity beyond his age, working the cycle with strength and confidently snapping passes and shots. His balance, grit, and strong stick helped him secure pucks in tough areas, and he was never pushed around, bullying his way to the net. He made an even greater impact in his second game and was moved up the roster. Matthew took a pass off the wall in his own end and flew up the ice. He swiveled and snapped a pass to Terry, who returned the favor for a goal. Maglio stopped on pucks near the net and added an assist on the game-winner later in that game. Against the Wilderness, he scored another goal, crashing the net and snapping a wrist shot over the pads for his second goal of the Showcase. A big-bodied player who valued possession, he played a detailed game, and his ceiling is high. Grade: B+
Andrew Piccirillo #11 (D, R, 5’9″, 160, Elmira Aviators, 01/07/2005) – Piccirillo played in two games in Blaine, picking up a couple of assists against Minnesota on the final day. He was elusive on retrievals, consistently initiating plays up ice over both games. His edgework was athletic, and at 5’9″, he handled contact well and skated through stick checks. Piccirillo was active, attentive in defense, and read plays quickly. Against Minnesota, he spun off pressure on a breakaway for a scoring chance. Andrew looked quick and agile in all situations, winning races to pucks up ice and on retrievals. He’s a highly athletic, two-way defenseman who should be a power-play asset and contribute offensively throughout the season. Grade: B+
Curtiss Sturgeon #9 (F, R, 5’8″, 166, Elmira Aviators, 10/01/2004) – Sturgeon centered Elmira’s first line and was solid on faceoffs, showing quick hands and a low stance. He exploded with possession and quickly separated into space. Curtiss looked dangerous with the puck, using sharp edges to cut and create, making it nearly impossible for defenders to square him up. When Sturgeon faced contact, he often slid off effectively, but he struggled at times against a heavy and strong Austin team, appearing light in some situations. In the second game against the Ice Wolves, Sturgeon delivered hits along the wall and was more proactive in gritty areas on the ice. His stride was excellent, and the 2004-born forward stayed balanced and resilient through contact. He excelled as the F3, slipping into the high slot for quick catch-and-shoot opportunities. Curtiss played a full 200-foot game, quickly getting to spots to defend and create. He was effective in various situations, including with the New Mexico goalie pulled, where he scored an empty-net goal. Grade: B-
Bryce Terry #10 (F, R, 6’2″, 196, Elmira Aviators, 03/11/2004) – Terry picked up two assists in Blaine, one of which came on a slick bump pass to Maglio for a tap-in goal. The big, strong center had a solid NCDC season in 2024-25 after serving as Captain at St. Paul’s School (NH). Against New Mexico, he added another assist and blocked several shots. Bryce was willing to sacrifice his body, pounding opponents on the wall and forechecking aggressively. He took hits to make plays and showed enough agility to elude defenders in open space and off the cycle. His defensive play against New Mexico was crucial to their win. He made an exceptional backcheck, getting his stick on a puck that was about to be snapped home, and then stayed with his man off the cycle, lifting a stick to prevent another likely goal. The strength of his game, both physically and in impact, was evident as Terry played hard at both ends. He was reliable in late-game situations and carved out space to the net. This being his first year of junior hockey, we expect him to continue improving as he faces tougher competition. Grade: B
Sean Williams #29 (F, L, 6’3″, 225, Elmira Aviators, 07/19/2004, Robert Morris) – Sean had a long wingspan, which he used to disguise his shots with a smooth release. He had the reach to gather pucks and handle passes on the rush at top speed, showcasing excellent puck control. Sean zipped cross-ice passes in the neutral zone and demonstrated solid athleticism. The RMU commit could wheel out of the corner while protecting possession and wrist pucks through traffic toward the net. In the first game, Williams wired a shot low to the far side for a goal. He drove the net with the strength to peel off pressure and spin to create a shot near the crease. Playing a slick style, he could weave through traffic and find open space. With a solid frame and room to add weight, we see strong upside potential in his game. Grade: A-
Fairbanks Ice Dogs
Cole Burke #10 (F, R, 6’1″, 170, Fairbanks Ice Dogs, 02/18/2004) – Cole stood at 6’2″ and was light on his feet. He looked athletic, with fast hands to match his skating. He competed hard and was tough to play against. While his skating was excellent, there were times he used too many crossovers on straight-line acceleration. Cole blocked painful shots on the penalty kill and hammered a Jr. American defenseman after a shot, catching him at the point. Burke snapped pucks on net with a sneaky release on the move. Wearing the ‘C’ for Fairbanks, he led by example. His game was fast and intense; he hit everything that moved and won puck races on dumps and retrievals. Cole played at the net on the power play, tipping pucks and quickly recovering rebounds or blocked shots. He was a workhorse with a versatile game, playing with clear passion. Grade: B
Wyatt Carlson #4 (F, R, 5’8″, 165, Fairbanks Ice Dogs, 05/27/2004) – Wyatt demonstrated excellent speed, reaching top speed in just a few strides. Playing on the wing, he pressured defenders with poor gaps. His elite speed forced teams to account for him and try to contain the puck when Carlson had it. He showed clever stick skills in possession and when creating turnovers. Wyatt one-timed a rocket against Rochester and later held onto a puck, waited, and fired it off the crossbar in the third period. In Saturday’s game against Amarillo, Carlson cycled effectively against a physical team, using quick feet and swivel movements to slip to the net or create space. After a timeout, he was deployed on a 5v3 penalty kill. He played with relentless energy, skill, and a versatile approach. Grade: B+
Thomas Corneillie #22 (F, L, 6’1″, 187, Fairbanks Ice Dogs, 03/14/2007, Western Michigan) – Thomas appeared taller than his listed 6’1″, especially when running the power play from up top, where he could see the whole ice above the other players. He snapped pucks around the zone with purpose and quickly released heavy shots on goal. Thomas played with skill and poise, displaying strong puck control. Corneillie could carry the puck from his own end and create opportunities in the offensive and neutral zones. The 2007-born player was reliable in every situation, with a technically sound and powerful stride that allowed him to cover ground quickly and deliver hits to defend his zone. Tall, athletic, strong, and mobile, with slick hands and a touch of grit, Thomas showed tremendous upside and had no problem competing with older players. He was one of the top prospects at the Showcase. Grade: A-
Brent Gulenchyn #28 (F, R, 5’10”, 175, Fairbanks Ice Dogs, 01/21/2004) – The Minnesota native played solid hockey, picking up a goal and an assist in three games. Against Rochester, Brent stole the puck on a penalty kill, separated from the defense, and snapped it top corner on a breakaway for a shorthanded goal. His acceleration was impressive, displaying strong straight-line speed. His pace of play kept him on pucks, and he forechecked with a quick stick, utilizing stops and starts effectively. He consistently went to the net all week, a habit that will pay off long-term. Brent also won puck battles and got off checks quickly. His effort-based game, combined with speed, will serve him well over the long season. He played his role effectively for a strong Fairbanks team. Grade: B-
Robert House #7 (D, L, 6’1″, 210, Fairbanks Ice Dogs, 01/16/2006) – Fairbanks relied on the tall, stout, and strong House in key situations, including a 5v3 penalty kill against Amarillo. Last season, Robert played a key role for an excellent Minnetonka High School (MN) team. He brought much of the same in Blaine, playing a heavy, tough game in his own end and making intelligent, crisp outlet passes. He anticipated plays well, was quick on the wall, and effective at the net front. The 2006-born player excelled against Rochester, where we noted his high hockey IQ and his ability to repeatedly win battles. He used leverage effectively, picking pucks from scrums. With a strong stride, Robert was explosive in open space. An intriguing player built like a house, he played smart, fast hockey and was effective in every situation. Grade: B
Gage Leonard #12 (C, L, 5’11”, 194, Fairbanks Ice Dogs, 06/02/2006, Alaska Fairbanks) – Leonard didn’t find the scoresheet here but showed enough to warrant this report. The 2006 Alaska-Fairbanks commit will enroll in 2025. Gage was a PITA (Pain In The A**) to play against and excelled in the faceoff dot due to his quick hands and high compete level. In the third period against Rochester, during an offensive zone faceoff, Gage entered a standoff after the puck drop. He separated from his opponent and quickly moved to the corner where the puck had settled. Powering through two opponents and using firm edges, he won the puck and initiated the offense. His relentless compete level highlights his strong upside. Gage played in every situation, skating well and shooting effectively in tight spaces. Leonard kept his head up through contact and wall battles, playing the right way and making his teammates better. Grade: B-
Ignus Locmelis #15 (D, L, 6’1″, 170, Fairbanks Ice Dogs, 11/03/2005) – We only got one look at Locmelis but noted some positives in his game. He delivered powerful hits to defend his blue line and zone. He appeared balanced on his feet and made simple outlet passes with proper pace. He knocked opponents down or rubbed them off at his blue line and stepped up to deliver a big hit in the neutral zone. He stayed on his toes, and the late 2005-born player showcased tough, aggressive hockey. He has more to offer, and we look forward to seeing more from him. Grade: C+
Nick Madsen #3 (D, R, 6’0″, 180, Fairbanks Ice Dogs, 01/01/2006) – The 2006 player made the jump from Wisconsin high school hockey to the NAHL. He impressed with his power, strength, and ability to win physical battles all over the ice. He effectively used his poke check to stop the rush and finished by rubbing puck carriers against the wall. He played smart hockey with some grit throughout the week, staying below the puck and doing his best work in his own end. Madsen looked relaxed with the puck, using quick strides to carry it from back to front and create zone entries. His game was defensively oriented, but that’s the right place to start as a 2006 player in his first year of junior hockey. He’s a smart player with a high ceiling. Grade: B
Ian Norkevicus #24 (D, R, 5’11”, 170, Fairbanks Ice Dogs, 02/24/2004) – Ian maintained tight gaps, starting in the offensive zone, and stopped the rush with some hard hits at his blue line. Norkevicus scored a one-touch rebound follow-up at the net during a line rush against the Titans on the first day, adding another goal that we missed. In the next game, Ian showcased a sneaky poke check and successfully stopped an odd-man rush twice in a tight third period. He poked pucks off sticks, initiating transitions as the puck found his forwards’ sticks several times. He was tough to play against in the low zone and displayed balanced edge work to maneuver into space and win pucks in tight areas. In the last game against the unbeaten Amarillo team, Norkevicus played smart, simple hockey. He scored the game-winning goal with 9:19 left by firing a puck on net from a bad angle. It was a clever play, as Amarillo and their goalie were reeling after giving up two quick goals. That goal stood as the game-winner, but Ian wasn’t done. He sealed the win by burying an empty-net goal from 190 feet away, showing great guts and confidence. Ian had a great week, playing in every situation successfully, contributing positively to the game, and finishing with five points. Grade: A-
Caden Pendo #2 (D, R, 5’11”, 165, Fairbanks Ice Dogs, 02/02/2004) – The Pennsylvania native is entering his third full season in the NAHL, all with Fairbanks. The team captain looked poised, played with moxie, and made a lot of smart plays in Blaine. His stride was technically sound, generating speed and acceleration. He handled the puck with poise and was seldom out of position in his own end. He read plays well, using his experience and awareness to intercept passes and initiate transitions. He separated quickly with possession, cutting or curling to buy time and allow plays to develop. Pendo took his time on the ice while surveying all his options and could fire in stride with a rapid release. Caden was quick to the puck and moved swiftly all over the ice. He utilized lateral movement to shut down the line rush and demonstrated balanced edge work. In our viewing against Rochester, Pendo took off on a 2-on-1 in a 1-1 game with about 40 seconds left. He was a right shot on the right wing with possession. The defender played the 2-on-1 well, and Pendo wisely decided to shoot. He ripped the puck into the top corner for the game-winner with 32.2 seconds remaining. Pendo displayed athleticism, swagger, experience, and a winning attitude. Grade: A-
Luc Plante #16 (F, L, 5’10”, 171, Fairbanks Ice Dogs, 05/21/2007, Northern Michigan) – The 2007 Northern Michigan commit displayed impressive vision and skill, making tough plays look easy while showcasing a slick ability to evade opponents. Although he was inconsistent in these areas, he demonstrated speed and effectively utilized the high drop on the rush. Luc forced defenses into switches and quickly swarmed loose pucks. Plante moved up the ice with athletic speed and a quick stick, looking dangerous with possession. He executed a saucy backhand pass for a breakout and was not afraid to stick his nose into tough areas. He could improve his skating by getting his feet under him more effectively, but he moved well during the games. Plante looked slick and quick as one of the youngest players in Blaine, and he has a high ceiling. Grade: B-
Luca Ricciardi #19 (F, L, 6’1″, 191, Fairbanks Ice Dogs, 10/05/2005) – The late 2005 player was sturdy on his feet and strong on his stick. He is not a burner, but he anticipated well and pursued loose pucks all weekend. He faced the net as often as possible with possession, making him a threat to drive, pass, or shoot. Ricciardi worked the cycle effectively, moving high and low. He curled off one cycle to snap a wicked shot over the net. His shot was heavy and created rebounds, and he took every opportunity to shoot, easily putting seven shots on net in the two games we observed. Luca was rugged and direct, picking up a goal and an assist on the final day against Amarillo in a crucial win. He gathered a puck on the power play and made a perfect pass with the right pace to Timm for a one-timer goal, bringing Fairbanks within one goal of Amarillo in the second period. Ricciardi was a beast on faceoffs during the power play, using leverage, quick hands, and pure effort to win pucks. In a 4v4 situation, Luca first showcased a great stick on a backcheck, starting the transition toward the Amarillo end. He then kept a puck alive and went to the net to tap home a clever pass from Rohrer. While Luca’s play was not always pretty, he had several impactful shifts like that. The goal tied the game, and Fairbanks went on to win. Grade: B
Kyle Rohrer #11 (F, L, 6’0″, 175, Fairbanks Ice Dogs, 01/26/2005, Lindenwood) – Rohrer had soft hands and made a dozen high-level bump passes or quick dishes to spring teammates. It started with his elite level of puck protection as he could wait for plays to develop and sift pucks through the most miniature windows. He worked hard back to his end and made an athletic stick check ‘lacrosse style’ as Kyle went outside the puck carrier and over the outside shoulder to cleanly pick the puck away. Against Amarillo Kyle picked up two assists. The first came midway through the third as he established net front position and redirected a Norkevicus shot-pass to Ricciardi for the open net score. It was a clever play by Rohrer with a body on him. Then Kyle was used on a 6v5 situation with his team up by a goal and he started a play in his zone that led to a long empty-net goal by Norkevicus. The vital aspect of that play was Rohrere helped close out a win over a 6-0 Amarillo team. Grade: B+
Adam Timm #20 (F, R, 6’3″, 185, Fairbanks Ice Dogs, 05/16/2005) – Timm was tall, smooth, and had deceptive speed. He moved faster than expected, using long, strong strides to get up and down the rink. The 6’3″ forward oozed upside and athleticism, making some plays look effortless. He used his reach to split defenders, disconnecting from the puck to absorb contact, and was able to pass while being checked due to his length. The Wisconsin native had a three-point game against the Titans, where he made a wide rush and threw a low shot on net from outside that rebounded for a goal, earning him an assist. Timm also scored an empty-net goal at the end of that game to seal a 4-2 win. He showcased his skills against Rochester but took a four-minute penalty that we did not like. However, he added a crucial goal and an assist against Amarillo for a comeback win. His goal came on a powerful one-timer during a power play that left the goalie with little chance of stopping it. Timm recorded several shots in that game alone, and we termed him a ‘shooter’ as he could fire almost at will all week. However, his effort in his own end was minimal, and he took a penalty on a 5v3 power play. His penalties and some ‘drive-by’ defense kept him out of the ‘A’ grade range. Grade: B+
Arseniy Vorobyov #9 (LW, R, 5’11”, 165, Fairbanks Ice Dogs, 03/06/2006) – Vorobyav played intensely and won wall battles with his quick feet and sharp stick. The 2006 showed great puck awareness and forechecked with speed and smart angles. We noted that he hit with force and played a hard, physical game, often playing bigger than his listed size. He demonstrated pace and mobility, making puck plays at top speed. On the power play, he positioned himself at the net front, and against Amarillo, he held the puck, slipped laterally, toe-dragged a defender, and fired a shot on net. It all happened quickly in a tight area of the ice. Vorobyov was clever and played with grit, showcasing a skill set that included pace, toughness, and a bit of snarl. He is definitely one to watch, as his approach should lead to long-term success. Grade: B+
Charlie Zetterqvist #23 (F, L, 5’11”, 180, Fairbanks Ice Dogs, 04/11/2006) – The 2006 player participated in only two games here, and we observed one and parts of the other. We wanted to highlight him as he showed promise as a younger player. He separated on a breakaway attempt against Amarillo but missed. He handled the puck well at top speed and demonstrated quick hands. He kept his feet moving, gathered pucks, and fed his teammates, often heading to the net. He created space on the rush and pulled up on entries to make passes to trailing players. He exhibited pace, vision, and a consistent work ethic. He should continue to improve and performed well enough to warrant this report. Grade: C+
Janesville Jets
Matthew Alberti #35 (G, L, 6’0″, 173, Janesville Jets, 06/07/2004) – Matthew will be a steadying force all season for a young Janesville team. In Blaine, the 2004 player, who is in his second season with the Jets, filled the net well and was quick, active, and involved. He had fast feet and stopped point-blank shots low with exceptional pad work. He moved quickly in every direction with technically sound footwork. He made 57 saves in a shootout loss to an excellent Bismarck team and is expected to see plenty of time in the net and face a lot of shots this season. He has the ability to play, and this work will only make him better. Grade: B
Kyle Bernier #2 (D, R, 5’8″, 155, Janesville Jets, 05/15/2007) – The 2007 player is still on the smaller side. Kyle played with nimble feet and took available ice quickly while moving the puck with swift hands. He had the speed to challenge opponents up the ice and recover if necessary, and he was also able to lead the rush and create zone entries. Against Bismarck, he carried the puck end-to-end and was quick to defend and shed checks in his own end. He played tough hockey and never backed down. He brought some grit to his game and used his quick hands and clever edgework to win puck battles. An athletic, speedy defenseman with a high ceiling, Kyle is one to watch and intrigued our scouts. Grade: B-
Rylan Brady #19 (F, L, 6’1″, 186, Janesville Jets, 02/10/2004, Lake Superior) – Rylan scored on a loose puck in front against Johnstown and also added an assist. Those were his only two points at the Showcase, but he showed enough to make us believe he will score more as the year progresses. He moved well, although he was not a fluid skater, and we noted a hitch in his stride. He can work on this area to become more economical in his skating at the college level. Rylan demonstrated a rapid release and soft touches with swift passing on the power play against North Iowa. He worked hard on defense, staying with his checks, lifting sticks, and neutralizing them throughout the game. On the rush, he delayed, cut, and dished the puck to give players time to drive to the net. Rylan went hard to the front of the net, showing tenacity and persistence. He killed penalties in the final game, won faceoffs, and worked to block shots and passes with quick movements and a well-placed stick. As the event progressed, he displayed versatility and can contribute in any situation up and down the roster at LSSU. Grade: B+
John Brown #14 (D, L, 6’1″, 206, Janesville Jets, 05/17/2006) – John looked poised and active in his first contest in Blaine on Wednesday. He didn’t force plays and stayed with his checks in his own end. His gaps were solid, and he moved well in every direction. He played for Janesville last season and has three USHL games to his credit. He demonstrated acceleration, speed, and mobility in all directions. He used his skating to limit time and space, shutting down the rush before it reached his zone. The 2006 had an economical stride that allowed him to play more minutes and tire less than others. He snapped the puck on net quickly and with real velocity. In a previous report, we noted that John defended with just his stick too often, and while he did that here, he also delivered some solid hits and absorbed contact with ease, indicating improvement in that area. He looked stronger overall. John fired a heavy slap shot that went over the net, looked strong on his skates, and knocked opponents over in the defensive zone. He appears to be trending in the right direction and should be closely watched. He will improve as his approach is solid, and he has the tools. Grade: B-
Jacob Eilers #20 (F, L, 5’7″, 161, Janesville Jets, 03/13/2007) – Eilers was among the dozen or so youngest players at the Blaine Showcase. The 2007 is still small but demonstrated acceleration from a dead stop, sharp turns, and played with athletic edgework and great speed. He played in the middle and moved low in his zone to help defend with a quick stick, effective closing speed, and smart angling. Jacob displayed slick hands, able to pick pucks off the wall and from crowds, separating himself to find open ice. He showed flashes on the rush, where he looked dangerous. With a high ceiling and impressive speed, he is a highly athletic player. Grade: B-
Noah Gibbs #92 (F, L, 5’9″, 170, Janesville Jets, 05/27/2004) – Hibbs showed speed and played on the power play, carrying the puck up ice and making entries into the offensive zone. He accelerated quickly and, in his own end, went hard to his point man, often following up with contact. He was a pest near the net, hitting everyone that moved. He was persistent on the forecheck and could create turnovers with both hits and a quick stick. Noah played with energy and pace, demonstrating a unique ability to impact the game as a power play guy without necessarily scoring. Grade: B-
Hans Hedlund #16 (F, R, 5’11”, 175, Janesville Jets, 01/27/2006) – The Minnesota native, born in 2006, was another solid young player for Janesville. He played relentlessly, stayed around the puck, and made positive plays all week. In his first contest, he attacked the net and jammed home a goal to tie the game at 1-1. He could drive to the net with powerful crossovers and edgework, and near the crease, he showed the ability to dangle in tight. He was poised and confident near the net. Hans was not fun for opponents to play against, as there was no rest when battling with him. He also displayed explosive acceleration and terrific straight-line speed. He sidestepped defenders and could make people miss in open space. An interesting player with speed, grit, and a style that puts pressure on opponents all game long. Grade: B-
Rhett Kodsi #7 (D, R, 6’0″, 190, Janesville Jets, 01/06/2004) – Rhett played with power and a bit of an edge in his game. He was a strong skater with size and was able to carry the puck from end to end. He has improved his puck skills and showcased his athleticism in Blaine. Kodsi snapped crisp cross-ice passes through the neutral zone and was tough to play against, taking on the hard north-south defenseman role for Janesville. We liked Kodsi’s play in his zone; it was physical, attentive, and consistently smart. The 2004 stopped the rush with heavy contact and worked well on the power play. His touches were soft; he caught a puck while skating backward, dropped it, and snapped a pass right on the tape after a few strides forward. He used his size and skating ability to hold both blue lines and served as a stabilizing, gritty veteran in the back for a young team. He led by example. Grade: B+
Reese Lantz #6 (D, R, 6’0″, 170, Janesville Jets, 07/10/2007) – Reese picked up a couple of assists at the Showcase from the blue line. The 2007 Wisconsin native was around 6′ tall and had room to add weight. Lantz was mobile, covering ice with a quick stick. His size was not a factor, as he was quick to retrieve pucks and showed good acceleration when carrying the puck out of his end. He also jumped up in the play to add depth to the rush. Reese blocked shots with his body and redirected pucks with his active stick, demonstrating solid performance on the penalty kill. On one 3v2, Reese kept the puck and, while in stride, fired a wrist shot wide with a smooth release. He exhibited an explosive burst to win puck races in small areas, often leading to quick transitions in the neutral zone. He played well at both blue lines, showing some athleticism with his puck keeps at the offensive blue line. Lantz’s skating allowed him to be a factor at both ends of the ice with strength and a quick stick. He is a high-ceiling player who moved up from U16 to the NAHL. Grade: B
Grady Magner #43 (D, L, 5’9″, 180, Janesville Jets, 04/19/2006) – Grady quickly jumped on pucks and defended effectively. He could carry or pass the puck from his end and did a quality job carrying it up the wall through contact against Johnstown. Magner initiated zone entries and zipped centering passes at both ends. Despite being smaller, the 2006 carried the puck out of his end with quickness and craftiness, making effortless saucer passes through the neutral zone and showcasing a smooth wrist shot on release. He broke up a play in 3v3 overtime and accelerated to pull away on a breakout. Grady broke in on the goalie, made a deke at top speed, and scored in overtime to secure a win against Johnstown. He only played in one more game against Bismarck, where he looked sharp on the power play, delivering crisp first passes and demonstrating his ability to carry the puck backward and laterally, then forward with his head up. His footwork was excellent, complemented by a quick stick. Magner possesses a lot of athletic ability and exudes potential. Grade: A-
Nicholas Messina #24 (F, L, 5’8″, 160, Janesville Jets, 02/04/2004) – Nicholas displayed several traits that will allow him to improve and help his team throughout the NAHL season. He played quickly and confronted puck carriers in his end with speed and control. His stick was active, effectively neutralizing opponents both in his end and on the backcheck. His acceleration was excellent, allowing Nicholas to pull away from backcheckers and exploit gaps in opposing defenses. Messina battled hard for pucks and attacked centrally, keeping all his options open. He made quick, smart passes on the power play and demonstrated cleverness and speed. Against Johnstown, he showcased a burst of quickness with a saucer pass cross-ice. His puck handling and pace were solid, as he was quick to the puck and had a fast stick. Nicholas delivered a clever, quick pass into the neutral zone and scored with a rapid-release shot during the line rush with 9:37 left in the third period. Against Bismarck, he played on the wing and was equally effective. He was a key contributor on the penalty kill, making smart reads and quick reactions. His stick work was well-placed, and he intercepted a pass shorthanded, taking off to the other end. He played an influential role and maintained a high compete level throughout the game. Grade: B
Sullivan Miller #91 (F, R, 5’11”, 165, Janesville Jets, 03/10/2006) – Miller looked big and played with physicality, delivering heavy hits along the wall and a couple of pancake-style checks as well. His skating was balanced, and he demonstrated firm edges. He drew a penalty when Sullivan wheeled from the corner. Miller looked athletic as he made a pass off a spin, dishing the puck while still in motion, which was impressive. The 2006-born player showed balance and pace in open space, making him tough to play against. Against Johnstown, Miller executed a slick maneuver around a defender during one zone entry and then zipped a pass to a streaking forward for a one-touch goal. His game was diverse, and we wanted to see more, as he surprised us with his mobility and slick hands, displaying confidence for a player of his age. He also had an excellent frame, with the potential to add weight and strength moving forward. He was an intriguing prospect and one to watch. Grade: B
Bauer Murphy #4 (D, L, 5’11”, 185, Janesville Jets, 09/02/2005) – Murphy played a tough game low in his zone, utilizing core strength and excellent angling along the wall. He pushed opponents toward his teammates and consistently won battles. Bauer was a strong skater with great edges, sticking with puck carriers like glue. He made quick turns to evade forecheckers and accelerated out of the zone and through the neutral zone effortlessly. The puck didn’t slow him down, as the 2005-born player snapped passes on the tape at full speed. Murphy limited time and space quickly with sharp reaction times, intelligent reads, and tight gaps. He played a winning game, sacrificing his body to make passes and block shots on the penalty kill. He was well-rounded and should continue to improve this season, day by day. Grade: B-
Sam Smith #55 (F, R, 5’10”, 167, Janesville Jets, 01/18/2007) – Smith’s soft touch on his backhand while receiving a hard pass at full speed caught our attention. He was mobile, sidestepping checks with lateral movement, and could almost jump quickly to avoid contact. Smith was difficult for defenders to square up, and the 2007-born player displayed tremendous pace as he ran the power play from the middle of the point. Against Johnstown, he showed good speed, made a quick stick check on a defenseman to steal the puck, and initiated a rush. He appeared agile, displaying quick hands when pressured at the point on the power play. With some flair, he executed an elusive spin move at speed in the neutral zone, showcasing excellent puck control and playing a puck possession game. In his final game, it was more of the same, although he played with a little less pace, likely due to fatigue. Overall, he performed exceptionally well for a player of his age. Grade: B
James Taylor #17 (F, L, 6’6″, 225, Janesville Jets, 02/21/2004, Maine) – The Maine commit was easy to spot at 6’6″ as he worked in his zone, defending by clogging lanes and blocking shots. He was attentive in the defensive zone and could carry the puck well up the ice, driving to the net, but he was at his best below the dots. There, he displayed clever hands and combined those with his frame to slip off checks, cycle the puck, and attack the net. In the first game, he stole a puck in the neutral zone and immediately moved centrally on a 2-on-1, snapping a shot into the far side of the net while in stride for the goal. In the game against North Iowa, Taylor played strong and physical, employing a north-south game and driving the net with his stick on the ice. The next day against Johnstown, he drove the net again for a hard one-touch goal. He was a hammer—not making huge hits but leaning on opponents near the net and along the wall, showing excellence at shielding the puck. He exhibited poise with the puck and had a loose, long stride that we liked. In the last game, Taylor backchecked with his head on a swivel and stole the puck. He protected it well and created a zone entry. James used his reach to help low in the zone and snapped a pass to his center around a Bismarck player. Later in the shift, he scored a well-deserved goal with clever hands and good body position. He looked raw, but his stride, 200-foot effort, and strength bode well for continued improvement. Grade: A
Christian Venticinque #9 (F, L, 6’0″, 180, Janesville Jets, 07/15/2005) – Christian was a factor in the first game against North Iowa. He stayed active and found soft ice, where, if he received a pass, he had the space and position to make a play or take a shot. He played with grit against a tough team and drove the net repeatedly. He was not satisfied with just being on the perimeter, and we appreciated that aspect of his game; it will pay off in the long run. In the second game against Johnstown in Blaine, Christian pulled the puck and wired a smooth-release wrister off the post and into the net from the slot. He also made a crucial shot block in the high slot during 3-on-3 overtime, which led to a drive with a defenseman draped on him. Venticinque stayed with the puck and managed to get a hard backhanded shot off. He played the game with intensity, regardless of the score, and displayed some snarl in his approach. He was able to catch and shoot rapidly while driving the net. Christian looked solid and played to win. The 2005 has significant upside, as he demonstrated many positive attributes here. Grade: B
Johnstown Tomahawks
Taybor Aldrich #96 (F, L, 5’7″, 150, Johnstown Tomahawks, 07/14/2005) -Aldrich possesses a nifty set of hands, allowing him to make defenders miss up ice and control the puck in tight spaces without getting stripped. He is not afraid to rush through chaos and drive the puck through traffic to create chances at the net. Taybor is adept at positioning himself around the net to redirect and tip point shots, consistently getting his stick on the puck without getting swallowed up. He sees lanes well and can create space for his shot with pull-and-drag moves, changing the release point to get quality shots off in spots that don’t seem feasible. His snapshot rockets off his stick, and his slippery hands give him a threatening presence in the offensive zone, especially on the power play. Grade: C+
Sam Blanton #12 (F, R, 6’0″, 170, Johnstown Tomahawks, 05/11/2004) – Blanton loves to fire the puck, picking up eight shots on goal in the game against Anchorage. He is a mid-sized forward who can also make plays on the perimeter and displays a high level of poise under heavy pressure. Off the rush, he doesn’t seem to be in too much of a hurry—in a positive way—allowing plays to develop around him. He pulls up to hit a trailer or slows down to curl and pass to his defenseman, calming the play down. He scored a goal after stealing a puck in the neutral zone, going in all alone, faking the shot, and finishing on his forehand. Sam also sees time on the power play, where he can look off lanes, but if given any space, he can fire dangerous shots on net. One notable play involved him faking a shot to get everyone to bite, then zipping a pass across the top of the slot to his teammate on the weak side for a quality chance. Blanton can attack with speed out wide and find his way to the middle of the ice for open shot opportunities or dish to a weak-side option. Grade: B
Michal Capos #6 (D, R, 6’4″, 209, Johnstown Tomahawks, 07/16/2007, Western Michigan) – Capos is a tall 2007 defender standing around 6’4″ who demonstrated his ability to defend against the rush and play a smart positional game. When in possession, he remains poised; although he is not the fleetest of foot, he can distribute the puck effectively and use his reach to navigate around forecheckers. Machal is clever in transition, attacking in the right way without forcing the puck up the ice. He carried the puck through the neutral zone, stopped just inside the offensive zone to let everyone fly by, and then delivered a precise cross-ice pass. Capos doesn’t try to be an offensive threat, but he possesses enough skill to be an effective two-way defender. Grade: C+
Andrew Cowgill #55 (D, R, 5’9″, 172, Johnstown Tomahawks, 03/10/2006) – Cowgill is a smaller defenseman who can make plays up ice with his head up. He is adept at looking off lanes and moving his feet to create options, allowing him to snap passes through the windows he opens. Andrew made a nice breakout pass while pinned along the wall, freeing his stick to spring his teammate down the ice for a breakaway chance. He contested gaps effectively but could be more aggressive due to his skating ability. Grade: C
Cullen Emery #22 (F, R, 5’11”, 180, Johnstown Tomahawks, 08/02/2005) – Emery is a strong two-way forward who excels at winning pucks and has a solid stride that allows him to navigate the ice with relative ease and pace. Cullen has an economical stride that positions him well on both sides of the puck. His drag shot is challenging for defenders to intercept, as he can sell one way or use a fake shot to freeze the defender, creating a shot lane for himself. Emery catches every pass thrown at him, and he can slide his hands down his stick to secure a bad pass. He possesses the athletic intelligence to maneuver his body to corral pucks and quickly distribute them. He effectively executed give-and-go plays with his linemates, moving his feet and creating space for himself and others. Grade: B-
Ryan Flaherty #27 (F, R, 6’2″, 180, Johnstown Tomahawks, 04/25/2005, Holy Cross) – Flaherty is a skilled playmaking finisher who plays a mature game that will translate well to the next level. He possesses deceptive speed and puck-handling ability, allowing him to extend possessions and be dangerous in the corners. On the power play, Ryan typically positions himself in front of the net to disrupt the goaltender’s sightlines while also moving between the corners to win pucks and assist with the cycle. He scored a goal off an offensive zone faceoff, fighting through bodies to retrieve a loose puck that he rifled upstairs while compressed low in the zone. Flaherty adds grit to his game, hitting with authority and not shying away from physical play when needed. He set up his linemate with a beautiful cross-ice pass through the house from the flank for an easy tap-in behind the netminder. Flaherty brings a solid mix of power, finesse, scoring, and playmaking, making him a multidimensional forward who excels in all areas. Grade: B
Jack Genovese #4 (C, L, 5’11”, 184, Johnstown Tomahawks, 02/09/2006, Quinnipiac) – Genovese is a detailed two-way center who can play in any situation and be successful. While he didn’t light up the points category, he is a reliable 2006 center who supports well in his own zone and also creates a few chances of his own. Jack consistently wins faceoffs in a variety of ways, using quick, firm hands to overpower the opposing center. His hockey IQ positions him effectively defensively, utilizing an active stick to seal lanes and play above the puck, which slows down zone exits. He stops and starts well, avoids getting caught in bad spots, and places his linemates in situations where they can be more aggressive. Genovese separates opponents from the puck with smart contact and puts in a complete effort, drawing a few penalties with his hustle and footwork. When shorthanded, he takes away lanes, forces the issue, and keeps the puck to the outside. He navigates smart paths to steer play to the wall while preventing entries with speed. Jack is a savant on the penalty kill, working in sync with his linemates with a meticulous and cerebral approach. Grade: B
Nick Jarmain #2 (F, R, 5’11”, 190, Johnstown Tomahawks, 05/10/2005) – Jarmain is a physical forward who is not afraid to finish checks and bury opponents along the wall. He knocked over several puck carriers with his low center of gravity, using an explosive drive through contact that often catches the opposition off guard. Nick combines his physicality with pace and is quick on the puck, changing speeds and directions in a flash. On the forecheck, he continues to apply pressure, relentlessly pursuing defensemen without slowing down. Jarmain intercepted numerous passes, reading the play well, positioning himself effectively, and covering a lot of ice. Grade: C
Peter Lukas Klemm #24 (D, R, 6’2″, 195, Johnstown Tomahawks, 04/20/2004, Mercyhurst) – Klemm is a two-way defenseman who doesn’t overcomplicate the game in front of him, making cerebral passes with a firm presence. Everything that comes off his stick—whether passes or shots—is a rocket, and he loves to let it rip in the offensive zone. He scored a pair of goals against Janesville, one of which came on the power play when he unleashed a bullet wrist shot from the point through a screen to beat the goaltender. The other goal was a highlight-reel moment; he deked an opponent at the offensive blue line, carried the puck across the top of the circles, and sniped the top corner just under the bar, showcasing great placement and accuracy. Klemm can walk the blue line with his head up, controlling the play from the point, either wiring shots on goal or hitting his teammate accurately on the flank. Defensively, he consistently positions himself well on the ice, using his long reach to poke at pucks from a distance. Even when he lost his stick during a backcheck, he was still able to break up the play and kick the puck out of harm’s way. He applies pressure effectively at both blue lines, not allowing easy exits or entries, and he doesn’t get beat behind the net. Klemm can drive a rush, defend his territory, and play a solid game at both ends of the ice. Grade: A-
Caden Olenczak #10 (D, L, 5’9″, 154, Johnstown Tomahawks, 05/25/2004) – Olenczak has a slippery pair of hands for a defenseman, allowing him to walk off the wall with relative ease and find tight lanes to snap pucks through. Caden possesses quick feet and is an athletic puck mover who can navigate through traffic and create space as he separates from pressure on the forecheck. He quickly settles bouncing pucks, corraling them at his feet to stickhandle into a movable position without needing to make an extra handle. Defensively, Olenczak uses his stick well, staying square to the attack and maintaining a strong position to break up plays and seal off the middle of the ice. Against the Wolverines, he kept his stick on pucks all night, disrupting easy passes or plays around his area. He logs significant time on the power play as the settler and main point of distribution. Grade: B-
Adam Ondris #77 (F, R, 5’10”, 170, Johnstown Tomahawks, 07/07/2004) – Ondris is a Slovakian native who can transform into a completely different player when the puck is on his stick. He demonstrated firm hands while compressed, enabling him to dangle and maintain possession without getting his stick lifted or bumped. His change of direction posed a problem for defenders, preventing them from setting their feet and breaking them down with his acceleration and quickness. Ondris made an impressive play on a zone entry by coming in wide, cutting hard to the middle to draw in the defenders, and then dropping it to a trailer in space for a dangerous chance at the net. He is a threatening presence when controlling the flow of the puck, capable of exploding out with quick three-step bursts and changing his pace to create separation on the rush. He logs time on the power play, where he can look off lanes and spin away from pressure, creating more space to distribute the puck in the interior of the ice. His release can be unpredictable at times, as he is able to shoot while moving his feet. Grade: B
Kirby Perler #14 (D, L, 5’8″, 176, Johnstown Tomahawks, 03/28/2007, Yale) – Perler is an ’07 defenseman who, although smaller, can zip around the ice with quick and active feet. He was sometimes beaten around the net, as he doesn’t have the physicality to contend with bigger, stronger players in his crease, but he compensates for this with his skating ability. Kirby can accelerate to top speed quickly and evade pressure on the forecheck while keeping his head up, avoiding direct hits and minimizing contact. He senses pressure well, allowing him to get to open space and deliver a solid first pass, but he didn’t often look to join the offensive side of the play when opportunities arose. As he continues to grow in confidence, he will make quality puck decisions that will establish him as a solid option on the back end. Grade: C+
Dallas Potter #17 (F, R, 5’8″, 148, Johnstown Tomahawks, 06/09/2007, Sacred Heart) – Potter is a 2007 forward who didn’t finish the weekend with any points but was highly noted for his IQ and direct attack. He can dissect the defense with the puck when given some space from the perimeter, always managing to get his passes through traffic to his target. His movement off the puck was effective; he was consistently in good positions to be a scoring threat or to drag defenders out of position, creating space for the puck carrier. Dallas has a natural magnetism for the puck; it always seems to find him, and he knows what to do with it before even coming into contact, avoiding overhandling or mismanaging possessions. He can make simple bump passes and then quickly get his legs moving to find open space. His speed is excellent, allowing him to fly around the ice with quality pace and mobility, and he adds quickness in tight with his acceleration to dart out of the gates. The puck doesn’t slow him down; he can shake and swivel to get defenders on their edges and then exploit the space he creates for himself. Against Anchorage, Potter set up his linemate in the slot about four times for dangerous scoring chances, but they were unable to capitalize. He effectively uses his points, dishing the puck up high while staying wide as an option to receive passes or driving to the net to create chaos in front of the goaltender. Potter is a versatile forward with excellent vision who will continue to grow into a dangerous offensive weapon. Grade: B+
Hank Reed #23 (F, R, 6’3″, 225, Johnstown Tomahawks, 05/29/2004) – Reed is a big, strong, and long forward who may lack pace and quickness in his feet but makes up for it with his strength and willingness to compete in the tough areas of the ice. Hank uses his size to shield pucks and can drive hard to the net on his backhand, getting to the blue paint for scoring chances. He delivered a few thundering checks, finishing with power and causing opposing defenders to second-guess their timing when going for the puck. Standing around 6’5″, he is able to outmuscle opponents and maintains a firm presence wherever he moves on the ice. Reed grinds away down low and is a pest below the hash marks, where he excels at using his reach and physically taking up space. Grade: B-
Luke Sakala #13 (F, L, 6’1″, 175, Johnstown Tomahawks, 05/05/2005) – Sakala is a speedy forward with decent length in both his frame and stride, allowing him to separate from defenders off the rush. While shorthanded, he takes away lanes with an active stick, preventing pucks from getting through the middle of the ice and making it difficult for the opposition to distribute along the perimeter with his aggressiveness. He gets in the face of puck carriers and smothers them into submission on the penalty kill and during forechecking. He is patient with his passes, avoiding throwing the puck away or forcing plays that aren’t there, and he is not afraid to chip and chase in the offensive zone. Luke can drive plays wide, curl up to hit his trailer, and then make his way to the net to create issues around the crease. Grade: C+
Dylan Shane #26 (D, R, 6’0″, 174, Johnstown Tomahawks, 04/19/2004, Niagara) – Shane, the captain of the Tomahawks, is a highly athletic and mobile defenseman who remains poised under heavy pressure and can make plays from the back end that lead to scoring chances up ice. Dylan can rip pucks through traffic with added zip and touch when needed while also getting on his edges to curl and escape congestion. On retrievals, he senses pressure well, allowing him to spin and evade bodies to clear space. He runs the point on the power play, distributing the puck with his head up as he walks the top of the zone and snaps passes to teammates’ tape and wheelhouses. Dylan is able to catch passes from his feet to his stick without breaking stride, keeping the puck flat and in a movable position. He uses his vision to look off passes, quickly processing his options. Shane can slow the game down from the back end or speed up the pace, consistently making high-percentage decisions at the right time. He keeps his man in front of him without getting crossed up and maintains tight gaps with his footwork and speed, allowing him to be more aggressive in the face of puck carriers. Dylan is a versatile defender who plays with high composure and is deployed when the team needs a calming veteran presence from the back end. Grade: A-
Nicolas White #91 (F, R, 6’2″, 175, Johnstown Tomahawks, 04/05/2004) – White didn’t produce much offense on the scoresheet this weekend, but he attacked with his head up in traffic. He has a wide skating base and a more upright stride, but he can pull and use the smooth release of his wrist shot effectively in crowded areas. Nick has a decently long frame that allows him to protect the puck in the corners and extend possessions without getting rubbed off the puck. He seemed to have quality chemistry with his linemates, finding their sticks off the cycle and rush through tight seams, and he didn’t hesitate to get to open space to become an option for a return pass. He demonstrated excellent spatial awareness, positioning himself to be in scoring positions and ready to fire from any body position. Grade: C+
Kenai River Brown Bears
Jack Clarke #5 (F, R, 5’10”, 160, Kenai River Brown Bears, 04/01/2004) – Jack scored his first NAHL goal with a hard snapshot into the net. He moved well to open space, with his stick prepared to pass or shoot. Clarke played with quick feet and stayed on clean ice. He was able to play in tough areas and had experience in the MJHL last season, so the rough stuff was not new to him. He was on the Kenai power play and was quick to capitalize on a rebound goal against the Mallards, stuffing the puck home with quick hands to tie the game. He could carry the puck up the wall and change pace, showcasing a good jump in his legs. Jack demonstrated decent vision, making passes across the neutral zone right on the tape while maintaining top speed. He played fast and injected energy into each game. Grade: B-
Jackson Ebbott #2 (F, L, 6’2″, 175, Kenai River Brown Bears, 06/02/2004) – Ebbott played smaller than his listed size, and that’s a compliment. He moved around the ice well, both with and without possession, showing mobility in every direction. His head was always up, and his feet stayed active through contact. He consistently won puck races and battles along the wall. He attacked the net on the power play, and when positioned at the point, he remained active, looking to get to the net during man-up situations. He made subtle moves during line rushes to shake off back pressure and set up his next play. He liked to cut in on the defense and shoot. Tall and athletic, he carried the puck through the neutral zone with his eyes up and wheeled around the offensive zone, waiting for plays to develop. While Jackson needs to get stronger, he covered a lot of ice in Blaine. He utilized a long, fluid stride and wide cradle at top speed, able to move his body and the puck over distances with deceptive skating and stick speed. Grade: B-
Brady Engelkes #23 (F, L, 6’0″, 182, Kenai River Brown Bears, 06/20/2005) – Brady was mobile and athletic on his skates. He quickly reached top speed and could change directions in a flash, making defenders miss in open space. He had soft first touches and moved freely on the power play. Brady walked a defenseman off the wall with a silky dangle and showcased a smooth-release wrist shot that got on goalies quickly. He took a high drop pass from Larson and snapped it home while his feet were moving. Later, the 2005-born player made a quick dish on the power play from the goal line extended to Hause for a power-play goal. Engelkes easily recorded a dozen shots on goal in the three games in Blaine, along with several points. He had a strong week and demonstrated skill and vision. Grade: A-
Michael Fiedorczuk #10 (F, L, 6’2″, 181, Kenai River Brown Bears, 06/23/2006) – Michael played with quality habits. He stayed on the correct side of the puck and backchecked through the middle. He engaged in physical play and effectively disengaged from checks while demonstrating soft puck touches. Michael looked long and athletic, showcasing significant upside. He valued possession and delivered excellent passes on the tape. The 2006-born player had a solid two-way game in Blaine and displayed moments of skill. Fiedorczuk was rangy and created turnovers, with his reach being a key factor. He could lead the rush with his head up. On one rush, he pushed defenders back to enter the zone, then walked a defenseman in a one-on-one situation, attacked the net, and deked the goalie, but was ultimately stopped. As the season progresses, those opportunities will likely result in goals, as he possesses a lot of tools. Grade: B+
Thomas Gunderson #12 (F, L, 5’8″, 155, Kenai River Brown Bears, 08/21/2005) – Thomas scored a goal by settling into soft ice and hammering home a pass from Larson. He played with pace, changing speeds to keep defenders off balance. He showcased a quick handle in the slot and a fast-release wrist shot. Gunderson separated from opponents in just a few strides, generating speed on the rush. He was dangerous with possession, demonstrating sharp edgework to dip and attack the net or curl and create plays. An interesting 2009-born player, he may be smaller but is unafraid and always around the puck. Grade: B
Luke Hause #24 (D, L, 6’4″, 180, Kenai River Brown Bears, 03/24/2004) – Hause was tall and mobile, defending by taking space away and smothering opponents along the wall and in open areas. Luke stood up puck carriers at his blue line with some tenacity. He played in power play 6v5 situations and could carry the puck end to end. Luke appeared poised and smooth, displaying a long wingspan and soft hands. He moved in and out of the offensive blue line quickly, snapping pucks to tips and through screens. He looked athletic and got shots off quickly at the offensive blue line with good velocity. Against the Mallards, Hause executed a catch and rip for a goal after taking a few steps in from the blue line. Soon after, he made a perfect entry pass, which resulted in a post hit followed by a goal, earning him an assist. He is an intriguing player, as his best hockey is still ahead of him. With over 100 NAHL games under his belt, he is certainly a player to watch. Grade: B+
Andrew Larson #14 (F, L, 5’9″, 165, Kenai River Brown Bears, 07/02/2004) – Andrew picked up a couple of assists against the Hat Tricks. One was a high drop at top speed that gave his linemate time to collect the puck and rip it home. On the other assist, Larson rode his edges past a defenseman and slipped a back diagonal pass right on the tape for a score. Larson was noticeable all week and demonstrated his skills effectively. He scored a goal on a rebound off the post with a rapid-release shot from dead center, leaving the goalie with no chance and tying the game. Andrew showcased pace and mobility with terrific edgework. His quick stick matched his foot speed, and his head was always up. Larson played quarterback on the power play, handling the puck with poise. The 2004 carried it end to end and was an elite distributor, passing with zip and accuracy. He made quick, clever stick movements, accelerating on line rushes. Larson cut in and zipped a pass across the top of the circles, and he also delivered some saucer passes to his point men. An intriguing player, he consistently made plays. Although not overly large, he was tough to square up or outwork. Grade: A
Dario Lass #20 (LW, L, 6’0″, 192, Kenai River Brown Bears, 08/09/2006) – Dario scored a quick-release snap goal in the slot against Maryland on the first day of the Showcase. We appreciated that he was never afraid to shoot, utilizing a rapid release on a heavy, accurate shot. He created rebounds and could shoot in stride at top speed. His top speed was impressive, allowing Dario to fly by defenders along the wall, making him look dangerous in open space. Once he was at pace, Lass was tough to defend. The 2006 carried the puck through the neutral zone with confidence bordering on swagger. He knew he had slick hands, and defenders who dove in quickly discovered this as Dario dangled past them. On one rush, Lass made a move and delivered a backhand dish out to the wing. He played a puck possession game and could wheel around the offensive zone, firing bullet passes or shots in stride or on his athletic edges. Grade: B+
Luke Lizak #19 (F, L, 6’4″, 185, Kenai River Brown Bears, 11/10/2004) – Luke shielded opponents from the puck, rode them off pucks during zone entries, and defended hard and physically. Despite an awkward stride, he managed to navigate the ice, although he still looked raw with the puck. He was able to shoot it with a smooth release. Luke made a great backcheck in the neutral zone, stealing the puck and initiating a rush that led to an Engelkes tally. Later, Lizak snapped one into the far corner for a goal with a great shot following a solid keep. He contributed on faceoffs with his reach and strong hands. Lizak was deployed in a 6v5 situation against Chippewa with the Bears’ goalie out. Grade: B
James Lyver #22 (D, R, 6’0″, 185, Kenai River Brown Bears, 02/12/2005, Holy Cross) – James played with a solid core and fast feet. Lyver could dip and drive to the net with a powerful push from his crossovers, using his upper body to gain momentum. He played more like a scorer than a passer, which we liked. He shot when he had a good look and carried the puck up the wall during zone entries. His game was north/south, and while it wasn’t a mystery to opponents, they seemed unable to stop him. He cut toward the faceoff dot off the wall a few times, usually followed by a smooth wrist shot in stride. He scored in that manner with a clever shot where he changed his release point against Danbury. Lyver played well on both wings, worked back to his own end, and pressured opponents on each shift. The 2005 is scheduled to head to Holy Cross in 2025. Grade: B+
Greye Rampton #21 (F, L, 6’1″, 173, Kenai River Brown Bears, 09/09/2004, Tennessee State) – Greye made a hard hit along the boards to stop the rush, immediately capturing our attention. The 2004 could effectively use his stick and body together to defend and knock opponents off track, quickly scooping up loose pucks. Up ice, he changed the release point of his shot with a pull and a quick-release snap shot from the slot. He also dragged and wired wrist shots in stride. Rampton used his size and speed to apply pressure on the forecheck and was able to keep up with the fastest and most mobile defenders. He looked dangerous with possession, always targeting the net. He created a turnover on a fast forecheck against Danbury and quickly fed Jack Clarke for a goal. He then promptly picked the puck out of the net to commemorate Clarke’s first NAHL tally. The Tennessee State commit made his team better, created chaos, and played with pace and a wicked shot. He performed well all week. Grade: B+
Lone Star Brahmas
Antti Autere #6 (D, L, 5’11”, 179, Lone Star Brahmas, 02/10/2004) – Autere is a mid-sized puck-moving defenseman who is not afraid to get involved physically. His breakouts were clean, quick, and effective, using his legs to create space and make accurate passes up ice. Antti utilized his wingers on the breakout with give-and-go plays, which created space and allowed for a speedy attack up ice. He patrolled the offensive blue line, looking to stall rushes and slow down plays. One instance led to a goal, where he physically knocked a puck loose and back down low into the offensive zone, allowing Isenberg to finish the play. Autere is skilled at getting under sticks to leverage opponents and win battles for the puck. In the neutral zone, he can spin off pressure and quickly distribute the puck while keeping his head up. Antti took a heavy shot off the ankle that left him hobbling, but there was no quit in his game. He is a clever defender who showed he could get involved in a variety of ways. Grade: B
Leo Bergstrom #25 (F, L, 6’1″, 194, Lone Star Brahmas, 10/20/2004) – Bergstrom is a well-rounded, versatile forward with a mid-sized frame. He demonstrated quality poise and puck control, effectively carrying pucks out of his own zone while dealing with pressure. He accurately snaps pucks to where they need to go, using head fakes to get attackers off balance and taking advantage of open space. Leo carries the puck with his head up, quickly scanning his options and valuing possession with sophisticated puck presence. He has a firm stick that allows him to keep pucks through traffic. While he can create his own space by shielding and holding pucks wide, his strong stick prevents him from being lifted when in tight situations. The puck rockets off his stick, as he can snap it quickly and accurately on net. On the power play, Leo plays the bumper position, making quick touch passes to relieve pressure, but he is also not afraid to let it rip with quick one-timers. Grade: B-
Anthony Cappello #89 (C, L, 6’4″, 190, Lone Star Brahmas, 08/26/2005, AIC) – Capello is a long, athletic forward who found the back of the net twice over the weekend while also adding an assist. Anthony is a playmaking finisher with a soft touch on pucks, but he exhibits firmness when needed. He has the hands to maintain possession in traffic, avoiding being bumped off the puck, while also dangling at his discretion, making it difficult for defenders to keep him in front of them. He creates scoring chances on his own, especially off the rush, where he made several nice moves to cut inside and fire low wrist shots before defenders could get their sticks on him or position themselves in front of him. In the corners, his head is up before he even has the puck, allowing him to make several dangerous centering passes that find his teammates in soft areas for quality chances. On the power play, he is utilized on the flank, where he catches passes on his forehand and can either rip a shot from the side or fake a shot and dish accurate, snappy passes through the slot. Capello even attempted a cheeky between-the-legs shot around the net, but the goaltender was up to the challenge and made a big save. In open ice, Anthony has a longer stride and the speed to create separation while extending plays and controlling pucks. Capello is an intriguing forward who effectively uses his reach and generates scoring chances in a variety of creative ways. Grade: B+
August Classon #58 (D, L, 6’0″, 181, Lone Star Brahmas, 08/03/2004, UMass Lowell) – Classon is a puck-moving defenseman who can snap passes through traffic with a lightning-fast release and impressive zip. He can step out from behind the net and wire stretch passes through the neutral zone that land on his target’s tape in stride. On breakouts, if he doesn’t like his options, he can curl back and regroup to allow more opportunities to develop. Under pressure, he remains calm and uses his solid frame to hold off opponents while advancing the puck up ice. Although August doesn’t have blazing speed, he moves smoothly on his skates, elegantly navigating the ice to get to the right spots at the right time. He runs the top power play unit, distributing the puck accurately with look-offs and using his eyes to freeze attackers with fake shots. When he does release the puck from the blue line, he does so quickly, with no wind-up, keeping his head up to ensure he targets the net and prevents the opposition from blocking his shots. In transition, he remains calm and collected but can fire pucks up ice quickly to counterattack and create chances. When controlling the puck on a rush, he can pull up or drag shots around sticks, creating rebounds in front of the net with his accurate shot. Classon has the puck glued to his stick on his terms, distributing it with a delicate touch or firing it off with power. He is a dependable defender who can be trusted in all situations. Grade: A-
Ryan Comishock #16 (F, R, 6’2″, 209, Lone Star Brahmas, 05/13/2004) – Comishock is a bigger, sturdy forward who can shield pucks and is most effective around the front of the net. He has solid reach, allowing him to get to pucks from a distance, and he uses his body to bump opponents and gain first touch on 50/50 pucks to secure possession down low. Around the crease, he can plant his feet and hold his ground, causing disruptions for the netminder and effectively taking defenders out of position. Ryan also saw some time on the power play, where he was utilized near the net for screens and to retrieve pucks below the goal line to maintain possession. Grade: C
Jack Cook #10 (F, R, 5’9″, 165, Lone Star Brahmas, 11/21/2005) – Cook is a smaller, mobile defender with a quick change of direction and lateral motion that allow him to curl and spin away from pressure. Jack has zippy passes and shots that rifle off his stick—flat, crisp, and accurate. He is utilized on the power play to move along the blue line and open up passing lanes, as he isn’t stagnant and can get pucks through traffic. He processes his options quickly and doesn’t always need to hit his first read, as his skating ability allows him to escape trouble while keeping the puck glued to his stick and remaining poised and in control. Jack is a savvy passer who looks off lanes while keeping his feet moving, which keeps forecheckers off balance and gives him space to operate up ice. While Cook isn’t a high point producer, he is able to create from the back end and efficiently get the puck moving north. Grade: B-
Charlie Emmons #12 (D, L, 6’0″, 163, Lone Star Brahmas, 09/14/2005, Miami (Ohio)) – Emmons had an uncanny ability to play the body effectively without interfering or crossing the line into over-eagerness. When pucks were chipped in behind him, he could quickly make contact with opponents, positioning himself to pick up pucks with speed or giving his partner enough room to grab it with extra time to distribute. Charlie isn’t the fastest player, but he likes to join the rush off the puck and beat opponents up the ice to create odd-man situations. He scored against Maine after coming off the weak side of the breakout, which led to a 2-on-1 opportunity where he finished with a one-timer low and on the ice, beating the netminder to the near post. Emmons continued to shoot the puck from the point with a quick release that snaps off his stick and finds its way through traffic. His shot was nearly unblockable, fired before his man could position himself to block it. Grade: B
Kyle Isenberg #4 (D, R, 6’1″, 195, Lone Star Brahmas, 05/08/2004, Air Force) – Isenberg is a mid-sized defenseman who is light on his feet, adding solid mobility to his game. His breakouts are typically clean, featuring an accurate first pass; he can fire a crisp touch to his target with his head up and feet moving. There were a few occasions when he was pinned along the wall, but he was strong enough to advance the puck up the wall to his support man. Kyle opened the scoring against Maine in a 4-on-4 situation during a scrum low in the zone along the boards. He jumped off the wall as his man went to the net, presented his blade, and fired a one-timer upstairs from just off the crease. Isenberg covers the ice well with a smooth stride and takes a calculated yet physical approach to defending. He doesn’t turn pucks over, nor does he overhandle or mismanage the puck; he makes simple plays look easy. Isenberg maintained tight gaps and used his stick effectively to set up plays. Grade: B
Owen Kerr #27 (F, R, 6’2″, 192, Lone Star Brahmas, 01/24/2004) – Kerr is a taller veteran forward for the Brahmas who finished the weekend with 4 points, logging at least one in each game. Owen loves to fire the puck and is consistently in a position to let it fly from any body position or while on the move. He has a heads-up handle on the puck, allowing him to scan and navigate up ice while slicing through traffic. Kerr can delay off the rush and make plays under pressure, accurately snapping passes or saucing them to the interior of the ice. On the power play, Owen is used around the net, as his frame takes up space and disrupts the netminder. He can use his reach to get the next touch on rebounds and has slick hands to make moves even when compressed. He is strong along the wall and doesn’t get pinned; rather, he uses his strength to outmuscle opponents and access free space. During breakouts, he makes subtle chips off the wall or can hit his center option while the defenseman pinches on him. Kerr is also deployed shorthanded, utilizing his reach to seal the middle of the ice and disrupt shot lanes from a distance. He picked up a goal on the power play when he came off the wall without the puck. Masek fired a pass that hit the defenseman’s skate and landed on Kerr’s stick, which he finished with confidence on the short side. He is a multi-threat forward who can be utilized however the coach needs and will be a dependable option. Grade: A-
Elias Kumlin #19 (F, R, 6’0″, 154, Lone Star Brahmas, 03/02/2004) – Kumlin is a playmaking forward for the Brahmas who does his best work in space along the perimeter. He displayed a quality touch on pucks, saucing them over sticks and dangling along the wall and off the rush. Elias sent a few nice backhand sauce passes that rotated perfectly and landed flat on his target’s tape without them having to move their blade. Off the rush, he loves to pull up and hit the weak side of the ice or look high, then wire passes through the slot to his center driving for redirections above the crease. Elias can catch passes on his backhand at full speed and took a few wobbly pucks in stride, corralling them flat without losing speed and generating chances up ice. Grade: C+
Charlie Masek #20 (F, R, 5’10”, 174, Lone Star Brahmas, 04/13/2004) – Masek is a hard-working, competitive forward who thrives in shorthanded situations. He created chances while down a man and was a nuisance on the forecheck and in his own zone. Charlie closed out time and space in a calculated manner, avoiding being drawn out of position while working in straight lines and using his stick to take away passing lanes and get on pucks for deflections. Masek has quick hands and feet that move with the puck and plays a north-south style. He showed plenty of jump all weekend long, winning puck races and outworking the opposition to come away with 50/50 pucks. In possession, he moves quickly and processes his options even faster, surveying the ice to distribute the puck before moving to open space. He doesn’t like to handle the puck for too long and works well off the puck to create space for his linemates. Masek picked up one of his two assists from the weekend on the power play off a broken play. He was along the wall, surrounded by two defenders, but managed to break free and attempted to dish the puck backdoor. It hit the defender’s skate and bounced to Kerr, who finished on the strong side. Grade: B+
Camden Prier #23 (F, R, 5’10”, 170, Lone Star Brahmas, 04/02/2006) – Prier played in a pair of games this weekend, notching a couple of points, both against St. Cloud. He scored a fast-break goal, showcasing his high-end speed as he broke behind the defense for a breakaway. He faked the shot and went backhand, just lifting the puck over the goaltender’s pad. His speed sets him apart, making it difficult for defenders to keep track of him. He doesn’t slow down in possession, enabling him to drive wide on rushes and still beat opponents to the net. His assist came off a wide zone entry, where he had the defender thinking he was going low. He hit the brakes to pull up and zipped a pass across the top of the circles, landing perfectly on his teammate’s tape for a catch-and-release goal. Camden has the pace and acceleration to create his own space and keep defenders on their heels when he is in attack mode. Grade: B-
Zach Rizzo #5 (D, R, 6’0″, 172, Lone Star Brahmas, 08/07/2004) – Rizzo is a sturdy right-shot defenseman who makes crisp first passes, using his momentum to carry himself up the ice for easier distribution. Defensively, he demonstrated a smart stick to seal off the middle of the ice, preventing passes from getting through his body. Zach defended odd-man situations by staying in the middle, communicating effectively with his goaltender, and not allowing passes to slip to the back door. He remained inside the dots but has a deceptive reach that enables him to intercept pucks from a distance without losing his positioning. Rizzo liked to pinch down the wall, though he did get caught once or twice. He prefers to slow the play down behind his net before snapping an accurate first pass up the wall to his wingers as they move. Grade: B-
Vladimir Saibel #15 (F, L, 5’11”, 185, Lone Star Brahmas, 12/20/2005) – Saibel is a supportive forward who takes a calculated approach to the forecheck. He positions himself as the high guy, allowing his defense to pinch down the walls while he hunts for loose pucks and finishes checks as the F1. He plays with speed and doesn’t force plays, instead using his quickness to dictate the pace of the game. He demonstrates strong awareness and positioning all over the ice, being in the right areas as both a passing option and defensively. Vladimir picked up an assist off the rush against Maine, where he supported the play from behind his linemate. He took a hit near the red line to touch the puck to Saibel for a 2-on-1, where he dished it cross-ice to Emmons for the finish. He is a dependable forward who doesn’t take unnecessary risks with the puck, allowing his linemates and defense to play more freely as he consistently provides solid support. Grade: B-
Spencer Sasenbury #76 (C, L, 6’3″, 160, Lone Star Brahmas, 05/24/2004) – Sasenbury is a longer, lean forward for the Brahmas who utilizes his reach both with and without the puck. He can control pucks in traffic with a smooth touch but lacks the foot speed to escape or create much separation for himself. Spencer is able to get his release off in stride with a heavy carry, creating his own lane with just one inside-out move to get the defender to lean. He makes subtle moves that give him just enough space to deliver pucks on net or make passes through seams. His reach allows him to shield the puck effectively while holding it out wide, extending plays to nearly skate around defenders. Sasenbury made a nice pass through the neutral zone off a breakout that sprung Prier for a breakaway finish against St. Cloud. He is a lengthy forward with a soft touch on pucks and the reach to be effective both on the perimeter and in tight areas. Grade: B
Jack Spicer #32 (G, L, 6’1″, 185, Lone Star Brahmas, 04/28/2004) – Spicer had a monster showcase, playing in all three games, picking up three wins, a shutout, and allowing only four goals in the process. He wasn’t incredibly busy, stopping 49 of the 53 shots he faced over the showcase, but he made key stops when needed and blanked one of the top teams in the league. Jack seals the post well with a firm pad and can quickly move across the crease to get into position with the right angle. Spicer likes to play at the top of his crease, forcing shots to miss either wide or into his body without having to make reactionary saves. He steered rebounds to the corner when he couldn’t swallow a shot, preventing pucks from dropping into dangerous scoring areas around him. Spicer plays compactly in tight to avoid letting shots seep through his body and has quick feet to get to where he needs to be. He consistently handled rimmed pucks confidently behind the net, slowing the play down and easily handing pucks to his defenseman. Grade: A-
Saxton Tess #29 (F, L, 5’11”, 170, Lone Star Brahmas, 07/07/2005) – Tess is a mid-sized forward with firm hands and a bit of dangle. He can navigate through traffic without getting his stick lifted, using some strength to make defenders miss. Saxton has a good amount of jam around the net and is able to get pucks back on goal even when defenders are draped over him. He demonstrated his strength when making plays with the puck, as he could hold off a defender with one arm while controlling possession with the other until he skated into free ice. Tess enjoys working in the corners, where he can spin off defenders and drive toward the net for chaotic chances around the blue paint. In the neutral zone, Tess took a big hit to make a play that led to a goal. A defender stepped up, putting Saxton in a tough spot, but he managed to touch the puck to a supporting Saibel for a 2-on-1 chance that found the back of the net. Saxton has a solid blend of strength and finesse, making him difficult to handle at times. Grade: B
Maine Nordiques
Luke Chappelle #43 (D, L, 5’11”, 169, Maine Nordiques, 09/18/2005) – Chappelle started off strong with a goal in their first contest against the Mallards. During a scramble in the zone, he took a pass from Fancy and one-timed it into the cage. He had just finished a quality penalty kill, where he was quick with his stick and added a physical element along the wall. The 2005 added another goal against St. Cloud with a quick-release snapshot at 9:06 in the second period. He worked effectively without the puck, tying up an opponent’s stick on a 3-on-2 line rush and taking a penalty that likely saved a goal. Chappelle was able to carry the puck out of his end and through the neutral zone, playing heads-up hockey with a fairly fluid stride. He had the pace and skill to carry the puck end-to-end and play in any situation for a solid Maine squad. He is a versatile defender who can adopt a stay-at-home style or make plays up the ice. Overall, he had a solid week. Grade: A-
Ocean Fancy #3 (D, L, 6’0″, 188, Maine Nordiques, 03/01/2004) – Ocean looked highly athletic, exploding to defend and jump on loose pucks. His footwork was smooth and quick. As an active defender, he initiated many plays in transition, consistently staying engaged in the game. His stick work was deceptively effective, making him seem like a thief on skates. With elite skating and excellent puck play, Fancy evaded the forecheck and delivered accurate passes up into the neutral zone. The 2004-born player frequently knocked opponents off pucks at the net front and gained possession cleanly multiple times. Against the Minnesota Mallards, Ocean got his stick on a shot that his goalie saved; the rebound lay near the net, and Fancy quickly turned, dragged the puck away from danger on his forehand, rounded the net, and made an outlet pass. It was a highly skilled play, one of many he made consistently. He played a detailed game and was one of the more talented defensemen at the Showcase. Grade: A-
Zion Green #44 (F, R, 5’11”, 181, Maine Nordiques, 04/12/2004, Northern Michigan) – Green is approaching 100 NAHL games and is averaging close to a point per game. He kicked off this showcase with a three-point performance against the Minnesota Mallards. Coming off the bench, he quickly grabbed a puck and took a backhand shot that eventually led to a Chappelle goal. Green created chaos in the offensive zone, proving difficult to defend in open space and down low. Zion showcased impressive speed and slick skills, including a quick one-timer goal off a sharp pass from Trapanier. He added a secondary assist on the power play for his second assist. The Northern Michigan commit kept his eyes up while carrying the puck, drawing defenders and displaying strong playmaking ability. He’s gotten stronger and more balanced on his edges, dragging and releasing pucks on net in stride to alter shooting angles. Green also demonstrated poise and maturity, curling back in a neutral zone regroup. The game has slowed down for him, allowing him to make a significant impact for a talented Maine team. Grade: A-
Tomek Haula #2 (F, L, 5’9″, 175, Maine Nordiques, 09/29/2004) – Tomek showed strong speed on the line rush out wide, and his ability to change pace to manipulate gaps was impressive. He was patient with the puck and had the acceleration to win puck races, even when a few strides behind. Haula played the point on the power play, moving fluidly and efficiently bumping passes. He scored a goal against the Mallards when a puck missed its target in the slot and came to him in the right circle, where he roofed it quickly with a sharp wrist shot. Tomek’s quick release and ability to either carry or pass made him effective in creating power play breakouts. He demonstrated solid vision and crisp passing. Grade: B-
Shane Kozlina #34 (F, L, 5’11”, 180, Maine Nordiques, 06/23/2004) – Shane looked slick and processed plays quickly, playing with high IQ and quick hands to back up his vision. His head was always up, and he knew how to make opponents miss by finding open space with pace and quick cuts. He used space productively, adjusting his pace to create gaps and allow plays to develop. His smart decision-making consistently generated opportunities for Maine. Shane had a two-point night against St. Cloud, jamming in a rebound goal in front and zipping a precise cross-crease pass on a 2v1. He drove the middle lane and dished to the wing effectively, with enough reach to collect errant passes and maneuver around opponents. A low-risk, high-reward player. Grade: B+
Arkhip Sidorovich #61 (F, L, 6’0″, 176, Maine Nordiques, 10/25/2004) – The tall, skilled Belarusian played well here, though not at his best. He moved smoothly, shielding the puck effectively and playing through contact. Arkhip valued possession, showing improvement in that area, and used his reach well in the corners, adding some finesse on the line rush. He showed effort on the forecheck but sometimes chased when he should have backed off. Consistently bumping and tipping pucks off the wall to his center, he was strong along the boards. However, his pace of play will need to improve to make a greater impact going forward. Grade: C+
Michael Stenberg #18 (C, R, 6’0″, 197, Maine Nordiques, 09/22/2004) – We have long tracked Stenberg, a player who has had his ups and downs but still stood out in moments here for Maine. He played tough hockey with a leaner build than usual, moving well and staying aware in all three zones. He showed a quick release on a heavy shot and positioned himself smartly on the penalty kill. Stenberg was a north-south power forward—strong on his edges and on his stick. Although he missed a few passing opportunities, his overall approach was nuanced as a role player on a good team. The Providence commit can play a role at the next level if he continues focusing on defense, puck possession, and physicality. Grade: B-
Emil Tavernier #74 (F, R, 6’0″, 176, Maine Nordiques, 11/29/2004) – Tavernier played in all three games at the Showcase and picked up an assist. He looked fluid in space and smooth with the puck on his stick. His passes were swift and accurate, and he used his wiry, strong frame to absorb contact and slip off checks along the wall. He snapped shots with a quick release, using the full flex of his stick. He showed some promising tools, and it will be interesting to see if he can secure a consistent role on a talented team. He demonstrated a mix of skill and grit, suggesting he could positively impact their season. Grade: C+
Laurent Trepanier #13 (LW, L, 5’9″, 174, Maine Nordiques, 04/01/2004) – Trepanier stood out for Maine from the first game, playing a tough, skillful game with a mean streak and constant movement. Laurent looked athletic, making simple plays look easy. On one offensive shift, he grabbed a puck he had kept alive with an excellent backcheck before it could exit the zone. He snapped a shot on net and eventually collected the rebound. Laurent attacked across the top of the circles on his backhand with defensive stick pressure, then, just as he reached the other side of the net, turned to his forehand and set up an open Zion Green for a goal. This play showcased elite vision and hockey intelligence. Every shift, he carried the puck with his head up, showing smooth quickness and a lethal stick for creating turnovers, passing, or shooting. Grade: A
Wade Weil #7 (D, L, 6’1″, 175, Maine Nordiques, 01/20/2006, Maine) – The 2006-born player demonstrated quick pivots and smooth skating on retrievals and defensive movements. He played bigger than he appeared, showing strength and leverage to win pucks in tight areas along the wall. Weil delivered crisp passes across the ice, utilizing indirect and saucer passes effectively. Wade made strong clears on the penalty kill and generally positioned himself well, though he struggled against larger players at the net front. Adding strength will be important for handling those situations. At even strength, he occasionally puck-watched and drifted away from the net, an area needing improvement. However, he was aggressive in open ice in the neutral zone, breaking up rushes with a quick stick and excellent angles. Athletic and with his best hockey ahead, the Maine commit has great potential. Grade: B
Ethan Wongus #86 (F, R, 5’10”, 175, Maine Nordiques, 01/12/2004, Tennessee State) – Wongus has played over 100 NAHL games, and his experience showed here. The former NJ Titan was smart and meticulous in puck pursuit. He didn’t get pulled too deep into the zone or chase pucks he couldn’t retrieve; instead, he waited, lurked, and played an opportunistic game. He pounced on opponents fumbling with pucks, and once he had possession, Ethan used his body well to protect it and drive play up the ice. He displayed grit and tenacity near the net, taking some liberties on the wall and with his stick, but his edge added to his game, creating more space for him. He played with elusive speed, tracked rebounds effectively, and showed excellent vision and skill. Wongus played much bigger than his listed size, bullying his way to the net, setting picks for teammates, and holding his ground at the net front. He’s an intriguing player who looks improved and has found a strong rhythm to his game, making him one of the most dangerous forwards in Blaine. He committed to Tennessee State shortly after the Showcase. Grade: A-
Maryland Black Bears
Liam Doherty #8 (D, L, 6’3″, 165, Maryland Black Bears, 10/26/2005) – Doherty is a tall, lean defenseman standing around 6’4″ who uses his reach to his advantage. Liam can draw opponents in, then accurately poke pucks and steer play out to the wall. He confidently keeps pucks in at the offensive blue line, showcasing his hand-eye coordination and using his body to drop pucks before either sending them back down low or utilizing his partner without overhandling the puck. Liam snaps passes to his partner and typically looks east-west before trying to move the puck up ice. Doherty is tough to play against due to his length and physicality in the defensive zone, making it difficult for the opposition. Grade: C+
Kareem El-Bashir #16 (F, L, 5’10”, 175, Maryland Black Bears, 03/02/2004, Army) – El-Bashir is a versatile forward who plays in all situations, including power play, penalty kill, and late-game scenarios when up or down a goal. He was definitely noticeable in positive ways while shorthanded, creating multiple chances on his own with his effort and speed. He plays the game with high confidence and was just as effective shorthanded as he was at even strength or on the power play. He scored a shorthanded goal after intercepting a pass, then sniped high short side from just under the right dot on the ensuing rush. Kareem is a pure utility player that coaches love, as he can be deployed as needed. He closed off lanes with a smart stick, got to his spots quickly, and could put some real zip behind his passes. On a 4-on-3 power play, El-Bashir led a rush that resulted in a dangerous scoring chance, then backchecked hard from below the goal line to stop a scoring chance the other way. His effort and IQ set him apart from the players around him. Grade: B+
Dylan Gordon #22 (D, L, 5’6″, 153, Maryland Black Bears, 08/13/2004) – Gordon is a mobile, active defenseman who didn’t score much on the scoresheet but is a cerebral and confident puck mover who loves to make plays under pressure. He creates opportunities in the offensive zone with constant motion, making it hard for whoever is covering him to keep track. He can slide down the wall, get lost behind the defense as an option from the back end, or use his swift mobility to create paths for distribution from high in the zone. On retrievals, he was a nightmare for forecheckers trying to get a body on him, as he can shimmy and shake away from pressure with the quick agility to curl and cut away from defenders to find clean pockets of space. His tight turns broke ankles and even made some opponents fall with his change of direction, all while keeping his head up to scan for options. Dylan has a diverse set of zone exits in his arsenal, as he can transport pucks up ice that lead to scoring chances the other way. During regroups and resets, he can slow things down, calm the play, and then increase the pace with high-percentage decision-making. He picked up an assist against El Paso by regrouping with quick backward crossovers to get to the middle of the ice. As he backpedaled, he snapped a perfect pass to Smith, who scored on a breakaway. Gordon can handle any speed coming at him, has the pace to jump into the play, and uses his acceleration to create space all over the ice. Grade: A-
Trey Hinton #13 (F, L, 5’9″, 150, Maryland Black Bears, 02/01/2006) – Hinton is having a strong start to the season and picked up a pair of assists at the showcase. He has lightning-quick, smooth hands that allow him to dangle in traffic and sauce pucks over sticks to land flat on his target’s tape. Trey plays the game with energy and can evade backcheckers with his open-ice speed and quickness in tight situations to get away from defenders. Hinton is a crafty playmaker, distributing from the perimeter and finding tiny holes to snap pucks through the interior of the defense. Off the rush, he can use his speed to push the play down low, curl back, and accurately hit a trailer in space. Grade: B-
Logan Hughes #33 (G, L, 6’3″, 175, Maryland Black Bears, 03/23/2006) – Hughes is a tall 2006 goaltender, standing around 6’3″, who picked up a 4-3 win, stopping 18 of 21 shots in the process. He is a very capable goaltender who made key saves down the stretch and gave his team every opportunity to win. He didn’t let pucks seep through his body but had a tough time stopping pucks behind his net with traffic. He tracked pucks well, seeing them through a large number of bodies, and managed to swallow them up or catch everything with his glove. Grade: B-
Luke Janus #19 (F, L, 6’2″, 182, Maryland Black Bears, 04/19/2004, RPI) – Janus had an eventful showcase, registering a 4-point game on night one with 9 shots on goal over the weekend, and he picked up another assist on the last day. Luke had a unique way of firing flat passes through the house to hit his target’s tape for scoring chances. He could look guys off, then still settle the puck and find a teammate with speed on his tape. His counterattack was the most threatening part of his game, as he immediately looked to get pucks toward the net and generate chances as quickly as possible. Janus could force turnovers with a quick stick, then transition those opportunities up ice and make plays that led to scoring chances. He scored his lone goal of the weekend with a quick snapshot low in the slot, beating the netminder up high. Luke was difficult to battle against, winning possessions and fighting for space around the net. His backhand passes were precise, as he was comfortable with the puck anywhere on his stick. He added an assist against El Paso after winning an offensive zone draw and snapping it back to his defender, who then corralled it and ripped a shot on net. Grade: B+
Aiden Lawson #5 (D, 6’0″, 131, Maryland Black Bears, 09/18/2007) – Lawson, a September 2007 birth year, plays with the confidence of a three-year veteran in the league. He attacks the game with the puck and doesn’t wait for it to come to him, making an immediate impact and thriving with the puck on his stick. His mobility allows him to separate from opponents in tight, make breakout decisions, and join rushes at calculated times. He can make the first defender miss, carry the puck up ice, and then separate from backcheckers, creating easy zone entries that lead to dangerous scoring chances. His effortless touch on the puck enables him to sauce it over sticks accurately to his teammates, both forehand and backhand. His passes snap off his stick, carrying his momentum up ice with each release. Aiden quickly transitions the puck up ice in counterattack situations with an accurate first pass. Lawson saw time on the power play, distributing the puck in motion and moving the penalty killers to where he wanted them to go, almost like a video game. He thrives with the puck on his stick but also makes significant impacts on the defensive side. He likes to come across the weak side on players and catch puck carriers with their heads down, not being overly physical but forcing a bobbled puck or poking it free before picking it up with speed to turn up ice. He made smart moves down the offensive zone wall that dislodged pucks and created chances at the net. He did struggle around his net, where it required more strength to push players off the puck and clear the ice, but in open space and with the puck, Lawson was a high-quality player. Grade: A-
Nathan Nadeau #4 (D, R, 6’2″, 200, Maryland Black Bears, 08/06/2006) – Nadeau is a longer 2006 defender for the Maryland Black Bears who has a straightforward approach to puck movement. He doesn’t get overeager or panic under pressure, making the easy play by hitting his partner, making a reverse, or getting the puck to his winger on the wall. His first read typically dictates where he goes with the puck; he doesn’t try to do anything spectacular but focuses on moving it up the ice. He serves as a safety valve for his partner, allowing his forwards to play more aggressively while he stays back in a prevent-style role. Around his net, he defends physically, making the opposition earn their space and boxing them out around the crease to limit secondary chances. Grade: C
Luke Rubin #9 (F, R, 5’11”, 175, Maryland Black Bears, 02/03/2005) – Rubin found the back of the net twice for Team Maryland over the weekend. His first goal came off an offensive zone draw that was won, where Luke snuck behind the center to corral the puck and snap a quick wrister just off the faceoff dot. His nifty hands allowed him to catch pucks from any body position and then dish or move without getting his body taken out of the play. He utilizes both sides of the stick, demonstrating an efficient touch in tight and an accurate backhand pass. He is not afraid to go to the net, play with purpose, and drive to the hard areas with a firm stick ready to shoot and get pucks back on net. Grade: B-
Markas Samenas #91 (LW, L, 6’5″, 215, Maryland Black Bears, 02/02/2004) – Samenas is a tall, strong, athletic north-south forward who plays with a combination of finesse and physicality. He is a big playmaking left-shot winger who excels when he has space to operate. While Markas may not have exceptional separation ability, his length allows him to make plays with his hands extended away from his body, enabling him to protect pucks effectively. On the perimeter, he can snap pucks through the house and has an effortless shot that he releases quickly, creating a rebound chance that Stenger finished. He was all over the ice in a positive way, recording two assists and a +4 over the weekend. Samenas has the ability to play with high skill or use his strength to make plays, as his toolkit is expanding. He had one play where he dangled the defender, had a short cradle, and then wired a shot that just missed the net. He can kill penalties, generate chances on the power play, and demonstrates good sense and awareness. He is an effective player at both ends of the ice and definitely has the advantage of size and skill. Grade: B+
Harrison Smith #10 (F, R, 5’8″, 141, Maryland Black Bears, 02/07/2006) – Smith is coming off a 107-point season with the Team Maryland U18 team and seems to have picked up right where he left off from the previous year. There is no denying his playmaking ability, as he can distribute with accuracy, poise, and touch under heavy pressure while creating space for himself to operate cleanly. He is consistently in motion, dishing the puck and then finding open space while drawing defenders’ attention. Harrison finds players all over the ice, and it doesn’t take much for him to land a puck right on their tape. He runs the point on the power play, zipping passes and looking wide to hit the bumper, all while moving the penalty killers with his eyes and accurately finding his target’s tape. In possession, he is incredibly slippery, sliding off checks and not easily giving up the puck, with his head up and a quick, agile nature. His deceptions make defenders uncomfortable, as he is willing to carry pucks into traffic. Smith is the type of player who makes his linemates better, as he can extend possessions and relishes having the puck on his stick, giving his teammates space to operate. He creates clean entries with his pace and can wheel behind the net, using his edges to send centering passes to a teammate in a soft spot rather than just throwing the puck away. He is able to curl away from pressure, find room, and snap passes with precision. Around the net, Smith elevates his intensity and displays impressive hands. He scored a goal against El Paso by sneaking behind the defense and catching a pass while straddling the blue line on his backhand at full speed, which sprung him for a breakaway. He ripped a shot low to the blocker side while a defender was on his back. Smith delivers effortless, crisp passes and is already a premier playmaker in the league as an ’06. Grade: A
Evan Sofikitis #3 (D, R, 5’8″, 181, Maryland Black Bears, 12/02/2006, Maine) – Sofikitis is a late 2006 player who plays with high confidence. He may not be the fastest skater, but he maintains a controlled pace, getting to his spots in a timely manner and distributing the puck with poise. His first pass is always accurate, hitting his target in stride with a crisp touch or adding sauce when needed. His hockey IQ is high; he sees the game well and anticipates plays both with and without the puck. He takes a quick scan before snapping the puck off his stick, drawing defenders in to create a little more space for his teammate to operate. Evan grabbed an assist by pulling a rimmed puck off the wall, quickly corralling it, and delivering it to his teammate outside, who found the back of the net. His puck movement is smooth and effective, almost having a quietness to it in a positive way, as he consistently finds sticks without mismanaging the puck. He is strong on his edges, holding off checks and refusing to get bumped off the puck, absorbing hits below the goal line while keeping his feet moving. He packs a deceptive punch with his strength, and in one-on-one situations, he can outmuscle opponents coming at him. Grade: B+
Mason Stenger #7 (D, L, 6’1″, 201, Maryland Black Bears, 03/05/2006) – Stenger was arguably one of the best performers of the weekend, picking up a goal in every game of the showcase and displaying his strength, hockey IQ, and ability to command the back end for the Black Bears. His stride is effortlessly strong; he can explode up ice and make powerful moves in any direction with the puck on his stick and his head up. Mason is a multi-threat player who can hurt the opposition in various ways. He quarterbacks the power play, is on for every shorthanded situation, and is deployed whenever a goal is needed or when defending a lead. He possesses a deceptive reach that allows him to poke pucks free and neutralize opponents without having to physically overpower them. His firm frame makes him difficult to knock off the puck and can also serve as a brick wall when laying the body. He gets in the faces of puck carriers, smothering them into submission and forcing loose pucks and turnovers. Stenger is willing to carry the puck up on his own; he can spin away from contact on retrieval and then either fire a crisp pass on target or create a clean exit by himself. He thrived at the top of the offensive zone with the puck, walking quickly and effortlessly ripping shots on net with no wind-up, creating a threatening shot and rebound chances for his teammates around the crease. He scored on the power play with a snapshot from the top circle that had a subtle release, beating the netminder short side, just over the pad. Against Amarillo, he picked up another power-play goal with a wrist shot from the point that found its way through traffic. He can carry the puck through the middle of the ice like a freight train, creating easy entries and handling the puck around opposing defenders without tensing up or throwing pucks away. In the game against El Paso, a shot was blocked in the offensive zone and bounced over to him on his strong side. He stepped into it, flexing his stick and smashing the puck high short side from above the top circle, where the goalie had no chance. Stenger is a versatile, athletic, and composed defender you want on the ice for every situation, as his variety of high-level skills was on full display. Grade: A
Tyler Stern #21 (F, R, 5’10”, 174, Maryland Black Bears, 08/12/2004) – Stern made his mark on the scoresheet in various ways over the weekend, with an assist, 11 shots on goal, and 12 penalty minutes, though he finished with a -3 rating. He possesses quick hands and is a forward who values the puck on his stick in all situations. He doesn’t give it up easily, bumping back into opponents and fighting for space. Tyler has a balanced stride and works hard to generate speed. His skill is evident as he can pull and drag the puck around sticks off the rush and find teammates while traveling at a high pace. There is consistent jump in his game, as he plays a total 200-foot supportive style and is willing to go into the hard areas of the ice. While shorthanded, he will eat shots and put his body on the line without hesitation. He demonstrated no issues dealing with heavy pressure, remaining smart and crafty even when opponents were compressed around him. Stern is a player you can depend on in any situation, as he wears the ‘C’ and has proven it is well-deserved. Grade: B
Maddox Tulacro #2 (D, R, 6’2″, 216, Maryland Black Bears, 06/27/2005) – Tulacro played in a pair of games over the weekend, managing the puck efficiently and moving it with his head up. He has the ability to rush the puck end to end but doesn’t do it consistently. His 6’2″, 215-pound frame makes him a freight train when he gets rolling up the ice, and on retrievals, he can use his size to hold off opponents, pick up the puck with speed, and get to open space. He contested both blue lines with a firm presence, sealing the line with an active stick and body while forcing dumped pucks and offside plays. Maddox confidently holds the blue line, not allowing the puck to get behind him or allowing easy carries into the neutral zone. Grade: C+
Minnesota Mallards
Elijah Bailey #21 (F, L, 5’8″, 155, Minnesota Mallards, 05/02/2006) – Bailey is a smaller forward who has eyes in the back of his head, as he can find his linemates’ sticks from all over the ice. He isn’t much of a shooter; instead, he looks to distribute the puck and find tight seams to snap passes through. Eli is a torpedo when going after pucks in the offensive zone, relentlessly attacking with purpose and coming away with possession. His size doesn’t deter him from going into the corners or battling around the net. On the forecheck, he takes smart angles to pucks, sealing the middle of the ice and forcing the play to the wall, where he can rub opponents out to jar the puck loose. Grade: C
Brady Borgestad #23 (F, R, 6’1″, 194, Minnesota Mallards, 06/01/2005) – Borgestad is an agitative forward on both the forecheck and backcheck, as he is a hungry two-way player willing to compete and fight for pucks. He logs time shorthanded, blocking shots and taking away the middle of the ice, and he puts his body on the line without hesitation. Brady picked up an assist when he won a race to a puck in the offensive zone and dropped it back to Flynn, who was able to finish. Borgestad competes in all situations at a high level, playing a winning style that inspires his teammates through his efforts. He is able to jump off the offensive zone wall with the puck, curl away from defenders, and snap heavy shots on net from a distance. Brady is an energetic forward who can push the pace of the game, showing flashes of skill and tenacity that create positive plays. Grade: B
Nolan Connolly #77 (D, L, 6’4″, 198, Minnesota Mallards, 07/28/2004) – Connolly is a large, tall defenseman with a physical presence in front of the net and a strong body and stick in battles. He pushes players around his net, giving his goaltender clear sightlines while also using his reach to poke at pucks from a distance. Nolan takes up a lot of space, using his reach to his advantage and effectively taking away the middle of the ice while working well in sync with his partner. Connolly doesn’t have the footwork to be overly aggressive but remains positionally sound, clogging passing lanes. When he checks, he makes solid contact to knock players off pucks without having to blow them up. Nolan has a strong stick for clearing pucks and utilizes the glass on clearance attempts if his first passing option is not available. Grade: B-
Owen Corkish #16 (F, R, 5’10”, 155, Minnesota Mallards, 06/04/2007) – Corkish is a 2007 birth year player who approaches every game with high confidence. He is a smaller forward that plays with a high engine, always revved up to the max. He can fly in open ice with straight-line speed while adding agility to put defenders in uncomfortable positions. His quick-twitch acceleration gets him to top speed in a flash, allowing him to win pucks, curl away from pressure, and create his own space to operate. Owen has swift hands and can carry pucks at a quality speed, not slowing down in possession while driving the play up the ice with his feet moving. He navigates the neutral zone well, controlling pucks through traffic and even absorbing contact. Off the rush, he caught a hard pass on his backhand, was able to dangle the defender, and then sauced a pass backdoor for a dangerous scoring chance. Corkish is relentless in puck pursuit and doesn’t back down from a scrum or battle, displaying a feisty skill in his game while playing a gritty yet polished effort all around. Grade: B+
Landon Cottingham #88 (D, R, 5’11”, 177, Minnesota Mallards, 04/03/2007) – Cottingham is a 2007 defenseman who only played in one game over the weekend but made a positive impact offensively from the back end for the Mallards. He is a lightning rod, quickly retrieving pucks and turning them up ice with space to operate, not giving the opposing forecheck much time to set up or control the play. When he picks up the puck, his head is up, scanning before he comes into contact, and he generates easy exits with his legs. He can make an accurate first pass but loves to use his legs to get himself out of trouble, which he did almost every shift. His confidence is high for a younger player in the league, and he plays with no fear. His athletic stance and stride allow him to easily cover ground with a smooth motion, giving him the freedom to move the puck in clean space. On the offensive blue line, he can wire shots through the cage and create his own lanes. Landon reads plays well, intercepting passes and positively getting in the way. There is no lack of confidence in his game and abilities, as he loves to compete and fly around the ice. Grade: B
Cyril Pont #15 (F, L, 5’10”, 161, Minnesota Mallards, 09/15/2004) – Pont utilized his quick, high-percentage decision-making skills while making plays under heavy pressure. He draws attention to himself, bringing eyes and bodies to him, then distributes accurately to his target. He can carry pucks with speed and pass on the move, then get to open ice to be an option for a return pass. From the cycle in the offensive zone, he made subtle pick plays on defenders to give his linemates a little more space to operate, while also setting screens around the net to block the goaltender’s view. Pont is not afraid to compete below the hash marks and earns the ice he gets. Grade: C+
Jules Delepoulle #13 (D, L, 6’2″, 180, Minnesota Mallards, 09/27/2005) – Delepoulle is a long, lean left-shot defenseman who picked up a pair of assists against the Colorado Grit in game two of the weekend. He has a decent stride in open ice, but could use some work to smooth it out. However, he is a poised and aware puck carrier who distributes well. His lateral movement keeps opponents in front of him without getting crossed up or turned around off the rush. He seemed to thrive in the offensive zone, confidently operating along the blue line. He can wire pucks on net after walking the line to release tippable shots down low. Both of his assists came from high in the zone: first, he took a couple of steps along the blue line to bring traffic with him, then dished back against the grain to Lebel, who caught the pass and scored. Then he used his feet to keep the puck in, which led to a goal a few seconds later. Grade: B-
Parker Deschenes #5 (F, R, 5’8″, 168, Minnesota Mallards, 02/07/2007, Lindenwood) – Deschenes is a 2007 forward who played in one game at the showcase. He is an undersized, speedy forward with his feet always moving, pushing the pace of the game. Off the puck, he pressures defenders into turnover situations with his speed and aggressive nature, never wavering and going right at opponents with purpose. Parker is fearless for a younger player in the league; he finishes his checks, drives his feet around the ice, and is willing to battle around the net and in the crease for pucks. Grade: C+
Hunter Hayes #12 (F, L, 5’9″, 175, Minnesota Mallards, 03/22/2004) – Hayes picked up a pair of goals over the weekend while playing a style of game that saw him around the net, creating chances with his effort. Hunter is a sturdy forward who can ride his edges to the net and utilize his quick snapshot, which he fires off in open space. One of his goals came from driving the net and getting hauled down, but he still managed to get a touch on the puck before hitting the ice completely. He stops at the net and plays a detailed game under the hash marks, pestering pucks and anticipating well. Hayes is a skilled and smooth forward who plays with some power and is willing to attack directly at opponents. Grade: C+
Grant Kohnen #11 (F, R, 5’10”, 165, Minnesota Mallards, 12/25/2004) – Kohnen picked up a hat trick in the final game of the weekend, but even if you take the scoresheet away, he made a variety of impacts with the puck. He wants it in every situation and seems to always be able to make things happen, even when his time and space are taken away. Grant displayed touch and finesse at high speeds, effortlessly getting the puck off his stick with clean rotational puck movement. His craftiness generated chances at the net as he kept defenders on their heels and exploited weaknesses by creating space for himself. His deception opens up lanes as he accelerates his linemates and skates into open spaces to hit the net. Kohnen can finish clearly but also has nice playmaking ability on the perimeter. Grant carries the puck with purpose, navigating the neutral zone with the puck on a string as he slices and dices through traffic. His toe drags are lethal; he can dangle and drag around sticks at top speed with relative ease. There is a hop in his step as he irritates the defense with his effective approach and hard-working attitude. Grant jumps on pucks, wins battles, and is a purposeful player who retrieves pucks and starts offensive chances with his tenacity to win battles. Grade: A-
Mason LeBel #17 (F, L, 6’3″, 200, Minnesota Mallards, 05/06/2004) – Lebel is a tall forward with a lengthy wingspan that allows him to hold pucks wide away from sticks. He is able to skate through checks with his feet moving, getting low to bump players back and using reverse checks to separate. Along the wall, he can win battles and pursue the interior with a firm stick and strong presence. Mason has a power game that adds size and range, making him most effective in tight situations, with an extra snarl to his play. Lebel is a high-compete forward who also possesses some skill. He scored on the power play from the top left circle, where he wired a missile through traffic to get it past the goalie. He is willing to take shots and logs minutes shorthanded, playing a total 200-foot game. Mason drives to scoring areas and generates chances with his frame and strength. During a 2-on-1 rush in overtime, he was able to dish the puck under the defender’s triangle to his teammate on the flank for the game-winning goal. Grade: B
Erik Muller #19 (F, L, 6’0″, 194, Minnesota Mallards, 02/22/2004) – Muller saw action in all three games during the showcase, finishing with 3 points. He is a fast, agile forward who values puck possession. Erik is able to advance pucks to favorable positions offensively, leading to quality scoring chances. He controlled the puck in the offensive zone, extending possessions with his head up and allowing his teammates to get open while also skating into lanes to dish the puck through. Against the Grit, he scored the game-winner in overtime by fanning on a one-timer in the slot, which still found a way to trickle into the net. Muller fluidly carries the puck through the neutral zone, creating space and chances. He can cut through the middle of the ice without endangering himself, snapping quick releases on net. Erik can catch every pass thrown at him with relative ease, whether it’s bobbling or in his feet, and he corrals it to get flat and send it accurately with some zip. Muller is a goal-line-to-goal-line player who creates chances in a variety of ways, making him effective and dangerous in possession. Grade: B+
Jameson O’Flynn #4 (D, L, 6’0″, 170, Minnesota Mallards, 12/09/2004) – O’Flynn is a versatile defender who stays square to the puck and defends with an active stick and purposeful nature. He is able to accurately stab at pucks and force the issue as he smothers puck carriers into turnover situations. He is steady shift in and shift out, not making highlight-reel plays but instead making quick, simple, high-percentage decisions on the puck to get it going up ice without risking it. His calculated decisions are thorough and to the point, often made before he even has the puck on his stick. His shot has a powerful release, effortlessly flicking his wrist to create a booming shot from the point. Jameson cradles pucks with smooth transitions from backhand to forehand, avoiding any mismanagement or bobbling that could lead to losing control. O’Flynn reads the play well, intercepting passes and positioning himself to force secondary decisions that create turnovers simply by his presence. He scored after a loose puck in the slot squirted over to him; he then faked the shot to make everyone freeze and bite before beating the netminder with a backhand finish on the left side of the net. O’Flynn is an all-around defender who can be utilized in any situation to be successful. Grade: A-
Avan Pyle #9 (F, R, 5’11”, 192, Minnesota Mallards, 05/05/2005) – Pyle is a mid-sized forward who demonstrated his ability to control pucks through traffic, with the puck glued to his stick. He was all over the puck over the weekend but wasn’t able to generate much on the scoresheet for himself. Avan made easy, smooth, and positive plays that led to scoring chances for his linemates, showcasing quality vision and puck distribution. Grade: C
Richard Rafaj #30 (G, L, 6’2″, 201, Minnesota Mallards, 10/26/2006) – Rafaj is a 2006 goaltender from Slovakia who played in all three games over the weekend, picking up two overtime wins and turning aside 89 of 97 shots against. Richard quickly moves around the crease and swallows pucks; he can also fight through traffic to track shots from distance into his body. He stays square to the shooter with the right angles; with a quick twitch and athletic stance, Rafaj recovers quickly with up-downs and made a nice poke to prevent passes from going through his crease. Richard handled pucks well behind his net, not panicking on rims under pressure, and played bigger than his frame in tight while remaining firm. Grade: B+
JJ Scherven #22 (D, L, 6’5″, 209, MN Green Giants 18U, 07/29/2005) – Scherven is a long defender standing around 6’5″ with a raw but intriguing skill set. Defensively, he plays physically, pinning guys along the wall and outmuscling them to win pucks or swiping from a distance to poke at pucks and dispossess puck carriers. JJ doesn’t let opponents easily skate by him, using his reach to get a body on them or his stick to front attackers, which prevents easy access to his net or defensive zone. When he contests at his own blue line, he can nearly reach the red line with his stick, slowing up attacking rushes without having to handle much speed. Scherven is not afraid to deliver an extra whack on opponents and send a physical message. Grade: C+
Jackson Smithknecht #45 (D, L, 6’5″, 206, Minnesota Mallards, 07/30/2006, Colorado College) – Smithknecht is a lengthy defenseman who was able to bully opponents around his crease and along the wall. He consistently won battles with force, pushing players around and utilizing his large wingspan to poke at pucks and solidify the ice around him. Jackson controls pucks out wide but uses his body to shield them and prevent his stick from being lifted. He has the ability to carry pucks through the neutral zone and cradle them to move the play up ice. Smithknecht is tough to play against and doesn’t make it easy for opponents to get rebounds or clean shots off within his range. Grade: C
Marek Thompson #6 (D, L, 6’1″, 190, Minnesota Mallards, 06/25/2004) – Thompson is a mid-sized defender who brings a physical edge to his game and was able to win pucks along the wall. Marek directed the top power play unit, opening up lanes and wiring pucks around the perimeter to generate scoring chances. His cerebral, calming presence allowed for easy puck distribution, as his forwards knew the puck would land on their tape from anywhere on the ice. Thompson seemed to be involved in everything. He has a wicked release from the point, walking the line and snapping low shots on net for redirections and rebounds. On breakouts, he was able to wait until the last possible second to use the reverse option, giving his partner more space to operate. Marek has a powerful stride that enables him to separate from backcheckers and smoothly carry himself around the ice. He stays with his man well after contact in the defensive zone and doesn’t get lost in space. He likes to jump into the play but does so at calculated times when it won’t affect the defensive side of the puck. Marek made nifty touches under pressure to free his teammates and logged a ton of minutes in all situations. Grade: A-
Minnesota Wilderness
Avery Anderson #14 (F, L, 6’4″, 181, Minnesota Wilderness, 02/07/2005) – Anderson is a long, athletic centerman who grew up in Minnesota and played his high school hockey at Orono High School before heading to the MJHL in Manitoba last season to play for the Winkler Flyers. He has returned to the U.S. and improved his stride mechanics and the power he gets from each push-off. He has also made improvements in his puck play, utilizing his long reach to cradle the puck wide and using his length to shield it from defenders. He puts zip on his passes in all areas of the ice, particularly on cross-ice passes through the neutral zone. As a long strider, he can drive wide on defenders and cut in toward the net, proving he can maintain his balance while taking contact. He also clogs lanes and blocks shots in his own end. He is an intriguing prospect with long-term upside, trending in the right direction. Grade: B-
Drew Beasley #10 (F, L, 6’0″, 159, Minnesota Wilderness, 08/01/2006) – Beasley is a rookie not only in the NAHL but also in junior hockey, coming out of Bismarck Legacy High School in North Dakota. He’s tall yet light on his feet, showing deceptive quickness in tight areas to break free from defenders and create space for himself. He has swift hands and can sauce passes with ease on both sides of his blade. Once he moves the puck, he immediately shifts to get open or drive to the net, drawing defenders to him. Beasley competes hard below the dots and has become stronger and more physical, which allows him to win 50/50 pucks and emerge from scrums with the puck. He attacked the net and wasn’t afraid to take a hit to make a play. While he didn’t find the scoresheet, he was impactful in all three games. Grade: B-
Benjamin Doll #19 (F, R, 6’0″, 165, Minnesota Wilderness, 06/11/2006) – Doll comes to the tournament after a standout season with Andover High School in Minnesota, where he led the team in scoring with 18 goals in 23 games and played in the Elite League. He was making his junior debut here and noticeably improved each game as he acclimated to the pace and physicality of this level. He played as the top-line center in high school and was involved in all the special teams; here, he was a fourth-line winger, so he didn’t get a ton of ice time. However, he moves well, has good edge control, maintains a sturdy stride, and competes hard for loose pucks along the wall and below the dots. He defended well in his own end, getting his body in front of shots, stopping pucks, and using an active stick when pressuring the puck. He had one nice line rush where he recognized he was skating into a 1v2, so he pulled up, waited for reinforcements, and zipped a pass across the top of the circles to turn the play into a 3v2. Grade: C+
Brandt Dubey #27 (D, L, 6’2″, 180, Minnesota Wilderness, 02/12/2006) – Dubey is a tall, mobile, athletic defenseman who returns to Minnesota for his second year in the league and looks more confident and composed than he did a year ago. He can carry pucks out of his own end, made a few forecheckers miss, and found passing seams through the neutral zone. He saw time on the power play, broke pucks out, led the rush up ice, and moved the puck efficiently at the point. He was also able to get his shot off quickly and has a bullet release on his wrist shot that created a few rebound chances. Defensively, he needs to get stronger and more physical in his own end, but he does control his gaps well, uses his reach to disrupt lanes, and angles the puck carrier toward the wall. He lifted sticks in front of the net and did a good job keeping his head on a swivel to pick up bodies in front. The only knock would be that he needs to get stronger and tougher to play against, but the ’06 is certainly someone NCAA coaches should have on their radar given his upside and athleticism. Grade: B
River Freeman #17 (F, R, 6’0″, 185, Minnesota Wilderness, 09/05/2006) – Freeman is a first-year junior player out of Hermantown HS, where he was a standout last season with 22 goals in 31 games. He has good size, plays the right way, stops on pucks, backchecks and forechecks with purpose, and finishes his checks. He shoots the puck hard, keeping his head up to read the goalie, and follows his shots up at the net. He was credited with two goals here; one was a breakaway he would have had against the US National team with the goalie pulled, but he was tripped, so they called it a goal. The other was a hard net drive, a stick-on-the-ice one-touch goal off a cross-slot pass. He bore down on his stick, got flex on it, and was able to snap it off quickly before the goalie could slide across. He’s been able to overpower defenders at the high school level and create chances for himself with his shooting ability, but here he had a tougher time creating separation and wasn’t able to just power his way to scoring areas. He’s adjusting to junior hockey, but his future is bright because he has the athleticism, skill, and release to be a scorer at this level once he acclimates. Grade: B-
Zach Howard #2 (D, R, 5’11”, 175, Minnesota Wilderness, 06/28/2006) – Howard is a good-sized, mobile right-shot defenseman out of the Nashville Jr. Predators U18. He is stout against the rush, gaps up well, and keeps his stick on the ice and in lanes to block passes, forcing opponents to the outside. He sealed off forwards on zone entries and was able to push opponents off the puck when they drove to the net. He was simple in his puck play, but he is athletic and was able to skate the puck out of his end while moving it efficiently up to his forwards. He was a bit conservative overall, but given that this was his junior hockey debut, it’s understandable. Grade: B-
Lucas Jendek #9 (F, L, 5’11”, 187, Minnesota Wilderness, 04/25/2004) – Jendek is a good-sized, strong skater from Slovakia who made his U.S. debut here and shined with 5 points in 3 games. All three of his goals were relatively similar—he got to soft spots in the offensive zone near the net, caught passes from either behind the net or in the slot, and made a strong finish. He stays over the puck, has strong and sturdy hands, and can bounce off contact to maintain puck possession in contested areas. He is smart in reading the defense, knowing where the open ice is, and often sneaks into these spots undetected, providing a clean target for the puck carrier. He knows how to leverage his reach and size, protecting pucks well while driving to the net, and didn’t get tunnel vision; he kept his head up and looked for passing lanes. Jendek exhibits both power and finesse in his game and can shed checks while advancing the puck, both on the breakout and in the neutral zone. He’ll need to learn the North American game, as he wasn’t as disciplined positionally in his own end and didn’t stop and start as you would want to see from an ’04. However, he was highly productive offensively, has a strong finish, and would be a good complement to a playmaking center or winger. This was our first viewing of Jendek, and he made a strong first impression. Grade: B+
Jakeb Lynch #11 (F, R, 5’7″, 150, Minnesota Wilderness, 02/09/2007, Miami (Ohio)) – Lynch is a quick, dynamic playmaker in his first season of junior hockey after a standout year with Pitt Pens Elite U16s. His game is explosive in that he can separate from defenders in just a few strides, turn on a dime, and has excellent change of direction while at top speed. He turned defenders inside out both off the rush and in the cycle with head fakes, quick stickhandling, and lateral agility to sidestep and walk defenders 1v1. He possesses creativity with the puck and an imagination that allows him to break down defenders and find his teammates in space. Lynch didn’t find the stat sheet here, but he made plays all over the offensive zone and had one pass that should have been an assist, where he sauced a pass across the slot to a streaking forward attacking the net. The pass was perfectly placed and demonstrated vision and touch. The Miami-Ohio recruit has high-level awareness; he can sense pressure and operate at top speed. He is a crafty and creative playmaker who will only get better as he acclimates to playing against older and stronger competition. Grade: B
Luke Margenau #15 (D, R, 5’10”, 170, Minnesota Wilderness, 09/11/2004) – Margenau is a polished two-way defenseman who comes to Minnesota after playing 44 games with Des Moines in the USHL. He is a possession-style defender who manages the puck well, waits for lanes to open ahead of him before moving in, and is comfortable carrying the puck up ice and out of his end. He quarterbacked the top power play unit, and the offense flowed through him at the blue line. He kept his shots low and exhibited smart shot selection, knowing when to wind up and shoot and when to throw a low wrister to the net for tips and rebound chances. Margenau is confident with the puck and calls for it; he can sauce pucks over blades effortlessly and hit long-range targets cross-ice through the neutral zone, as well as deliver 5- and 10-foot passes on the power play. He’s calm and calculated, performing at a high percentage on breakouts, shaking off forecheck pressure, and making opponents miss with swift hands and quick feet behind his net. He quickly scans the ice and moves pucks to space, including working the middle of the ice. Although he’s not the ideal size for a defenseman, he is balanced and sturdy in his stride. He can ride opponents off pucks by getting low in his stance and pushing bodies away, and he stays tight in his gaps to take away the middle of the ice. Offensively, he rushed the puck at will, dictating the pace of play when he was on the ice. He was able to walk the blue line and take the ice that was given to him, becoming a fourth forward in the offensive zone. He had three assists in three games here, but his most impressive play, in our opinion, was when he was pressured in the neutral zone, made a quick spin move, and immediately fired a pass cross-ice to the far blue line to create a fast break. For him to see that lane coming out of his spin move and to deliver a tape-to-tape pass in that situation showcased his vision, awareness, and passing ability more than any of his assists. He was their best defenseman in the tournament and will be relied upon heavily this season to play in all scenarios, especially on the power play, to create offense from the backend. Grade: A-
Nathan Murray #23 (F, R, 5’8″, 160, Minnesota Wilderness, 02/09/2005, Colorado College) – Murray is a small, quick-twitch, speedy forward who is a junior hockey veteran, having played on multiple teams in the league and also gaining 17 games of USHL experience. He serves as the team captain, which is fitting because he’s a high-compete, high-energy forward who never quits on a puck and pushes the tempo whenever he is on the ice. He’s slippery, able to get inside on defenders with quick bursts, changes of direction, and a swift set of hands. He started the tournament strong against the Northeast Generals, where he had a highlight-reel assist, cutting across the top of the slot and passing back cross-slot for a one-timer goal by Jendek. He followed that up with a goal just a few seconds after he rang one off the bar; he retrieved the puck between the faceoff dot and the top circles and scored a hard wrister that beat the goalie trying to slide across the net. His best goal, however, was a terrific individual effort where he gained the zone, put the puck between the defender’s legs, and then lost it in the corner. He backchecked to regain possession before the winger exited the zone and took the puck hard to the top of the slot, scoring with a quick-release wrister. Murray is used to coming off the wall, as he plays there on the power play, and is a quick processor who makes instant reads and moves the puck to his teammates in scoring areas. He plays with pace, is quick to pucks, and is tough to defend in space due to his elusiveness and quick-twitch abilities. He created a lot of offense here, recording 2 goals and 2 assists in 3 games. Grade: A-
Logan Nagle #13 (F, L, 5’11”, 175, Minnesota Wilderness, 02/18/2005) – Nagle is a long, strong, athletic two-way forward who returns to Minnesota after a solid rookie campaign. He only played in two of the games here, but he was impactful when he was on the ice with his size, speed, and energy. He got in on the forecheck, finished his checks, and took smart pursuit angles to force the play in one direction. He kept his head up and played off the puck, drawing defenders to him and being willing to take hits in front of the net to set his feet, screen the goalie, and position himself for tips and redirects. He is not a power play type at this point, so he needs to create his chances 5v5, but he does have deceptive puck skills and was able to catch hard passes on both sides of his blade. Grade: B-
Frantisek Netusil #4 (F, R, 5’10”, 180, Minnesota Wilderness, 05/14/2007, Western Michigan) – Netusil is a long, smooth, polished-skating forward from the Czech Republic who came to the U.S. last season to play for the NJ Rockets. He made his junior debut here and was the best NHL Draft prospect in the tournament. He plays the game with poise and skill, has soft hands, and can corral bad passes. He doesn’t panic under pressure; he is able to carry pucks through high-traffic areas and keeps his head up, looking to make plays. He can sauce passes into tight windows and is adept at pulling and dragging the puck around defenders, baiting them to go for the puck before stickhandling around them. One area that stood out in his game is his ability to play up-tempo with speed and puck control, while also being able to slow it down and pick apart defenses with precise passes and the poise to find and create space for himself. Netusil does have a tendency to overexpose the puck and try to do too much, which is typical of high-skill rookies; this is something he’ll learn as he develops and starts to make higher-percentage plays. He had two assists over three games here, one of which was a highlight-reel play against the Northeast Generals, where he fed a cross-slot pass on the power play for an easy catch-and-shoot goal. It was a smart look and an even better pass, right on the tape with zip. The other assist came off an end-to-end rush on the power play against Elmira, where he carried through the neutral zone, gained the blue line, cut to the outside to beat the defender wide with speed, and looked as if he were going behind the net before last second feeding a pass to the slot for a streaking linemate who scored with a one-touch finish. He is a promising young prospect with a high ceiling, and he drew the attention of NHL scouts during his games. Grade: A
Joey Sylvester #8 (D, R, 5’6″, 155, Minnesota Wilderness, 01/12/2005) – Sylvester is a small, agile puck-moving defenseman in his third season in the league. As one of the best breakout defensemen, he gets back to pucks quickly, makes clever escape moves behind the net to shake off forecheckers, and distributes the puck effectively. He looks off passes, sees into the second layer, and is able to stretch the ice from his own end. He ran the power play and showcased his skill in catching passes and making one-touch passes across the ice, always seeming to know where he was going with the puck before he received it. Sylvester has a high hockey IQ; he surveys the ice, processes his options quickly, and has the skill to place his passes exactly where he wants—whether over blades, through the triangle, or into space. Joey had a point in each of the three games; one of his assists was an excellent pass to a streaking forward for a one-timer goal, which required both vision and skill to deliver accurately. He also scored on a great play where he caught a hard pass at the point, drifted toward the top of the circles, and made a slick pull-and-release wrist shot to the far side, low through a screen for the score. The former Wisconsin commit is undersized and defensively, he did get beat to the net at times. However, he is quick to close, defends the rush well with a disruptive stick, and is able to read the play, anticipate where the puck is going, and break up passes. He is an offensive-minded defenseman with mobility, hockey sense, vision, and puck-moving ability. Grade: A-
Karson Young #22 (D, L, 6’0″, 175, Minnesota Wilderness, 05/25/2006) – Young is a tall, mobile, versatile defenseman in his first season of junior hockey after a standout career at Cloquet High School in Minnesota. He anchored their blue line and finished third on the team in points despite being a defenseman. While he wasn’t as offensive here and didn’t get time on special teams, he uses his long reach to poke pucks away and intercept passes in the slot area. He will need to get stronger to play with more power and physicality, but he played the body and stepped up on puck carriers entering the zone. He was safe and conservative in his puck play, using his partner as a safety valve and snapping his passes off flat and on the tape. As a younger player in this league, he is still adjusting, but he has the skating ability, size, defensive discipline, and low-risk game to develop into a top-four defender at this level in the future. Grade: C+
Brady Zugec #5 (C, R, 6’2″, 191, Minnesota Wilderness, 11/01/2006, Western Michigan) – Zugec is a tall, athletic forward who came up through the Buffalo Jr. Sabres before making his way to the USHL last season. He had limited offensive production in the USHL, so he joined the NAHL this fall to gain more ice time and play in key situations, which he has been doing for Minnesota. As a late ’06 birth year, he’s still a young player despite having a year of junior experience under his belt. He demonstrated his experience by making mature, high-percentage plays, keeping his feet moving after he made a pass to get open, and supporting his defense in his own end while staying on the defensive side of scrums during breakouts. He has gotten a bit stronger since last season and was able to win a higher percentage of 50/50 pucks. He scored a brilliant goal to tie the game against Elmira, forcing overtime. He played the high wing on the power play and positioned himself at the top of the circles for a powerful one-timer that went over the goalie’s pad. He added an assist as well, which was secondary; however, he made the play by gaining the zone and zipping a pass across the top of the circles for a catch-and-shoot that was tipped in for a score. A skilled playmaker, he will only get better as the season progresses, earning more ice time in crucial situations. Grade: B+
Minot Minotauros
Ben Aucoin #8 (F, R, 5’9″, 169, Minot Minotauros, 12/16/2004) – Against El Paso, Ben made a great play on a hard backcheck. He caught a much bigger player and took the puck off his stick, turning and burning the other way. He demonstrated sneaky strength, balance, and an understanding of leverage. He is a high-IQ player with soft hands, catching a rocket pass cleanly while in full flight and initiating zone entries on the power play. He showed quick hands and was able to handle bad passes, using his feet and slick edgework to spin and snap errant pucks. Aucoin worked hard in the corners with his feet moving, displaying the hands and ability to slip by contact to create opportunities low in the zone or win pucks to start zone exits and entries. He played with pace, grit, and a quick stick. Grade: B-
Billy Batten #34 (F, L, 5’9″, 165, Minot Minotauros, 09/24/2004) – Batten had soft puck touches and played with pace when he had possession. He picked up three assists against the U17 NTDP and went on to create zone entries with speed, driving centrally when he could. He was not afraid to rip the puck. In a one-goal game against New Mexico, Batten was used up front on a late, important power play, as well as when El Paso pulled their goalie. He won puck races and showed the agility to sneak from the pack to the net. Billy was the second layer of the power play breakout, carrying pucks up ice and knifing through traffic to create easy entries. He was not afraid to attack the net whenever he had space and did well playing through contact. He has a diverse game, showcasing a quick stick and vision in small areas. Grade: B+
Brandon Funk #9 (C, R, 5’10”, 172, Minot Minotauros, 04/15/2005, Long Island University) – The LIU commit did an excellent job of rushing opponents’ passes to create turnovers. His angling was superb during puck pursuit, and he remained poised amid the chaos. His game was mature, and he did not force plays. Brandon won faceoffs and settled bouncing pucks with steady hands and composure. His base was balanced, as was his release on hard shots. He handled contact well and was physically engaged between the whistles without being overly aggressive. He played in a late power play against El Paso and was used as the faceoff man in the offensive zone when Minot’s goalie was pulled. Grade: B
Jordan Gibbs #3 (D, R, 6’1″, 170, Minot Minotauros, 04/19/2004) – Gibbs was another defenseman in his second full season with the Minotauros. At 6’1″, he has played multiple roles, starting as a hammer in his end. Jordan played a heavy game low in the zone, utilizing his long reach and strong stick. He consistently got to spots first to defend and kept forwards away from the front of his net. Gibbs could carry the puck and played on the power play with a menacing shot. He delivered a one-timer as a right shot from the right point with enough force that you could hear it hit the goalie. He was utilized on a late power play against El Paso and could play a smashmouth game or dish and move pucks up the ice. Grade: B
Leon Haggstrom #43 (D, L, 6’4″, 223, Minot Minotauros, 05/07/2004) – Leon looked strong and played with a powerful core and balanced edges. He owned space in his end and, as expected, won wall battles as a habit. Against El Paso, he made a clever backhand saucer pass off the wall under pressure, allowing him to move the puck with simple plays and slick passes. The Swede was a factor in a close game but took an unnecessary penalty with about 10 minutes left. Against Springfield, we noted he played with some intensity, delivering a few big checks while pinching down the wall to force turnovers. Haggstrom made opponents second-guess their plays when he was around, as he could finish checks with impact. Leon sent a few sticks flying in the air when he hit players. It’s tough to play against someone with the ability to move the puck and control both blue lines. He is an intriguing player. Grade: B-
Jacob Ingstrup #28 (D, L, 6’0″, 202, Minot Minotauros, 11/09/2006) – The late 2006 player used a compact, balanced stride to close gaps in time and space, jump up ice, and recover if necessary. He was fast but will add more pace as he gets stronger, as his skating was technically sound. The young defenseman was quiet but in a positive way. We noted him for moving pucks quickly and activating on the rush. Jacob’s stick was quick and strong in his own end, and he had a powerful frame to push forwards around. Against Springfield, Ingstrup darted out of the zone, using his legs and fighting through contact to contest both blue lines, slowing rushes and preventing easy zone entries. Jacob was physical enough to break up plays and force turnovers, but he made smart contact without looking for big checks. His approach was intelligent, and he played the right way. Grade: B
Ty James #2 (D, R, 5’8″, 150, Minot Minotauros, 07/05/2005) – James was attentive in his own end, using quick feet to close lanes and get sticks on pucks. He utilized his body and firm edges to ride forwards off the puck. The Iowa native looked athletic and is playing in his second full season for Minot as a 2005-born player. He could carry or pass the puck up ice and took a big hit to get a puck deep against El Paso in a rugged, tough game. He stood out and was listed as the extra defenseman, but he played better than that in our first viewing. Against Springfield, James activated from the weak side of the rush to add an extra layer of offense. He changed his stick angle to create lanes for snapping passes through, resulting in his shots not getting blocked. He added a quick release with no wind-up from the point and got sticks on pucks early in Springfield’s rush. Ty deflected shots and passes, pressed with tight gaps, and was well-positioned all week. While not a power-play guy, he was a plus player who made smart reads and moved pucks efficiently. Grade: B
Jesse Juhola #10 (F, L, 6’1″, 183, Minot Minotauros, 06/27/2004) – Jesse took 12 shots on net in his three games, including seven against the U17 USA NTDP. He scored three points in that game and was a threat all week. His hands were quick to gather pucks. Juhola won faceoffs cleanly and consistently in all three games. Against El Paso, he blocked shots and delivered hits in his own zone. As a 200-foot player, Jesse could see seams to attack, pass through, or rip shots. He did not hesitate to fire the puck on net when the seams were set up and waited for screens to develop before shooting. His edgework was athletic as he rode contact, dipped toward the net, and spun to snap a shot on net quickly. Jesse was on the ice for an important late power play and also when Minot pulled their goalie. He was an essential part of his team. Grade: A-
Adam Mahler #42 (D, R, 6’1″, 208, Minot Minotauros, 07/25/2004) – Mahler was a standout in our notes, especially during a tight, hotly contested game against El Paso. He defended physically at over 200 pounds, delivering potent hits that knocked puck carriers to the ice. He effectively stopped zone entries and used the same strength near his net and below the dots to keep opponents away from scoring areas. Mahler was also effective up ice, catching a pass at the offensive blue line and, in one motion, wiring the puck on net. Adam played on the power play, where he snapped crisp, accurate first passes. He killed penalties with poise, displaying smart positioning, anticipation, and hard clears. His play with the puck was composed all week, and he seemed unfazed by pressure. He shielded the puck well and made safe, simple outlets. He played 6v5 with Minot’s goalie pulled and showcased a solid two-way game all weekend. Grade: B
Davin Nichols #13 (F, L, 5’11”, 160, Minot Minotauros, 01/08/2005) – Davin played a depth role for Minot, doing so with heavy hits and a lot of intensity in his game. The 2005 knocked two El Paso defenders flat on their backs while forechecking and delivered even more punishing hits along the wall in all three zones. He saw some power play time, and when a defender stepped up on him, Davin dumped the puck deep and knocked that player flat on his back. Nichols was tough to play against and stepped up in challenging games. He did not take a single penalty and looked bigger and stronger than he did in the NCDC last season. Grade: C+
Jack O’Hanisain #7 (LW, R, 5’11”, 168, Minot Minotauros, 08/06/2004) – Jack had a superb game against the NTDP U17 team, scoring three points, but we did not watch that contest. In his other two games, he did not pick up a point, but he was an important player for Minot. He has played over 100 NAHL games and scored more than 70 points. He has improved each season, and we liked that he was willing to shoot the puck at every opportunity in Blaine. His puck touches were clean, and he seldom fumbled the puck, which left him time to carry it toward the net, dish it off, or rip a shot. O’Hanisain took 13 shots in three games and loved to control the puck and create on his own. He made opponents miss and showcased a one-timer rocket that he fired off from any body position. Jack was Minot’s only real offensive threat in a 3-0 shutout loss to Springfield. Grade: A-
John Small #18 (F, L, 5’11”, 190, Minot Minotauros, 01/17/2004) – Small scored a couple of goals in Blaine. One was against the NTDP U17s, and in the other, he ripped a shot home against El Paso. He played the point in a 6v5 situation with Minot’s goalie pulled. Small showcased slick mitts, making toe drags and handles in traffic to slip by defenders. John was unafraid and could absorb contact without losing possession. He kept moving and slipped into scoring positions. The 2004 showed plenty of skill and the toughness to play in greasy areas. Small was unpredictable and could shoot, pass, or drive to the net at any moment. He had sharp edges and straight-line speed. He should put up decent numbers this season and was influential in all situations. Grade: B+
Ian Spencer #23 (LW, L, 5’9″, 183, Minot Minotauros, 09/09/2004) – Spencer played gritty hockey with a heavy stick and persistence in puck pursuit. He moved laterally well to snap off shots and played through contact while keeping possession. In a close game against El Paso, Spencer took an offensive zone penalty that was not a smart play; however, that did not define his week. Ian looked speedy and agile, with the quickness to separate from defenders. He handled the puck well at top speed and made stops and starts with explosive speed. When necessary, he could stop at the net and get back, beating others down the ice. Grade: B-
Connor Thue #38 (D, R, 5’10”, 185, Minot Minotauros, 09/21/2004) – Thue played top-pairing minutes with smooth feet and confident puck play. Connor handled speed and size on the rush and low in the zone against El Paso. He turned, slid, and raced with speedy, skilled players, who could not shake him. His stick was quick, and he concealed his poke check well. He closed gaps quickly, moving urgently and under control to stop opponents. Thue scanned plays, evading the forecheck with quick feet, tight turns, and bump passes. On one play, he made a forechecker miss badly and snapped a backhand up ice on the tape without stickhandling. Defensively, his game shone in that tight contest against El Paso. Against Springfield, we noted his puck reads from a distance, his ability to get his stick on pucks to force interceptions and deflections. He was a puck hawk all over the ice, getting on opponents and loose pucks with impeccable timing. Connor was active, displaying the mobility to jump in any direction. He also showed impressive blue-line mobility to create opportunities from up top. He was one of the best defensive players we observed and an intriguing prospect with potential to contribute offensively. Grade: B+
New Hampshire Mountain Kings
Rogie Cacciarelli #7 (D, R, 6’1″, 190, LA Jr. Kings U14, 06/01/2005) – Rogie played last season in the VIJHL. He was tough and strong, using his physicality to stop rushes and keep opponents away from his net. At 6’2″, he moved well and was mobile enough to get his stick on shots. The 2005 defender handled pace and space with long, powerful strides and clever angling. He effectively rubbed off larger opponents and had a decent stick for picking pucks and initiating transitions. He clogged lanes with smart stick placement and was solid on the penalty kill, where he blocked shots that hurt. Rogie made a slick saucer pass into the neutral zone, demonstrating good touch on the puck. He retrieved pucks off the wall under pressure and snapped quick passes up ice. A team player with significant upside as the season progresses. Grade: B-
Oliver Genest #62 (F, R, 6’1″, 200, New Hampshire Mountain Kings, 03/19/2004, Colgate) – Genest showed off a heavy shot, pulling the puck back and firing it on net with a quick release. His edgework was firm and sharp, demonstrating strong straight-line speed and agility on his edges. The Colgate commit skillfully maneuvered the puck through the neutral zone with his head up, keeping defenders guessing with unpredictable moves. Oliver made himself difficult to defend, combining power with shifty maneuvers to evade contact and drive to the net. He exploded through two Austin defensemen (it should have drawn a penalty) in a play that highlighted his ability to execute a north-south power game. His stride was strong, rarely allowing him to be pushed off the puck. He led by example, taking charge in every critical situation. His combination of power and agility will serve him well at the next level, allowing him to adapt to different roles. Grade: A-
Matt Hanscom #15 (D, L, 6’1″, 191, New Hampshire Mountain Kings, 01/25/2005, RPI) – The RPI commit defended well, using his reach and strength effectively. He was tough to play against, delivering forceful hits while staying close to puck carriers in open ice. Hanscom demonstrated power and balance, relying on these as his foundation. He pinned and held a big, strong Austin player, waiting for support. Although he took an unnecessary penalty—something we’ve seen before as part of his aggressive style—it’s an area for improvement. We liked his anticipation and his ability to step up in the neutral zone to stop the rush early. His puck play was simple and effective. Grade: B
Kim Hilmersson #64 (F, L, 6’1″, 205, New Hampshire Mountain Kings, 06/24/2004) – Hilmersson scored two goals in Blaine. On the first day, he carried the puck wide and, with speed and quickness, scored a one-touch goal by crashing the net. Kim played a rugged style, showing strength with a bit of snarl to match. Defenders wanted no part of him along the boards and avoided attempting hits in open ice. Opponents bounced off Kim as he maintained puck control through contact. In the second game, he made a crisp backhand pass from the corner, landing perfectly on his teammate’s tape in the slot. His skating was decent, though a bit unrefined at times, but he consistently stayed on pucks. Kim hammered defensemen on the forecheck and leveled a defender who tried to hit him, sending them airborne. The 2004-born player snapped passes across the offensive zone and crease, showing a soft touch on a precise backhand pass. In the final game, he competed hard, backchecked effectively, and caught up with puck carriers, knocking them off balance. On one backcheck, Hilmersson won the puck, quickly dished it to his center, then drove hard to the net through the middle. Kim scored on a powerful one-timer, hit two posts, and played the point on the power play skillfully. His compete level and hockey sense were elite. A big, tough player with the ability to score and contribute up and down the roster. Grade: A
Jake Hutchen #6 (F, R, 5’11”, 175, New Hampshire Mountain Kings, 03/19/2007, Lindenwood) – Hutchen came into the Showcase as a well-known and highly evaluated 2007-born player who played for Chicago Mission. He performed well, assisting on a goal and playing hard and smart in his own end. He looked dangerous with possession, executing a quick move and drop pass inside the offensive blue line against the Mudbugs. Jake pulled the puck from right to left and fired a backhand on goal against Austin. He played on the power play, showing a powerful stride and smooth glide. His speed and smoothness on his edges kept him close to the puck and created opportunities. In the final game, he displayed plenty of energy and a physical edge, winning battles along the wall and driving to the net front. His ability to protect the puck against bigger and older players was impressive, and in open ice, he looked dynamic. He came close to making big plays and is poised to score this season. While it may take some time, Hutchen is a player to watch with both immediate and long-term upside. Grade: B
Jack MacDonald #71 (F, L, 5’10”, 170, New Hampshire Mountain Kings, 12/16/2004) – MacDonald displayed athletic edges throughout the Showcase. On the first day, he created a 2v1 and made a slick backhand centering pass. His puck control was excellent as the 2004-born player used his quick hands to dangle past defensemen. He carried the puck out of his end to start another rush and even dangled two defensemen in the neutral zone before making a play on a zone entry. He showed great vision, adding some saucer passes into open space. MacDonald scored New Hampshire’s lone goal against Austin with a well-timed catch-and-snap shot on the rush, presenting his stick well and making a challenging shot look easy at top speed. He played fast—and then even faster—all week, showcasing his ability to process options and make plays while in full flight. He is an intriguing player from the Maritimes who is rapidly trending upward. Grade: B+
Tommy McDonough #55 (F, L, 5’9″, 165, New Hampshire Mountain Kings, 02/26/2004) – Tommy played solid defense with quick feet and an active stick. He was dangerous with the puck, and in our first viewing, McDonough executed a speedy zone entry, followed by a quick cutback and firm pass. He played fast and was dynamic with the puck, delivering quick outlets without overhandling in his end—something we liked. He evaded the forecheck with agility, using the net to his advantage. Tommy made a clever backhand outlet against Austin and was active in the defensive zone. He intercepted a pass on the penalty kill and quickly moved up ice to attempt a scoring chance. Although he took an unnecessary penalty, it was minor in the context of his week-long performance. Tommy played on the power play, showing composure, quick lateral footwork, and soft touches. His skating stood out, allowing him to close in on opponents quickly, making it hard for them to square up on him. He was an intriguing player with strong puck-moving abilities and notable upside. Wearing the ‘C’ for New Hampshire, he led by example. Grade: A-
William-Francisco Parent #28 (F, L, 5’10”, 175, New Hampshire Mountain Kings, 12/06/2005) – William-Francisco played with pace and sharp edges, dodging defenders and making tight turns on the rush to delay, dish, and find open space. His hands were both soft and quick, showing a clever touch. The Quebec native handled the puck with finesse, able to dangle and catch passes smoothly. He frequently carried the puck out of his end, setting up several zone entries at the Showcase. Using his quick hands, he evaded opponents in open ice and executed a middle-lane drive. At top speed, William-Francisco flipped a backhand saucer pass to the wing, showcasing his standout skills. If he ventures near the net more consistently, the points will surely follow. Grade: B
Cole Roenick #19 (C, R, 6’1″, 190, New Hampshire Mountain Kings, 04/12/2005) – Cole started last season with the Mountain Kings before moving to the NCDC, where he played solid hockey. Standing at 6’2″, Cole used his strength and quick hands to control pucks near the net, snapping shots on goal with speed. His skating has improved, allowing him to move around the ice with pace and stay close to the play. He hit hard on the forecheck and finished checks with a bit of snarl. Roenick played at the net front on the power play, using his size to screen goalies and reaching to retrieve rebounds. On the backcheck, he knocked opponents off the puck, and players bounced off him when he had possession. Though he took an unnecessary kneeing penalty, he showed solid edgework, spinning with the puck to fire a shot on goal. At one point, he gained a half-step on a defenseman but opted to pull up instead of driving the net with his edges and strength—a step he’ll need to take in his game’s evolution. Overall, Cole played a strong, well-rounded game. Grade: B-
Michael Solominsky #5 (D, R, 6’3″, 195, New Hampshire Mountain Kings, 06/22/2006) – A strong player with great height and wiry strength, Michael had a challenging start to the Showcase after being ejected from the second game for an unintentional hit from behind, following a decent but unspectacular first contest. In the Wranglers game, however, he stood out. Solominsky played a physical game in his zone, delivering several impactful checks, including a couple of hard, pancake-style hits. The 2006-born player displayed speed and closed in on opponents with a long reach and active stick, poking the puck away in the neutral zone and carrying it for a zone entry. Michael also ripped a shot off the post. While one game doesn’t define a Showcase, we rated him as New Hampshire’s best defenseman in that final game. Grade: C+
New Jersey Jr. Titans
Odin Ford #21 (D, R, 6’2″, 187, NJ Titans, 07/08/2004) – Odin skated with a powerful stride and played a physical game in his own end. He directed opponents toward his teammates and away from the net, using his strength to control their positioning and keep the net front clear. In open ice, Ford delivered hits with impact, relying on quick reads, excellent angles, and a balanced stance. He played with intensity, a bit of an edge, and a quick stick. He drew checkers to himself before using his partner as an outlet. Against Anchorage, he was tasked with a 5v3 penalty kill, blocking a painful shot and, despite limping, stayed in the play to block another powerful shot 20 seconds later. His grit rallied his teammates, helping kill the power play. Odin was a tough competitor with size, speed, and a strong shot. His high compete level and versatility make him an asset as an all-situations player who will continue to improve and elevate the team. Grade: B+
Ryan Friedman #10 (F, L, 5’9″, 180, NJ Titans, 03/12/2004) – Friedman had a strong second half for the Titans last season and added five points in five playoff games to conclude the year. His game is on the rise, and we noted his improvement since last year at the 2024 Showcase. He scored a power-play goal against Fairbanks in the first game, starting with Ryan winning the faceoff, which led to several chances, including a hit post and a solid snapshot by Friedman. On his goal, Ryan retrieved the puck just above the goal line and attacked the net, quickly moving away to improve his shooting angle before snapping the puck home. It was a skilled play. Throughout the week, he displayed a tricky release, using his edges to drive wide around defensemen and cut to the net. Ryan was also hauled down, drawing a penalty. Against Anchorage, he curled, stopped, and started, dangling to shake defensemen along the wall. Friedman used space effectively, showing shifty moves while valuing possession. As an assistant captain, he played with effort, speed, and quick hands. He continues to trend upward and should be a player for coaches to watch closely. Grade: B+
Jack Hillier #14 (F, R, 6’2″, 180, NJ Titans, 10/08/2004, Sacred Heart) – In our initial viewing, we noted that Hillier is an athletic, fluid skater who can carry the puck end to end through the neutral zone with subtle jukes and tricky hands. Jack made a quick catch and shot in the slot, showcasing a smooth wrist shot on the move as a Sacred Heart commit. Although he struggled to find his rhythm in Blaine, much like his team, his talents were easy to spot. He possessed the speed and skill to lead power-play zone entries against Anchorage. His backchecking demonstrated speed and effort, as he caught a Wolverine from behind, stole the puck, and dangled around two players to initiate the counterattack. His hands were quick in tight spaces, and while he occasionally carried the puck into traffic, it was only a few times. This may have been an attempt to spark his team’s energy, but it did not detract from his overall talent and athletic ability. Grade: A-
Blake Jones #6 (D, L, 5’9″, 165, NJ Titans, 02/22/2005, AIC) – Blake played a solid and smart defensive game, making fast reads and staying ahead of the play all week. A second-round selection of the Titans in the NAHL Draft, Jones has been an under-the-radar player in New England Prep for a couple of years and seemed up to the challenge of the jump to the NAHL. While Jones is not a big player, he possesses elite balance and edge work. He received an A- at the USA Hockey Nationals and continues to improve. Blake’s first step was explosive, allowing him to quickly close off time and space. He demonstrated vision with an indirect pass through the neutral zone against Fairbanks and looked agile while making rapid decisions. Jones changed directions swiftly to shake forecheckers and followed up with low-risk, accurate passes. He kept his head up while entering the neutral zone and was evasive on the breakout, often carrying the puck up the middle before dishing it to the wall. He played some power play time and has improved his overall game. Blake consistently won battles for the puck, and no one got the best of him. He is a highly competitive player with a diverse skill set and a high hockey IQ. Grade: B+
Kyle Kim #9 (D, R, 6’2″, 184, NJ Titans, 01/06/2005, Army) – Kim showed mobility in every direction, using speed to clog up passing and shooting lanes. He was patient with the puck on the breakout and did not throw pucks away. Kyle had the size to absorb contact and the stick skills to make both simple and slick passes. The Army commit played with a strong core and a powerful, technically sound stride. He did not force anything and let the game come to him. At times, he was tough to notice, as he made very few mistakes. Instead, he led and managed the game from the back end. His toolbox is full; he can make all the passes, evade contact, and start plays in the other direction. His positioning was superb, and he effectively scanned plays. A steadying force, he demonstrated a game that would translate well to college. Grade: B
Owen Leahy #18 (F, L, 5’9″, 165, NJ Titans, 02/11/2005) – Leahy has always been a highly competitive player with a high IQ who earns everything he gets, and that didn’t change in Blaine. The 2005 showcased quick hands and acceleration, allowing him to get by opponents and win puck races. He had enough speed to put defensemen on their heels and made one slick, tricky end-to-end rush at top speed on the first day. He showed patience in the offensive zone, limited turnovers, and made a perfect backhand pass to a forward coming down the slot. It was a nice pass and not easy to pull off. Leahy has been an undervalued player in our eyes; his game is honest and tough, and he made many plays in his first few games during his first year of junior hockey. He can help any team because he understands what it takes to win and plays a detailed game with athleticism and determination. Grade: B+
Shawn Leary #8 (D, R, 6’0″, 195, NJ Titans, 05/12/2005) – Leary looked really strong on his edges. He delivered zip on accurate passes and rode opponents off the puck with some grit in his game. The sturdy 2005 caught bad passes and had the vision and hands to snap off passes and hit long-range targets. Shawn displayed a clever element with the poise that allowed him to carry the puck out of difficult areas. This is a new aspect of his game that we liked here. He played on the top power-play unit when New Jersey pulled the goalie in the first game in Blaine. Against Anchorage, he attacked offensively with a direct approach. Shawn walked the offensive blue line and ripped a rocket on net. His shot was dangerous, and he appeared relaxed and comfortable running the power play. Leary could take chances with tight gaps and steps, carrying the puck up the ice because he showed excellent recovery speed with a heavy stick. He was unique in that he looked more comfortable in junior hockey than in prep school. The physicality and pace seemed to play to his strengths. He is on the verge of making some major strides forward and has already improved since last season. There is more to come. Grade: A-
Lucas Marshall #23 (D, L, 5’10”, 177, NJ Titans, 05/10/2004) – Lucas played with quickness and pure speed. He kept gaps tight and stopped the rush before entering his zone when possible. He had plenty of recovery speed to take chances up the ice and could carry or pass the puck from his end. In one carry during the first game, Lucas dodged out of his end with excellent puck protection and moved into the neutral zone, making a smooth pass up to a forward. He looked fluid at other moments with the puck in space, swiftly passing and shooting while on the move. He played on the penalty kill and blocked shots well, using smart angles and proper technique. During puck retrievals, Marshall utilized a quick first step to move away from pressure, curling around one forechecker before passing up to the wing. Against Anchorage, he showcased his skating but also displayed another side of his game, delivering some big hits, including one right at the defensive blue line. He had a noticeable edge and excellent footwork. Grade: B-
Austin McNicholas #30 (G, L, 6’1″, 181, NJ Titans, 05/24/2004) – McNicholas lost both his starts in Blaine, giving up three goals in each contest and stopping 45 shots over the two games. While his numbers are not impressive, he showed aspects of his game—especially on day one—that should contribute to his success this season. The nearly 6’1″ goalie tracked the puck well and skated effectively while playing the puck, even shaping a pass into the neutral zone. McNicholas made quick reads and absorbed pucks to control rebounds, and we noted his rebound control as a strength in his game on three occasions. Our goalie scouts will get a look at the 2004 birth year, but his numbers here were deceiving, and he should be monitored more closely. Grade: B
Nikita Meshcheryakov #24 (C, L, 6’2″, 187, NJ Titans, 02/04/2005, Princeton) – The 6’2″ Russian, a former Northwood School standout, is committed to Princeton. In Blaine, he had the size to compete for pucks with anyone and played with intensity along the wall. His game has evolved to where he can leverage pucks and attack the net. His pace has improved, and his skating was balanced as he powered through traffic toward the net. He churned out shifts and worked the cycle to wear opponents down. There were moments when he seemed to glide and wait for something to happen rather than move and disrupt or demand the puck. He scored a tip goal against Anchorage after a strong shift where he went high and then low to the net front. He played the point on the power play and showed speed once he got going. His length and skill made him dangerous with the puck. The 2005 played on the first power play unit and was utilized when the Titans pulled their goalie. Meshcheryakov must find consistency from shift to shift to be prepared for college hockey. He displayed talent and upside all week. Grade: B
Ryan Novo #12 (F, L, 5’8″, 170, NJ Titans, 05/02/2004, Army) – Ryan played with pace and made plays like saucer passes through traffic look effortless. He was highly competitive and athletic. Novo activated his point at the offensive blue line and showed a good burst to jump on chances. Against Fairbanks, Ryan rushed through the neutral zone with the puck on a string. He played a creative and instinctual game, with his feet and stick backing it up. The Army commit was smooth on his skates in space and changed pace to exploit gaps. Ryan slipped under checks, keeping his eyes up and maintaining possession through contact. The NJ captain chased pucks down with speed and could pick them out of the air during scrums or off the wall while maintaining his pace. He stretched the ice and moved to stay open in the neutral zone. Novo was quick and clever in small spaces, able to create something from nothing. He received a game misconduct in the Wolverine game, which somewhat limited our time watching him. Overall, he displayed diverse skills that will translate to the next level. Grade: B+
Alexander Papaspyropoulos #27 (F, L, 5’11”, 176, NJ Titans, 04/09/2004) – Papaspyropoulos played a heady style, showcasing quick hands, speed, and mobility in every direction. Alexander could change direction on a dime and accelerate rapidly from turns and stops. On day one, the 2004 prospect wheeled around the offensive zone, waiting for an opening. When defenses got tired of playing the right way, he took advantage. Alexander changed speed in space and exploited gaps in the defenders’ positioning. He pulled up on a zone entry and floated a pass to a streaking forward. He was poised, with vision and diverse ways to break down defenses. Against Anchorage, he scored a beautiful goal as he streaked down the left wing with speed. His linemates drove the net while Papaspyropoulos dragged the puck to his right, swiveled, and ripped a hard shot into the net. He showed excellent use of space and knew how to get to the center, doing so with flair and a terrific shot. He played with some snarl and hunted pucks with intensity and persistence. He had a great week and was one of the Titans’ more noticeable players. Grade: B+
Saxen Robertson #20 (D, L, 6’1″, 195, NJ Titans, 05/27/2004) – Saxen played last season for Humboldt in the SJHL and was on the first pairing for the Titans. He defended with physicality, demonstrating his ability to hit, shed checks, find pucks, and quickly initiate breakouts. The 2004 prospect appeared long and a bit raw, suggesting that his best hockey is ahead. He skated well for his size and could handle the puck at top speed. In the last game, while down 3-0, Robertson was used as a forward on a very late power play. He seized a turnover near the net and quickly deposited it into the side of the goal. Saxen looked poised and used quick hands to get the goalie moving. Before the goal, he kept the puck alive with a forecheck that included an excellent stick check. Saxen was also utilized on a lengthy 5v3 penalty kill, where he clogged passing lanes effectively and played smart hockey. He is a promising Titan prospect who has his best hockey ahead of him; he was big, fast, and demonstrated notable skill. Grade: B
Ryan Shaw #2 (F, L, 5’9″, 165, NJ Titans, 01/29/2005, RPI) – The RPI commit played fast, showcasing excellent edgework and balance. He could cut, turn, stop, and start in a flash. Ryan’s first touches were soft, and he passed the puck with proper pace and accuracy. Shaw cut across the slot quickly and demonstrated superb puck control. He was strong on his edges, making a quick turn and shot near the net in traffic. He swiveled high on the wall and stayed on pucks, keeping his head up as he spun off the pressure. He did have one poor turnover at the offensive blue line against Fairbanks, which led to a breakaway. While such mistakes can happen to puck possession players, he must be cautious at the blue line. Against Anchorage, he kept moving and found soft ice with a prepared stick. Shaw quickly picked pucks off the wall and settled them in a hurry. The 2005 prospect unleashed a wicked shot from the slot and looked smooth with the puck. His game was direct; he knew how to get himself and the puck to the net and into scoring areas. He did not settle for playing on the perimeter, entering the zone on one rush followed by lateral movement and a tricky backhand shot on net. He moved low to high on the power play and was comfortable in all five spots in the zone. With a high hockey IQ, Ryan knew how to manipulate gaps and force switches in defenses. He also played very well without the puck. Grade: A-
New Mexico Ice Wolves
Damon Bickler #27 (D, R, 5’9″, 175, New Mexico Ice Wolves, 03/08/2005) – Damon played with grit. As a smaller puck mover, Bickler used escape moves behind the net to elude the forecheck and dish the puck up to his forwards. He was quick, agile, and fast. Bickler trusted his skating, which allowed him to maintain tight gaps. He made countless nimble moves to push the puck forward, acting as a breakout machine for the Ice Wolves. He played instinctively, made smart decisions, and was crafty with the puck—an intriguing athlete who should not be overlooked. Grade: B-
Francois Devilliers #16 (D, L, 5’11”, 169, New Mexico Ice Wolves, 02/16/2005, Air Force) – DeVilliers only played in one game we observed, but he played well. The Air Force commit, listed at 6’0″, looked even taller on the ice, displaying a smooth stride and a high-level hockey IQ. Francois was mobile and quarterbacked the power play with confidence. He trusted his skating, stepping up in the neutral zone to intercept passes and covering a lot of ice with his athletic, four-way mobility. A polished skater, he maintained tight gaps and moved quickly to the boards to hold the puck in. His lateral quickness was evident as he broke up a 2-on-1 with a well-timed drive across. Shaking off forecheckers, he kept his eyes up ice and showed skillful hands, spinning to evade pressure with poise. The 2005-born player played aggressively, closing with tight gaps in the neutral zone. His ceiling is high. Grade: A-
Andrew Earl #11 (F, R, 5’11”, 180, New Mexico Ice Wolves, 08/19/2005) – Earl played an excellent game against Elmira. The 2005-born player showcased explosive initial strides and strong crossovers. He drove to the net and carried the puck to the crease, where his quick hands took over. Andrew was relentless in puck pursuit, displaying speed, mobility, and an active, disruptive stick. Against Elmira, he flew to a puck carrier, creating a turnover against a big defenseman. Earl then collected the puck and made a smart backhand area pass to Michael Kull for a breakaway goal. Under pressure, it was a tough pass, but he demonstrated vision and awareness of the opportunity. He also forced a turnover just outside the opponent’s blue line, and his other assist tied the game late in the second period against a strong Austin team. Earl came off the bench, made a drive toward the net, and set up a play that was eventually finished for a goal. He showed the ability to pick up pucks at top speed off the wall and was active across the ice, blending skill with a hard-working style. Earl handled the puck well, cycling high and low in the zone, and toe-dragged it before ripping a shot into the net. After an impressive season with Chanhassen (MN) last year, he appears to be adjusting well to the NAHL. Grit, speed, and high compete levels will lead him to success at higher levels. Grade: B+
Sloan Farmer #10 (F, L, 5’11”, 165, New Mexico Ice Wolves, 06/02/2005) – Sloan stood out to our scouts for two reasons: his skating ability and his potential to be a two-way standout in the NAHL. Did he accomplish enough to be considered a standout, with just an assist and a couple of shots on goal? Did he make enough impact near both nets? Time will tell, but he certainly demonstrated his ability to skate and either carry or pass the puck out of his zone. He has good size and can turn on the jets, separating himself from opponents in transition. Running the power play from the top, he delivered accurate, flat, and well-timed passes. He looked smooth and highly athletic. However, we noted that he sometimes tried to do too much, which is typical at events like this, where players aim to showcase their skills. For Sloan, he still needs to establish a clear identity. While he’s undoubtedly a puck mover with strong skating and puck-handling abilities, the way he utilized his size here suggests he might develop as a shutdown defender moving forward. He is certainly an intriguing prospect. Grade: B
Sean Gibbons #8 (F, R, 5’9″, 175, New Mexico Ice Wolves, 08/21/2005, Army) – The former Brunswick captain was slick and tough to defend in Blaine. Sean started his year in Vernon in the BCHL before moving south to play with the Ice Wolves. He used his leverage and height to his advantage, pushing into inside positions without the puck and staying near the net. Sean was elite in traffic, using his body and strong edges to push through and slide off contact. His hands were slick, making several defenders look foolish. Elusive in tight spaces and able to release heavy shots with a compact, rapid motion, he was dangerous whenever he had possession. He stayed calm near the net, showing more than just poise—he had a controlled, lethal presence. He scored with a bullet one-timer on a centering pass, bearing down for a hard finish. The Army commit looked solid and created chances consistently. He’s an interesting player with strong scoring potential at the next level. Grade: B+
Stanley Hubbard #64 (F, L, 6’6″, 201, New Mexico Ice Wolves, 06/04/2005) – Stanley had a decent showing in our first viewing against Elmira. At times, he looked like a train off the rails, making him tough to play against. As the week progressed, the 6’6″ Hubbard began to look more comfortable, ripping several shots on net. He played with a somewhat lingering stride but always hustled. Though a bit awkward at times, big players often take longer to develop. We all noted his athleticism, and his best hockey is still ahead. He has time to improve his footwork and will progress in this league. He was unique and has promising potential. Grade: C+
John Johannson #7 (D, L, 5’11”, 175, New Mexico Ice Wolves, 03/19/2004) – John showed quick feet with excellent jump and speed, moving well in all directions. He defended with strong anticipation, scanning plays and reacting swiftly. The former St. Thomas Academy (MN) and Phillips Exeter (NH) player has previously played defense when we watched him, but in Blaine, he was positioned as a forward. Johannson brought some snarl and bite to his game, clearly there to compete rather than gain attention. He played to win, doing many small things to give New Mexico a better chance. The 2004-born player won faceoffs, backchecked effectively from the middle to the goal line, and moved the puck quickly. Johannson scored a one-touch, net-front goal with the goalie out of position, seizing the opportunity immediately. He fired shots on net to create rebounds and consistently positioned himself at the net front and on pucks. Grade: B-
Bryce Johnson #19 (F, L, 6’3″, 200, New Mexico Ice Wolves, 09/14/2004) – Bryce was a factor in all three games we watched. The 2004-born player has length and reach at 6’3″. He showed speed in open ice and when tracking pucks down. He won faceoffs and performed well in tough areas, using his balance and wiry frame effectively. He could add weight but was difficult to battle against along the boards because he was such an excellent skater, slipping and sliding off checks. Johnson carried the puck up the wall despite a body check, kept his feet moving, and made an excellent centering pass on the power play for an assist. He cut laterally in both directions with possession and was influential across the top of the circles, showcasing his vision and a heavy shot with an explosive release. Grade: B
Jake Kasay #9 (F, L, 5’10”, 170, New Mexico Ice Wolves, 05/19/2006) – The 2006 player performed well enough to be included in this report. He played in two games but did not generate much offensively. However, he was consistently around the puck, displaying good speed and acceleration. Kasay was unafraid to engage physically on the forecheck and took hits; when knocked down, he popped back up as quickly as possible. His competitiveness was high, and he also demonstrated soft touches on the puck with some clever plays. Jake played in space with smooth hands and a fluid stride. He has the tools to succeed and should improve over the year and beyond. Grade: C+
Toivo Laaksonen #25 (F, R, 6’1″, 183, New Mexico Ice Wolves, 03/10/2004) – Toivo played an energetic game and was a menace on the forecheck. He has some size and a knack for getting to puck carriers, stealing pucks from behind and even between their legs. His stick was active and effective. The 6’2″ Finn stopped on pucks and could deliver heavy hits along the wall, wearing down defenders. On one forecheck, he stole a puck and immediately attempted to wrap it around the net. He displayed speed and decent acceleration while going to the front of the net. During a 3v2 rush, he delayed and cut across the top of the circles to unleash a powerful wrist shot. He was a significant factor in the game, and if he stays on this path, the goals should come. Grade: C+
Noah Mertz #22 (D, R, 6’0″, 178, New Mexico Ice Wolves, 08/19/2005) – Noah picked up an assist in Blaine. He looked athletic as the 2005 made some tough plays look easy against Elmira while serving as the ‘extra defenseman.’ He caught a puck, dropped it, and made a slick indirect backhand pass to initiate a zone exit. It happened quickly, and Noah was under pressure. He could saucer passes, snap the puck through small windows, and effectively use indirect and area passes. In the next game, Mertz carried the puck up ice, gained the zone with pace, and drove centrally before making a backhand saucer pass to the wing. The Mount St. Charles product appeared ready for the NAHL and has a high ceiling. He is a player to watch; when he was on the ice, good things happened. Grade: B+
Issa Murakami #20 (F, L, 5’10”, 165, New Mexico Ice Wolves, 10/12/2004) – All three scouts noted Issa’s competitive level. The Japanese winger was driven to succeed, powering to the net with excellent crossovers and firm edges. While he isn’t a big player, Issa compensates by staying low and using leverage to his advantage. He played in the USPHL and NCDC last season and has international experience representing his country. He was quick off turns and, from a stop, attacked the net against Elmira, just missing a short-side snap shot that he got off in a hurry. With each shift, he played with stick pressure and pace, demonstrating that he was well-prepared. Grade: B
Sean Smith #2 (D, L, 6’2″, 195, New Mexico Ice Wolves, 04/10/2005) – Smith played a heavy game, utilizing a balanced stride and physicality to defend. While he wasn’t a tremendous hitter, he effectively rubbed opponents off and leaned on them in tough areas. His hands were decent, and he had excellent reach to collect pucks. He made sharp passes, including a backhand pass to his partner with a quick flick of his wrist while under pressure. He carried the puck end-to-end along the wall against Elmira and made a smart dump to facilitate a line change. His strength helped him protect the puck, and he used reverse moves when pressured. He easily delivered smooth, crisp passes to his partner and transitioned from defense to defense well under pressure with swift hands. Sean moved well and used his length to keep pucks in at the offensive blue line. We appreciated how he covered the ice despite not being a burner; he took intelligent paths and anticipated plays effectively. The tall 2005 played a quarterback role on the power play. Strong on pucks, with balanced edges and heads-up carries, Sean had a solid week in Blaine. Grade: B
Liam Waugh #29 (LW, L, 6’0″, 170, New Mexico Ice Wolves, 07/26/2005) – Liam showed pace with possession and kept moving without the puck. The 2005 helped on faceoffs and never stood around. He jumped to pucks with a quick first step. On the forecheck, Waugh played smart and only chased when he had a decent chance to gain possession. His stick was long and well-placed. He moved to scoring spots when New Mexico had the puck and demanded it with a prepared stick. Liam displayed some edge and backed down from no one. He crashed the net for a rebound and showed speed on the line rush. He had decent stick skills and made a backhand centering pass. He looked dangerous on the line rush. He picked up an assist on an excellent hustle play, chasing down the ice to steal the puck from the goalie and then making a centering pass for an assist against Austin. He should improve each day and is one to watch in February when he should be even more impactful. Grade: B
North Iowa Bulls
Liam Bard #2 (D, R, 6’0″, 180, North Iowa Bulls, 01/04/2004) – Bard is an athletic right-shot defenseman who plays a simple game from the back end. He picked up one assist over the weekend on a 3-on-2, where the puck was dropped to him, and he instantly snapped it cross-ice inside the blue line, leading to a goal by Kim just seconds later. Liam contested both blue lines smartly, using calculated aggression to slow down rushes, forcing dumped pucks, and not allowing easy zone exits. Bard didn’t get caught outside the dots, made simple puck decisions, and jumped into the rush at times to add some offense. His passes snapped off his stick, and he was able to win battles by moving his feet. Liam is a solid two-way defenseman who could benefit from adding size and strength to keep up with attacking pace, and he played a diverse game. Grade: B-
Cooper Conway #22 (F, L, 6’1″, 163, North Iowa Bulls, 06/08/2005, Colorado College) – Conway only played in two games over the weekend but still made a positive impact offensively, recording 3 points in those contests. His goal came on the power play, where he pounced on a rebound after sending a teammate off on a breakaway and trailing the play. He has a powerful stride that allows him to gain speed and dart up the ice in straight lines with the puck on his stick. There is a smoothness to his game that enables him to dangle defenders with quick hands and maneuver in and out of traffic with his head up and the puck glued to his stick. When in possession, he found another gear to separate from backcheckers and drive the play up north. Cooper was most effective off the rush, using his speed and crafty playmaking skills to open up the defense and slide pucks through tight windows. Conway is a creative player who sees beyond the initial layer to get pucks to dangerous offensive areas, utilizing his legs and vision. He consistently played at a high pace, with a little dance in his game that made him difficult to contain and a wizard in tight areas. His touch, speed, and hands were a threatening presence as he played with pace and elevated his linemates with his effort. Grade: A-
Kash Crawford #10 (D, R, 6’0″, 170, North Iowa Bulls, 03/10/2006) – Crawford is a mobile, athletic defenseman with impressive skating ability and high confidence for his age. He runs the top power play unit, initiating breakouts and carrying pucks up the ice. He can utilize his legs to maneuver through traffic, beat the first defender, and either snap an accurate pass or create an easy zone entry, adding diversity to his exit strategies. While Kash is not shy about carrying the puck, he doesn’t need to do so to be effective. On puck retrievals, he can quickly pivot to regain possession and shimmy to create separation for a play with his head up. On the offensive blue line, he is deceptive, able to freeze approaching defenders without overhandling the puck or allowing contact. He can slip back down the wall, fake a pass to his partner, and, while keeping the puck on his forehand, wire shots on net from the point. Crawford doesn’t fumble pucks or mismanage the game; he controls it smoothly from the back end. One of his assists came from being aggressive on the forecheck, pulling a puck out of a scrum, and hitting Kim with a crisp pass on the backside of the net. Crawford loves to move the puck and has the awareness to find clean ice, make defenders miss, and slide off checks while playing a versatile game. Grade: B+
Noah Diemer #24 (F, R, 6’3″, 190, North Iowa Bulls, 09/01/2004) – Diemer is a versatile forward who can play anywhere in the lineup and be a valuable asset. He was mostly noticeable while shorthanded, winning faceoffs, taking smart routes to pucks, and using his size to clog up the middle of the ice in all three zones. Noah added a bit of agility for his size, making defenders miss in space and ensuring the puck didn’t roll off his stick under pressure. Defensively, he supports low, allowing his defense to be more aggressive with their gaps and protecting the area in front of the net. Diemer picked up an assist on a 2-on-1, where he dished the puck backdoor to Osiowy for a hard finish. While his skills aren’t flashy, he is an efficient player who can be deployed in any situation and one that the coach can trust. Grade: B-
Davis Higley #19 (F, R, 5’8″, 162, North Iowa Bulls, 12/31/2005) – Higley is an undersized forward with a lightning-quick release and a marksman-like shot. He is in constant motion, dragging defenders with him all over the ice, and he played his role well both with and without the puck. He effectively harassed opponents and was a nuisance on the forecheck without being physical. He took accurate routes to pucks, using intelligent angles to steer the play where he wanted and close off space. He created a turnover in the offensive zone, quickly turning it into a dangerous scoring chance in the slot that unfortunately wasn’t finished. Off the high cycle, his mobility allowed him to move to pucks quickly while leaving space in the interior for better passing lanes. Davis is a versatile forward who plays a heads-up game with a high hockey IQ. Grade: B-
Vince Kalscheur #18 (LW, L, 6’2″, 208, North Iowa Bulls, 05/14/2006) – Kalscheur is a larger forward who can plant his feet around the net and not be moved. He was an annoyance for goaltenders and defensemen near the blue paint, not allowing anything easy and competing fiercely for pucks and space. Vince hounded plays along the wall, finishing checks and adding a menacing presence. He is difficult to move off the puck, possessing a sophisticated ability to shield the puck, dish it to an open man, and then instantly head to the net. Kalscheur is effective on the forecheck in all the right ways. Vince has a wicked release and a heavy shot that can reach goaltenders quickly, even without much torque behind it. While he doesn’t possess elite quickness or straight-line speed, in tight puck battles, he makes defenders earn their ice as he finishes every check. His larger frame is a distinct advantage that he uses effectively below the hash marks, and once he picks up his pace and adds that finishing touch in close, he will be a handful for defenders. Grade: B+
Sangyeob Kim # (F, R, 6’0″, 181, North Iowa Bulls, 02/26/2004, Tennessee State) – Kim had the game of games against Corpus Christi in his lone appearance over the weekend. In the 4-3 shootout win, Kim recorded a hat trick in regulation and then tallied the game winner in the shootout, as his stick was on fire. He was all over the puck on the forecheck, harassing defenders and putting them in difficult spots with his speed, all without needing to be overly physical. Kim hunts for loose pucks, digs around scrums, and is not afraid to get dirty. His pace caused issues for the opposing defense, allowing him to fly with the puck on his stick and create easy zone entries that led to scoring chances. His first goal came from leading a 3-on-2, dropping the puck back, and then driving the net to catch a pass on his backhand, which he finished in tight through the five-hole. Shorthanded, he was a nuisance, pressuring with the right angles and solid speed to force turnovers that led to chances of his own. His hat trick goal came from ripping a shot to the far post off the rush for a tap-in, tying the game late and forcing overtime. In the shootout, Kim came in slowly, faked a shot to freeze the goalie, and then tucked a shot through the five-hole. Even though he only played one game, he made a big impression. Grade: A-
Mike Malatino #23 (F, R, 5’10”, 175, North Iowa Bulls, 09/18/2005) – Malatino is a lightning-fast, deceptive forward with the puck on his stick. He loves to drive the play in possession, using his speed to take pucks low off the rush and drag the defense with him to hit a trailer. His pace allows for easy zone entries, as he can take pucks out wide but also fly through the middle of the ice before dishing wide while continuing his way to the crease. The puck is on and off his stick quickly and effectively, as he avoids getting overly fancy by using head fakes to open up space, then dishes and moves to open ice. In the game against Corpus Christi, Michael ended the game with five shots on net, firing from all over and creating chances from sharp angles. He was not afraid to let it rip from anywhere, and though he didn’t find the back of the net, he created chaotic situations around the crease. Grade: B-
Anthony McIntosh-Asgard #29 (D, L, 5’11”, 190, North Iowa Bulls, 01/05/2005) – McIntosh-Asgard is an athletic defender who can pop in any direction and use his lateral mobility to keep opponents in front of him. He has the speed to separate on retrievals with quick cuts and curls, as well as the speed to recover in open ice. Anthony trusts his feet and hands, allowing him to maintain airtight gaps and poke pucks away as he draws opponents in. His pokes are accurate, quick, and deceptive. McIntosh-Asgard times his steps well in the neutral zone, applying enough contact to make an impact while using his stick to jar pucks loose. In possession, he sold the reverse play a few times, creating clear ice to carry the puck north until his time and space were completely sealed. Grade: C+
Eli Miller #17 (F, R, 5’10”, 165, North Iowa Bulls, 10/09/2004) – Miller is a lightning-quick forward with unmatched pace both with and without the puck. He explodes up the ice with a smooth stride, winning races to loose pucks or driving the play out wide and cutting under defensemen off the rush. Eli creates constant chances with his legs, proving to be a problem for opposing defensemen, both with and without the puck. Off the rush, he can drive the net and easily get behind the defense for redirects, leaving space behind him for his linemates to create opportunities. When carrying the puck, defenders have no choice but to back up and give him space, or else risk getting burned. He smartly takes his space and chips pucks into the corner, where he can get first touch when his space is sealed off. Miller logs time in all situations, playing shorthanded just as effectively as he does at even strength, and he also gets power play minutes. While down a man, Miller put his body on the line to block a heavy shot that hit his ankle, which looked painful, but he immediately got up and was ready to block another one. He was arguably the best overall skater over the weekend, and even though that did not always translate to the scoresheet, he made a significant impact at both ends of the ice. Grade: B
William Moloney #6 (D, R, 6’3″, 194, North Iowa Bulls, 01/11/2004) – Moloney is a longer defenseman with solid mobility and a willingness to block shots. He showed no hesitation in putting his body on the line, effectively blocking shots without losing track of his man or getting out of position. Billy made smart decisions with the puck, avoiding risky plays in bad areas and opting for the simple option when available. He can carry pucks thanks to his mobility and settle the play down. He is patient, allowing things to develop in front of him without forcing his first read and avoiding overhandling in tough areas. Moloney made a few slip passes under heavy pressure, just touching the puck in tight to his man while dragging pressure toward him. Around his net, he played a tough game, defending his area of the ice and using his reach to win puck battles. Grade: B-
Parker Osborn #27 (F, L, 5’11”, 180, North Iowa Bulls, 04/06/2005) – Osborn timed his movements to scoring areas well, getting to dangerous portions of the ice and creating quality chances, but he lacked the finishing touch around the crease. Parker had several quality opportunities, as the puck seemed to find him off rebounds or scrums. He stayed well above the puck and could naturally locate soft spots to become a shooting threat. He worked effectively for his linemates off the puck, skating to create lanes and demonstrating a solid understanding of his spacing. Although Osborn didn’t possess the puck for long, getting rid of it quickly and effectively, he was unable to find the back of the net. Grade: C
Austin Osiowy #4 (D, R, 5’11”, 165, North Iowa Bulls, 02/16/2005) – Osiowsy played a solid two-way game, contributing offensively without sacrificing his defensive responsibilities. While shorthanded, he clogged lanes with smart positioning, sealing the middle of the ice and preventing pucks from getting through his body. He made strong clear-outs with a firm stick and demonstrated the hand-eye coordination to bat down pucks within his reach. On the offensive blue line, he aimed for sticks and tips, making smart decisions to avoid putting the puck in dangerous positions. Austin effectively got pucks through traffic and on net to generate rebounds. He scored a goal after joining a 2-on-1 rush and finishing at the back door with a hard one-touch shot. Osiowy applied pressure at the offensive blue line, pinching down the wall at the right times to force pucks loose and disrupt breakouts. Grade: C+
David James Parouse #7 (D, L, 6’2″, 175, North Iowa Bulls, 03/22/2005) – Parouse stood out by not standing out in the right ways. He didn’t mishandle pucks or take any risks in possession, while remaining positionally sound. DJ is a longer, lean defenseman with a savvy mind for distribution. During breakouts, while under pressure, he can look wide to his winger and then hit his center swing option on the tape and in stride. From the blue line, his shots are wired on net, aimed for deflections by his forwards, and he avoids shooting above the waist. His shot doesn’t have much of a windup; a simple flick of the wrist provides enough power to be effective. Grade: C
Jackson Schouten #16 (D, L, 6’7″, 224, North Iowa Bulls, 01/31/2005) – Shouten is a long, strong power forward for the Bulls who is a workhorse below the offensive zone hash marks. He treats the front of the opposing net like a war zone, willing to compete and take cross-checks to stand his ground and disrupt the goaltender’s vision. Jackson is a menacing presence, pushing opponents off pucks, laying thundering checks, and finishing hits on defenders. While he may not have the foot speed to be highly effective on the forecheck, he gets into defenders’ heads during retrievals, knowing that as soon as they get rid of the puck, he will finish them into the wall. Shouten has solid mobility for a bigger forward and can turn it on with the puck on his stick. Defensively, he gets back to his area, takes away the middle of the ice, and supports his defense. Grade: C+
Jack Seaverson #25 (F, R, 6’1″, 180, North Iowa Bulls, 02/14/2004) – Seaverson came out of the gates hot with 7 points (1G, 6A) in the first three games of the showcase. He was making accurate passes all over the ice, creating his own lanes and wiring them through tight windows with either touch or added zip when needed. Even under heavy pressure, he found ways to use his body to get pucks up north with pristine accuracy. Jack could handle the pressure of body contact without relinquishing the puck. One of his assists came off the rush, where he joined late in the zone, caught a pass just inside the blue line, and without dusting it off, hit Kim at the net front perfectly for an easy finish. Seaverson is deployed in all situations, as he killed off multiple 5-on-3s shorthanded while also being part of the top power-play unit. While down a man, he worked well in sync with his fellow penalty killers to prevent pucks from getting through the middle and keep them to the outside. On the power play, he helps run the point, looking to dish pucks through the house and get them back door. He picked up another assist off the rush, where he corralled a pass that was behind him, pulled it through his legs, and sent a backhand through the defender’s triangle to the back door for Kim to finish. Seaverson is a versatile playmaker who is present in every important situation. Grade: B+
Trevor Stewart #5 (D, L, 6’0″, 174, North Iowa Bulls, 07/25/2005) – Stewart played in a pair of games over the weekend, showcasing his solid mobility and footwork. Trevor kept attackers in front of him, avoiding being crossed up and matching the pace of those coming at him without panicking. He makes a quick first pass and possesses the ability to jump into the rush and add an offensive touch. Stewart is a reliable partner who plays a supportive role and is willing to take advantage of opportunities when they arise. He plays with poise in possession, using reverse outlets under pressure and making smart passes to exit the zone. Stewart is an athletic, fluid skater with active feet. Grade: C+
Fuji Suzuki #14 (F, R, 5’11”, 154, North Iowa Bulls, 03/02/2005) – Suzuki is a lightning-fast forward who doesn’t wait for plays to develop; instead, he uses his speed to attack. The puck is on and off his stick quickly, allowing him to dart into open ice with his stick down, ready to receive a pass or stretch the defense. Fuji is relentless in pursuing loose pucks, flying after them almost recklessly and getting under the defense to gain first touches and initiate offensive pressure. He goes to the net, stops on pucks, and plays a detailed game at both ends. Suzuki can snap pucks while in motion and doesn’t give goaltenders time to settle with his quick release. Fuji scored a goal on the power play as the bumper, catching a pass in traffic and firing it low to the far side, just inside the post. He possesses a unique ability to be even faster with the puck on his stick than without it. Fuji complements his linemates, regardless of their skill level, as he opens up space with his speed and shows no hesitation in pursuing pucks. Grade: B-
Cole Wirun #13 (LW, L, 6’0″, 188, North Iowa Bulls, 02/14/2004) – Wirun had a strong start to the weekend, finishing with 5 points over the showcase. He is a detailed forward who loves having the puck on his stick and plays a skilled, gritty game. He has a unique ability to finish while also distributing the puck accurately. One of his goals came from a rebound in a net-front scrum that he pulled out and shot high upstairs. Cole can attack with his feet moving, using inside-out moves to turn defenders and then beating them either way to get to scoring areas. Wirun extends possessions with his vision, creating chances as he skates players open and finds lanes to snap pucks through. He earned an assist off the rush by taking a drop pass just inside the blue line, then slowing up to wire a pass across to Seaverson for the finish. He scored a pair of goals against Janesville, one of which featured his sweeping wrist shot, where he changed the release point on the defenseman to get it through. He also made a high-IQ play by driving the net; although the defenseman made contact, he was able to pop off the puck and snap it back into the top left corner from in tight. Cole can control pucks on a string, appearing to shoot the whole way before hesitating to hit his man at the last second. Wirun also contributes defensively by getting low in support and taking away shooting lanes to the net. On the top power play unit, Wirun plays on the left flank, creating space out wide and getting pucks either on net or to the interior for redirects. Grade: B+
Northeast Generals
Jake Boulanger #3 (F, R, 6’1″, 170, Northeast Generals, 10/18/2005) – Boulanger has quality pace with the puck, allowing him to create wide zone entries that led to some dangerous scoring chances. Although he didn’t find the scoresheet in the two games he played, he was able to use his speed to his advantage along the perimeter of the ice. Jake logs time on the power play, where he assisted on a 5-on-3 by dishing the puck to McKenna in the wheelhouse, who then blasted a shot home. He has a firm balance and strong edges that make him difficult to bump off the puck while in motion. Boulanger supports well in his zone, not looking to take off early and break the other way without the puck. Grade: C
Finnegan Connor #10 (F, L, 5’11”, 155, Northeast Generals, 03/10/2005) – Connor played all three games of the showcase but was unable to muster a point. He showed quick, slick hands in traffic to control pucks and has the speed to circle the offensive zone and create from the perimeter. He is always in motion without the puck, driving traffic and creating lanes for his teammates. Defensively, Finnegan is strong at knocking opponents off pucks and supports his teammates low in the zone. Grade: C
Masen Culley #2 (F, L, 6’0″, 183, Northeast Generals, 11/09/2004) – Culley is a mid-sized defenseman for the Generals who plays with a calm demeanor under heavy pressure. He never seems to be in a rush, which is a positive trait; he avoids forcing pucks and uses his feet to escape heavily trafficked areas. Masen displayed his smooth hands and strong edges to lead a rush up ice, handling pucks around sticks. He scored a goal from the perimeter with a quick wrist shot near the point that went through a screen to find the back of the net. He added another goal generated from his shot on the power play, where a net-front scrum resulted in the puck squirting out to him. Without hesitating or overhandling, he rifled it back on net, where it was redirected into the cage. Culley quarterbacks the power play with consistent motion, opening up lanes and reading the penalty killers’ movements to distribute the puck to his teammates for scoring chances. Masen manages the puck efficiently, making high-percentage decisions that put it in smart areas of the ice. He comes from across the ice to attack puck carriers unexpectedly, which forces turnovers in the neutral zone. He played stout defensively in one-on-one situations, positioning himself in front of his attackers and using his lateral motion to jump into the right lane. For a player of his size, he adds enough strength to push opponents off pucks and deceptively gets under them to out-leverage and win battles. Grade: A-
Andrew DellaDonna #8 (F, R, 5’10”, 185, Northeast Generals, 05/18/2004) – DellaDonna appeared in two games over the weekend, picking up a few points and being an effective piece offensively. He has zippy puck distribution with an accurate touch and sauce under pressure. One of his assists came from a hard backcheck into the house, where he knocked the opponent off the puck to win possession. Then, on the ensuing rush, he cut across the high slot to wire a shot past the netminder, tying the game at two. He can create at top speed, generating offense off the rush with his pace, and he displayed a dangerous toe drag that caught defenders off balance and made them uneasy with his puck presence. Grade: B-
Jack Demoura #4 (D, R, 5’9″, 171, Northeast Generals, 01/05/2004) – Demoura is an undersized defenseman who can drive through checks with ease. He plays a feisty game for his size and is not afraid to get in front of pucks or play the body. Jack made a huge shot block while shorthanded that potentially saved a goal, putting his body on the line without hesitation. Demoura effectively held players up during puck retrievals, giving himself that extra split second to make clever plays and evade pressure. Jack displayed an uncanny ability to carry the puck up ice and dish it off with his head up, quickly scanning his options to accurately hit his target. On regroups, he has the footwork to carry the puck backward in retreat, then turn and carry his momentum forward to lean into his stick for passes. Grade: B-
Luke Gallo #19 (F, R, 5’8″, 151, Northeast Generals, 07/01/2006) – Gallo is an undersized forward with a somewhat aggressive stride and a good burst of speed. On zone entries, he can enter wide and quickly curl back to let the pressure pass, then drive to the net while distributing the puck in the lanes behind. His passes are tape-to-tape off the rush, and he had a great 2-on-1 chance where he tapped the puck across the top of the crease, but his linemate was unable to finish. Luke was deployed shorthanded, slowing down rushes before they could gain easy access with his lane choices. Gallo plays fast, both with and without the puck, helping his puck carriers create lanes and move defenders with his pace. Grade: C+
Jake Gutwirth #13 (F, L, 5’8″, 161, Northeast Generals, 05/29/2005) – Gutwirth was the leader of the Generals’ offense this weekend, recording 4 points (2G, 2A), 6 SOG, and a +4 rating. He possesses high-level skills that allow him to get pucks from his feet to his stick quickly, enabling him to move the puck with a flat, accurate touch. Jake plays in all situations and was dangerous while shorthanded. He forced a turnover in his own zone that led to a breakaway, during which he was hauled down, resulting in a penalty shot. He has a deceptive pace that allows him to explode up ice and make plays with his legs while also riding along the edges to stay on the perimeter of the rush and zip passes across the slot. Gutwirth possesses breakaway speed to pull away from backcheckers and generate offense in odd-man situations. His release is lightning-quick, allowing him to change the blade angle and use defenders as screens to rifle shots through and on net, catching goaltenders off guard. Jake killed off nearly half of a 7-minute shorthanded situation, hustling to loose pucks and winning races while taking away the middle of the ice and blocking shots. With 4:54 remaining in a 3-3 game, Jake found the back of the net in a clutch moment, ultimately leading to the game-winning goal. He consistently pushes the pace, drawing multiple penalties due to his speed and savvy, and his agile nature allows him to create in various ways while making a dominant impact on both sides of the puck. Grade: A
John Halverson #18 (F, R, 5’10”, 175, Northeast Generals, 10/26/2005) – Halverson is a balanced-skating forward who picked up a pair of assists over the weekend. He demonstrated quality speed off the cycle, moving the puck in a timely fashion and creating the space he needed around the net. John was able to dish the puck back to the point, then jump to the net in traffic to track down loose pucks. On the rush, he has the speed to pull away from backcheckers and leave them in the dust as he attacks at full speed. Halverson displayed chemistry with his linemates, generating chances low in the offensive zone and staying in motion to get defenders out of position and exploit open ice. Grade: C+
Spencer Hirsch #21 (C, L, 6’3″, 200, Northeast Generals, 01/07/2005) – Hirsch played in a pair of games over the weekend, picking up an assist in the process. Spencer followed up a rush to find a loose puck, corralling it with firm, tough hands. He made one stick miss, which almost took him out of position, but he was still able to dish the puck through the middle of the ice to find his teammate waiting at the back door. He plays a strong, heavy game without the puck, creating space for himself around the net and priding himself on being a puck recovery player. While his shot isn’t the heaviest, he always hits the net and can take a little off if needed. Spencer plays a detailed game in his own zone, staying inside the dots while supporting his defenseman to be aggressive. Grade: C+
Thomas Klochkov #11 (F, L, 5’11”, 151, Northeast Generals, 03/30/2005, Connecticut) – The UCONN commit had a solid weekend, not just in terms of point production, as he picked up three assists. Thomas is a Swiss Army knife who can create on his own with a high-level skill set, but he also kills penalties and is deployed late in tight game situations. He recorded an assist while shorthanded against Odessa, forcing a turnover at the top of the blue line and holding off a defender with one hand to make a play at the net. He stopped at the net and kept his stick on the play to set up Campeau, who followed up in the slot for a goal. He consistently won faceoffs with lightning-quick and firm hands while adding a clever sense of urgency on the puck. He doesn’t rush but processes what is in front of him quickly to make high-percentage decisions that lead to quality scoring chances. Thomas can be an architect in possession, managing the puck effectively and avoiding putting it in harm’s way. Klochkov settles bouncing and bobbling pucks, or if he doesn’t have time to do so, he distributes the puck flat with each release. Grade: B+
Jack Laferriere #14 (D, L, 6’3″, 185, Northeast Generals, 04/08/2005) – Laferriere is a mobile, athletic defenseman who plays with some bite on the back end for the Generals. His size allows him to take away time and space with his lengthy reach, and he doesn’t need to blow opponents up to force pucks loose. Jack is able to ride players out along the wall to strip them of possession, then make the simple pass to his partner or move the puck up ice. He doesn’t typically look to rush the puck up ice on his own and lacks the tendency of a breakout machine but keeps his play simple at both ends without overextending his positioning. Grade: C
Grady Logue #17 (F, L, 6’1″, 185, Northeast Generals, 01/25/2004) – Logue spent time in Kemptville in the CCHL, where he finished over a point per game clip and is picking up right where he left off to start this season. Grady picked up 1 goal and 3 assists with a +4 rating and 6 shots on net. He is able to add some real zip to his shot and is deceiving to create lanes with his vision by looking guys off and distributing to the lanes he then creates. In the offensive zone, he had an uncanny ability to create chances and find guys in opportune areas of the ice. Every pass rips off his stick while also being able to add touch and sauce on both sides of the stick with relative ease under pressure. His shot rifles off his stick as he can catch and shoot with a ton of torque and in stride with his feet moving. He finds soft spots at the interior of the defense, where he was always ready to fire and catch goaltenders off guard with his quick release. Grade: B
Cole McKenna #7 (D, L, 6’0″, 161, Northeast Generals, 04/18/2005) – McKenna is a puck-moving defenseman that finished the weekend with 3 points (1G + 2A). He netted a goal on the powerplay with a point shot that had eyes through traffic. Cole was the leader of the powerplay and ran the top in every fashion, including being the main distributor on the 4 on 3 chances. He is quick to coral wobbly pucks and can snap it off from the point with relative ease, not having to make the extra handle. McKenna is a mid-sized defender that is able to make guys miss in space, start breakouts from below his own goal line, and accurately get pucks going up north with his eyes always up. He is willing to take chances up ice and join the rush off the puck but has the recovery speed to get back to defend his territory. Grade: B-
Emerson Miller #5 (D, L, 6’2″, 205, Northeast Generals, 01/14/2004) – Miller is a big, strong defensive defenseman with some puck-moving capabilities. He makes easy, effective plays from the back end without putting the puck in harm’s way. In one instance, he curled away from pressure to advance the puck up ice, then snapped a cross-ice pass through the neutral zone with some added zip to his man on the weak side to gain easy access into the zone. Emerson doesn’t try to be anything; he isn’t embracing his simplistic style of play, where he can rely on his physicality around his net. Grade: C
Jack Montaldo #43 (D, R, 5’11”, 185, Northeast Generals, 06/04/2006) – Montaldo is a 2006 defenseman that plays a heady cerebral game with solid mobility and athleticism. He is a highly patient puck mover that, even though he was unable to find the scoresheet on the weekend, distributed accurate passes up ice with some real zip behind them. Jack could take his ice and start the breakout with his legs to draw guys in, then wire passes across ice to his man in stride without slowing down. He doesn’t need to hit his first read and can hold to let things develop, peel back, or escape without giving the puck up. Montaldo is a defender that values possessions and can skate himself out of trouble without putting the puck in harm’s way. Grade: C+
Ryan Nolan #1 (G, L, 5’11”, 168, Northeast Generals, 08/17/2005) – Nolan grabbed a pair of wins on the weekend, letting up only 4 goals in the process with 40 saves in his own right. He was tested early in each game and answered accordingly with big, timely saves to snag momentum quickly for the Generals. He staved off multiple flurries of attack with high confidence and composure, giving his guys in front of him the confidence knowing he was back there. Nolan tracked pucks well into his body, reading through traffic and swallowing up shots from distance. Grade: B
Richard Rucireto #27 (F, L, 5’8″, 150, Northeast Generals, 03/17/2005, Sacred Heart) – Rucerito is a smaller playmaking forward who registered a point in each game during the showcase. He keeps his head up, scanning for options while possessing the ability to make defenders miss in open space and create room for distribution. In the cycle, he can curl away from defenders with quick feet, either driving the puck to the net or finding a teammate in a soft spot for one-timer chances. He consistently finds creative ways to get to the interior and control the puck. At times, Richard teleports off the wall, walking the defense with quick hands and spinning away to open ice. Rucerito also scored an empty-net goal after initially losing the puck in a one-on-two situation with a bobbling puck around the net. He stopped on the puck, won the battle, and finished into the yawning cage. He loves to position himself below the goal line in the offensive zone, using that area as his office. His go-to move behind the net is a spin that creates clean space for him to deliver slick passes with touch and zip when needed. He is a quick, nimble, and agile forward who values having the puck on his stick anywhere on the ice. Grade: B+
Odessa Jackalopes
Kowin Belsterling #18 (F, R, 6’1″, 186, Odessa Jackalopes, 10/21/2004) – Besterling had quite the weekend, picking up three points in the opening game, which earned him Player of the Day honors, while also amassing 29 penalty minutes over the three games. His first goal came shorthanded after he forced a turnover in the offensive zone, leading to a broken play where he backed into space and received a pass that he released immediately from the high slot with no dust-off. He then added a power-play goal with a one-timer from his strong side, blasting it high on the short side. Kowin plays on both sides of the puck, logging time on both special teams units and being deployed in late-game situations. He can play physically to dislodge pucks and use his body to engage with opponents. With the puck, he remains patient and calm under pressure, snapping passes before jumping into space and dragging defenders with him. Grade: B
Zachary Benayon #13 (F, L, 6’1″, 194, Odessa Jackalopes, 01/25/2005) – Benayon is a mid-sized forward for the Jackalopes who has a quick and powerful wrist shot that he can get off in stride. He scored a goal on the power play, firing back a rebound that came to him in the slot. Zachary drives back to his own zone to support defensively with hard backchecks. He was firing shots from all over the ice during the weekend, leading the team with nine shots on net over the three-game stretch. He plays with pace, drives to the net, and can snap hard shots from the perimeter that pose a threat to find the back of the net. Grade: C+
Aries Carangi #33 (G, L, 6’5″, 201, Odessa Jackalopes, 01/02/2005) – Carangi is a towering presence in the crease for the Jackalopes, standing around 6’5″. He saw action in only one game, stopping 26 of 30 shots faced in a 5-1 loss to the Generals. For his size, he folds well into his butterfly, not allowing pucks to seep through his body. Aries plays on top of the crease and challenges shooters, as his big frame swallows up real estate and makes him difficult to beat with the first shot. He is athletic for his size and can quickly move post to post. Grade: B-
Austin Doyle #4 (D, R, 6’1″, 180, Odessa Jackalopes, 05/28/2006) – Doyle is a local Odessa, TX native who plays a supportive role with high patience under heavy duress. He doesn’t throw pucks away, using his frame to hold off opponents and make plays on his terms without forcing the issue. There is some bite to his game at both ends, adding extra jabs on players when the referee is preoccupied and not shying away from extracurriculars. Austin doesn’t allow much around him, using his stick and physicality to limit opponents’ space to operate. While he is not much of an offensive puck mover, he found a way to get his shots through traffic from the blue line for his forwards to tip or redirect. Grade: C+
Marcus Fechko #28 (F, R, 5’10”, 153, Odessa Jackalopes, 09/15/2005, Tennessee State) – Fechko is a mid-sized forward for the Jackalopes who plays a speedy game. He maneuvered off the wall through the defenseman to get a quality shot from just about the dot, which left a juicy rebound for his linemate to bury. He then added a powerplay goal from the left flank, just below the dot, firing a quick yet smooth release high to the glove side. His pace drew penalties, as he could accelerate quickly and get around defenders, leaving them flat-footed before taking off. Marcus has the shiftiness to be a nightmare in one-on-one situations, forcing defenders to either haul him down or hook him to prevent an easy pass. Fechko played shorthanded, and you would have thought it was an even-strength situation, as he attacked with speed, won races to pucks, and created chances. He was a bandit on the penalty kill, disrupting everything and not afraid to generate offensive chances on his own. Marcus was deployed during a 5-on-3, causing issues for the opposition by not allowing them to set up and get comfortable, making several clear attempts with his efforts. Grade: B
Caden Ghiossi #10 (F, L, 6’1″, 185, Odessa Jackalopes, 12/10/2005) – Ghiossi is a leaner playmaker with a craftiness in possession that didn’t result in much on the score sheet, only amassing one assist over the weekend. However, he possesses a cheeky creativity. He displayed smooth speed and reach to maneuver around defenders off the rush. Caden was able to change speeds, and when he turned on the burners, he could extend his hands away from his body to maneuver pucks around the defender and into the middle of the ice for his teammate’s stick. Ghiossi doesn’t look like he can fly; at times, he seems almost to be moving in slow motion, yet somehow he is passing opponents and displaying a deceptive pace to his game. In the offensive zone, he showed quality instincts to find soft areas of the ice and was ready to fire from any body position, while also adding a quick stick in front of the net to redirect rebounds back on goal. Caden was willing to position himself defensively, blocking shots and taking away easy lanes to his net from the point. Grade: B
Trey Gnetz #2 (D, L, 5’10”, 170, Odessa Jackalopes, 08/01/2004) – Gnetz is a mid-sized, mobile, athletic defenseman who is a breakout machine, capable of using his legs or making a crisp first pass to get the puck moving north. His exits were smooth, and the forecheck didn’t seem to have answers for his smart decision-making with the puck. On the offensive blue line, he can rip across to create lanes to the net or dish back against the grain to hit his teammates in space. Trey has the ability to be deceptive with his eyes, moving attackers before dishing the puck or getting to open ice to evade defenders. His escapes were impressive, making it tough for opponents to get a body on him or slow him down during both regroups and retrievals. He managed the puck with calm poise and confidence, avoiding unnecessary fiddling. He picked up an assist on the power play with a quick lateral move before dishing the puck over to Belsterling’s wheelhouse for a one-timer goal. For his size, he is not afraid to play physically, even delivering an open-ice check that knocked over the opposing puck carrier. Gnetz covers a ton of ground with his skating and consistently played in the faces of puck carriers to disrupt coverage and force turnovers. He made timely decisions on when to be physical but didn’t need to be to be effective. Grade: A-
Teddy Manlove #11 (F, 6’2″, 190, Odessa Jackalopes, 01/01/2004) – Manlove is a larger forward with solid awareness off the rush, allowing him to get to the net or pull up in space. He has a wide cradle on the puck, keeping it away from defenders’ sticks with a firm balance. In possession, he can pull up and hit trailers or look to the net before snapping a pass through the slot. He recorded an assist on a 2-on-1, where he showed his shot, looked at the net the whole way, and froze both the netminder and defender before sliding the puck under the defender for a backdoor finish. His passes consistently get through the house to his target on the other side, either taking some speed off or adding extra zip to wire it through. Grade: C+
Gage Martell #7 (D, L, 5’10”, 149, Odessa Jackalopes, 06/10/2006) – Martell is a mid-sized defender with good footwork and lateral mobility, allowing him to keep his man in front of him without getting crossed up. Gage displayed a smart defensive stick, quickly poking pucks away by effectively hiding his stick and getting to pucks swiftly. He can create his own shooting lanes with his movement, walking the blue line quickly to snap pucks to the net for rebound chances. He doesn’t try to overcomplicate possessions, simply taking the easy option and moving the puck up ice. Grade: C
Nick Metelkin #9 (F, L, 6’2″, 185, Odessa Jackalopes, 08/01/2005) – Metelkin is a savvy playmaker who made clever touch passes and redirections in tight spaces to decompress the defense around him. He could make one-touch passes or tap hard passes from his defense to his teammate skating beside him, creating easy zone entries. In possession, he was able to spin away from contact, make defenders miss, and possess the puck longer than expected under pressure. Nick thrived in the corners, bouncing off checks and using his points effectively while driving to the net for traffic near the blue paint. On the cycle, he protects the puck well and makes subtle moves to create the extra time and space needed to make a play. Metelkin finished the weekend with a goal and an assist, creating chances from the perimeter as he found creative ways to penetrate the interior of the defense. Grade: B-
Caden Morgan #22 (D, R, 6’1″, 185, Odessa Jackalopes, 11/15/2004) – Morgan is a defender who plays a steady game on the backend, with some activation in the offensive zone, and he is not afraid to take calculated chances when given the opportunity. He scored early in the tournament with a simple shot from the point off an offensive zone draw that was snapped back to him. He looked to his partner to draw the attacker’s attention just enough to create a lane to the net. In the offensive zone, he smartly challenged down the wall with impeccable timing to force turnovers and stall breakouts. He didn’t need to blow guys up but did force pass receivers to panic and second-guess their decisions as time and space were taken away. His stick work allowed him to poke pucks, get in lanes, and intercept everything within his reach. He contributes on both sides of special teams, picking up two power play assists in similar fashion with a pitch-and-catch play at the point that ended up in the back of the net. Morgan is utilized in late-game situations to defend leads or when his own netminder is pulled, demonstrating versatility and dependability. He may not be highly skilled, but he makes quality decisions under pressure. Grade: B+
Braden Pietila #19 (D, L, 6’1″, 195, Odessa Jackalopes, 11/25/2004) – Pietilla has good size and mobility, making him tough to contend with on the forecheck. He had a solid three-point weekend, moving the puck effectively around the ice with his head up. His first goal came when he picked up a puck on the offensive zone wall, faked a shot to freeze the attacker, then moved to the middle of the ice. As he was getting hit, he let go a missile that went just past the netminder’s ears and under the bar. He physically stepped up on opponents with quality timing and contact, not necessarily looking to blow them up but smartly getting into them to force pucks loose. Off the weak side of the rush, Braden is not afraid to activate and add offensive layers to the play while creating odd-man situations. He scored in that manner off the rush, catching a pass on the back side of the ice to beat the goalie high on the short side without having to make an extra handle. The puck seems to flow north with an easy tempo when he is running the breakout. He is able to escape pressure, make a pass, and jump into the play with quality speed, beating his man up ice. Grade: B+
James Richman #14 (F, L, 5’11”, 168, Odessa Jackalopes, 01/01/2005) – Richman has the ability to stretch behind the defense and create counterattack opportunities with his speed. He possesses a smooth set of hands and, off the rush, likes to cut in toward the crease if he gets under the defense or push them back and pull up to leave space in the middle, exploiting that area for chances. When he takes it wide, he can absorb contact while moving his feet or snap passes through the house to his target. James isn’t a heavy point producer, but he creates quality chances with his pace. Just three seconds into the game against Northeast, he transitioned from a center dot faceoff to a shot on net in the blink of an eye. Richman has a low center of gravity, which helps him avoid being knocked off the puck and allows him to lean into opponents for separation. Grade: B-
William Svard Karphed #31 (G, L, 6’0″, 168, Odessa Jackalopes, 06/15/2004) – Karphed had two outings, with one tough start and an impeccable performance to begin the weekend. In a 6-1 victory against Johnstown, William turned aside 32 of the 33 shots he faced but struggled against the Windigo, stopping only 10 of 15 in a 6-3 loss. He tracked pucks well into his body without losing composure in traffic and handled heavy pressure around his crease. He demonstrated a calm glove hand, catching pucks swiftly and making positional saves with ease. William made the routine saves look effortless and didn’t overcomplicate his movements around the blue paint. Grade: B
Christian Tavare #25 (F, R, 6’1″, 170, Odessa Jackalopes, 02/15/2004) – Tavare didn’t find the scoresheet over the weekend but made a positive impact around the opposing net front. He was relentless in pursuing pucks, finishing checks, and getting his stick on opponents to harass them into turnover situations. On the forecheck, he took smart lanes, using his stick to take away the middle of the ice and force pucks up the wall, which closed off space and created indecision for the puck carrier. Christian stopped on pucks, and his first move on the counterattack was to drive to the net. Tavare consistently ventured into the dirty areas of the ice to play a gritty game and support his linemates by participating in the hard details. Grade: C+
Hunter Toms #24 (D, R, 6’3″, 190, Odessa Jackalopes, 02/02/2006) – Toms is a longer, leaner defenseman who plays a firm, physical game from the backend for the Jackalopes. He is able to outmuscle opponents for pucks in battles and box them out around his net. Hunter won 50/50 pucks by taking an angle and shielding before he even came into possession, allowing him to absorb the contact. Around his crease, he was a formidable presence, eating pucks and relentlessly pushing opponents away from the middle of the ice. Grade: C
Oklahoma Warriors
Ryan Andor #9 (F, R, 5’10”, 170, Oklahoma Warriors, 03/26/2004) – Andor picked up his lone goal of the season so far in the first game of the Showcase against North Iowa. He scored after finding a soft spot near the net following a turnover, where he patiently waited, presented his blade, and had a simple one-touch redirect behind the netminder for a tap-in. Ryan made a nifty move on his zone entries, driving the play wide and then touching pucks to the middle of the ice for redirections before driving the crease. Andor has a quick stick, both offensively with his hands and defensively to strip puck carriers around him. Grade: C+
Travis Bryson #20 (F, L, 6’3″, 207, Oklahoma Warriors, 07/02/2004) – Bryson is a strong forward with solid size and a dense frame that allows him to protect pucks along the wall without getting pushed off easily. He has decent speed for his size and puts himself in dangerous shooting positions to get pucks on net from tight areas. He can overpower sticks and navigate through traffic to will pucks on net. Every puck, whether shot or pass, zips with extra velocity, making it tough for even his own teammates to corral. He scored his lone goal of the weekend off a catch-and-release from the top of the left circle, where he entered the zone late, carried his momentum forward, and wired a missile past the netminder’s ears. Bryson is not shy about going to the net and is willing to compete in the dirty areas. Grade: B-
Trenton Burlison #4 (D, R, 5’10”, 155, Oklahoma Warriors, 09/30/2005) – Burlison is a right-shot defenseman for the Warriors with a smooth shot release that he can get off from the point. He made a nice offensive play where he wheeled out of the corner, cut to the high slot, and let it rip with just a little bit of space, but the goaltender was able to get a piece of it. Trenton likes to get involved in the play and consistently activates off the weak side of the puck, beating his man up the ice, which created a few odd-man rushes the other way. Grade: C
Olivier Chessler #8 (D, L, 5’11”, 175, Oklahoma Warriors, 07/09/2004, Union) – Chessler is the captain of the Warriors and leads by example in every aspect. He is a mid-sized defenseman with solid mobility and the ability to skate the puck end-to-end if prompted. Ollie can control the puck under pressure, handling it well without forcing plays or throwing it away, while also skating away from forecheckers. He possesses the edges and shiftiness to turn and cut into space, delivering passes on time and on target. Chessler made several impressive rushes, carrying the puck through the neutral zone with his head up, evading defenders, and advancing the puck into favorable positions that led to scoring chances. He scored a nice goal off the rush, where he dangled around a defender before sliding a pass to the back door for a catch-and-release snipe from a tough angle. He added another goal over the weekend off the rush, benefiting from a bit of luck on a wide entry, when he threw the puck from the outside and it bounced off a defender’s skate and trickled in. Defensively, he smothered opponents into submission, forcing turnovers and not allowing any time or space to make a play. His footwork and speed in handling attacking rushes enabled him to get in the face of players and not let them breathe. Chessler is a veteran presence on the blue line who eats up minutes and plays in all crucial situations. Grade: B+
Nate Farrell #5 (D, L, 6’0″, 185, Oklahoma Warriors, 02/09/2004) – Farrell is a deceptively firm defenseman who demonstrated the ability to hold the puck through contact while keeping it glued to his stick. While he didn’t have the separation speed on retrievals to create a lot of space with his legs, he could absorb checks and move the puck up ice. Nate can be light on his feet in open ice, making defenders miss with head fakes, and he showcased some quality handling along the offensive blue line. Farrell remained composed under pressure at the top of the zone, effectively utilizing his partner or getting pucks on net from a distance. Grade: C
Landon Fleming #19 (D, L, 6’1″, 200, Oklahoma Warriors, 02/24/2004) – Flemming is a sturdy defenseman who can catch pucks with his feet and quickly move them to his stick for accurate passes under pressure. He remains calm and poised even when the puck isn’t settled for him. During retrievals, he can absorb checks and bump opponents while controlling the puck, avoiding unnecessary turnovers or forced passes. Defensively, he delivered a few big hits to separate players from the puck, and while he makes smart contact, Landon also has the capability to lay down some thunderous hits all over the ice. Flemming possesses an active stick to steer pucks and takes smart angles back to his post to avoid being beaten. He scored a goal on the power play, catching a pass near the top of the circles and firing a bullet high to beat the netminder without any dust-off. Grade: B-
Matthew Henry #6 (D, L, 6’2″, 187, Oklahoma Warriors, 06/14/2004) – Henry is a longer, lean left-shot defenseman who distributes the puck with a heavy carry. His shot rockets off his stick from the point with minimal wind-up and can come with impressive power when it reaches the net. His passes are crisp, allowing them to get through traffic on the other end with excellent accuracy. Matthew has good mobility, which enables him to gap up defensively and play more aggressively, as well as transition the puck up ice quickly on the counterattack. Henry smothers puck carriers, forcing turnovers by taking away their time and space, preventing easy movement around his area. Grade: C+
Kyle Jones #33 (G, L, 6’2″, 181, Oklahoma Warriors, 02/27/2007, UMass Lowell) – Jones is a good-sized 2007 goaltender who picked up a 4-2 win against North Iowa, stopping 17 of 19 shots. However, he had a tough outing in his next game against Watertown. Kyle was quick to jump on pucks around his crease, seeing through traffic and tracking them into his body. He made several big sprawling saves across the crease against the Bulls, which helped keep the Warriors in the lead. He also had a few desperation saves, reacting just in time to kick pucks out of trouble and live to fight another day. Grade: B-
Louie Kamienski #12 (F, L, 5’11”, 170, Oklahoma Warriors, 03/09/2004) – Kamienski is a tricky forward who can absolutely rocket pucks off his stick with crisp, accurate passes and a quick release. Off the rush, he can dangle defenders with smooth yet firm hands, keeping his feet moving to put them in uncomfortable situations and break them down quickly. He had one impressive play where he danced past a defender to the middle and rang a shot off the pipe. He possesses the soft touch needed to sauce pucks around and can slow the play down or speed it up as he sees fit. In one instance, he executed an end-to-end rush, making patient maneuvers up ice to get defenders off balance and exploit open space, which led to a dangerous chance. He picks up pucks while in motion, allowing him to gain speed in possession and attack the next layer of the defense. Grade: B-
Dominik Kiss #14 (F, L, 6’0″, 187, Oklahoma Warriors, 02/07/2006) – Kiss is a savvy playmaker who loves to have the puck on his stick in any situation to make things happen. His head is constantly up, allowing him to create his own space with quickness and vision. Dominik can extend the play on the perimeter, holding the puck to find options in the slot, or he utilizes his defensemen while staying wide as a back option. His play was a little inconsistent in terms of effort, but when he had the puck, he could find another gear and become fully engaged in the play, creating chances from the outside and finding sticks. Grade: C
Isaiah Socha #29 (F, R, 5’10”, 170, Oklahoma Warriors, 11/25/2005) – Socha is a late 2005 birth year who is a bit undersized but utilizes his speed effectively on the wing. He picked up his only assist of the showcase after forcing a turnover low in the offensive zone, winning a battle, and then quickly hitting Andor in the slot for a one-touch goal. He hounded puck carriers and played with high energy, going after pucks and forcing the issue. Isaiah is a forward who sticks to his identity, plays a competitive game at both ends, and is willing to go to the hard areas for pucks. Grade: C
Carter Sproule #21 (F, L, 6’3″, 208, Oklahoma Warriors, 02/11/2005) – Sproule is a strong forward with a soft touch on pucks when needed. He doesn’t overhandle the puck but possesses some smooth dangles in his game. He danced around a defenseman in the offensive zone with a slick toe drag that left his opponent in no man’s land, then made a nice play at the net, though he wasn’t able to finish. On entry, he could drive to the net, pull up, and find a trailer, delaying to sauce pucks across the top of the zone to the weak side with relative ease. Sproule did find the back of the net off a rebound that he corralled on his backhand through the slot, held it on his stick without overhandling, and then finished on his backhand upstairs. Grade: B-
Paul Wiczek #22 (D, R, 6’2″, 165, Oklahoma Warriors, 02/23/2006) – Wiczek is a lengthy power forward for the Warriors, standing around 6’5″ and weighing 205 pounds, who throws his body around with purpose. He moves well on the ice for a player of his size and puts in the effort and hustle each shift to stay engaged in the play. When he controls the puck, he utilizes his reach to hold it out wide, protects it with his body by getting lower to lean in, and maintains a firm grip on his stick. Wiczek demonstrates quality hand-eye coordination, as he can bat pucks out of the air and quickly settle them under pressure. His greatest asset is his size, which he effectively uses in the corners and around the net to gain space and push opponents around. Grade: C+
Philadelphia Rebels
Drew Belleson #5 (D, R, 6’1″, 190, Philadelphia Rebels, 04/02/2005) – Belleson is a tall, athletic, and reliable right-shot defenseman in his second season in the league. He appears more assertive this year, standing up to opponents in open ice and grinding down opposing forwards in front of his net and in the corners. He is strong on his stick and on his edges, able to push opponents off pucks and ride forwards off their line to the net. He doesn’t try to do too much; he demonstrates maturity in his decision-making and consistently makes the safe play. Grade: C+
Nick Bianchi #7 (D, R, 6’0″, 177, Philadelphia Rebels, 07/23/2006) – Bianchi is a mobile two-way defenseman from the Buffalo Jr. Sabres and is a first-year junior player. He beat forecheckers back to the puck during retrievals and showed enough agility to evade pressure and advance the puck. He also demonstrated the ability to carry pucks out of trouble and go end-to-end with speed and puck control. In one rush, he beat a defender to the puck on a dump-in, wheeled behind his net, and cut to the front for a wraparound attempt while riding his edges. He scored a goal by crashing the net, accepting a hard pass on his backhand, and one-timing it into the net. Defensively, he is agile and quick to close gaps, maintaining tight positioning through the neutral zone with a smothering style of defense. While he is not overly physical at this point, the ’06 defends well with his stick and feet. He is clever, capable of reading a rush, getting himself into lanes to break up passes, and blocking shooting lanes. He only played two games here but shows promise as a rookie who will only improve with more experience at this level. Bianchi has the skating ability and two-way game to become a top-four defender in this league. Grade: B
Caesar Bjork #22 (F, L, 5’10”, 179, Philadelphia Rebels, 01/11/2004) – Bjork comes to Philadelphia from Sweden out of the J20 Nationell and is making his North American debut here. He doesn’t necessarily stand out in any one facet of his game but excels in many areas. He demonstrated speed while carrying pucks through the neutral zone and driving wide on defenders. His puck touch was evident as he caught hard passes cleanly on his backhand and placed his passes into open space. He can also snap a pass off and hit longer-range targets. One play that stood out was during a breakout, where he received a wobbly puck, settled it, and, finding no lane to move north, curled back and fired a pass up the middle of the neutral zone on the tape to initiate an odd-man rush. In another instance, he walked a defender at the point, noticed the lane closing on him while driving to the net, and sauced the puck on his backhand to the point for a catch-and-shoot opportunity, showcasing a smart and heady play. Bjork handles the puck with confidence and keeps his head up, compiling 2 assists in 3 games. This was our first viewing of the ’04, as it was for the colleges, but he caught everyone’s attention and will be a coveted prospect at the next level. Grade: B
Ryan Bunting #13 (F, L, 5’10”, 172, Philadelphia Rebels, 03/08/2005) – Bunting returns to Philadelphia for his second season in the league after a standout career with the BK Selects U18s. He is a smart player who supports the puck in all three zones, finds the soft spots in the offensive zone, and has a ready stick, knowing where he’s going with the puck before he receives it. He is strong on his stick and able to execute one-touch passes on the power play. He scored both of his goals by driving to the net, receiving a pass in tight, and making quick shots; one was a forehand, and the other was a backhand. While he’s not overly flashy, he possesses subtle skills, allowing him to catch passes, settle pucks, and get shots off instantly. He excelled at reading the defenders’ gaps and finding lanes to get to the middle of the ice; he is certainly not a perimeter winger, as he makes plays toward the net. He took a few hits to make clean breakouts, which speaks to his toughness and selfless play. Although he’s not the biggest player, he battled hard in his own end to regain possession and break the puck out. As a smart player, he doesn’t force the play. More than once, when he was skating into unfavorable numbers, he curled back in the neutral zone to regroup and attack again instead of dumping it into the corner or forcing a one-on-two or two-on-three situation. Grade: B
Brayton Frick #26 (F, L, 5’9″, 185, Philadelphia Rebels, 11/26/2005) – Frick is a strong, powerful-skating forward with a low center of gravity who ended last season with the Rebels and returns this year as a top-six forward. He played only two games here, with his best performance against the undefeated Bismarck Bobcats, where he factored into both of the team’s goals. He scored the first goal by tipping in a shot from the point. For the second goal, he received the puck in the slot and took a low wrist shot off the pad, which resulted in a rebound score, earning him an assist. Frick isn’t the biggest player on the ice, but he’s sturdy on his stick and his edges, allowing him to protect the puck in tight areas and ride his edges to the net. He has a powerful backhand, enabling him to attack from either side of the ice and cut in on defenders, and he possesses the speed to beat them wide as well. His hands are both smooth and patient, allowing him to create space for himself in tight areas and break down defenders in one-on-one situations. He looks primed for a big season this year. Grade: B
Ruslan Jamaldinov #24 (F, L, 6’0″, 176, Philadelphia Rebels, 01/30/2005) – Jamaldinov is a Swedish import playing his first season in North America and in the league. He came to the tournament as one of the top forwards, boasting a 4-2-6 line in the first four games of the season prior to this event. Here, he played three games and had just one assist, but he played the point on the power play and centered the top line between Panchisin and Bjork. He has good speed and edge control, allowing him to spin and curl off checks while maintaining possession through body checks. He was strong in the faceoff circle, winning a high percentage of draws, and is capable of playing up and down the middle of the ice, supporting the puck and presenting a clean target on breakouts and through the neutral zone. Although he didn’t score here, he displayed a smooth release on his wrist shot and was able to catch a pass, load it, and let it go all in one motion. We will circle back on him, as he seems to be a bit inconsistent at this point while adjusting to the North American game after coming out of J20 Nationell. However, he possesses the skating ability and puck skills to be a top-line centerman in this league and attract NCAA attention. Grade: B
Luke Janviriya #11 (D, L, 5’10”, 170, Philadelphia Rebels, 05/01/2006) – Janviriya is a cerebral puck-moving defenseman in his second season of junior hockey. He is best known for his puck play and vision, but he has also made improvements in his defensive game, playing the body and containing forwards both on the rush and in the corners. He gapped up tight from his own blue line and rarely had to pivot to stay with forwards because of his angling and backward acceleration. His best attribute, however, is likely his breakouts. He is quick to retrieve pucks, can pick them clean off the wall, and gets his feet up ice quickly. The second-year defender has a variety of escape moves behind his net; he can spin off pressure, sidestep forecheckers, and pull away from opponents with his quickness and swift hands. Janviriya makes quick reads, knows where all his teammates are on the ice, and can distribute the puck with zip, hitting his target on the tape. He has excellent vision and can stretch the ice, getting pucks through the second level and creating fast breaks for his forwards. On the power play, Janviriya ran the breakout and often carried the puck end-to-end to gain the zone and set up the offense. He has the vision to read the defense, knows where the soft spots are, and can move across the offensive blue line to open up lanes to the net and to his teammates in the slot area. With a high hockey IQ, he manages the puck well and makes smart shot selections at the offensive blue line. He scored both his goals here with clever wrist shots through traffic from the point or the top circles that were well placed, well-timed, and released quickly. The only criticisms of Janviriya are that he is a bit undersized and lacks a physical game defensively, relying too much on his stick to defend. Additionally, he sometimes tries to do too much offensively, skating pucks into trouble areas and attempting to handle them around opponents when he is the last player back. As an ’06, he is likely to garner NCAA D1 attention if he continues the upward trajectory he has shown from year one in this league to year two. Grade: A-
Brock Jones #8 (F, R, 5’11”, 173, Philadelphia Rebels, 11/14/2004) – Jones is a strong, balanced skater and a veteran in this league, with over 100 games under his belt at the NAHL level. The ’04 wears the ‘C’ and plays true to form; he stops on pucks, wins 50/50 battles, takes hits to make plays, and stays on the defensive side of scrums. He is willing to block shots in his own end and picks up coverage at the net front to support his defensemen. He plays physically in all three zones, finishing checks and using his weight in the corners to create space for himself and win puck battles. Jones is strong on his stick and can ride his edges to the net, getting shots off even with defenders draped all over him. He attacks the net with a low center of gravity, powering through contact to maintain possession. His quick hands allow him to escape checks, maneuver through tight areas, and execute a powerful release. He even showcased his one-timer on the power play, which exploded off his blade. As an uncommitted ’04, he is likely to draw NCAA interest this season. Grade: B+
Thomas Neu #9 (F, R, 5’10”, 175, Philadelphia Rebels, 06/14/2005) – Neu is a high-IQ playmaker in his second year in the league. He is a sturdy skater who can maneuver in high-traffic areas with his head up, and the puck seems to stick to his blade. He can sauce passes on both sides of his blade with ease and had one impressive play where he walked a defender out of the corner and sauced the puck to the weak-side point for a catch-and-shoot opportunity. Neu is highly aware of where everyone is on the ice and can place pucks anywhere he wants; he can put them in space or right on the tape, showing real poise and control in pressure situations. He has swift hands, can make defenders miss, and possesses the rare ability to slow the game down and pick teams apart with his passing. Neu corralled bad passes as the puck seemed to die on his blade, allowing him to get shots off quickly. Although he only had one assist through three games, he made a lot of plays—especially on the power play—and with a little puck luck, he could have had at least two goals and three more assists. He is a pure puck possession forward who makes smart reads, knows how to get to the soft areas both with and without the puck, and has the skill to break down defenders one-on-one. Grade: B+
Charles Panchisin #15 (F, R, 5’7″, 150, Philadelphia Rebels, 11/15/2004) – Panchisin is a quick, agile playmaker with over 100 games in the NAHL under his belt, and his experience showed here. He has a quick first step and excellent change of direction, allowing him to create separation with his speed alone, which he complements with quick stickhandling and puck control. He was their best player in each game, playing with pace and energy—pressuring pucks all over the ice without having to slow down to make a move, receive a pass, or get a shot off. He can play up-tempo and access his full skill set at top speed. While Panchisin is elusive and has quick hands, it’s his change of direction and agility that make him so difficult for defenders to cover one-on-one. He cuts inside on defenders, cuts back at top speed, and curls off to create space. He effectively executed give-and-go plays, exploding into open ice after moving the puck. He navigated through high-traffic areas, finding his teammates in scoring positions and getting them the puck. In this tournament, Panchisin was more of a distributor than a shooter, passing up several opportunities. However, I liked his ability to quickly scan the ice, find seams, and move the puck. Everything he does is at pace, and he possesses enough skill and creativity to generate scoring chances for himself and his linemates. He needs to get a bit stronger on his stick and improve his edges to win more puck battles, but he showed some grit below the dots and wasn’t afraid to battle for loose pucks in the corners. He is one of the better uncommitted ’04 forwards in the tournament, playing an up-tempo, puck possession style and effectively finding and delivering passes all over the ice. Grade: A-
Billy Sheridan #2 (F, R, 5’11”, 167, Philadelphia Rebels, 03/26/2005) – Sheridan is a heady playmaker in his second season with the Rebels, where he compiled 24 points in 53 games last season. At his current rate, he could potentially surpass that by Christmas, as he plays on the top line and power play, and was one of their best forwards over the weekend. His best game was the last one, where he notched three assists, each of which started with him. Two of the assists came off the rush, where he carried the puck through the neutral zone, went wide past the defender, and fed it to the slot. The second assist was particularly impressive; he caught the pass in the neutral zone, made a slick cut that beat the defender, and then created a 2-on-1, getting his stick behind the defender to fire a backhand to his teammate for an easy one-touch goal. His final assist was secondary, but he got the puck deep, curled around the corner, and fed the weak-side point, who quickly shot the puck, leading to a rebound goal. Sheridan is constantly surveying the ice, looking for seams and moving pucks to his teammates in scoring areas. While he tended to play a bit on the perimeter at times and looked to pass when he had quality shooting lanes, his vision, poise with the puck, and ability to process his options while making skilled passes at pace were his best attributes. He also displayed solid two-way play, getting out to his points, getting his body in front of shots, and logging significant minutes in all situations. Grade: B+
Zach Spagnuolo #4 (F, L, 6’1″, 185, Philadelphia Rebels, 04/08/2007) – Spagnuolo is a tall, strong, physical defenseman out of Dallas Stars Elite making his junior hockey debut here. He played a simple game, demonstrating positional discipline in his own end while keeping his head on a swivel to pick up coverage around his net and prevent backdoor plays. He effectively lifts sticks and takes opponents’ hands away along the wall, checking their hands and sealing them off in the corners. While he will need to improve his first-step quickness and agility to stay with faster forwards, he maintains good positioning and defends from the inside out. He uses his reach to clog lanes and poke pucks away from forwards attempting to cut in front of him. As a younger player adjusting to this level, he plays conservatively but shows toughness, discipline, and the size and strength necessary for continued development. Grade: B-
Joseph Stauber #21 (D, R, 6’3″, 190, Philadelphia Rebels, 04/29/2005) – Stauber is a good-sized right-shot defenseman in his first season in junior hockey, coming from Victory Honda U18 last year. He played physically in all three zones and was effective at riding opponents off the puck along the boards. He made crisp first passes and utilized his defensive partner when under pressure, showing poise by not panicking or throwing pucks up the wall blindly. In a notable fight, he got the better of his opponent by leveraging his size and balance, keeping his hands up to block punches and landing a few strong hits of his own. Grade: C+
Bryce Strand #17 (D, L, 5’9″, 165, Philadelphia Rebels, 02/14/2004) – Strand returns to Philadelphia for his third season in the league after starting the year with Omaha in the USHL. He has a subtle yet efficient game, and the more you watch him, the more you appreciate his approach. He excels at all the little things coaches want in a player: he ties up sticks, takes smart pursuit angles to puck carriers, and makes high-percentage decisions with the puck while remaining positionally disciplined in all three zones. He knows when to retreat at the offensive blue line and when to pinch, when to step up on a puck carrier in open ice, and when to angle them to the outside. Rarely does he turn the puck over. Strand is a quick thinker who makes instant reads when breaking the puck out, showing the versatility to make the easy pass, work the middle of the ice, stretch the ice, or skate it out himself. He is mobile, maintains tight gaps, and possesses the lateral quickness to stay with speedy, skilled forwards on the rush. He shined on the power play, moving the puck quickly to his wings or to the slot, and he took advantage of open ice, stepping into the top circles to get a few shots through. In one impressive play, he faked a slap shot, causing the opponent to miss, then walked in from the point. He read the defender to see if he would come out to challenge him or stay with his man at the net, which he did. As a result, Strand took a few more strides toward the net and released a shot—a heady play. He demonstrated the rare ability to slow the game down at times and dictate the pace of play, showcasing his passing ability to find teammates through the neutral zone and create odd-man rushes from the backend. Overall, Strand had an impressive showing and will likely attract significant NCAA interest given his mature and intelligent approach. Grade: B+
Ryan Vaites #23 (D, L, 6’0″, 181, Philadelphia Rebels, 11/04/2004) – Vaites is a smart, skilled puck-moving defenseman in his second year with Philadelphia. He’s a heads-up puck carrier who can process his options quickly and moves the puck the moment he sees a lane open. He is also patient; he can skate pucks out of trouble, look off passes, and wait for the right lane to open before making his move. He effectively worked the middle of the ice both on breakouts and in the neutral zone, displaying some agility to maneuver around forecheckers and buy himself more time and space. While Vaites didn’t produce any offense, he was crafty with the puck at the offensive blue line, walking the line to open up seams and getting pucks through to the net while shooting for screens and tips. Defensively, he may not have ideal size, but he quickly closes gaps, rubs opponents off along the boards, and uses his stick to steal and poke-check pucks in tight areas. He made smart reads against the rush, intercepting passes and breaking up plays. Additionally, he is dangerous in the transition game, making quick outlet passes to create odd-man rushes up the ice. Vaites has moved up the depth chart with Philadelphia and logged a lot of minutes on a talented blue line, playing in all situations. Grade: B+
Hudson Weber-Stewart #18 (F, R, 6’2″, 201, Philadelphia Rebels, 11/12/2007) – Weber-Stewart is a big, strong power forward from Honeybaked who is in his first season of junior hockey. He wears down defenders below the dots, applies pressure on the forecheck, and finishes his checks. He needs to improve his overall pace of play as he acclimates to this level, but he is certainly strong enough and tough enough to compete effectively. He demonstrates power on his edges, making him a challenging opponent. As a power forward, he creates havoc around the net and excels at winning puck battles along the wall. Grade: C+
Rochester Jr. Americans
Hugo Branthsson #11 (F, L, 6’0″, 181, Rochester Jr. Americans, 05/14/2005) – Branthsson is another Swedish forward for the Americans who can generate quality chances and unleash powerful shots. Hugo is skilled at changing his blade angle and disguising his release point, catching goalies off guard and creating shooting lanes for himself on the rush. He plays intelligently above the puck, slowing down opposing rushes to intercept passes and counterattack with dangerous chances. His stride is low and efficient, with his feet staying close to the ice, giving him deceptive speed. Branthsson is a fast, skilled forward who can dangle and remain controlled at top speeds. He backchecks aggressively and, on one occasion, caught an opposing player to tie him up and deliver a hard hit behind the net. His game is fast, skilled, and physical, bringing multiple dimensions that make him an intriguing, unpredictable player who constantly creates offensive pressure. Grade: B+
Landon Brownlee #19 (F, R, 6’1″, 201, Rochester Jr. Americans, 05/17/2004) – Brownlee had a solid weekend of offensive production, recording 3 points over three games. He has a strong base and a firm presence on the puck, though at times he opts for finesse rather than fully utilizing his strength. He scored a goal with a one-touch finish in front of the net, handling a hard pass across the crease with a sturdy stick while a defender was draped over him. Landon plays with grit around the net and was a dominant force below the dots at times. His powerful stride enables him to carry the puck up ice like a freight train, driving straight lines and lowering his shoulder to attack the net. Grade: C+
Liam Chapman #5 (D, L, 6’1″, 187, Rochester Jr. Americans, 03/11/2004) – Chapman is a left-shot defenseman who appears taller than his listed height of 6’1″. His deceptive reach and effective poke check pressured puck carriers into turnovers as he closed in to take away time and space. Liam is a defensively-focused defenseman who maintained strong positioning on his side of the ice, staying within the dots and not overextending, ensuring pucks didn’t get past his body. Chapman kept the game simple, effectively utilizing all his breakout options without risking the puck or over-skating. He frequently used his swinging center after initially looking to the wing, delivering safe, accurate passes in stride. His best hockey is likely still ahead of him, as he seemed to gain confidence with each game. Grade: C+
Gabriel Cull #14 (F, R, 6’2″, 165, Rochester Jr. Americans, 06/20/2004) – Cull is a big, strong, and physical presence for the Americans who doesn’t shy away from getting involved, both during and after the whistles. He’s unafraid to drop the gloves and stands up for his teammates in multiple ways. Gabriel drives the net with force and has his teammates’ backs no matter the situation. In the corners, he’s tough to compete against, often outmuscling opponents and battling hard for the puck. Although he lacks the footspeed for significant offensive contributions, he consistently goes to the hard areas of the ice and competes. In one instance, a referee tried to hold him back as he overpowered two opponents, almost tossing them around like rag dolls—showcasing his strength and physical presence. Gabriel is a forward you want on your team, someone who sets a physical tone and gives his teammates more freedom to operate. Grade: C+
Demitri DiFlorio #24 (D, R, 6’0″, 175, Rochester Jr. Americans, 05/24/2004) – DiFlorio is a mid-sized, puck-moving defenseman who effectively ran the power play and served as the primary carrier up the ice, enabling smooth zone entries. He moved with his head up, avoiding risky plays and managing the puck well in challenging areas. Confident with the puck, he often took the middle lane on entries to draw defenders in before dishing it out wide. Demitri processes the game quickly without getting rattled, adjusting the touch or speed of his passes as needed. After taking a hard hit from behind in the neutral zone, he showed resilience, returning to the ice the next shift to continue directing the power play. As a playmaker from the back end, he utilizes a quick release when given space and opens up opportunities for teammates on the weak side, looking off defenders before delivering precise passes across the slot. DiFlorio also contributed on the penalty kill, standing up opponents at the blue line to deny easy entries and using his speed to reach dumped pucks first. Grade: B
Jaden Dyke #29 (C, L, 6’4″, 205, Rochester Jr. Americans, 08/06/2004) – Dyke is a tall, sturdy forward with a strong grip on his stick, making it difficult for opponents to poke the puck away, and he uses his size effectively to protect possession. Jaden can release quick, accurate shots from the slot, finding soft areas to position himself as a scoring threat in tight spaces. On the power play, Dyke serves as a secondary puck carrier, helping facilitate zone entries and maintain possession. While he may lack top-end speed and quickness in open ice, he has a solid base that makes him hard to knock off the puck and possesses decent skills for a player of his size. Grade: C+
Andrew Gibbons #2 (F, R, 5’10”, 187, Rochester Jr. Americans, 06/02/2005, Air Force) – Gibbons had a hot start to the season, consistently finding ways to score in the first five games. He is a sturdy forward who may not have top-end speed or agility but attacks in straight lines and has a knack for putting the puck in the net. He hunts for rebounds, and his strong stick allows him to overpower opponents, coming away with pucks that he quickly throws back on net for scoring chances. His goal against St. Cloud came on a 2-on-1; he received a fortunate bounce in the neutral zone, looked shot the whole way, and beat the goaltender five-hole from above the right dot. Gibbons is always ready to fire the puck and wants it on his stick anywhere on the ice. Andrew plays the bumper role on the power play, looking for quick shots in tight spaces and following up on rebounds to create pressure around the crease. For a forward who mainly sees middle to bottom-six minutes, he has consistently found the back of the net and is a persistent presence around the blue paint, fighting for loose pucks. Grade: B
Adam Gionta #12 (C, L, 5’8″, 163, Rochester Jr. Americans, 08/10/2005) – Gionta is a smaller forward for the Americans who plays the game at high speed with explosive pop to his stride. He demonstrated strong vision on the rush, spotting passing lanes and snapping the puck through them while maintaining his speed, creating space with his mobility. Although he didn’t find the scoresheet, he generated plenty of chances and was a consistent threat around the net. Adam is a fearless skater who competes hard in tough areas, wins races for pucks, and plays physically despite his size. He uses a strong stick and leverage to come away with possessions in battles. Adam doesn’t slow down with the puck on his stick and even seems to find another gear when in possession, stretching the defense and opening up the ice. On the power play, he operated from the point, moving across the blue line to make quick passes through tight windows to the weak side for prime scoring chances. His timing in finding open areas is elite; he has a natural ability to find soft spots and is ready to shoot as soon as he gets there. Gionta processes the game at a high level and plays fast-paced, winning hockey that translates well in any situation. Grade: A-
Calle Karlsson #28 (F, R, 6’0″, 154, Rochester Jr. Americans, 03/19/2004) – Karlsson is a Swedish forward for the Americans who is strong on the puck and has a heavy release on his shot. While he occasionally overhandles the puck, he isn’t afraid to get creative and try different approaches to generate plays. He scored a goal against Watertown by cutting across the net, circling behind, and banking it off the back of the netminder to trickle in. Calle is a force around the net and brings some grit to his game. He uses his reach and strength to win battles and retrieve pucks in traffic, even with defenders draped over him. Karlsson has a firm grip on his stick, allowing him to make accurate bump and one-touch passes with ease and to fire a powerful one-timer that requires minimal wind-up. He can go indirect off the wall or thread passes through high-traffic areas from the perimeter and consistently grinds out possessions shift after shift. Grade: B
Owen King #9 (F, R, 5’11”, 165, Rochester Jr. Americans, 09/14/2005, Providence) – King is a lean, versatile center with an explosive stride, making him a quick and dangerous counterattack threat. His skating is dynamic, featuring sharp edgework that allows him to spin away from defenders, accelerate to top speed instantly, and create separation from backchecks to carve out space with or without the puck. Owen is even faster with the puck on his stick than without it, maintaining top speed in possession and moving off the puck to create opportunities for his linemates. He takes hits without hesitation to make plays, and despite a leaner frame, he competes physically to win puck battles. He dominated faceoffs with his quick hands, snapping draws back and immediately positioning himself as an option for his defense to find him with speed. King plays with nonstop energy and kept the puck on his stick for extended stretches each game, rarely giving it up easily. His pace opened up the ice around him, enabling him to drive plays to the net or remain a threat on the perimeter. He scored a power-play goal late in the third period to take the lead against the Norsemen, driving wide, sending a backhand saucer pass to the middle, and stopping at the net to jam home a loose puck. King’s speed made him dangerous, effective at both ends, and particularly impactful off the rush. Grade: A-
Jordin Palmer #22 (D, L, 6’2″, 194, Rochester Jr. Americans, 01/06/2004) – Palmer is a mobile defenseman with balance in every direction and a smooth stride that complements his skill set. He adds speed both forward and backward, allowing him to carry the puck and handle attacking pace effectively without getting beaten around or to the middle of the ice. On the power play, he created zone entries almost effortlessly, navigating the neutral zone to find clean space while using his vision to get teammates moving and quickly exploit openings as defenders turned the other way. Jordin confidently holds the offensive blue line, preventing easy zone exits to intercept passes and pinching purposefully to stall breakouts. He can make opponents miss in space, quickly returning on retrievals to pick up pucks with speed, escaping from forecheckers, and instantly transitioning the play north. He remains poised under heavy pressure, never panicking or throwing pucks away, relying on his lateral mobility to maneuver in and out of traffic. Palmer possesses size and delivers some thundering checks, flattening multiple opponents and even running over an opposing goaltender on one occasion. He defends both physically and intelligently, using his stick effectively to get a body on everything in his range and preventing easy flybys. Around his net, he plays with strength and a mean streak, using his skill to clear pucks out of harm’s way. He made a nifty move off the rush by putting the puck through a defender’s legs to access free space before zipping a pass to his forward. Palmer is a highly aware two-way defenseman who brings a veteran presence and confidence to the back end for the Americans. Grade: A-
Gabe Randel #17 (F, R, 6’0″, 185, Rochester Jr. Americans, 02/07/2004) – Randel is a mid-sized forward with a balanced stride who is attentive in his own zone. Gabe is strong on faceoffs, overpowering the opposing center’s stick to snap pucks back with determination. When in possession, he likes to drive plays wide, using his reach to protect the puck and keeping it away from sticks while lowering his shoulder into opponents. Around the net, he battles for loose pucks and is willing to absorb a few crosschecks to hammer rebounds back into the blue paint. Late in a tight game, Randel was deployed to defend the lead, working inside out without allowing access to the middle of the ice. He picked up an assist against Watertown after stealing the puck from an opposing defenseman and centering it to his linemate across the slot for an easy finish. Grade: B-
Wyatt Stefan #23 (F, L, 6’1″, 185, Rochester Jr. Americans, 05/06/2005, Sacred Heart) – Stefan is committed to play at Sacred Heart next year and had a solid performance over the weekend. He is a lean, skilled forward who values the puck on his stick and makes numerous positive plays. Wyatt navigated traffic well, slicing through bodies with the puck glued to his stick and his head up to find open ice. Off the wall, he made subtle, short passes, shrugged off contact while handling the puck, and fearlessly attacked the net from the perimeter. Stefan drove pucks to the net with slick hands, making him equally dangerous with both his shooting and passing, as he could threaten to score with either. His shot rockets off his stick in tight areas, and he can distribute the puck accurately with either touch or zip. Wyatt caught every pass thrown at him, corralling them smoothly without overhandling, even under pressure. He has a deceptive reach, allowing him to extend his hands off his body or lift sticks to strip puck carriers. Stefan is a smart player with a Swiss army knife style, making him effective in a variety of situations. Grade: B
Florian Wade #30 (G, R, 6’4″, 183, Rochester Jr. Americans, 03/13/2005) – Wade had an unlucky weekend, starting two games that both resulted in losses—a 2-1 contest against Fairbanks and a 4-3 overtime loss to St. Cloud—despite some solid netminding. He turned aside 53 of 59 shots, facing heavy work in both contests. As a right-handed goaltender standing around 6’4″, he fills the net with sheer size. He played aggressively at the top of his crease, showcasing a snappy glove to snare pucks out of the air with confidence while tracking the puck into his body. Florian remained highly composed under pressure, never getting caught floundering around his net during scrums. He demonstrated the awareness to slow plays down when his team was under pressure, smothering pucks and freezing the play to give his teammates a chance to catch their breath. If he saw it, he saved it, and he was not easy to beat on the first shot unless there were multiple bodies in front of him. Overall, Wade had a solid weekend and gave his team every chance to win in both starts. Grade: A-
Alex Zakrzewski #4 (D, L, 5’9″, 159, Rochester Jr. Americans, 03/12/2004, Brown) – Zakrzewski is an undersized veteran defenseman for the Americans who wears the ‘C’ and plays with a methodical approach from the back end. His escape ability is noticeable, as he can navigate traffic, curl off checks, and accelerate quickly to get to open space while keeping his head up and carrying his momentum up the ice to snap passes to his target. He uses his legs effectively to move up the ice, and his first pass is crisp, accurate, and advances the play north. Alex is strong on his edges, allowing him to work the perimeter of the offensive zone while facing the middle of the ice and speeding around defenders to create passing lanes. When faced with heavy pressure, he makes simple plays with ease. During an odd-man rush against him, he stalled the play just inside his own blue line to force a turnover, which he chipped off the wall, leading to an odd-man rush for his forwards to capitalize on. Zakrzewski is a smart, skilled puck mover who takes advantage of the ice in front of him and has deceptive eyes for making passes. Grade: B+
Shreveport Mudbugs
Evan Adams #3 (D, R, 6’0″, 183, Shreveport Mudbugs, 10/11/2005) – The late 2005 is a player we had not seen in person before this event and is a new addition to our profiles. He made the jump from Clarkston High School in Michigan to the NAHL. He looked comfortable on the ice, displaying a strong core and the ability to defend effectively with both his stick and body. His gaps were tight, and he maintained his speed during the limited time we watched the Mudbugs play against the NTDP. Adams appeared confident with possession and made crisp passes out of the zone. He was able to carry the puck through the neutral zone while always keeping his head up. He snapped a quick shot from the point after a subtle juke. We will need to see him more, as he did not play against Chippewa, but he is a solid new addition to our profiles. Grade: B-
Gleb Akimov #21 (RW, R, 6’2″, 187, Shreveport Mudbugs, 01/22/2005) – If one were to listen to a radio broadcast of a Mudbugs game, they would have heard Akimov’s name frequently. The 2005 seemed to be everywhere. He valued possession and used his frame and the wall to protect the puck. He played big and dominated along the boards. His passes were often short, springing his linemates into space. Gleb held the puck and worked the cycle intelligently. His skating was decent, aided by his reach and strength. The 2005 plowed through bodies and knew how to position himself at the net. His hands were strong and crafty in traffic, as he consistently managed to get pucks to his linemates in space. He is the type of player anyone would want on their line—big, strong, smart, with vision and poise. If he can add some pace to his game, watch out! Grade: B+
Bryce Boucher #25 (F, L, 5’10”, 170, Shreveport Mudbugs, 12/06/2004) – We noted that Boucher was omnipresent, particularly against Chippewa. Bryce seemed to be everywhere, staying on pucks by moving his feet and facing the play with the acceleration to jump into action. He moved to smart spots without the puck when the Mudbugs had possession and played behind the puck during scrums. Bryce won puck races all week, including one against the Steel, where he ripped the puck home for a goal. Boucher appeared taller than listed and could wire the puck on net. He was both disruptive and productive, playing with a chip on his shoulder that we loved. He will improve this season and should be closely watched. Grade: B
Lucas Deeb #26 (F, R, 6’2″, 185, Shreveport Mudbugs, 05/11/2004) – Deeb was long and strong, displaying a rangy build and enough skill to pull off a smooth release while in stride. His shots popped off goaltenders, and he skated with fairly fluid hands and a wide cradle. He showed poise with possession and didn’t force plays. Lucas scored a wrist shot from the top of the circles with 1:13 remaining to put his team up 3-2 against the Mountain Kings. He was tough to play against; in one shift, he blocked two rocket shots that hurt and knocked down a Steel player to finish the shift. He exploded to loose pucks and on the forecheck. While he might not have been the fastest player on the ice, his length, compete level, and grit allowed him to win the most battles for pucks. Deeb took a pass from Litchard in tight to the net and scored the first goal of the game against the NTDP U17 team. On that goal, Lucas anticipated that Litchard would intercept a pass, allowing him to slip backward to the front of the net while always facing the puck. Later in the game, he snapped a perfect pass across the zone on the power play for a Litchard goal. He intercepted passes all week, and with his reach and strong edges, he could spin, absorb contact, and quickly shoot at the goal. He had a great week, showcasing his skill and proving he could play a valuable role down the roster. His game was diverse. Grade: A-
Liam Doyle #7 (D, R, 5’11”, 188, Shreveport Mudbugs, 04/27/2005) – Doyle was all over the ice, showcasing speed and grit. He quickly moved laterally to defend against the rush, hitting opponents at or before his blue line. His first passes on the power play breakout were crisp and accurate. He stayed close to opponents and trusted his feet to stop the rush or step in to intercept passes in the neutral zone. Doyle skated swiftly across the offensive blue line to keep plays alive and showed determination along the boards. He created a turnover in a play against the NTDP U17s when a forward took his spot next to Murch, prompting Doyle to move to soft ice in front of the net for an outlet pass before skating it out of the zone. He moved in from the blue line and dipped toward the net. His game was understated; he played solid defense and let the puck do the work, but he made all his teammates better. The 2005 looked solid in both ends and is a player to watch. Grade: B+
David Ehrhard #12 (F, L, 6’2″, 175, Shreveport Mudbugs, 03/15/2006) – The 2006 moved well to the puck and created chaos on the forecheck with his effort. His stride was a bit choppy and could be smoothed out, but he got wherever he needed to be in Blaine. Ehrhard forced opponents into making bad passes and snapped heavy shots on net. He played a direct game, able to slide off contact and bully his way to the cage. He scored a goal against Chippewa by cutting back on a rush and wiring the puck home. David played tough, persistent hockey, like a dog on a bone, all week. He attacked the net and intercepted passes. He slipped a slick backhand pass off the wall and then took off for the net. He made a significant impact in games and was never out of place. An interesting player. Grade: B-
Kyan Haldenby #24 (F, R, 6’2″, 190, Shreveport Mudbugs, 04/13/2004, Canisius) – Kyan recorded two assists at the Showcase, demonstrating size, skill, and grit. The Canisius commit used his body effectively, shielding opponents from the puck with his bottom hand. He had the strength to make passes even with bodies around him and consistently went to the net front in each game. Kyan managed the game well with smart positioning, faceoff wins, and clever dumps. For example, he intentionally shot a puck low on the NTDP goaltender and then pursued it hard to secure an offensive zone draw. His touches were clean, and his stride in open ice looked economical. He played a rangy game and made many subtle plays. Haldenby showcased a diverse skill set, which will serve him well as he moves up to NCAA hockey. Grade: B+
Cole Hutchinson #8 (D, R, 6’0″, 187, Shreveport Mudbugs, 07/12/2006) – Hutchison looked athletic. In a play against the NTDP U17s, he kept a bouncing puck, skated past pressure, and attempted to slip a pass through to a forward. The puck was deflected back to Cole, who redirected it off the outside edge of his skate before quickly moving it. Although it didn’t lead to anything, it showcased his ability to make challenging plays look simple. He carried the puck across the offensive blue line against the Mountain Kings and ripped a quick low snap shot on net. Hutchison then curled into the corner, remaining poised on the breakout. He spun off forechecking pressure, demonstrating savvy with quick decisions and no unnecessary handling. Cole made a middle-lane drive, showing a slick handle, and dished the puck to the outside forward. He was used after a timeout in a 6v5 situation late in the game with the Mudbug goalie pulled. He had an excellent week. Grade: A-
Seth Murch #4 (D, L, 6’0″, 186, Shreveport Mudbugs, 06/14/2004, Air Force) – Murch played a mature game, both physically and in his decision-making. His rugged frame made it difficult for defenders to handle him, as they often bounced off him. Forwards had a tough time beating him low in the zone. Seth was solid and balanced, showcasing a powerful stride. The Air Force commit intercepted several passes and initiated plays up ice to lead the rush. He kept his eyes up and skated through stick checks. Murch closed gaps quickly on zone clears and often defended against rushes at the red line. His stick work was strong, and he effectively used his body. Murch attracted pressure to himself and utilized his partner well. His head was always on a swivel, and he remained aware of his surroundings. Murch made crisp passes through the neutral zone and proved to be a well-rounded defenseman capable of playing in any situation. Grade: B
Aidan Puley #29 (RW, R, 6’3″, 180, Shreveport Mudbugs, 06/07/2004) – Puley played a rugged game with a quick stick and a nose for the net. Aidan scored a goal against Chippewa, stepping in on the right wing off the point and snapping the puck into the far top corner. It was an elite shot with a violent release. He maintained pace against the NTDP and fired several shots on net. At 6’3″, his hands were quick, and he showcased some dangles. He rarely made mistakes, demonstrating clean touches and solid puck protection, but when he did get out of sorts, it was often due to an aggressive mistake. We appreciated this, as he asserted his strength, length, and skill throughout the game. He was an ideal linemate, playing unselfishly and carving out a lot of space. The Mudbug staff used him with the goalie pulled in a crucial late-game situation. He is a big guy with range and skill who is continuing to improve. Grade: B
Bode Wise #2 (D, R, 6’0″, 189, Shreveport Mudbugs, 05/31/2006) – Wise played with a smooth stride and glide, demonstrating the ability to stop opponents with quick feet and a smart poke check. He effectively kept puck carriers to the outside and often finished with a powerful check. Bode made hard, accurate first passes and initiated plays on the power play. He could stickhandle through crowds and accelerate quickly to find space. He handled bad passes well and displayed athletic intelligence throughout the week. He retrieved pucks from the wall and was able to wheel out quickly. When pressured from behind on two occasions, Wise showed the awareness to take the hit, pin the puck with his skate, and wait for support. He did not throw pucks away. Bode has a high ceiling, and his performance here was impressive for a player of his age. He played smaller than his listed size, which is meant as a compliment, as he moved extremely well for a 190-pound player. He is definitely one to watch. Grade: B+
Springfield Jr. Blues
Drew Berres #2 (D, L, 6’1″, 187, Springfield Jr. Blues, 12/22/2005) – Berres is a mid-sized, left-shot defenseman for the Jr. Blues who wore the ‘C’ and led by example. He effectively initiated breakouts, snapping passes through seams to stretch forwards or accurately hitting his wingers along the wall. He also used his legs and agility to navigate through traffic and move up ice. Drew is skilled at hitting his man on the weak side, getting pucks through tight windows on target and in stride before joining the rush. He is not afraid to hold the puck through the neutral zone to create entries, driving the play low before curling back off the pressure to find a trailing player. His point shot gets off quickly, firing low through traffic to generate rebounds that his forwards can capitalize on, one of whom eventually scores. Berres utilizes his longer stick to gather pucks while in motion, allowing him to transition quickly up ice. He stepped in with impeccable timing to force loose pucks and stall opposing rushes at his blue line. Grade: B
Yoonho Chung #3 (D, R, 6’0″, 180, Springfield Jr. Blues, 05/21/2006) – Chung is a mobile, hard-working defenseman who plays a detailed game from the back end. He logged time on the power play, using his lateral mobility to walk along the blue line and create openings to snap pucks through lanes. His zone entries consistently led to scoring chances, as he could get out wide and break down opposing defenders to either dish the puck to the interior or beat his man along the boards. Roy is able to absorb contact when controlling the puck while also making smart checks to separate players from the puck without delivering heavy hits. Chung has excellent footwork, allowing him to keep opponents in front of him and escape pressure with quick curls and turns before jumping into open ice. He maintained solid gap control and exhibited the strength to defend without getting pushed around. Grade: B-
Andon Coles #23 (D, L, 5’11”, 167, Springfield Jr. Blues, 07/27/2004) – Coles is the captain of the Jr. Blues, leading by example in every way with a detailed approach. For a mid-sized player, he delivered several thunderous checks on larger puck carriers and was not afraid to get in the mix and throw his body around. Andon surfed the blue line like a shark, waiting to stop the rush and prevent easy zone entries. He possesses the lateral mobility to keep plays out wide without getting beaten back to the net and can jump outside the dots to apply pressure when necessary. He leads with his stick in a smart defensive move, poking pucks free and riding opponents out to separate them from the puck. Coles has balanced edgework, allowing him to escape from pressure without necessarily bolting up ice. He confidently held both blue lines, not allowing pucks to get behind him, and made timely steps down the offensive zone wall that led to turnovers and mistakes by the opposition, creating scoring chances. He anticipates plays well, seeing developments before they occur, intercepting passes in the neutral zone, and timing his movements to puck receivers without interfering. Andon can zip passes around the ice and has sent several stretch passes that led to breakaway opportunities. He takes a cerebral approach to the game, demonstrating quality skill and confidence as a savvy veteran who can play in any situation. Grade: B+
Logan Ganz #8 (F, L, 5’10”, 154, Springfield Jr. Blues, 02/21/2004) – Ganz is a multi-dimensional forward who is a Swiss Army knife, able to do it all with detail and poise. He can thrive in any position and plays with jam, finesse, and grit, as his combination of skills and abilities is tough to match in this league. Logan has the ability to handle the puck on his own, but he takes a unique and cerebral approach to distributing and knowing when to attack. He was all over pucks, intercepting passes, winning races, and controlling possession in the offensive zone, as it seemed magnetized to his stick. Ganz can absolutely fly and has a powerful crossover with quick feet that generates the speed to separate. He is not a player who is slowed down by possession. He can create his own shooting lanes and also thrives in scoring areas, always ready to fire. Logan creates lanes off the puck for his linemates to find him easily and has a natural ability to find space between the defense. Ganz has the hands to corral bouncing and wobbling pucks, flatten them out, and rifle them off his stick for dangerous shots with a bit of zip behind them. His release is snappy, hard, and accurate, making him a threat from all over the ice to score. Defensively, he harasses opponents into turnovers and forces opposing puck carriers to cough it up or hurry their passes, which often results in misfires and turnovers. Logan is deployed in every situation and consistently creates positive outcomes on both sides of the puck when he is on the ice. Grade: A
Gaige Giblin #22 (LW, L, 5’9″, 155, Springfield Jr. Blues, 11/17/2005) – Giblin is a smaller forward for the Jr. Blues who is opportunistic and able to wheel around the ice with the puck on his stick. He doesn’t slow down in possession, using his legs to drive the puck around the ice while shielding it with his frame and maintaining movement. In the offensive zone, he can zip around the net, be dangerous on the perimeter, and use his quick crossovers to beat defenders out wide. Gaige scored the game-winning goal against Watertown early in the third period by burying a loose puck off a rebound just outside the crease. Giblin finds pockets of space to get quality shots off and doesn’t need much room to generate power behind them. He drives traffic on the ice while in possession and can deliver hard, crisp passes at the top of the zone to hit his options on the weak side. Off the rush, his entries lead to favorable positions, and he has the pace to win battles out wide or pull up while facing the middle of the ice to hit his backdoor option or trailer in space for a dangerous shot. Grade: B
Aidan Grant #7 (F, L, 6’1″, 175, Springfield Jr. Blues, 01/16/2006) – The best word to describe Grant’s game would be “torpedo.” He absolutely flies to pucks and throws his body around, as he loves to be the F1 and cause chaos in the offensive zone. His engine is always revved high, competing all over the ice and zipping around like a pinball to finish checks, disrupt the opposing breakout, and be an overall nuisance. While he may not have high point production, he did pick up an assist on the game-winning goal against Watertown with a clever steal in the neutral zone, taking a hit to advance the puck to Giblin, who found the back of the net. Aidan plays fast, gets the puck on and off his stick, and is consistently active on both the forecheck and backcheck. Grade: B-
Zach Howard #21 (F, R, 6’1″, 175, Springfield Jr. Blues, 03/12/2005, Army) – Howard is a gritty two-way forward who plays winning hockey at both ends of the ice. He is hard on pucks, puts a ton of pressure on opposing defenders during puck retrievals, finishes his checks, and generates turnovers below the dots with his relentless effort. Zach finishes everything, making defenders second-guess their decisions, which often leads to them fumbling the puck. Howard blocks shots, kills penalties, and plays a detailed 200-foot game. On breakouts, he effectively gets pucks out of the zone with crisp passes to his center or weak-side support, or by chipping pucks off the wall and darting up ice to join the rush. His head is always up, and he has an arsenal of passing options, whether it’s backhand, indirect, or area sauce; all are accurate with either touch or zip behind them. Zach knows how to attack defenders, force switches, and take away their partner, then seal them off along the wall. Howard is a hard-nosed forward who plays a detail-oriented game and is dependable in all three zones. Grade: B
Owen Lowe #15 (F, R, 6’1″, 180, Springfield Jr. Blues, 10/25/2005) – Lowe is a mid-sized forward for the Jr. Blues who possesses a strong stick and the ability to lower his shoulder and drive his way to the net. Owen can cut to the net and drive the puck to the crease, creating havoc and chances around the blue paint. He can walk off the wall to access the interior, and he also has a quick, heavy snapshot that he can get off even while compressed. As the F1, he finishes checks, steers the play to his forecheckers, and causes issues below the hash marks. Grade: C
Cruz Martin #28 (F, R, 5’10”, 155, Springfield Jr. Blues, 12/07/2007) – Martin is a mid-sized forward born in late 2007, just a few weeks away from being an ’08, and he made a strong impact on the game. While he didn’t light up the scoresheet, he has the toolkit and the knowledge to be an effective forward. In possession, he remains highly poised and patient, allowing the play to develop before distributing the puck without forcing it. Cruz is unafraid to get involved physically and can either attack the net or slow the game down with the puck on his stick. His crossovers are powerful and fast, generating significant momentum to fly up ice and win straight-line races. His firm base allows him to shoulder opponents on his way to the net and venture into gritty areas to find loose pucks. Martin can release the puck quickly with a lightning-quick shot that is smooth and deceptive for goaltenders to track. One notable play against Corpus Christi saw him drive the play up ice, cut across the net, and snap a shot just off the post. Cruz played in all key situations for a younger forward, demonstrating a high ceiling and a terrific approach backed by solid skills. Grade: B+
Jagur McClelland #16 (F, L, 6’0″, 190, Springfield Jr. Blues, 01/09/2004) – McClelland is a feisty forward who is not afraid to play with some jam around the ice. He goes to the hard areas but is also equipped with open ice speed and an athletic stance. He keeps his game simple, avoiding mismanaging the puck and maintaining sound positioning in his own end, showing no fear in stepping in front of a shot. He scored his lone goal of the weekend after jumping off the bench for a change as the F2 forced a turnover in front of the net. He then showcased his nifty hands with a fake shot before tucking it five-hole from in tight. Grade: C
Zach Peller #5 (D, L, 6’0″, 185, Springfield Jr. Blues, 07/31/2004) – Peller is a confident puck-moving defenseman for the Jr. Blue, zipping passes across the ice in a flat, crisp manner. His mobility allows him to get to pucks cleanly, and he doesn’t need to fully escape to make a positive play up ice. Typically, his puck movement is what catches the eye, but it was his defensive work that stood out this weekend. Zach delivered a couple of huge checks to lay out opponents and dislodge pucks for turnovers. He made big hits while also delivering solid, simple contact to separate players from the puck. Peller was able to steer plays out wide and then close down time and space by getting in the face of the puck carrier in tough situations. He consistently took smart angles to pucks, sealing the middle of the ice and using his foot speed to avoid getting beat back to his net. Grade: B-
Matt Schoephoerster #35 (G, L, 6’3″, 170, Springfield Jr. Blues, 04/29/2004) – Schoephoerster picked up a win in his only appearance of the showcase, posting a 32-save shutout against Minot. He was a brick wall, seeing everything well. If he had eyes on the puck, he made the save, swallowing pucks into his body and not allowing any juicy rebounds around him. His rebound control was top-notch, steering pucks to the corners and out of harm’s way if he couldn’t grab them himself. Matt is a longer, lean goaltender who stands around 6’3″ and takes up a good bit of real estate in the crease without needing to get overly aggressive with his angles. Grade: B+
Tyler Smith #19 (F, L, 6’1″, 192, Springfield Jr. Blues, 07/12/2005) – Smith is a high-IQ player who is smart positionally at both ends of the ice. Tyler is sure to backcheck just as hard as he goes in as the F1, getting back to the house with a smart stick to take away the middle of the ice while smothering the trailer option. In possession, he shows a sturdy set of boots, as defenders bounce off him on his way to the net, using his strong core and balance to hold onto pucks and drive toward the goal. Smith isn’t the type of forward who will lead a play on his own, but he plays a cerebral game and can be a dependable player when called upon. Grade: C+
Logan Sutton #20 (F, L, 6’0″, 160, Springfield Jr. Blues, 01/27/2005) – Sutton wasn’t able to find the scoresheet during this showcase, but he showed some slick hands and poise in tight situations. He has some jump in his stride, allowing him to chase after pucks and win races to the corners to retrieve them. Logan utilizes his points well when the lane is available, often going indirect to his defenseman before heading to the net to cause disruptions. Sutton can get his shot off quickly and smoothly, pulling pucks into his body while still generating significant power behind each one. He doesn’t throw pucks away, especially in his own zone, where pressure develops quickly. Sutton saw some time on the power play, where he hunted pucks below the goal line and maintained possession. Grade: C+
Ryan Winklebleck #12 (D, R, 6’3″, 180, Springfield Jr. Blues, 02/14/2005) – Winklebleck is a lengthy, lean defenseman who played effectively against opponents with his reach and size. He took up space with a long wingspan, preventing pucks from easily exiting the offensive zone while confidently standing his ground without interfering or allowing pucks and bodies to get behind him. He utilized his long, active stick at his own blue line to slow down rushes, force dump-ins, and make puck carriers uncomfortable around him. Ryan does not hesitate to put his body on the line to block shots, getting low and compact to absorb them without any problem. Winklebleck delivered a massive open-ice hit that sent an opponent flying with a thunderous check that the entire rink could hear. He did his best work in his own end, where he could use his size and strength to outmuscle opponents throughout the zone. Grade: B-
St. Cloud Norsemen
Hudson Blue #8 (F, R, 5’11”, 183, St. Cloud Norsemen, 07/27/2004) – Blue found himself in the penalty column in every game and is a veteran presence for the Norsemen. He plays a detailed game, stopping on pucks, supporting low in his own zone, and chipping pucks to safety. Hudson doesn’t try to be a hero; he gets pucks to where they need to be and then jumps up ice to be an option. There is some burst in his stride, as he can find an extra gear both with and without the puck. His game has a feisty edge, as he is not afraid to get physical and compete along the wall for pucks and space. Hudson keeps his game simple at both ends and can be relied upon to help out in his own zone. Grade: C
Roman Cicco #12 (D, R, 6’0″, 174, St. Cloud Norsemen, 10/15/2005) – Cicco is a mid-sized right-shot defenseman who saw action in all three games over the weekend. He has a smooth release that doesn’t require much time to get off and can fire his wrist shot while in stride. Roman showcases quality edge control in tight situations, curling away from attackers and spinning into open ice before carrying the puck up the ice with his head up. Off the rush, he can drive hard into the offensive zone, then cut to the middle of the ice and either fire a shot or use his speed to cut back to the perimeter, where he can either throw pucks on net or hit the center lane drive for a redirect. Grade: C
Andrew Cumming #11 (F, 5’10”, 160, St. Cloud Norsemen) – Cumming is a mid-sized forward who is strong along the wall, harasses puck carriers, and is a nuisance in pursuit. He can get his stick on opponents and force pucks loose without needing to be too physical. Andrew is quick to pucks, blocks shots shorthanded, and uses quick stops and starts in straight lines to get back to the house. In the neutral zone, Cumming takes smart routes on opposing regroups to steer the play to the wall and pressure the puck carrier into turnover situations. In possession, he can create clean zone entries with his pace out wide and a lightning-quick release off his stick. He can catch and shoot or release in stride, not allowing the defense in front of him to settle. Cumming started an overtime game against Rochester and put in a high effort at both ends. Grade: C+
Wyatt Farrell #24 (F, R, 5’8″, 170, St. Cloud Norsemen, 10/20/2005) – Farrell is a smaller, sturdy forward who can break through sticks and absorb contact while keeping his feet moving. He was all over the ice in a positive way, harassing the opposition and forcing loose pucks with pokes and whacks at bodies. Wyatt added some finesse to his game with a little backhand sauce off the rush. Although he isn’t the quickest skater, he gets to his spots in a timely fashion. Off the wing, he can make accurate passes under pressure during breakouts, even when defenders are closing in on him. Farrell can take hard shots with his feet moving and has a snappy release in stride, not allowing defenders to anticipate his actions and catching goaltenders off guard. Grade: C
Tyler Geyer #17 (D, R, 5’11”, 170, St. Cloud Norsemen, 04/29/2005) – Geyer is a mid-sized, mobile defenseman who can use his legs to create clean zone exits. He has some jump in his stride and is strong on his edges, allowing him to rip through the neutral zone with possession. Tyler can look off his first read and then accurately hit his target with a little more room to distribute. When he doesn’t have an option, Geyer has the hands to send high flips to relieve pressure and give his forwards a chance to win races. On the power play, he calmly settles the play down and then hits Lundie in his wheelhouse for a one-timer finish from the flank. Geyer is a two-way defenseman who creates quality entries that lead to scoring chances and can handle any type of pressure without forcing pucks. Grade: B-
Samuel Harris #2 (D, L, 6’0″, 175, St. Cloud Norsemen, 11/13/2006) – Harris played a simple game on the back end for St. Cloud, blocking shots, killing penalties, and maintaining a solid presence. Positionally, he was in the right spots, not getting drawn outside the dots. Samuel is a strong skater with a firm base and a powerful stride that allows him to easily navigate the ice. He is patient with the puck, letting plays develop in front of him without forcing passes. Harris waits for lanes to open up and then adds some zip behind his passes to get the puck through the middle of the ice. Grade: C
Vincent Hart #28 (F, R, 5’11”, 180, St. Cloud Norsemen, 11/16/2005) – Hart found his way onto the scoresheet over the weekend, picking up a goal against Maine off a rebound that he redirected from the side of the net. He demonstrated the vision to make plays off the rush and distribute the puck at high speeds. On a goal by Miller, Hart controlled the puck on the rush, pulled up, and snapped a pass through the house to the far side, where Miller was able to catch and release it into the back of the net. Vincent is not afraid to go hard to the net with a firm stick and take a few hits along the way to make an impact. Grade: C
Bronson Hunt #34 (C, L, 5’9″, 165, St. Cloud Norsemen, 03/26/2005) – Hunt has a bit of a hoppy stride, featuring quick, active feet that allow him to win races to pucks. When in possession, he utilizes a quick dish-and-move approach to get the puck off his stick in a timely fashion, then finds space to be an option or drags defenders with him. He is not shy about driving down the center lane to the net, stopping at the blue paint, and taking a few cross-checks while searching for loose pucks. Bronson doesn’t have the puck on his stick much; instead, he zips passes and knows where to move the puck before he comes into contact with it, mainly acting as an off-puck option who truly embraces his own style of play. Grade: C
Tanner Hunt #15 (F, R, 5’9″, 165, St. Cloud Norsemen, 03/26/2005) – Hunt is a smaller forward with a firm base that allows him to take contact with his feet moving, enabling him not to get bumped off pucks. He has a low center of gravity, which helps him hold his ground against bigger opponents and retain possession of the puck. In front of the net, his hands become engaged, allowing him to deke and shoot effectively, even when compressed. Off the puck, Tanner raced around the ice to provide his linemates with passing lanes and displayed noticeable jump when pursuing loose pucks. Grade: C
Samuel Kartch #29 (F, L, 6’2″, 183, St. Cloud Norsemen, 05/24/2005) – Kartch is an effort-driven forward for the Norsemen who backchecks like a bandit, hustling to his own zone to pick up sticks and communicate with his defensemen in support. He was utilized on the penalty kill, reading lanes and getting his stick in the way while not being afraid to block shots and be a physical presence. Samuel contested the red line, staying on his toes and forcing dumps or mishandles with his stick and presence. Kartch doesn’t play a pretty game, but he is willing to compete, go to the hard areas, and was noticeably impactful while shorthanded. Grade: C+
Beck Liden #1 (G, L, 5’11”, 168, St. Cloud Norsemen, 02/16/2005) – Liden started all three games for the Norsemen this weekend, picking up two wins and suffering a 4-3 loss in a shootout. Beck stopped 67 of the 75 shots he faced, playing with pure confidence. He saw pucks well through traffic, swallowing them and not allowing any easy rebounds in dangerous areas. Beck quickly moved from post to post without over-sliding or getting caught out of position. He set his feet quickly, maintained the proper angles on shots, and stood tall when his team needed him. Against the Amerks, he faced a barrage of chances, allowing three goals but bouncing back confidently to make big, timely saves towards the end of the game and in overtime to secure the victory. Grade: B+
Carter Lundie #7 (F, L, 5’11”, 185, St. Cloud Norsemen, 11/13/2006) – Lundie is a highly dangerous and dynamic offensive threat who was all over the scoresheet, lighting the lamp four times and adding three assists. Carter loves to shoot the puck, ending the weekend with 17 shots on goal in just three games. He can create his own shooting lanes and wire pucks through traffic, catching netminders off guard. As a late 2006 birthdate, he plays well above his years, demonstrating confidence and a high-end, diverse skill set that allows him to finish and generate chances with his vision and passing. He exhibits effortless puck distribution, with the puck rocketing off his stick during both passes and shots, requiring minimal effort for added zip. Lundie can play physically or with finesse, effectively adapting his approach as needed. On the power play, he flourished and clearly dominated with the puck on his stick, drawing defenders to him and either dishing off or finding the back of the net. He scored two goals in similar fashion against Rochester, positioning himself on the left flank above the circle and wiring a missile of a one-timer into the back of the net, just under the bar, on both occasions. He ultimately tied the game with about one minute left in the third period, sending it to overtime. Carter values puck possession and is able to control it in difficult situations, cutting and accelerating away from defenders to create his own space while delivering precise puck movement to his target. He added another power play goal against Maine, where he carried the puck end-to-end, cut to the middle, and ripped a missile past the netminder, then finished with another one-timer later in the game. His one-timer poses a significant problem for the opposition, but his lightning-quick, marksman-like shot is even more challenging to defend against. He can release the puck with his feet moving, hiding the release point and making it tough for netminders to track. Carter is a highly skilled, involved forward who makes his linemates better and is incredibly difficult to slow down. Grade: A
Kyle Miller #4 (D, L, 5’9″, 175, St. Cloud Norsemen, 10/14/2004) – Miller is a smaller veteran defenseman who shows elite puck distribution and is a confident, calming presence for the Norsemen. His weekend included a pair of goals and four assists, totaling six points in three games. He is an elite puck transporter who can carry the puck up ice with his legs or snap an accurate first pass, utilizing a diverse array of exits in his toolkit. Kyle logs a lot of minutes in every facet, playing in all key situations when needed and finding success in each. Miller takes a cerebral approach to the game on both sides of the puck. He knows when to jump into the play, lead a rush, or pinch, and his decision-making is lightning quick and highly effective. He made a notable play off the puck, activating into the rush on the weak side, catching a cross-ice pass on his forehand, and without dusting it off, he dished it backdoor—though his forward missed the attempt. He has an uncanny ability to create shooting lanes to the net with quick stops and starts, keeping his head up. He scored a goal where he was the trailer on a rush, caught a pass in space, and wired a missile high to the blocker side. His passing and distribution are pristine, characterized by timing, accuracy, zip, and touch, without missing the mark, and he uses his legs to create his own space. He scored another goal on the power play from the point with a low snapshot that found its way to the net, navigating through traffic and slipping through the tiniest window. He can defend against odd-man rushes patiently, breaking up plays with a smart stick and dangerous poke check. He contested his own blue line effectively, ensuring clean exits and demonstrating the pace to fly around the ice. Miller is a complete, active defenseman who is a true gamer and an important piece for whatever the coach needs him for. Grade: A
Payton Mithmuangneua #6 (F, L, 5’10”, 175, St. Cloud Norsemen, 11/23/2005) – Mithmuangneua led the team over the weekend with seven points over the three-game span, picking up two goals and five assists. He is a highly competitive forward who filled the stat sheet and was not only dangerous offensively but also the first player out for every 5-on-3 chance, killing every penalty with a cerebral sense of motion. Nothing went through the middle of the ice against him, as he worked well in sync with his fellow penalty killers, moving in straight lines and in unison. Peyton goes hard on the forecheck, pursuing pucks with smart routes and forcing turnovers that lead to scoring chances. He didn’t let the opposing defenders settle, breathing down their necks all over the zone. He could handle the puck around the defense and, while compressed, used a firm stick with soft hands to make them miss and maintain control in traffic. He scored a goal against Lone Star while getting knocked down but still managed to fire the puck on his way down, beating the netminder under the pad before he could get into his butterfly. He backchecked just as hard as he forechecked, competing in all three zones with purpose and not shying away from the hard areas. Mithmuangneua is the first player on the ice in overtime and is a forward you want in all situations, whether up a goal or defending a late lead. Grade: A-
Timofei Runtso #3 (D, R, 6’1″, 172, St. Cloud Norsemen, 07/06/2007, Miami (Ohio)) – Runtso is a mid-sized, lean defenseman for the Norseman who has an active stick, clogs up lanes, and is able to chip in offensively as well. He had a game-high five shots on goal against Rochester, as his release is quick and efficient, allowing him to keep his head up and not give attackers or goaltenders time to get set. Tim is able to play physically and use his size to his advantage, taking up decent real estate with lateral mobility to keep his man in front of him. As a 2007 in the league, he plays with high confidence and serves as a calming presence on the back end. While his distribution wasn’t always clean, he moved the puck north safely without putting it in bad areas. Runtso was able to use his reach during an attacking rush, where he stalled the play, forced a turnover, and then quickly transitioned to offense, leading to a goal just seconds later. Tim started overtime against Rochester by scoring the game-winning goal off a rush, where he ripped a shot from just inside the top left circle that beat the netminder low on the far side, inside the post. Runtso showed he can use his legs to carry pucks up ice and leverage his size well against the wall. Grade: A-
Watertown Shamrocks
Zach Boren #3 (C, L, 6’1″, 174, Watertown Shamrocks, 07/08/2005) – Boren is a tall, athletic winger in his second year in the league. He is versatile and used in multiple situations, including playing high on the power play, where he can walk defenders off the wall and make passes into the slot. His best play was likely his assist against Springfield, where he gained the zone with speed, cut towards the net on a slick deke, and slid a backhand pass across the slot for an easy catch-and-shoot goal. He added an insurance goal in their last game against Oklahoma on the power play, where he caught a pass at the top of the circles, walked in, and fired a quick-release snap shot that beat the goalie cleanly. Although he was quiet at times, he will be a top contributor on this team. He has good speed, can carry the puck through traffic areas, plays with his head up, snaps passes off quickly, and possesses a quick release. Grade: B-
Holden Carter #5 (D, R, 6’0″, 185, Watertown Shamrocks, 01/17/2007) – Carter is a good-sized, mobile right-shot defenseman who can cover a lot of ice. The former Chicago Mission standout is one of two ’07s on the squad, and he’s making the transition to junior hockey well. He is mature for his age in his puck decisions and gap control, and he does a lot of little things well that you wouldn’t expect from someone his age. He angled opponents well to the outside and was able to seal them off along the boards when entering the zone. He was detailed in his stick placement, kept his head on a swivel to ensure forwards didn’t get behind him, got in front of forecheckers to give his defensive partner more time to break the puck out, and played a few steps back in the neutral zone to provide his partner with a safety valve. He makes difficult plays look easy, which is a sign of promising upside. There was one instance where he was skating backward and fired a cross-ice saucer pass in the neutral zone while all his momentum was going in the opposite direction. On another breakout, recognizing forecheck pressure, he looked off the pass, carried a few strides to the middle of the ice, and then passed to the center, effectively working the soft space in the middle. While he’s not overly physical at this point and defends more with his stick than his body, he is smart, makes mature reads, is well-positioned, and takes away the middle of the ice with his gap control and stick placement. He has promising upside with his athleticism, size, and versatile skill set, allowing him to play up and down the lineup at the next level. Grade: B
Owen Chartier #20 (F, R, 5’11”, 175, Watertown Shamrocks, 01/26/2007) – Chartier is one of the top uncommitted ’07s in the league, recognized as a well-rounded 200-foot forward who performs at a high level. He is a balanced skater, strong and sturdy on his edges and on his stick, which allows him to fight for space around the net and score on contested loose pucks in front, even with defenders all over him. His hands are subtle but efficient; he protects the puck well and can shield it using his reach while still making plays with his hands extended. He kills penalties effectively, stopping on the puck and being disruptive with his stick. Additionally, he plays on the top power play, showcasing his versatility to operate high in the zone off the wall or at the net front. He carried the puck end-to-end on several power plays, maneuvering to find lanes for easy zone entries and setting up plays in the offensive zone. Against Rochester, Chartier took the puck wide on a line rush during the first shift of the game and slid a pass across the crease for an easy catch-and-shoot goal. He shoots with authority, bullies his way into scoring areas, and is hard on pucks along the wall. What stood out was not just his offensive approach, but his willingness to put his body in front of shots, finish checks, and clear bodies from in front of his net in the defensive zone to support his teammates. He is an honest player who can play center or wing at the next level. Strong and balanced, he competes hard to win pucks. A bright future lies ahead, and he won’t be uncommitted for long. Grade: B+
Dmitrijs Dilevka #11 (F, L, 5’11”, 170, Watertown Shamrocks, 10/13/2006) – This was our first viewing of Dilevka, a Latvian forward with good size and balance, who was making his junior hockey and North American debut here. He has smooth hands and excellent puck control, allowing him to bounce off contact, keep his head up, navigate through crowded areas, and stay over the puck. He can handle the puck in tight around his body and also use wide cradles on zone entries to make defenders miss. Dilevka senses pressure well; he knows when to cut in on a defender, when to curl back, when to drop it to the late trailer, and when to pull up on a rush to create space. He can play a possession-style game, slowing it down to make skilled passes. In fact, he recorded an assist after falling down but still managed to slide the puck across the slot for a catch-and-shoot goal. He scored in the first game by staying on the puck during a turn and firing a bullet wrist shot by the goalie from the slot. There is a lot to like about his game, especially for a player who hasn’t played in North America prior to this season. Grade: B
Ryan Gingher #10 (F, L, 6’1″, 195, Watertown Shamrocks, 06/22/2004) – Gingher is the captain of the Watertown team coming into the tournament with over 100 games in this league under his belt. He’s an honest centerman with good size and a balanced stride. He won faceoffs, was strong in front of both nets, and was able to get pucks behind the opposing team’s defense to go to work. He was strong off the cycle, able to slip off checks and protect the puck using his lower body strength and body positioning. Although he only scored one goal—a catch-and-shoot on a 2v1—he regularly got pucks to the net and followed up line rushes for rebounds. He doesn’t cheat the game; he competes in all three zones and plays on both special teams units, demonstrating his versatility and range. Gingher is a veteran presence who will be a key contributor for Watertown this season in all facets. Grade: B
Travis Lefere #17 (F, R, 6’0″, 172, Watertown Shamrocks, 03/28/2007) – Lefere was the team’s most valuable player at this event, finishing with 2 goals and 4 assists over three games. The Miami-Ohio commit has good speed and hustle; he was typically the first player in on the forecheck and the first back on the backcheck. He took smart pursuit angles when pressuring the puck and would stop on pucks, exploding back to support his defender when there were changes in possession. He’s not overly big, but he’s gritty and finishes his checks, including one play where he defended the point and knocked the defender over with a solid check. He generates most of his offense off the rush, scoring his first goal with a catch-and-shoot from the slot during an odd-man rush. He scored another goal on the power play with a bullet one-timer from the top of the circles. Lefere has quick and nimble hands, allowing him to break free from defenders, and he possesses the vision and puck poise to find his teammates throughout the offensive zone. He’s always around the puck, with a knack for digging pucks off the wall and out of scrums, then exploding into open ice. His best attribute here was his playmaking ability; he has the poise to outwait defenders, drawing them to him before sliding pucks to the point, the slot, or behind the net to create scoring chances. Even his secondary assists showcased his ability to create plays. Lefere is quick in his crossovers and shifty in open ice, able to turn defenders inside out. It is rare for a player of his age and size to make such a seamless transition to junior hockey, especially in this league. However, he will need to improve his strength and play away from the puck to reach his true potential, which we believe to be quite high. Grade: A-
Tom Manzella #8 (F, 6’7″, 220, Watertown Shamrocks, 08/09/2005) – Manzella is a 6’7″, 220-lb right-shot defenseman in his second season in the league. He’s an intriguing prospect given his size, and he has made several improvements since his rookie campaign—he’s stronger, more mobile, and able to defend larger areas. He uses his reach to poke pucks away and maintains his positioning in his own end, avoiding the tendency to chase puck carriers or lunge for a steal. He plays within himself, showing maturity by making the simple pass and, rather than trying to stickhandle around a forechecker, protecting the puck with his body and long wingspan to keep it out of reach. He was tough in front of his net, lifting sticks and boxing out opponents, and appears to be playing with a bit more edge this year. He’s someone to keep tabs on, as it’s rare to find this combination of size and solid mobility in a right-shot defenseman. Grade: B-
Camden Markham #9 (F, R, 6’2″, 195, Watertown Shamrocks, 11/13/2004) – Markham is a big, strong forward from Michigan HS who is in his second season in the league. While he doesn’t play an overly physical game for his size, he is strong on the puck and protects it well, both on net drives and along the boards and in the corners. He has a smooth, high-velocity release with good flex on the shaft and shows a deft touch around the net. His lone goal here came against Oklahoma, where he acted as a give-and-go option below the dots. When the puck was moved to the point, he skated to the net front and redirected a shot from the point. Markham was effective at getting off checks, slipping behind defenders in the slot, and getting open for his teammates. He displayed real zip on his passes and was disciplined positionally in his own end, using an active stick. He finished the weekend with a 1-2-3 line in three games. Grade: B-
Jack McMinn #25 (D, L, 5’11”, 175, Watertown Shamrocks, 06/10/2006) – McMinn is a well-sized, athletic defenseman who covered a lot of ice and was tough to get around. He made quick reads on the breakout, able to snap passes or skate the puck out himself. He worked the middle of the ice in all three zones, seamlessly accepting passes and distributing the puck without needing to look down. His gaps were tight, and he played the body effectively, riding opponents off their path to the net. While he wasn’t as confident as he was this past season after winning a New England Prep Championship with Kimball Union, he is adjusting to junior hockey. He possesses a range of tools at both ends of the ice that will only improve as he becomes more acclimated. Grade: LV
Elliot Mikesch #6 (F, L, 5’11”, 178, Watertown Shamrocks, 12/21/2004) – Mikesch is a speedy, high-energy forward from Wisconsin HS who spent last year in Western Canada, playing in both the AJHL and SJHL. He is a clever, heads-up playmaker with a quick first step and fast hands. While he had a quieter start in his first game here, he improved as the weekend went on, using his quickness to engage in the forecheck and pressure the play. He led several rushes end-to-end, showing he can maintain puck control at top speed and find passing lanes through traffic. His best play was an assist against Oklahoma, where he received the puck at the top of the circles, drove toward the net as if he were going to shoot, and then made a perfect cross-ice pass for a one-timer goal—demonstrating his vision and passing ability. An ’04 who plays fast, hard, and smart, he is utilized in a variety of situations. Grade: B-
Kody Moyer #18 (F, R, 5’8″, 155, Watertown Shamrocks, 10/19/2006) – Moyer is a speedy forward from Fox Motors who, despite being undersized, makes up for it with his pace and hustle. He isn’t afraid to battle in the corners or drive to the net front, showing a willingness to take a hit to make a play. He’s as quick laterally as he is in north-south movements, with sharp crossovers that get him up to speed instantly. His acceleration is likely his best asset, allowing him to create separation in just a few strides, and he uses changes in speed effectively in the neutral zone to adjust defenders’ gaps. Everything he does is high-tempo: he moves the puck quickly, releases shots in stride, and, after passing, accelerates up ice to get open for a return play. In one notable play, Moyer nearly recorded a highlight-reel assist. After receiving the puck in the neutral zone, he went wide around the defender, creating a 2v1, then delivered a backhand cross-crease pass on his linemate’s tape, though it wasn’t finished. He also activated his defenseman by moving pucks to the point in the offensive zone and sprinting to the net to screen or tip. At times, he demonstrates more effort than efficiency, which is common for younger players in their first year in the league. As he continues to develop, working smarter rather than harder will help him capitalize on the chances his speed creates. Grade: B-
Ryan Murphy #14 (F, L, 6’1″, 165, Watertown Shamrocks, 04/17/2005) – Murphy is a tall, thin, athletic forward from Northstar Christian, making his junior hockey debut this season. He didn’t make the stat sheet here, but he displayed his playmaking abilities and skill set. With a long stride and soft hands, he can sauce the puck on both sides of the blade with ease, catches hard passes cleanly, and quickly settles the puck. He showed finesse in tight areas, particularly around the net, and demonstrated precise passing by placing pucks in space. He beat several defenders 1v1 on zone entries with a quick, clever stick and played with patience, curling back and regrouping in the neutral zone if a lane wasn’t open. Murphy could benefit from added strength, as he tended to stay on the perimeter and was occasionally ridden off pucks when attempting to penetrate the slot area, but the skill and athleticism are evident. Grade: B-
Joe Rice #21 (F, L, 5’10”, 180, Watertown Shamrocks, 01/01/2005) – Rice only played in two of the three games, but the former Prior Lake HS captain displayed speed and skill. He corralled difficult passes with ease, as the puck seemed to settle naturally on his blade, and showed control carrying the puck through crowded areas. He got his shots off quickly, catching passes, cocking back, and releasing in one smooth motion. Additionally, he could sauce passes at top speed, lifting pucks over stick blades on the rush. Rice is a player to watch this season as he adjusts to junior hockey; this was a strong start. Grade: B-
Will Shephard #4 (D, R, 5’9″, 175, Watertown Shamrocks, 11/07/2004) – Shephard is a sturdy, undersized defenseman with quickness in all directions and the agility to close gaps tightly on skilled forwards, pushing them toward the boards. He is a patient, puck-possession defender who can carry the puck out of his end, waiting for plays to develop in front of him before making his move. He consistently kept his head up, looking for seams and potential options, without needing to look down to catch a pass or take a shot from the point. Shephard used his leverage well to get under opponents in the corner and slot areas, driving them off the puck with a strong stick, lower body strength, and balance. He added a goal against Oklahoma by jumping up into the play, catching a pass as he streaked toward the net, and finishing with a strong stick to make it 3-0. Grade: B-
Alex Visnappu #23 (D, R, 6’2″, 170, Watertown Shamrocks, 01/11/2006, St. Lawrence) – Visnappu is a tall, athletic two-way defender from Team Maryland, currently in his rookie season in junior hockey. He is fairly light on his feet, able to accelerate backward quickly from a standstill, and shows smooth pivots and transitions. He managed the puck well in all three zones, escaping forecheck pressure while keeping his eyes up ice and making high-percentage reads. His passing was precise, often making tape-to-tape connections in the neutral zone, executing saucer passes when needed, placing pucks in open space, and even making indirect passes off the wall to hit forwards in stride. Visnappu quarterbacked the power play, taking pucks end-to-end and passing around penalty killers to set up his teammates for one-timers and catch-and-shoot opportunities. He shows real command of the puck, as the game seems to slow down for him; he settles bad passes, makes one-touch plays on the power play, and finds his teammates on the back door. He didn’t shoot much until the final game, where he put three on net and appeared more confident and aggressive at the offensive blue line. Defensively, Visnappu could benefit from added strength and grit, but his skating ability and length allow him to play tight gaps and take away space from the puck carrier. He engaged physically without overcommitting to poke checks but will need to get a bit grittier in the corners and around his net, as he currently relies too much on his stick play. Grade:
Ryan Whiterabbit #13 (D, L, 5’11”, 170, Watertown Shamrocks, 05/15/2006, Augustana) – Whiterabbit is a mobile two-way defenseman in his rookie season in the league after a standout career with Gentry Academy in Minnesota. He has smooth transitions and pivots, winning races back to pucks on dump-ins. He corrals the puck off the wall and turns up ice instantly, with enough wiggle and elusiveness to shake off forecheckers and advance the puck. He also led rushes, carrying the puck out of his end and generating speed on his crossovers. Whiterabbit has excellent puck control, maintaining possession through the neutral zone by weaving in and out of defenders and serving as the quarterback on the top power play. He made quick decisions with the puck at the point, making it difficult for the defense to get set, and was unafraid to take a shot if he saw an open lane. Defensively, Whiterabbit is quick to close and plays a smothering style, taking away opponents’ time and space. His gaps are tight, giving the puck carrier little room to operate, and his skating ability allows him to take risks—pinching down on wingers at the offensive blue line and taking aggressive steps in the neutral zone to break up passes. Overall, he logged significant minutes and was a tough defender to get around. While he lacks ideal size for the position, he compensates with an active stick, anticipation, skill, and quick footwork. Grade: B+