In the Beast Tournament Series for the U16 age group, Bishop Kearney Selects faced the Buffalo Jr. Sabres on October 19, 2024, with Bishop Kearney securing a 4-3 victory. These player grades reflect performances solely at this specific event.
Bishop Kearney Selects U16
Rocco Afonso #81 (F, L, 6’0″, 181, Bishop Kearney Selects U16, 09/22/2008) – Afonso, a big left-shot forward and a draft pick of the QMJHL’s Quebec Remparts, delivered an average performance in this viewing. He should be dominating more in the offensive zone than he demonstrated in this game. Despite his size, his ability to use his body to gain a territorial advantage was inconsistent. His puck decisions also lacked consistency and purpose. Focusing on lower-body strength and speed development could significantly elevate Afonso’s game at the junior level. As a north-south type of player, he has the potential to be an effective, reliable two-way presence in the junior game. This is a player worth monitoring, and with the right developmental environment, his game could reach a higher level. Grade: B
Cameron Chartrand #8 (D, R, 6’1″, 201, Bishop Kearney Selects U16, 03/03/2008, Boston College) – Chartrand, the top pick of the Saint John Sea Dogs in the 2024 QMJHL Draft and a Boston College commit, had a good performance but was not as dominant as he could or should be at this level. For much of the game, he appeared content to simply move the puck up the ice, despite his capability to support, contribute to, and often lead the offensive attack. His impact became more noticeable after the first period, particularly in transitioning play with his quick and accurate passes. His decision-making remains elite, as does his ability to perform under pressure. His poise on the power play, managing the offensive zone from the top of the 1-3-1 setup, was particularly impressive. Watching Chartrand’s development throughout his junior years will be exciting, as his upside is significant. This right-shot defenseman is expected to represent Canada at the upcoming U17 World Championships. Grade: B+
Nolan Duskocy #88 (F, R, 6’2″, 174, Bishop Kearney Selects U16, 01/26/2008, UMass Amherst) – Duskocy was a highly effective player on BK’s most consistent line in this game. With his large frame and mobility, he frequently gravitated to the net-front area in the offensive zone during his team’s possessions. He was particularly effective there, competing for position, creating havoc, and supporting loose puck situations. Quick to loose pucks, Duskocy utilized his edges well, allowing him to navigate small areas effectively. He demonstrated sound decision-making when in possession of the puck in the offensive zone, avoiding “hope” plays. Instead, he protected the puck, scanned for options, and made positive, purposeful plays. BK also relied on him as a penalty killer, and he delivered effectively in all zones. Undrafted in the major junior leagues, Duskocy has been selected by Tri-City in the USHL Draft. Grade: B+
Dain Gordon #9 (F, R, 6’2″, 185, Bishop Kearney Selects U16, 02/25/2008, Colorado College) – This tall, lean, right-shot forward was an impactful player for his team in this viewing. While his offensive numbers for the game may not reflect it, he and his linemates appeared to spend the majority of their time in the offensive zone. Gordon utilized his long reach and size effectively to gain position, access pucks, and protect and maintain possession. His ability to keep his feet moving, absorb contact, and generate subsequent plays was a significant aspect of his contributions. He excelled particularly in the area below the circles in the offensive zone. We would like to see him adjust his game to generate more shot attempts, as he seemed to favor distributing the puck in this performance. A Colorado College commit and a draft pick of the Regina Pats in the WHL, Gordon showed tremendous upside in this viewing. Grade: A-
Rowan Hartsock #15 (D, L, 6’3″, 185, Bishop Kearney Selects U16, 05/24/2008) – Hartsock shows potential in his game. As a tall, lanky defenseman, he consistently positions himself well in most situations. He demonstrates a solid understanding of the flow of play and puck movement, often executing effective “surf” gaps in the neutral zone to stall or delay the opponent’s offensive attacks. When in possession of the puck, Hartsock made consistent and reliable low-risk decisions that were effective. Defensively, he excelled with good body positioning and excellent stick use. Continued physical development through natural maturation and focused training could significantly enhance his game and overall impact. Grade: B
Andrii Kapitan #97 (RW, L, 5’11”, 194, Bishop Kearney Selects U16, 03/05/2008) – Kapitan displayed excellent puck pursuit speed throughout this game, with his second-effort plays standing out. As a strong straightaway skater, he consistently won puck races and applied effective pressure on opposing defensemen in forecheck situations. However, focusing on improving his edge work and transition skating would further elevate his game. Kapitan’s puck plays were inconsistent in this viewing. Developing his ability to make plays along the boards, handle rimmed pucks under pressure, and continue play progression will be critical as he transitions to the junior ranks. Grade: B-
Bodhi Ryan #16 (C, L, 5’11”, 146, Bishop Kearney Selects U16, 07/08/2008) – This Toronto native played center on BK’s most consistent line in this game. A smaller, slender left-shot forward, Ryan is a draft pick of the OHL’s Sudbury Wolves. Strength and speed development will be critical for his progression, as he has the potential to become an effective two-way forward at the junior level. Physical maturation will naturally play a key role in his development. Ryan does not shy away from traffic areas; in fact, he thrives in tight spaces, particularly with the puck. His engagement in board play was impressive, as he competes hard and uses his tools effectively to gain or maintain puck possession. He displayed an acute awareness of his surroundings and his options with the puck, demonstrating no notable instances of negative turnovers in this game. Ryan also played on the forehand flank of the second power-play unit, which saw limited ice time. His overall performance highlighted his potential and work ethic as he continues to develop. Grade: B+
James Scantlebury #91 (F, L, 5’9″, 165, Bishop Kearney Selects U16, 01/15/2009) – This 2009-born, QMJHL draft-eligible player had a slow start to the game but found his stride by the midway point of the second period, ultimately influencing the 4-3 win for his team. Initially tentative, Scantlebury gained confidence as the game progressed, allowing his strengths to shine. A left-handed centerman, he is not yet the biggest or fastest skater, but these areas are expected to develop with natural growth and training. His competitiveness for loose pucks was evident and played a key role in his effectiveness. In the faceoff circle, he approached each draw with a determined, heavy stick. While he didn’t win every faceoff, he rarely lost one cleanly. Scantlebury’s sense of anticipation allowed him to reach pucks first, maintain possession, and keep plays alive for his team. On the first power-play unit, he manned the forehand flank and created a highlight-reel moment. After receiving the puck from the defense, he scanned the ice while driving the flank, deceiving everyone into thinking he was about to shoot before delivering a precision pass through the penalty killers to the opposite flank. This pass led directly to a goal as his teammate fired into the open net. Scantlebury also demonstrated his willingness to drive to the inside. His team’s second goal, which gave them the lead, was a testament to this. He continuously moved in the offensive zone, eventually positioning himself in the slot to deflect a well-placed shot from the blue line past the opposing goalie. There is no doubt that Scantlebury’s name will be among the top prospects for the 2025 QMJHL Draft. Grade: A-
Buffalo Jr. Sabres U16
Joe Aiello #3 (D, R, 5’8″, 148, Buffalo Jr. Sabres U16, 03/21/2008) – Aiello delivered a strong performance in this game as a second-year 16U defenseman. A right-handed shot, he demonstrated exceptional effectiveness in advancing the puck. His ability to transition the puck and help his team generate speed on the attack was impressive and consistently well-executed. With his head up and eyes scanning the ice, Aiello quickly identified outlets and made smart decisions. Offensively, he contributed significantly, operating as the quarterback of the 1-3-1 power play. He displayed poise and vision, distributing the puck effectively under pressure or finding shooting lanes to deliver shots on net. One highlight was an excellent pass he made under pressure and off a broken play to set up a teammate in the shooting area for Buffalo’s second power-play goal of the game. Defensively, Aiello showed strong one-on-one positioning and managed his gaps assertively. While he possesses good physical size and uses it effectively to gain territorial advantage, his game remains puck-focused and disciplined. Aiello is a reliable puck-moving defenseman with the potential to be highly effective at the junior level. With the right development support and opportunities, he has the tools to evolve into a college-level player. Grade: B+