Neutral Zone was in attendance at the NAHL Prospects Combine in St. Louis, Missouri, from March 28-30, 2025. Below are 52 standout players, coached by NAHL and NA3HL coaches during the weekend, who received grades based solely on their performance at the event. The players in this report were born between 2009 and 2011.
Dennis Vickers, NAHL’s Director of Player Personnel, hosted an NAHL Educational Seminar that delved into the junior hockey experience, the ladder of development, and NCAA compliance. Players learned about key aspects of their hockey futures, including NCAA eligibility, the recruiting process, and the correct path to college hockey, along with an in-depth look at the three tiers of junior hockey.
Each player has been given a grade based solely on their performance at this event.
Bobcats
Jack Figgemeier #2 (D, 6’2″, 215, CarShield 16U, 04/14/2009) – Figgemeier is a 6’2″, 215-pound defenseman who was difficult to play against. He used his size and strength to effectively disrupt plays and shut down the opposition. He read the game well, positioning himself in the right spots to make key defensive plays. While his edge work could have used some improvement, his gap control allowed him to maintain tight coverage. Figgemeier was also effective in transitioning the puck, making clean tape-to-tape outlet passes to initiate the offensive rush. His physical presence and strong defensive awareness made him valuable on the blue line, as he constantly broke up plays and covered for his partner well when needed. He was a team player, which was refreshing to see despite this being a combine. Grade: A-
Evan Frye #5 (D, 5’9″, 190, Undecided/Unknown, 05/04/2010) – Frye is a 5’9″, 190-pound defenseman with average lateral agility along the blue line, but he compensated with a deceptive low shot that created opportunities for tips in front of the net. His ability to get pucks through traffic and into the slot was noted on multiple occasions. While his agility could have been improved, his shot selection and positioning allowed him to create scoring chances for his linemates. His presence on the blue line and his ability to create impactful plays in front of the net were key strengths that he brought to the weekend. Frye also used his speed in the neutral zone, intercepting long passes with proper reads and timing. Grade: B
Colin Powers #9 (F, R, 5’6″, 125, Affton Americans 15U, 04/02/2009) – Powers’ puck protection was showcased; he used his body effectively to shield the puck from defenders and maintained control even under heavy pressure in the offensive zone, driving to the net. He executed his checks with confidence and played a physical game. During his zone entry, he carried the puck into the offensive zone with speed, navigating tough areas and creating scoring opportunities for his linemates. Colin’s blend of physicality and skill made him a reliable two-way player during the event. Additionally, he led several effective rushes up the ice with his speed, agility, and puck-handling ability. Grade: B
Beau Smith #10 (F, 5’9″, 150, Kansas City Knights, 04/28/2009) – Smith was a workhorse who drove hard to the net and created multiple rebound chances on quality shots. He was aggressive and tenacious, constantly battling for position and never giving up on plays. He would attack from the corner and fight for loose pucks around the crease, which made him a menace. His relentless style and determination in the play made him hard to play against, especially during high-pressure situations. He also led a few rushes up the ice using his speed, agility, and puck-handling ability. Grade: B+
Jae Yang #17 (F, R, 5’7″, 134, St. Louis Jr. Blues U15, 10/19/2010) – Yang, who is 5’6″ and weighs 130 pounds, showcased his strong lateral agility, speed, and ability to play a physical game. He skated exceptionally well, using his edges to navigate through traffic and create offensive opportunities with low shots, looking for rebounds off the opposite pad. His shot was solid, and he could release it quickly when in position, particularly with his quick snapshot. Yang’s zone entry allowed him to gain the offensive zone with control, at times leading the charge on the attack. His speed on the forecheck as an F1 was remarkable, forcing many defenders to throw the pucks away under his pressure. He also had bursts of speed, which he utilized effectively on both the offensive and defensive ends, backchecking hard and consistently getting into defensive positions to help. Grade: B+
Grit
Kane Baskett #12 (F, 5’8″, 160, CarShield U14, 05/14/2010) – Baskett was a skilled forward with a smooth zone entry and excellent puck handling. He possessed excellent hands, allowing him to navigate through defenders and maintain control in tight spaces. With a heads-up approach to the game, Baskett consistently made smart decisions that led to offensive opportunities. His blend of refined puck skills and keen awareness made him a constant threat on the ice. Grade: C+
Carter Davis #16 (F, 5’1″, 98, Undecided/Unknown, 11/30/2010) – Davis, a 5’1″, 98-pound player, may have had a smaller stature, but he made up for it with speed and tenacity. His quickness allowed him to navigate through traffic and create scoring opportunities, while his relentless work ethic ensured he never backed down from a challenge. Davis was a feisty player and, in high-pressure situations, used his speed and determination to outwork opponents. Despite his size, he played with a big heart. However, he sometimes struggled against larger, stronger opponents. Grade: C+
Jack Flaugher #18 (F, L, 5’3″, 106, CarShield U14, 09/15/2011) – Flaugher, born in 2011 and standing 5’5″ at 110 pounds, played a solid overall game with his positioning and a strong understanding of defensive responsibilities. However, his backchecking sometimes lagged, and he occasionally struggled to match the pace of the play. His skating, while functional, was a bit slow for this high-pace level, limiting his ability to transition quickly from offense to defense. Grade: C
Luke Grupe #13 (F, 5’9″, 150, CarShield U14, 07/15/2010) – Grupe, who stands 5’8″ and weighs 160 pounds, has a solid frame, speed, and slick mitts. He showcased his puck handling by often weaving in and out with strong zone entries that created multiple quality shots on net. He possessed hands that allowed him to navigate through defenders and maintain control in tight spaces. With a heads-up approach to the game, Grupe made smart decisions that led to offensive opportunities. Grade: B-
Carter Roberts #4 (D, 6’0″, 185, Undecided/Unknown, 07/13/2010) – Roberts showcased gap control, effectively keeping opposing players at bay and preventing easy entries into the zone. He made quick, well-placed snaps from the blue line, creating offensive opportunities while maintaining a solid defensive presence. His lateral agility allowed him to move smoothly and react quickly, adjusting to the flow of the game. Roberts’ combination of strong gap control, accurate shooting, and excellent lateral movement made him an effective player during the weekend. Grade: B-
Tanner Roessler #8 (F, 5’9″, 130, Affton Americans 15U, 06/30/2009) – Roessler is a forward with a powerful shot and great speed. He demonstrated his lateral agility and four-way mobility, which allowed him to maneuver easily through tight spaces. His forward speed made him a constant threat, and he did not slow down. For example, he went through two defenders to score with a snipe on the weak side. Roessler’s strong stick and ability to travel through defenses without issue often made defenders look like traffic cones. Grade: B+
Christopher Springer #17 (F, R, 5’7″, 134, CarShield U14, 02/17/2011) – Springer, born in 2011 and standing 5’6″ and weighing 135 pounds, was a tenacious player who excelled at disrupting the opposition’s offensive flow. He intercepted multiple passes at the blue line, using his awareness and positioning to turn defense into offense. He took shots on net, fought for loose pucks, and capitalized on rebounds. After sneaking into the slot, he secured his rebound and scored. His ability to read the play, finish in high-pressure situations, and battle for second-chance opportunities made him valuable. In another game, he delivered a quick weak-side snipe to tie the game. Grade: B+
Edward Winkofsky #9 (F, R, 5’7″, 145, Chicago Sabres 15U, 07/24/2009) – Winkofsky was a tenacious player who brought a gritty mentality to every shift, always looking to make an impact on the ice. He played with determination and was tough to contain, often using his sneaky, slippery movements to evade the opposition. Winkofsky consistently made crisp tape-to-tape passes, producing offensive chances. In addition to his offensive contributions, he wasn’t afraid to block shots, and he also played a physical role. Grade: B-
Icerays
Andreas Brown #4 (D, 5’11”, 160, Dallas Penguins U14, 12/18/2010) – Brown is a defenseman with a strong, hard shot from the point, consistently aiming for low shots that create rebound opportunities. His passes are accurate and efficient, often connecting tape-to-tape. Brown demonstrates solid gap control, makes precise outlet passes, and effectively skates the puck out of the defensive zone when needed. His overall play is marked by consistency and a strong defensive presence. While he excels in backward skating and holds his own in his end, forcing opponents to the outside in one-on-one situations, his transitions and forward explosiveness could use improvement. Brown plays with physicality and uses his strong stick and reach effectively, though he can overextend at times. In transition, he consistently makes multiple passes up to his forwards, threading the puck through tight windows to advance the play. Grade: B+
Creighton Brown #16 (D, 5’8″, 153, CarShield U15, 08/29/2010) – Brown showcased a strong shot, especially when he sniped the glove-side corner just below the circle. He read the play well, found open space, and took advantage of the goaltender’s weakness. However, his agility needs some refinement, as he sometimes appeared a bit hesitant in tight spaces. Grade: B-
Zachary Diebold #6 (D, 5’10”, 145, CarShield U14, 07/02/2010) – Diebold showcased impressive lateral agility on the blue line, which allowed him to read and react quickly to plays. He displayed a keen sense of the ice, consistently making well-placed shots and deceptive plays that kept opponents off balance. His strong gap control enabled him to effectively defend against rushes, and he excelled in breakout situations by delivering tape-to-tape outlet passes to transition the puck out of the defensive zone with precision. Defensively, he was effective overall, though he occasionally got caught out of position by roaming too high. Nevertheless, he used his skating ability to recover quickly and had a strong stick. Grade: B+
Michael Dorn #12 (F, 5’9″, 140, Undecided/Unknown, 07/02/2009) – Dorn demonstrated strong lateral movement and solid puck control, using his hands effectively to protect the puck under pressure. He confidently drove the play from the defensive zone and on zone entry, often holding onto the puck to create time and space for his linemates. With his situational awareness, he executed clean zone entries and consistently crashed the net to generate scoring chances. Although he made quick, effective passes off zone entries, he tended to stay on the perimeter instead of driving toward the middle of the ice. Dorn was tenacious on the puck this weekend, driving through contact and battling effectively for pucks down low, moving them to the slot for scoring opportunities. Grade: B
Wyatt Gula #14 (F, 6’0″, 155, CarShield U14, 02/08/2010) – Gula had clean zone entries and a strong drive to the net. As soon as he crossed the blue line, he bolted to the net. He escaped pressure with tight punch turns, allowing him to maintain control and generate offensive opportunities. Gula protected the puck well, using his strength and positioning to keep defenders at bay. His shot was quick and powerful, making him a constant threat when he was in shooting range. At one point, Gula was found in the slot; he quickly located the puck and secured a goal in tight. Grade: A-
Karl Hilderman #13 (F, 5’10”, 160, Esmark Stars U15, 08/16/2009) – Hilderman showcased a strong presence around the net, particularly in tight areas. Capitalizing on loose pucks, he scored a rebound goal in the slot to tie the game. His long reach proved effective in board battles and in the slot, and he played a strong physical game. Hilderman’s knack for being in the right place at the right time made him a reliable offensive contributor. Additionally, he demonstrated situational awareness by scanning for options and making smart passes into dangerous areas, even though his linemates were unable to capitalize on them. Grade: A-
Evan Holt #15 (F, L, 5’11”, 170, CarShield U14, 06/10/2010) – Holt is a speedy forward who had slick hands and the ability to handle the puck. His quickness allowed him to navigate tight spaces and create scoring chances, while his stickhandling skills made him a threat in one-on-one situations with the defense. Holt’s ability to combine speed with finesse made him an effective forward, and he was a dynamic presence on the ice. Grade: B+
Kyson Hoyt #17 (F, 5’7″, 120, St. Louis Sting U14, 10/16/2010) – Hoyt is a speedy forward with soft hands and a quick snap, delivering a hard shot even while releasing in stride. Despite his 5’7″, 120-pound frame, his speed created opportunities in transition and helped him generate space. Although his straight-line speed was a strength, improving his abductor leg strength and edge work would enhance his lateral agility in tight areas. With his vision, he connected with his linemates on passes during rushes. Additionally, he showcased puck-handling skills at moderate speed. Grade: C+
Cohen Satre #10 (F, 5’9″, 118, Undecided/Unknown, 04/01/2009) – Satre has a solid understanding of positional play. While he can be a bit hesitant at times, he remained disciplined and focused on his defensive responsibilities. Offensively, he contributed with low, controlled shots that created rebound opportunities. Grade: C
Alijah Small #5 (D, 5’4″, 120, Undecided/Unknown, 04/07/2010) – Small is a defenseman with strong offensive instincts. He possesses a quick snap and consistently gets low, accurate shots on net, creating rebound opportunities for forwards. Small actively engages opposing players, disrupting plays while maintaining strong positioning. His vision was noted, allowing him to read the ice well and make smart decisions under pressure. He led a zone entry three-on-one, broke the play down, and found an open trailing linemate. His passes are crisp, and he effectively controls the play and buys time with the puck using his skating and reach. Defensively, he has a strength advantage over most players and plays with physicality, especially in one-on-one situations. Grade: B+
Carson Trader #19 (F, 5’8″, 172, CarShield 16U, 08/06/2009) – Trader was a speedy 5’8″, 172-pound forward who excelled at leading zone entries with pace and control. His ability to carry the puck through the neutral zone and enter the offensive end with speed put pressure on opposing defenders. His skating allowed him to create space and set up scoring opportunities. He was also strong defensively, consistently intercepting passes. Additionally, his physicality was noted as he delivered several impactful hits. Grade: B
Rhinos
Jayson Drezek #2 (D, 5’11”, 155, CarShield U14, 01/13/2010) – Drezek was a defenseman who carried the puck into the zone and played a 200-foot game. He demonstrated solid gap control and positioning. He was particularly effective in tight areas around the net where he maintained excellent awareness, moving opponents out of the way. When he actively joined the offensive rush, he was a productive point producer. During the game against the Steel, Drezek scored a goal with an effective shot to the blocker side, just below the skate, after sneaking in and pinching behind the winger unnoticed. He was a dominant force in the defensive zone that the Steel had trouble challenging. Jayson is poised to excel at the next level. Grade: A-
Anthony Elwyn #13 (F, 5’9″, 165, Undecided/Unknown, 07/27/2010) – Elwyn capitalized on scoring opportunities with a low shot, as demonstrated when he found the back of the net with a well-placed shot to the blocker side, hitting the goaltender’s skate to make it 4-0. While he has a keen eye for offensive chances, there are moments when he tends to back off and let opponents go by, particularly behind the net. He has good vision in the offensive zone, finding linemates down low off the cycle as he was scanning for options. Grade: B
Carter King #11 (F, L, 5’7″, 134, Nashville Jr. Predators U15, 04/14/2010) – King excelled at escaping multiple hits and maintaining possession under pressure. He moved the puck effectively up the ice during zone entries, setting up offensive plays with precise, crisp passes. Off the faceoff, King was quick to react, often making key passes and creating opportunities for his team. He attacked the net with speed, using his physicality to break through the defense and any forward who skated his way. Grade: B-
Conrad Kusnierkiewicz #9 (F, 6’2″, 180, Affton Americans 16U, 07/26/2009) – Kusnierkiewicz played a tough, physical game and was hard to play against, using his strength and tenacity to disrupt the defense. He skated with speed, allowing for effective zone entries where he created opportunities to cut to the middle of the ice and get shots on net. Kusnierkiewicz made a key pass to the slot and scored the second goal with a precise five-hole snipe. His physicality, speed, and offensive awareness made him a well-rounded player who was hard to contain. Grade: B+
Logan Lakoff #4 (D, 5’5″, 165, Nashville Jr. Predators U14, 08/18/2010) – Lakoff showcased solid escape ability with his strong skating base, enabling him to navigate tight spaces and evade pressure. His quickness and smooth stride made him effective on both offense and defense. He moved the puck efficiently, maintaining control while distributing it to create scoring opportunities for his teammates. He also showed confidence on the offensive blue line, finding the open forward down low or getting shots through from the point. Grade: B
Ethan Miller #8 (F, 5’9″, 150, Undecided/Unknown, 07/14/2009) – Miller, a 5’9″, 150-pound forward, came off the wall with purpose in the offensive zone, showing strong determination as he battled for pucks and dug them out. Once he had possession, he used his lateral agility to cut across the ice and drive to the net with his quick snap, creating scoring chances and finding soft areas. Miller was effective at firing low shots on net, strategically aiming to generate rebounds for his linemates. His relentless work ethic and his ability to make plays in tight spaces made him fun to watch. Grade: B+
William Pikey #3 (D, L, 6’2″, 174, Sonoma County Flyers, 04/16/2009) – Pikey, a defenseman listed at 6’3″ and 190 pounds, demonstrated strong gap control, effectively preventing opposing players from gaining easy entry into his zone by shutting them down. He made accurate outlet passes to transition the puck up the ice, as he read plays well and could escape the strong forecheck of the Steel’s forwards. Pikey was particularly effective in the corners, using his physicality and positioning to win battles. His blue line agility allowed him to move smoothly and react swiftly to offensive pressure. Additionally, he was effective with low, hard shots on net, often creating rebound opportunities. He stepped up aggressively in the neutral zone, effectively breaking up potential zone entries with his ability to get his stick on the puck. However, he sometimes chased too much in the defensive zone when the opposing team was set up, and his quick, disruptive stick could have been better utilized in those situations. Grade: A-
Michael Reed #12 (F, 5’7″, 121, Undecided/Unknown, 07/18/2010) – Reed is a speedy forward who works hard in all aspects of the game. While his speed allows him to create opportunities and pressure the opposition, his edge work could use improvement to enhance his agility in tight spaces. Reed excels in the faceoff circle, consistently winning key draws to gain possession. His zone entry skills enable him to carry the puck into the offensive zone with control, setting up plays and creating offensive chances. With continued development in his skating, Reed has the potential to become a more dynamic player. Grade: C+
Gunner Smith #14 (F, 5’9″, 152, Omaha Mastery U14, 10/06/2010) – Smith, a 5’9″, 152-pound forward, had a hard, powerful shot that unfortunately did not find the back of the net against the Steel. He played exceptionally well in all aspects of the game, demonstrating four-way mobility that allowed him to move efficiently. His ability to make quick reads and anticipate plays was evident, as was his knack for delivering crisp passes and shots. On zone entries, he attempted to drive to the middle. Grade: B
Steel
Beckett Adams #3 (D, L, 6’1″, 150, Music City Marauders 14U, 03/18/2010) – Adams may be smaller in stature, but his impact on the ice was notable. He demonstrated gap control, keeping forwards at bay, but some still got behind. He used his high hockey IQ to read plays and make rapid, smart decisions on both ends of the ice. Offensively, he consistently fired low shots that created rebound opportunities for his linemates. Defensively, his positioning and ability to maintain strong coverage in tight situations made him reliable. Additionally, Adams created space behind the net, using his edges to deceive opponents before initiating a breakout pass or a rush. Grade: B-
Brenden Donohoe #10 (F, R, 6’0″, 198, McKinney North Stars 16U AA, 12/20/2009) – Donohoe is an all-around solid skater with a big body that he uses to his advantage, especially when driving to the net. During the weekend, he controlled the zone entries, using his strength and skating ability to enter the offensive zone with control. Donohoe consistently took multiple shots, creating scoring opportunities and applying pressure on the opposing defense. He is effective at coming out of the corners with the puck, utilizing his four-way mobility and lateral agility to evade defenders and generate offensive chances. Donohoe played a smart, well-rounded game, making intelligent decisions both offensively and defensively. His combination of size, skill, and hockey sense made him a key asset on the ice. On a breakaway, he made a top-shelf, glove-side snipe, showing his slick mitts and power. At times, his gritty style of play stood out on both sides of the puck, positioning himself effectively to force turnovers in the neutral zone. Grade: A-
Ashton Effertz #13 (F, 5’7″, 125, Milwaukee Jr. Admirals U14, 06/28/2010) – Effertz is a quick skater with a powerful stride and lateral agility, allowing him to move efficiently up and down the ice. As a forward, he combines speed with solid playmaking ability, consistently making effective passes to create offensive opportunities. Effertz plays a physical game, using his strength to battle for pucks and engage in board battles. His combination of speed, skill, and physicality made him a well-rounded and impactful presence on the ice for the combine. He sniped a low left circle shot off the post after catching a crisp pass from Kress. Ashton catches pucks at full stride, not interrupting his speed. Even when the pressure was on, he managed to dish out tricky, sharp-angled passes that weaved right through opponents, keeping the momentum and offensive push alive. Grade: B+
Connor Forness #5 (D, R, 5’8″, 130, CarShield U14, 08/19/2010) – Forness has solid defensive structure and gap control, making it difficult for opponents to gain easy entry into the zone. He moved the puck efficiently along the blue line, distributing it to maintain offensive pressure. His lateral agility allowed him to react quickly to attacking players and close down passing lanes. Forness was also effective at blocking shots, sacrificing his body to protect his net. His strong defensive play and ability to contribute offensively make him a reliable asset on the blue line. On the rush, Forness kept his head up and cut back to establish space for further attack or push the puck deeper into the zone. Grade: B
Aidan Kress #8 (F, R, 5’9″, 151, Connecticut Jr. Rangers 15O, 05/30/2009) – Kress played a relentless physical game, consistently absorbing hits to make plays. He wasn’t afraid to go to the net, taking low shots and looking for rebounds to create second-chance opportunities. His tenacity and determination were evident as he kept pushing, never backing down from physical battles. Kress’s ability to maintain his intensity throughout the game and his relentless work ethic made him an asset for the team. He scored a goal just below the circle by taking a low shot that hit the lower post, far side. He had a penalty shot in the game and got robbed, but he was in a scoring position. The shot was read and well-played by the goaltender. Grade: B+
Brooks McClary #14 (F, 5’4″, 120, CarShield U15, 09/17/2010) – McClary moves with pace and possesses a drive-to-the-net mentality. He was showcased sneaking through traffic to find the soft areas on the ice. He backchecks like a machine and boasts an accurate snapshot. He demonstrated a sharp glove-side snipe that found the back of the net during a zone entry. Consistently, he drove hard to the puck, always finding open ice to create scoring opportunities, and his off-the-wall movement opened up passing lanes for his teammates. His crisp tape-to-tape pass in the offensive zone even led to an assist. All in all, he wasn’t afraid to play a physical game and carry the puck through contact. Grade: B+
Logan McDonald #19 (F, R, 5’6″, 135, Wisconsin Jr. Guardians 13U, 01/30/2011) – McDonald, a speedy forward, uses his hustle and forecheck to great effect. Instead of simply chasing the puck, he rotated well, intercepting passes by transitioning from his F1 position to F3 and demonstrating his hockey sense. His forechecking throughout the weekend helped create breakaways for himself by picking off passes and knocking pucks out of the air. This allowed him to use his speed to get past defenders and drive to the net. In his F1 role, McDonald applied pressure that forced defenders into rushed decisions, often causing turnovers. His burst and agility made him a threat on both ends of the ice; he backchecked hard and consistently positioned himself well. Although his zone entry could improve at times, he played a physical, gritty game, taking hits, and he had a strong net-front presence and was wide open most of the time. Additionally, he blocked shots, delivered hits that forced turnovers, and made cross-ice tape-to-tape feeds to initiate breakouts from the defensive zone. Grade: B+
Ian Nicholson #9 (F, L, 5’8″, 150, Oakmoor Academy Patriots 16U AAA, 06/17/2009) – Nicholson moved with great pace, particularly on zone entries where his forward speed stood out. He would cut to the middle during these plays, head on a swivel, on the lookout for opportunities in the high-danger areas of the ice. While his quick snapshot was a powerful weapon, his lateral agility and edge work needed improvement to evade defenders better in tight spaces. Despite this, his speed and offense made him a threat on the attack, as he continually looked to drive the play forward. During the showcase, he delivered a crisp tape-to-tape pass to Kress in the offensive zone, which led to a goal. Grade: B
Tanner Wurth #12 (F, L, 5’6″, 130, Tri-State Spartans 14U, 03/29/2010) – Wurth played a 200-foot game. His skating and lateral agility allowed him to drive play seamlessly on both ends of the ice, making him a constant threat in all zones. He confidently carried the puck through zone entries, using his exceptional vision and smart decision-making to create scoring chances for his linemates. This combination of speed, agility, and hockey sense stood out over the weekend. Grade: B-
Wranglers
Biel Benito Gutierrez #35 (G, L, Tri-State Spartans 14U, 01/01/2010) – At 5’8″ and 120 pounds, Gutierrez seemed to have strong lateral agility, especially off the post. He tracked the puck incredibly well, maintaining his focus and positioning even through heavy traffic in front of the net. Over the weekend, he faced constant pressure and made saves on both his glove and blocker sides. He read the play and reacted quickly, even when heavily peppered with shots. Gutierrez challenged shooters by staying square and giving up minimal angles on initial shots. Although a bit smaller in stature, he made himself big in the crease by keeping his chest up and tracking pucks through traffic with minimal rebounds. There were a few times he occasionally did overshoot when getting back into position laterally, but his overall positioning, rebound control, and aggressive play made difficult saves look routine. Grade: A-
Robert Cornell #8 (F, 5’9″, 141, Undecided/Unknown, 01/02/2009) – Listed at 5’9″ and 145 pounds, he was a gritty player with an aggressive and tenacious style. He was a “Junkyard Dog” as he was relentless on the ice. He drew a penalty and delivered a precise penalty shot snipe to the blocker side. He was strong on the forecheck, and his physical play combined with his determination made him a force to reckon with both offensively and defensively. Grade: B-
Jack Fischer #18 (F, L, 5’4″, 108, CarShield U14, 02/11/2011) – Fischer drove hard to the net and executed strong zone entries. He used his speed and slippery moves to navigate through defenders, while his lateral agility allowed him to evade pressure and create scoring opportunities. In the offensive zone, he came off the wall and unleashed a quick, low shot that forced a rebound before connecting with a teammate. Fischer also slowed down the game to control the tempo, dictating the flow with his forward speed, vision, and precise passes. Grade: B-
Alexander Gathard #2 (D, 5’9″, 155, Sacred Heart-Griffin High, 01/20/2009) – Gathard read plays well and consistently maintained strong gap control. He secured the blue line, prevented entries, and disrupted the opposition’s offensive flow. He had effective outlet passes and transitioned the puck quickly to ignite the offense. Gathard played a hard, tenacious game, combining physicality with a disciplined approach to defense. His presence on the ice was key to shutting down the opposition and driving the play forward, and at the offensive blue line, he walked the line effectively, showcasing quick hands and edgework. Grade: B
Liam Kaus #4 (D, L, 5’6″, 130, Milwaukee Jr. Admirals U15, 12/05/2009) – Kaus showcased strong gap control and quick snapshots from the point, consistently aiming for low shots that created rebound opportunities for his forwards. He walked the blue line with excellent lateral movement, using his agility to deceive opponents and create space. Kaus played a strong game, finishing his hits and engaging physically when necessary. He was effective at escaping pressure and had a keen sense of when to pinch in the offensive zone. Defensively, he gapped up on the rush well and knocked pucks away with his stick when stepping up. His combination of strong defensive awareness, physicality, and offensive instincts made him a well-rounded and impactful player on both ends of the ice over the weekend. Grade: A-
Caden Miller #6 (D, 5’9″, 155, Northwest High, 06/24/2010) – Miller was a two-way defenseman who excelled at playing the full 200 feet of ice. He possessed excellent vision, allowing him to read plays and make smart decisions on both ends. Miller was skilled at delivering crisp tape-to-tape outlet passes that quickly transitioned the puck up the ice. He also knew when to pinch effectively, joining the offensive rush when the situation called for it, and he delivered precise passes to teammates that led to scoring chances while showcasing a powerful shot release. Although his overall game was strong, he could have benefited from improving his edge work to enhance his mobility in tighter spaces. Grade: B-
Aiden Rodkey #12 (F, R, 5’9″, 126, Islanders HC West 15U, 06/20/2009) – Rodkey was a speedy forward with pace on zone entries. He used his speed to drive directly to the net, carving his way into the slot and creating scoring opportunities with strong offensive instincts. He showcased his skills by skating in and delivering a well-placed shot that found the back of the net with a precise snipe aimed at the corner. He consistently drove hard to the net, battling through contact, and was equally effective on defense, disrupting opponents’ D-to-D passes with an aggressive forecheck and strong stick. Meanwhile, Aiden excelled at finding open space and making himself available on offense, and his strong defensive awareness allowed him to identify threats in his zone and effectively pick up the loose man. Grade: A-
Harold Segars #17 (F, R, 5’7″, 119, Music City Marauders 14U, 10/12/2010) – Segars IV motors up the ice with speed and determination, consistently pushing the pace of the game. While he made a few mispasses, he quickly corrected these with his skating and zone entries, showcasing his resilience and adaptability. His ability to use speed to create space and transition was noted. What impressed me was his quick recovery after he made some mistakes. It is refreshing to see such maturity, focus, and work ethic in a young athlete. Grade: C+
Brandon Suh #13 (F, L, 6’0″, 150, Milwaukee Jr. Admirals U15, 08/04/2009) – Suh was one of the top players on the team, displaying strong lateral agility and executing effective zone entries with speed. His net-front presence was notable, particularly with point-blank shots, and he had a keen sense for finding the right spots around the net. He demonstrated his scoring ability with a goal from the slot, showcasing his quick hands and accuracy under pressure. Although he could be a bit skittish at times, he consistently drove hard to the net through contact and was effective defensively, disrupting opponents’ passes with his stick. His vision and ability to read the play were showcased, and he competed hard in all areas of the ice while actively communicating with teammates and maintaining a strong work ethic. Grade: A-
Dylan Sutter #16 (F, 5’1″, 107, CarShield U14, 08/12/2010) – Sutter is a slippery forward, small in stature at 5’1″ and 107 pounds, who had several tips and redirected pucks in front of the net. His strong skating, positive edge work, and four-way mobility allowed him to move with ease. His lateral agility and speed made him an offensive threat, especially during zone entries where he quickly broke through the defense. He demonstrated an ability to maneuver in tight spaces and executed quick transitions. Furthermore, he applied relentless pressure that forced defenders into quick decisions, often resulting in turnovers. His burst and agility made him annoying to the opposition. He backchecked aggressively and consistently maintained strong positioning. Grade: B
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling