PG Winter Classic 15U
Neutral Zone evaluated the PG Winter Classic U15 tournament, held at various rinks around New Jersey from January 23rd to 25th. The host Woodbridge Wolfpack dominated the competition, posting a 3-0 record with a +16 goal differential and proving virtually unstoppable. Despite Woodbridge’s dominance, the tournament showcased quality talent from the Atlantic region, with a total of 21 teams in attendance from Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Massachusetts, and Michigan. The top performers from this event are listed below.
American Hockey Academy 15U
Esteban Loyer #26 (D, L, 6’0″, 140, American Hockey Academy 15U, 01/18/2010) – Loyer is a mobile, mid-sized defenceman for AHA who played a versatile role in all situations throughout the weekend. He leads the back end for his team, often playing on his offside without showing any issues in puck distribution and transition. He prefers to use his legs and carry pucks out of the zone, but at times he overhandled the puck, resulting in turnovers. Loyer navigated the neutral zone with his head up, but his zone entries could be cleaner. When he entered out wide in a simple manner, his pace created openings through the middle of the ice for interior options off the rush. Loyer demonstrates a decent amount of athleticism in his mobility but didn’t consistently stay square to attackers, leaving him susceptible to getting beat through the middle of the ice off the rush. Late in a close game against the Little Flyers, Loyer played every other shift and was a key part of the blue line. He possesses quality tools that help his team in all situations. Grade: C+
Atlantic Coast Academy U15
Edward Bolduc # (F, L, 5’10”, 150, Atlantic Coast Academy U15, 09/01/2010) – Bolduc has a smooth stride, moving almost elegantly around the ice. He displayed an active stick on the forecheck, steering pucks to the boards and closing down time and space to force turnovers and mishandles without being overly physical. Bolduc has a nose for the net and can sniff out scoring chances, though he lacked the final touch and didn’t score. His smooth speed looked effortless, yet he managed to buzz around the ice with calculated aggression. Bolduc provided support in his own zone, working inside out with a smart stick, and can also toe drag defenders with dangling ability off the rush. He is a versatile forward who can be important defensively while also contributing offensively. Grade: B-
Logan Carrier #55 (D, R, 6’0″, 185, Atlantic Coast Academy U15, 07/15/2010) – Carrier plays a stout defensive game and is reliable in his own zone and off the rush. He isn’t flashy with his puck movement or a frequent scorer, but he plays a productive and supportive brand of hockey from the back end, making life easier for his partners. Carrier is relatively light on his feet and mobile enough to use his legs to initiate a breakout if necessary, but he prefers to gain momentum up ice and distribute a crisp first pass out wide. He can skate through contact and withstand harassment, but he doesn’t hold onto the puck for long, limiting risk and turnover situations. When defending the rush, he stays inside the dots, taking away the middle of the ice with his positioning and active stick, smartly taking the body when needed. Carrier clears loose pucks in front with a firm stick and boxes out opponents to limit secondary scoring chances. While not always pretty or highly skilled, his approach is effective at both ends of the ice. Grade: B-
Arnolds Daugulis #12 (F, L, 5’11”, 150, Atlantic Coast Academy U15, 04/17/2010) – Daugulis had a productive game against the WBS Knights, scoring twice with his nose for the net. He is a mid-sized forward who likes to play with skill and finesse when possible. He opened the scoring after taking a puck chipped by his linemate behind the defender at the blue line, then raced to the net on an angle, faked a shot, and cut to the crease to beat the goalie far post on his backhand. He also capitalized on an opposition’s mistake, corralling a missed touch in the slot and beating the goalie short side on his backhand without needing to stickhandle. He could be more engaged defensively, as he sometimes swiped at pucks and lost focus off the puck, but he transformed into a different player with possession. Grade: C+
Brandon Gillard #13 (F, L, 5’10”, 163, Atlantic Coast Academy U15, 01/29/2010) – Gillard is a mid-sized forward with a high level of puck skills, allowing him to create off the rush and transform with the puck on his stick. He displayed slick hands, dangling defenders off the rush and out of the corners with smooth touches, pulling pucks through his legs, flipping them over sticks, and getting creative with space creation in possession. Brandon has a powerful shot but needs space to unleash it and is hesitant to go to the interior ice and get to dangerous areas. He avoids compressed ice and body contact, shying away from checks and slowing down in battles to avoid first contact. Defensively, he seemed disinterested, waving his stick around and not fully engaged, but his intensity increased when offense was involved. He has a quick, snappy release when given time, making it difficult for goalies to track. He scored after a turnover in the slot, patiently one-touching a pass from the goal line far side low past the goaltender. He did give the puck away at times when he had time and space and skated offside with over-eagerness, but his stick skills are undeniable. Grade: C+
Julian Piotr Panasewicz #16 (F, L, 5’11”, 172, Atlantic Coast Academy U15, 05/03/2010) – Panasewicz is an honest, 200-foot forward who plays a supportive game with calculation, not overspeed, and can be depended on in all situations. He was ACA’s leading scorer with 4 points in 3 games and was relied on for the power play, penalty kill, and late-game situations. Julian is not the fastest skater but is efficient with his stride and has more of a freight-train speed when he gets going. He is a sizeable forward who is patient in possession, allowing plays to develop, and can extend offensive zone time with his handling and shielding on the perimeter. Panasewicz touched and threaded pucks through tight spaces out of the corners, advancing pucks to scoring areas with his vision. While he doesn’t separate with pace and quickness, his firmness and anticipation prevent pressure from developing. He made two subtle plays in the neutral zone that led to goals. First, he took a regroup pass inside the red line, drew in the defender, and chipped it around him for Daugulis to pick up and score off the rush. Then, on the wing, he redirected a stretch pass with a defender on him for Terry to pick up speed. He then supported the play as the trailer, took a drop pass, and fired a shot past the goaltender’s ears. He is a smart, two-way forward who could be deployed in all situations. Grade: B
Ruben Terry #60 (F, L, 5’7″, 154, Atlantic Coast Academy U15, 01/27/2010) – Terry is an undersized speedster who plays on the flank with pace, winning races and maintaining speed with the puck. He zips around the ice with excellent acceleration and pace, turning defenders and creating space for his linemates. His choppy stride allows him to explode out of the gate and generate power with fast, strong crossovers before taking off in straight lines. Against the Knights, he darted through the middle of the ice to support a play, taking a redirected pass on the move, entering out wide, and touching it through the defender to Panasewicz, who scored. Defenders must respect his speed, which creates problems down low as he creates passing lanes to distribute and then heads to the net. Ruben finished the weekend with a goal and two assists. Grade: B-
Black Bear Academy 15U
Matt Capalbo #12 (D, R, 5’6″, 130, Black Bear Academy 15U, 08/01/2010) – Capalbo is Black Bear’s primary puck distributor from the back end. An undersized, mobile defenceman, he advances the puck effectively with both his skating and crisp first passes. He quarterbacks the power play, facilitating opportunities from the point by keeping his head up and using his eyes to move penalty killers. He assisted on a play where he received a pass and looked weak side, drawing all penalty killers to one side, then touched the puck back to Pate, who had space and found a redirection in front of the net. Capalbo doesn’t often shoot unless the opportunity is clear, and his shot could benefit from more power to be more effective. He displays decent escape ability and trickery behind his own net, where he can execute quick, tight turns and then find his first passing option. Matt played multiple shifts in overtime against Mid-Fairfield, where his mobility was best utilized in the open ice. Despite not being the biggest skater, Capalbo potentially saved the game by matching the pace of an attacking Scranton player in a one-on-one situation and disrupting him just enough before he could get a dangerous shot off, dislodging the puck. This effort led to a goal by Pate seconds later. Grade: B-
Denis Drobyshev #89 (F, L, 5’9″, 150, Black Bear Academy 15U, 10/26/2010) – Drobyshev is a smaller, skilled forward who spent most of the weekend on the flank with Pate. He started the first game strongly, scoring twice and adding the only shootout goal for his team in a 3-2 loss. He is a slippery possession forward capable of both distributing the puck and finishing plays, with a keen sense for finding scoring areas both with and without the puck. While not the fastest skater, his anticipation allows him to position himself in threatening areas. He scored his first goal after a coverage breakdown, where his centering pass to Pate was deflected, leaving him alone in front of the net to redirect a pass from the corner past the goaltender’s pad. He later scored on the power play from the bumper position, backing into space, catching a pass on his forehand, and firing a shot high blocker that hit the crossbar and went in. His performance was inconsistent at times, showing offensive creativity with his vision and touch but occasionally being too timid and staying on the perimeter. Grade: B-
Sean Dzhugostran #5 (D, R, 5’8″, 145, Black Bear Academy 15U, 11/24/2010) – Dzhugostran is a mid-sized defenceman who takes a simplistic approach at both ends of the ice. He uses an active and accurate stick to poke pucks loose from carriers, forcing plays wide. He effectively uses body contact to dislodge pucks and create turnovers without resorting to big hits. While his passes were occasionally rushed and inaccurate, and his point shots need more power to reach the net, he is a reliable defenceman in his own zone. Grade: C
Alexandr Kim #17 (F, L, 5’7″, 140, Black Bear Academy 15U, 03/02/2010) – Kim is a smaller winger who plays with pace, utilizing his speed to win races and initiate offensive zone pressure. He possesses fluid skating ability, allowing him to move around the ice effectively and push defenders back as he supports plays with his feet moving. Kim can advance the puck from the wing on breakouts, drawing defenders and then passing to the supporting centre, who can easily exit the zone or chip the puck around players. He demonstrated straight-line speed and quickness in two assists this weekend. The first came against the Rockets, where he gained possession along the hashmarks, slipped under a check, and passed to Drobyshev for a one-time shot. Against Mid-Fairfield, Kim beat both defenders to a puck behind the net and then backhanded a pass to Pate in front for a goal. His speed caused problems for opposing defencemen, and he showed no hesitation in the corners. Grade: C+
Sebastian Lavini #91 (D, R, 5’11”, 186, Black Bear Academy 15U, 01/30/2010) – Lavini is a taller, right-shot defenceman for Black Bear Academy who uses his reach to steer pucks wide and is difficult to dangle through due to his positioning. He uses his stick effectively to stall rushes and limit time and space. To be more effective at both ends of the ice, he needs to improve his overall skating, including quickness and stride length. Lavini’s puck movement is simple; he gets the puck on and off his stick quickly without making risky plays or turning it over. Grade: C
Carter Pate #22 (F, R, 5’10”, 120, Black Bear Academy 15U, 03/01/2010) – Pate was the offensive catalyst for Black Bear this weekend. As a leader up front, he played in all situations, created scoring chances, and displayed poise in possession. He remained composed regardless of the situation and used his nimble, athletic skating to make quick cuts on entries and create shooting space off the rush. He combines skill and hockey sense with the puck, making him difficult to check despite his mid-sized frame, and he can control the pace of play. Carter elevates the performance of his teammates with his awareness and puck control. He assisted on a power-play goal from a set play, receiving a pass on the right flank and passing to Drobyshev at the bumper for a shot, even though he had more time and space to shoot himself. He was consistently around the puck and capitalized on opportunities. Carter contributes on both sides of the puck, backchecking through the middle of the ice to disrupt opponents and create turnovers in the neutral zone. His versatility was evident when he played defence in a 4-on-4 situation, despite typically playing the point on the power play, demonstrating his ability to cover for pinching defencemen. Pate’s quickness allows him to attack with speed, gain inside positioning with the puck, and create space for others while maintaining awareness of his options. In the game against Mid-Fairfield, he double-shifted with different linemates and consistently generated offensive chances, although he was once caught with his head down in the neutral zone and took a significant hit. Pate scored two goals in that game, including the go-ahead goal, timing his arrival at the net off a dump-in, receiving a pass below the goal line, and then beating the goaltender with a shot over his pad as his momentum carried him away from the net. He started overtime and dominated possession, playing multiple shifts and seemingly going every other shift for the entire five minutes. He scored the game-winning goal with just three seconds remaining, retrieving a puck from a scrum in his defensive zone, dangling a forward playing defence, and finishing with a five-hole goal on his forehand after faking a backhand shot. He was the primary source of offense, and the team’s offensive impact noticeably decreased when he was off the ice. Grade: A-
CP Dynamo 15U
Henry Liu #60 (D, R, CP Dynamo 15U, 01/01/2010) – Liu is a slender, athletic defenceman for the Dynamo who made an offensive impact with his ability to evade forecheckers and transition the puck quickly. His coaches clearly trusted him in offensive situations, as evidenced by his deployment as the lone defenceman in a late 6-on-5 situation while down a goal. Henry retrieves pucks rapidly and wastes no time moving them, but he can also execute quick cuts and turns to create space for his passes. He patrols the blue line with his head up, often delivering passes against the grain to manipulate defenders and open up lanes. Grade: C
John O’Brien #7 (F, L, 5’9″, 139, CP Dynamo 15U, 11/20/2010) – O’Brien provided the speed and flow on a top line that proved difficult to contain all weekend, playing alongside Parmerter and O’Connor. He plays a fast-paced game, both with and without the puck, and willingly engages in battles in the tough areas of the ice to win possession and feed his linemates. John possesses the agility to make quick cuts and elude pressure, particularly along the boards, where he draws in defenders, shifts his weight, and accelerates around them with the puck to find an open teammate before driving to the net. His pace on the rush consistently caused problems for opponents, drawing several penalties after beating defenders who appeared almost stationary at times. O’Brien demonstrates the timing and awareness to position himself effectively in front of the net for deflections and rebounds, consistently generating secondary scoring opportunities. One subtle yet impressive play involved his savvy response to a broken net during a sustained offensive zone cycle. Recognizing the imminent scoring chance, he discreetly pushed the net back into position, allowing the play to continue and a dangerous opportunity to materialize shortly after. John also earned a high-quality assist after stopping a rim pass on his backhand along the boards in his own zone, near the hash marks. With his head up and a smooth stride, the left-handed O’Brien carried the puck behind his net and up the right side, delivering a crisp, flat stretch pass to spring Parmerter for a breakaway. He is a versatile forward who can adapt to various playing styles to enhance the offence without necessarily making highlight-reel plays. Grade: B
Christopher O’Connor #3 (F, R, 5’3″, 121, CP Dynamo 15U, 09/16/2010) – O’Connor is a smaller forward for the Dynamo whose game mirrors his team’s logo: dynamic, fast, and skilled. He consistently delivered for his team, serving as the primary catalyst for their offence. Throughout the weekend, he was a constant presence and the driving force behind their offensive efforts. Despite his size, Christopher’s speed, creativity, craftiness, and hockey sense, both with and without the puck, make him a dangerous asset through the middle of the ice. He elevates the play of his teammates, consistently finding them all over the ice, while also possessing the ability to finish plays and support his linemates with and without the puck. His defensive reliability was immediately apparent, effectively defending the interior of his own zone with a smart stick and strategic positioning to force loose pucks and transition quickly up ice. He is a player capable of killing penalties and quarterbacking the power play, deployed in every situation to make crucial plays. Against Oakland, he narrowed the deficit to one goal, entering the zone wide inside the blue line after winning a race to the puck, then attacking the net and splitting the netminder and defender with a sharp cut to tuck the puck in at the far post. O’Connor isn’t afraid to engage in the gritty aspects of the game, venturing into high-traffic areas with the puck seemingly glued to his stick. As games intensified, he elevated his performance, raising his game to a new level and inspiring his teammates. Christopher possesses a surprisingly hard shot for a player of his stature, firing it on net with considerable velocity, and boasts a quick and powerful one-timer. He made a pivotal play to tie the game against the Grizzlies, seizing a rebound off an errant shot behind the net and attempting to jam it in at the near post, ultimately losing it fortuitously to Parmerter, who buried it. O’Connor then clinched the shootout victory with the only goal, driving down the right side on an angle, faking a shot, and snapping the puck five-hole after freezing the goalie. He skates through pressure effectively and is difficult to dispossess, while also demonstrating the ability to dangle and manipulate the puck through defenders. Christopher approaches the game with a calculated mindset, particularly on the forecheck, anticipating plays well and forcing turnovers by cutting off lanes and capitalizing on opponents’ bobbles and mishandling of the puck. O’Connor served as the heartbeat of the team and the go-to player in every situation, consistently stepping up when his team needed him most. Grade: A-
Max Parmerter #9 (F, L, 5’8″, 137, CP Dynamo 15U, 05/11/2010) – Parmerter is a medium-sized, skilled winger with a knack for scoring, even without a particularly lethal shot or quick release. He is a smooth skater who, while not possessing exceptional speed, consistently positions himself in scoring areas off the puck and is ready to shoot before even gaining possession. His strong edgework allows him to open his hips on the rush and navigate through traffic to gain inside access to dangerous scoring chances. He shoots with his head up, positioning the puck to release it the instant he touches it, always prepared to move it as needed. Max scored a crucial goal against Oakland, tying the game with 1:30 remaining after a net-front scramble left the puck on his stick just off the crease, which he promptly jammed home. He displays a balanced skating stride and pace, making him effective in both open ice and tight spaces, with sufficient speed and acceleration to create separation when necessary. He scored the opening goal against PHC after stretching behind the defence to receive a long pass through the neutral zone, springing him for a breakaway. Max approached the net with speed, faked a few shots, and then simply skated around the goalie to the far post, beating him with a backhand across the crease. Shortly after, on the power play, he created an open lane off the puck for O’Connor to find him on his forehand, inside and slightly above the face-off dot, from where he quickly released a shot high glove. Parmerter is a reliable winger who supports his centre off the puck, consistently placing himself in threatening offensive positions. Grade: B+
Jersey Hitmen U15
Cameron Augustoni #16 (F, L, Jersey Hitmen U15, 08/20/2010) – Augustoni is a mid-sized forward for the Hitmen who plays with force and aggression, adding bite to his game. Against Palmyra, he demonstrated this tenacity by assisting on a goal. After a defensive zone draw, he raced through the face-off circle and beat a stationary defender. He carried the puck toward the opposing defenceman, and after it was poked off his stick, he managed to whack it up the ice for his linemate to skate onto. However, he got away with a cross-check to the defender, knocking him off balance and giving his teammate time to finish. Augustoni handles the puck well in traffic, displaying the strength to break through contact. While his stride is somewhat choppy, it helps him in corners and compressed areas where he’s tough to knock off the puck. He shows potential for speed and will be more effective once he lengthens his stride. Cameron uses his frame to protect the puck, reverse-checking defenders to create separation and space. He also scored a goal, patiently waiting on the weak side of the ice. A point shot was redirected to his forehand, and he quickly fired it home with the goalie out of position. Grade: B-
Tynan Cosgrove #3 (F, Jersey Hitmen U15, 01/01/2010) – Cosgrove shows decent speed in open ice, although it takes him some time to fully extend his stride and impact the play. He opened the scoring against Palmyra by jumping onto the ice and racing to the offensive zone, where a loose puck landed on his stick at the top left circle. Without needing to handle the puck, he beat the goalie high glove side to the far side. Defensively, he plays a positional game in his own zone, covering the points and blocking shots while also chipping pucks off the wall to safety, avoiding risky plays. Grade: C
Mercer Chiefs U15
Reid Barnstead #55 (D, R, 5’9″, 140, Mercer Chiefs U15, 02/01/2010) — Barnstead was the overall leader at both ends of the ice for a Mercer Chiefs squad that struggled to score. He plays a chameleon-like style of hockey, adapting to his surroundings by playing at a high pace or being physical when the situation calls for it. Despite a leaner frame, he ran players over all weekend, driving his legs through contact and making it tough for defenders to stay in front of him; it was as if he was determined to put a shoulder right through their chest. Reid forced quicker passes on breakouts, not letting receivers settle, finishing checks, and creating an impact even when arriving late. Barnstead was a brute in the corners and around the net, throwing his weight around and engaging in contact with and without the puck. He scored a goal against AHA, starting the breakout behind his own net on the powerplay, emerging on his forehand, and getting to the corner. There, he was sealed off but sent a cross-ice area pass for a teammate to skate into. Once the puck left his stick, he darted up ice with a fast and long stride to beat his man, getting to the weak side of the zone to catch a cross-crease pass that he one-timed into the back of the net. He plays a high-energy game with a relentless motor and backchecks tenaciously. While not a highly skilled forward, he can finish, play with passion, and play with force at any position. Grade: B
Charlie Staudt #43 (D, L, 5’5″, 115, Mercer Chiefs U15, 06/24/2010) — Staudt is a smaller, left-shot defenceman for the Mercer Chiefs with good mobility on the ice. While not the fastest or quickest, his stride is efficient. His game is simple; he doesn’t try to make big plays, getting pucks deep when sealed off and avoiding turnovers when pressured at the offensive blue line. He shows some elusiveness in possession, sneaking through contact without overhandling the puck. He has a somewhat wiry shot that takes time to release, but he was relied upon shorthanded and in key defensive situations. Grade: C
Mid-Fairfield Rangers U15
Devon Beck #42 (F, R, 6’0″, 144, Mid-Fairfield Rangers U15, 04/28/2010) – Beck possesses the physical attributes to be a forceful offensive forward with a significant impact up front. However, he lacked the scoring touch and final push needed to capitalize this weekend, finishing pointless. His long stride generates power, making him a threat off the rush and in open ice due to his direct speed. He can generate power with strong crossovers, allowing him to accelerate up the ice without losing speed while carrying the puck. While he displays some puck-handling ability, he occasionally lost control after navigating through defensive triangles. Devon is deployed as the power-play bumper, where he uses one-touch passes to relieve pressure and can also fire pucks on net from tight spaces. Grade: C+
Cullen Carre #20 (F, R, 5’10”, 157, Mid-Fairfield Rangers U15, 07/07/2010) – Carre is a 200-foot centre who plays a valuable, supportive role while also contributing offensively. Although not exceptionally quick in open ice, his effective movement allows him to reach necessary positions promptly. He demonstrates smart aggression on the forecheck, acting as F1 to force errant passes, while also patiently lurking high in the zone as F3 to sustain plays. Cullen’s defensive reliability was evident through his positioning and support in the zone, utilizing an active stick to control the middle of the ice and being deployed on every penalty kill. He scored a goal through individual effort from an offensive zone faceoff, pushing the puck forward, circling around the defender, and one-timing it upstairs on the short side. Tough to beat in the faceoff circle, he consistently snapped draws back and tied up opponents to allow his wingers to gain control. Carre isn’t afraid to create havoc around the blue paint, enduring crosschecks to challenge the netminder and defenders for secondary opportunities. Grade: B
Matthew Coccaro #2 (F, R, 5’8″, 148, Mid-Fairfield Rangers U15, 04/26/2010) – Coccaro is a mobile, agile defenceman who actively joins the play up ice. Despite a less-than-flattering stat line, attributable to the team’s overall scoring struggles, he consistently generates offence from the back end. Matthew’s edgework enables him to evade defenders with quick cuts and turns, allowing him to carry the puck up ice or deliver crisp first passes. In the opening game against Black Bear, he started the overtime period, showcasing his pace and mobility. He is also the lone defenceman utilized in 6-on-5 situations with the goalie pulled, as he can accurately deliver passes and create lanes with his quick movements in all directions. Grade: B-
Matthew DeRoberts #12 (D, R, 6’0″, 165, Mid-Fairfield Rangers U15, 08/06/2010) – DeRoberts appeared to be off his game this weekend, displaying a nonchalant attitude and, at times, disinterest. He would draw puck carriers towards him but failed to execute a poke check or engage physically. However, his puck skills remained sharp; he could bat down waist-high pucks to quickly flatten them and move them under pressure, catching pucks in the air effortlessly. His point shots were low, with good velocity, creating rebound opportunities or deflections. Although some distribution inaccuracies occurred, he effectively advanced pucks up ice. Grade: C
Christian Lopiano #3 (D, R, 5’7″, 145, Mid-Fairfield Rangers U15, 10/10/2010) – Lopiano is a smaller, speedy winger capable of driving to the net and playing with intensity. He had an early opportunity in the first game, attacking the net aggressively and one-timing a shot off the post. He followed up by battling for the loose puck amidst crosschecks. At times, his tendency for finesse touches and distribution led to turnovers, suggesting a need for simpler puck management. Christian tied the game against Notre Dame by staying above the play, gaining control of a loose puck between the dot and hashmark, and wiring a low shot short side around a screen. Grade: C+
Jackson Luedke #16 (F, L, 6’0″, 165, Mid-Fairfield Rangers U15, 07/10/2010) – Despite not recording a point this weekend, Luedke was an impactful forward who generated offensive pressure, particularly on a line with Scranton. He possesses a good frame and a smooth skating stride, valuing possession and avoiding unnecessary giveaways. Jackson demonstrated the ability to shield pucks and reverse-check opponents, creating space to operate and move the puck cleanly. He consistently caught passes with ease, especially backhand passes on the move without losing momentum. He executed a move off the rush several times, entering wide before faking a drop pass, then cutting around the defender to attack the net. Luedke extended offensive zone time with his hands and mobility on the perimeter, finding passing lanes through the slot, and possesses a quick, whippy release, but was unable to convert his chances. Grade: B-
Sawyer O’Neil #6 (D, R, 6’3″, 216, Mid-Fairfield Rangers U15, 03/25/2010) – O’Neil is a large defenceman who occupies significant space. Standing over 6’3″ and weighing 215lbs, Sawyer can overpower opponents around his net and win puck battles. He employs a strong one-handed poke check and effectively smothers opponents to secure loose pucks. He accurately swats at pucks and neutralizes opponents with simple defensive skills. The area around his net is his domain, preventing opponents from obstructing his goaltender’s vision by boxing out and lifting sticks. He prioritizes simple plays, moving the puck to his first target, and is a tough, reliable defenceman who plays with simplicity and ease. Grade: B-
Kai Scranton #9 (F, L, 5’9″, 135, Mid-Fairfield Rangers U15, 05/03/2010) – Scranton is the Rangers’ offensive leader, and despite the team’s struggles, he contributed to three of their five goals this weekend. He is a mid-sized forward with exceptional speed while carrying the puck. His puck protection in the corners helped extend zone time, using his low centre of gravity and strong base to fend off opponents, along with quick starts and stops to skate through contact. Kai opened the scoring against Black Bear on the power play, driving to the hashmarks, turning to engage the defenceman, calling for the puck back, receiving a pass on his forehand near the wall above the circle, gaining inside access to the slot, and wiring a low shot short side to beat the goalie. Scranton anticipates his next move before receiving the puck and demonstrates the awareness to find teammates unexpectedly. He can accelerate the play or slow it down for a more calculated approach, remaining equally effective. Kai showcased his vision from the corners, finding linemates in the slot during the cycle while drawing in defenders and demonstrating the ability to dangle, though he prefers to skate around them with speed. Scranton consistently posed an offensive threat, playing with confidence and driving the play to create scoring chances. Grade: B+
NJ Colonials U15
Louis Arze #87 (F, R, 5’8″, 152, NJ Colonials U15, 01/01/2010) – Arze is a smaller forward for the NJ Colonials with a lean frame and a smooth skating stride, giving him good pace. He demonstrated the edgework to execute quick cuts and spins away from traffic while maintaining puck control in the corners. With his head up, he consistently threaded pucks through the house to find weak-side options. Louis consistently backchecks to disrupt plays near his own blue line, stripping opponents from behind to regain possession. He displays silky smooth puck-handling skills off the rush, dangling at high speeds and evading checks to get behind defenders and drive to the net. In one instance against a larger Rockets defender, Louis deked around a poke check, then touched the puck through his legs to create a dangerous scoring chance. Arze scored a power-play goal against the Rockets, attacking from the wall and tracking a loose puck near the side of the net. From behind the net, he swatted at the puck, causing it to slide in off a favourable bounce. He plays with speed and a willingness to create offensively with his shifty style. Grade: B
Matthew Comandatore #28 (D, R, 5’5″, 130, NJ Colonials U15, 03/01/2010) – Comandatore anchors the Colonials’ defence, initiating breakouts and running the power play with efficient puck movement and distribution. He possesses the skating and mobility to start plays with his feet, and he can deliver accurate passes to his target while maintaining team momentum up ice. While his passes have some zip, he occasionally threw pucks away under pressure, leading to turnovers. As the quarterback of the power play, Matthew opens up lanes with precise puck placement and uses look-offs to create movement. He can still move pucks through partially obstructed lanes. Despite finishing the weekend with only one assist, he is the team’s primary distributor from the blue line. Grade: B-
Connor Jewell #86 (F, R, 5’6″, 143, NJ Colonials U15, 03/29/2010) – Jewell possesses a seemingly effortless stride, combining smoothness, speed, and acceleration with quick feet to attack in bursts. He is highly elusive with the puck, evading defenders in the corners and utilizing head fakes to turn defenders around off the rush before darting past them. His agile, fast movement creates space for teammates, forcing defenders to stay honest and opening up interior passing lanes. Connor accelerates quickly from a standstill, both with and without the puck. He stops abruptly and then bursts from his position, leaving defenders off balance and creating separation in an instant. At times, he attempts overly ambitious plays, but his maneuverability and athleticism are evident as he accelerates up ice. Jewell’s stride allows him to almost glide through the neutral zone, making zone entries feel natural and generating scoring opportunities. He retrieves pucks from scrums at high speeds with skillful toe drags and slick hands, making him difficult to check. He assisted on a goal against the Rockets, receiving a pass off the wall, moving to the middle, and taking a slapshot that deflected to Williams on the side of the net for a goal. Jewell has a whippy release on his shot, which he will need to quicken, but he can create separation from defenders to gain the space he needs at this level. Grade: B+
Gavin Pasic #22 (F, NJ Colonials U15, 04/01/2010) – Pasic is an undersized, speedy forward with impressive acceleration both with and without the puck. He constantly moves off the puck to provide a viable option for his linemates and can create space with his pace. Gavin scored against Yale on a two-on-one, receiving a pass on his forehand and firing it high over the goalie’s glove, hitting the crossbar and landing just over the goal line. His shot was deceptive and stuck to the ice. Grade: C
Luke Williams #98 (F, R, NJ Colonials U15, 03/01/2010) – Williams is a smaller, explosive winger with a quick first few steps, allowing him to accelerate and catch defenders off guard. Luke has the hands and awareness to navigate through traffic while maintaining puck control and fearlessly carries pucks to high-danger areas. Despite his size, he is not afraid of contact and attempts to initiate reverse checks, though he lacks the strength to hold off opponents effectively. He excels in open ice and free-skating situations. Nevertheless, he demonstrates grit for an undersized skater, working hard to find loose pucks in the corners and near the net. Williams scored a power-play goal against the Rockets, moving from low to high out of the corner and timing his run to the net to hammer a bouncing puck upstairs off the back bar while the goalie was out of position. He displayed toughness after intercepting a pass high in the offensive zone and quickly counterattacking, faking outside before exploding towards the net and taking a knee-on-knee hit that almost flipped him over. He recovered instantly while the opposing player was down. Williams maintains a high pace of possession, creating gaps on defenders by slowing down before accelerating past them. Luke scored the game-winning goal against the Rockets after passing to the weak side on a breakout, following up the play, toe-dragging the puck out of a scrum, and creating a two-on-one from the top of the circles. He looked off his pass and fired a shot high, short side. He is an intriguing forward with upside, demonstrating creative offensive skills and finishing ability. Grade: B+
NJ Avalanche U15
Colin Barrasso #8 (D, L, 5’8″, 145, NJ Avalanche U15, 02/27/2010) – Barrasso is a reliable, mobile, two-way defenceman who, despite not being a point producer, recorded a pair of points this weekend. He creates plays from the back end with simplicity, moving the puck on and off his stick quickly, avoiding forced plays or risky turnovers in dangerous areas. While he is capable of starting a breakout with his skating, he prefers to pass to a winger or his partner on the weak side. Barrasso consistently threaded passes through developing lanes, accurately hitting his targets without requiring them to adjust to the puck. He earned an assist after patiently holding the puck in the high slot, waiting for traffic to build in front of the net, then shooting low for a rebound, which Kutsevich converted. His uncomplicated and efficient approach makes for a clean game. Grade: B-
Joseph Ciardullo #13 (F, L, 5’10”, 155, NJ Avalanche U15, 02/28/2010) – Ciardullo is a hard-working, high-energy forward who battles for pucks, plays with speed, and consistently challenges the opposing defence. As the first forechecker (F1), he completes every check, forcing puck retrievers to make quicker decisions. He managed one goal this weekend, scoring by splitting the defence at high speed on a breakout. He turned back to receive a stretch pass, creating a breakaway, and then cleanly beat the goalie with a low, five-hole shot from the hash marks. Grade: C+
Michael Doyle #7 (D, R, 5’8″, 129, NJ Avalanche U15, 08/01/2010) – Doyle demonstrates a quick processing ability, making precise decisions under pressure. He anticipates plays effectively, delivering pucks into open space before opponents can close in. His outlet passes are crisp and accurate, showcasing his athleticism as he angles his body to snap pucks up ice with precision. He also activates offensively, joining the rush when appropriate. From the point, he fires accurate shots on net with a quick release and minimal wind-up. He scored a goal from the blue line by throwing a shot through traffic, making it difficult for the goaltender to track, and the puck slid through for a goal. Doyle maintains sound positioning and doesn’t get drawn out of position, remaining stout between the dots. Grade: C+
Milan Kutsevich #10 (F, L, 5’11”, 180, NJ Avalanche U15, 02/02/2010) – Kutsevich is a savvy and skilled offensive player, difficult to knock off the puck due to his slick puck-handling and strong skating. He uses misdirection effectively, lulling defenders into a false sense of security before exploiting their overconfidence with a variety of offensive moves. When pressured, he can thread pucks through the defence or execute a drop pass, drawing the defender away to create space for a teammate. He shields the puck well, leaning into defenders with a strong presence and maintaining possession with one hand. His turnovers sometimes result from attempting overly ambitious, low-percentage plays, although he occasionally makes these plays work. While primarily a perimeter playmaker, Kutsevich also scored a goal by timing his arrival at the net off a high cycle. He got lost in space by the defender, won the race to the net, and jammed in a rebound on the back side of the crease with a defender on his back. He is a dangerous playmaking finisher when motivated and capable of driving a line with his high-IQ passes and touches, although his puck control showed some inconsistencies this weekend. Grade: B
Leo McCullough #43 (F, L, 5’6″, 165, NJ Avalanche U15, 08/25/2010) – McCullough is a speedy, albeit undersized, forward who spent most of the weekend playing wing on the top line. While shorthanded, he demonstrated good puck touch, sending high flips out of the zone to relieve pressure without icing the puck. These clears reached near the rink’s roof, making them difficult for defenders to control upon landing. Leo willingly puts his body on the line to block shots, diving in front of pucks and quickly recovering to his position. On his assist, he carried the puck into the zone, drawing a defender before threading a pass through a small seam to Pinko, who then fed St. Laurent for the finish. Despite his smaller stature, he absorbed some physical play around the net without being fazed. He also had a goal disallowed after jamming at a covered puck near the crease. Grade: C+
Ty McGroarty #16 (F, R, 5’8″, 134, NJ Avalanche U15, 09/01/2010) – McGroarty is a high-compete forward for the Avalanche, capable of being deployed in various situations to achieve positive results. While not a highlight-reel player with elite skill, he is an effective player who brings energy and speed to his game. Despite his leaner frame, he can knock players off the puck and enjoys engaging physically in the corners. In possession, he displays good vision, making clean passes and using his skating to move defenders and create space. He showcased this by passing the puck wide to a linemate, then trailing the play to receive a pass at the top of the circles in the slot. From there, without stickhandling, he used the defender as a screen, pulled the puck in, and fired a low glove-side shot from a good distance. He also blocks shots and supports his defencemen in his own zone with an active stick, allowing them to play more aggressively knowing he is behind them. Grade: B-
Christopher Pinko #55 (F, R, 5’6″, 163, NJ Avalanche U15, 06/10/2010) – Pinko led the Avalanche in scoring this weekend with four goals and one assist. His speed, quickness, and hockey IQ made him the team’s primary chance generator, consistently positioning himself and his teammates in optimal scoring areas. A versatile forward, he can kill penalties, run a power play, lead the offensive charge, and remain a dependable asset in his own zone. He demonstrated his all-around quickness by adjusting to catch a deflected, shoulder-high pass, quickly settling it to make a play. Under pressure, he showed the touch to flip pucks and relieve pressure while shorthanded, and he also possesses the quick feet, edgework, and pace to carry pucks and extend zone time. Chris willingly blocked shots and got into shooting lanes, forcing opponents to hesitate. In possession, he can carry pucks through the forecheck, creating clean entries and threatening chances with his mohawks and edgework to maintain speed. One high-skill play saw him trail the puck on entry, receive a cross-ice pass near the top of the left circle, and, under pressure, carry the puck below the goal line, drawing all eyes to him. He then subtly touched the puck through the slot to St. Lauren, who buried a one-timer after the play appeared dead. Christopher also scored a shorthanded goal after his linemate blocked a shot in their own zone, creating a breakaway opportunity. Pinko easily skated past the defenders and, from the red line, fired a low blocker shot without overcomplicating the play. Pinko is a multidimensional forward with a clever approach to puck possession. Grade: A-
Julien Robichaud #18 (D, R, 5’11”, 150, NJ Avalanche U15, 07/06/2010) – This French-born defenceman recorded one point from the blue line over the weekend for the Avalanche. Robichaud quarterbacks the power play, controlling the play with relative ease. His size and strength allow him to fire pucks with precision to his targets while straddling the line and opening up lanes. Julien possesses the speed to join the rush up ice, often beating opponents to become the trailer, where he can receive drop passes and wire shots on net from distance. He consistently keeps his head up, delivering crisp passes to his first option, and can use his skating to initiate the breakout, though he doesn’t always opt for this. Robichaud is a playmaker from the blue line, capable of looking off passes and executing stretch passes through tight windows. His game is free-flowing and responsible at both ends of the ice, rather than robotic. He maintains the play in front of him and is difficult to cross over due to his active footwork and accurate poke check, which disrupts opponents’ spacing around him. Grade: B
Joey St. Laurent #4 (F, R, 5’10”, 157, NJ Avalanche U15, 11/04/2010) – St. Laurent finished the weekend with a goal and two assists over two games, displaying a reliable two-way game. He made an immediate impact, finding a soft spot near the net during a cycle with Pinko, where he executed a simple one-touch redirect into a near-empty net. Joey possesses a deceptive shot that he can release quickly, adjusting his body position to either pull pucks in or extend his hands slightly, maintaining enough power to challenge goaltenders. He demonstrated his skill by forcing a turnover along the wall just inside the offensive blue line, then making a power move down the wall. He attacked the interior, switching with Stokes to create space, contorting his body and firing a shot off the crossbar, with Stokes cleaning up the rebound. He can play at a high pace and adapt to any style of linemates, whether pushing the tempo or playing with calculation. Grade: B
Devan Stokes #5 (D, R, 5’9″, 150, NJ Avalanche U15, 01/22/2010) – Stokes is a mobile, two-way defenceman who had a productive weekend for the Avalanche, contributing 2 goals and 2 assists in just 2 games. His speed and quickness allow him to make plays in open ice, transitioning the puck from D-to-D before joining the attack on the weak side to support the regroup and breakout, creating opportunities off the rush. One of his goals came when he buried a loose puck near the net after a slot switch with St. Laurent confused the opposing defenders. He then took a few quick steps to the net and tapped in a puck that was sitting on the goal line. Despite being undersized, Stokes uses his skating ability to initiate breakouts and deliver accurate passes, while also maintaining possession under pressure. His footwork allows him to evade forecheckers and escape tight situations with quick turns. Defensively, he effectively closes gaps and pressures puck carriers to limit their space without relying on excessive physicality. Grade: B
Notre Dame Hockey Academy 15U
Jake Hall #97 (D, L, 6’2″, 161, Notre Dame Hockey Academy 15U, 11/03/2010) – Hall is a larger, left-shot defenceman whose height and maturity make him a difficult opponent in this age group, as he is more physically developed than most players on the ice. He demonstrates a strong, powerful push with an elongated power stride when skating up ice to recover from offensive forays and support his own zone. While he can be drawn out of position at times when attempting big hits or swiping at pucks, his size can create problems for puck carriers. Opponents attempting to hit him often simply bounce off. Hall enjoys carrying the puck and can navigate through traffic for wide zone entries, where he uses his speed and reach to find interior passing options. He effectively takes away the middle of the ice with his stick and fearlessly blocks shots around his net, while also possessing the skating ability to initiate breakouts. Grade: B-
Cole Hoff #5 (F, R, 5’8″, 141, Notre Dame Hockey Academy 15U, 01/01/2010) – While he may not possess superstar individual skills, Hoff delivered a near-perfect performance in a 4-2 win over Mid-Fairfield, impacting the game in numerous ways beyond his goal and three assists, contributing to every goal scored. He opened the scoring with a tremendous individual effort, demonstrating his relentless determination. Carrying the puck along the wall through the neutral zone, he fended off a back-checker and another player angling towards him. After losing the puck momentarily, he shed a hit, poked the puck free through the defender’s legs, and managed to swipe it into the net from the crease. Later, at his own blue line, he stripped a puck from a defenceman and directed it up ice, leading to a linemate scoring on a breakaway, showcasing his defensive awareness and active stick. Although not particularly physical, explosive, or gifted with exceptional stickhandling, Hoff’s game is highly effective and dangerous. He was consistently creating turnovers. While shorthanded, he poked the puck free at his blue line, raced up ice, and drew a penalty. With just 1:30 remaining, Hoff forced another turnover in the neutral zone, passed the puck out wide, and supported the ensuing corner battle. The puck squirted out to him below the goal line, and he delivered a pass through the house for a back-door goal, giving his team a 3-2 lead. Deployed to defend a 6-on-5 situation with a one-goal lead, he again forced a turnover in his zone and passed the puck to a streaking winger. Hoff’s head is always up, and he plays with a calculated approach, minimizing mistakes and maximizing efficiency. Grade: A-
Pierson Kao #88 (F, R, 5’3″, 124, Notre Dame Hockey Academy 15U, 07/17/2010) – Kao is an undersized forward who compensates with speed and a high-tempo game, not allowing his size to diminish his competitiveness. He exhibits a quick release for a player of his stature, getting pucks off his stick before opponents can close in, then using his acceleration to find open space. He scored a goal this weekend by timing his arrival at the net off a high cycle, creating a lane for Powell to find him with a pass that he redirected into the net. Kao was most noticeable on the power play, where he could utilize zone entries with space to generate chances at full speed. While his size makes it difficult to maintain possession through contact, he can use his quick feet and hard crossovers to evade defenders in open ice. Grade: B-
Constantin Liarakos #15 (F, L, 5’7″, 120, Notre Dame Hockey Academy 15U, 02/20/2010) – Liarakos is a smaller forward for Notre Dame who demonstrated his best efforts while shorthanded. He drew a penalty after forcing a turnover at his own blue line, beating the defender and being hauled down from behind. He plays a simple game, advancing pucks efficiently and avoiding risky plays. Grade: C
Grayden Powell #9 (F, R, 5’8″, 163, Notre Dame Hockey Academy 15U, 04/27/2010) – Powell is a mid-sized, 200-foot winger who contributed consistently to the scoresheet this weekend, demonstrating efficiency in his production. He consistently positioned himself well defensively, supporting his own zone without sacrificing offensive opportunities. With a minute left and his team up by a goal, Powell was deployed to defend the lead after a defensive zone faceoff. On a 2-on-0 with an empty net, he unselfishly passed the puck to his linemate to seal the game. While his passes could be quicker, he demonstrates good processing and vision to get pucks to scoring areas. Powell received a pass out of a scrum inside the blue line, patiently waited for Kao to create a lane to the net, and sent a pass through the house for a redirected goal. Despite his smaller size, he plays with intelligence and displays a surprising feistiness in winning puck battles. Grade: B-
Gabriel Sorgini #17 (F, L, 5’6″, 150, Notre Dame Hockey Academy 15U, 04/19/2010) – Sorgini is an undersized forward who demonstrates maximum effort on every shift. As the team’s captain, he willingly goes to the difficult areas, backchecks, blocks shots, and plays with speed across the ice. “Hustle” is an understatement to describe his consistent effort. He plays a direct style, using his pace to attack defenders and put them on their heels rather than relying on stickhandling. Gabriel scored a timely goal for NDHA in a 4-on-4 situation, stripping a puck at his own blue line, turning, and outracing the defender wide. He faked a shot as he cut across the crease and finished with a backhand over the goalie’s pad. While he has puck skills, he relies on quick puck movement and his pace to create opportunities. Sorgini is tough and strong on his edges with his low centre of gravity, making him difficult to dislodge from the puck. Even when off balance, he managed to fend off a defender and win possession at the blue line. Against Mid-Fairfield, he drew a penalty after darting across the neutral zone to get under a back-checker and tap a puck up ice for his teammate. While driving to the net, he was hauled down from behind with a clear chance at a rebound. His game is built on pure effort, and while he excels off the rush, he plays with passion and a hunger for pucks and positive results. Grade: B+
Jason Sorice #77 (D, L, 5’11”, 157, Notre Dame Hockey Academy 15U, 01/18/2010) – Sorice earned a spot on this report for a crucial play in a win against Mid-Fairfield. Deployed with under a minute left in a 3-2 game to defend the lead, he blocked a shot with his body after a lost faceoff, preventing a high-quality scoring chance. We commend his tenacity and selflessness in sacrificing his body for the team. Grade: C+
Oakland Jr. Grizzlies U15
Jackson Bergman #72 (F, R, 5’9″, 165, Oakland Jr. Grizzlies U15, 10/25/2010) – Bergman is a lean, mobile forward with a smooth skating stride in open ice. He consistently backchecks and uses his physicality to disrupt plays at the red line, dispossessing opponents. Despite his slender frame, he demonstrates toughness and firmness, preventing stick lifts and playing with grit. Against the Dynamo, he opened the scoring by timing his arrival at the net during a scrum near the crease, burying a loose puck that landed on his stick in the slot. Bergman uses strong edges to navigate through traffic and effectively shields the puck. He pressures the forecheck, generating errant passes and mishandles with his pace, often without needing to make full contact. Bergman boasts a quick release, managing to change the angle and fire shots on net from scoring areas even with sticks in his way. Grade: B-
Jacob Drouin #92 (F, L, 5’11”, 170, Oakland Jr. Grizzlies U15, 03/09/2010) – Drouin is a sturdy forward with a tough demeanour. He treats the net front like a battle zone, digging his skates into the ice, absorbing crosschecks, and delivering his own, creating havoc around the crease. He plays with consistent effort, aiming to make a physical impact with hard checks. Drouin needs to improve his footwork upon gaining possession, as he tends to glide, hindering his ability to separate from defenders. He excels on faceoffs, outmuscling opposing centres with quick snap-backs. Drouin contests space in the corners and wins puck battles through sheer strength. Grade: C+
Michael Hone #29 (D, L, 5’10”, 155, Oakland Jr. Grizzlies U15, 05/04/2010) – Hone is a mobile, offensive-minded defenceman who enjoys possessing the puck and acting as a fourth forward, integrating into plays both with and without the puck. He creates scoring chances with his puck control on the perimeter, squeezing through defenders to find open space. At times, he holds onto the puck too long, leading to turnovers while attempting an extra play. When entering the zone wide, Hone uses his edgework to protect the puck at speed and identify interior passing options. He patrols the blue line, anticipating opportunities to intercept passes or force mishandles. On the weak side, he hovers low in the zone when his team is out of possession, deterring wingers along the boards and forcing the opposing defenceman to hesitate, leading to turnovers. Hone displays the athleticism to adjust his body and deliver quick, flat passes back to his target, even when momentum carries him in another direction. Grade: B
Merritt Huebner #77 (D, R, 5’11”, 175, Oakland Jr. Grizzlies U15, 04/26/2010) – Huebner combines size and athleticism to impact the game with his mobility, presenting an imposing presence. While not overly offensive, he delivers accurate passes and can quickly fire pucks on net from the point with a whippy release and minimal wind-up. He is tough in front of his own net, clearing opponents, lifting sticks, and boxing out to prevent secondary scoring chances. Huebner consistently provides support for his partner, allowing them the freedom to operate offensively, knowing he will cover defensively. With his partner acting as a fourth forward at times, Huebner remains back to address any potential counterattacks with solid positioning. Huebner plays within his limitations, consistently making simple, effective plays when in possession. Grade: C+
Taras Pandrak #8 (F, R, 5’8″, 174, Oakland Jr. Grizzlies U15, 01/07/2010) – Pandrak is a smaller forward for the Grizzlies, wearing the ‘C’ for his consistent effort and attention to detail at both ends of the ice. While not exceptionally skilled, he makes smart plays, advances the puck, blocks shots, and manages possession effectively. Although he may appear a bit heavy on his skates, he is strong in possession, using his shoulder to drive to the net. Pandrak possesses a powerful one-timer from the right flank. He also mixes it up, faking the shot and then passing through the slot for redirections. While he may not dominate the scoresheet, he consistently executes the little things well and plays with purpose throughout the game. Grade: C+
Artham Sinha #12 (D, R, 6’4″, 185, Oakland Jr. Grizzlies U15, 03/19/2010) – Sinha is a tall, strong defenceman who effectively uses his reach to control space. He defends both blue lines tenaciously, using his reach to disrupt the opposition’s puck decisions, leading to turnovers and keeping plays alive. His reach can cause issues for puck carriers, lulling them into a false sense of security before he pokes the puck away. Artham intercepts numerous passes in the neutral zone, disrupting rushes and making impactful plays off the puck. When stepping down the wall, he does so forcefully, creating turnovers and preventing momentum from developing against him. Sinha delivers strong checks, using his size to effectively run players over. Under pressure, he delivers accurate outlet passes with pace. Sinha has a stand-up stride with an elongated form and powerful push, making him deceptively fast. Sinha is a defensive defenceman who makes simple, effective decisions to move the play forward while playing a reliable game in his own zone. Grade: B
Jack Smith #33 (F, R, 6’0″, 175, Oakland Jr. Grizzlies U15, 08/05/2010) – Smith is a larger, strong player with good size and a firm build. While not a highly skilled forward, he plays tough minutes, competes in difficult areas, and demonstrates consistent effort. He assisted on the first goal against the Dynamo, showcasing his strength by battling through a net-front scrum, breaking a stick, and blindly passing the puck back through the slot for a teammate to score. He uses his reach effectively on the forecheck and, while his footwork may be somewhat stagnant, he possesses the reach and accuracy to poke pucks free and disrupt exits. Smith scored a notable goal in the first game of the weekend, entering the zone wide near the boards, turning his body to shield the puck, and then, from just inside the hash marks, firing a wrist shot high short side, knocking the goalie’s water bottle off the net. Smith is a valuable depth forward who can generate offence through his power and strength. Grade: C+
Anderson Tighe #17 (F, L, 5’11”, 157, Oakland Jr. Grizzlies U15, 08/18/2010) – Tighe’s fluidity and skating stride are the strongest aspects of his game. He is an effortless, fast, and quick skater who covers ice efficiently with and without the puck. While he may lack significant offensive punch, his movement is smooth, from his edgework and tight turns to his puck control. He excels on the rush, using his skating to create gaps against defenders and keep them on their heels. Anderson can also win faceoffs with quick hands. He won three offensive zone faceoffs in a span of ten seconds, each time directing the puck back to his defenceman for a clear shot on net. Tighe is light on his feet and carries the puck well but needs to improve his offensive finishing skills. Grade: C+
Dmitriy Tretyak #13 (D, L, 6’0″, 175, Oakland Jr. Grizzlies U15, 03/22/2010) – Tretyak is a lean, mobile defenceman with fluid strides and confidence all over the ice. While his footwork could be refined, he displays smooth movement in his stride. He patrols the blue line with his head up, quickly assessing whether to attack or retreat, while maintaining tight gaps and pressuring puck carriers. Dmitriy demonstrates smooth puck handling, effortlessly delivering saucer passes across the ice to his partner at top speed. He calmly collects bouncing pucks under pressure and efficiently moves the puck up ice with accuracy, creating extra space for delivery. On the power play, he quarterbacks from the blue line, making deceptive passes that create opportunities for his teammates and catch the opposition off guard. Tretyak moves the puck with poise and snap while shooting with his head up to generate rebounds and tips. He limits time and space on the rush with his reach and gap control, forcing plays wide and smothering puck carriers into dumps or turnovers. Grade: B
Palmyra Black Knights U15
Lukas Biegler #77 (D, R, 5’9″, 150, Palmyra Black Knights U15, 01/01/2010) – Lukas is a key leader for the Knights at both ends of the ice. Playing defence throughout the weekend, he logged significant ice time and was utilized in all critical situations. While his stride demonstrates decent fluidity, his edges could be firmer to prevent being pushed off the puck. His strong navigational skills allow him to effectively evade forechecks and initiate breakouts with his legs when possible, making him difficult to contain. Despite receiving numerous poor passes, he adeptly controlled them with his skates or contorted his body to secure them on his forehand, even when out of position. He then accurately delivered the puck to his teammates while skating backwards to create space. In one instance, Lukas defended a 3-on-1 against the Hitmen, preventing a shot on goal. Seconds later, he dove in front of the net to block another shot during the cycle. He quarterbacks the powerplay, maintains puck control, and contributes to penalty killing with intelligent positioning and stick work. He reads plays effectively to limit opponents’ time and space, although he would benefit from increased strength to compete more effectively in contested situations. Biegler plays confidently on both sides of the blue line and remained composed under pressure, providing a calming presence on the back end while also possessing the offensive capabilities to lead the attack when necessary. Grade: B
Philadelphia Hockey Club 15U
Sean Devine #4 (F, L, 6’0″, 187, Philadelphia Hockey Club 15O, 02/20/2010) – Devine plays with an edge and embraces physicality, leveraging his decent frame to compete in the tough areas of the ice. He isn’t shy about engaging after the whistle to defend himself and his teammates, sometimes flirting with penalty territory. He scored a power-play goal from the blue line, corralling the puck before firing a low shot through heavy traffic that found the back of the net. Devine excels in tight spaces, using his strength and determination to win puck battles. Grade: C
Mace Gray #3 (D, R, 5’10”, 150, Philadelphia Hockey Club 15O, 09/01/2010) – Gray, the captain for PHC, is a medium-sized, right-shot defenceman who leads by example. He plays a solid, simple game from the blue line, focusing on making the game easier for his forwards and defensive partner. He protects the puck well, avoiding risky plays and turnovers. Gray demonstrated poise along the offensive blue line, maintaining composure under pressure. He once received a backhand pass while straddling the line and subtly directed the puck to his partner, creating a scoring opportunity. Overall, he plays an effective, understated two-way game. Grade: C+
Rocco Piccirilli #19 (F, L, 6’0″, 150, Philadelphia Hockey Club 15O, 08/09/2010) – Piccirilli is a tall forward for PHC who demonstrates a smart, simple approach all over the ice. His ability to advance pucks on breakouts from the wing stood out. He made subtle plays to shield against pinching defencemen, drawing them in before passing to a supporting teammate or chipping the puck off the wall, leading to clean zone exits. He is a reasonably athletic skater with a powerful stride and a wide stance, allowing him to maintain puck control while maintaining speed. Piccirilli once created a turnover along the offensive wall near the red line, transitioned the puck up ice, beat one man, and then threaded a pass through the defenceman’s triangle on a two-on-one, resulting in a goal for his linemate. He avoids overhandling the puck, moving it quickly and relying on his reach to shield and protect possession. Grade: B-
Dean Powell #16 (D, R, 5’9″, 140, Philadelphia Hockey Club 15O, 02/22/2010) – Powell is a mobile, athletic defenceman who sometimes plays like a fourth forward, actively engaging in the offensive zone with skill. Despite only recording 4 points (1G+3A) in three games, his ability to generate offensive chances from the back end is more significant than the stats suggest. Powell’s footwork and acceleration allow him to escape pressure and quickly advance the play up ice with clean breakouts. While his first instinct is to skate the puck out, he can also deliver accurate passes when necessary. He quarterbacks the power-play unit from the blue line, constantly moving and finding lanes to deliver passes to teammates for one-timers. His goal came against Dynamo, where he received a pass at the centre point, recognized the available time and space, settled the puck, and fired a low shot through traffic, beating the screened goalie. He demonstrates finesse in his puck control, navigating the neutral zone with his head up and creating offensive chances with ease. Although his spatial awareness occasionally falters, leading to turnovers, his movement is generally crisp and accurate. Powell actively anticipates plays, jumping lanes to intercept passes with a quick first step. He also displayed poise in front of his own net, toe-dragging the puck off the goal line and away from danger after his goalie misjudged a shot. Overall, he is an offensive-minded puck-moving defenceman who drives play and creates scoring opportunities with his hockey IQ and energetic style. Grade: A-
Erik Yedwab #96 (F, L, 5’6″, 140, Philadelphia Hockey Club 15O, 12/21/2010) – Yedwab is a small but dynamic forward who transforms into a relentless offensive force when he has the puck. He led the team and finished second in the tournament with 8 points (3G+5A) in three games, proving difficult to stop or even slow down. He consistently finds scoring areas, both with and without the puck, and is always ready to shoot. Around the net, he creates havoc, relentlessly pursuing the puck and seeking to score regardless of the surrounding chaos. Yedwab is equally effective on the cycle and off the rush, using his quickness and agility to create space from defencemen. He prefers a direct, north-south game, relying on his speed, but can also create separation when needed. Despite his size, his shot is surprisingly powerful and accurate, making him a threat to score on every attempt. He consistently loses his check and finds open scoring positions. Yedwab once forced a turnover below the goal line in the offensive zone, then got to the net after a failed clear and quickly snapped the puck past the goalie. He has a knack for finding the net and scoring chances, and he will shoot whenever he has even a sliver of time or space. Yedwab scored a goal against Dynamo by driving hard to the net off the rush, faking a drop pass, then quickly accelerating around the defenceman and cutting to the net, creating a scoring opportunity for his trailing teammate. Grade: A-
Philadelphia Jr. Flyers U15
Chase Brown #6 (F, Philadelphia Jr. Flyers U15, 01/11/2010) – Brown is a physically strong player with a long reach who, at times, imposed his will below the hash marks. The AHA defencemen had difficulty containing him, particularly in the corners, where he could break free from contested areas and drive to the net for crease-crashing opportunities. He scored the tournament’s opening goal by powering through a pair of players in the corner, then lifting a stick to leverage his weight and sweep the puck five-hole from between the hash mark and the right face-off circle. His length also caused problems on the forecheck, occupying significant space, disrupting pucks, and forcing errant passes. Brown demonstrated his ability to extend plays, getting his hands around sticks for cleaner passes despite defenders pressuring him closely, as he lacks the breakaway speed to create separation. Against Oakland, he earned an assist on the rush, entering wide on the wall during a 2-on-1, telegraphing his pass but still threading it through the defenceman’s triangle for a one-timer finish by Carney. He contributed on the penalty kill, although he appeared stagnant in the defensive zone and occasionally disinterested until offensive opportunities arose. However, his reach was too valuable to keep him off the ice in those situations. Grade: B-
Marcus Carney #21 (F, L, 5’6″, 123, Philadelphia Jr. Flyers U15, 07/22/2010) – Carney is a smaller, speedy, and high-effort forward who effectively uses his quickness and acceleration to gain first possession of pucks in short bursts and during longer races. He relentlessly pursues pucks in the corners, and despite his size, he displays tenacity and grit, winning puck battles and then moving the puck towards the net. He is a threat off the rush, utilizing his speed to create opportunities. Against the Grizzlies, he scored a goal and assisted on another in a similar manner. Carney raced up the ice on a 2-on-1, presenting his stick and receiving a cross-ice pass in his wheelhouse, which he one-timed on net. Later, as the puck carrier drove wide on a 3-on-1, he looked towards the trailer and then passed through the crease for a net-front redirection. He hustles and plays aggressively all over the ice, not allowing his size disadvantage to negatively affect his game. Grade: C+
Chase Mitchell #88 (F, Philadelphia Jr. Flyers U15, 01/01/2010) – Mitchell is a smaller, lean winger who plays with pace and possesses a slippery elusiveness with the puck, making him difficult to contain physically. He is an athletic skater with quick acceleration and a smooth fluidity, allowing him to impact the rush both with and without the puck. Mitchell retrieves pucks off the boards, displaying good hands under pressure and collecting rimmed pucks to cycle back down low or pass to his defencemen before moving into open space. He scored the game-winning goal against AHA on the power play after a point shot went wide and bounced back to the left dot. He skated hard towards the puck and one-timed a shot high, short side on his forehand. Mitchell’s shot may lack significant power, but it is remarkably accurate. He also scored another power-play goal by backing away from the puck inside the blue line, catching a pass on his forehand, shifting his body without stickhandling, and firing a shot high glove against the grain through traffic. He was effective off the rush, outskating opponents wide and delivering pucks to scoring areas, though he occasionally threw pucks aimlessly into the middle of the ice. He prefers having the puck on his stick and is comfortable carrying possession in tight spaces. Grade: B
Pittsburgh Stars U15
Parker Ferra #16 (D, L, 5’7″, 155, Pittsburgh Stars U15, 11/18/2010) – Ferra is a mobile, sizable defenceman for the Stars who demonstrates solid balance and a tough style of play. He isn’t afraid to use his size, delivering some clean, impactful hits throughout the weekend. He effectively defends the middle of the ice and is difficult to play against in all three zones. With his reach, he effectively takes away space at both blue lines, and he closes down time and space in the corners, making him difficult to beat one-on-one. Ferra looks to join the play when the opportunity arises, without compromising his defensive responsibilities. He also displays a deft set of hands, allowing him to navigate the neutral zone effectively. His passes are crisp and accurate, showcasing his ability to transfer his body weight into a quick release. He demonstrated solid edgework, using mohawk turns while facing the middle of the ice to maintain awareness of all options and maintain his speed while in possession. Ferra uses his reach to disrupt shots, deflecting them up and over the net, and has the footwork to pressure puck carriers effectively. Grade: B
Dylan Hartman #14 (F, R, 5’8″, 130, Pittsburgh Stars U15, 09/16/2010) – Hartman likes to use creative stickhandling and skill, which can sometimes lead to trouble, but when executed well, it creates dangerous scoring chances. His soft hands allow him to manoeuvre the puck around sticks and evade checks with fluid motions, picking up pucks on the other side of opponents. He drives to the net and isn’t afraid to battle in the blue paint, positioning himself in the centre lane with the intention of stopping at the crease. He scored his only goal in the opening game against the Arrows. Circling through the offensive zone, he dropped below the blue line on the left side (as a right-handed shot), received a pass, and without needing to settle it, quickly fired it low on the short side for a goal. Grade: B-
Connor Keelan #26 (F/D, L, 5’8″, 159, Pittsburgh Stars U15, 08/15/2010) – Keelan did not record a point for the Stars this weekend, but he displayed good pace and quickness. He also showed tenacity and competitiveness in the corners, battling for pucks and ice. He finished every check without hesitation. While his speed didn’t always allow him to significantly impact the forecheck, his presence did force opponents into errant passes when he built up momentum. Grade: C
Garrett Myers #9 (F, L, 5’5″, 135, Pittsburgh Stars U15, 05/07/2010) – Myers is a deceptive forward who can win battles despite his size and plays with an edge. Even when he appears to be out of the play, he finds ways to gain position on defencemen, win pucks, absorb contact, and bring the puck to the net. Myers finds the right angles to get to loose pucks and can win races using his pace, while also fending off opponents. He shows flashes of skill and creativity around the net, but lacked the finishing touch in scoring areas. Grade: C
Grant Williams #19 (F, L, 5’11”, 155, Pittsburgh Stars U15, 03/02/2010) – Williams didn’t record a point this weekend but contributed quality work on the forecheck, attempting to create opportunities around the net. While not a flashy player, he brings a strong work ethic and decent skating ability, allowing him to compete in the corners, work hard on the forecheck, and disrupt plays below the hashmarks. Williams delivered accurate passes through the neutral zone and consistently supported his passes, offering himself as an option. While Williams wasn’t able to execute much offensively, his effort was consistently evident. Grade: C+
Domenic Yosi #18 (F, R, 5’7″, 148, Pittsburgh Stars U15, 12/08/2010) – Yosi is a mobile, energetic defenceman for the Stars who displays athletic skating ability and good speed around the ice. He shows agility in all directions, maintains a low centre of gravity, and handles attacking speed effectively, preventing opponents from beating him wide or turning him back towards the middle. Yosi prefers to initiate breakouts with his skating, using stop-and-start movements to evade forecheckers and make crisp first passes. While not an offensive powerhouse, he made smart plays in possession from the back end to help advance the play, using his legs when necessary. Grade: C
New Jersey Rockets U15
Henry Albu #79 (F, R, 5’8″, 148, Rockets Hockey Club U15, 05/23/2010) – Albu is a lean, speedy player who led the Rockets in points this weekend, with all four points coming from assists. These assists accounted for half of his team’s goals over the three games. He displays deft puck-handling skills and can attack off the rush, forcing defenders back and burning them wide without losing possession. Henry showcased his toe drag and smooth puck control, evading lunging defenders with finesse. His head fakes often put defenders off balance, allowing him to exploit the resulting space and burst through seams. At times, Albu seemed to teleport up the ice, initiating breakouts from his own zone and then appearing at the far blue line to create a scoring chance off the rush. His pace created separation from backcheckers, and even a parachute-like jersey couldn’t slow him down. This speed allowed him to open up passing lanes, slide pucks to interior targets, and create scoring opportunities for his linemates. Grade: B
Andrew Devyatkin #9 (F, L, 5’2″, 110, Rockets Hockey Club U15, 05/01/2010) – Devyatkin is an explosive forward who can accelerate to high speeds quickly. He was particularly noticeable on the penalty kill this weekend, where he created as many chances shorthanded as he did at even strength. He capitalizes on opponents’ overconfidence, creating turnovers and exploding up the ice to generate rushes. In the offensive zone, he disrupts play with his angle management and stick placement, steering pucks and seizing opportunities. Although Andrew didn’t register any points, he is a valuable winger who is reliable in all three zones, moves the puck quickly, and limits turnovers while creating them for his team. Grade: C+
Ryan Huh #89 (F, R, 5’7″, 130, Rockets Hockey Club U15, 02/13/2010) – Huh is an undersized winger who plays with constant energy and a willingness to compete hard in the dirty areas for pucks. He is a persistent presence all over the ice, finishing checks, stripping pucks, and creating trouble on the forecheck. In his own zone, Ryan blocks shots, takes away passing lanes, and uses crosschecks to move opponents. Huh is a hard-working forward who contributes on the penalty kill and frustrates the opposition with his relentless effort. Grade: C
Alexander Sidorenko #17 (F, L, 5’9″, 154, Rockets Hockey Club U15, 02/22/2010) – Sidorenko is a smaller, speedy, puck-controlling winger who values possession and was a key offensive force this weekend, scoring three goals and two assists in three games. His fluid movement makes him difficult for defenders to read, as he can slip and shake into open space with the puck seemingly glued to his stick. He demonstrated his playmaking ability in the opening game when he collected a loose puck along the offensive zone hash marks, evaded a check, drove to the corner, and threaded a pass through the slot to Huh, who was waiting near the net for a redirection. Alex is primarily a perimeter playmaker who can distribute the puck through tight windows, even at high speeds. He possesses lightning-quick hands and can dance off the rush, turning defenders inside out with subtle puck touches. He scored a highlight-reel goal on the power play after chipping a puck off the wall high in the offensive zone. Immediately pressured, he tucked the puck under the defender’s stick to evade the check, then quickly passed it down low to Tleukhanov for a give-and-go. He received the return pass and fired a hard, one-time shot from above and inside the right faceoff dot, beating the goalie high on the far side before he could react. He receives and settles every pass in an instant, showcasing his exceptional hands. He creates lanes for his linemates to find him in scoring areas and can generate space and separation quickly. He is a dangerous forward even when pressured, but if given room to operate, he will create threatening scoring chances. Grade: B+
Mansur Tleukhanov #97 (F, L, 5’10”, 143, Rockets Hockey Club U15, 07/02/2010) – Tleukhanov is a taller, skilled, possession-oriented forward who was a key contributor to the Rockets’ offence this weekend. His reach, combined with slick hands and strength on the puck, makes him difficult to dispossess. He can dangle around sticks but also play a power game, lowering his shoulder and putting defenders on their heels. When attacking, Mansur drives to the net with purpose, attempting to jam pucks in from close range, using his strength to fight through contact, and maintaining a wide base to protect the puck from defenders. Tleukhanov can be described as a finesse player with power, capable of maneuvering through defenders with speed and driving through bodies. There were moments of visible frustration when plays didn’t go his way, and he occasionally failed to pursue every puck, turning away from the play at times. However, he has a fluid skating stride and can generate offence off the rush and during cycles. He demonstrated his power when he collected a loose puck in the neutral zone and turned it into a 1-on-3, splitting the defence for a quality scoring chance and drawing a hooking penalty as he burst past the converging defenders. Mansur is a playmaking finisher with the offensive instincts and anticipation to make plays around the net. Grade: B
Westchester Express U15
Nolan Brinson #13 (F, L, West Chester Express AAA, 01/01/2010) – Brinson had a solid weekend offensively, leading the team with 3 goals and 3 assists in 3 games, proving to be a valuable offensive threat. He scored in a variety of situations, including on the power play, shorthanded, and at even strength, demonstrating his ability to both finish chances and facilitate plays. In the first game, he quickly scored on the power play, one-timing a cross-ice pass from the slot into the net through traffic, giving the goalie little chance to react. He also forced a turnover on the forecheck below the goal line, steering his man into a difficult position before passing to Nigro, who scored from the slot. Brinson, with his shifty and wiry frame, danced around Hitmen defenders, keeping the puck glued to his stick while shedding contact. He can jump off the wall and gain interior access with the puck, creating dangerous scoring chances by knifing through traffic without being stripped. While sometimes a bit soft in possession and susceptible to being bumped off the puck, he was mostly engaged and tough to knock around. His shorthanded goal came on a breakaway, after streaking up the weak side to catch an area pass and firing it upstairs from the hashmarks. Brinson consistently raced back to his own zone, lifting sticks and gaining positioning around his net to prevent scoring chances against. He isn’t afraid to initiate contact and won battles he initially seemed unlikely to win. Grade: B+
William Devendorf #53 (D, West Chester Express AAA, 01/01/2010) – Devendorf, the captain of the Express, leads by example with his hard-nosed effort from the back end. He is utilized in all situations, particularly when defending leads late in games, such as in a one-goal game against ACA, where he blocked shots, cleared pucks, and retrieved pucks from high-pressure areas. He plays with an edge, using his smaller stature to his advantage by throwing his body around to force turnovers. Devendorf effectively pins opponents along the boards, forcing pucks loose with simple contact, and consistently gets back to his own net. His puck movement is straightforward, avoiding risky plays and opting for the easy option. While his shots lack significant power, they get through traffic and on net, creating rebound opportunities. Devendorf stepped up at key moments to keep plays alive in the offensive zone with timely pokes and positioning. He consistently puts in the effort at both ends of the ice and competes with purpose in battles, demonstrating a strong willingness to win. Grade: B-
Colin Nigro #2 (F, R, West Chester Express AAA, 07/27/2010) – Nigro is a fluid skater with a lean frame who can move effectively in open ice with and without the puck. He displayed the hip movement and edgework to maintain puck possession on the perimeter while maintaining his pace to find interior passing lanes and draw defenders. Nigro earned a power-play assist against the Hitmen, delivering a crisp pass through the slot to Brinson for a one-timer goal on the weak side. He is particularly effective on the perimeter, delivering accurate passes through tight windows. He also helped force a turnover on the forecheck with Brinson, then backhanded a pass through the slot to a teammate for a one-timer goal off the low-to-high pass. His straight-line speed proved difficult for most defencemen to handle, forcing them onto their heels and allowing him to skate past them. Nigro scored a key goal against ACA after passing to the weak side on the breakout, then cutting across the middle of the ice in support. He received a drop pass and used his quick release from the top left circle to beat the goalie high glove side from a considerable distance. Nigro plays with speed and is a versatile forward at both ends of the ice. Grade: B
Henry Tomaszewski #4 (F, R, 5’10”, 146, West Chester Express AAA, 08/17/2010) – Tomaszewski is a key leader for the Express, playing a complete 200-foot game and capable of being deployed in all situations. He demonstrated strength in the faceoff circle, quickly snapping draws back and using his body to limit the opposing centre’s force on the puck. Late in the game against ACA, Henry won multiple offensive zone faceoffs to maintain possession and kill valuable time. In battles, he initiates body contact to take away lanes and win initial puck possession. He assisted on a shorthanded breakaway goal for his linemate, gaining possession inside his own blue line, leaning into the defender, and touching the puck into open space for his teammate to skate onto and score. Later in the game, coming off the rush, Henry supported the play and entered behind the puck carrier to receive a drop pass, gain access to the top left circle, and fire a shot that the goalie had to fight off, leading to a rebound goal by his linemate. He consistently tracks back through the middle of the ice with purpose and disrupted several cross-ice passes through his own zone with an active stick. He is the type of centre who can facilitate off the rush and cycle while also being responsible in his own zone. Grade: B
Justin Tortorella #23 (F, R, 5’7″, 148, West Chester Express AAA, 01/01/2010) – Tortorella is a smaller, speedy forward who can generate pace up ice and create space for his linemates. He skates with a pace that puts defencemen on their heels, allowing him to win puck races, initiate offensive zone pressure, and get to the net for loose pucks. Justin consistently backchecks, disrupting plays with well-timed interventions. He scored a high-quality goal in the opening game during a 3-on-2 rush, driving hard through the centre lane to receive a pass between the defencemen, splitting them for a hard cut across the crease, and finishing firmly to the net. Tortorella plays with purpose and is a valuable linemate, offering speed on the move and typically being a viable option all over the ice. Grade: C+
Wilkes-Barre Scranton Knights U15
Alexander Filatov #68 (F, L, 5’9″, 145, Wilkes-Barre Scranton Knights U15, 09/08/2010) – Filatov was instrumental in the team’s offence this weekend, contributing to over half of their goals with 3 goals and 3 assists in 3 games. A key distributor and finisher, he showcased quality puck movement and skill. Filatov possesses the skill and touch to elevate pucks over sticks in tight areas, ensuring they land flat on his target’s tape with ease. He displays an aggressive, powerful stride in open ice, while remaining calculated in his movements. The Knights’ powerplay runs through him; he boasts a lightning-quick release on his shot and the vision and accuracy to deliver precise passes around the ice. For example, on an assist against ACA, positioned on his one-timer side near the top of the right circle, he received a pass from the point that was slightly ahead of his feet and behind his stick. Stretching out, he appeared poised to shoot, but instead, he one-touched the puck through the slot to his teammate on the weak side for an easy goal. His deceptive passes made him a maestro on the blue line, manipulating penalty killers with precision, placing the puck exactly where he intended. He scored on the powerplay from the weak side, converting a deflected pass just off the crease on his forehand, sweeping it aggressively five-hole. Effective in possession throughout the ice, he emerged from the corners with his head up, identifying interior options while also evading pressure and extending zone time. Off the rush, he can beat defenders wide, then quickly cut to the middle to find prime scoring positions. In a game against Woodbridge, despite being down 8-1 late, he displayed unwavering effort, skating with passion and demonstrating leadership at both ends of the ice for the Knights. Grade: A-
Maximilian Linnik #39 (D, L, 6’1″, 160, Wilkes-Barre Scranton Knights U15, 02/25/2010) – Linnik is a taller defender for the Knights with a strong backstep to challenge rushes and good mobility in all directions. His reach allows him to effectively contain puck carriers, drawing them in and suffocating them to force turnovers, particularly along the boards. Linnik’s reach occupies space, causing opponents to misjudge their spacing and lose puck control. While he sometimes holds onto the puck too long when simpler options are available, he can deliver accurate passes. He saw some powerplay time but is most effective using his strength to defend and create difficult situations in the neutral and defensive zones. Grade: C+
Casper Maslowski #77 (D, L, 5’10”, 155, Wilkes-Barre Scranton Knights U15, 03/11/2010) – Maslowski is a skilled defenceman for the Knights, possessing the edgework and mobility to mohawk on the perimeter, keeping his hips open to face the middle of the ice for easier distribution. He also escapes traffic with quick cuts and turns to evade pressure. Despite his medium frame, he protects the puck effectively, holding off opponents as he moves towards his target area. He showcased skill and finesse from the back end, navigating traffic with his head up, and adds a heavy wrist shot from various locations. Maslowski is the primary defenceman on the powerplay and is utilized in 5-on-3 situations for his quick puck movement, one-touch ability, and vision to direct traffic in possession. He demonstrated his touch without scoring when, coming down the side near the face-off dot on his backhand, he was pressured but sent a backhand touch shot over the goalie’s shoulder that hit the crossbar. His stick skills continued to impress with subtle plays, displaying his hand-eye coordination by batting down a cross-ice pass like a bunt and immediately flattening it to deliver it to his next target. Maslowski can fire one-timers with minimal wind-up and displays effortless puck movement, driving play up ice. Grade: B
Maxim Sikachev #78 (F, R, 6’0″, 179, Wilkes-Barre Scranton Knights U15, 06/09/2010) – Sikachev played defence this weekend, demonstrating relatively good mobility to contest the neutral zone, forcing offsides and turnovers in contested areas. He made several accurate poke checks and effectively shielded the lane to loose pucks without interfering. Sikachev scored the lone goal against Woodbridge in a 10-1 loss, entering the zone late to receive a cross-ice pass and firing a shot over the goaltender’s blocker from the top of the right circle. While some of his shots have zip when he has momentum, he needs to improve his power from the blue line with less motion behind each release to create more dangerous scoring opportunities. Grade: C
Daniel Vasko #17 (F, R, 5’9″, 140, Wilkes-Barre Scranton Knights U15, 07/09/2010) – Vasko recorded 4 points in 3 games this weekend, scoring once and adding three assists. He is primarily a perimeter playmaker who can thread passes through tight windows and use his speed to open up lanes. Vasko accelerates quickly from a standstill and supports the play effectively, moving into open lanes to receive passes with his feet moving. One of his assists in the opening game came when he darted up ice, stopped quickly on entry, and delivered a pass across the ice to the weak-side defenceman for a goal. He sees time on the powerplay, where he excels with space to distribute the puck. He demonstrated good awareness with his positioning in the offensive zone but tended to chase a bit in his own end. He is agile, mobile, and light on his feet, allowing him to move quickly in any direction and accelerate rapidly. Grade: C+
Woodbridge Wolfpack U15
Nathan Bertz #7 (D, L, 5’11”, 185, Woodbridge Wolfpack U15, 01/19/2010) – Bertz is a positional, mid-sized defenceman who favours a simple, efficient game. He avoids high-risk plays and doesn’t overcomplicate things with excessive speed. While not the fastest skater, Nathan effectively defends against rushes and protects the net by boxing out opponents and using smart angles to steer plays to the outside. He possesses the strength to win puck battles. Instead of attempting solo zone exits or dekes, he consistently makes the smart, simple play, whether it’s hitting the first passing option or chipping the puck off the glass. Bertz is a reliable, steady defender capable of killing penalties and playing a physical game when necessary. Grade: C+
Jake Conroy #44 (F, L, 5’9″, 147, Woodbridge Wolfpack U15, 05/26/2010) – Conroy is a surprisingly strong forward who plays with deceptive strength, belying his frame. He absorbs pressure well, maintaining possession and carrying the puck through traffic to high-scoring areas. He exhibits excellent puck-handling skills, quickly collecting pucks and deftly stealing them from opponents’ sticks while in motion. Jake demonstrates quick footwork exiting the corners, catching defenders off guard with sudden stops and bursts of acceleration. He anticipates his passes and displays impressive vision, delivering accurate passes from the cycle through the slot. Against the Stars, Conroy moved undetected, forcing turnovers and creating space for teammates, while also positioning himself as a scoring threat. Grade: B-
Jaxon Dennis #36 (F, R, 5’2″, 130, Woodbridge Wolfpack U15, 06/19/2010) – Dennis tallied three assists over the weekend’s three games, but his contribution to the Wolfpack extends beyond the score sheet. Despite being undersized, Jaxon doesn’t let his lack of size hinder his performance; in fact, he uses it to his advantage. He’s exceptionally fast in open ice, maintaining possession while dictating the pace. His quick footwork and agility allow him to accelerate and evade defenders. Dennis’s off-puck speed often left defenders disoriented as he moved into scoring areas and supported the play effectively across the ice. In the first game, he joined a rush, executing a give-and-go with Ruggere from outside the dots. As he turned, he drew defenders and the goalie away from March, allowing him to slide a clever pass across the crease for March to finish. Dennis displays strength on the puck in the corners, protecting it well and engaging physically without hesitation. He forced a turnover near the goal line from a sharp angle and then nearly scored, hitting the crossbar. His speed generated numerous turnovers, enabling him to initiate offensive zone possessions with first touches. He also assisted on a goal by Harris, winning a 1-on-2 battle in the right corner of the Stars’ zone, then freeing the puck for Harris to collect and score. Earlier in the weekend, he made a similar play for Harris, forcing a loose puck high in the offensive zone and then directing it to him, giving him ample space to score. Dennis never gives up on a play, demonstrating relentless energy and a desire to be involved in every situation. Grade: A-
Nicholas DiMarco #2 (D, R, 6’2″, 196, Woodbridge Wolfpack U15, 04/21/2010) – DiMarco is a big, strong defender for the Wolfpack who plays a straightforward, tough, and physical game. He uses his size effectively, separating players from the puck and forcing turnovers with his strength. He pressures puck carriers into making hurried plays, often resulting in turnovers and lost possessions. Opposing players struggle to knock him off balance. During puck retrievals, Nicholas absorbs contact, brushes off opponents, and makes accurate passes up the ice. He effectively uses his long reach to contest both blue lines, disrupting zone exits and preventing opposing rushes from gaining momentum. In one notable play, he poked the puck free while positioned at the blue line, leading directly to a goal. His imposing presence makes him a valuable asset, and he complements any style of defensive partner. Grade: B-
Liam Fournier #10 (F, L, 6’0″, 185, Woodbridge Wolfpack U15, 02/04/2010) – Fournier is a sizeable forward for the Wolfpack, possessing a powerful presence combined with impressive skill, making him a consistent scoring threat. While not the fastest skater, Liam possesses a lethal, lightning-quick release with both velocity and accuracy. He effectively changes his shooting angle and uses defenders as screens to create optimal shooting lanes. His strong hands make him difficult to dispossess, and he maintains a firm grip to fend off defenders while controlling the puck with one hand and navigating the zone through contact. While his strength isn’t raw speed, he excels in power and shooting. Fournier scored once over the weekend, demonstrating that he doesn’t require much time or space to unleash a shot that consistently threatens the net. Grade: B-
John Foye #16 (F, L, 5’5″, 149, Woodbridge Wolfpack U15, 05/27/2010) – Foye, a smaller forward for the Wolfpack, contributed a pair of goals and an assist over the weekend, helping his team remain undefeated through three games. Despite his size, he possesses a deceptive one-timer, generating surprising power and precise timing with minimal wind-up. A slippery forward who actively seeks possession, Foye’s elusiveness makes him difficult to contain, as he deftly navigates around defenders while maintaining excellent awareness. He also demonstrates defensive acumen, effectively reading plays and positioning himself for interceptions and deflections. One notable play saw Foye intercept a pass while supporting his defensive zone, then execute a high flip pass that landed perfectly in the neutral zone, allowing Thiesdelle to capitalize on a breakaway. In another instance, he dashed through the slot on a counter-attack, received a pass on his forehand, faked a shot, and then, with exceptional patience, dragged the puck to his backhand, completely outwaiting the goalie before passing it back against the grain for Conroy to score. Foye’s puck-handling skills, combined with his small stature, make him a frustrating opponent for defenders. Against the Stars, he scored after receiving a hard pass, cutting across the blue line while staying onside with a defender pressuring him. He collected the pass on his backhand without losing momentum, then seemed to teleport past the defender before driving hard to the net to finish. A tricky forward who thrives with the puck, Foye proves equally effective cycling the puck or attacking with speed and puck wizardry. Grade: B+
Kellen Harris #9 (F, L, 5’11”, 181, Woodbridge Wolfpack U15, 03/18/2010) – Harris concluded the weekend with three goals and one assist in three games. He consistently positioned himself in scoring areas, demonstrating a solid finishing touch. Harris can score from various locations on the ice; despite not being the biggest player, he battles around the net but also possesses the finesse to be a threat from the perimeter. In one instance, he created a turnover along the offensive zone wall, regained possession outside the dots, and fired a low, short-side shot past the goalie from a sharp angle. Against the Stars, Harris timed his entry into a corner battle, supporting a 1-on-2 situation while Dennis worked behind the goal line. When the puck squirted out above the line, Harris collected it, turned away from the net, and then quickly turned back to beat the goalie far side, just under the bar. While not exceptionally speedy, Harris has the awareness to position himself for scoring opportunities and is always ready to shoot. Grade: B
Knox Koukis #71 (F, R, 5’8″, 171, Woodbridge Wolfpack U15, 02/27/2010) – Koukis plays with a calculated pace. He finished the weekend second in team scoring and among the top five in the tournament, with three goals and three assists in three games. He excels at creating plays with the puck, starting the tournament impressively. Just twenty seconds into the first game, he entered the zone on the weak side, received a pass on his forehand at the top of the circle, circled around the puck, and fired a low shot, blocker-side, to open the scoring. His deceptive pace often catches opponents off guard, allowing him to navigate through traffic and create scoring chances. He had three breakaways in the first ten minutes of the opening game, converting only the first. Koukis demonstrates excellent puck control, delivering accurate passes. On a 2-on-1 rush, he feigned a shot, drawing the defender towards him, then passed through the defender’s triangle to Warner for a one-timer goal. He uses misdirection effectively, looking one way while facing that direction, then passing accurately in a completely different direction with his head up. Koukis values possession and avoids giving up the puck unnecessarily, while also displaying the awareness to find open space off the puck and be a threat on the cycle. Grade: B+
Olivier Lafreniere #11 (F, L, 5’6″, 159, Woodbridge Wolfpack U15, 03/23/2010) – The Drummondville native started the weekend strong, contributing 6 points in a 10-1 win against a weaker opponent. Lafreniere’s play creation was evident as he was all over the ice. He led the tournament in points, scoring 3 goals and 6 assists in the Wolfpack’s 3 games. Early in the opening frame, he retrieved a puck off the wall, drove from the high slot to the middle of the ice, broke through two defenders, and quickly passed it to Warner near the net. His passes were consistently accurate, suggesting a composed approach, though he demonstrates the ability to play at a faster pace when needed. Lafreniere is a finesse player with a tenacious edge to his playmaking. He approaches the puck with momentum, allowing him to attack with pace and pressure defenders. He executed a play where he cut through the middle of the ice, beating a defender in the neutral zone to create a 2-on-1 opportunity, then scored top shelf far side from close range. Lafreniere values puck possession and avoids unnecessary giveaways, consistently seeking the puck. However, his performance benefited from a dominant opening game. Grade: B
Kacper Lesiak #22 (F, R, 5’8″, 150, Woodbridge Wolfpack U15, 07/05/2010) – Lesiak is a smaller, communicative defenceman who effectively calls out his assignments while maintaining awareness of his options on the ice. Despite not being the biggest player, he excels at getting under opponents’ sticks and boxing them out. He provides excellent support for his goaltender by clearing pucks from the net front. He demonstrated strong recovery skills after a turnover at the blue line, quickly getting back to disrupt the play before it developed into a scoring chance. While undersized, Lesiak is feisty and competes hard for ice, making quick, intelligent decisions under pressure to move pucks to the appropriate areas of the ice while minimizing turnovers. Grade: C+
Colin MacCormack #18 (D, R, 5’10”, 151, Woodbridge Wolfpack U15, 02/04/2010) – MacCormack is a lean, reliable defenceman who can contribute offensively at opportune moments without leaving his defensive partner exposed. He plays a supportive role, understanding he doesn’t need to dominate the ice. He can quickly and efficiently transition the puck up ice without over-relying on his skating. He demonstrated his pace when, after engaging on the forecheck as the first forward in, he was also the first player back to disrupt the play at his own blue line, showcasing his determination to impact the game defensively. He takes intelligent angles to the puck, using his stick to guide play to the outside, and effectively uses his body to finish plays and push opponents off balance, securing space and limiting scoring chances around his net. MacCormack consistently makes safe and smart puck-handling decisions, effortlessly moving the puck to the best available option. Grade: B-
Porter Matchett #29 (F, L, 6’3″, 190, Woodbridge Wolfpack U15, 12/31/2010) – Matchett is a sizable and sturdy player who creates significant disruption around the opposing net with his strength and ability to establish his position and withstand crosschecks. Netminders dislike his presence because of the space he occupies and his willingness to endure physical play. When he shoots, Matchett quickly drives to the net, pursuing rebounds and creating chaos in the crease, consistently backchecking and protecting the middle of the ice. He delivers accurate, crisp passes across the ice to teammates in motion and provides supportive positioning. In one instance, Matchett entered the zone with a calculated off-puck approach, receiving a touch pass from Koukis in space, driving to the net, and firing the puck through a defenceman’s legs to beat a screened goalie low to the far side. In another assist, Matchett sent a cross-ice pass to Lafreniere, then drove hard with a switch, drawing defenders away from his teammate to create space, and barreling towards the net to cause disruption, allowing his teammate to score cleanly. He excels at creating space and causing havoc in the offensive zone, effectively using his size and strength in the corners and around the crease. Grade: B+
Marc Ruggere #76 (D, R, 6’2″, 175, Woodbridge Wolfpack U15, 09/05/2010) – Ruggere complements the Wolfpack’s towering defence, bringing a strong and rugged presence to the blue line. He contributed offensively this weekend, leading all defencemen with two goals and three assists. The game appeared effortless for Marc, who delivered crisp, accurate passes, even under pressure. A sizable, right-shot defenceman, he never forces plays or panics. He turned a difficult situation into an assist, receiving a behind-him D-to-D pass with one hand, pivoting up ice, and threading a pass to Foye for a breakaway goal. His quick processing, combined with size and reach, allows him to maintain possession under pressure, shielding the puck and skating to open ice. A highlight play saw him intercept a rimmed puck at the offensive blue line, walk the line towards the net, fake out the attacker, shift to the right, pass to Dennis, and then bury the return pass far side off the post. Opponents struggled to clear the zone when he was on the ice, his hand-eye coordination, positioning, and size effectively stifling breakouts. He uses his reach to disrupt plays in the neutral zone, forcing offsides with well-disguised poke checks. Ruggere constantly communicates with teammates while remaining focused on his man and the play. He sees powerplay time, delivering accurate passes, and kills penalties, using his reach to win pucks and control the middle of the ice. Grade: A
Chase Schulberger #15 (D, R, 6’1″, 187, Woodbridge Wolfpack U15, 11/09/2010) – Schulberger is a towering presence on the Wolfpack’s blue line, demonstrating his versatility throughout the weekend by playing on his off-hand, paired with Ruggere. Despite both being right-handed shots, their pairing effectively shuts down the opposition. Schulberger contributed 4 assists over the weekend, showcasing a strong, powerful first step that allows him to quickly carry the puck out of the zone with minimal effort. He doesn’t rely on fancy dekes, instead employing simple, effective moves to protect the puck and advance it up the ice. One example was a breakout from behind his net where, facing pressure from two forecheckers, he managed to make a tape-to-tape pass to his centre support while looking towards the boards, completely throwing off the opposition. Clean breakouts seemed almost guaranteed whenever he touched the puck in his own zone. He remains composed under pressure and handles any situation with poise. His long reach allows him to protect the puck effectively, keeping his hands away from his body to prevent stick checks. Schulberger also actively joins the play, following up on rushes and driving hard to the net, as demonstrated when he cleared two defenders from the crease, allowing his teammate to score on the rebound. He skates through stick checks with ease and maintains his speed across the ice. Defensively, he uses his reach to disrupt puck carriers, forcing turnovers by applying pressure and swiping at the puck. Even when opponents manage to get inside his reach, he can effortlessly ride them off, neutralizing them without compromising his position or being beaten through the middle. His active footwork forces puck carriers to lose track of their spacing when approaching him. Overall, he is an intelligent, two-way defenceman who brings stability to the back end and impacts the game in numerous ways. Grade: A
Maveric Thisdelle #97 (F, R, 6’0″, 185, Woodbridge Wolfpack U15, 03/08/2010) – Thisdelle demonstrates a strong combination of force, power, skill, control, and creativity. Throughout the weekend, he consistently presented an offensive threat, proving his value as a winger who can adapt to any style of centre. He excels at extending plays in the offensive zone, maintaining possession through contact with active feet, and possessing the strength to withstand pressure and win battles in traffic. While he occasionally shied away from contact, he also showed a willingness to initiate it. Thisdelle boasts a powerful and quick shot, delivered with precision and torque, but this weekend he showcased his playmaking abilities and distribution skills. His strong hands prevent turnovers, while his finesse allows him to manoeuvre into scoring positions, creating dangerous opportunities and drawing penalties with his agility. He can maintain puck possession for extended periods, dominating the defence without appearing selfish. He executed an impressive offensive zone backcheck, stripping the puck from an opponent and quickly passing to Foye in the slot for a goal. Although he can occasionally be overly patient with the puck, this isn’t always the case. Thisdelle scored a goal with a blistering shot after being left open in the slot during a cycle, one-timing a pass from below the goal line into the top corner. Overall, Thisdelle is a dangerous forward with the ability to score, distribute, and create problems for opposing defences. Grade: B+
Deverin Warner #88 (F, L, 5’9″, 166, Woodbridge Wolfpack U15, 02/23/2010) – Although we only observed Warner in one game this weekend, he made a significant impact, scoring a hat trick and adding several assists. A highly athletic and smooth-skating forward, Warner demonstrates skill and adaptability, capable of playing various styles. While he displays some physicality, he favours a finesse approach, utilizing his speed on rushes. He immediately made an impact off the rush, entering the zone wide, touching the puck under the defender to the centre lane support, then filling the lane behind him to receive a drop pass. He then cut to the slot and passed against the grain to Koukis, who scored into an open net. Warner’s shot is lethal, requiring minimal time or space, using the full stick and momentum to generate torque for a dangerous release. His passing is effortless; he can release it on the move, execute backhand passes across the ice to switch the play, and possesses the hands and touch to challenge defenders all over the ice. In one instance, on a 2-on-1, Warner received a pass to his forehand but misfired, hitting the goaltender’s chest. However, he collected the rebound, circled the net, and scored amidst the ensuing scramble. His ability to generate pace makes it difficult for defenders to keep up, and he elevates his linemates’ play, creating high-speed scoring opportunities. Grade: B+
Andrew Wyda #24 (F, R, 5’8″, 144, Woodbridge Wolfpack U15, 10/16/2010) – Wyda was injured early in the first game and had to be assisted off the ice. He was unable to play for the remainder of the weekend. Grade: LV
Yale Jr. Bulldogs 15U
Kellan Fenstad #80 (F, L, 5’9″, 155, Yale Jr. Bulldogs 15U, 07/08/2010) – Fenstad, a player with a sizeable frame, led the Yale offence this weekend, tallying 3 goals and an assist. He’s the type of forward who can drive a line on his own, but remains an unselfish distributor with a knack for finding the net. Against the Colonials, he opened the scoring after receiving a backhand pass and splitting the defence in the neutral zone, creating a 2-on-1 opportunity. He then deked out his passing option and fired a shot high glove before the goalie could react. While he sometimes stopped moving his feet upon zone entry, diminishing his threat, he still managed to score. Fenstad also contributes on the penalty kill, using his reach to cover ground and disrupt passing lanes. He reads plays well, arriving in position promptly, and uses an intelligent stick to intercept and deflect passes. In the first game, he scored the overtime winner by capitalizing on a defensive miscue; after poking the puck free from a defender’s bad touch, he created a breakaway for his linemate. Fenstad then followed up the play, beating his man up ice and burying a loose puck near the crease with a confident touch. Grade: B
Robert Pandolfo #37 (F, R, 5’7″, 144, Yale Jr. Bulldogs 15U, 04/03/2010) – Pandolfo is a hard-working forward who consistently backchecks to his own zone to pick up sticks and disrupt plays. While he only recorded a single assist this weekend, he still made a significant impact. Robert actively pursued pucks, intercepted passes, and used his anticipation to track down pucks. His resilient nature allows him to withstand contact, even though he isn’t the biggest or strongest skater. Grade: C+
PG Winter Classic 16U
Neutral Zone attended the PG Invitational Showcase in Woodbridge/Bridgewater, NJ, from January 23–25. This report includes player evaluations and grades based solely on their performance at this showcase.
American Hockey Academy U16
Christophe Hamel # (D, L, 5’9″, 154, American Hockey Academy U16, 08/23/2009) – Christophe Hamel is a mobile defenceman with strong recovery ability and composure when plays break down. He skates well enough to close gaps quickly and recover when attackers gain a step, using his feet and stick in unison to maintain a strong defensive presence. His detailed stick work is a consistent strength, disrupting passing lanes and forcing puck carriers to the outside, preventing clean entries. He demonstrates good anticipation, reading developing plays well and showing patience in his positioning, avoiding unnecessary lunges or over-commitment. Under pressure, he remains calm, making controlled decisions, and demonstrating trust in his skating and defensive habits. Overall, his game projects as that of a reliable, pace-capable defenceman who can handle rush situations and defensive-zone responsibilities. Grade: B
Samson Koch # (F, L, 5’6″, 130, American Hockey Academy U16, 03/26/2009) – Samson Koch is a skilled, puck-confident forward who demonstrates strong hands and is comfortable handling the puck in traffic. He plays with poise and patience, allowing plays to develop rather than forcing low-percentage decisions. His ability to manage the puck through the neutral zone helps his team maintain possession and enter the offensive zone with control. He displays good awareness of pressure and uses subtle movements to protect the puck and extend plays. His vision allows him to identify teammates in support and move the puck efficiently when passing lanes open. He projects as a possession-oriented forward who can help control tempo and generate offence through smart puck management. Grade: B
Jeremy Lemieux # (G, L, 5’11”, 128, American Hockey Academy U16, 02/18/2009) – Jeremy Lemieux is a strong, technically sound goaltender who relies on positioning, size, and calm reads to manage play effectively. He tracks the puck well through traffic and stays square to shooters, allowing him to absorb shots cleanly and limit rebounds. His patience stands out, particularly on initial shots and broken plays around the net, where he avoids overreacting and maintains control. He exhibits solid rebound control, directing pucks to safe areas rather than leaving them in high-danger zones. He shows composure under pressure and doesn’t allow the pace of play to rush his movements. Grade: B-
Marco Teich # (D, 6’3″, 209, American Hockey Academy U16, 01/01/2009) – Marko Teich is a big, straightforward, and physical defenceman who effectively uses his size and long reach. He anticipates plays well, keeps attackers wide, and minimizes dangerous scoring opportunities. Teich relies on strong fundamentals and positional awareness, rarely over-committing, making him difficult to beat along the blue line. His ability to play a controlled, uncomplicated game makes him reliable in all situations and provides a stabilizing presence for his team. Grade: B-
Alexander Tikhomirov # (F, L, 6’0″, 165, American Hockey Academy U16, 06/13/2009) – Alexander Tikhomirov is a skilled forward with good skating and soft hands, allowing him to handle the puck comfortably at speed. He plays with pace and demonstrates confidence attacking open ice, using his skating to create space and force defenders back. His puck control allows him to navigate through traffic and maintain possession under pressure. He shows a willingness to drive to the middle of the ice and create offensive opportunities through movement and timing. His skillset suggests offensive upside, particularly when paired with linemates who complement his pace and creativity. He projects as a forward capable of generating chances off the rush and sustaining offensive-zone play. Grade: B
Matthew Zalewski # (F, L, 6’0″, 159, American Hockey Academy U16, 11/29/2009) – Matthew Zalewski is a hardworking and competitive forward who consistently applies pressure and brings energy to each shift. He engages in puck battles and shows good stick detail, staying on pucks and making himself useful in retrieval situations. His effort level is noticeable in all three zones, and he supports plays well by staying connected to teammates. While he may not rely on high-end skill, he contributes by doing the detail work that keeps plays alive. His willingness to compete and play physically adds value, particularly in momentum-shifting situations. He projects as a reliable depth forward who can be trusted to bring effort, pressure, and consistency. Grade: B
Atlantic Coast Academy 16U
Andrei Bratanau #13 (F, R, 5’9″, 143, Atlantic Coast Academy 16U, 10/15/2009) – Andrei Bratanau is a forward with exceptional vision, quickness, and hockey IQ. He executes controlled zone entries, putting opposing defenders on their heels while maintaining possession. Bratanau consistently finds seams in the defence, makes smart reads in transition, and can generate offence both individually and for his teammates. His skating allows him to create separation and pressure defenders, and his stickhandling and poise enable him to attack with control. Bratanau’s ability to think ahead, maintain composure, and make precise plays makes him a consistent offensive threat in all situations. Grade: B
Spartak Chukreyev #16 (D, L, 6’0″, 170, Atlantic Coast Academy 16U, 09/21/2009) – Spartak Chukreyev is a calm, mobile defenceman who excels at quarterbacking the power play. He moves the puck with soft hands and precision, reads the ice well, and makes confident decisions under pressure. Chukreyev contributes in all situations, joining the rush when appropriate and maintaining composure defensively. He shows excellent vision to find open teammates and can initiate offensive sequences from the back end. His poise, mobility, and all-around skillset make him a reliable two-way presence who can influence the game in multiple areas. Grade: B+
Lucas Congrady #34 (D, L, 6’0″, 181, Atlantic Coast Academy 16U, 04/03/2009) – Lucas Congrady is a mobile defenceman known for his excellent recoveries and puck retrieval skills. He remains composed under pressure, using an active stick and smart positioning to disrupt plays. Congrady transitions the puck effectively, moving it efficiently out of his zone. He demonstrates confidence carrying or distributing the puck when opportunities arise. Consistent in his effort and focus, he doesn’t let mistakes affect his performance. His combination of mobility, hockey sense, and defensive reliability makes him a trustworthy presence on the blue line. Grade: B
Connor Elderworth #31 (G, L, 6’0″, 157, Atlantic Coast Academy 16U, 03/25/2009) – Connor Elderworth is a technically sound goaltender who displays excellent positional awareness and patience in his crease. He tracks shots well, controls his angles, and stays square to shooters on all types of attacks. Elderworth has demonstrated his ability to make key saves when they matter most, including a shutout performance against the Black Bear, using strong rebound control and disciplined movements to limit second chances. He remains calm under pressure, relies on sound fundamentals, and is capable of stealing games with critical saves. His composure, size, and confidence in net make him a cornerstone of his team’s defence. Grade: B
CJ Sawyer #93 (F, L, 5’11”, 169, Atlantic Coast Academy 16U, 06/17/2010) – CJ Sawyer is a highly skilled forward with soft hands, strong vision, and exceptional offensive awareness. He consistently finds open ice, maintains possession under pressure, and demonstrates the ability to make precise passes on both his forehand and backhand. Sawyer consistently drives offence, sticks with plays, and gets to high-value scoring areas. His poise, hockey IQ, and ability to read the game allow him to elevate his teammates’ play while generating scoring chances for himself. He is a dynamic, high-level playmaker who can consistently influence the outcome of games. Grade: A-
Black Bear National Academy U16
Ivan Bondra # (F, L, 6’3″, 157, Black Bear National Academy U16, 01/22/2009) – Ivan Bondra is a hard-working, competitive forward who plays with pace and determination. He excels at pursuing pucks, finishing checks, and maintaining his position on the right side of the puck. He battles through traffic, creates disruption around the net, and shows a willingness to engage in hard areas to generate offence. His effort level is consistent, and he doesn’t shy away from physical play. He contributes by wearing down opponents and creating chaos in scoring areas. He projects as an energy forward who can impact games through his work ethic, physicality, and competitive drive. Grade: C+
Kaden Julik # (F, L, 6’5″, 190, Black Bear National Academy U16, 05/25/2009) – Kaden Julik is a patient and skilled forward with soft hands and strong puck control. He consistently plays with his head up, demonstrating excellent vision, especially on the power play, where he identifies seams and distributes the puck efficiently. He excels at controlling zone entries, often slowing the game to allow teammates to get involved rather than forcing plays. He shows confidence handling the puck under pressure and uses deception to create passing lanes. Julik’s ability to control tempo and make smart decisions makes him an effective offensive driver. He projects as a playmaking forward who can run possession and create scoring chances through intelligence and poise. Grade: B+
Fedor Maliutin # (F, L, 5’9″, 168, Black Bear National Academy U16, 06/09/2009) – Fedor Maliutin is a composed and intelligent defenceman. He cleanly handles difficult breakout passes, keeping plays moving with minimal delay. He demonstrates strong awareness of forecheck pressure and consistently makes the correct read to maintain possession and limit turnovers. His puck management is a clear strength, particularly through the neutral zone, where he supports effective transitions and sets up controlled exits. Maliutin plays with balance and control, rarely panicking or forcing plays under pressure. His ability to quickly process the game allows him to be effective even against aggressive attackers. He projects as a reliable, possession-oriented defenceman who complements skilled partners and supports both the defensive and offensive flow. Grade: B-
Casey Mileikis # (F, L, 5’10”, 165, Black Bear National Academy U16, 06/04/2009) – Casey Mileikis is a versatile and steady defenceman who contributes through awareness, effort, and consistent puck support. He positions himself well to intercept plays and maintain proper spacing, demonstrating a good understanding of defensive structure in all zones. His puck skills allow him to make clean passes under pressure, and he complements more offensively oriented partners by effectively handling critical details. Mileikis stays engaged throughout his shifts and demonstrates reliability in all situations. His game is built on balance and smart decision-making rather than flash, making him a dependable presence on the blue line. Grade: B-
Canon Schatz # (D, L, 5’5″, 130, Black Bear National Academy U16, 12/13/2009) – Canon Schatz is an offensive-minded defenceman who uses skating, vision, and skill to create separation from forecheckers and initiate plays. He spreads the play well, forcing opponents to respect his ability to carry or pass the puck, thus opening lanes for teammates. He shows confidence shooting from the point and is willing to generate offence when opportunities arise. Schatz’s ability to push the play in transition situations makes him a threat on the rush and a reliable option on the power play. He projects as a defenceman who can contribute offensively while maintaining smart, controlled positioning in his own zone. Grade: B-
Connecticut Jr. Rangers U16
Raymond Mobile #19 (F, R, 6’2″, 172, Connecticut Jr. Rangers U16, 05/12/2009) – Raymond Mobile is a skilled and creative forward, demonstrating good touch and offensive instincts. He handles the puck with confidence and is comfortable executing plays in traffic, using short passes or quick releases. Mobile reads the ice well and positions himself effectively to receive pucks in scoring areas. His ability to generate offence through skill and awareness makes him a consistent threat when his line is in possession. Grade: B-
Alexander Thompson #9 (F, L, 6’0″, 157, Connecticut Jr. Rangers U16, 12/31/2009) – Alexander Thompson is an assertive, offensive-minded forward who actively looks to make plays and attack with the puck. He demonstrates confidence handling the puck at speed and is willing to challenge defenders one-on-one. Thompson shows a good sense of when to shoot versus distribute, making him a threat on the rush and in the offensive zone. His willingness to play with pace and intent allows him to generate chances and keep defenders on their heels. Grade: B-
Jonathan Wade #13 (D, R, 5’8″, 157, Connecticut Jr. Rangers U16, 08/26/2009) – Jonathan Wade is a steady defenceman who brings structure and reliability to the back end. He reads plays well defensively, keeps attackers in front of him, and effectively uses his stick to disrupt passing lanes. With the puck, Wade keeps his game simple and efficient, moving pucks quickly to his outlets rather than forcing plays. His consistency and defensive awareness make him a dependable option in matchup situations. Grade: B-
Salim Yerlanuly #30 (G, L, 5’10”, 152, Connecticut Jr. Rangers U16, 09/03/2009) – Salim Yerlanuly is a technically sound goaltender who demonstrates strong positional discipline and calmness in the crease. He tracks pucks well through traffic and maintains good depth, allowing him to consistently square up to shooters. Yerlanuly moves efficiently laterally and recovers quickly after initial saves, limiting second-chance opportunities. His puck tracking and body control help him stay composed during sustained pressure. Overall, he demonstrates the structure and habits of a reliable, game-managing goaltender. Grade: B
Elmira Jr. Aviators U16
Noah Lebrun # (D, L, 5’7″, 141, Elmira Jr. Aviators U16, 09/23/2010) – Noah Lebrun is a composed, mobile defenceman with soft hands and a reliable point shot. He moves the puck efficiently, gets shots through from the point, and executes strong backhand passes. Lebrun remains calm under pressure, uses his teammates as effective screens, and contributes on both the power play and at even strength. He is smart with his positioning, supports the rush, and consistently makes sound decisions. His blend of skill, vision, and poise makes him an impactful two-way defenceman. Grade: B
Thomas Lemesh # (F, R, 6’0″, 157, Elmira Jr. Aviators U16, 06/26/2009) – Thomas Lemesh is a versatile forward who leads by example through his strong work ethic and attention to detail. He effectively directs traffic on the ice before power plays, and his constant movement allows him to find openings. Lemesh consistently drives to the net and competes hard in all zones. He is physically engaged and provides effective support to his teammates. His high motor, leadership qualities, and ability to execute in tight spaces make him a player who can drive momentum and positively influence both special teams and even-strength situations. Grade: B+
Colin Phillips # (F, L, 6’4″, 216, Elmira Jr. Aviators U16, 10/13/2009) – Colin Phillips is a big, strong forward who excels in front of the net and in high-traffic areas. He effectively screens goaltenders, retrieves loose pucks, and maintains a physical presence in the high-danger zone. Phillips combines size, strength, and awareness to create scoring opportunities and support his teammates. His net-front presence, success in board battles, and ability to capitalize on loose pucks around the crease make him a consistent contributor in tight areas. He is a reliable, physical forward who complements skilled linemates well. Grade: B
Gilmour Academy 16U
Garrett Bereksazi #10 (F, L, 6’1″, 176, Gilmour Academy 16U, 01/10/2009) – Garrett Berkaszai plays with a noticeable motor and competitive edge, consistently pressuring defenders and forcing them to make rushed decisions. He is effective on the forecheck, closing quickly and using good angles to take away time and space. Offensively, Berkaszai effectively drives to the net and finds scoring areas, creating chances through effort and persistence rather than solely relying on skill. He stays engaged after initial plays, often being first to loose pucks or rebounds. His energy and willingness to play a direct, physical style make him an effective complementary forward who can swing momentum. Grade: B-
Jackson Green #30 (G, L, 6’4″, 198, Gilmour Academy 16U, 10/15/2009) – Jackson Green is a big, aggressive goaltender with excellent puck tracking and positioning. He effectively challenges shooters, seals the posts well, and uses his stick to block passes from below the goal line. Green was instrumental in the team’s win versus the Little Flyers, demonstrating strong rebound control, quick reflexes, and disciplined movements. His presence at the top of the crease allows him to cut down angles, and his confidence in high-pressure situations makes him a dependable starter. Grade: B
Tucker Mullen #22 (F, R, 5’10”, 174, Gilmour Academy 16U, 04/22/2009) – Tucker Mullen is a skilled forward who plays with confidence and awareness in possession. He handles the puck well in traffic and demonstrates good touch on short-area passes, helping sustain offensive-zone pressure. Mullen effectively reads coverage and adjusts his routes to remain available as an outlet. He doesn’t force plays but instead allows the offence to develop naturally, making him an efficient and reliable offensive contributor. Grade: B-
Grady Nee #13 (D, L, 5’9″, 160, Gilmour Academy 16U, 01/01/2009) – Grady Nee is a defensively reliable defenceman known for his physicality and strong situational awareness. He reads developing plays effectively and decisively steps into lanes, using his body and stick to disrupt attacks before they reach high-danger areas. Around the net, Nee competes hard, boxes out opponents effectively, and limits second chances. With the puck, he makes simple, efficient decisions, prioritizing possession and safe exits over unnecessary risk. His consistency and defensive commitment make him a dependable option in key matchups. Grade: B+
Beau Ritson #18 (D, R, 5’9″, 174, Gilmour Academy 16U, 01/04/2010) – Beau Ritson demonstrates calmness and poise with the puck, especially when under pressure in his own zone. He handles puck retrievals cleanly and takes a moment to assess his options before making a play, which helps his team exit the zone with control. Ritson selectively supports the offensive play, joining the rush when appropriate while maintaining defensive structure. His decision-making and composure suggest a defenceman who can be trusted late in games and within structured systems. Grade: B-
Yuriy Slyvchuk #6 (F, R, 5’9″, 132, Gilmour Academy 16U, 07/27/2010) – Yuriy Slyvchuk brings pace, skill, and creativity to Gilmour’s forward group. He is a threat in transition, attacking defenders with speed and confidence while keeping the puck on his forehand to maintain both shooting and passing options. Slyvchuk’s puck-handling skills allow him to make plays in tight spaces, particularly off the rush or when attacking from the half wall. He displays strong offensive instincts, recognizing when to drive the net versus drawing defenders toward him to open space for teammates. Away from the puck, he remains engaged, supporting possession and positioning himself well for second-chance opportunities. His offensive upside and ability to create at speed are notable. Grade: B
Jersey Hitmen U16
Aaron Bielen #92 (F, R, 6’2″, 184, Jersey Hitmen U16, 11/11/2009) – Aaron Bielen is a smart, hardworking forward who contributes through his awareness, effort, and consistency. He reads the ice well, effectively supports the puck, and makes quick decisions under pressure. Bielen competes hard in puck battles and displays excellent second effort, remaining involved even after initial plays are disrupted. His two-way commitment and hockey sense make him a dependable player in a variety of situations. Grade: B
Davin Friedman #55 (F, R, 5’9″, 160, Jersey Hitmen U16, 12/31/2009) – Davin Friedman is one of the more offensively dynamic players in this group, demonstrating confidence, creativity, and assertiveness with the puck. He attacks defenders with speed, protects the puck well using his body, and shows the ability to create separation in tight areas. Friedman has strong offensive instincts, recognizing when to shoot versus pass, and he generates scoring chances both off the rush and during sustained offensive-zone pressure. His confidence and ability to dictate the play suggest significant offensive potential. Grade: B
Jacob Sokol #9 (D, R, 5’7″, 141, Jersey Hitmen U16, 01/08/2009) – Jacob Sokol is a well-rounded defenceman who combines positional reliability with confident puck movement. He maintains strong gaps through the neutral zone and effectively steers attackers into less dangerous areas. Defensively, Sokol keeps an active stick and anticipates plays well, breaking up passes before they develop. With the puck, he demonstrates poise, making controlled first passes to facilitate clean transitions for his team. He avoids rushing decisions and plays within structure, projecting as a dependable two-way defenceman. Grade: B
Dylan Swon #11 (F, R, 5’9″, 150, Jersey Hitmen U16, 01/27/2009) – Dylan Swon displays good offensive instincts and a strong understanding of spacing. He moves well without the puck, finding soft areas to receive passes in stride or create shooting opportunities. Swon handles the puck confidently and makes smart, efficient decisions, avoiding overhandling. He supports play defensively and remains engaged throughout all three zones. His awareness and consistency allow him to contribute reliably. Grade: B-
Ben Winston #65 (D, R, 5’11”, 176, Jersey Hitmen U16, 08/18/2009) – Ben Winston brings size and physical presence to the back end, using his reach and strength effectively in defensive situations. He competes hard along the boards and in front of the net, limiting opponents’ time and space. Winston keeps his game simple with the puck, prioritizing clean zone exits and low-risk decisions. His physicality and reliability make him a stabilizing presence on defence. Grade: B-
Mid-Fairfield Rangers U16
Richard Janniello # (F, L, 5’8″, 165, Mid-Fairfield Rangers U16, 02/09/2009) – Richard Janniello plays with maturity and intelligence, built upon his awareness and consistency. He provides good puck support in all three zones, making smart decisions to maintain possession and structure. Offensively, he demonstrates good timing when finding open ice and contributes through efficient puck movement, rather than forcing plays. Defensively, he tracks back responsibly and positions himself well to disrupt opposing transitions. His reliability and hockey sense make him a strong complementary player. Grade: B
Aidan Williams #40 (F, R, 5’8″, 139, Mid-Fairfield Rangers U16, 02/20/2009) – Aidan Williams is a high-end offensive talent who consistently stands out due to his puck skills, vision, and ability to control play. He is confident holding onto the puck, drawing defenders and creating space for teammates. Williams demonstrates excellent vision and makes plays at speed, whether through seam passes, quick give-and-go plays, or decisive attacks toward the middle. He effectively changes pace, keeping defenders off balance, and displays composure in high-pressure situations. His ability to dictate tempo and generate offence makes him a true driver of play and a player with significant potential. Grade: B
James Zaino #72 (D, L, 6’2″, 179, Mid-Fairfield Rangers U16, 01/05/2009) – James Zaino is a steady and dependable defenceman who plays with structure and discipline. He maintains good positioning, keeps attackers in front of him, and effectively uses his stick to break up plays. Zaino efficiently moves pucks out of the defensive zone, avoiding unnecessary risks and allowing his team to reset and transition cleanly. His calm approach and consistency make him a trustworthy defensive presence. Grade: B-
NJ Avalanche U16
Will Leahy #2 (D, R, 6’1″, 156, NJ Avalanche U16, 02/01/2009) – William Leahy is a smooth-skating defenceman who demonstrates strong puck-moving ability and composure under pressure. He maintains tight gaps when defending the rush and uses good lateral mobility to stay square to attackers. With the puck, he efficiently moves play, delivering clean outlet passes and recognizing opportunities to carry the puck into open space. His awareness and decision-making allow him to control the tempo from the back end. Leahy projects as a reliable two-way defenceman with continued upside. Grade: B-
William LoSauro #4 (F, L, 5’9″, 155, NJ Avalanche U16, 07/13/2010) – William Losauro is a competitive, high-motor forward who consistently impacts the game through effort, engagement, and a willingness to play in hard areas. He plays with pace and purpose, pressuring defencemen on the forecheck and forcing rushed decisions with strong angles and persistence. Offensively, Losauro effectively gets pucks to the net and arrives in scoring areas at opportune times, creating opportunities through second chances and net-front presence rather than relying solely on skill plays. He protects the puck well along the boards, using his body to maintain possession and extend offensive-zone time for his line. Away from the puck, he demonstrates responsibility and awareness, tracking back defensively and staying connected to the play. His combination of work ethic, physical engagement, and situational awareness makes him an effective two-way forward who can be trusted in multiple roles and momentum-shifting situations. Grade: A-
Michael Pirot #96 (F, R, 5’11”, 160, NJ Avalanche U16, 02/23/2009) – Michael Pirot is a fast, aggressive forward who brings intensity and an attacking mindset to every shift. He uses his speed to separate from defencemen, attack the middle of the ice confidently, and generate scoring opportunities. Pirot has a quick release and demonstrates composure when shooting in traffic, while also maintaining strong puck support and awareness. His combination of speed, skill, and relentless work ethic makes him a forward who consistently challenges opponents and creates dangerous offensive situations. Grade: B-
Braydon Sisco #88 (C, R, 5’8″, 144, NJ Avalanche U16, 01/15/2009) – Braydon Sisco is an offensively gifted forward with a combination of creativity, vision, and strong puck-handling skills. He uses soft hands to maintain puck control in traffic, intelligently finds open ice, and generates scoring opportunities off the cycle. Even without the puck, Sisco remains engaged, supporting possession and sustaining pressure on the defence. His ability to read plays and make skilled decisions under pressure makes him a consistent offensive threat and a forward who can impact games in multiple ways. Grade: B+
William Soffer #16 (F, R, 5’10”, 173, NJ Avalanche U16, 04/20/2009) – William Soffer is a forward who plays with pace, energy, and a consistently competitive attitude. He pressures defenders effectively, works hard on the forecheck, and excels at creating turnovers in all three zones. Offensively, Soffer displays good awareness around the puck, making quick, intelligent plays in tight spaces and effectively supporting his teammates. His work ethic, physical engagement, and ability to maintain effort shift after shift make him a reliable depth forward who contributes in both offensive and defensive situations. Grade: B
Dean Zarro #7 (D, R, 6’4″, 200, NJ Avalanche U16, 03/02/2009) – Dean Zarro is a highly mobile defenceman who demonstrates exceptional play reading abilities and strong defensive instincts. He uses his skating and footwork to maintain good positioning, step into passing lanes, and disrupt offensive threats. With the puck, Zarro confidently carries it through the neutral zone, makes smart passes under pressure, and contributes to controlled breakouts. His awareness allows him to balance defensive responsibilities with supporting offensive transitions when appropriate. Zarro’s combination of poise, mobility, and sound decision-making makes him a reliable two-way presence on the blue line. Grade: B+
Northwood School 16U
Russell Astuto #24 (D, L, 5’9″, 161, Northwood School, 11/22/2009) – Russell Astuto is a steady and reliable defenceman who demonstrates strong positioning, poise, and consistency in his own end. He keeps plays in front of him, effectively uses his stick to disrupt passing lanes, and anticipates opponents’ movements to neutralize threats. Astuto efficiently moves the puck out of the defensive zone and supports transition with calm, intelligent decisions. His consistency, defensive awareness, and composure under pressure help stabilize the back end, making him a dependable presence on every shift. Grade: B-
Max Beemsterboer #5 (D, L, 6’1″, 157, Northwood School, 01/20/2009) – Max Beemstrober is a high-end defenceman whose composure, mobility, and intelligence consistently stand out. He skates exceptionally well, allowing him to control defensive gaps, recover quickly, and make smart decisions under pressure. With the puck, Beemstrober shows patience, excellent vision, and the ability to either carry the play himself or make precise outlet passes. He effectively reads the play, maintains poise in transition, and rarely panics in tight situations. His consistency, decision-making, and ability to impact both ends of the ice make him a defenceman capable of driving play at a high level and serving as a key contributor on the back end. Grade: B+
Chase Brock #16 (F, R, 6’0″, 170, Northwood School, 01/26/2009) – Chase Brock plays a power-forward style game. Using his size and strength, he attacks defenders and drives to the net with authority. He engages physically, winning puck battles along the boards and creating opportunities in high-traffic areas. Brock combines his willingness to play in tough areas with a strong sense of timing and positioning, allowing him to finish plays effectively. His physical presence, work ethic, and ability to sustain offensive pressure make him a dangerous forward who contributes both skill and grit, adding significant value to his team in all situations. Grade: B
Ethan Fitzpatrick #9 (F, L, 6’2″, 185, Northwood School, 03/04/2009) – Ethan Fitzpatrick is a physical, competitive forward who consistently engages in battles and drives play through effort and strength. He protects the puck well along the boards, extends offensive-zone possessions, and creates opportunities through hard work and determination. Defensively, Fitzpatrick is responsible, tracks back effectively, and supports his defencemen in transition. His ability to play both ends of the ice with intensity makes him a dependable two-way presence, and his consistent engagement adds value to his team’s overall performance. Grade: B
Jason Iglesias #15 (F, R, 6’0″, 145, Northwood School, 10/15/2009) – Jason Iglesias is a skilled, intelligent forward who excels in transition and in supporting offensive play. He moves effectively without the puck, opening passing lanes, and positioning himself to maintain the flow of the game. With the puck, Iglesias shows excellent touch and timing, keeping plays alive in tight areas and making effective decisions under pressure. His awareness and ability to anticipate play allow him to generate offensive opportunities and maintain possession. Iglesias combines skill, vision, and reliability, making him a consistent contributor in offensive and neutral-zone situations. Grade: B
William Koster #7 (F, L, 5’9″, 150, Northwood School, 02/11/2010) – William Koster is a forward with excellent offensive awareness and a strong sense of where to find open ice in high-danger areas. He handles the puck confidently, makes quick and efficient decisions under pressure, and contributes effectively to puck possession. Koster supports his teammates through intelligent positioning, consistently providing passing options and helping maintain the flow of play. His awareness off the puck, combined with his skill in tight spaces, allows him to create scoring chances and sustain offensive pressure. Koster’s reliability, hockey sense, and smart play make him a valuable contributor in all three zones. Grade: B+
Philadelphia Little Flyers 16U
Anthony Berretta #23 (D, R, 6’1″, 172, Philadelphia Little Flyers 16U, 05/11/2009) – Anthony Berretta is a physically imposing defenceman who excels in both defensive structure and puck management. His size allows him to effectively box out opponents in front of his net and win battles along the boards, consistently clearing high-danger areas. Berretta moves the puck with authority from the point, effectively pucking through on the power play or in transition. Calm under pressure, he maintains strong positioning, limits risky turnovers, and reads the game well to prevent scoring opportunities. His combination of strength, awareness, and defensive reliability makes him a stabilizing presence on the blue line, capable of anchoring a defensive pairing in any situation. Grade: B
Rocco Trivarelli #91 (F, R, Philadelphia Little Flyers 16U, 03/01/2009) – Rocco Trivarelli is a quick, tenacious forward with a natural ability to win puck battles and create offensive opportunities. Strong on his skates, he’s often first to the puck in contested situations and consistently works to drive the play both offensively and defensively. Trivarelli combines speed, intelligence, and effort to pressure opponents. His ability to read plays allows him to anticipate openings and capitalize on them. His competitiveness, work rate, and willingness to engage physically make him a versatile forward who can contribute effectively in multiple situations and maintain momentum for his team. Grade: B-
Zachary Wyant #35 (G, L, 6’0″, 181, Philadelphia Little Flyers 16U, 04/01/2009) – Zachary Wyant is a highly competitive, technically sound goaltender who combines agility, size, and awareness to control the crease. He plays aggressively at the top of his crease, challenging shooters while maintaining excellent angles, which reduces the available scoring area. Wyant confidently handles traffic in front of the net, tracking the puck through screens and deflections. His rebound control is exceptional, minimizing second-chance opportunities and giving his defencemen confidence to engage physically. In high-pressure moments, such as the game against Gilmour, Wyant demonstrated poise, positioning, and situational awareness, making crucial saves and keeping his team in contention. His compete level, anticipation, and ability to read plays make him a dependable starter who can steal games when needed. Grade: B
Lewis Ziegler #29 (F, R, Philadelphia Little Flyers 16U, 03/01/2009) – Lewis Ziegler is a relentless, hard-working forward who brings energy and effort to every shift. He competes fiercely for loose pucks, finishes his checks with intensity, and consistently supports his teammates defensively, making him a reliable two-way contributor. Ziegler’s work ethic allows him to sustain pressure in all three zones, maintaining possession and forcing turnovers. Offensively, he shows a knack for creating opportunities through relentless pursuit and smart positioning, complementing skilled linemates. His consistency, energy, and willingness to engage in physical battles make him a player who can influence the game in multiple facets. Grade: B-
Pittsburgh Stars U16
Nikita Lagodko #98 (F, L, 6’1″, 185, Pittsburgh Stars 16U, 02/01/2009) – Nikita Lagodko is a physically imposing defenceman who effectively uses his size and reach to control play from the back end. He demonstrates patience with the puck, allowing lanes to open before committing to passes, and initiates breakouts with strong first passes. Defensively, he effectively boxes out opponents and separates them from the puck, particularly around the net front. His presence alone makes attackers more hesitant, and as his foot speed continues to develop, his overall impact should continue to improve. Grade: B
Daniil Nekhay #13 (D, L, 6’4″, 198, Pittsburgh Stars 16U, 01/13/2009) – Daniil Nekhay distinguished himself as one of the more complete defencemen in this group, displaying composure, mobility, and offensive awareness. He effectively walks the offensive blue line, creates shooting lanes, and consistently manages to get pucks through traffic, avoiding blind shots. Defensively, he anticipates plays early, steps into lanes at opportune moments, and maintains his structure. Nekhay’s calm decision-making with the puck allows his team to maintain possession and control the tempo of the game. His ability to contribute offensively without sacrificing defensive responsibility suggests a high-end projection. Grade: B-
Maksim Popienko #67 (F, L, 5’11”, 176, Pittsburgh Stars 16U, 05/14/2009) – Maksim Popienko brings pace, energy, and a strong work ethic to his game. He is consistently involved in puck battles and demonstrates good awareness away from the puck, positioning himself to receive passes in stride. Offensively, he attacks open ice with confidence and has a quick release when opportunities arise. He tracks back responsibly and supports his defencemen, making him a reliable option in all three zones. His motor and willingness to remain involved after initial plays make him an effective complementary forward. Grade: B-
Arseni Savin #26 (F, L, 6’5″, 187, Pittsburgh Stars 16U, 05/07/2009) – Arseni Savin is a strong two-way defenceman who plays with confidence and physical engagement. He utilizes his skating effectively to close space quickly and recover when plays break down. With the puck, he keeps his game simple and efficient, moving it quickly to the appropriate areas and capitalizing on open space when opportunities arise. Defensively, he competes hard along the boards and demonstrates good awareness around his net. His combination of mobility, strength, and hockey sense allows him to consistently impact the game. Grade: A-
Evan Schmidt #8 (D, R, Pittsburgh Stars 16U, 01/01/2009) – Evan Schmidt is a composed, puck-moving defenceman who displays confidence handling the puck in all three zones. He consistently keeps his head up under pressure, quickly identifying passing options, which allows his team to exit the zone with control rather than resorting to chips or clears. Defensively, Schmidt maintains good gap control when defending the rush and uses an active stick to take away passing lanes, forcing attackers to the outside. Offensively, he supports plays from the blue line, keeping pucks alive and getting shots through traffic. Overall, his game suggests a reliable defenceman who can be trusted in multiple situations and continue to develop with added strength and pace. Grade: B
New Jersey Rockets U16
Preston Ferro #13 (F, R, 5’9″, 160, Rockets Hockey Club U16, 05/12/2009) – Preston Ferro is a skilled and opportunistic forward with excellent puck-handling skills and vision. He reads plays well, retrieves pucks effectively off the boards, and consistently positions himself in high-value scoring areas. Ferro’s soft hands, patience, and ability to make smart decisions under pressure allow him to maintain possession and generate offence. He has a natural sense of timing and spacing, enabling him to capitalize on opportunities while complementing his linemates. Ferro’s combination of skill, awareness, and offensive instincts makes him a dangerous contributor in transition and controlled-zone play. Grade: B
Artem Glukhikh #20 (F, L, 5’8″, 160, Rockets Hockey Club U16, 02/09/2010) – Artem Glukhikh is a patient, high-IQ forward who combines soft hands with excellent vision. He uses his awareness to read plays effectively, taking smart angles on the forecheck and maintaining possession under pressure. Glukhikh’s composure allows him to support his teammates, create scoring opportunities, and capitalize on defensive mistakes. His patience and hockey sense make him a player with high offensive potential, capable of influencing play in transition and the offensive zone. Glukhikh projects as a forward who can consistently generate scoring chances while maintaining structure and balance. Grade: B
James Kramer #3 (D, R, 6’3″, 181, Rockets Hockey Club U16, 03/05/2009) – James Kramer is a disciplined and reliable defenceman who demonstrates strong fundamentals, positioning, and gap control. He uses his defensive stick effectively to disrupt passes, force attackers wide, and limit scoring chances. Kramer’s calmness under pressure allows him to defend against aggressive forechecks without panicking, while his work ethic ensures consistent engagement in every shift. He excels at shutting down cycles and supporting his partner, providing stability and dependability on the back end. Kramer’s combination of discipline, intelligence, and physical awareness makes him a cornerstone of the defensive corps. Grade: B-
Stanley Xenakis #51 (F, R, 5’9″, 170, Rockets Hockey Club U16, 04/20/2009) – Stanley Xenakis is a creative and fluid forward with excellent puck skills and hockey intelligence. He moves with purpose in the offensive zone, consistently finding open ice and supporting his teammates. Xenakis demonstrates patience, soft hands, and an accurate shot, making him a consistent scoring threat. His vision and timing allow him to make plays in tight spaces and effectively maintain puck possession. Xenakis’s combination of offensive awareness, mobility, and skill makes him a forward capable of driving play and generating momentum for his team. Grade: B
Marko Zimovcak #27 (D, L, 6’0″, 175, Rockets Hockey Club U16, 01/27/2009) – Marko Zimovcak is a composed and intelligent defenceman with strong edgework and excellent situational awareness. He remains poised under pressure, cleanly escapes challenging situations, and makes high-quality decisions with the puck. Zimovcak contributes offensively, facilitating power-play setups from the goal line and efficiently moving the puck out of the defensive zone. His mobility and vision allow him to participate in the transition game while maintaining defensive responsibility. Zimovcak’s blend of calmness, skill, and intelligence makes him a steady, reliable presence on the blue line in all situations. Grade: B
Team Alaska 16U
Bodi Anderson #9 (D, L, 6’1″, 185, Team Alaska 16U, 04/16/2009) – Bodi Anderson is a mobile and skilled defenceman with soft hands and a strong sense for the flow of the game. He effectively controls the offensive blue line, spreads the ice to create passing lanes, and makes smart plays with the puck. Anderson is capable in transition, contributing offensively while remaining defensively responsible. His mobility, poise, and decision-making allow him to handle pressure, support teammates, and maintain consistent performance in all zones. Anderson’s versatility and hockey IQ make him a reliable two-way defenceman. Grade: B-
Kaleb Applegate #27 (D, L, 5’10”, 140, Team Alaska 16U, 02/02/2010) – Kaleb Applegate is a disciplined and straightforward defenceman who effectively defends the rush and relies on strong fundamentals. He allows attackers to make their first move without overcommitting, maintaining optimal gap control and positioning. Applegate reads plays well, supports his partner, and works hard to limit high-danger scoring chances. His consistency, focus, and awareness make him a dependable presence in the defensive zone and an asset to the team’s overall structure. Grade: B-
Gavin Held #91 (F, L, 6’6″, 146, Team Alaska 16U, 07/19/2010) – Gavin Held is a patient and composed forward with soft hands and exceptional hockey awareness. He efficiently escapes pressure, uses the boards to facilitate zone exits and passes, and consistently makes smart decisions under duress. Held’s ability to read the play and maintain possession while creating opportunities for teammates demonstrates high-level hockey intelligence. He contributes in both offensive and defensive situations, offering reliability and poise on every shift. Grade: B
Roman Marcotte #64 (F, L, 5’7″, 150, Team Alaska 16U, 11/23/2009) – Roman Marcotte is a versatile and hard-working forward known for his speed, awareness, and competitive drive. He effectively fills lanes on the offensive rush and maintains strong defensive positioning. Marcotte contributes with quick, intelligent passes and competes hard in battles along the boards and in front of the net, demonstrating a willingness to engage physically. His combination of effort, hockey sense, and awareness allows him to impact the game effectively at both ends of the ice, making him a valuable two-way player. Grade: B-
Liam Yackel #19 (F, L, 5’8″, 140, Team Alaska 16U, 11/25/2009) – Liam Yackel is a dynamic forward who showcases excellent puck skills, soft hands, and exceptional awareness. He controls pucks effectively in tight spaces, executes precise stick checks, and creates passing lanes through defensive triangles. Yackel excels in transition, leading the offensive rush and supporting his linemates with smart plays. His vision, composure, and ability to maintain possession under pressure make him a high-level offensive contributor capable of consistently influencing the play. Grade: B
Westchester Express U16
Griffin Atkinson #44 (D, R, 6’1″, 181, Westchester Express U16, 01/08/2009) – Griffin Atkinson is a steady and dependable defenceman who plays a composed, structured game. He keeps plays in front of him, maintains strong positioning, and efficiently breaks pucks out under pressure. Atkinson supports the rush when opportunities arise but avoids forcing offensive plays unnecessarily. His hockey sense and reliability help stabilize his defensive pairing and contribute to the team’s overall structure. Grade: B-
Chase Banks #37 (F, L, 5’9″, 157, Westchester Express U16, 03/09/2009) – Chase Banks is a high-energy player who brings intensity to every shift. He is effective on the forecheck, consistently pressuring defencemen and forcing turnovers through effort and anticipation. Around the net, he displays good instincts, arriving at the right time to capitalize on loose pucks and second chances. Defensively, he tracks back hard and remains engaged without the puck. His competitiveness and consistency make him a dependable player who can impact games, even when he’s not scoring. Grade: B-
John Hartney #27 (F, R, Westchester Express U16, 05/19/2009) – John Hartney is an offensive catalyst who consistently creates scoring opportunities through skill, awareness, and confidence with the puck. He demonstrates strong edge work and puck protection along the boards, allowing him to extend possessions and wait for plays to develop. Hartney has the vision to find teammates in high-danger areas and the confidence to attack the middle when given space by defencemen. He processes the game quickly and makes plays at speed, making him a focal point of his team’s offence. His offensive upside and ability to control play are particularly noteworthy. Grade: B
Jacob Tucznio #40 (RW, R, 5’10”, 144, Westchester Express U16, 03/04/2009) – Jacob Tucznio demonstrates strong offensive awareness and creativity, especially in transition. He handles the puck well at speed, and is comfortable making plays off the rush, either by attacking defenders directly or distributing to teammates. Tucznio shows confidence with the puck and isn’t afraid to hold onto it to create better options. His ability to generate offence through skill and timing makes him a valuable contributor. Grade: B
Woodbridge Wolfpack 16U
Cody Costello #43 (D, R, 6’2″, 179, Woodbridge Wolfpack 16U, 04/22/2009, New Hampshire) – Cody Costello is a versatile and mobile defenceman who consistently demonstrates strong puck-handling skills and the ability to make clean, effective first passes. He initiates breakouts with confidence, supports his defensive partner, and transitions the puck smoothly through the neutral zone. Costello contributes in all areas of the game, showing composure under pressure and making smart decisions with the puck. His hockey sense, awareness, and ability to read plays allow him to impact both the defensive and offensive sides effectively. With his mobility and poise, he serves as a reliable two-way presence on the blue line. Grade: B+
Jack Hinteman #20 (F, L, 5’8″, 161, Woodbridge Wolfpack 16U, 01/05/2009) – Jack Hinteman is a highly aware, intelligent forward who blends skill, vision, and work ethic into a consistently impactful game. He excels at retrieving loose pucks, using his awareness to anticipate where the play will develop, and making smart decisions quickly to maintain possession. Hinteman has excellent hands, particularly on his backhand, which allows him to execute accurate passes in tight spaces and facilitate the offensive flow. He complements linemates effectively, creating scoring opportunities through vision, timing, and precise execution. Beyond offensive contributions, Hinteman’s commitment and high compete level on every shift allow him to support his team defensively, backcheck effectively, and maintain structure. Grade: B
Mikko Lemoyne #67 (D, R, 6’1″, 170, Woodbridge Wolfpack 16U, 02/13/2009) – Mikko Lemoyne is a fundamentally sound and disciplined defenceman who prioritizes strong positioning, gap control, and defensive responsibility. He reads opponent breakouts effectively, ensuring he is in the right place to neutralize attacks while avoiding overcommitment that could create high-danger chances. Lemoyne maintains consistency in his play, applying his stick effectively to disrupt passes, limit offensive opportunities, and support his partner in all situations. While his game is straightforward, he is reliable in transition, helping move the puck efficiently out of the zone and contributing to team structure. Lemoyne’s awareness, work ethic, and focus on defensive fundamentals make him a stabilizing presence on the blue line, providing a dependable backbone for his team and ensuring that defensive responsibilities are executed consistently at a high level. Grade: B-
Jacoby Palmer #41 (D, L, 6’1″, 175, Woodbridge Wolfpack 16U, 08/09/2009) – Jacoby Palmer is a composed and intelligent two-way defenceman who demonstrates a strong understanding of positioning, timing, and breakout mechanics. He excels at controlling breakouts, reading plays to make optimal passes, and effectively using the reverse to create passing lanes under pressure. Mobile and calm with the puck, Palmer can join offensive plays without compromising his defensive responsibilities. He consistently gets shots through from the point, generating secondary opportunities and creating traffic in front of the net. Defensively, Palmer maintains excellent gap control, disrupts opposing entries, and effectively uses his stick to limit options for attackers. His poise, awareness, and ability to balance offence and defence make him a reliable presence on the back end, capable of leading defensive pairings while contributing to his team’s transition and power-play game. Grade: B+
Watson Prier #12 (F, R, 5’10”, 130, Woodbridge Wolfpack 16U, 10/03/2009) – Watson Prier is a physically strong and patient forward who excels in puck battles, in the corners, and in contested situations. He consistently gets to pucks first, attacks with speed, and forces defenders to adjust. Prier’s awareness, effort, and ability to sustain offensive pressure make him an effective two-way presence. He supports possession, drives play into scoring areas, and contributes consistently in both transition and controlled-zone situations. Grade: B
Reese Tracy #17 (LW, L, 5’9″, 146, Woodbridge Wolfpack 16U, 01/09/2009, Maine) – Reese Tracy is an exceptionally skilled and intelligent forward who consistently impacts play at both ends of the ice. Possessing soft hands and elite hockey sense, he can handle difficult passes in traffic, maintain possession under pressure, and create high-quality scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. Tracy reads the ice with anticipation, making smart, real-time decisions that keep opposing defences on edge. His ability to position himself in optimal scoring areas, combined with his vision and creativity, allows him to drive the offence both in transition and in the offensive zone. He demonstrates consistency, patience with the puck, and a natural feel for timing plays, making him a constant threat in all situations. Tracy’s hockey IQ, poise, and skill level allow him to control the pace of the game, set up teammates effectively, and consistently influence outcomes, making him one of the most reliable and dynamic forwards on the ice. Grade: A-
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling