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Scouting Reports

WHL:  Victoria (1) @ Penticton (3)

From the way the Royals were able to open the scoring with a minute left in the first period, you would think that early momentum would carry them for the next two periods. The Vees regrouped, and scored three unanswered goals along with a dominating puck possession performance for the win.

QMJHL:  Baie-Comeau (0) @ Sherbrooke (2)

This low scoring game was defined by strong defensive play rather than offensive firepower. With one goal scored early and the other coming late, the outcome came down to which team could limit mistakes. It was a departure from the typically fast paced, offense heavy style seen in the QMJHL, but it allowed a different group of players to stand out.

WHL:  Vancouver (4) @ Kelowna (6)

The hometown Kelowna Rockets fired 61 shots at Vancouver goaltender Kelton Pyne, but it wasn’t until the third period when they broke through with three goals, beating the Giants 6-4. With three players away at the WJC, the Rockets got contributions from six different players on the score sheet Hayden Paupanekis, Shane Smith, Levi Benson, Mazden Leslie, Hiroki Gojsic, and Jaxon Kehrig all scored. Leonardo Domenichelli scored twice for the Giants.

WHL:  Wenatchee (5) @ Spokane (4)

This high scoring game featured constant back and forth action, with each period swinging momentum as both teams scored in bunches. Ultimately, it was the Wild who came out on top by taking advantage of key momentum shifts. Goaltending also played a major role for the Wild and despite the final score, the Chiefs nearly doubled them in shots, making the performance between the pipes more of a difference maker.

USHL:  Youngstown (3) @ Chicago (2)

Youngstown and the Chicago Steel delivered an excellent, tightly contested matchup, trading scoring chances throughout regulation. Both goaltenders were sharp, turning aside high-quality looks and keeping the game deadlocked after sixty minutes. Extra time was needed to decide the winner, and Youngstown capitalized in overtime. Forward #91 Malachi McKinnon found the back of the net to end it, lifting Youngstown to a 3-2 overtime victory over the Steel.

OHL:  Sarnia (3) @ Niagara (4)

A hard-hitting, back and forth game with lots of drama at the end. Sarnia tied the game with 6 seconds left in the third to send the game to overtime but Niagara scored early in OT to win it.

OHL:  Kingston (4) @ Brampton (2)

The Kingston Frontenacs made the most of their chances on Saturday night, scoring four goals on just 18 shots to defeat the Brampton Steelheads 4-2. Ty Robar (#28) led the way with a pair of goals, showcasing Kingston’s offensive efficiency. Despite being outshot, the Frontenacs capitalized on key opportunities and timely finishes to secure the road victory.

WHL:  Prince George (2) @ Everett (3)

 One of the more wild games in the season this year. With Everett trailing by two with under three minutes left in the game, they somehow found a way to tie the game up. That momentum carried into overtime where they were able to complete the comeback. The same player who tied the game up with seconds left, scored the over time winner, Landon DuPont.

OHL:  Kitchener (5) @ Sarnia (2)

Carson Campbell (#8) paced the Kitchener Rangers with a goal and an assist as they earned a convincing 5-2 road victory over the Sarnia Sting. The Rangers controlled the tempo throughout the night, generating sustained offensive pressure and limiting Sarnia’s chances to secure the win away from home.

QMJHL:  Halifax (4) @ Saint John (3)

This was a wild game that initially looked like it would be a runaway for the Halifax Mooseheads after they scored four unanswered goals. Saint John finally found their footing in the third period, erupting for three goals in a short stretch, but the late surge wasn’t enough as the Sea Dogs ultimately fell by one.

WHL:  Prince George (2) @ Penticton (5)

The visiting Prince George Cougars jumped out to a 2-1 lead over the hometown Penticton Vees, which they held for most of the first period, until Ryden Evers scored with 20 seconds left in the period. Brady Birnie then took over for the Vee’s scoring three unanswered goals, leading his team to a 5-2 victory. Aiden Foster had a goal and assist in a losing cause for the Cougars.

WHL:  Prince Albert (4) @ Regina (5)

Bear is a smaller winger who compensates with pace, anticipation, and competitiveness. His skating allows him to stay involved in the play and apply pressure consistently. Defensively, he uses…

WHL:  Kelowna (6) @ Swift Current (4)

Jackson is a well-balanced defenseman who can play throughout the defensive pairings. He is not an offensive defenseman or defensive defenseman, but rather a steady and reliable presence who supports all areas of the game.

OHL:  Oshawa (6) @ Sudbury (3)

Sudbury had the better of the play in the first period, going up 1-0 and they added to their lead in the first half of the second to make it 3-0. Oshawa went on to score 6 unanswered goals to win the game 6-3, including 2 on the powerplay.

QMJHL:  Charlottetown (2) @ Newfoundland (5)

At one point in this game, the Islanders were up two to one. It was close up until a costly penalty that the Regiment were able to capitalize on it. Icing on the cake was the shorthanded empty net goal that really sealed the deal, but all in all, this game was closer than the score suggests.

WHL:  Kamloops (2) @ Penticton (1)

It took an overtime goal by Kamloops Blazers defenceman Isa Guram, on a beautiful set up by JP Hurlbert, to get the victory in this low scoring affair 2-1, over the hometown Penticton Vees. Blazers goaltender Ivans Kufterins was excellent in the net making 24 saves, several of the very difficult variety. Rounding out the scoring for the winners was Owen Cooper, while Brooks Demars scored the lone Penticton goal.

WHL:  Prince Albert (2) @ Calgary (3)

Hunter is a very smooth and fluid-skating defenseman. His skating stride looks effortless as he does not have to work hard to create speed or space for himself. Before making breakout passes, Hunter gets his feet up ice, scanning for the best option. He QB’s the Calgary power play as a puck mover, wanting to find open teammates to attack once he has pulled a PK attacker out of position. Nothing seems to faze Hunter and he manages the highs and lows of the game very well, something most junior players are only beginning to learn about.

WHL:  Portland (2) @ Vancouver (3)

This tightly contested game came down to the final moments. With just ten seconds remaining, the Giants capitalized on a late power play, turning a costly Portland penalty into the game winning goal. In the end, the Giants star power took over when it mattered most, sealing the victory in dramatic fashion.

WHL:  Prince George (4) @ Kelowna (2)

Goaltender Josh Ravensbergen was the difference in this game making several outstanding saves early on, 31 total, leading his visiting Prince George Cougars to a 4-2 victory over the Kelowna Rockets. Dimitri Yakutsenak led the way with a goal and an assist for the Cougars with Carson Carels, Brock Souch and Jett Lajoie adding singles.

OHL:  London (3) @ Windsor (2)

The London Knights and Windsor Spitfires squared off in a hard-fought matchup that lived up to expectations. Both teams battled intensely for the points on the line, trading chances throughout regulation in what remained an evenly matched contest from start to finish. With the score deadlocked after three periods, overtime was needed to determine a winner. In the extra frame, Andoni Fimis #4 of London managed to score, securing a 3-2 victory over Windsor.

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