| Evan Nause | Notre Dame Hounds U16 | CSSHL U16 | L | D | 6’2″ | 185 | Quebec Ramparts | Riverview, NS | 2003 | 2020-2021: A- |
QMJHL: Shawinigan Cataractes at Quebec Remparts, March 6, 2021: Nause continues to get better and better as the season progresses. In this game he was a driving force for the Remparts, continually moving the puck out of the defensive zone and controlling the play from the blue line in the offensive zone. He’s got size, skating, and good puck skills, and all three were on display against Shawinigan. Rating: A
QMJHL: Gatineau Olympiques at Quebec Remparts, February 13, 2021: He used his size, strength, and positioning to box out Gatineau forwards effectively throughout the game. Twice in the first period alone he smoothly neutralized opposing forwards in front of the Quebec net who likely would have scored into empty cages off of rebounds. He didn’t allow them near the loose pucks, and he made it look relatively easy. Nause moved the puck out of the defensive zone consistently all night, offering a no-frills and no-problems performance. Rating: B+
QMJHL: Rimouski Oceanic at Quebec Remparts, February 6, 2021: Nause gave an impressive performance in this game. The big defenseman showed he has very good mobility to go along with all that size. His hockey sense, awareness and decision making were pro-level. Throughout the game, he calmly and effectively cleared the defensive zone by skating the puck out of trouble or hitting teammates with on-the-money passes. He made plays under pressure, looking as comfortable as if he was taking a walk in the park. He broke up scoring chances in the slot with timely stick work and by tying up opposing forwards. Nause read the play exceptionally well, such as the times he picked up the trailer on a pair of Rimouski odd-man rushes into the Quebec zone. By taking away their path to the net, Nause prevented opposing forwards from receiving a pass to picking up a rebound. Rating: A
USHL: Sioux Falls Stampede NHL Prospects , February 17, 2020: Evan was more than impressive tonight as he was in our opinion the best defenseman on the ice as a 16-year-old. He has some size and elite skating ability which made the game look easy to him. You rarely see a defenseman as young as him run a #1 power play unit in the USHL, which can be an older league. His head was up and he showed a great understanding for the game by playing with his partner very well. His feet along with sense made it easy for him to escape the fore check and then make a tape to tape pass up ice. Evan has all the tools and looks to be a sure fire NHL pick in the 2021 Draft and is a name you could hear in the top 2 rounds. GAME LINE: 0-2-2 (2 SOG) GAME GRADE: A
USHL: Sioux Falls vs. Sioux City, December 16, 2019: The young defenseman has an impressive skill set–great skating and puck-moving ability. He showed poise with the puck, and intelligently used the net for escapes, leading to exits with his feet and from moving the puck up. Offensively he showed good patience and puck-handling ability at the blue line, maintaining possession and making good passes at even strength and on the PP. A young player with lots to like going forward. Grade: B+
Quebec Midget AAA Challenge, January 13, 2019: Although Nauses’ team struggled against some of the stronger Quebec teams, you can definitely see why he is rated as one of the best prospects for the draft. Nause has all the tools in becoming a high end defenseman as he possesses a fluent stride, good mobility and the poise of a veteran defenseman. What I loved about his game is his ability to stay calm at all points of the game and making the right play even when under pressure. As he continues to develop and mature his game Nause will become a dynamic defenseman that every coach will want on his team.