It was the second night of a 2 game series against the Fargo Force and Des Moines only dressed 10 forwards due to various injuries and healthy scratches. Fargo pushed the pace and earned a weekend sweep, but there were 2 Bucs who stood out.
Timmy Lovell (4 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — C) Defense
Timmy is a very interesting prospect as he is very undersized for a defenseman. He isn’t short in hockey sense or play making ability. He ran their top power play unit and was able to draw penalty killers in and then distribute the puck to his play makers. Very shifty and cerebral with the puck on his stick. His head was always up reading where the pressure was coming from. He was effective as a pass first puck mover but not a threat to shoot the puck from the point. His draft placement is that off a projection on what he can be in 4 years if he is able to put on strength and defend bigger opponents down low in his end of the ice. You can’t teach hockey sense and offensive instincts, so he will be a player that is tracked leading up to the NHL Draft. GAME LINE: 0-0-0 (1 SOG) GAME GRADE: B-
Alex Laferriere (4.25 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — B-) Forward
The Bucs had a hard time generating any offense tonight but when they did it often came from Alex. He showed a dynamic stick in traffic and made things happen for his team. His stick was quick and he was able to handle the puck in tight while being checked all game. He was able to create his own shot or pass pucks through seems. There was no panic in his game and he drew multiple defenders in and made plays. A quick release that wasn’t overpowering but the puck got off his stick very quickly. His skating was adequate and NHL teams will have to make a decision on his pace off play as he liked to slow the game down with the puck and think things through. GAME LINE: 1-0-1 (6 SOG) GAME GRADE: A-
NOTABLE PROSPECTS THAT DIDN’T HAVE AN IMPACT ON THE GAME:
Noah Ellis (4.25 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — C+) Defense
Matt Choupani (4.25 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — C+) Forward
Kristof Papp (4 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — C) Forward
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images
Game Evaluation: Lenny Hofmann