Monday, Feb 17/2020
3-2 win for Guelph in this game in a tight checking affair. The Storm won in a shootout backed by some clutch goaltending from Nico Daws. Write-ups on the 2020 draft eligible players from Guelph can be found below.
Guelph Storm Draft Eligible
8 Michael Bianconi (played, was not a factor)
11 Andrei Bakanov (played, was not a factor)
17 Pavel Gogolev free agent forward (was a factor, see report)
22 Ben McFarlane (played, was not a factor)
23 Zack Terry (played, was not a factor)
24 Matthew Papais (played, was not a factor)
25 Clark Hiebert (played, was not a factor)
26 Luka Profaca (was a factor, see report)
28 Cooper Walker (DNP)
31 Owen Bennett (DNP)
35 Nico Daws (was a factor, see report)
Guelph Storm
Luka Profaca (3.75 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — C) Defense
Profaca is a lanky right shot defensive defender who continues to improve with each viewing. Profaca continues to manage pucks well and bring a physical presence to the Storm backend. Tonight was Profaca’s best showing offensively with a number of good reads on the offensive blueline and quality shots through to the net. He is gaining more confidence as the season progresses, particularly in his transition where he is finding teammates open with great zip on his passes. We continue to see positive development from Profaca with each viewing and as his confidence grows and as he warrants more trust from his coaching staff. Game Grade: C+
Nico Daws (4 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — B+) Goalie
Daws continues to show he has returned to his early season form. In our view, he is the top goaltending prospect in Ontario this season. He stopped 31 of 33 shots through overtime and was excellent in the shootout where he stopped 7 of 8 shooters in an extended shootout. He was the best player on the ice in this game and gave the Storm a chance to win with his steady play in the net. Despite having a rough patch after the World Jr championships, Daws continues to lead the Ontario Hockey League in all major goaltending categories (GAA, Save %, and shutouts). Tonight was another example – the 6’4” goaltender covered the net well, controlled his rebounds well and was dominant in the shootout. Game Grade: A
Pavel Gogolev (4.25 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — B) Forward
Gogolev is a recent addition to our write-ups. The 2000 birth year player who continues to have a breakout season offensively. He was dangerous tonight off the rush and created space for himself and teammates with strong skating and crafty one on one play. His assist on the Storm’s second goal was excellent. He showed great poise and patience with the puck – he let the rush develop and set up space for a streaking teammate in the slot. Gogolev continues to produce consistent offense and has scored or been a key offensive contributor for the Storm all season. He has been on the score sheet in every game we have viewed this season. Tonight’s game was tight checking and we continue to see development from him on the defensive side of the puck and in his corner work. Game Grade: B
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images
Game Evaluation: Paul O’Hagan