Game Recap:
We caught some afternoon action in a highly entertaining affair which was decided in a shootout by a score of 5-4 for the Remparts. Both clubs are in a re-build season, but nonetheless have some extremely intriguing prospects who are enjoying very good seasons. Neutral Zone was there to evaluate all of the prospects, but we were very interested in watching Justin Barron. The Mooseheads tied the game up in the third after being down by two heading into the final frame. There were a lot of high scoring opportunities, odd man rushes and good puck movement that made this game extremely enjoyable to watch.
Justin Barron (4.5 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — A) Defense
Barron is a highly touted prospect who is finally back after missing the last three months with a blood clot. It’s difficult to make a proper assessment on Barron after this game because he’s still finding his timing, getting his lungs and legs back and ultimately gaining his confidence. There’s no doubting Barron’s hockey skill or IQ- he’s good at escaping out of trouble, he’s poised with the puck and has good instincts all over the ice. Along with his instincts his awareness is at a high level as well knowing where the pressure is coming from when being attacked and finding the open space to get away from trouble. In this outing Barron had a great first period where he was leading the rush making plays. As the game went on most notably in the second period, Barron looked tired and played more conservative trying to keep things simple. In the third period and in overtime it looked like Barron got his legs under him again as he tried being creative on the point jumping in on a couple of cycles. Keep in mind that this was his third game in four nights therefore you can imagine how sore and tired Barron must have felt. There were many scouts in the building and there was no doubt in Barron being a top prospect moving forward. He’s a general on the ice who can take charge for his team and really depict the pace of the game. Game score: B
NHL Overall Evaluation: Lanky smooth skating right shot defenseman who makes plays with his head up and while his feet are moving. Is a weapon on the power play as he can walk the line quickly in either direction, has a hard accurate one timer, quick release on his snap shot and his shots do not get blocked. Excellent at joining the rush as a late attacker & has the poise to carry the puck out of danger when needed. He thrives in transition and has an uncanny ability to hit the stretch man in stride.
Draft Projection 2020: 1st Round
NHL Comparison: Travis Hamonic
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images
Game Evaluation: Sotiri Athanasopoulos
