Game played 1/24/2025.
Neutral Zone evaluated potential NHL free agent signings from Cornell during the Harvard at Cornell game.
Ian Shane (G, L, 6’1″, 170, Chicago Steel, 09/24/2000, Cornell)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Shane does not have the goals against and save percentage numbers in comparison to his previous three seasons at Cornell, yet he is a steady backstop for the Big Red. While he lacks the prototypical pro size, he is athletic, moves laterally well, and succeeds with his anticipation skills. While Harvard was not the most challenging opponent as he only faced 15 shots, he stayed mentally dialed into the game and made the needed saves to keep the momentum in Cornell’s favor throughout the game. The one goal against was a good set-up at the net. He kept constant as he tracked pucks, limited rebounds, and positioned himself well to make saves.
Tim Rego (D, R, 6’0″, 175, Brooks Bandits, 10/31/2000, Cornell)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Rego is a mobile, puck-handling, right-shot defenseman. He showed the ability to transport the puck himself or break it out as he uses his skating to elude pressure and wisely used the net in the defensive zone to escape the forecheck. He slows the game down and examines his options well. Defensively he plays calm and composed using tight gaps although he could be more physical at times. He plays the power play as he not only can help break the puck out efficiently, he also finds shooting and passing lanes. He picked up a secondary assist on Cornell’s 4th goal in the 3rd period.
Dalton Bancroft (RW, R, 6’1″, 185, Trenton Golden Hawks, 02/26/2001, Cornell)
Game Rating
B-
1 Viewing
Comments: Bancroft is a bigger, right-shot power-forward type. He made a play early in the game on the 2nd goal as the Harvard defenseman pinched up off the face-off, Bancroft was able to poke the puck past in the neutral zone and then set up Walsh across the slot for the goal. Then he kind of just faded into the game and his best scoring chance came in the 2nd period off the rush as he received a pass across the slot on his strong side, but the second delay on his release allowed the Crimson back checker to deflect his shot out of play. Bancroft interestingly this season is on the back of the power play break out and plays at the top in the offensive zone. Interesting as his skating lacks real quickness and agility to elude defenders and his game relies more on his shot than distributing the puck. He threw one good hit below the goal line, but he appeared less effective overall than in previous season viewings. He is a player for a possible AHL contract at this point.
Michael Suda (D, L, 6’1″, 182, Cedar Rapids RoughRiders, 07/03/2002, Cornell)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Suda is a left-handed, free-agent defenseman who managed all three zones well. He has decent size, mobility, and puck-handling abilities. He played a regular shift and excelled on the penalty kill with his quick reads, anticipation, active stick, and high competitive level. Suda does not receive power play time, thus his numbers offensively are not anything impressive. What he does well is knowing his puck decision right away which resulted in clean breakouts or quick transitions. He picks up assists in moving the puck effectively as he does not hang onto the puck, although he can transport it as needed. He keeps his shifts fairly quick and rarely runs into trouble, as he does not play outside his abilities. There is not a ‘wow’ factor in his game, yet he will get pucks in the offensive zone as well as to the net, play physically when needed, and actively breaks up plays in the defensive zone. The senior blue-liner could be given an AHL contract after Cornell’s season ends.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images