Played on Mar 11, 2025
Ontario Hockey League
Game Played in Meridian Centre
Justin Handsor (D, L, 6’1″, 200, Barrie Colts, 09/24/2007)
Game Rating
C+
1 Viewing
Comments: Handsor had an decent game for Barrie. His game was that of a transitional two way defender. Handsors game was defined by puck skills, some physical elements, and transitional momentum. In defensive transition the 2007 born defender employed moderate gap control through quality angling, space management (opponent isolation), and notable defensive poise. This gap control also hints at some above average play processing ability, and spacial awareness. Handsor was a stable defensive presence in his own slot, which showed some physical pressure exertion, battles, and grit, which reduced the quality of chances against that Niagara was able to generate. Capable defensive instincts, with strong boxouts.The physical elements of the Colts defender are displayed in defensive zone play with notable stability, hit absorption, and body leverage/positioning. This body positioning blended nicely with Handsors puck protection mechanics, which allowed him to handle pressure quite well (defensive poise). This poise allowed the young defenceman to make consistently safe decisions with the puck, which showed some advanced puck management and pressure awareness. That being said Handsor was not overly creative with his option ID. Handsor looked to be a slight asset in offensive transition as he showed confidence and passing skill that generated frequent quick ups. He also implemented the odd activation that generated a stable zone entry. The Colts defender provided basic play support from the blue line with the normal dump, or play facilitation. Was a shooting threat with around three shot attempts in this one, but employed around average leverage, release point, and below average shot selection. We look forward to improvements in his skating (power, acceleration, and stride recovery, as it will help with some early pivot tendencies). Additionally improvements in senses (play anticipation was reactionary, creativity, and offensive awareness) will help elevate his game.
Riley Patterson (C, R, 6’0″, 192, Barrie Colts, 03/22/2006)
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Comments: Patterson had anther stable game for the Colts. Patterson looked to be a complimentary playmaking forward with his line-mates in this one. His game was highlighted by quality puck skills, skating, and shooting tendencies. Patterson had a stable mechanical skating base with ok stride/stride recovery, with a solid extension, and crossover integration rate but needs further growth in terms of changes of pace, and acceleration to take the next step. In defensive transition Patterson employed quite lateral angles of attack, and with the inclusion of more agility, or deception to his game he could’ve been a larger asset in that area. In the defensive zone the young forward employed smart positioning, that hinted at both defensive awareness, and as an outlet pass option to generate a quick breakout in favour of the Colts. High rate of playmaking attempts in this game which showed some quality vision, play processing, and a consistent threat for chance generation. Patterson looked to be a larger rush asset in this one too, attacking with pace as a complimentary piece of his line. In the offensive zone Patterson was a consistent shot threat with good leverage, timing, and power. Below normal accuracy in this one for the forward. Around average compete level in most regards.
Ethan Armstrong (D, R, 6’3″, 170, Barrie Colts, 01/23/2007, Minnesota State)
Game Rating
LV
1 Viewing
Comments: Very limited ice time for the 6’02 defender. Some notable conservative play reading mixed in with some active scanning. Defensive transition was defined by conservative spacing, and some risk mitigation efforts with stick lifts in transition. This hinted at growth in terms of defensive instincts, and play creation around Armstrong. Physical presence in the defensive slot, capable boxouts. Average skating in terms of stride, and backwards crossovers. Around average shooting mechanics as Armstrong had a stiffer release and leverage but ok power due to sheer muscle mass. Below average compete level due to hustle, and play engagement particularly in higher pace plays.
Dalyn Wakely (RW, R, 6’1″, 198, Barrie Colts, 03/05/2004)
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Comments: Wakely had a solid game for the Barrie Colts in this one. He played the game of a physical two way forward with playmaking upside. His game was highlighted by senses, puck skills, and physicality. On the defensive side of the game he employed consistent lay disruption, which hinted at good spatial and situational awareness mixed in with physicality. In the offensive zone Wakely was always on the move, and this exemplified an above average motor mixed in with option creation for his teammates. This option creation was further complimented by some play making ability that regularly generated high danger chances for the Colts. A regular nose for the net.
Jaiden Newton (C, L, 6’0″, 181, Barrie Colts, 10/13/2007)
Game Rating
B-
1 Viewing
Comments: Newton had a quieter but solid game for the Barrie Colts. His game was that of a playmaker with a higher energy level. His game was defined by quality puck skills, senses, a notable compete level and a touch of physicality. On the defensive side of the game Newton regularly showed quality awareness, risk assessment, and risk mitigation through stick lifts and tie ups, stick lifts, and physical isolation of opposing players particularly when Niagara forwards were on their rush attacks. In the defensive zone, these same senses became evident through the young forwards through frequent scanning, which hinted at notable spacial awareness and pressure awareness. Particulary in defensive zone play Newton’s physicality was showcased due to limited ht avoidance, while he entered shot block lanes, and showed overall high end grit. This resembled a quality compete level via the means of play engagement with and without the puck. In offensive transition, Newton, showed quality puck skills through capable play reads he displayed conservative but safe decision making, good option ID (pass selection), and pass accuracy. His puck skills in terms of handling and dekeing particularly stood out on Barrie’s first goal where he exerted good handling, and dekes with that aforementioned spacial awareness where he executed some good defender manipulation leading to a quality chance that he was able to finish on. All of these puck decisions allowed the Colts consisent offensive pressure generation in part due to Newtons puck management. In the offensive zone Newton’s compete level became evident once again through his route creation, and relentlessness on second chance opportunities for the Colts. We look forward to improvements in shooting (awkward hip-twist, mixed with a half-weight transfer, but good power), and more consistent defensive pressure/play processing, best exemplified by the the defensive awareness of Newton with his back to the play on Niagara’s third goal.
Maximus Crete (C, L, 5’9″, 185, Niagara Icedogs, 04/24/2008)
Game Rating
B-
2 Viewings
Comments: Crete had a quieter game for the Niagara Icedogs. The 2008 born forward still played that power forward game. His game was highlighted by that same senses, physicality, and compete. His skating looked better in this game too, better edgework, some notable agility, but still had that shorter mechanical stride, and issues with power generation. Throughout his transition game Crete showed that compete level through hustle, and motor, but particularly struggled in defensive pressure exertion (transition) and lower end play engagement and passivity in zone in this matchup. Part of this limited pressure exertion in transition came down to poorer than normal angles of attack. In defensive zone play he showed the same defensive awareness via lane management, an active stick, and his same old physicality and board battle presence. He showed some play driving that kick started offensive pressure. In offensive transition Crete maintained a quality pace of play for his teammates, and showed some aptitude on the rush, as he generated quality option generation through some decent routes to the net. Showed hints of hockey IQ in the offensive zone through his situational battles, positioning, lane creation and play processing, particularly evident in a handful of chances he generated. He pounced on second chances in this one too hinting at some developing offensive instincts. The barriers Crete still faces in his development include his skating (stride, power, and acceleration), and physicality as he regularly gets pushed off pucks, has that smaller frame, and this produced limited puck protection in this one. Some growth in pressure awareness would be beneficial as well, as he skated into pressure a handful of times in this one.
Darcy Dewachter (D, R, 5’11”, 187, Niagara Icedogs, 03/01/2007)
Game Rating
C
1 Viewing
Comments: Dewatcher had a quieter game for Niagara. The 2007 born defender played much more of a two way defenders game. Dewatcher’s game was highlighted by some physicality, compete level, and hidden offensive upside. In defensive transition the IceDogs defender employed a gap control that revolved around a consistent active stick, and lane scanning, and some risk mitigation (stick lifts, isolation). This gap control struggled with below average space management, and had a generally lower pace. In the defensive zone Dewatcher established consistent physical pressure in and around the slot through good body positioning, stability, and relative effectiveness in board play. This board play particularly shined for Dewatcher’s quality body leverage, angling, and reduction of opponent pace. Throughout this defensive effort Dewatcher also displayed slightly above average compete level through absolute relentlessness, and defensive and physical pressure exertion. Moderate defensive instincts (risk assessment, space management in zone, and lane awareness), but struggled with defensive awareness and higher pace plays. Room for senses to grow over the next year or two. In offensive transition and zone play Dewatcher showed some willingness to jump up in plays. Around average blue line support, and does have a tendency to shoot, (below average stiffer release point, leverage, and selection lack). The main barrier for Dewatcher to unlock the next level of his game will be handling higher pace situations, play processing best exemplified by Dewatcher on Barrie’s second goal of the night. We also look forward to minor improvements in terms of skating (some busy feet, below average stride recovery, and needs a cleaner extension for acceleration, and greater power).
Ryan Roobroeck (C, L, 6’3″, 202, Niagara Icedogs, 09/25/2007)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Roobroeck had a decent game for the Niagara Icedogs. Roobroeck plays a two way forwards game with a snipers touch. His game was highlighted by senses, physicality, and shooting strengths. Quality physicality in terms of stability, frame and reach usage, and hit frequency, made him a physical pressure threat anytime he was on the ice. Quality hit absorption that prevented any momentum stoppage in his game. No matter where Roobroeck is on the ice he looks to be in the right position, and routinely creates an abundance of options for his teammates. Uses pace to his advantage to create delayed off the rush chances. Quality offensive reads, play awareness, and notable hockey IQ with his space manipulation, and play anticipation. This play anticipation gives itself way to lots of play driving and scoring chances for the 2007 born Roobroeck, which was where his shooting stood out. Shooting had a good lower body base that gave Roobroeck quality leverage, for his quick and deceptive release, and powerful shot. A high frequency shooter. Barriers that pose issues for the prospect include his puck skills as he displayed issues with passing placement/ability, and control on receptions. Compete level looked below average in this one, with limited hustle, and wanes in effort level. Skating is below average, as there are mechanical issues in relation to stride, extension, and power generation.
Ivan Galiyanov (LW, L, 5’10”, 174, Niagara Icedogs, 10/16/2007)
Game Rating
C+
2 Viewings
Comments: Another high energy game from Galiyanov. Compete level, and some senses stood out for the young forward in this one. The usual high energy, relentlessness that has come to be the norm for Galiyanov’s game was evident in this game. Some notable growth came in his defensive play reads, an inclusion of an active stick, and some increased lane awareness due to a higher than normal scan rate. Physicality remains an issue with below average muscle mass, and ineffective physicality implementation. Some evident issues around option ID, and vision in this one.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images