General Game Notes: Brantford was all over them from the start. There were 3 goals in the first minute of the game and Brantford had a 2-1 lead. Brantford looked deeper and more structured throughout the whole game. Brantford had twice as many shots. There were a couple of nasty hits from behind. Punnett got kicked out of the game for his in the second period while Chen for Brantford just got a 2-minute penalty for his in the 3rd period.
| Ben West | Barrie Colts | OHL | L | G | 6’3″ | 157 | Erie Otters | 2019 | Toronto, ON | 2003 | 2023-2024: Free Agent 2021-2022: C |
Game Grade: C+
Comments: Tough game for Ben we thought. His team was down 2-1 after the first minute of the game and down 4-1 after the first period. He couldn’t seem to make the timely save to keep them in the game. We suspect he wants at least 2 of the 4 goals in the first period back and he either got a piece of it or it went right through him. The 3rd goal from the strong side boards just inside the blue line should never beat an OHL goalie either. He is big and moves around the crease very well. He made a spectacular diving glove save going post to post in the third period showing his competitiveness in never giving up despite the score.
| Connor Punnett | Barrie Colts | OHL | L | D | 6’2″ | 202 | Saginaw Spirit | 2019 | North Bay, ON | 2003 | 2023-2024: Free Agent 2020-2021: B |
Game Grade: B+
Comments: Connor is a big, mobile, physical defenseman. Team captain he seems to know his role and plays it very well. We feel that Connor has a calming influence on the team and plays in all situations. His team got down early in the game and he tried to rally them back with his physicality with a few big hits and a fight with Brantford’s captain. Unfortunately, his last hit in the second period resulted in a 5-minute major and a game misconduct. Before that though he was Barrie’s best player. Solved problems on dzone exits with a good first pass or skated the puck out. Angled well and had good gap in all 3 zones. Dominated corners and in front of the net. Was the quarterback on the powerplay controlling the play along the blueline.
| Jacob Frasca | Barrie Colts | OHL | R | C | 6’4″ | 215 | Barrie Colts | 2019 | Brampton, ON | 2003 | 2023-2024: Free Agent 2021-2022: C 2020-2021: C+ |
Game Grade: B+
Comments: Jacob is a big body winger who moves well for a big man and drives hard to the net. He scored Barrie’s only goal on a good weak side post net drive and finished a cross ice pass back door. He looked responsible on the wall and in all 3 zones. He was able to protect the puck well with his size/reach and bullied his way to the net in the ozone. He wasn’t toe dragging many out there and seemed to stick to what he was good at in being a big, strong power forward that is tough to play against.
| Riley Patterson | Barrie Colts | OHL | R | C | 6’0″ | 177 | Flint Firebirds | 2022 | Etobicoke, ON | 2006 | 2023-2024: C+ |
Game Grade: B+
Comments: Riley is a quick powerful skater who wants the puck more than most it seems. You could hear him calling for the puck as he darted into the soft ice with his excellent speed. He is a first-year player after dominating the OJHL last season (de-committed from Michigan State) that has 10 points in his last 10 games and is trending upwards. We feel that he has above average puck skills and compete and is only going to get better as the season progresses. We feel he can be a middle round drafted player this season.
| Lucas Moore | Brantford Bulldogs | OHL | R | D | 5’10” | 174 | Hamilton Bulldogs | 2021 | Peterborough, ON | 2005 | 2023-2024: Free Agent 2022-2023: C+ |
Game Grade: B+
Comments: We feel that Lucas was Brantford’s best defenseman. He played in all situations and seemed to make the best play possible almost all of the time. He is not overly big but skates well (not Makar or Hughes well) but well enough to be first on pucks, escape from F1, find time and space and either make a good pass or skate the puck out of the dzone. He played in all situations and quarterbacked the powerplay. He angled well and had good gap throughout the game. He was a very effective player for Brantford.
Masen Wray | Brantford Bulldogs | OHL | L | C | 6’3″ | 175 | Hamilton Bulldogs | 2022 | Amarillo, TX | 2006 | 2023-2024: C |
Game Grade: C+
Comments: Masen showed flashes of being a good player. He has size and speed but didn’t dominate consistently in any way/shift when he was on the ice. Physically he didn’t exert himself either especially after a teammate was hit from behind. He was first one to the scene and didn’t even look at the hitter from Barrie. He is not buying into the ‘team toughness’ culture.
| Jake O’Brien | Brantford Bulldogs | OHL | R | C | 6’1″ | 164 | Brantford Oilers | 2023 | Toronto, ON | 2007 | 2024-2025: B+ |
Game Grade: A
Comments: Jake seems to be coming into his own halfway through his rookie year. He is over a point a game and is playing with a swagger and confidence not seen in many rookies. His goal this evening was a great display of speed and skill as he found some soft ice in the house and ripped a wrist shot through the Barrie goaltender. Above average speed and puck skills and the compete is evident all over the ice. Physically he needs to get stronger and by all accounts he will. He see’s the ice well and reacts quicker/better than most. We feel he will be a top NHL pick next year.
Scout: Terry Willis