Played on Mar 16, 2025
Ontario Hockey League
Game Played in Meridian Centre
Aidan Lane (RW, R, 6’1″, 195, Brampton Steelheads, 02/04/2007, Harvard)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Lane had a solid game for Brampton. He plays that game of a two way forward. His game was highlighted by quality compete, puck skills, some advanced senses, and flashes of promising physicality. In defensive transition Lane was a bit less effective than normal, but showed decent defensive pressure exertion, space management, and defensive awareness. He also looked to be a bit relentless on the backcheck. This relentlessness translated to the defensive zone as a high forward he was consistently challenging players, using his stick positioning to disrupt plays, and looked poise to shot block. This demonstrated quality defensive responsibility and instincts. He even had a bit of sandpaper to his game as some minor physicality saw him implement good stability which made his hit absorption more solid, hitting form and frequency which showed he can exert some physical pressure, and intensity through grit. In the defensive zone he did have a tendency to cheat some plays which could point to some issues around play reading. In offensive transition he demonstrated quality puck skills through passing ability and placement was generally quite smooth, that blended well with some capable vision and play identification. Showed lots of touch and go tendencies in this one, because Lane runs into issues with sustained control/handling. In the offensive zone Lane showed some in close finishing ability which was a blend of physicality, puck skills, and quality situational awareness. Shooting could use some better shot selection as there were a handful of times throughout the game where he picked sharp angle shots, instead of a pass or offensive pressure play. This shows some limitations in regard to offensive poise. Generally showed capable play support and developing offensive instincts. The barriers that Lane faces are that of skating as he showed a short mechanical stride which was hurt from below average power generation which impacted his acceleration and top speed. Sometimes he was the late trailer so it did not matter, but this will need to improve. Additionally his creativity, and deception was limited which at points made him quite predictable in angles of attack, or offensive routes.
Kieran Witkowski (LW, L, 5’11”, 180, Brampton Steelheads, 02/07/2007)
Game Rating
C+
1 Viewing
Comments: Stable all around game for Witkowski. He played the game of a support playmaker with some compete. His game was highlighted by puck skills, senses, and elements of physicality. In defensive transition he implemented some efforts for minor pressure on the forecheck and the back check, while he also demonstrated some lane awareness, hustle, and spacial recognition. In both offensive and defensive zones Witkowski showed some grit, and physical play engagement in puck battles, which showed heightened intensity. In offensive transition the young Steelheads forward displayed moderate puck skills in terms of handling, protection mechanics (a combination of angling and handling), and play facilitation/set up ability. This hidden facilitation ability became more evident as Witkowski got more offensive zone time. In the offensive zone Witkowski showed high end shot frequency, which him and his teammates were able to generate chances for off of those shots. Employed basic offensive awareness, and flashes of offensive instincts. Growth in offensive poise would aid his chance generating game. This limited poise was best exemplified by one of his half-effort shots with 16:45 left in the second, when there were clearly better options available. Below average skating in terms of a wider base, and moderate acceleration.
Luke Dragusica (D, L, 6’1″, 181, Brampton Steelheads, 02/16/2007)
Game Rating
C+
1 Viewing
Comments: Dragusica simply has not seen a lot of hockey this season due to injury and it shows. The defender played a capable two way transitional role. His game was defined by his physicality, ok shooting, and transitional play. In defensive transition Dragusica had ok gap control which showed hints of decent space management, ok angling, and physical pressure/isolation. Particularly this physical element stood out in defensive zone play as well for he established good body positioning, and had high frequency physical engagement, powerful muscle mass, adequate board play and slot front responsibility. For this reason the 2007 born defender was a capable slot presence, but his defensive awareness looked reactionary at points. In offensive transition Dragusica had decent option identification but lacked the passing ability to convert on this. His passing fluidity was hard on the players receiving the passes, which harmed the efficiency of his breakouts. In the offensive zone he showed basic offensive awareness and instincts, largely serving as a complimentary piece through the occasional opening of passing lanes, and some moderate offensive pressure. Largely a support piece with pinches, pressure relief, and dumps. Showed decent shooting on two separate occasions with shot lane ID, and power. Some minor accuracy issues. Slightly below average skating exemplified by some early pivots in defensive transition, and some balance/stability issues. The main barrier for Dragusica at the next level will be puck skills and senses as he displayed a low scan frequency, instincts, and poorer play anticipation.
Luke Misa (C, R, 5’10”, 176, Brampton Steelheads, 02/28/2005)
Game Rating
A-
1 Viewing
Comments: Misa continues to be a speedster in the OHL. His game resembles that of a high pace playmaker. This game was defined by his skating, senses, puck skills, and shooting ability. Where he particularly shined was in offensive transition where he used high end acceleration, with a clean stride quick stride recovery, and effortless crossover integration to manipulate inside/outside lanes, generate zone entries, and cause havoc for the IceDogs. This skating combined flawlessly with his puck skills which exemplified quality control, protection, and smart passes. Showed high pace play processing, offensive awareness, and instincts through the play creation and facilitation he implemented throughout the game. Notable shooting mechanics with a quick release and decent power. Compete level looked solid through offensive pressure generation which sent Niagara scrambling, and high end endurance. Issues remain with physicality.
Macgregor Richmond (RW, R, 5’8″, 180, Brampton Steelheads, 08/06/2006)
Game Rating
C
1 Viewing
Comments: Richmond played an ok game for the Brampton Steelheads. Richmond played the game of a power forward/two way forward. His game was highlighted by ok skating, some basic puck skills, and hints of physicality. In defensive transition the young forward showed some opponent lane awareness, and ok angles of attack that exerted minor defensive pressure. This was also furthered by adequate skating in terms of decent posture, ok edgework, full extensions, but some busy feet that reduced the overall effectiveness of it. In the defensive zone Richmond showed base line defensive instincts, and awareness, but overall had little play engagement outside of finishing some checks, which also flashed good physical stability, balance and pressure. Displayed basic puck skills (hand eye, and short passes). Around average compete level in most regards. We look forward to further refinement of Richmond’s senses (creativity, instincts, and awareness in both ends), and shooting as he had a below average release point that had an upwards shovel like motion).
Porter Martone (RW, R, 6’3″, 208, Brampton Steelheads, 10/26/2006)
Game Rating
A-
1 Viewing
Comments: Martone is one of the smartest players on the ice. Martone showed the power forward skillset with a touch of play making ability. His game displayed top notch physicality, senses, puck skills, and compete. In defensive transition Martone showed quality and deceptive angles of attack, ones that mixed with relentlessness, and consistent and overarching defensive pressure. When successful this elevated this relentlessness to quality play disruption. This defensive transition pressure alone articulated Martone’s compete level. In the defensive zone the 2006 born winger showed quality risk assessment, consistent pressure, and lane awareness to the max. This overall hinted at quality defensive instincts and awareness. This defensive responsibility both in transition and zone play mixed well with Martone’s physicality as he regularly finished checks, had high frequency puck battle engagement, and uses both his frame and bodyweight to establish good body leverage on opponents. In offensive transition Martone employed good routes, and had a nose for the net. Particularly in the offensive zone Martone showed consistent space manipulation, offensive poise waiting not only for an option, but the best option. This acumen of Martone in the offensive zone, (and defensive zone) showed high level play processing, hockey IQ, and play reading/anticipation. In the zone he was a consistent shooting threat who employed a solid weight transfer, shot leverage, and power. Mixed accuracy in this one too. The only barrier that might provide a small challenge is his skating as he needed a quicker stride recovery to increase that speed and acceleration.
Blake Arrowsmith (RW, R, 6’0″, 185, Niagara Icedogs, 04/17/2007)
Game Rating
C+
1 Viewing
Comments: Arrowsmith had limited icetime in this one. He plays much of a playmakers game. Elements that stood out include his skating, compete level, and senses. He tended to struggle with pace a bit in this one. Skating was solid enough (stride, higher end acceleration, and posture). This skating formed the basis of his game in transition as he showed little struggle getting into position, and creating himself as a play option for his teammates. Showed some spacial manipulation, sometimes with no real result. Could be a more efficient player, but showed some motor, offensive pressure awareness, and endurance. Particularly in deep offensive zone plays he used his positioning in efforts to generate chances for, but rarely saw the puck. Offensive instincts are there, but slightly hidden. Puck skills shined when he did have the puck for some minor option ID, and adequate enough play reading. Needs more growth in the defensive side of the game (pressure, awareness, and instincts). A secondary barrier would be physicality as Arrowsmith looked to have some physicality avoidance, and cheated plays lots.
Darcy Dewachter (D, R, 5’11”, 187, Niagara Icedogs, 03/01/2007)
Game Rating
C
Dewachter played a two-way game for Niagara, showcasing his physicality, compete level, and potential offensively. He employed a gap control strategy in defensive transition, utilizing an active stick, lane scanning, and risk mitigation techniques. In the defensive zone, Dewachter established consistent physical pressure through good body positioning, stability, and effective board play. While he displayed above-average compete level, moderate defensive instincts, and some willingness to jump into plays offensively, his game was also marked by room for growth.
2 Viewings
Comments: Dewatcher had another quieter night for the IceDogs. He plays that transitional defender, but it’s obvious he wanted to be a offensive minded defender in this one, lots of activations, and aggressive play reads with mixed results. His game was highlighted by that same physicality, compete, and hidden offensive upside. His gap control remained the same as well below average space management resulting in constant recovery and limited body positioning. Hints of defensive poise (when in position), and stick positioning. In defensive zone play some limited awareness and poorer risk assessment leading to poorer positioning in Brampton’s first goal. Showed some physical play engagement, grit, and toughness as a net front presence in zone. Around average compete in terms of hustle, but demonstrated some pressure absorption in offensive transition. Moderate short passing aptitude and pressure relief ability for the IceDogs. Skating remains below average (ankle flection, stride, acceleration, power). Senses need improvements to elevate his game as well particularly around spatial awareness, play processing, and play reading, as these all contributed errors to his game as he got consistently manipulated in this one against Brampton.
Ryan Roobroeck (C, L, 6’3″, 202, Niagara Icedogs, 09/25/2007)
Game Rating
B+
Roobroeck showcased a well-rounded skill set on the ice, exceling in various aspects of his game. He displayed quality physicality, using his stability, frame, and reach to create pressure threats and absorb hits that could have disrupted momentum. His awareness and anticipation allowed him to read plays effectively and drive opportunities for himself and teammates. Roobroeck’s shooting was particularly notable, with a strong lower body base providing leverage for his quick release and powerful shot. He is a high-frequency shooter who creates scoring chances through delayed rushes. However, he struggled with puck control on receptions and demonstrated below-average passing skills. In terms of skating, Roobroeck had mechanical issues affecting his stride, extension, and power generation. His compete level also seemed below average in this particular game, with limited hustle and effort.
1 Viewing
Comments: Roobroeck had a usual game for himself. He still plays that powerforward with a combination of sniper. Strong senses, shooting, and some moderate improvements in compete. Skating projects slightly better than last report, but looks around average in most regards, but he continues to manipulate pace in a beneficial way which added some deception to his game. Showed notable situational awareness in multiple instances which required good physical pressure exertion. Roobroeck remains quite a smart player with space manipulation, offensive instincts, and pressure comprehension, hinting at a notable hockey IQ in both ends of the ice. This was best exemplified by a good sequence with 7:20 left in the second where the forward controlled the pace of play, showed some play making and generated a high quality chance for the Niagara IceDogs. Physicality remains strong, with a good stable base and high end frame plus muscle mass, which enables him advantageous body leverage in defensive zone tie ups, and risk mitigation attempts. Puck skills remain an barrier for elevating his play as he still struggled with puck handling/control and pass placement in this one.
Braidy Wassilyn (C, L, 5’11”, 194, Niagara Icedogs, 05/28/2008)
Game Rating
B-
1 Viewing
Comments: Wassilyn displayed some timidness in this game. He plays the game of a playmaker. His game was highlighted by some quality skating, puck skills, and developing senses. Skating was really the base of his game as he had a solid posture, a clean stride, incorporated quality lateral acceleration, and displayed notable agility and edgework.This skating was exemplified in his good transitional play and articulated through decent positioning, route creation, and energy. There’s plenty more room for his route deception to increase too with even greater agility. This skating blended well with Wassilyn’s developing on-ice awareness in transition as he demonstrated some attempts at play disruption throughout the game. With the previously mentioned agility he was also able to manipulate space and block some passing lanes which hinted at moderate lane awareness. In the defensive zone Wassilyn showed inconsistent flashes of risk assessment. Where Wassilyn shined was on the offensive side of play as in offensive transition the young IceDogs forward showed some promising handling, smooth passes, and decent offensive decision making. Greater offensive poise will come with more time in the OHL. Around the opponents blueline Wassilyn also showed some offensive creativity with some playmaking ability. Lacked some finish and execution in the offensive zone, but this game was rougher for his entire team. Barriers to elevating his play include a more consistent compete level (play engagement, intensity, and defensive pressure), and physicality (forces off pucks without much challenge, and muscle mass).
Charlie Hotles (C, R, 6’2″, 181, Niagara Icedogs, 07/05/2008)
Game Rating
C
1 Viewing
Comments: Hotles found some regular minutes in this one. He played a game of a playmaker, whose growth next season will be interesting to watch. This game was defined by his hustle, shooting, and some developing puck skills. In defensive transition Hotles showed flashes of compete level with ok hustle, and back tracking on the back check, but often he was the last one back in the IceDogs zone. In the defensive zone Hotles showed some compete level inconsistency, but generally had ok levels of play engagement, and was relentless on opponents. This showed some hints of an active stick, spacial awareness, and developing defensive awareness. He was absolutely neutralized in any board play due to poor physical leverage and power, which killed significant momentum. Routinely cheated plays, which showed some poorer positioning but also demonstrated that Hotles has developing offensive instincts. This almost paid off for him in the 1st period where he had a quality breakaway, and although he didn’t find the back of the net it should help the confidence. In said breakaway he also displayed some good shooting mechanics with good stick leverage, a complete weight transfer and some upper arm posture that showed a developing release point. We look forward to growth in his skating as he displayed a shorter mechanical stride that compounded with limited extension and lower body flection that reduced acceleration and made stride recovery a bit wonky. This should be something that the young forward works out with a power skating coach to further elevate his game. Needs growth in 200 foot senses (defensive instincts, stick positioning, and offensive awareness).
Ivan Galiyanov (LW, L, 5’10”, 174, Niagara Icedogs, 10/16/2007)
Game Rating
C+
Galiyanov displayed a strong competitive level and impressive skating ability, showcasing his speed and agility on the ice. His puck skills were also highlighted, with high-end compete and positioning that allowed him to create scoring opportunities. The young forward demonstrated good hustle, motor, and angles of attack, making him a capable forechecking presence at the OHL level. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in terms of physicality and senses, Galiyanov’s overall game was impressive and entertaining to watch.
3 Viewings
Comments: Just another usual showing for Galiyanov. Same skating, compete, and puck skills. Transition game was defined by that same high end motor, and hustle and intensity. Angles of attack looked better and more effective than normal particularly in the initial portion of defensive transition. More use of an active stick showed some growth in defensive instincts and senses. Puck handling is still solid and growing, displayed good handling in offensive transition, and some good off-puck positioning. Galiyanov was his usual ball of energy for that Niagara fourth line.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images