Game played on 12/06/2024.
General Game Notes: This is a report on the overage forwards for the Niagara IceDogs. A high scoring affair saw Niagara come out on top 5-4
Owen Flores (G, L, 6’2″, 195, Niagara Icedogs, 05/09/2004)
Grade: B
Comments: Flores had a solid effort in this game, starting early. In the first period, the opposing team pressured hard and he made some key saves to keep Niagara in it. His glove is quick and he catches the puck with ease as seen on many big glove saves. He comes in a good frame at 6’3, the new normal for goalies, and uses it to his advantage. He fights through traffic moving his head to look past screens, battling hard. He is active in the crease and seems to always be on high alert, making him always ready for off-angle shots and the ability to get out and play the puck. He made a few outlet passes from behind the net showing his capabilities playing the puck. With his size and awareness in the crease he will be one of the top goalies coming out of the OHL as an overager.
Noah Van Vliet (D, L, 6’2″, 222, Niagara Icedogs, 02/18/2004)
Grade: B
Comments: Van Vliet is a bulky defender, who plays the body well and shuts down opposing rushes. Playing a more defensive style, he doesn’t show much flashiness, but makes strong plays in his own end to clear pressure. He is able to read the play well, cutting off quite a few rushes in this game such as a 2-1 diving effort. At 6’3 222 he is strong on his stick and along the boards, winning the majority of his 50/50 puck battles. His best asset is his fight and determination, as he fights for body position consistently. This is seen in front of his own end as he boxes out well making room for his goaltender. As many big defensemen, he will need to continue to improve his foot speed and agility as he can tend to get beat wide or in space by speedy forwards. His game was capped off with a goal as he sprang out of the penalty box on a breakaway, missing his first attempt but jamming at the puck to push it in. Wearing an ‘A’ for Niagara, he is a reliable and throwback defender who brings consistency and strength to the blue line.
Andrei Loshko (RW, L, 6’1″, 165, Niagara Icedogs, 10/07/2004)
Grade: A-
Comments: Loshko is a European center who plays detail oriented and contributes in all aspects of the game. The former 4th round NHL pick is cerebral and uses high IQ and awareness to make impacts both with and without the puck. He is able to find lanes with above average puck-handling, moving in and out of traffic to distribute to open teammates. He often uses soft touches and subtle passes to create offense. An active and smart stick may be his best asset though, as he constantly is in the mix deflecting and hounding pucks from the back side. He comes with a long reach that he waves in all directions, seemingly always in the way. This is seen both 5-5 and on the penalty kill, as he plays in all key situations for the IceDogs. Highlighted by a key block late in the game , good positioning support and smart reverses in his defensive zone, he is able to play all 200ft of the ice with skill and awareness. At over a PPG is one of Niagara’s big time players and plays big minutes. With his skilled stick, high hockey IQ and ability to produce look for Andrei to be sought after by NCAA teams.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images