General Game Notes: A hard fought game between the Erie Otters and the Oshawa Generals that was a pad the stat night for a few players. The Generals managed to hold the lead at almost every point in the game, coming out booming with three unanswered goals in the first period, and Erie was chasing the game from that point on. Not a great night for goaltenders, but some stunning offensive performances in this one.
| Jacob Gibbons | Erie Otters | OHL | R | G | 6’5″ | 190 | Erie Otters | 2022 | Whitby, ON | 2006 | Not yet rated |
Game Grade: C+
Comments: Gibbons had a rough night in net, starting the game with 3 goals against on 10 shots in the first period. He did however show off his resilience, staying in the net for the game despite the rough start, and only allowing three more goals on 37 shots, for a total of 31 saves on the night. His positioning was slightly off during the game, and he favored the glove save, showing off his quick glove to keep the puck from the back of the net. He was a fairly reactionary player on the night, not getting set ahead of the shot but rather as the shot was coming at him. With some work on his positioning and vision, could be a more reliable player at this level. Overall, despite his first period, his ability to bounce back was admirable, and shows promise for an up and coming goalie.
| Ty Henry | Erie Otters | OHL | R | D | 6’2″ | 197 | Erie Otters | 2022 | Montreal, QC | 2006 | Not yet rated |
Game Grade: C+
Comments: Henry had a rough game in this one, as despite playing hard, he gave up chances and took a costly penalty at the start of the game that started the precession of General’s goals in the first period. He played hard though in helping his team come back, showing some snarl throughout the game and seemingly gaining his discipline back to avoid the box for the rest of the night. While his game wasn’t the worst on his team, he certainly had some areas he could have improved on, needing to work on his puck possession, his positioning was on the level and he was able to help his team with coming back into this game.
| Nathan Sauder | Erie Otters | OHL | R | D | 6’1″ | 194 | Erie Otters | 2021 | Mississauga, ON | 2005 | Not yet rated |
Game Grade: B-
Comments: A force for his team in this one, Sauder was a hard hitting defenseman who had strong positioning to contain the offensive threat and limit opportunities on the net. Sauder was like a dog with a bone in hunting down the puck and making sure that he wasn’t beaten when he was on the ice. Even on the off opportunity where an opponent made it past him, Sauder would rush back hard and make sure that the opponent wouldn’t have an easy chance on the net. Overall, a solid defenseman who works hard in his own end, as a true stay at home defenseman with the skill to close off offensive chances and limit scoring opportunities with his body and his stick.
| Owain Johnston | Erie Otters | OHL | R | D | 6’1″ | 193 | Erie Otters | 2019 | Toronto, ON | 2003 | 2021-2022: C |
Game Grade: C
Comments: Despite putting up an assist in this one, Johnston took some bad penalties at a crucial time in the final period which resulted in his team taking the loss in this game. He played hard, with quite a bit of snarl, but at the end of the game, he lost his discipline and took a double minor while his team was down a goal, and made it easier for the Generals to hold the lead at the end of the game. Before this point, Johnston had a good game, putting up an assist, and working well as a two-way defenseman, getting involved in plays at both ends of the ice. He was one of the players on the first line for the Otters, and was on the ice in every situation which allowed him to show his skill.
| Malcolm Spence | Erie Otters | OHL | L | LW | 6’1″ | 193 | Erie Otters | 2022 | Mississauga, ON | 2006 | 2024-2025: A |
Game Grade: B-
Comments: Spence had strong positioning in this game, getting open for the puck and laying it out to create plays which eventually led to an assist on the night. His ability on his edges is first class, and he skates up and down the ice well to find the open space with speed. The ’06 played well at both ends of the ice, as he was able to break up passing plays well and get his team back onto the offensive and out of their own zone. He’ll need to continue to work on the accuracy of his shots as he wasn’t able to slip anything past the goalie on the night, but overall was a strong contributor on the night and could be a strong player going forward. Definitely someone to keep eyes on as he continues to develop.
| Sam Alfano | Erie Otters | OHL | R | RW | 6’4″ | 221 | Peterborough Petes | 2020 | Cayuga, ON | 2004 | Free Agent |
Game Grade: B+
Comments: The third star of tonight’s game, Alfano had a stellar three-point night in this one. Overall he had a strong showing in this one, with a strong stride and the ability to throw his weight around, Alfano wasn’t afraid to lay a hit or put himself into tough positions where he would take on contact to create plays for himself and his teammates, a massive contributing factor to his team tying it up in the third period. Despite not wearing a letter on his jersey, this player leads by example, keeping his game well disciplined while also having a knack for setting up plays, Alfano managed to spark his offence when they looked down and out after conceding a fourth goal to the Generals. This undrafted ’04 is a strong asset to his team, playing hard in all areas of the ice to push his team towards scoring opportunities in any way he could.
| Pano Fimis | Erie Otters | OHL | R | C | 5’11” | 185 | Niagara Ice Dogs | 2020 | Richmond Hill, ON | 2004 | 2023-2024: C+2021-2022: B- |
Game Grade: C
Comments: The undrafted ’04 had a two-point night in this one, with strong play at both ends of the ice driving him to be a key contributor in this one. His puck handling and possession were superb in this one, as he was able to use his soft hands to both receive and lay out passes. While his team may not have won this one, it’s not for a lack of trying on Fimis’s part, as he continually set up offensive opportunities, but struggled to find the net on some of his shots. He did have one goal in the third period, which was enough to bring his team within one and spark some hope for this away side. Overall a talented player in the offensive end of the ice with his big stride and determination on full display in this one.
| Jacob Oster | Oshawa Generals | OHL | R | G | 6’3″ | 194 | Guelph Storm | 2020 | Manotick, ON | 2004 | 2023-2024: C2021-2022: C |
Game Grade: C
Comments: Oster started the game strong, showing absolutely no fear in the first period in stopping shots and coming out of his net, however, after the first period he started to look shaky in net, as he ended up giving up 5 goals on 21 shots. Throughout the game his spatial awareness was good, however, he needed his defense to help at times as they were continually short handed and out manned in the zone. Overall a below average showing for Oster, but he did show some skill throughout his performance, as well as keeping his poise despite the frustrating goals against. Overall, he was resilient tonight, and made the necessary saves to get his team to come away with the win on the night.
| Luca D’Amato | Oshawa Generals | OHL | R | D | 5’9″ | 159 | Flint Firebirds | 2020 | Maple, ON | 2004 | Not yet rate |
Game Grade: A-
Comments: D’Amato was on his game tonight as, despite only putting up one point, he was able to be a real difference maker for his team. The player was a defensive juggernaut, doing absolutely anything to keep the puck out of the net as a defenseman, whether that be sliding across the ice on his stomach and using the stick to poke the puck clean off the stick of his opponent, using the body to push players off the puck, blocking shots, or otherwise cleanly taking away the puck from his opponent. Regardless of the situation, the coach had D’Amato on the ice as often as possible. He controlled the play well, using his body to get through situations and play well off the puck, while also being able to anticipate where plays were going in order to interrupt his opponents as well as to set up his teammates for the rush going the other direction. This was arguably one of the best showings we’ve seen of this player, as the undrafted ’04 was a wonder on the ice tonight.
| David Bedkowski | Oshawa Generals | OHL | R | D | 6’4″ | 208 | Oshawa Generals | 2022 | Toronto, ON | 2006 | 2024-2025: B+ |
Game Grade: B-
Comments: Bedkowski was a determined defenseman on the night, which led to him posting a +1 in his +/- for the night. In spite of his penalty in the 2nd period, Bedkowski was able to show good discipline for most of the night, even as other players tried push him around and push him towards a fight. Overall, a consummate professional who was able to play strong on and off the puck. He was a hard guy to play against as a seemingly key part of the Generals defense he is able to use his size to block opposing players vision and passes, keeping his head on a swivel to read plays and move take away scoring opportunities. He keeps his feet moving as a strong mobile defenseman, he knows his role, and he plays it to a tee.
| Matthew Buckley | Oshawa Generals | OHL | R | C | 5’10” | 189 | Oshawa Generals | 2021 | Oakville, ON | 2005 | 2023-2024: C |
Game Grade: B
Comments: Buckley was a strong player in this game, as the ’05 used his stride and edges to create space and time for plays, which he was able to tailor to his advantage in creating an assist for Dylan Roobroeck in the first period. Buckley was on the first line on the night, and played well on his feet, using some big hits to knock players off the puck and push through the opposing players. He back-checks well, though he tends to look to try and push the opponent in the neutral zone and challenge their entry more than coming back and truly helping the defence. When breaking out of his zone, he looks for the open man and can make some good stretch passes. Overall a good night for the player where he got to show his abilities on and off the puck.
| Calum Ritchie | Oshawa Generals | OHL | R | C | 6’2″ | 187 | Oshawa Generals | 2021 | Oakville, ON | 2005 | 2022-2023: A- |
Game Grade: A-
Comments: The first round pick player had a superstar night, putting up four points for his team, seemingly having his hands in the play every time his skates touched the ice. He’s a clever player, making great passes, and shots on net to create opportunities for himself and his teammates. His ability to give and receive passes is above average for someone his age, and he is able to quickly handle the puck, deke out an opponent, and push the play towards the net. When he’s on the ice, he dominates the play, even when the puck isn’t on his stick, through using his hockey sense and some good decision making he is able to see the open areas of the ice, get to them quickly, and calls for the puck to make a play. A real hard worker at both ends of the ice, Ritchie had an excellent showing on the night.
| Dylan Roobroeck | Oshawa Generals | OHL | L | C | 6’8″ | 205 | Niagara Ice Dogs | 2020 | London, ON | 2004 | 2021-2022: C |
Game Grade: B
Comments: Roobroeck is a massive player who has come into his size in well in recent showings. He is able to lay a hit well to create space, as was evident in his goal, where he was able to take the pass from Matthew Buckley and lean on the opposing players to create the space for himself on the net. He is competitive and aggressive both on and off the puck, using his large and wide frame to screen the goalie and limit the vision of opposition players as to what it going on around them. In his defensive end, Roobroeck is able to block shots well, and plays a hard challenge to get the puck back from his opponents and play it up the ice. His passing play is solid, as he’s able to get the puck from his defensive end up to the open man and push the play the other way for an odd man rushing chance.
| Beckett Sennecke | Oshawa Generals | OHL | R | C | 6’2″ | 175 | Oshawa Generals | 2022 | Toronto, ON | 2006 | 2023-2024: B |
Game Grade: B-
Comments: Sennecke had a rough showing as the result of a couple of bad calls resulting in him spending time in the box. Despite this, he still managed to put up an assist on Rasmus Kumpulainen’s second goal of the game thanks to a strong passing play to put the puck through Calum Ritchie. While he spent time in the box, the penalties he received were more based on being in the wrong place at the wrong time than him actually having a downside to his play. At times on defense he gets out of position behind the net, leaving a man at the point wide open for play to go through. Where his defensive awareness was sometimes lacking, his offensive awareness and work rates certainly weren’t, as he continually got plays up to an open teammate, or rushed it up the ice himself if no one was open. While it was an off night for Sennecke, he still looked strong and confident when he was on the ice.
| Rasmus Kumpulainen | Oshawa Generals | OHL | L | C | 6’3″ | 194 | Oshawa Generals | 2023 | Lahti, FIN | 2005 | 2022-2023: B- |
Game Grade: B+
Comments: Kumpulainen had a great night on this one, putting up two goals, with the first being the icebreaker with an assist from the goalie. He is a solid sniper, who still back-checks and battles to get the puck back from his opponent well. He knows how to read the game, as well as how to get up on offensive plays regardless of who he is on the ice with. He forechecks well, but still gets back in time to help the defence in covering any open plays. As a centerman, he needs to work on his face-offs as he barely squeaked out the nine face-off wins he had in this one. He is a good skater, with great mobility and is solid going forwards or backwards. Overall, a good night for Kumpulainen.
| Connor Lockhart | Oshawa Generals | OHL | R | RW | 5’9″ | 171 | Erie Otters | 2019 | Kanata, ON | 2003 | 2020-2021: B- |
Game Grade: B
Comments: Lockhart had a good night on the ice, putting up two assists in the game and was able to skate well around the ice, with a confident stride and good stick skills. He’s a smaller forward with a lot of skill on both sides of the puck, and despite his smaller size he is not afraid to get into tough spots on the ice with contact. His passing ability was on clear display in how he was able to find the open man on both of his assists in this one. A strong night for this over age player as he helped his team to come away with the victory.
| Benjamin Danford | Oshawa Generals | OHL | R | D | 6’1″ | 194 | Oshawa Generals | 2022 | Madoc, ON | 2006 | 2023-2024: B |
Game Grade: B+
Comments: Danford stood out in this one, not only because of his assist, but for his play off and around the puck that allowed for open space to be created and his ability to shut down the opposing teams chances. His assist on the night was top tier, as it came from a shot that ended up getting tipped into the net by Calum Ritchie tight to the net. Off the puck, Danford would look for open space to create chances or to be the open man for his teammates to pass to. Defensively, Danford looked to hold the line whenever there was a loose puck in the offensive zone. Defensively he is able to help his goaltender but shutting down offensive opportunities, taking the puck away, and blocking shots and passes in his own end to stop a chance from developing. While he has room to develop his game, he’s a determined player, and was the last person off the ice in warmups as he got in an extra bit of practice for his shot to make sure he was as ready as possible for the coming game. Overall an excellent game that resulted in him standing out from the pack.
| Stuart Rolofs | Oshawa Generals | OHL | L | LW | 6’2″ | 203 | London Knights | 2019 | Carp, ON | 2003 | 2021-2022: C+2020-2021: B- |
Game Grade: A-
Comments: Rolofs was the second star on the night, having put up two goals and an assist in this game Rolofs had a complete performance. Rolofs is a strong leader for the Generals, as he leads by example and motivates his team as their captain all throughout the game. Rolofs was the player to put up the game winner on the night, netting a goal just shy of nine minutes into the third period that put this one to bed as a Generals win. No matter the special teams situation, Rolof’s was on one of the Generals lines to try and capitalize and keep the opponent from doing so. The undrafted ’03 is a solid player at either end of the ice, with lots of heart and a drive to succeed. When off the puck and laying a hit, he completes the check well, and is aggressive to try and win back possession. Overall a strong showing for Rolofs in this one.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images
Scout: Alex Sorichetti