On February 17th we watched the Otters travel to Mississauga to take on the Steelheads. Erie won 4-0 in a game that was edgy and had a playoff feel. How did the Erie’s NHL prospects perform?
Chad Yetman (3.75 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — C) Forward
Chad is a player who keeps getting better and proving that he belongs on NHL draft boards. His first touch was on full display whether he was gathering a bobbling puck off the wall or cleanly handling a poor pass. He was an asset on special teams where his foot speed helped kill penalties not only in the defensive end, but also up the ice breaking up the Steelhead’s breakout plans. He was gritty and grimy around the offensive net digging and finished with one goal. Game Grade: B
Aidan Campbell (4.5 Star Amateur Prospect, NHL Grade — C+) Goalie
Another solid performance for Aidan. He showed excellent rebound control and really limited any secondary scoring opportunities all game. Aidan’s lateral quickness and body control were very impressive. Again, his confidence was obvious on full display by how he challenged the shooters without losing himself beyond the paint. His puck playing skills were a real asset to the Otter’s breakouts and often times looking like an extra defensemen when making quick outlets to his defensemen. Game Grade: A
Brendan Hoffman (4 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — C+) Forward
I loved his game today. He scored a cheesy goal that took a fortunate bounce off the glass, but sometimes that happens when a player is playing well. The thing that mattered on his goal was that he forechecked hard, forced a poor pass and then beat the Steelhead’s defender to the near post. That quick sequence really summed up Brendan’s game. He was a presence that won battles and it looked like he really enjoyed the physicality of the game. Brendan had a massive open ice hit in the first which drew an instigator and in my opinion set the tone for the Otter’s day. It was another night where he commanded the face-off circle and was a major contributor to the special team’s success. I also like that he shows the willingness to one-time anything in his wheel house. Game Grade: B+
Maxim Golod (4 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade – C) Forward
Maxim is very consistent. Every night he seems to be a real catalyst for the team. He makes everyone around him dangerous and on most even strength shift he is a threat to score. The puck seems to follow Maxim and he is always ready to make a quick outlet pass, fire a bullet that catches the goalie off guard or protect the puck until support arrives. He finished the night with one helper, but it easily could have been a few more. Game Grade: B
Jamie Drysdale (4.75 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — A) Defense
He is just a dynamic defenseman who dominated again at this level. He was able to fend off forecheckers with either his graceful skating or surprising body strength. He is poised along the wall while sucking forecheckers to him and when the Otters were in trouble Jamie uses his feet to alleviate the pressure. I was very impressed with his defensive zone awareness and active stick. He shuts down passing lanes and maintained net side line-ups no matter what the situational breakdown, and while not being an overly physical body checker, he protects his net from rebound opportunities. Game Grade: B+
Austen Swankler (4 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — C) Forward
Austen had a gritty game. He blocked shots, won both puck battles and physical confrontations and was a positive factor in even strength situations. Although he did not end up on the score sheet, Austen was effective at gaining clean zone entries and creating scoring opportunities off of the rush. He drew a penalty, was a constant pain in the ass to the Steelheads and put his body on the line by taking hits to make plays. Game Grade: C+
Jack Duff (4 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — Free Agent) Defense
Jack is the leader of the Otters and it showed tonight. Physically he was a beast and won every battle. He eliminated the cycle quickly and generated turnovers or quick breakouts all night. While defending line rushes Jack had an active stick that deterred passes and his gap control was tight. Jack showed nice puck poise on the offensive blueline and was an overall asset to the offensive game without losing his defensive responsibilities. Game Grade: B
Kyen Sopa (4.25 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — Free Agent) Forward
Kyen just makes plays all over the ice. He was a pest and caused trouble all night for the Steelheads without taking any penalties or hurting his team. He finished the night with a goal on a beautiful curl and drag snapper from his strong side and a secondary helper that originated with him handling breakout pass cleanly. At 5’9 his size may be held against him, but he is a gamer who competes and can plays all over the ice. Game Grade: B+
Daniel DAmato (3.75 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — Free Agent) Forward
Daniel is definitely a player to keep your eyes on. He is the only player to ever earn a full time role with the Otters out of the U18 Draft and he certainly has done well. He is a lefty who is comfortable on both wings and vs the Steelheads he was buzzing. Daniel had a nice one-timer goal from the slot and was generally dangerous with the puck on his stick all game. He was very good at gaining the offensive blue line and creating space for himself by either changing speeds or cutting hard to the middle. He exposed defenders and used his quickness to be an offensive zone threat all game. Game Grade: B
Hayden Fowler (4.25 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — B-) Forward
Hayden did not play.