On February 15th we saw the Otters play host to the Oshawa Generals. It was a high scoring back and forth game with Erie coming from behind to win in a shootout. How did Erie’s NHL prospects perform:
Brendan Hoffman (4 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — C+) Forward
I’ve been waiting for Brendan to be a consistent physical force and tonight he was one. Early in the first period Brendan let a General’s defenseman off the hook while on a hard forecheck. His decision allowed for a clean breakout while the rest of his Otter teammates were changing. I have no real way of knowing what was said when he got back to the bench, but from the next shift on Brendan was a dominate power forward. He finished every check with authority and created space for himself and his linemates. He showed speed through the neutral zone while carrying the puck and had clear zone entries all game. Again, he was an excellent penalty killer with an active stick taking away passing lanes and using quick stops and starts to eliminate shooting lanes. I noted that early in the second period Brendan opened up for a one-timer on a 2 on 1, but he never received the pass. He showed good clean footwork while pivoting and kept his stick prepared throughout the quick play. I loved seeing the awareness to improve shooting angle in such a bang bang play. Similarly, he scored in third period on a similar opportunity when he one-timed a bullet pass from the defenseman pinching down the mid-wall. Brendan was a positive factor in Erie’s come from behind win and he showed leadership qualities. Game Grade: A-
Hayden Fowler (4.25 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — B-) Forward
Hayden uses his quickness and speed to impact the game and tonight was no exception. Although he has a good first touch and can make clever passing plays, Oshawa’s defenders left little doubt that his speed and pace of play are Hayden’s biggest asset. He routinely gained the offensive zone and was able to use his quick release to generate scoring chances. On the defensive side of the puck Hayden backchecked with a purpose while communicating with the defensemen. At times he tried to do too much, but he was very effective when he kept it simple and didn’t try to get too cute. I liked his confidence along the goal line on the power play. He worked the strong side with Golod very well and the two of them did an excellent job finding both the back door or bumper options. Game Grade: B
Jamie Drysdale (4.75 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — A) Defense
This was Jamie’s first game back after missing five with an injury and he did not disappoint. He is a special defender who impacted the game in every situation. He was a force on special teams, dynamic during five on five play, generated multiple scoring chances while being solid defensively during three on three overtime and scored on his penalty shot giving the Otters opportunity for the win. His first touch is clean and his feet are incredibly smooth. He leaves little doubt that he will give NHL opposing head coaches nightmares with his ability to activate from anywhere on the ice. Game Grade: A-
Maxim Golod (4 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade – C) Forward
Again, Maxim was a handful for opposing defenders on line rushes. As the puck carrier he showed quick lateral mobility and tremendous acceleration which consistently generated clean zone entries. He was able to find the late attacker (Drysdale) whenever that was the best option. When he wasn’t carrying the puck Maxim found the quiet area and generally got lost in the high slot allowing for his quick release to be a dangerous. On the power play Maxim’s patience and poise were on full display where he was able to pick apart the General’s killers. He showed grit and competitiveness by battling while protecting the puck to extend offensive zone possession and I loved seeing him get big low to block a few shots. But there is little doubt his biggest asset is his poise with the puck and ability to generate offense. Maxim scored the game winner as the final shooter in the penalty shots. Game Grade: B+
Austen Swankler (4 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — C) Forward
This was Austen’s first game back after missing one with an undisclosed injury and he centered an energy line that became more than that as the game wore on. He was very good on defensive zone draws and maintaining net side positioning while defending. His quickness was an asset in the transition game and he was able to use his speed to not only gain the blueline, but to also get to the net for scoring chances. He handled poor passes smoothly and looked like he gained confidence and puck composure as the game went on. Austen was grimy and physical from start to finish, but there was no doubt that he was feeling out his injury during the early going. Game Grade: B-
Chad Yetman (3.75 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — C) Forward
I liked Chad’s game. He played hard direct hockey without taking unnecessary chances. A clean first touch allowed him to play with his head up looking to make plays in all three zones and he was rewarded by scoring two goals. The first was a shorthanded breakaway where he showed excellent speed while generating separation as the puck carrier. And the second was off a broken cycle where he, again, showed his quickness and beat the General’s goaltender on a quick wrap around. On both plays his anticipation made things work. Game Grade: B+
Connor Lockhart (4.5 Star Amateur Rating, 2021 NHL Grade — B+) Forward
What I liked about Connor’s game was the fact that his offensive zone turnover directly led to the General’s first goal, but he showed the mental toughness and maturity to move past the mistake and still make a positive impact on the outcome. His extended digging at a rebound turned into the primary assist on the Otter’s second goal of the game. Some young players would dwell on the mistake, but Connor moved on quickly and maintained his focus Game Grade: B-
Kyen Sopa (4.25 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade – Free Agent) Forward
Kyen had another impactful game with two assists and generating another handful of grade ‘A’ scoring chances. He used his speed to be disruptive on the forecheck and to be a very effective penalty killer. Physically, Kyen took runs at players and was on the receiving end of a few late hits, but he kept his focus while being able to knock some of the Generals off their game. Game Grade: B
Emmett Sproule (3.75 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — Free Agent) Forward
Emmett played a smart veteran type game that his coaches must have loved. It was very simple yet effective. His hard work and intelligence were rewarded when he scored the Otter’s forth goal on a tap in. Game Grade: B