Game played on 12/05/2024.
General Game Notes: This is a report on the overage players for both Flint and Barrie. This was a 5-2 win for the Barrie Colts.
Zach Wigle (C, L, 6’0″, 195, Barrie Colts, 01/12/2004)
Grade: B
Comments: Wigle had a solid outing in tonight’s game, providing high pace and the ability to play in both ends. He has quick feet and accelerates to open space well, pushing defenders back with his speed. This translates to many wide drives and the ability to play fast in transition. An example of this was a scoring chance where he picked up the puck in the neutral zone and got up to top speed quick, driving wide around the net and then centering out front. He shows good vision and awareness, finding teammates in danger areas with crisp and subtle passes and has 13 assists on the year. Defensively, he uses an active stick that deflects and gets in the lanes of the opposition. He will need to continue to gain strength and battle as he can tend to get knocked off pucks and beaten off the walls. Overall he is a complete player who is able to produce at an efficient rate offensively as well, playing with high pace.
Beau Jelsma (C, L, 5’10”, 180, Barrie Colts, 04/28/2004)
Grade: A
Comments: Beau was the most noticeable player on the ice tonight, highlighted by a consistent high pressure and speedy game. His skating is quick and agile, as he often uses eagle turns and quick pivots to get to open space and create separation on opposing players. This translates to his offense as he attacks holes and drives middle lanes. He isn’t shy to get into dirty areas, playing hard-nosed and with a no quit attitude. Once the puck is in possession, he provides a quick and high velocity release which led to his goal as he rifled a shot top shelf beating the goalie in an instant from the slot. He shows above average puckhandling while in stride and often attacks 1-1 with pace and elusiveness bouncing to the outside with lateral agility to put himself in scoring positions. He is the captain for Barrie and it is easy to see why, as he constantly works hard and provides versatility. Playing in all key situations, Beau is the heart and soul of the Colts. His game was capped off with an empty net assist that was due to compete, as he raced down the ice and won a 50/50 battle that allowed his teammate an easy empty net breakaway. Overall, Jelsma is one of the top overage forwards in the OHL and should be highly coveted coming out of junior.
Dalyn Wakely (RW, R, 6’1″, 198, Barrie Colts, 03/05/2004)
Grade: B+
Comments: With two goals and a consistent offensive impact, Wakely was a key part of the victory for Barrie. His offense is his best weapon, as he handles the puck fluently to open up defenders and make creative plays in open space. On the powerplay he runs offense through himself from the halfwall, often rolling to the net and firing shots. He gives a one timer option on the flank, as he was seen getting off efficient and high velocity shots that got through traffic. At 6’1 200 pounds, he is able to use his body to gain separation and hold off attackers as he will reverse hit and hold onto pucks to allow himself time to make plays. His skating is smooth and fluid, as he often uses crossovers to gain speed and attack low. He is able to get up to top speed quickly making him a dangerous player off the rush and in transition. With 104 points last year, the NHL drafted prospect is over a point per game again and one of the top offensive producers of overage forwards.
Blake Smith (D, L, 6’5″, 222, Flint Firebirds, 10/05/2004)
Grade: B
Comments: Smith is a physical and big defender, who is aggressive down low and retrieves picks in corners with a strong stick. At 6’5, he towers over opposing forwards making his presence felt with a hard-nosed style below the dots. He pins players well and finishes checks at all times. His best asset is his long stick that he leads with, fronting forwards and shutting down offense. On the penalty kill he isn’t shy to make key blocks and hard clears. Offensively he has a heavy shot and is able to manipulate traffic to get them to the net which is seen also on the powerplay. His release is fairly quick and his shots are high velocity which can create rebounds and havoc. With a throwback approach, Smith is a physical defender who can shut down offense while providing strength and reliability.
Nolan Collins (D, R, 6’3″, 215, Flint Firebirds, 04/28/2004)
Grade: B+
Comments: Collins is a big body defender, who is able to box-out and bring presence to his own end. The NHL drafted defenseman, has a good lead stick and rides attackers into non-danger areas before finishing the body. In front of his own net is when he’s at his best, clearing the net front with physicality and old-school hockey. This leads to quicker break-outs and less pressure around his net as he provides hard outs and smart flips into the neutral zone. His straight line speed is a bit limited, but his feet are fairly agile for a large player which can help him evade pressure in both ends. On the offensive blue line he does well to open lanes and move laterally with his long reach , keeping his head up to see seams. His game was capped off with a good fight, landing some big punches to take the win. Overall Collins provides an old-school tough approach with the ability to avoid pressure and release pucks from his own zone.
Evan Konyen (RW, R, 5’11”, 175, Flint Firebirds, 02/22/2004)
Grade: B
Comments: A smart and aware 200ft forward, Konyen is able to play above pucks and read the play efficiently. He is versatile and given trust in all situations from coaching staff, playing special teams and key situations. On the penalty kill he is engaged with his stick in lanes, deflecting and clearing pucks. In transition he plays well as he can move laterally with the puck at a good rate, shifting away from defenders to create space. In the offensive zone, he plays a more cerebral approach staying above pucks and finding open areas which was seen early in this game. He had multiple high danger shots in the first period from the high-slot, as he drifted away from defenders to put himself in good areas. He is able to retrieve pucks in the offensive zone well as he fights for body position and doesn’t give up on puck battles. His offensive production has been slow to start the year and he will need to be aggressive and get to inside areas to put up points and make an impact at the next level. He provides a 200ft reliable style, with an ability to read defenses at an above average level.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images
