Played on March 23, 2024
Carson Campbell (D, R, 6’0″, 180, Kitchener Rangers, 06/08/2006)
Game Grade: C
What is he? Campbell is a below average right shot defender. He seemed to be in constant motion while always looking to be involved in the action.
Awareness – Finished -1 on the night but was on the ice for two goals against. The first came at the end of a shift when Campbell went for a change before the puck was out of the defensive half of the ice. His forward turned the puck over but Campbell should have been in position to defend. Instead the goal scorer went in on a breakaway. His second minus occurred after he won a race to a loose puck in his defensive corner. Once the puck was on his stick he threw a blind backhand pass up the wall that was intercepted which led to a quick two on one against his partner for the goal.
Skating – Average speed. He showed a shoulder width skating base with three quarter length strides.
Vision & Poise – Kept things simple completing 4 of 5 passes.
Compete – Won 100% of his 50/50 puck battles
Physicality – High compete and willing to take a hit to make a play, but not a banger as he averages 0.3 hits per game.
Offensively – Limited. Up until this point he has 8 points in 81 career OHL games.
Defensively – On a Kitchener team that has one defenseman +58 and another +31 Campbell is -5.
Intangibles – High compete and consistent high effort.
Special Teams – Effort and compete make him a potential penalty killer, but he will need to add defensive details like stick placement and playing in straight lines to be considered by his coaches.
Potential – Good defensive minded OHL defender who can provide leadership.
Maxim Dirracolo (D, L, 6’3″, 205, Kitchener Rangers, 06/29/2006)
Game Grade: C
What is he? Standing at 6’3″ Dirracolo is a physical eft shot defenseman with an NHL frame. At this point he understands his role is to play quality simple direct minutes while focusing on keeping the puck out of his net.
Awareness – Dirracolo was on the ice for two goals against. The first came at the end of a shift when he went for a line change before the puck was out of the defensive half of the ice. His forward turned the puck over and through the flow of the shift Dirracolo was the closest defender to the bench but he should have made sure the puck was over the redline before heading to the bench. Instead the goal scorer had a breakaway from the defensive blueline in. The second goal against came after his partner turned the puck over in the right defensive corner and he was tasked with defending a quick 2 on 1 out of the corner. On the quick reaction play Dirracolo did not force the puck carrier below the goal line and stick placement allowed the pass cleanly into the slot. Yes it was a quick reaction play but at his size and length we would have liked to see him slide to take away the easy pass and force the puck carrier below the goal line.
Skating – Average speed and mobility. He is long and still developing the core and hip strength to lower his hips while transitioning or exploding into lateral movements.
Vision & Poise – Tries to keep it simple and stay out of trouble but competed 8 of 13 passes versus Erie. He has completed 84% of his passes this season.
Compete – High compete winning 9 of 11 puck battles in this game and has won 62% of his 50/50 puck battles this season.
Physicality – Strong along the walls and looks to finish his opponent whenever possible. He is averaging 1.25 hits per game this year.
Offensively – So far this season in 60 games split between the OJHL and Kitchener he has 1 goal.
Defensively – Is direct and strong but is still learning how to utilize his strength and length to his advantage.
Intangibles – Has been a captain at lower levels
Special Teams – Penalty killer.
Potential – With improved explosiveness and lateral agility Dirracolo has the mindset to be an abrasive defender who a coach could match-up against the other team’s top unit.
Andrew MacNiel (D, R, 6’2″, 168, Fort Erie Meteors, 07/25/2007)
Currently playing with the Fort Erie Meteors in the GOJHL.
Cameron Reid (D, L, 6’0″, 180, Kitchener Rangers, 04/08/2007)
Did not play. Last game was 3/19/24 versus Guelph Storm.
Cameron Arquette (C, R, 5’7″, 157, Kitchener Rangers, 04/27/2007)
Currently playing with the Leamington Flyers in the OJHL.
Justin Bottineau (C, R, 6’0″, 165, Kitchener Rangers, 01/11/2006)
Game Grade: C+
What is he? Bottineau is a below average sized right shot forward who played primarily left wing in this game. He plays in straight lines, stops on pucks and looks to finish his checks without taking himself out of the play.
Awareness – As the puck carrier on line rushes he recognized when he was in even man situations and he made the right decision to use a strong side chip to establish in zone offense. He was on the ice for Erie’s first goal that came as a direct result of a linemate’s turnover at the defensive blueline that caught his teammates in a bad change and going the wrong way. Bottineau had little to do with the goal, but we loved how he slammed on the breaks and the acceleration he showed to backcheck the goal scorer. On the forecheck there were a few times when he chased the defender behind the net when they had full possession.
Skating – Again, excellent acceleration on Erie’s first goal of the game. He showed a shoulder width skating base and full length strides with a return leg that still lands on his inside edge which limits his efficiency and top speed.
Vision & Poise – Playing the off wing he showed a good soft first touch on his backhand and the ability to rotate his left hand in front of him so he could receive passes into his feet on his forehand while skating at top speed down the off wing. He completed 7 of 8 passes during this game and is completing 83% of his passes on the season.
Compete – We loved his willingness to stop hard on pucks and accelerate after the opponent. His effort on the first Erie goal really caught our eye. For the season he is winning 42% of his 50/50 puck battles and in this game won just 1 of 10 50/50 battles.
Physicality – Bottineau will play hard aggressive in your face hockey but he is not a banger or a threat to put an opponent through the boards. So far this season he is averaging 0.56 hits per game and he had one hit versus Erie that came when he finished his man after he had already moved the puck. We would like to see more of this on every shift.
Offensively – He had a quiet game finishing with zero shots and zero scoring opportunities.
Defensively – Stopped hard on pucks and pursued in straight lines. We feel his details and stick placement will allow him to be a 200′ forward but we would like to see him run into opponents more often.
Intangibles – The backchecking effort on Erie’s first goal really says a lot to us about his competitiveness.
Special Teams – At this point in his OHL career he is earning 0:24 on the power play and 0:38 on the penalty kill per game. We feel as his overall game matures he can be a top unit penalty killer and a consistent second unit power play option who can play bumper or an extended goal line.
Potential – With added strength, weight and explosiveness Bottineau displays the mindset of a bottom six role player in professional hockey. At this point we do not see him as a potential 2024 NHL draft pick but he is a player who could earn a camp invite and be a depth forward signing in the future. Improving his skating efficiency will be a key for him to be penalty killer as he continues the junior hockey and beyond.
Lucas Ellinas (LW, L, 6’2″, 198, Kitchener Rangers, 03/01/2006)
Game Grade: B
What is he? Ellinas is long left shot 6’2″, 200 pound left wing who uses his body to establish his ice and to set picks so his teammates have more time and space. During high cycles or potential point shots he confidently stands at the top of crease attempting to take the goalie’s eyes away.
Awareness – We feel he understands that for him to be successful he needs to be prepared to move the puck before he even receives the pass and then move his feet to the crease. This is exactly how he scored as he came off the bench with a nice defensive stick that deflected a pass for a turnover. He then went to the top of crease and waited for the puck to arrive so he could hammer home a rebound that was literally sitting inside of the crease.
Skating – He is not a burner but he showed good straight line speed. Continued development of his explosiveness and agility are a must for a professional career.
Vision & Poise – He played a simple and direct game, He knows his job is to get the puck to his linemates and get his butt to the top of the crease.
Compete – He was engaged in a twenty 50/50 puck battles and won nine. On the season he is winning 50% of his 50/50 puck battles. Added strength, power and explosiveness will allow him to capitalize on his willingness to stand at the top of the crease and dig along the walls.
Physicality – He finished this game with zero hits and is averaging 0.54 hits per game this season. Standing at 6’2″, 200 pounds we would like to see him add more physicality and intimidation to his game.
Offensively – Ellinas scored a goal in this game from the top of the crease and overall he has scored 12 of his sixteen goals this year from inside and below the face-off dots,
Defensively – He uses his reach to take away passing and shooting lanes. We feel added physicality will make him a more complete 200′ player.
Intangibles – He has the frame to be a a power forward’s game in professional hockey.
Special Teams – His quick stick and willingness to stand at the top of the crease make him a natural net front on a shoot first power play. Added quickness and agility will allow him to use his reach to be a potential penalty killer.
Potential – We feel with added physicality and increased foot speed we feel he has the mentality and frame to be a middle six power forward who can provide secondary offense. Added foot speed is a must.
Tanner Lam (RW, R, 5’9″, 148, Kitchener Rangers, 07/17/2007)
Game Grade: B
What is he? Lam is a quick processing undersized right shot right wing who seems to have a knack for arriving into the quiet areas just as the puck is about to arrive there too. He has quick strong hands that allow him to pop his opponent’s stick forcing loose pucks.
Awareness – He does an excellent job of reading his teammate’s puck possession and then seeing where the defenders are focusing their attention. His goal was a prime example of this as Lam recognized that Erie’s net front defender was hyper focused in his teammate carrying the puck behind the net. As soon as the defender left his position Lam slid backdoor to find loose puck for a backdoor tap in. It was a simple read that not many rookies in the OHL make.
Skating – He showed an inside edge skating base that allowed him to quick in five to ten foot sprints and to show deception as a puck carrier but may limit his straight line top speed because of glide inefficiency.
Vision & Poise – He confidently handles the puck in a triple threat position that keeps the defender guessing and allows him to fire hard accurate passes or to put soft area passes into space. He completed 8 of 9 passes in this game and but is completing just 80% of his passes for the season.
Compete – Offensively he is very hungry and looking to score or create opportunities. On the night he won four of eight 50/50 puck battles and for the season he is winning 35% of his 50/50 battles. As an undersized 2007 birth year his time in the weight room this offseason will be invaluable for him when it comes to capitalizing on his offensive capabilities.
Physicality – Averaging 0.08 hits per game Lam does not play a physical game. Added lower body strength and core stability will make him a more dangerous offensive threat.
Offensively – Processes the game quickly and can generate grade “A” scoring opportunities for himself and his linemates.
Defensively – Still learning not to drift and sniff to the offensive side of the puck.
Intangibles – Offensive awareness and puck skills.
Special Teams – As an OHL rookie he is averaging 1:37 on the power play. He is a mid-wall option on either side and a right flank downhill threat.
Potential – With added strength power and explosiveness Lam will get looks and opportunities to be paired with top six forwards in professional hockey. His dedication to his off ice training and habits will be a large factor in what level of professional hockey he will be getting those looks.
Luca Romano (RW, R, 5’11”, 168, Kitchener Rangers, 06/25/2007)
Game Grade: B-
What is he? Standing at 5’11” Romano is a below average sized right shot forward with an offensive mind and offensive skill set. He is still learning puck management and playing a less high risk game but it is tough to teach the kind of confidence that he plays with.
Awareness – He shows good puck anticipation and he constantly is scanning the ice locating teammates and opponents so he is well prepared when he receives the puck. We love the confidence but realizing that he can not make every play will help his overall offensive output.
Skating – Strong powerful with an easy glide. Has single thrust explosiveness out of a hard stop.
Vision & Poise – Soft first touch and will hold onto the puck for as long as possible looking to make the risky play.
Compete – Won eight of eighteen 50/50 puck battles versus Erie and is winning 42% of his 50/50 puck battles this season.
Physicality – Is willing t run into player bumping them off stride and will take a hit to make a play but is not a physical threat to run anyone over as he is averaging 0.17 hits per game this season. Versus Erie he had two hits and was on the receiving end of five hits.
Offensively – Talented and believes he can make any play.
Defensively – In the defensive zone he is still learning not to drift out of position towards the puck. While forechecking he uses his offensive instincts to jump passing routes and or get his stick on pucks.
Intangibles – He is gifted offensively.
Special Teams – We feel he can be anywhere on the power play and his knack for picking off passes makes him an option at the end of a penalty kill where he might be able to capitalize on turnovers.
Potential – Puck management will be the factor in whether he is playing with top six in the NHL or a lower level of professional hockey.
Matheas Stark (C, L, 6’0″, 164, Kitchener Rangers, 01/14/2007)
Game Grade: C
What is he? Standing at 6’0″, 164 pounds Stark is a slightly below average left shot forward who as a 2007 plays a detailed 200′ game. At this point in his rookie year he is averaging 10:31 total ice time per game but we feel he has the mindset to take on a much larger role during his draft year.
Awareness – Stark stops on pucks and plays with detailed stick placement. In all three zones he kept his head on a swivel locating opponents in open ice and teammates who needed close support.
Skating – With a shoulder width skating base and quick powerful strides he showed good straight line speed and powerful cross under when coming out of turns.
Vision & Poise – Stark did not try to do anything wildly risky, instead choosing to make the high percentage play whenever possible. Versus Erie he had three turnovers while completing six of seven passes. For the season he is completing 80% of his passes.
Compete – He is a hard working diligent player who won one of three 50/50 puck battles versus Erie and for the season is winning 49% of his 50/50 puck battles. There is no doubt that an offseason of hard strength training will round out his game.
Physicality – Although willing to battle Stark is not a physical threat at this point. He is averaging 0.11 hits per game this year and had zero hits versus Erie.
Offensively – Stark look t make high percentage plays.
Defensively – He is reliable and detailed but there is no doubt or denying that added strength, power and explosiveness will allow him to infinitely more impactful.
Intangibles – Has been a captain at lower levels and still carries himself like a leader.
Special Teams – After gaining more strength and explosiveness his details make him a natural penalty killing option.
Potential – As we’ve stated a serious summer of conditioning and weight training will make him into potential middle six center who can play against the other team’s top offensive unit. He will have to have this mentality for the rest of his career.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images