Neutral Zone had a scout in St. Catharines to assess the Mississauga Steelheads at Niagara Ice Dogs, OHL matchup on Thursday, November 18, 2021. This was an important game for both clubs, as Mississauga is in a battle with Barrie Colts over second place in the Central Division. Niagara meanwhile is sitting in last place in the division and need to put some wins together to climb up the standings. The host team was overwhelmed at the hands of the Steelheads, being outshot 51-21 and outscored 7-1.
MISSISSAUGA
| Luca Del Bel Belluz | Mississauga Steelheads | OHL | L | C | 6’1″ | 179 | Mississauga Steelheads | 2019 | Woodbridge, ON | 2003 | 2021-2022: C+ |
Del Bel Belluz was one of the most effective and impactful players in this game. Some outstanding offensive instincts. He always seem to have the puck on his stick, or was in the process of gaining possession of it. His puck distribution was exceptional on this night, he finds, or adjusts to create passing seams in traffic. He competes on loose pucks and his board play, protecting the puck and keeping offensive zone play moving was elite. He processes the play at an elite level and consistently appeared to be moving towards making the “next play”. He finds open ice, but is willing to get his big frame to the inside, where the play is headed. His transitional skating will require development. Plays all situations for his team. Definitely a future pro. Grade A
| Kai Schwindt | Mississauga Steelheads | OHL | L | F | 6’3″ | 194 | Mississauga Steelheads | 2021 | Breslau, ON | 2003 | 2021-2022: C |
Schwindt is a big body who plays a simple game. His puck plays are consistently low risk and reliable particularly along the boards. He seemed to display some confidence in his puck decisions, with little sign of panic. His skating stride is long and he gets to where he needs to be. A determined net drive and freeing up his stick led to him scoring Mississauga’s 5 th goal on this night. Development of acceleration should emerge with continued training and physical maturation. Schwindt is a player to monitor through this season. Grade B
| Zakary Lavoie | Mississauga Steelheads | OHL | R | RW | 5’11” | 170 | Mississauga Steelheads | 2020 | Ottawa, ON | 2004 | 2021-2022: C |
Lavoie is a reliable, quick winger who anticipates the flow of the play exceptionally well. His above average puck skills were on display in this game as he regularly made positive plays to his mates, in traffic. His play along the boards in the offensive zone was outstanding. He is very competitive on loose pucks and uses his body to shield the puck, and gain leverage in maintaining possession while locating his outlets. He will find his way to the opponent’s net front area consistently, presenting his stick blade for a potential pass option. He has quick hands and he used them to accumulate 8 shots on goal in this game. He was a threat to create offense most of his shifts on this night. Grade B+
| Owen Beck | Mississauga Steelheads | OHL | R | C | 6’0″ | 190 | Mississauga Steelheads | 2020 | Port Hope, ON | 2004 | 2021-2022: B- |
Beck is a steady, two way forward who plays a very reliable positional game. He plays penalty kill and power play for his team. His positional commitment is evident in all three zones as he rarely gets caught on the wrong side of the puck. When he does, he recovers with above average speed providing back pressure on the puck carrier. In the defensive zone he provides second man support on the puck and tends to position himself between the puck and his goal, until he is able to engage. He is quick on pucks and uses his body (arms, legs, hips) to shield the puck from his opponent’s sticks. Beck clearly processes most game situations quickly, his progress over the season is worth monitoring. Grade B+
| Chas Sharpe | Mississauga Steelheads | OHL | R | D | 6’2″ | 194 | Mississauga Steelheads | 2019 | Orilla, ON | 2003 | 2021-2022: C+ |
There is a lot to like about this big defenseman. Sharpe is an excellent positional defenseman who reads the ice well and moves the puck confidently. He recognizes opportunities to involve himself offensively. His low defensive zone play is consistent. He makes very good use of stick and body position to contain/limit the offensive player. Sharpe is not a punishing, physical player but rather, very good at generating puck separation, and keeping the threat to the perimeter. His skating is above average, with a long powerful stride. His mobility allows him to pivot and retrieve pucks cleanly, or to protect mid-ice and defend a puck carrier. His puck skills are showcased on the power play, he is confident and displays a relatively high panic threshold when distributing the puck under pressure. An impactful performance. Grade A
NIAGARA
| Alec Leonard | Niagara Icedogs | OHL | R | D | 5’11” | 183 | Niagara Ice Dogs | Toronto, ON | 2004 | 2021-2022: C |
Leonard has some very good qualities that over the course of the season should evolve and help his game to grow. He is a smaller defenceman so he really leans on his mobility range to be effective with the puck, to find ice, or close in on opponents as he manages his gap. Leonard’s passing was consistent and accurate, when he had the time to make plays. As his season progresses his ability to make plays while be pressured should progress positively. He seemed consistently mindful to provide his defensive partner with a passing outlet. Grade C+
| Aidan Castle | Niagara Icedogs | OHL | L | LW | 5’11” | 168 | Oshawa Generals | 2020 | Mississauga, ON | 2004 | 2021-2022: C |
Castle’s game was played at both ends of the ice surface. Playing center, he showed consistent commitment to defensive zone positioning and support, particularly below the goal- line. Offensively his line contributed 1/3 of Niagara’s shots on goal. Castle showed a willingness to play in traffic and compete on pucks. He didn’t remain to the perimeter, as several times through the game he fought his way to the inside attempting to gain position at the net. Grade B
| Brice Cooke | Niagara Icedogs | OHL | L | LW | 6’3″ | 190 | Niagara Ice Dogs | 2020 | Orangeville, ON | 2004 | 2021-2022: C |
Cooke brings a willingness to compete and play in small ice. He does a very good job in his defensive zone recognizing transition situations and providing an outlet for the puck carrier to initiate an exit opportunity. Most of the time he recognizes the next pay on the exit attempt. In the offensive zone, Cooke is often F1 and uses his body and stick effectively to apply pressure or steer the direction of the play. He is a willing player to own the net front, especially on the power play. He battles for position here on 5 on 5 play as well. Cooke’s skating will require development. The addition of 3 step acceleration will help him perform better on the forecheck and win races to loose pucks. Grade C+
Evaluation: Murray Nystrom
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