On Sunday February 16th Neutral Zone watched the Mississauga Steelheads travel to North Bay to take on the Battalion. It was a physical grinding back and forth contest with the Steelheads carrying much of the action, but in the end North Bay won in overtime, 3-2. How did the Steelhead’s NHL prospects do?
Aidan Prueter (4.25 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — C) Forward
Ethan played a high speed highly effective game. He was used in all situations, but I loved how he killed penalties. He used his skating to put pressure on the Battalion’s power play breakout and his relentless style caused poor passes that killed extended time. In even strength play Ethan had clean zone entries that generated scoring chances off the rush and his puck protection skills were excellent. He was poised the below the goal line and was able to work quick give and goes all over the offensive zone. I love Ethan’s effort and speed, but I feel he will be more dangerous when he begins to use a change a of pace so he can manipulate the defender’s gaps to his advantage. Game Grade: B
Ethan Del Mastro (4.5 Star Amateur Rating, 2021 NHL Grade — B-) Defense
It’s hard to believe that Ethan isn’t eligible until next year’s NHL draft. He knows how to use his size and stick to take away time and space like he is a veteran. In today’s game I was very impressed with his confidence and composure with the puck. He never just wrapped the puck along the wall because he felt the panic of pressure. He was poised, playing with his head up and making crisp tape to tape passes out of the defensive end or through the neutral zone. Along the offensive blue line he looked incredibly comfortable. He showed poise walking the line to avoid oncoming pressure and his shots hit the net or he found tips. He played top 4 minutes and was effective in all situations. Game Grade: B
James Hardie (4 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — B+) Forward
James naturally finds the soft areas in his opponent’s defensive zone coverage and when the time is right he exploded into the scoring area with his head up and his stick prepared. Again, his touch was soft and his release was very quick. There were a few times when it looked as if his shot surprised the goalie even though he was looking right at James. He plays like a goal scorer and he can produce. Game Grade: B
Ole Bjorgvik Holm (4 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — B-) Defense
Ole played a steady smart two way game. By nature European defenders are very good at gapping up because of the puck possession game played in Europe, and certainly Ole is no exception. Today his lateral movement along the lines was exceptional and his active stick forced turnovers and off-sides. Offensively Ole moved the puck quickly and stayed out of trouble. He used his long stride to join the rush as an extra attacker, but he never put individual glory over team success. I believe that as he grows into himself and begins to feel more comfortable playing in North America that Ole will become more of a physical presence. I liked his game and I like his potential. Game Grade: B-
Thomas Harley (4.25 Star Amateur Rating, 2019 round 1 #18 overall by Dallas Stars, 2019 NHL Grade — A) Defense
As always his skating was excellent and his ability to beat forecheckers with his feet is really quite amazing. In all honesty his wheels are something that most players in the OHL can’t breakdown just yet. Thomas moved the puck quickly and was an asset all night including scoring a power play goal in the third. As a first round pick he is going to get every opportunity to succeed at the next level and I am certainly interested to track his progress. Game Grade: B
William Portokalis (4 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — Free Agent) Forward
William was exactly what a coach is looking for in an energy forward. I think he has the potential to be a steady offensive contributor next year, but today he was a hard working team first guy. He made smart decisions on line rushes and was an asset on the forecheck. He attacked the net quickly from the walls and his quick release caused problems for the Battalion goaltender. He made an excellent play on the Steelhead’s first goal when he sucked both defenders to him and gave a quick pass to Calvin Martin for the game’s first goal. Game Grade: B-
