Game played on 9/6/2024.
General Game Notes: The Brantford Bulldogs faced off against the Niagara IceDogs in a matchup that highlighted the strength of Niagara’s recently acquired veteran talent. While Brantford gave opportunities to several players auditioning for roster spots, the IceDogs’ depth and experience proved decisive. Niagara controlled the game’s tempo, capitalizing on key moments to secure a 5-2 victory, demonstrating the value of their offseason acquisitions and setting the tone for the season ahead. Scout: Mike Crawford
David Egorov (G, L, 6’1″, 154, Brantford Bulldogs, 05/18/2006)
Game Grade: B
Comments: David was the game starter and he played for the entire game. In this game David was the busiest in the second period and he surrendered three goals. David was scored on only one time when he was playing in a short handed situation, in the first period and then in the third period he was pulled out to add an extra man where the opposing team was able to score into the empty net. All in all, David was most effective when he was playing in an assertive way, coming out to the outside of the paint of his crease and standing up prior to the shot. His pads are very good and although, he was at times kicking the rebounds back into play, he was very effective on the lower shots. Where David was running into the problems was when he gets back into his crease and appears to get hunched over, leaving him susceptible to the shots into the upper parts of his net. Two of the goals he did allow, of the four goals against were in the top corners and the other two goals were scored on second chances when he is unable to control the rebounds. David is still considered as a young keeper and is extremely capable of playing in this league.
Noah Roberts (D, L, 6’0″, 187, Brantford Bulldogs, 12/02/2005)
Game grade: B
Comments: Noah is an ever improving young player that is showing his strong strength, character, as well as a sense of belonging and belief that he can play and play well in his role given for his team. What we saw on this night was a sense of confidence and legitimate determination to succeed, in his top four roles being handed to him by the coaching staff of the Bulldogs. Noah has a strong defensive game where he can physically manhandle any player along the wall or in front of his net. He has a very strong and smooth skating stride that is equally efficient in transition while carrying the puck or without it. Noah has reduced his giveaways and can hold off stick checking opponents with his strong puck protecting body positioning. He is also looking confident when given the opportunities to play on the PP or the PK. He showed off a couple of times that he has a powerful and accurate shot from the point and assisted on a goal when the opposing keeper couldn’t handle his shot from the point, in an even strength situation, leaving a rebound lying around for Thomas to deposit into the net. This season we think that Noah is going to show a marked improvement in all areas of his game and will continue to improve his chances of making a name for himself in the professional game.
Owen Protz (D, L, 6’1″, 213, Brantford Bulldogs, 02/07/2006)
Game grade: B+
Comments: In this early preseason game, we, the scouting staff here at Neutral Zone are going to gaze into our crystal ball a few more times with regards to Owen as he has been drafted by the Montreal Canadians in 2024. It is apparent that Owen has definitely caught the eye of the hockey operations department of at least one NHL team and because he was taken in the 4th round, was most likely on a few other NHL teams radar. Now getting to the performance that we saw in this particular preseason game between the visiting offensively minded Niagara Ice Dogs, who are loaded with many early draft picks that have the ability to score, and the home team Brantford Bulldogs , a contending team each year. Owen is playing as a top four defenseman and deservedly so as he was playing against the opposition’s top two lines for the entire game. Owen also played on his team’s top penalty killing defensive set and was also given some shifts on the point of his team’s secondary power play units. Don’t disregard Owen’s offensive side, as it is a work in progress and could be considered an untapped resource. He possesses a very hard snap shot that he gets on the net or to his target if he is aiming for a forward just off to the side of the net. First things first though Owen is a shutdown defender that can seem to take any player in a one on one situation and usually comes out with the puck or definitely end up knocking that player off the puck, due to his superior strength and balanced skating skills. His skating skills and very good transitional edge work are allowing him to close the gap, therefore allowing for a tight coverage whether it be a man on man or zone coverage situation being played. This year Owen should be able to contend for the best defensive player award if such an award is given out. It is to be expected that Owen will continue to make strides in his offensive game and if he stays within himself, not taking too many chances with his puck distribution, especially in his own end, he will gradually become a more rounded all round player by years end.
Patrick Babin (D, R, 6’0″, 176, Brantford Bulldogs, 01/30/2008)
Game grade: B
Comments: Patrick is a rookie, while playing in a limited role for a young defence man in arguably one of the best Jr. A leagues in the world was looking very impressive, on this night, to boot. Patrick ended up with an assist on a goal and was a plus one on his night for the limited minutes he played. He showed that he can skate and be positionally responsible when playing in even strength situations and has a flair for the offensive side to his game. He is a very gifted puck handling player while skating out of his own end and was making good decisions as to either pass or carry the puck out.
Daniel Chen (D, R, 6’4″, 186, Brantford Bulldogs, 08/04/2006)
Game grade: C+
Comments: In this game vs Niagra ,while playing defence against a high powered offensive team, Daniel was a presence, albeit as a serviceable project. At our assessment this season, initially, what he has to offer for this team is mainly being seen as an offensive puck carrying defence man that distributed the puck well when he wasn’t being pressured. Daniel doesn’t appear comfortable in the role of defender,as he appears to play like a deer caught in the headlights. When he is confronted with the opposing team pressing forecheckers, Daniel also hesitates and at this level of play, this usually results in a turnover. When Daniel gets time to jump up into the offensive play, he becomes a threat and I actually did see him become less stressed and natural with his hockey IQ kicking in. Daniel appears to be more at ease when the picture he sees has less clutter. Maybe he is a forward that can be assigned to play on a defensive 4th line role until he gets more comfortable with the speed of play at this point.
Zakary Lavoie (RW, R, 5’11”, 178, Brantford Bulldogs, 03/13/2004)
Game grade: B+
Comments: A very skilled offensive minded player is how we can describe Zakary. Tonight while playing on the PP and scoring a goal in this game Zakary was finding himself getting numerous chances while playing with O’Brien. Up until this season, he has not worked especially hard in the defensive areas of his game but appears to be rejuvenated when playing alongside of O’Brien. If Zakary can maintain this commitment to defensive play then he and his team will be rewarded by him having his most successful season on record and he will finally live up to his first round selection back in 2020.
Jake O’Brien (C, R, 6’2″, 168, Brantford Bulldogs, 06/16/2007)
Game grade: A-
Comments: Jake is in his draft year for the NHL coming up in 2025 and after tonight we are extremely impressed with his chances to be taken early in this draft grouping. Following up his being selected as his leagues Rookie Of The Year’, Jake has started off this preseason where he left off. This guy is worth the price of admission and if you have a chance to get to see him play this season, you will most likely be seeing him in his last season of Jr. hockey. Jake makes everyone on his team, want to play better, because he is a team leader, already, and he is leading the charge towards nothing short of excellence. He is in great condition, seemingly never too tired to play if asked and will make the best players on the opposition appear ordinary. Jake wants to win every challenge and usually does. If we have one critique on his play it is that he is too giving when he has a chance to score himself. This is a good thing though as it should be. Better to give than receive is it not? l will go as far to say that Jake will contend for the team lead in scoring and perhaps the league as well. If he can continue to carry this momentum forward, maybe get a chance to play for the National Jr team , etcetera, etcetera … Starting to remind me of Wyatt Johnston and how people didn’t give him the credit he was due. Can’t keep a good man down.
Ben Radley (D, L, 6’0″, 171, Brantford Bulldogs, 07/29/2007)
Game grade: B
Comments: Ben is appearing to be sorting out his game in the sense of ‘ Should I stay or Should I go’. He, on one side of the coin, could be taking some chances on the offensive rush where he is getting opportunities to score, and on the other side of the coin, may be hanging around in the offensive end too long, when nothing is really happening. He will be getting schooled by his coaching staff on this as he is probably going to stay up with the big club for this season and it will be most likely a risk /reward situation. This guy can get up in the rush in a hurry and at times I had to wonder if Ben was a forward or a defence man. Tonight though Ben was on the short side and was a negative player, although he had five shots on the net. His coaches are trying him out on both of the special teams and again it seems to be a work in progress for this rookie.
Ben Bujold (C, L, 5’11”, 174, Brantford Bulldogs, 03/03/2004)
Game grade: B
Comments: Ben is at the turning point in his Jr. career and tonight it appeared, to this viewer, that he was struggling to remember that he has to improve his defensive positioning first and foremost when playing against like minded offensive opposing players. Ben was no slouch when he was playing with the puck on offence. Creative, although stymied along with his linemates Ben just seems to not consciously realise that he must at least make a conscious effort and take pride in the defensive side of the game. Ben has all of the skill set and abilities to turn it around and make a go of it as a counter punching defensive player first type of player. He will be given enough chances to make this change in his approach to play this style until he either becomes a believer or most likely is shown the door. Again a couple of steps behind on the defensive side which resulted in his -2 score in this game.
Charlie Robertson (G, L, 6’4″, 176, Niagara Icedogs, 04/02/2005)
Game grade: B
Comments: In this game Charlie played for the entire game, basically was the better goaltender, facing the same number of shots that his opposition keeper had and therefore gets the win. l think that when the season gets into full swing and all of the players return from the NHL camps, Charlie is going to get the chance to establish himself as the # 1 keeper for his team. Tonight he stood tall through the entire game and kept the puck in front of him, controlled his rebounds and never seemed to get flustered. His positioning was square to the puck although he retreated a bit more than my liking as he is trying to get used to a bunch of new defensive additions on his team.
Jack Brauti (D, L, 6’0″, 168, Niagara Icedogs, 05/24/2006)
Game grade:
Comments: Jack is a medium sized defence man that has an excellent balanced skating style in all directions. Sometimes Jack appears to be confident in his gap control and plays in an assertive, physical manner, possibly due to his familiarity to his opponent’s. On occasion it happened that Jack was matched up against a specifically talented forward from the opposition named Jake O’Brien and he seemed intimidated, therefore backing away and allowing entry into his territory. It seemed that Jack was mesmerized by this specific opponent and was caught looking at the puck, which led to Jake gaining easy entry into the territory. This was the only blatant fault that I could find on this night for Jack’s play and he ended off the night being a +2 to go along with his two assists. Jack is adjusting to his new environment, just being traded prior to this season’s start and will fit in with this high powered offensive minded team. Jack showed off his very good puck carrying and coolness to his puck distributing decisions, while under pressure, from the opposition checkers.
Callum Cheynowski (D, L, 6’0″, 196, Niagara Icedogs, 08/01/2006)
Game grade: B
Comments: Callum is a well rounded Left Defender that isn’t afraid to skate the puck out of his own end if given the opportunity and can play the assertive physical game along the boards or in and around his teams net. This season should be where we can expect to see Callum show us if he can play more of a top 4 defensive role and try to improve his teams defensive record in the plus/minus department. Tonight he was utilised in all situations for his team and was effective for his team on the power play with good puck movement and he had an assist to show for his good work.
Kevin He (LW, L, 5’11”, 182, Niagara Icedogs, 04/30/2006)
Game grade: B
Comments: Kevin is always going to be a top goal scorer in this level of hockey as he is one of the best and fastest skaters in this league. This allows for Kevin the time and space to get by the opposing teams checkers that have been assigned to try to keep Kevin at bay. Tonight Kevin scored a meaningless empty net goal late in the game when the outcome was already decided. Kevin will always get his chances each and every game just due to his ability to out speed his opponents at this level. He does occasionally get trapped and hit when he goes into the high traffic areas. When this happens he usually falls down, as he needs to work on fighting through the check. Also Kevin is mostly an individual, that doesn’t utilize his team mates as much as he should, therefore lightening the load that he puts on his puck possession responsibilities.
Ethan Czata (F, L, 6’0″, 157, Niagara Icedogs, 05/29/2007)
Game grade: B+
Comments: Ethan is playing his second season for the IceDogs and they have an all or nothing offensive approach to their game, it appears. On this night Ethan was his team’s most productive forward, on the offensive side of the puck ,getting three assists and ended up as a +3. Ethan also was 7/12 in the faceoff’s win category. Ethan was also wearing a letter(A) for his team in this preseason away game. Ethan is quickly becoming a leader in his, lead by example style of play and for me was one of his team’s most effective two way players on this night. This is going to be a year when Ethan should evolve into just what the NHL scout’s are looking forward to, that being a two way player, that continues to provide scoring, an improved conscientious, consistency to his defensive responsibilities and more importantly being the best he can be each and every shift.
Ryan Roobroeck (C, L, 6’4″, 192, Niagara Icedogs, 09/25/2007)
Game grade: B-
Comments: Ryan isn’t eligible for the NHL draft until 2026 and this gives him plenty of time to work on his defensive coverage as it still appears that he has no real desire to learn how to play away from the puck when his team doesn’t have puck control. Ryan also seems to be losing the race to pucks when he is in a 50/50 situation with an opposing player. Ryan doesn’t look as if he has gotten any stronger or faster as the class of players that he graduated with are quickly pulling away from him moving forward in the second year player’s group. Ryan is still regularly getting his PP time but may be squeezing his stick and looking over his shoulder at the lineup of skilled team mates who want a chance to take a shot at being the guy. Even though Ryan had an assist while playing on the PP, he just doesn’t really show any urgency to his play. For a player that is supposed to be a goal scorer, Ryan had only one shot on net and was goaded into a penalty by an opponent who didn’t appear to respect his play. In a world today that places a great deal of emphasis on time and space, Ryan seems to be running in the wrong direction. Ryan has the good fortune of having another year to work out the kinks in his armour but the clock is ticking.
Braidy Wassilyn (C, L, 6’0″, 194, Niagara Icedogs, 05/28/2008)
Game grade: B+
Comments: Braidy for a period (second) was a superstar and if he played like this each and every shift would be receiving an A grading for this game. Braidy and his line mates were on a roll, seemingly knowing where each other were heading and actually looked like a professional line on a professional team. Deadly is how we describe a player who can always seem to get his shot on net and the goal that he scored in the second period was one that could be a high light reel goal on any night. While playing even strength Braidy received a pass from his line mate in front of the net, in a crowd had the presence of mind to go to his backhand while moving toward the net and quickly deposit the puck up over the opposing teams keeper’s glove hand, as he had already fallen to his knees. Braidy has this set of silky smooth hands and if he happens to be able to get more out of his top end skating speed then he will definitely be a top player taken after next season when the NHL draft happens.
Ivan Galiyanov (LW, L, 5’10”, 174, Niagara Icedogs, 10/16/2007)
Game grade: B
Comments: Ivan is a highly skilled offensive minded player that successfully occupied his role as a puck possession player for his team on this night. When Ivan is able to cycle the puck along with his line mates, he is much more effective, as possession is nine tenths of the law, in any setting. Ivan along with his line mates Ethan Czata and Braidy Wassilyn were the best line offensively in an even strength setting tonight. Any one of his line mates could score or set up a scoring chance when they were on a role, especially when they were most effective in the second period, while scoring three times in a ten minute span, all while playing even strength. The rest of the game was not as positive for Ivan as he was getting knocked around physically by the opponents checkers. This season should be an interesting one for Ivan as he will be tested by many of the better checking veteran players on all of the teams the Icedogs will be playing. Ivan isn’t eligible for the NHL draft until 2026.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images