On February 2nd we watched the Battalion play host to the Kingston Frontenacs in North Bay. The game featured 2 of the youngest teams in the Ontario Hockey League and was one that NHL scouts had their eyes on. How did the Battalion’s NHL prospects look?
Brandon Coe (4.5 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — A-) Forward
As always Brendan’s speed was impressive. He caused real issues on the line rush both with or without the puck. The Frontenacs’ defenders were forced to retreat quickly giving clean zone entries, but it was obvious their game plan was to give up the blueline and head to the near post letting Brandon carry the puck deep while limiting his options in the slot. I would like to see him drive the defenders deep into the zone and then use his elite skating ability to escape towards the boards to generate time and space. I have no doubt this is something he can do, but today he was mostly a pure speed guy. Brendan made an impact on special teams as the power play net front presence and again was on the first unit up to kill penalties. He finished the game with two assists and in all honesty I have no doubt that Brandon has NHL games in his future. Game Grade: B
Avery Winslow (4 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — C) Defense
Avery played a major role for the Battalion today. He was the primary guy up top on the power play and made good quick outlets while breaking out or during their in zone umbrella set up. He showed good vision by skipping guys and firing bullet passes to his goal line options and when the time was right his shots where hard low and on target. Avery’s feet were an asset during breakouts and on numerous occasions he beat the first forechecker to the post generating a clean zone exit. I liked how his passes were direct and flat starting transition and again his feet / stride were a factor when he joined the rush as a late option. Game Grade: B
Luke Moncada (3.75 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — Free Agent) Forward
Luke was very good on face-offs and a full 200′ player today. Defensively, his communication and switches with his defensemen were clean and he showed an active stick on puck style that generated turnovers. Physically Luke is very powerful and was able to bull his way to the net while driving wide or when he beat his man during a cycle. Luke has the ability to shoot in stride while being able to use the defenders as screens. He is a maximum effort player who has leadership qualities. Game Grade: B+
Mitchell Russell (4 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — C) Forward
Today Mitchell’s game was focused on being a shooter. He shot the puck from everywhere at any time. While I generally don’t have a problem with that, there were a few times during the power play where he took low percentage shots form poor angles that either led to face-offs or he missed the net which led to neutral zone regroups. Mitchell is a hard working player who gives it everything on every shift so it’s hard to fault him too much for using his rocket. Game Grade: C+
Liam Arnsby (4.25 Star Amateur Rating, 2022 NHL Grade — NA) Forward
Liam is a late 2003 who has earned ice time in every situation including an opening game draw against his former teammate Shane Wright. He showed very good poise on line rushes and if anything tried to do a little too much after zone entry, but I liked his confidence and willingness to make plays. Defensively he was physical and ended Kingston’s puck cycling quickly. He’s young kid with good vision and an excellent motor. I love his compete and how he battled to the end. Game Grade: B-
Alex Christopoulos (4 Star Amateur Rating, 2021 NHL Grade — C) Forward
Alex was able to generate multiple scoring chances by using his speed to catch the Kingston defenders off guard. He showed willingness to play in traffic and knows how to use defenders as screens. Alex looks like a player who knows how to score. Neutral Zone will be watching his development closely. Game Grade: C+
Kyle Jackson (4 Star Amateur Rating, 2021 NHL Grade — C+) Forward
Kyle is a maximum effort player who is eligible in 2021. His speed and work ethic make him a very interesting NHL prospect to keep an eye on. Game Grade: C
Simon Rose (3.75 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — Free Agent) Defense
Simon was suspended
Joe Vrbetic (4 Star Amateur Rating, 2021 NHL Grade — B) Goalie
Another athletic start from Joe. Mentally he was ready and showed composure from the start by stopping his first shot on a partial breakaway. I like how he’s aggressive when cutting down angles, and his puck playing skills proved to be an asset. He controlled rebounds and limited secondary scoring opportunities. Game Grade: C+