Game played on 12/07/2024.
General Game Notes: This is a report on the Saginaw overage players. This was a 6-1 win for the Spirit, highlighted by a hat-trick from 20 year old Calem Mangone.
Andrew Oke (G, L, 6’2″, 194, Saginaw Spirit, 03/26/2004)
Grade: B+
Comments: Andrew had a really solid outing in this game, allowing only the lone goal against. He has the size to matchup with todays modernized goaltending, listed at 6’2 while possessing quick reflexes and patience in the crease. He seems to be calm under pressure as he works well in close scrambles, staying low and fronting the puck. He stays patient to shooters as he is able to read the play well, not needing to often scramble back to his posts. Working across his crease, he uses an active stick to deny cross ice passes and gives him the ability to control the front of the net. He has been a veteran of the OHL for over 4 seasons now and has continued to put up solid performances, building upon a 2.90 GA last year. He has the size and athleticism to be an impactful goalie coming out of the CHL.
Calem Mangone (RW, R, 5’9″, 166, Saginaw Spirit, 11/04/2004, Lake Superior)
Grade: A
Comments: Calem continued a solid start to his season with three goals and constant pressure in all three zones. He was the most impactful player on the ice all night and was rewarded. His waterbug style allows him to pressure pucks at high speed, while using a quick stick to force turnovers. On the forecheck he consistently is disrupting and throwing his body, as seen on the very first shift. As the puck was dropped he drifted around the zone and gained speed before delivering a huge hit to a much bigger player. Though he was given a penalty, it set the tempo for the rest of his night. His skating is his best asset, as he plays at a low center of gravity while shifting laterally at high speeds. His quick pace and agility allow him to play his high pressure and quick transition style. At 5’9 164, he is slightly undersized but he doesn’t shy away from the physical and battle aspect of the game, hounding pucks and winning the majority of his 50/50 battles. His first goal of the night was exactly this, as he pressured from behind and stick lifted an opponent before taking it to the slot and scoring a quick release goal. His release is deceptive and he is able to use accuracy and changing angles to beat goaltenders rather then high velocity. He continued his offensive presence with 2 more goals to complete the hat-trick, finding open space and soft areas to put himself in goal scoring positions. Well over a point per game, Mangone is constant threat offensively but pairs this was compete and effort away from the puck. He is committed to Lake Superior State for next season.
Peter Forgione (D, L, 6’2″, 215, Saginaw Spirit, 11/12/2004)
Grade: B+
Comments: Forgione had a complete effort tonight, providing stability and transition. His head is constantly scanning for new pressure, as he does well to surf on opponents and close gaps efficiently. He is athletic and jumps with acceleration to walls, often closing on opponents early and forcing turnovers or dump-ins. Defensively he has a strong leading stick which guides forwards wide and keeps them to the walls. His feet are agile and he uses powerful crossovers to gain top speed, giving him the ability to keep up with smaller and high paced forwards. Offensively he doesn’t force offense and does a good job to shift laterally to open up shooting and passing lanes. This is highlighted by good puck-handling and wide hands that let him move into ready positions with ease. At 6’2 215 he embodies a modern defender who can both skate and defend, and should be a highly coveted major junior player.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images