Game played on 11/29/2024.
General Game Notes: This is a report on the overage forwards for Owen Sound. A high scoring game produced an exciting finish and lots of goals with Kitchener taking the win 6-5.
Landen Hookey (RW, R, 6’4″, 222, Owen Sound Attack, 01/29/2004)
Grade: A-
Comments: Hookey had a very solid showing in this game, using his 6’5 frame to create separation and make impact plays in all three zones while contributing two assists. Offensively he shows undercover skill and puck-handling for a big player, using his long reach to pull pucks in tight and through lanes to create offense. Below the goal lines is where he’s at his best, often putting his back to defensemen and guarding the puck with his body. This gives him a strong ability to scan the ice, hold onto pucks and make high IQ plays, such as his first assist where he made a quick skilled pass to the net-front. With over a point per game, he has already matched his career high in season points and is having a breakout year offensively. Physically he is strong on pucks and hard on his stick, finishing lots of checks and bringing presence to the ice. Towering over opponents, he possesses a long reach that gives him the ability to disrupt plays all over the ice, consistently forcing turnovers. This gives him a penalty killing ability, and the trust to play in late game situations as he stays responsible and on the right side of pucks. As many large players, he will need to continue to work on his foot speed and lateral quickness to make an impact at the next level, but due to his size and creativity he should be a highly valued forward coming out of junior.
Bruce McDonald (C, L, 6’0″, 180, Owen Sound Attack, 12/18/2004)
Grade: B+
Comments: McDonald played with agility and IQ in this game, producing offensive chances and disruption consistently. His skating is one of his strong suits, shifting laterally well to open up lanes. He is quick and sneaky, finding open lanes and seams to break through. This agility gives him the ability to hound pucks from behind with a good stick, often looking for stick-lifts and turnovers. Due to his willingness to find and chase down loose pucks, he is trusted in all situations including all special teams and late minute moments. Bruce doesn’t quit on pucks and supports the puck well from below, often being an emergency out in the defensive zone. On the powerplay he controls the half-wall, often looking back-door and for open seams cross ice. When shooting he possesses a slick release, dragging the puck and shifting lanes with ease. He can surprise goalies and shoot from creative angles. His hockey IQ is his best asset as he seems to often track behind defenders and get lost in space. This leads to many breakaways and quick hit chances, where he has the ability to finish. Overall, Macdonald is a high IQ forward who can play up and down lineups and contribute pace and diversity to a team.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images