Played on Apr 1, 2025
Ontario Hockey League
Game Played in Meridian Centre
Anthony Romani (C, R, 6’1″, 191, Barrie Colts, 07/12/2005, Michigan State)
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Comments: Romani had a solid game for the Barrie Colts in this one. Plays a good offensively driven playmakers game. His game was highlighted by quality senses, puck skills and skating. High hockey IQ no matter where he was on the ice, and consistently looked a step or two ahead of his opponents. Played an active role on the back-check with good indications of defensive responsibility, off puck vision, and defensive awareness/poise. Played an active role in offensive transition with good positioning, play reads, and high frequency scans. Romani always knew where his options were throughout the game, which showed just how good his offensive instincts and awareness was. Generated significant pressure and chances throughout the game, with good vision, passing ability, and an overall playmaking inclination. Skating looked solid with above average acceleration, route creation, and rush instincts. In offensive transition and zone play Romani showed quality shot mechanics through his shot selection, which hinted at quality offensive poise, placement, and power. All of this combined to generate good finishing ability best exemplified by his goal in the third period. Physicality was a barrier in this game as he demonstrated some physical avoidance and below average grit, but this did not detract from his overall game. Compete had flashes of lower intensity as well.
Emil Hemming (RW, R, 6’1″, 205, Barrie Colts, 06/27/2006)
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Comments: Hemming played a capable game for the Colts. He plays the game of a more offensively inclined power-forward. His game was highlighted by his high end shooting, skating, and puck skills. Hemming looked quite mobile in this one with top end speed, acceleration, edge-work, and overall agility. He found his way into the soft-spots of Niagara’s coverage and routinely made them pay, which hinted at above average spatial awareness, and situational awareness in this one. Quality rush instincts that routinely made his route creation unpredictable, and furthermore made his rush instincts that much more effective. All around solid handling, and hand-eye which made offensive pressure more effective and gave him better control mechanics. In the offensive zone Hemming showed a high quality quick release point with moderate deception and good shooting mechanics from posture to leverage generation. He was a finisher as exemplified by the third Barrie goal where he found the back of the net with those exact mechanics. Physicality looked uncharacteristically ineffective for Hemming in this one as his hitting form looked less efficient and less targeted than normal. Off-puck decision making and confidence issues arose in this game.
Jack Martin (RW, L, 5’11”, 172, Barrie Colts, 03/16/2006)
Game Rating
C
1 Viewing
Comments: A stable bottom 6 game from Martin. Played the game with a power forward toolkit. His game was highlighted by above average compete, decent physicality, and slightly below average skating. Not many puck touches in this one at all, heavy reliance on off-puck routes. This aforementioned compete and physicality was evident in his role on the forecheck where he exerted clear hustle, defensive pressure, and minor transition disruption. Not much deception in his angles of attack so very avoidable. A couple of body tie ups along the boards showed some physical engagement, body positioning, and slower pace of play to isolate rush attacks from Niagara’s transition. Notable attempts at play engagement, but mixed effectiveness throughout. Around average senses in most regards. Basic defensive awareness in zone, could use growth in his play anticipation, and reading to reach that next level of his development. Skating looked to be a bit grindy with some limited crossover integration and power/extension, which is an area of growth for the 2006 born forward.
Kashawn Aitcheson (D, L, 6’2″, 200, Barrie Colts, 09/21/2006)
Game Rating
A-
1 Viewing
Comments: Aitcheson had a solid all around mobile game for the Barrie Colts. He played the game of a two way transitional defender with notable acumen in all three zones. Aitcheson showed strong physicality, smart senses, and quality puck skills. At the base of his game his skating was capable with decent changes of pace, some hints of acceleration, and few mechanical issues. In defensive transition the young defender employed pre-active scans, frequent stick use, and lane mitigation to further reduce the quality of chances against by the Niagara IceDogs. He played a calm and collected game. There were instances of early pivots, and selective play engagement in this transitional play as well. In the defensive zone Aitcheson is simply a workhorse, and one that is quite difficult to play against as a he served as a capable slot presence with relatively consistent tie ups, risk awareness, and stick lifts he made sure no high danger chances were coming through which showed quality defensive instincts. Physicality stood out too as Aitcheson routinely secured good body positioning, and exemplified strong muscle mass and hitting power. Puck skills are an asset, quick ups generated through smooth accurate passing, combined with vision. There were multiple instances where Aitcheson was able to skate right through hits in offensive transition/zone play with little momentum loss. High hockey IQ in the offensive play, with good lane recognition, capable play anticipation, and abundant rush activations. Shined with solid lane creation through offensive transition, and this generated quality option creation for both him and his teammates. In the offensive zone he showed the previously mentioned vision with some decent play facilitation ability and smart pinches and plays under pressure. High frequency shooting threat. Overt aggression was not as evident in this game. Barriers to his play include his compete level as he has a selective motor, intensity, and play engagement seemingly varied shift to shift. Skating also provides a minor barrier in terms of backwards fluidity in crossovers, and pivots which made his transition play and risk mitigation slightly less effective.
Gabriel Eliasson (D, L, 6’7″, 210, Barrie Colts, 09/09/2006, Michigan)
Game Rating
B-
1 Viewing
Comments: Eliasson still looks very much like a work in progress. He continues to play the rough and tumble physical game that his frame and muscle mass lends itself, but then in the same breath struggles with various other elements of his game. His game in this one had some limited ice time, but was still highlighted by physicality, compete, and some hidden skating upside. For his 6’06-6’07 frame his skating mechanics are quite good with decent enough agility, edge-work, and power generation. Eliasson’s gap control was one of space management, stick positioning, and mixed results around physical pressure. This physicality lends itself to be more advantageous in the defensive zone as Eliasson muscle mass, reach, angling, and sheer aggression/power made him a menace to play against close quarters. He was a slot presence, consistent physical pressure, boxouts, and board play. At the same time he makes plenty of mis-reads, showed issues with play anticipation, and struggled with basic decision making. There were a handful of times where he mis-calculated a breakout and needlessly iced pucks. He still needs major growth in his senses (defensive instincts, awareness, and scanning) and hockey IQ to be a more effective defender at the next level. Puck skills were an issue (decision making, passing ability, rushed option ID, and puck placement).
Jaiden Newton (C, L, 6’0″, 181, Barrie Colts, 10/13/2007)
Game Rating
C+
Jaiden Newton played a solid game for the Barrie Colts, showcasing his skills as a playmaker. He demonstrated quality puck skills, senses, and physicality, making him a valuable asset on both offense and defense. In defensive zone play, Newton showed awareness through frequent scanning and pressure awareness, allowing him to effectively isolate opponents. On the offensive side, he displayed good handling, pass accuracy, and decision-making, generating consistent pressure generation. Newton’s compete level was evident in his route creation and relentlessness on second chance opportunities. While there were some areas for improvement noted, such as shooting technique and defensive processing, Newton’s overall skills suggest a player with a strong foundation.
2 Viewings
Comments: A capable viewing from Newton. He played a bit more of a checking forward in this game, but still showed flashes of playmaking. This game was highlighted by his compete level, physicality, and ok senses. Senses also looked to be a bit more improved, with some growth in spacial awareness. The usual forechecking effort from Newton, which showed some cutting off of opponent angles, and pace management, which highlighted minor transition disruption in favour of the Barrie defence. In the defensive zone Newton showed some decent defensive instincts with routine tie ups, and some pre-emptive scans hinting at defensive awareness and risk assessment. Compete level remained consistent throughout the game with good hustle, intensity, and solid enough defensive pressure exertion. Physicality also shined more on the defensive side of the game with good hit frequency where he rarely did not finish up his checks. Newton also looked to be gaining more muscle mass which moderately makes his hit effectiveness and hit absorption more solid. In offensive transition he kept pace of play well, but does need to gain greater lane awareness, and play processing especially in off-puck situations to make his option creation more effective. Minor puck bobbles hinting at more handling/reception issues than normal. Skating looked around average in most regards (pace, speed, agility). Faceoff form was a benefit with a good center of gravity, and drawback leverage. Issues still remain with his shooting in terms of shot selection, and follow through.
Jack Brauti (D, L, 6’0″, 168, Niagara Icedogs, 05/24/2006)
Game Rating
C+
Brauti’s performance was characterized by a balance of strengths and weaknesses. He demonstrated a solid understanding of puck skills, showcasing vision and offensive awareness in the offensive zone. His ability to recognize lanes and find open teammates, such as Loshko, was particularly notable. However, defensive transition struggled due to gaps in positioning and poise, leading to frequent recoveries. Brauti’s physical attributes and shooting threat were also evident, but inconsistent shot selection sometimes hindered his impact. To reach his full potential, he needs to work on developing his defensive senses, including awareness and decision-making. With improvements in these areas, Brauti could become a valuable asset on the power play and a player to watch for next season.
2 Viewings
Comments: Bauti had an off game for the Niagara IceDogs. He still played that offensive minded defenders game. This game was highlighted by his offensive senses, puck skills, and shooting. He tended to struggle a bit in defensive transition as he displayed major gap control issues with mis-reads, poorer spacial management, and less prevalent risk awareness. He was constantly in recovery too, as he seemed overly aggressive in this game. Needed a higher motor, and more frequent risk assessment in the defensive zone too. Where he shined as per usual was on the offensive side of the play he had a handful of nice playmaking efforts articulated by above average vision, some puck fakes/deception, and passing ability. He was an adequate facilitator in the offensive zone and showed some promising offensive instincts, and high frequency activations, with mixed results. Shooting looked around average with an ok release point, high frequency, and ok power. The main barriers for Bauti’s game are his senses and skating, he rarely scans before jumping up, that led to way more chances for Barrie than he generated for his own team. Play anticipation defensive poise, and spatial awareness all lack. He is routinely open to opponent manipulation. Skating is below average in most regards (stride, edgework, and power/ rate of acceleration).
Callum Cheynowski (D, L, 6’0″, 196, Niagara Icedogs, 08/01/2006)
Game Rating
B-
1 Viewing
Comments: Cheynowski is a stable defender for the Niagara IceDogs. He played a capable two way transitional game and remained largely effective in all three zones. His game was highlighted by good puck mobility, hidden offensive instincts, and adequate compete. Gap control looked around average with some moderate angles of attack when in position and basic risk mitigation. Showed good hustle, discipline, and offensive pressure awareness throughout all 60 minutes of the game which demonstrated an above average compete level for the young defender. One of the areas that he shined the most was in his puck management in offensive transition as Cheynowski showed quick(ish) pace, solid handling, and quality pass delivery. He was an effective transition starter for Niagara as his actual passing ability was quite smooth and consistently generated quality quick ups. Stable and confident decision making throughout the game. In offensive play Cheynowski displayed decent enough offensive awareness, and a handful of different attempts at quality space creation in the offensive zone. He had one nice sequence with 8:20 left in the third where he showed some advanced hockey IQ and offensive awareness with a drop back that then generated a high quality chance for Niagara. Flashes of offensive upside and transitional game are evident. Barriers to his play include his skating (depth is off and this produced a clunky stride recovery, stride could be cleaner and agility is janky). Physically he was also overpowered a handful of times throughout the game, hinting at a need to establish better body positioning and leverage.
Blake Arrowsmith (RW, R, 6’0″, 185, Niagara Icedogs, 04/17/2007)
Game Rating
B-
Arrowsmith’s recent games have shown him focusing on developing his playmaking skills, with noticeable improvements in positioning, anticipation, and line awareness. He exhibits strong skating abilities, including gliding, acceleration, and depth, which enable him to effectively cover the ice. While he still struggles with pace, his overall athleticism allows him to be a factor in various situations. In terms of his game, Arrowsmith tends to play a playmaker’s role, relying on his sensing, compete level, and motor to generate chances for himself and teammates. He displays some spacial manipulation, although it doesn’t always lead to concrete results. His offensive instincts are present, but may need further refinement.
3 Viewings
Comments: Arrowsmith had a better than average game in this game against the Colts. He still plays that playmakers game. Flashes of the usual beneficial skating, with a higher frequency of puck skill implementation in this one. Showed better offensive poise and facilitation in this match up. He also showed some hidden finish with his second goal that showed some quality situational recognition and a quick shooting release point. Still looked to struggle with pace and questions still remain on if he can drive offence himself.
Maximus Crete (C, L, 5’9″, 185, Niagara Icedogs, 04/24/2008)
Game Rating
C+
Maximus Crete played a game that showcased his physicality, compete level, and senses as a power forward. His skating improved, demonstrating better edgework, agility, and speed, although he still struggles with generating power and acceleration. In transition, Crete’s defensive pressure exertion was limited due to poor angles of attack, but he made up for it in the zone by employing his physicality and board battle presence effectively. In the offensive zone, Crete showed glimpses of hockey IQ, particularly in situational battles, positioning, and lane creation. He generated quality options through decent routes to the net and demonstrated developing offensive instincts. However, his smaller frame and limited puck protection remained a concern.
3 Viewings
Comments: Crete had a stable showing in this game. The 2008 born forward is still learning to find his niche, but attempts to play the power-forwards game with a touch of playmaking. Highlights from this game included his above average compete level in terms of energy, and a higher end motor, combined with Crete’s usual capable skating (acceleration, agility, and distinctly creative route creation). Showed good lane awareness on the backcheck and attempted defensive responsibility and positioning, with some minor play disruption. Around average shooting in most regards. Physicality remained a barrier due to his smaller frame, in-effectiveness in closing off walls, and body positioning that allowed him to be pushed off without much effort. Puck management also seemed to be an issue for Crete in this one as he had a handful of questionable decision making efforts and passing selections.
Ryan Roobroeck (C, L, 6’3″, 202, Niagara Icedogs, 09/25/2007)
Game Rating
B+
Roobroeck’s game is characterized by his ability to play a physical power forward position, utilizing his shooting, senses, and physicality to create scoring opportunities. He demonstrates improvements in spatial awareness, route creation, and offensive instincts, which allows him to manipulate pace and deceive opponents. While Roobroeck’s skating and passing skills still require development, his overall hockey IQ, space management, and situational awareness are notable strengths. His ability to control the pace of play, create high-quality chances, and absorb physical pressure make him a smart player in both ends of the ice. His physicality, frame, and muscle mass provide an advantage in defensive zone tie-ups.
4 Viewings
Comments: Roobroeck plays a capable power-forward snipers game for the IceDogs. This game was once again highlighted by his shooting, senses, and notable improvement in his puck skills. Roobroeck also routinely drives the pace of play with his physicality as he has good balance, stability, and a large enough frame to exert his will on his opponents in the boards and carry momentum through solid hit absorption in transition. Still lacks some puck creativity, but his puck skills (vision, and play anticipation) and shot (good power, deception in his release, and option awareness more than makes up for it. Showed hints of good situational awareness as well. High hockey IQ.
Ivan Galiyanov (LW, L, 5’10”, 174, Niagara Icedogs, 10/16/2007)
Game Rating
C+
Galiyanov is a dynamic player who brings high energy and intensity to the ice. He consistently demonstrates strong compete level, skating ability, and puck skills, making him a valuable asset on his team. While his senses can be lacking in terms of plan and anticipation, Galiyanov’s physical attributes make up for it as he hustles and battles for every inch of space. Growth has been evident in Galiyanov’s transition game, particularly in terms of defensive instincts and angles of attack. His puck handling is solid, and he shows promise in his limited ice time. While there are areas that need improvement, such as physicality and vision, Galiyanov remains an energy forward who brings a lot to the table.
5 Viewings
Comments: It is hard to not notice Galiyanov every game. No matter how little of ice time he gets he shows a high energy, high compete game that sees him buzzing all over the ice, and this game was no different. His usual high compete (motor, energy, motor, and attempted play disruption) was the focal point of his game as per usual. This once again blended well with his skating as he is a quick(ish) skater with some surprising agility, and acceleration. Leads the pace of play for Niagara’s bottom 6, with good lane creation and some unique route creation. The main drawback to his game as per always is his basic senses, there just was not a lot of planning or hockey IQ shown in this game by Galiyanov.