Played on Apr 15, 2025
Ontario Hockey League
Game Played in Tribute Communities Centre
Scout: Ben Marshall
General Game Notes: Early in the first period, the Generals earned the games first power play, setting the tone for what was to come. As the game progressed, the Bulldogs frustration became obvious leading to a string of penalties that ultimately proved costly in the third period. Capitalizing on their opportunities, the Generals surged ahead and secured a dominant seven to two victory, keeping their playoff hopes alive and extending the series.
Tomas Hamara (D, L, 6’0″, 194, Brantford Bulldogs, 03/09/2004)
Game Rating
B
Tomas Hamara’s skating ability is one of his standout qualities as a defenseman, allowing him to excel in the transition game. He is an aggressive player who excels at moving the puck up the ice, but sometimes this can lead to defensive lapses. However, he demonstrates a strong combination of speed and defensive awareness that enables him to recover effectively.
1 Viewing
Comments: Hamara best quality is easily his ability to move the puck. He is an incredibly mobile defenseman who has great vision and above average puck skills. As a result, he can capably create offense, and be an aggressive defenseman to utilize on the power play. He is not an elite offensive force, but he can capably drive the puck up the ice and utilize his teammates to create scoring chances. Defensively, Hamara is a bit of a rollercoaster. On one hand, he has a really high motor and a great work ethic. There are few things he would not do to give his team the edge, and as he leads with his stick well to break up the more craftier players. On the other hand, he does not really take advantage of his solid frame, and as a result does not have a great physical side to his game. He can still use his speed and smarts to kill chances.
Cole Brown (RW, L, 6’3″, 190, Brantford Bulldogs, 04/27/2005, Notre Dame)
Game Rating
B
Cole Brown’s athleticism is a notable aspect of his game, particularly when considering his size. He possesses above-average speed and edge work, which enables him to effectively utilize space in the offensive zone. In the defensive zone, Brown demonstrates strong skills, including the ability to handle tough matchups against smaller opponents. His intelligence and smarts allow him to make informed decisions, making him capable of handling difficult assignments.
1 Viewing
Comments: Brown can be a suffocating defensive presence when he covers the puck carrier, and there are few players who can make as big of an impact following the smaller and shiftier players. Where Brown is at his best is in the offensive zone where he plays hard on the puck and he is really difficult to rob, and that puck possession wizardry allows him the time and space he needs to create plays. He also has a great shot, he was not able to find the back of the net tonight but could tell with some of the shots he was able to get on net, he does not need a ton of time and space to put something powerful at the net. Where he separates himself at times, he is not shy about stepping up to maintain possession in the offensive zone. He is an eager shooter too, skating into a slap shot whenever the opportunity presents itself.
Patrick Thomas (C, L, 6’0″, 178, Brantford Bulldogs, 08/21/2004)
Game Rating
A-
1 Viewing
Comments: Thomas scored a simple tap in goal set up nicely by two of his teammates. Other than the goal, he was able to show that he is one of the more skilled players on the ice. His skating allows him to facilitate zone exits and close the distance to a loose puck quickly. Despite his size, he has plenty of value thanks to his physical play, but the defensive mistakes he makes like getting lost in his own zone, and losing players that he was supposed to be covering, dig into that value. He was at his best when he is able to get a clear look at the net and utilize his elite shot to pick off the spots on the net the goalie is not covering.
Luca D’Amato (D, R, 5’9″, 159, Oshawa Generals, 08/18/2004)
Game Rating
A-
1 Viewing
Comments: D’Amato was able to show tonight that he is a solid two-way defenseman. While he was able to show his offensive tonight with a goal and an assist, he has the size, physicality, and intelligence to make a real defensive impact, so while he probably should not be left to his own devices on a penalty kill he can be a decent crease clearer and a real defensive asset thanks to his mobility. He can facilitate zone exits well and use his mobility to help a team move the puck forward. There’s real defensive value there, even if his defensive zone positioning can be inconsistent. Despite his smaller size, he works hard to be physical and it shows even if he does not lay players out, he still defends applying pressure creating mistakes.
Haoxi Wang (D, L, 6’6″, 215, Oshawa Generals, 07/27/2007, Boston University)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Wang can clear space around the net, win board battles, and kill penalties thanks to his size and defensive tools. There is real value in that, but unfortunately he did not move very well and has little offensive value. He lacks the puck skills to be a playmaking defenseman and lacks the mobility to be an asset in transition. So his game is a bit limited but he does a good job at what he is limited too. He is young and with his unteachable tools, size and reach, he is able to show that when he looks to break up a play, he can close with lesser amount of steps than his peers. Overall, Wang is big, strong, and capable of being a force in the tough areas of the ice. He is also smart enough and can skate at a decent rate enough to be a disruptor in his own end, and it is very tough to beat him or get by him alone.
Noah Powell (RW, R, 6’0″, 201, Oshawa Generals, 02/02/2005)
Game Rating
A-
1 Viewing
Comments: Powell had the second goal of the game and was very similar to the first. Powell was able to plant himself at the net front and as the puck came to the goalie, a rebound popped out at the top of the crease that he was able to bury home. A theme that the opposing team was displaying was trouble at the top of their crease, clearing out opponents, and Powell was able to take advantage of this. One of the better aspects in his game is that he has solid size, but can skate like the wind, and will be physical when the opportunity presents itself. More than once, he was first on the forecheck and when he was not, he used his body to separate the first player from the puck.
Calum Ritchie (C, R, 6’2″, 187, Oshawa Generals, 01/21/2005)
Game Rating
A-
1 Viewing
Comments: Ritchie showed that his bigger size proved useful as he scored the opening goal of the game. The big man planted himself in front of the net and as a shot from the point happened, he was able both get in the way of the goalie and get a tip on the puck, redirecting it into the net. This is where he is at his best, in front of the net creating chaos for the goalie and defenseman who are trying to box him out. When the puck does go into the corner, he actually has some solid foot speed that for a player his size, can win some 50/50 puck battles. When it comes to a race length of the ice, or just a rush, this is where his foot speed could improve.
Colby Barlow (LW, L, 6’1″, 195, Oshawa Generals, 02/01/2005)
Game Rating
A-
1 Viewing
Comments: Barlow was one of the better players on the ice tonight. Scored a nice goal as the flanker on the power play where the skilled players sit. What Barlow adds to his arsenal is his shot and he was able t showcase this on his goal. He got a one timer set up that he was able get past the goalie, barely, but put enough power into it where the defense and the goalie knew it was coming, and still found a way to find the back of the net. Barlow has a lot to his game, blending incredible positioning and intelligence with good enough physicality and strong offensive play. He can burn a team that makes mistakes by creating quick transition, and he can be the suffocating defensive force that kills chances left and right.
Beckett Sennecke (RW, R, 6’4″, 195, Oshawa Generals, 01/28/2006)
Game Rating
A-
Sennecke is a skilled forward who consistently makes defenders struggle to keep up with him, often making them look foolish as he quickly gains space. He showcases impressive puck control and stick work, allowing him to maintain possession even in tight spaces. His ability to find open areas on the ice and create scoring opportunities is notable, as seen in a recent goal where he expertly slipped behind the defense for a backdoor shot. Sennecke’s physical attributes also give him an edge in tight spaces, making it challenging for opponents to defend against him.
1 Viewing
Comments: Sennecke knows he is one of the better players on the ice and he plays as such. He was able to show tonight, and most nights, that he plays a fast, hard nosed style of hockey, with remarkable skating ability for someone his size. He does not have elite edge work, but he can take advantage of the space he is given and rush up the ice and move the puck incredibly well. He is effective as a screener, passer, and mid range shooter, and he is built to be a playoff performer, a reason why his team is playing in the situation they are in. He is a fine playmaker with great vision and puck skills, and can help facilitate and set up a power play unit, he is able to draw players in showing his confidence with the puck and make plays around them in small areas.
Benjamin Danford (D, R, 6’2″, 194, Oshawa Generals, 02/06/2006)
Game Rating
A-
Danford displays a steady and reliable skillset as a forward, with the ability to contribute meaningfully offensively without overextending himself. His shot is smooth and has follow-through, allowing for potential high-danger opportunities if directed more effectively. The captain is mindful of his speed on odd-man rushes, opting to pass or shoot rather than committing impulsively. This thoughtful approach gives goalies a chance to react. Additionally, Danford’s quick reaction speed provides him with an extra moment to make a decision in anticipation, reducing the likelihood of falling prey to head fakes or deceptions.
1 Viewing
Comments: Danford scored a nice goal intercepting a pass in the neutral zone then taking it upon himself to create a zone entry, and with a quick snap shot release, beat the goalie over the glove from a bit of a distance. Danford was able to show tonight that he is a two way defenseman able to create offense from multiple different situations. The goal he scored is a perfect example of how he can sit back, wait for the other team to make a mistake, in this case a bad pass up the middle, and exploit them with his creativity and offensive mindset. Where the defensive aspect of his game is shown is that he made his offense from being in a good defensive position. He has the size and skating ability to be a threat wherever on the ice.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images