Game played on 2/15/2025.
General Game Notes: This was a close game and actually was a bit of a comeback from the Greyhounds. All goals scored were in the second period with the Sting getting on the boar first. Defensively sound from both teams and a couple mistakes ultimately led to the winning goal. Nice short handed goal secured the win when power plays could not.
Nicholas Surzycia (G, L, 6’0″, 173, Sarnia Sting, 12/17/2004)
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Comments: Despite the loss, Surzycia played very well. He only saw twenty five shots but a lot of them came from quality spots on the ice. He executes the butterfly style combining his exceptional athleticism and seamless lateral movement. He was able to show tonight that he can get post to post quick and efficiently. Beating him requires a well placed shot or a well placed deflection. A skilled stickhandler, Surzycia actively supports his defense with crisp, long outlet passes or by smartly clearing the puck out of the zone. His ability to read the game is a reason why he is able to transition the puck so well. Maintaining composure even in the most chaotic situations with solid rebound control are parts of his game as to why he played well, he just needed to some help from the guys in front of him to get a win.
Mitchell Young (D, L, 6’1″, 184, Sarnia Sting, 04/29/2005)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Young was able to show tonight that he is a mobile two way defenseman who can sometimes play with a bit too much flash. He is at his best when he keeps his game simple, utilizing his vision to find open space and create better decision making opportunities. He has a sharp, accurate shot that he should use more often. While not an elite passer, he has a knack for creating time and space for teammates in better scoring positions. He skates well in transition but can struggle with pivots when back checking. When engaged, he plays with a strong physical edge and is not afraid to take key opponents out of the play. His aggressive style makes him a disruptive force when he chooses to assert himself. He is mobile enough offensively that he needs to be actively covered, it was just a couple times skating backwards on rushes he would slow his pivot to be second on puck.
Easton Wainwright (C, L, 5’10”, 186, Sarnia Sting, 01/19/2005)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Wainwright was able to show tonight that his game is built on speed. Though a bit undersized, he compensates with solid acceleration, top-end speed, and impressive balance when receiving contact. His good technical skills and fearless approach make him a dynamic player, especially when stick handling through traffic. He possesses strong hockey sense, plays with grit, and is not afraid to throw a hit despite his smaller frame. Offensively, he has a natural creative touch and is also a capable playmaker. However, his defensive game could use improvement, particularly in back checking and overall positioning, as he can be overly focused on offense. Adding more muscle and strength would further enhance his physical play and overall effectiveness.
Alessandro Di Iorio (C, R, 6’0″, 175, Sarnia Sting, 03/17/2008)
Game Rating
A-
1 Viewing
Comments: Di Iorio scored a nice goal tonight off the rush putting one over the goalies shoulder with a wrist shot from the tops of the circles. This was an impressive goal given that it was from a bit of a distance and looked like a routine save at first. At second glance, Di Iorio used a screen from the defender and without stick handling, got the shot off quick enough to add some deception, not to mention he picked an absolute corner making this goal hard to stop. The young forward has promising size and with his ability to get the puck off his stick, he showed tonight he is a forward who needs to be play against aggressively. Di Iorio was at his best when he was using the width of the ice on entries, he is not afraid to cut to the middle forcing defenseman to choose between gapping up or sagging back into their zone. He is able to take advantage of both scenarios showing his quick thinking with pace.
Landon Miller (G, L, 6’4″, 193, Soo Greyhounds, 01/03/2006)
Game Rating
A-
1 Viewing
Comments: Miller was on top of his game tonight. He was able to show that despite is larger size he is a smooth moving butterfly goalie, but very quick and agile. His team was able to win tonight because he was consistent and rarely has an off an angle on most of the shots he faced. His reflexes are top notch and he has a very quick and impressive glove. He moves well from side to side and has a noticeable leg kick. On a couple far out chances tonight, he would get a shot off his far pad, kick it out, and be in position before there was any rebound chance. He got better as the night went on. Miller plays the puck well and is not afraid to get outside his net. Multiple times he would get the rim, shoulder check, and make hard passes to his defenseman or wingers if he had to.
Caeden Carlisle (D, L, 6’1″, 195, Soo Greyhounds, 01/31/2004, Notre Dame)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Carlisle was able to showcase tonight that he is a big-bodied defenseman who excels in his own zone. Despite his size, he skates and moves well, allowing him to defend effectively. While his hockey sense is not a standout trait and his offensive contributions are limited, he has the potential to be more physically dominant. Though he could utilize his frame more consistently, he still delivers the occasional big hit. He is not incapable of being offensive, but it usually revolved getting a pass in a spot that he is able to wind up. He has a booming shot but needs the time and space to get it off. He does not make a ton of mistakes, the puck is on and off his stick too quick to make too many mistakes. This is a good thing, he knows what he wants to do with it before it receives it.
Brady Smith (C, L, 6’0″, 185, Soo Greyhounds, 04/12/2007)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Scored a nice goal getting a cross ice feed and without stick handling, was able to shoot the puck right under the bar from about the bottom of the circle. This goal went in not only because of the placement of the shot, but how quick he was able to get it off. Smith showed tonight that he has great hands that can make it look like the puck is stuck to his blade. His size is a bit of a weakness given that he gets bumped off the puck too much along the wall. If he is able to keep his feet going, he usually avoids any type of contact where he can get stuck, but larger defenseman do find ways to pin if he does not have the jump on them. Smith was at his best when he was pushing the pace in the neutral zone and creating entries with some deception, cutting to the middle or stopping up, as opposed to taking it wide every time.
Spencer Evans (D, L, 6’0″, 190, Soo Greyhounds, 2006)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Evans can play the game as a mobile, two way defenseman with strong skating ability. He thrives when joining the rush and is particularly effective at the point looking to get shots through. While he possesses a solid point shot, his passing ability stands out even more, thanks to his sharp hockey sense and vision. He reads the game well and showcases impressive technical skills but being able to draw players in and make passes under pressure is what stood out tonight. Defensively, Evans can sometimes overcomplicate situations and would benefit from a more straightforward approach. However, he is far from a liability in his own zone. Adding upper body strength and physicality to his game would help elevate his effectiveness in defensive battles.
Marco Mignosa (RW, R, 5’11”, 175, Soo Greyhounds, 04/13/2005)
Game Rating
A-
1 Viewing
Comments: Mignosa scored a nice goal on a two on one getting a pass with the goalie sliding, he kind of one timed a wrist shot that he was able to elevate over the goalies pads. Mignosa is an elite skating and stick handler, he has that type of movement that is both fluid and deceptive. Other than his goal, he created multiple quality scoring chances beating more than one defender with a pass or one on one himself. He was able to show tonight that he is a winger with natural offensive instincts. He has a hard shot and a quick release, and knows how to get open in the slot. With and without the puck, he was moving into dead space making him hard to cover. One of the better parts of his game that does not involve his skill is he gets involved physically and can put in an energy role.
Brady Martin (C, R, 6’0″, 180, Soo Greyhounds, 01/01/2007)
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Comments: Martin was a clear workhorse tonight getting the puck to the goal scorers. He was able to pick up two assists tonight, one of them coming from his high battle level in the corner, where he was able to win a puck and get it to his teammate attacking the net. He is able to use his size combined with just the want to out work other players, allows him more time with the puck and more opportunities at the net. Martin was at his best tonight being first on the puck, and leading with body. When he gets away from playing a physical role, he tends to over stick handle and make plays harder for himself. With that being said, he is one of the better players on the ice every given shift and earns that time with the puck, he works to get it and keep it.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images
