Played on Jan 14, 2026
Game Played in Peterborough Memorial Centre
General Game Notes: Highly entertaining game in front of every scout from all NHL teams .Played on January 14/26 in Peterborough
Adam Levac (C, R, 5’11”, 166, Peterborough Petes, 06/27/2008)
Game Rating
A-
1 Viewing
Comments: Levac’s playmaking was a standout feature of the night, specifically during the second period when he executed a perfectly timed pass near the boards to set up his Petes teammate, Adam Novotny, for the 2-1 goal. Beyond his vision, Levac proved he is a ‘max-compete’ player who refused to back down when the temperature of the game rose. In a showcase that is typically focused on skill, Levac shocked the scouts by dropping the gloves in the third period with Cole Zurawski, demonstrating that he isn’t afraid to get physical and protect his teammates, even in an exhibition setting.
Adam Novotny (LW, L, 6’1″, 206, Peterborough Petes, 11/13/2007)
Game Rating
A
1 Viewing
Comments: Novotný is the rare prospect who combines a ‘pro-ready’ 6’1′, 205-pound frame with the high-end agility usually found in smaller wingers. His quick hands in tight are a nightmare for goaltenders; he demonstrated this on his first goal by finding the ‘blue paint’ and using a great deke to finish in a phone booth. His second goal was equally impressive-a powerful drive to the net followed by a clinical, accurate shot that showcased his high-end offensive drive. Scouts are particularly high on Novotný because he plays a pro-style game already. Having played in the Czech Extraliga (men’s professional league) as a 15-year-old, he lacks the ‘panic’ often seen in junior players. His feet are always moving, and his experience as a recent World Junior silver medalist with Czechia shows in his high compete level and ability to thrive under pressure. Was awarded player of the game.
Ryder Cali (LW, L, 6’2″, 200, North Bay Battalion, 09/06/2008)
Game Rating
A-
Cali showcases a strong offensive skillset, particularly in power play situations where they excel at finding open teammates at the half wall. They demonstrate excellent passing skills, displaying good vision on the ice. When necessary, they can also play physically and maintain a high level of competition.
1 Viewing
Comments: Ryder is a rare combination of size and skill. At over 6’2′ and 210 pounds, he is a ‘big body’ who knows how to use his frame to his advantage in the dirty areas. As you noted, his hands and feet are exceptionally good for his size, which was on full display late in the first period when he scored a clinical tip-in goal on the power play to tie the game at 1-1. His ability to maintain such high-end stickhandling and agility while carrying that much weight makes him a nightmare for defenders to contain in the cycle. Beyond the scoresheet, Cali demonstrated really strong vision in both ends of the ice. He isn’t just a ‘bruiser’; he is a cerebral player who identifies lanes and finds teammates with ease. His compete level remained at a peak for the full 60 minutes, showing a dedication to 200-foot play that, combined with his physical tools, makes him a projected high-end pick for the 2026 NHL Draft
Caleb Malhotra (C, L, 6’1″, 184, Brantford Bulldogs, 06/02/2008, Boston University)
Game Rating
A-
1 Viewing
Comments: Malhotra is a ‘cerebral’ playmaker who excels at matching his hands to his feet at high speeds. As noted, his ability to identify a loose man or find a gap in the defense is elite, and he displayed exceptional patience on the power play, waiting for the perfect lane to open before delivering tape-to-tape passes. He isn’t just a perimeter player; he has the ‘drive’ to take the puck hard to the net, using his 6’1′ frame to shield defenders. His 200-foot compete level was evident throughout the game, particularly in his relentless puck-tracking and defensive positioning, making him a reliable ‘all-situations’ center who can drive a line’s offense while stabilizing its defense.
Zachary Jovanovski (G, L, 6’3″, 187, Guelph Storm, 10/07/2007)
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Comments: Jovanovski is the definition of a ‘calming influence’ in the crease. As you observed, he is exceptionally disciplined with his movements, refusing to overplay the puck or chase the play. He challenges shooters with high-end confidence, using his 6’2′ frame to cut down angles effectively. His rebound control was a major highlight of the showcase; even against high-end offensive talent, he consistently steered pucks into safe areas, preventing second-chance opportunities. His lateral mobility is explosive but controlled, allowing him to stay square to the shooter even during rapid cross-crease transitions.
Egor Barabanov (LW, L, 6’0″, 173, Saginaw Spirit, 05/01/2006, Penn State)
Game Rating
A-
1 Viewing
Comments: Barabanov’s impact in the showcase was immediate, as he scored the opening goal of the game to give Team West an early advantage. His ‘great finish in front of the net’ was a result of his elite anticipation-he constantly plays ‘on his toes,’ hunting for loose pucks and soft spots in the coverage. While he possesses high-end offensive skills, including being a ‘main connector’ on his line, Barabanov stood out to scouts for being exceptionally solid positionally. He never cheats on the backcheck, displaying a high compete level by tracking back deep into his own zone to support his defense shift after shift.
Alessandro Di Iorio (C, R, 6’0″, 193, Sarnia Sting, 03/17/2008)
Game Rating
A-
Di Iorio displays a solid work ethic, consistently competing hard on every shift. His ability to quickly change direction through his first two steps allows him to stay in the play effectively. He excels at breaking up opponents’ plays due to his positional awareness and strong body positioning. Di Iorio also possesses a reliable stick, enabling him to outmaneuver opponents and secure puck battles. Overall, he demonstrates a well-rounded skill set that contributes to the team’s overall effort.
1 Viewing
Comments: Di Iorio’s performance in the showcase was a masterclass in relentless forchecking. He plays a high-motor game, using an active stick to disrupt passing lanes and win high-stakes battles along the wall. His ‘compete level’ is what scouts rave about; he doesn’t just wait for the play to come to him-he creates opportunities by forcing turnovers and driving the play with powerful skating. While he possesses the hands to be a major offensive threat, he is equally dedicated to his own zone, consistently tracking back to identify threats and ensure defensive stability. Overall, he is a ‘lead-by-example’ player whose combination of grit and skill makes him one of the most complete prospects in the 2026 class.
Chase Reid (D, R, 6’2″, 189, Soo Greyhounds, 12/30/2007, Michigan State)
Game Rating
A-
1 Viewing
Comments: Reid is a dynamic ‘activation specialist’ who rarely stays stationary. As you noted, his ability to jump into the rush or lead a breakout is exceptional, largely due to his explosive stride and 6’2′ frame. He plays with a distinct ‘swagger’ with the puck, leadng the OHL in zone entries via stickhandling for defensemen. His mobility allows him to walk the line with ease, manipulating shooting lanes to unleash a lightning-fast wrist shot that recently helped him net his first OHL hat trick. While he is an offensive powerhouse, he has matured into a very strong two-way player who uses his size to win puck battles and kill plays early in the defensive zone.
Alex Kostov (RW, R, 6’3″, 181, Flint Firebirds, 06/03/2006)
Game Rating
A-
1 Viewing
Comments: Kostov is the definition of a high-ceiling offensive catalyst. His vision is truly elite; he has the rare ability to slow the game down in the offensive zone, wait for a lane to open, and deliver a tape-to-tape pass that leaves defenders stranded. As you noted, his stickhandling ability is a major asset-he can weave through traffic with ‘great hands’ and possesses the confidence to attack the middle of the ice rather than staying on the perimeter. What makes Alex a projected high-end pick is his ‘on-his-toes’ skating style. He is an exceptionally balanced skater who uses his edges to create space for himself. Despite his high-skill profile, he shows great poise when the ‘ozone’ gets crowded, never panicking and always finding a creative way to keep the play alive. His combination of creativity, vision, and skating makes him a top priority for scouts looking for a primary play-driver
Nikita Klepov (LW, L, 6’0″, 178, Saginaw Spirit, 06/27/2008, Michigan State)
Game Rating
A
1 Viewing
Comments: Klepov’s game is built on elite hockey IQ and the ability to ‘find open space’ when the pressure is highest. He scored the critical 2-2 tying goal late in the second period by driving to the net and presenting a perfect stick for a tap-in finish. However, his most impressive play was his no-look ‘wizardry’ in the third period. After carving through the zone and drawing defenders toward him, he delivered a blind pass to an activating Rylan Singh, setting up the play that ultimately led to the 4-3 victory. Klepov proved to be the difference-maker for Team West, showcasing why he is a projected first-round talent for the 2026 NHL Draft by earning the Team West Player of the Game honors.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images