Played on Jan 2, 2026
Game Played in Meridian Centre
General Game Notes: January 2, 2025 – The Windsor Spitfires edged the Niagara IceDogs 2-1 in overtime in a tightly contested matchup defined by stellar goaltending. Michael Newlove (#30) for Niagara and Charlie Robertson (#77) for Windsor were outstanding at both ends of the ice, turning away chance after chance. With regulation unable to decide a winner, Windsor finally broke through in overtime to secure the victory.
Charlie Robertson (G, L, 6’4″, 192, Niagara Icedogs, 04/02/2005)
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Comments: Robertson is a tall, technically sound goaltender who plays a traditional butterfly style. He tends to play a bit deeper in his crease, using his size and strong ability to read the play to his advantage. He skates well for a bigger goalie, staying on his feet, remaining calm, and staying square to shooters, at times almost frustrating them. He tracks plays effectively, following the puck carrier while maintaining awareness of secondary options, which allows him to make saves on his terms rather than reacting solely to the shooter.
Grayson Tiller (D, L, 5’10”, 191, Niagara Icedogs, 02/20/2005)
Game Rating
B-
1 Viewing
Comments: Tiller plays a hard-nosed, workmanlike defensive style. He isn’t flashy, but he gets the job done by using his body, physical engagement, and strong defensive positioning to protect his zone. He consistently wins puck battles and moves the puck efficiently to his teammates to start the transition. While he isn’t a high-end offensive contributor, he can get shots through from the blue line and chip in when given time and space.
Ryerson Edgar (C, R, 5’11”, 168, Niagara Icedogs, 07/30/2009)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Ryerson scored a highlight-reel power-play goal in the third period, collecting the puck low near the goal line before attacking the net and ripping a perfectly placed short-side shot past the goaltender-an elite release. Throughout the game, he consistently showcased high-end skill, combining strong puck-handling with the ability to play at pace. He received pucks in stride and frequently looked to attack off the rush, either driving straight ahead or cutting back to open up a second wave of offense. His blend of speed and skill made him difficult to defend and established him as a constant offensive driver.
Riley Patterson (C, R, 6’0″, 192, Niagara Icedogs, 03/22/2006)
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Comments: Patterson has a competitive edge that allows him to win puck battles and drive offense. He possesses high-end talent paired with a high hockey IQ. He processes the game well and sees the ice at an exceptional level. He is especially dangerous on the power play, where he can filter into any area of the zone and act as a quarterback to set up plays. On his team’s only goal, he collected the puck high at the blue line and threaded a beautiful seam pass down low that resulted in a goal. This play highlights what makes him so dangerous: not only does he see the ice well with his vision and passing ability, but he also has a bullet of a shot with a quick release. He is a difficult player to defend against as a true dual threat in the offensive zone.
Ryan Roobroeck (C, L, 6’3″, 216, Niagara Icedogs, 09/25/2007)
Game Rating
B+
Roobroeck brings a solid skill set to the table as a bigger forward. He excels in the offensive zone, using quick hands to catch and release pucks in scoring areas. His size and strength enable him to push off defenders and create space, particularly around the net. Roobroeck is also effective at protecting the puck, using his physicality to lean on opponents and create opportunities for himself and his linemates.
1 Viewing
Comments: Roobroeck is a big power forward who possesses a high-end skill set and strong hockey IQ. He’s a big-bodied forward who leans on opponents in all three zones, consistently winning puck battles and showing excellent puck-protection ability. He is a natural shooter who puts himself in prime shooting areas, where he can quickly release pucks on net and create chaos. Not only can he find soft spots in the offensive zone, but he can also attack the net, using his size to get there and establish a strong net-front presence. His skill level is high, allowing him to make high-end plays both at pace and from a stationary position on the power play. Overall, he’s a competitive, skilled power forward with significant upside and a very high ceiling.
Michael Newlove (G, L, 6’3″, 183, Windsor Spitfires, 01/14/2007)
Game Rating
B+
Newlove consistently showcased his skills throughout the game, making key saves to maintain his team’s lead. He effectively handled grade-A scoring chances in the first period, demonstrating his ability to stay composed under pressure. His combination of athleticism and structure allowed him to make spectacular saves on shots from various angles. Newlove’s quick glove hand also enabled impressive ‘windmill’-style stops on one-timers from the high slot. In scrambles, he demonstrated a strong compete level and determination, staying glued to the puck to prevent opponents from scoring.
1 Viewing
Comments: Newlove is an entertaining goaltender to watch, with a game-changing ability to deliver timely saves that instill confidence in his team. He’s an athletic competitor who battles for pucks and shows clear determination to stop everything thrown his way. He isn’t afraid to extend when necessary, using his full frame to deny chances and keep pucks out of the net. At the same time, he plays with structure and control. Newlove moves well in his crease, stays on his feet, maintains strong hand positioning, and absorbs shots cleanly from distance to eliminate second-chance opportunities. He blends a new-school athletic style with old-school compete and reliability. In a tight game, he proved he can make the saves that matter most.
Wyatt Kennedy (D, R, 6’5″, 211, Windsor Spitfires, 05/27/2005)
Game Rating
B
Wyatt Kennedy is a physically imposing right-shot defenseman with a strong defensive presence in the lineup. He effectively wins battles and plays hard in his own end, using his size and strength to box out opponents. On the penalty kill, he excels at filling shot lanes and clearing pucks, leveraging his significant size advantage.
1 Viewing
Viewed on TV
Comments: Wyatt Kennedy is a big, veteran defenseman who brings size, physicality, and reliable defensive play to the blue line. His 6-foot-5 frame has an immediate impact in the defensive zone, where he uses his reach and strength to box out opponents and limit space in high-danger areas. While he isn’t an overly flashy player, he can still move pucks efficiently up the ice with strong first passes-something that was evident on his overtime assist. He blocks shots, handles the small defensive details well, and plays a simple, effective game. Any offensive production he provides is an added bonus to his overall value.
Anthony Cristoforo (D, R, 5’11”, 191, Windsor Spitfires, 02/23/2006)
Game Rating
B
Cristoforo is a versatile defenseman with impressive puck skills that enable him to drive play from defense to offense. He excels at moving the puck quickly through traffic, creating scoring opportunities, and setting up teammates with precise passes. His ability to skate effectively allows him to start breakouts on his own, initiating transitions and fueling his team’s offense. While his defensive play can be inconsistent at times, Cristoforo’s exceptional passing skills make him a valuable asset to his team.
1 Viewing
Comments: Cristoforo scored by driving hard to the net, stopping at the right moment, and making no mistake on a pass from behind the goal line. The play highlighted his ability to move his feet, get to high-danger scoring areas, and finish his chances. He shows strong offensive instincts, consistently putting himself in positions where he can get his shot off and create scoring opportunities. His skating and offensive awareness allow him to play both forward and defense, giving him value as a utility option. With his ability to jump into the play, read offensive situations, and contribute from multiple positions, he brings versatility and creativity whenever he’s on the ice.
Ethan Belchetz (LW, L, 6’5″, 227, Windsor Spitfires, 03/30/2008)
Game Rating
B
Ethan Belchetz is a physically imposing forward who brings a unique combination of power and skill to the ice. He excels at protecting pucks in tight spaces, using his size to advantage, and distributing the puck with purpose.
1 Viewing
Comments: Belchetz is a big, strong power forward who plays a physical game and has the skill to match. He finishes his checks in all three zones, leans on opponents, and doesn’t shy away from hard areas of the ice. On the game’s opening goal, he set the tone with an aggressive forecheck-stepping into a heavy hit before funneling the puck into the slot, where his linemates capitalized. The play was a clear example of what makes him effective. Despite his size, Belchetz shows notable finesse. He can make subtle slip plays, displays strong vision, and consistently works to the net-front, where he gets his stick on pucks and creates scoring chances.
Jack Nesbitt (C, L, 6’5″, 187, Windsor Spitfires, 01/12/2007)
Game Rating
B
Nesbitt’s ability to create scoring chances is rooted in his physical presence and playmaking skills. He excels at establishing a strong body position in front of the net, allowing him to absorb contact and maintain possession of the puck. His touch in tight spaces enables him to finish plays with precision, often resulting in second-chance opportunities. While his goal-scoring methods may not be flashy, they demonstrate an effective understanding of how to create scoring chances through hard work and determination.
1 Viewing
Comments: Nesbitt’s ability to create scoring chances is rooted in his physical presence and playmaking ability. He excels at establishing strong body position in front of the net, allowing him to absorb contact and maintain puck possession. His touch in tight spaces enables him to finish plays with precision, often generating second-chance opportunities around the net-front area. While his goals may not always be flashy, they reflect a strong understanding of how to create offense through hard work and determination. He struggled in the faceoff circle in this game, but that is not indicative of his overall ability.
Ethan Garden (C, L, 5’8″, 178, Windsor Spitfires, 04/13/2008)
Game Rating
B
Ethan Garden showcased his skillset with a notable first-period goal. His speed allowed him to quickly move towards the back post, capitalizing on an opportunity without having possession of the puck. He displayed impressive agility in getting to the net, using his quick feet to stay active despite being slightly smaller than his opponents. As he shot, Garden demonstrated his ability to remain focused and follow through with a strong finish.
1 Viewing
Comments: Garden scored the overtime winner by doing what he does best-moving his feet and getting to the hard areas, in this case the front of the net. The goal wasn’t pretty and may have gone in off his skate, but it perfectly reflected his game. He consistently pushes defenders back with his speed, both with and without the puck, and does a lot of the little things right, playing the game the right way. His work ethic is contagious, and he brings that same pace and compete level shift in and shift out.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images