Rosemont High School vs Andover High School (12/26/19)
A much anticipated game by Minnesota High School Hockey fans was finally played to open the “Tradition at the Park” holiday tournament. It was a clash of two top 5 ranked AA teams competing in a possible State Tournament preview. For NHL scouts it was a can’t miss game as it displayed the top 2 NHL draft able defensive prospects out of the state of Minnesota. Both Jake Ratzlaff (Rosemount HS) and Wyatt Kaiser (Andover HS) competed last Summer for Team USA in the Hlinka Gretzy Cup. The game was back and forth and everything we expected from these top teams. It was a seesaw battle that left Rosemount with the lead down the stretch. Andover made up of a great group of Seniors wasn’t to be denied as they scored two goals late and came away with the 5-4 win.
Wyatt Kaiser (4.25 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — C+) Defense
Wyatt logged a ton of quality minutes for his team. He has gotten much stronger over the past 2 seasons and has found himself as an NHL prospect. His game has really matured from an offensive defenseman to a highly reliable two-way defender. Such a strong skater which can make the game easy for him at times. The most impressive part about his game is that he will defend well and then pick his spots to be offensive. He let the game come to him and didn’t press offensively. His play with his partner was strong and he read plays in front of him very well. Make no mistake, he is a strong two-way defender but he can also run the power play and hurt teams there. His sense and puck skills make him a duel threat on the power play to distribute the puck or fire it from the point. For our money, the best NHL prospect on the blue line in the state this season. NHL GAME GRADE: C+ (4th -5th Round Pick)
Jake Ratzlaff (4.5 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — C) Defense
After playing with team USA in the Ivan Hlinka tournament last summer, Jake has been identified as a possible NHL Draft pick. A 3 sport athlete with other options has left people wondering which sport he may choose. He is a standout Football player garnishing Division 1 attention. Currently he is committed to the University of Minnesota for hockey. In terms of his game he is a throwback defensive defenseman who has length and athleticism. Long reach and the willingness to play physical makes him very difficult to play against. He is unique in that he doesn’t have the offensive skills that other defenders have these days and seems to enjoy defending and getting the puck out of his end quickly. He was able to find the net as he can shoot the puck from the blue line. The question with him for NHL scouts going forward will be if he will grow his game if deciding to play hockey full time and focusing all his attention to the game. NHL GAME GRADE: C (6th -7th Round Pick)
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images