Played on March 29. 2024
Maxim Masse (RW, R, 6’2″, 192, Chicoutimi Sagueneens, 04/07/2006)
Game Grade: B
Overall Impression: Maxim Masse is a highly skilled offensive winger with significant scoring potential shown thus far in his development. However, some concerns exist regarding his defensive awareness. Strengths: • Elite Hands and Puck Skills: Masse possesses excellent hand-eye coordination and displays a high level of puck control and This allows him to create scoring opportunities in tight spaces, whether finding a play to make or a shot to take. • Shooting Ability: He knows how to ‘bury a puck’ when given the chance. He has a good shot with good timing and accuracy and surprises goalies. • Opportunistic: Masse demonstrates a strong sense of hockey IQ and understands how to capitalize on openings on the offensive side of the puck. • Offensive Awareness: His ability to hit holes with good timing and position himself for scoring chances suggests a well-developed offensive awareness. Areas for Development: • Defensive Awareness: Masse tends to leave the zone early on offense, leaving his team shorthanded when they can’t get a stretch pass to him. He may need to work on his defensive positioning and overall defensive responsibility. • Skating: While not a glaring weakness, his lower body strength could be improved. Developing additional leg power could lead to increased speed and explosiveness, particularly in breakaway situations. In this game, we witnessed 3 opportunities where explosive skating would have earned a breakaway, but in these situations, he was unable to create separation. Projection: Masse’s offensive skillset projects him as a potential top-six winger at the professional level if he can find a way to improve his overall play. However, his defensive deficiencies will need to be addressed to maximize his impact. With focused development in his defensive zone awareness and skating, he could become a well-rounded offensive threat.
Thomas Desruisseaux (C, L, 5’11”, 162, Chicoutimi Sagueneens, 03/10/2006)
Game Grade: B+
I liked this left-handed centreman for his complete 200 foot game on this evening. A very good, defensive, IQ, knowing when to pull out of the offensive zone and cover for a defenseman. His effort on back checks was excellent, back into his zone with speed and intent to help his defenceman down low. the second leading score on his team, and his teams leading playmaker, Thomas has some real value as a scorer who can check or a checker who can score.
Loic Usereau (D, L, 6’0″, 178, Chicoutimi Sagueneens, 12/31/2004)
Game Grade: B+
Loic, born in late 2004, entered the 2005 draft but went unselected despite playing 53 games and recording 11 points that season. This year, however, he has emerged as an offensive force, exploding from 11 points to a team-leading 47 points among defensemen. On the ice, Loic exhibits the composure and awareness of a field general. He excels on the penalty kill, effectively disrupting plays with his active stick, quick movements, and strong puck clears. Offensively, his skating keeps him constantly engaged, allowing him to jump into plays and penetrate the opposition’s defenses when opportunities arise. A highly intelligent player with a quick and accurate passing ability, Loic rarely tries to overcomplicate situations.
Gabe Smith (C, L, 6’4″, 208, Moncton Wildcats, 08/03/2006)
Game Grade: B
Position: Center (played Left Wing)
Body Type: Big, strong forward with room for growth and refinement.
Overall Impression: This player is a raw but intriguing prospect with a skillset that should attract professional interest. His size, mobility, and willingness to battle for pucks make him a valuable asset on the ice.
Strengths: Mobility: Despite his size, he demonstrates good mobility when carrying the puck through the neutral zone. This allows him to use his strength to drive towards the net and create scoring opportunities. Forechecking: He displays a strong work ethic and forechecks with speed and effort. This disrupts plays and creates turnovers in the offensive zone. Net-Front Presence: He excels in positioning himself in high-danger areas like the corners and in front of the net. He uses his size effectively to battle for pucks and screen goaltenders. Puck Protection: He possesses a well-developed ability to use his body to shield the puck from defenders. This allows him to maintain possession in tight spaces and make plays. Puck Retrieval: He shows a knack for retrieving pucks in the offensive zone, creating additional scoring chances for himself and his linemates. Defensive Awareness: He gets into shooting lanes effectively and exits his own zone quickly during defensive zone coverage. Additionally, he demonstrates a willingness to block shots.
Areas for Development: Refinement: While he is a strong skater, there is room for improvement in his overall conditioning and agility. Offensive Awareness: While currently utilized in a third-line role, his puck protection and retrieval skills suggest he could play a more offensive role with further development in his decision-making and offensive instincts. Projection: This player has the potential to develop into a valuable power forward at the professional level. His combination of size, strength, and work ethic will translate well. With continued development in his skating, offensive awareness, and overall refinement, he could become a significant scoring threat.
Alex Mercier (C, R, 5’9″, 187, Moncton Wildcats, 09/22/2005)
Game Grade: B
Overall Impression: Alex is an undersized forward with a strong work ethic and a surprising skillset that compensates for his lack of height. His skating ability and tenacity make him a valuable offensive contributor despite his size.
Strengths: Elite Skater (Small Ice): Despite his stature, Alex exhibits exceptional skating ability, particularly in tight spaces. His great spin and evade tactics allow him to maintain puck possession and maneuver around defenders in the offensive zone. Offensive Creativity: Alex demonstrates a willingness to attack the net with the puck, using his agility and puck handling skills to create scoring chances. Net Front Presence: Even without the puck, Alex has no qualms about driving hard to the net. He creates distractions for the goaltender and provides deflection opportunities for teammates. Tenacity: He showcases a relentless work ethic and a ‘never back down’ attitude. He engages in battles for pucks in the corners, takes hits to maintain position, and actively pursues opponents to disrupt plays. Physicality: While not the biggest player, Alex utilizes his body effectively. He throws well-timed hits to separate opponents from the puck and establish himself in board battles.
Areas for Development: Size: While Alex compensates well with his skillset, adding some additional size and strength will only enhance his effectiveness, particularly in protecting the puck and winning battles along the boards. Defensive Awareness: Further development in his defensive positioning and overall defensive zone awareness could solidify his two-way game. Projection: As an undersized forward, Alex will need to continue to refine his skills and maximize his physical potential. However, his skating, creativity, and relentless work ethic project him as a potential impact bottom-six forward at the professional level. He has the ability to become a valuable penalty killer and a key contributor on the forecheck with his aggressive style of play. Recommendation: Alex is a sleeper prospect with intriguing upside. He warrants close attention from scouts due to his unique skillset and competitive spirit.
Miles Muller (LW, L, 6’0″, 194, Moncton Wildcats, 12/19/2004)
Game Grade: B
Performance: This late 2004 birthday forward put on a strong showing today. Strengths: Elite Skating: His speed is a clear asset. He displays above average acceleration and maintains that speed throughout his shifts. This translates to effective forechecking and a relentless attacking style in the offensive zone. Tireless Energy: He demonstrates a truly exceptional energy level on both offense and defense. This allows him to maintain high pressure throughout the game and contribute significantly in all situations. Sharp Edges: His excellent edgework enables him to play a ‘small ice game’ in tight spaces. He can quickly change direction and maneuver effectively in close quarters, making him difficult for opponents to contain. Explosive First Steps: He boasts very good first three-step quickness. This explosiveness allows him to gain separation from defenders and create scoring opportunities. High Pace: He plays the game with a fast, aggressive pace. This will be a significant advantage as he transitions to higher levels of competition.
Overall: This late birthday 2004 forward is a highly skilled player with a bright future. His combination of speed, energy, and agility makes him a threat on both ends of the ice. His ability to play a ‘small ice game’ and his explosive first steps will be valuable assets at the next level. His high-pace style of play suggests a smooth adjustment to more competitive environments.
Caleb Desnoyers (C, L, 6’1″, 172, Moncton Wildcats, 04/11/2007)
Game Grade: B
Overall Impression: Caleb is a well-rounded center with a strong two-way game. His size, skating ability, and offensive creativity make him a valuable asset on the ice.
Strengths: • Skating: Caleb possesses a long, powerful stride that grants him good speed and allows him to effectively transition up and down the ice. • Two-Way Play: He demonstrates a consistent work ethic on both offense and defense. He actively supports his defensemen in battles along the boards in his own zone. • Offensive Awareness: Caleb showcases the ability to be both a scorer and a playmaker. During this game, he displayed excellent vision and passing skills by making a backhand drop pass that created a high-quality scoring chance for a teammate. • Puck Handling: He handles the puck in the offensive zone with confidence and shows good control. • Shooting: He possesses a very good drag-and-shoot move that can freeze defenders and create scoring opportunities.
Projection: Caleb has the potential to develop into a reliable two-way center at the professional level. His size, skating, and offensive skillset will translate well. With continued development in specific areas (as noted above), he could become a valuable contributor in all situations.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images
Scout: Marlin Muylaert