February 16, 2024
Zach Pelletier (G, L, 6’3″, 178, Gatineau Olympiques, 07/02/2006)
Game Grade: A-
Comments: Pelletier has a tremendous foundation in which to build, the corrections in his style of play are all minor adjustments, he moves very well in the blue paint, he’s deep at times and needs to telescope out to challenge more, his lateral movement is spot on, It will get quicker and sharper when he continues to mature and get stronger, I would like to see his glove a little bit higher when he’s down in the butterfly, but this kid is a battler, he’s relentless in there, plays the puck well and looks comfortable handling in and makes smart concise plays. Pelletier has all the makings of a solid pro netminder, he’s a perfect example, if people get hung up on analytics or statistics rather than the eye test, he can tend goal very well, he’s athletic, incredibly technically sound and he battles, A- Rating
Jeremie Dumas (D, L, 6’3″, 194, Gatineau Olympiques, 03/09/2005)
Game Grade: B-
Comments: Had a solid game vs Wildcats, great puck skills in open ice and isn’t scared to handle the puck in transition, solid first pass, strong forward skater, needs to refine his pivots and agility and play with more jam in certain situations, solid gap control and reads the play well, at this point he needs to play with more grit and nasty in his own zone, also needs to make sure he doesn’t get beat to the outside in one on one scenarios, which points to his need to refine his pivots and agility, Dumas Larouche is a solid two-zone D man at the junior level and could project to be a depth 6-7 at the next level, if he continues to address certain aspects of his game. B- rating
Jan Golicic (D, L, 6’5″, 188, Gatineau Olympiques, 06/30/2006)
Game Grade: A-
Comments: This kid can flat out skate, at his size this kid looks like he could be a solid two-and-a-half zone D-man at the pro level, but at times he lacks the physicality and jam needed to be a key contributor at that level. Golicic might need more time to gain more confidence in that area in the league, but has a tremendous foundation in which to build, he skates extremely well, processes the game at a high level, has solid gap control and a very active stick, but lacks urgency and grit to his game when closing in on opponents in his own zone, and in 1-1 battles in the dirty areas of the d-zone, here’s another perfect example of a player that might not garner attention this year for the draft, because of the lack of physicality to his game, but if that element appears in his game, he could definitely jump up NHL draft boards at the end of this year or next. Tons of potential with this player, just needs time to figure things out physically when it comes to the position, if grit and nasty appears look out, could be a solid under the radar selection. A – Rating
Jeremie Minville (LW, L, 6’0″, 183, Gatineau Olympiques, 04/08/2004)
Game Grade: B+
Comments: Dynamic player who’s finding his offensive touch, skates incredibly well and really drives offensive opportunities when the puck is on his stick, I thought he had a solid outing vs the Wildcats, at times needed to get to the middle even more to generate time and space, there’s no question this kid is engaged and willing to battle and earn it, but that needs to be appear more consistently, Obviously, that consistency has drastically increased given his offensive output this season, but I found last night he did lack some execution or polish to his style of play in some battles in all three zones. You have to give full credit to this kid for being a key contributor and elevating his offensive game and attributes, but he will need to get stronger and a touch quicker to ensure he’s more successful in puck battles at the next level, B+ Rating
Gabe Smith (C, L, 6’4″, 208, Moncton Wildcats, 08/03/2006)
Game Grade: A
Comments: Smith was outstanding vs Gatineau, he’s gaining more and more confidence with the puck on his stick, he skates incredibly well for his size, but it’s his compete level away from the puck that continues to jump off the page, the intangibles Smith possesses are no doubt adds to his already outstanding foundation of skill, if pucks get turned over Smith backchecks with the same vigor and enthusiasm that he has in offensive opportunities, Smith is gaining a lot of traction right now amongst NHL scouts, I have seen this kids progression since he was 15, he ceiling is unlimited, Smith understands his value and identity, he’s not trying to do too much, he has excellent offensive skills, but will do just about anything it takes to contribute to team success, he’s as tough as nails and doesn’t back down from anything or anyone, A Rating
Adam Fortier-Gendron (D, L, 5’10”, 203, Moncton Wildcats, 01/21/2006)
Game Grade: B-
Comments: Fortier-Gendron has been trending in the right direction after a very slow start to the season, This kid is coming off a tremendous rookie campaign, but came into the season struggling to regain similar aspects of his game that made him a highly effective two and a half zone d-man as a 16 yr old. When he’s on his game he makes all of the subtle plays in all three zones, his skating is good enough to play at the next level when he’s firing on all cylinders. Not sure if the off-season goal was to put on some muscle, but that effort effected his overall game, It does appear that Fortier-Gendron has slimmed out and looks leaner than at the beginning of the season, he’s regaining his agility and explosiveness to his game, he engages in battles, has a great stick and defends very well, he has solid gap control, This kid could be fly under the radar late round pick based on him reaching his full potential B – Rating
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images
Scout: Craig Eagles