Game played on 11/29/2024.
Hugo Marcil (D, R, 5’9″, 185, Sherbrooke Phoenix, 08/07/2004)
Grade: B
Comments: Hugo is a capable defensive defenseman with strong fundamentals, including excellent defensive positioning and quick turns with the puck. He demonstrated good awareness and aggressiveness by stepping up effectively to hold the puck in deep. However, his decision-making under pressure needs improvement, as evidenced by a costly rushed pass at the offensive blue line that led to a turnover. Additionally, Hugo took an untimely and unnecessary cross-checking penalty in a tight game, highlighting the need for better discipline. Offensively, he showed a tendency to force plays, opting to take a low-percentage shot into a defender’s shin pad instead of exploiting a clear backdoor passing lane. While Hugo has solid defensive instincts and tools, refining his puck management and decision-making will be crucial to maximizing his potential.
Hugo Primeau (C, L, 5’11”, 180, Sherbrooke Phoenix, 02/06/2004)
Grade: B
Comments: Hugo Primeau is a forward with a quick and effective snapshot, showcasing a hard release that makes him a threat in shooting situations. He plays a smart, efficient game in the neutral zone, moving the puck quickly to the right spots and creating opportunities for his team. On the penalty kill, Hugo demonstrates strong awareness, getting to the point man swiftly to help disrupt the power play. He’s effective at sending hard, low shots on net to generate rebounds, consistently working hard to locate loose pucks and battling in front of the net. His tenacity was evident when he tipped in a pass with excellent positioning. Overall, Hugo controls the play when he’s on the ice, contributing in all areas and making a significant impact with his work ethic and hockey IQ.
Donovan Arsenault (RW, R, 6’2″, 200, Val d’Or Foreurs, 06/18/2004)
Grade: B
Donovan brings strong defensive pressure, consistently forcing opponents into poor decisions that lead to turnovers and quick transitions the other way. While his puck skills are not elite, he effectively uses his size to push through defenders and create opportunities. Donovan’s phenomenal acceleration stands out, particularly when he pokes the puck past a defenseman and explodes down the ice, though his lack of finishing ability limits his impact on breakaways. He excels when moving north-south, showcasing impressive bursts of speed, but he slows down significantly when required to move laterally. However, his intensity can get the better of him, as seen in an undisciplined penalty following a puck loss.
Noah Reinhart (RW, R, 6’1″, 202, Val d’Or Foreurs, 05/09/2005)
Grade: B
Noah is a hard-working forward who isn’t afraid to battle for pucks and absorb contact to get the play into the offensive zone. He showcased his playmaking abilities with a fantastic cross-ice pass to create an odd-man rush, and his strong start-stop movement, combined with quick turns, allows him to open up space for hard, accurate shots on net. Noah’s persistence was on full display when he didn’t quit on a play in front of the net, capitalizing on his own rebound to score. While he demonstrated excellent effort to win pucks, he struggled to find the extra gear needed to consistently create separation. His heavy shot is a significant asset, as seen on a big power-play goal where he ripped a laser-beam one-timer, followed by an impressive shift where he walked in and wired a wrist shot over the goalie’s glove to make it 4-3. Noah would benefit from a more intentional approach on the forecheck, as he can sometimes enter battles too lightly, and improving his readiness in key situations, such as missing a return pass on a 3-on-1, would help maximize his offensive contributions
William-Charles Bishop (D, L, 6’1″, 205, Val d’Or Foreurs, 04/20/2004)
Grade: B
Comments: William is a 6-foot, 200-pound left-shooting defenseman, which places him slightly below average size for the National Hockey League, but he compensates with his agile skating and strong transition game. He demonstrates the ability to seamlessly transition from defense to offense while keeping his head up, allowing him to make effective transition passes. His impressive edge work aids him in puck retrieval, enabling him to evade checking pressure and maintain possession. Defensively, William is aware of his positioning, consistently maintaining box-out techniques, and when engaging opponents along the boards, he combines physicality with containment, allowing his teammates extra time to retrieve the puck. As a first-pass defenseman, he excels at moving the puck quickly around the net with his head up, effectively finding teammates in transition. On the offensive blue line, he keeps his feet moving, which enables him to quickly pinch down the boards to keep plays alive or penetrate into the offensive zone to provide support. William also contributes to his team’s power play, showcasing his skills as a good distributor and utilizing a quick snapshot to get pucks through defenders and towards the net. Overall, his combination of agility, awareness, and puck-moving ability makes him a valuable asset on both ends of the ice.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images