Game played on 11/29/2024.
Luke Woodworth (C, R, 5’9″, 165, Drummondville Voltigeurs, 04/01/2004, Nebraska Omaha)
Grade: B
Comments: Luke is an NHL standard undersized forward at 5’9 and 163 pounds, but at the Major Junior level he is a 1st line offensive driving center man who has gained the trust of his coach and is used in all key situations in all areas of the ice. Luke is a supreme playmaker who serves as the premier offensive driver for the Drummondville team, showcasing exceptional skating skills, a great change of pace, and excellent on-ice vision. His superb passing ability allows him to consistently create opportunities for his teammates, and while he is primarily a pass-first player, he possesses a quick and dangerous snapshot that can catch goaltenders off guard when they anticipate a pass. While he is not overly physical, he does not shy away from making necessary hits, although there is room for improvement in his forechecking efforts. His puck skills are excellent, and he demonstrates a high hockey IQ by moving the puck quickly to teammates rather than overusing his skills. Notably, he has an uncanny ability to find his teammates’ tape in congested areas of the ice. Although not extremely physical in forechecking, he utilizes his quick first three steps and speed to close the gap on defenders, enabling him to steal pucks effectively. When he does secure the puck, he showcases his ability to transition quickly from defense to offense with sharp stop/start movements. Defensively, he is responsible in his own zone, making hard back-check efforts and maintaining low ice positioning to support his defensemen. However, his size can be a disadvantage, as he often gives up strength to larger forwards. One area for improvement lies in his defensive zone coverage, where he can become too puck-focused and lose sight of his assignment. Addressing this will be crucial as he progresses to the next level. Overall, [Player Name] shows great promise as a playmaker, particularly if he can continue to add muscle to his 5-foot-11 frame.
Sam Oliver (C, L, 5’11”, 190, Drummondville Voltigeurs, 07/04/2004, New Hampshire)
Grade: B
Comments: Sam is a left-shot center currently playing for Drummondville. Although he is undersized by NHL standards, he possesses a high level of skill and creativity that makes him a valuable offensive contributor. He is a solid skater with good edge control and impressive separation speed, allowing him to create space effectively in both offensive and defensive situations. His fluid skating mechanics enhance his overall agility, and he demonstrates a variety of cuts and spins that make him difficult to defend against while carrying the puck. As a highly skilled puck handler, Sam excels in creative playmaking and can make plays in tight spaces. As a goal scoring leader on his team his quick-release snapshot is particularly dangerous, consistently challenging goaltenders, while his strong one-timer showcases both velocity and accuracy, making him an asset on the power play. His exceptional puck skills and on-ice vision enable him to function effectively as a penetrating defenseman during power-play situations, orchestrating offensive plays that can turn the tide of a game. While Sam is adept at driving team offense, with a natural instinct for finding open spaces and creating scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates, there are areas that require improvement for him to succeed at the next level. His compete level is inconsistent; he often makes big circles away from the puck instead of engaging in the play, missing opportunities to win puck battles. He seems to rely too heavily on stick checking and angling rather than delivering solid physical hits, and in foot races, he tends to hesitate, prioritizing self-preservation over aggressive play. To enhance his game, Sam needs to elevate his intensity and engagement in puck battles and physical play. He should work on becoming more involved in physical confrontations, utilizing his skill set to win battles rather than avoiding them. Additionally, improving his positioning and anticipation away from the puck will help him develop into a more complete player. Overall, Sam possesses a unique skill set that allows him to contribute significantly to his team’s offense, especially on the power play. However, to reach the next level, he must enhance his compete level and physical play. With targeted development in these areas, he has the potential to become a valuable asset at higher levels of play. Continued development in these areas will be crucial for his future success.
Olivier Houde (LW, L, 6’1″, 180, Victoriaville Tigers, 01/02/2004)
Grade: B
Comments: Oliver is a highly active forward who consistently moves to create offensive opportunities and stays open for the puck. While his offensive zone movement is effective, increasing his pace could put more pressure on defenders and force them to adjust. He showcased strong puck control skills, handling a hard stretch pass off his backhand with ease and displaying excellent patience in the neutral zone to execute a well-placed backhand dump-in. Olivier is a difficult player to contend with, particularly in the neutral zone, where his positioning and puck movement disrupt opponents effectively. He demonstrated resilience and skill when skating the puck into the offensive zone, quickly recovering from being hauled down and executing a sharp cut to maintain possession. Olivier’s ability to evade defenders was on full display as he executed a fantastic hop around an opponent before being knocked down, yet he still managed to deliver a beautiful pass to his linemate. His combination of poise, puck control, and determination makes him a valuable asset on the ice.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images