Rayan Bettahar

U18 World Championships: Team Germany vs Team Czechia, April 23, 2022: In the 4-2 loss to Czechia Bettahar played a team high 22:59 in TOI, including 1:39 while on the power play and 1:12 while short handed. The first thing we noticed about him was his powerful build and thick frame. The second thing we noticed was a nimble footed reverse escape in the neutral zone to evade pressure. We also likes his ability to handle poor passes, especially the quick stick he showed while presenting a forehand target and a teammate fire rocket to his backhand. But when it came right down to it we loved the fact the when he made body contact he did it with the intent of knocking his opponent on their back. He finished with a game high 6 hits and in all honesty each of them were kill shots. Bettahar is 100% worth your time and effort if you are an NHL organization.

WHL: Prince Albert Raiders vs Swift Current, November 19, 2021: This was my first time seeing Bettahar play and I was really pleased with his overall abilities. The first-year WHLer showed more poise and patience than anyone on the ice. He is a very strong skating defenseman with high level agility and footwork. His escapes from forecheckers were superior to anyone on either team. He made quick fakes and spun away, used the net, or simply his quick feet to break the puck up ice. His passing was terrific, however his poise may catch up with him against a stronger forechecking team. He did hold on to the puck a few times waiting for lanes to open up, and when they did he delivered strong passes. He may need to be more decisive in his deliveries. Defensively he is relies heavily on his skating ability – where he could be more efficient with better positioning. He did get caught on the wrong side of a few players in the corner and in front of the net. On the offensive blue line he is quite effective. He maneuvers himself and the puck very effectively allowing opportunities to get the puck and deliver it on net. On top of that he made some nice reads in keeping plays alive through great board work. In the neutral zone he showed he has some nice anticipation in quickly jumping into lanes and intercepting passes. We’ll be watching Rayan closely over the season. Grade B- (Evaluation: Brant Kersey)