Sioux Falls wrapped up their weekend series on Saturday night with a high paced and entertaining game vs Sioux City. The game was back and forth until the Stampede scored 2 power play goals in the 2nd period taking a 2-0 lead into the final frame. The Musketeers made a late push to cut the lead to 2-1 and then cashed in on a late goal to tie the game 2-2 in the 3rd period. A back and forth 3 on 3 overtime brought a lot of excitement until AJ Hodges sealed the deal with a goal on a great line rush while cutting to the net hard.
Evan Nause (4 Star Amateur Prospect, 2021 NHL Grade — B+) Defense
Evan was more than impressive tonight as he was in our opinion the best defenseman on the ice as a 16-year-old. He has some size and elite skating ability which made the game look easy to him. You rarely see a defenseman as young as him run a #1 power play unit in the USHL, which can be an older league. His head was up and he showed a great understanding for the game by playing with his partner very well. His feet along with sense made it easy for him to escape the fore check and then make a tape to tape pass up ice. Evan has all the tools and looks to be a sure fire NHL pick in the 2021 Draft and is a name you could hear in the top 2 rounds. GAME LINE: 0-2-2 (2 SOG) GAME GRADE: A
Raimonds Vitolins (4 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — C) Forward
Raimonds is turning some heads with his quick adjustment and production in the USHL. He scored another goal tonight and now has a line of 5-2-7 in just 8 games played for Sioux Falls. The right handed goal scorer showed he can shoot the puck off the pass and was a constant threat on the power play. The puck jumped off is stick with velocity towards the opposing net minder. His quick stick and ability to shoot the puck was very noticeable in the offensive zone. There was no panic to his game with the puck on his stick and he made things happen. As he continues to produce and improve his all-around game, scouts will be scrambling late in the season to get more views of him before the draft. GAME LINE: 1-0-1 (2 SOG) GAME GRADE: B+
Cameron MacDonald (4.5 Star Amateur Rating, 2021 NHL Grade — B+)Forward
Cameron is not eligible for the NHL Draft until 2021. He is a big bodied center that can skate north and south. After a slow start to the season, he is starting to pick up his production and take on a lot of responsibility in terms of being a 16-year-old playing down the middle. Below the dots he was able to protect pucks and use his body to relieve pressure. He can handle the puck and has some skill. His playing time got cut down late due to a close game and his team fighting for a playoff spot. As his confidence gets ramped up late this season or next fall, he should be a prospect that we continue write about for the 2021 Draft. GAME LINE: 0-0-0 (0 SOG) GAME GRADE: C+
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images
Game Evaluation: Lenny Hofmann