We saw the Greyhounds take on the Guelph Storm in this tight checking affair. The Storm won in a shootout backed by some clutch goaltending from Nico Daws. Write-ups on the 2020 draft eligible players from the Greyhounds can be found below.
Soo Greyhounds Draft Eligible
9 Robert Calisti (was a factor, see report)
15 Alex Johnston (played, was not a factor)
17 Matthew Halushak (DNP)
21 Ryan O’Rourke (was a factor, see report)
23 Rory Kerins (was a factor, see report)
26 Jaromir Pytlik (was a factor, see report)
28 Kalvyn Watson (played, was not a factor)
71 Tanner Dickinson (played, was not a factor)
Ryan O’Rouke (4.75 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — A-) Defense
Ryan is an elite all round defender. The second year player is team captain for the Greyhounds and does it all. He plays a solid defensive game, moves pucks with authority, and plays in all key situations for his team. O’Rourke played a competitive game in his zone and maintained good defensive gap on all opponents. He is mobile and tough and was difficult to beat with his sturdy defensive play. Offensively, he engaged all game with good reads on the offensive blueline and was very effective in getting pucks through to the net area. He is an elite passer who starts the transition game for the Greyhounds and will join the rush in support of the attack. O’Rourke showed a good two way game late when the Greyhounds were down by a goal. He was able to engage in the attack appropriately and was rarely caught out of position on the defensive side of the puck as he continued to push for an equalizer late in the game. Game Grade: A-
Jaromir Pytlik (4.25 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — A-) Forward
Pytlik played an excellent 200 foot game and supported pucks well all over the ice. A lanky right shot center who continues to show a strong power game and ability to play with and without the puck. Pytlik was very effective late when the Greyhounds were pressing for an equalizer and set up the tying goal in the last minute with strong puck pursuit and corner work. He can play in all situations for the Greyhounds with his reliable two way game and attention to detail on the defensive side of the puck. He continued to show well in transition with play through the neutral zone with the puck. He carried pucks with confidence and was difficult to contain on the outside rush. A solid workhorse center who played a workman like game and was unlucky to not have more offensive output. He directed a number of pucks to the net in this game. Game Grade: B+
Robert Calisti (4.25 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade – C) Defense
Robert an offensive skating defender who is having a breakout season offensively for the Greyhounds. Calasti was passed over in his first year of draft eligibility but should get some consideration this season. In his second season he contributed 7 points in 59 games and has 47 points in 57 games this year. He skates so well with the puck and was particularly dominating late in the third and in overtime in 3 on 3 play. He had a number end to end rushes late and was snake bit around the net where he found teammates with open looks who did not finish. Defensively, he is strong vs the rush and gaps up well. He had a few breakdowns where he approached the opponent from the wrong position but was able to recover with his footspeed and compete around the net. Calisti was involved in both of the Greyhounds goals in this game and set up the game tying goal late with a great back door feed to an open forward. He managed pucks well on the powerplay. A strong skater in our view, Calisti may garner some interest if he can continue develop his defensive game. Game Grade: B+
Rory Kerins (4 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — C+) Forward
Kerins continues to be a Neutral Zone favorite with our viewings over the past 3 seasons. He is a creative centerman who plays a 200 foot game and is tenacious on the forecheck. His play on the Greyhounds first goal was excellent, where he sprung a breaking forward through the neutral with a slick pass into space – an excellent primary assist. He is a gamer and creates pace in tight checking situations with good first touches, hockey IQ, and good edge work. While we like his improvements in his overall skating and pace we feel he needs to develop in this area to be more of a threat off the rush. Most of Kerins’ offense in this game was through good hockey sense and his ability to find open teammates – improvements in his first step and foot speed will help him evolve into a front line prospect. Game Grade: C+
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images
Game Evaluation: Paul O’Hagan