Game played on 1/3/2025.
Devin Rustlie (G, L, 6’4″, 175, Cedar Rapids RoughRiders, 02/10/2006)
Grade: B+
Comments: Cedar Rapids: Devin Rustlie (2006) The new addition to the Roughriders the 2006 born goaltender uses his size at 6’4′ to his advantage with a wide butterfly that creates a nice seal of the ice and takes away space. His wide butterfly does create a great seal but at times can hinder movement and need to regain before additional movements. His shoulder checks and constant scans of the zone aids in identifying where threats are. The Wisconsin native uses a reverse well and is comfortable around his posts but favors this even as pucks climb in the zone or are no longer in behind the net or at an awkward angle. Static hands create a good balance of his weight, but shots to his hands and an active stick could reduce rebounds and second chance opportunities that saw him scrambling a few times. A solid foundation to his game for a young goaltender with some powerful movement and size that he uses to his advantage. Stopping 31 of 35 shots in this contest and surrendering four, making some solid saves and helping the Roughriders secure two points. Grade: B+
Max Weilandt (G, L, 6’5″, 190, Des Moines Buccaneers, 07/29/2005)
Grade: B
Comments: Des Moines: Max Weilandt (2005) The 2005 born Buccaneers goaltender relies on a more athletic play style that sees active hands and a confidence in the crease. His more athletic play style sees powerful movement but not as precise. At times this also sees his weight falling forward or backwards on second chance opportunities or while moving laterally. Making Weilandt a very first save oriented goaltender. Maintaining his feet, keeping his balance centered, and feet underneath him makes him successful. Seeming to struggle with pucks outside to his hands, as well as lateral movements are things to look for. Playing the puck well and turning his feet north behind the net aids his team in moving the puck north. A quick scoring third period saw some visual body language and frustration. A tough overtime loss at home that saw a few struggles for the Illinois native. Grade: B
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Images
