Game played on 12/6/2024.
Louka Cloutier (G, L, 6’2″, 168, Chicago Steel, 08/22/2006, Northeastern)
Grade: B+
Comments: Chicago: Louka Cloutier (2006) The Northeastern Commit and Colorado draft pick moves with power and emits confidence in the crease. A widening stance tends to sink his hips and pull his chest forward and hinders his movement. A tendency to leave his feet on cross crease plays allows him to create a god seal along the ice but reduces mobility and precision. Active hands and well positioned stick allow for rebound control to eliminate second chance opportunities. After giving up early goals he showed good poise to settle in and make some big saves to keep the Steel in this one. Constant angle adjustment and resetting his feet ensures he is centered on pucks and feet are set for first chances. Coming up short in this one but some positives for the 2006 born goaltender.
Ajay White (G, L, 6’3″, 205, Madison Capitols, 05/27/2006, St. Thomas)
Grade: B+
Comments: Madison: Ajay White (2006) The Capitols goaltender plays a calm game that doesn’t see any wasted movement or stray outside of his crease. His body gets squared on pucks, but his feet tend to not set or set late as his movement lacks power. Doing a good job of regaining his back leg and keeping a more condensed stance an improvement from earlier in the season aids in some larger movements. Choosing to use his butterfly more often than regaining his feet ensure a clean seal of the ice but limits mobility. Rebounds were controlled well but pucks to his hands bounced off occasionally, and a more active stick could aid elevation of pucks. Very active and moving hands could lead to some of the rebounds, more static and calm hands could aid in better movement. Overall, a good performance stopping 21-23 in the 5-2 win at home.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images