Played on Feb 1, 2025
United States Hockey League
Game Played in Viaero Events Center
Jack Parsons (G, L, 6’3″, 194, Chicago Steel, 01/15/2006, Providence)
Game Rating
A-
John Parsons displays strong fundamentals as a goaltender, tracking pucks well to control second chance opportunities. He excels in his upright stance, feet positioned underneath him, which helps him stay stable and focused on the game. Comfortable playing from various angles, including awkward positions, Parsons effectively uses his reverse and overlap techniques. However, he can struggle with pucks moving laterally across the crease, as his body tends to fall forward, creating openings. Despite this, Parsons demonstrates solid ability to track upper-body shots and corral pucks nicely. His calm demeanor allows him to remain composed in the crease, making smart plays and gaining depth when necessary. While he may not be immune to shoulder checks, Parsons’ consistency is improving as the season progresses.
1 Viewing
Comments: The Cortland New York native relies on a strong set of fundamentals and an excellent tracking ability to round out his game. The Steel goaltender moves with power and is precise centering his body on pucks and setting his feet. The only times he finds himself in trouble is when his stance widens, and he starts to scramble/ lose his balance in his upper body. Controlling rebounds effectively and eliminating second chance opportunities allowed him to control the play in his zone. A more active stick to elevate pucks could be beneficial but the placement off his pads was enough in this contest. Comfortable around awkward angles and able to use an overlap, reverse, as well as maintaining his feet keeps him mobile. The Providence college commit stopped all but two of thirty-two shots in this contest helping Chicago to a 5-2 victory. Grade: A-
Erick Roest (G, L, 6’0″, 180, Cowichan Valley Capitals, 10/26/2004, Cornell)
Game Rating
B-
Erick Roest’s hockey skills are evident in his powerful movement between the pipes, which is enhanced by his athleticism. However, his ability to adjust his body position and stay balanced can be hindered at times due to issues with foot positioning and hip alignment. When his feet narrow or hips drop, it affects his overall balance and puck handling. Roest demonstrates excellent comfort in his own crease, using a reverse effectively to create a seal and move out of tight spaces. He tracks pucks well, visually scanning the zone and taking shoulder checks to aid his movement. As he gains depth and size, he becomes more effective at controlling angles and making saves. While Roest’s puck handling can be inconsistent, particularly when dealing with shots low to his hands, he shows promise in other areas of his game. With refinement, he has the potential to become a solid goaltender.
1 Viewing
Comments: The Cornell University commit relies on his athleticism and powerful movement to center his body on plays and make saves. His movement Is very powerful and capable of beating plays on his feet, a lack of precision and setting his feet allows his stance to widen and hips to drop causing movement issues. Making use of his size at just about six foot tall the Canadian uses depth to reduce angles but increases the frequency of larger cross crease movements. A nice seal of the ice when pucks are down low makes post movement and awkward angles comfortable for him with an emphasis on his back foot regain to remain compact. The lack of controlling rebounds may attribute to some struggles tracking pucks and resulted in some scrambling situations. Some backside looks and scans of the ice aid in his reading plays and could benefit his movement. Giving up four on 25 shots Roest and the Storm take the loss at home. Grade: B- (Roest has since moved on to the Cowichan Valley Capitals in the BCHL).
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images