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USHL: Chicago at Green Bay

Game played 11/27/2024.

General Game Notes: November 27, 2024 – USHL action between the Green Bay Gamblers and the Chicago Steel. The home team was in control of this one right from puck drop. 17 saves from Gavin Moffat led the way, as Green Bay took the game by a final score of 5-1.

Kolin Sisson (RW, R, 5’9″, 172, Chicago Steel, 09/30/2006, Providence)

Grade: B+

Comments: Sisson had been one of the more noticeable players on the ice before his ejection in the second period for a hit to the head. He brought a lot of energy, using his speed to create chances by driving wide on defenders and consistently get to the net. He was able to gain separation with his explosiveness and get the puck toward the net, creating offensive opportunities for himself and his team. He also showed solid defensive awareness, particularly with his back-checking. Sisson chased down plays from the offensive zone to the defensive zone and put in the effort to break up chances before they became dangerous.

Ashton Schultz (RW, R, 5’11”, 180, Chicago Steel, 10/03/2006, North Dakota)

Grade: B

Comments: Schultz scored the Steel’s only goal with a perfectly timed and well-executed play. As the puck cycled through the offensive zone during 5-on-5 play, Schultz made a smart move to the back door, positioning himself just out of the defenseman’s sight. He was low enough to be in prime position to receive a seam pass, and once he did, he wasted no time—one-timing the puck top shelf past the outstretched goaltender. What really stood out about the goal was Schultz’s ability to read the play and be in the right spot at the right time. His timing was impeccable, and the way he fired the shot was impressive, showcasing a professional-level release with pinpoint accuracy. It was a quick, confident strike that left the goalie with no chance

Tim Kazda (RW, R, 6’0″, 177, Chicago Steel, 10/04/2008)

Grade: C+

Comments: Kazda had some strong shifts where he really showcased his offensive instincts. He wasn’t hesitant to attack the middle of the ice and get a shot off while rushing the puck. His quick release and the power behind his shots were notable, making him a constant threat when he had the puck in motion. On top of that, he wasn’t afraid to get his hands dirty in the corners. Kazda showed a good amount of grit, jumping into the wall battles and competing hard for possession.

Noah Lapointe (D, L, 6’0″, 200, Chicago Steel, 06/05/2006, Arizona State)

Grade: B+

Comments: Lapointe had a strong all-around game, contributing both offensively and defensively. Defensively, he was effective at using his speed to close down opponents in the neutral zone. He didn’t backpedal too quickly, instead taking a more proactive approach to disrupt plays before they developed. His active stick was also a key asset, breaking up passing lanes and creating turnovers. When the situation called for it, he didn’t hesitate to bring a physical edge, making sure to assert himself in those tight, battle-heavy areas. Offensively, Lapointe wasn’t afraid to take chances. He showed confidence in pinching at the blue line to keep plays alive, keeping the pressure on the opposing defense and creating offensive opportunities. His most impressive play came on the Steel’s only goal, when he made a beautiful tape-to-tape back-door pass that was perfectly placed. The goal itself was well-executed, but it was Lapointe’s vision and skill on that pass that truly stood out.

Tobias Ohman (C, L, 5’7″, 154, Chicago Steel, 01/12/2006)

Grade: B-

Comments: Ohman, despite being a smaller forward, has excellent puck control and the ability to make smart decisions with the puck. He’s patient, holding onto the puck long enough to make the right play, whether it’s finding a teammate or setting up an offensive opportunity. His vision and passing ability are solid, and he has a knack for creating offense, often driving from the outside toward the inside to open up lanes or get shots on net. At times, he can find himself a bit on the perimeter, but even then, he still contributes by using his skill to maintain possession and create chances.

Owen Tylec (C, L, 5’11”, 175, Chicago Steel, 10/16/2006, Notre Dame)

Grade: B

Comments: Tylec was a constant threat whenever he entered the offensive zone, always looking to create high-quality scoring chances. He used his speed effectively, whether it was driving wide to the net or cutting down the walls to create space for himself and his teammates. His ability to utilize his edges and make quick turns allowed him to maintain possession and find passing lanes, setting up opportunities in tight areas. What really stood out about his play was his patience and hockey sense. Tylec didn’t force plays or throw pucks away recklessly. Instead, he waited for the right moment to strike, always keeping his head up and looking for the best option, whether it was taking the shot himself or finding a teammate in a better position. Despite the Steel’s struggles to generate offense on the night, Tylec was one of the players who had legitimate chances to get on the score sheet, showcasing his ability to make an impact even when goals were hard to come by.

Gavin Moffatt (G, L, 6’0″, 170, Green Bay Gamblers, 04/16/2004)

Grade: B

Comments: Moffatt was a key factor in keeping the game scoreless early on, making some critical saves to set the tone. He was especially sharp on a few odd-man rushes in the first period, where he came out aggressively, challenging shooters and forcing them into less dangerous opportunities. His positioning on top of the blue paint made it tough for the Steel to get clean shots off, and he read the plays well, either smothering the initial shots or quickly reacting to the rebound. As a slightly undersized goalie, Moffatt’s success relies heavily on his ability to read the game, his quick reactions, and his determination to battle in net.

Cruz Martin (RW, R, 5’10”, 162, Green Bay Gamblers, 12/07/2007)

Grade: B

Comments: Martin opened the scoring with a well-executed play that showcased both his offensive awareness and his ability to get to the right spots. He helped establish a solid cycle with his linemates, keeping the puck alive and maintaining pressure in the offensive zone. As the play developed, Martin made a strong, determined drive to the net, positioning himself perfectly between the hash marks. His timing was spot-on as he deflected a point shot past the goalie, displaying impressive hand-eye coordination. For a young player, Martin’s ability to get to the hard areas of the ice and his natural nose for the net are encouraging signs as he shows plenty of upside.

Geno Carcone (LW, L, 5’9″, 187, Green Bay Gamblers, 11/14/2006, New Hampshire)

Grade: B+

Comments: Carcone is a playmaker through and through, consistently orchestrating offense whenever he’s on the ice. Whether it’s 5-on-5 or on the power play, he’s a key catalyst for generating scoring chances. One of his standout traits is his poise with the puck—he has an exceptional ability to hold onto it just long enough to draw defenders toward him, creating space for himself or his teammates. He never seems rushed, always making the right play at the right moment. A perfect example of his playmaking came on the power play, where he collected the puck along the goal line. With great composure, he spun off his defenders and fired a perfect back-door pass. His teammate only needed to tap it in, but it was Carcone’s vision and precision that made the play happen. It was one of those plays where he made the game look effortless, using his skill to create a high-quality chance.

Aidan Park (C, R, 6’1″, 188, Green Bay Gamblers, 01/06/2006, Michigan)

Grade: B

Comments: Park is a player with a high skill set who thrives in one-on-one situations, never shying away from challenging defenders. His rangy frame and long reach allow him to protect the puck and maneuver it effectively, often using his ability to curl and drag pucks toward the net. When he’s on the attack, he’s confident enough to make the extra move, buying himself more time and space to get a better look at the net or find an open teammate. He’s a dual threat in the offensive zone, capable of both shooting and passing with equal effectiveness. Whether he’s creating a scoring chance for himself or setting up a teammate, his vision and skill allow him to be dangerous in a variety of situations.

William Samuelsson (C, L, 6’0″, 185, Green Bay Gamblers, 09/27/2005)

Grade: B

Comments: Samuelsson plays a hard-nosed, physical game that sets the tone for his team. He’s not the biggest player, but he plays with a power-forward mentality, using his strength to lean on defenders and create space for himself in key areas. Whether he has the puck or not, he’s always working to get to the front of the net or into other high-danger scoring positions, often using his body to establish position and make plays. His versatility really shone through in the third period when he scored from the bumper on the power play. He was in perfect position to hammer home a one-timer, showing both his skill and his ability to execute in tight, high-pressure situations.

Will Zellers (LW, L, 5’11”, 170, Green Bay Gamblers, 04/04/2006, North Dakota)

Grade: B-

Comments: Zellers is a natural finisher, the kind of player who consistently finds himself in the right place at the right time. He’s not necessarily flashy, but he has an innate ability to get to the areas where goals are scored—whether it’s around the crease, in the high slot, or sneaking into open space. The puck just seems to find him, and when it does, he rarely makes misses. He has a quick release and a heavy shot contributing to his knack for scoring as was exemplified on the PP where he hammered home a back-door pass. One thing that stood out at the end of the game for the Gamblers was Zellers ability to get in shot lanes and commit to playing defense when it mattered.

Anthony Cardilli (LW, L, 6’3″, 200, Green Bay Gamblers, 10/13/2005, St. Cloud)

Grade: B+

Comments: Cardilli is a well-rounded forward who brings a potent mix of speed, size, and skill to the ice. He’s effective in all situations, contributing defensively by blocking shots and helping out in his own end. But it’s on the offensive side where he really stands out. His speed allows him to create quick transition plays, constantly pushing the pace and generating opportunities for his team. Whether it’s in 5-on-5 play or on the rush, he’s a threat to attack the net. One of the highlights of his game came on a breakaway, where he showcased his skill with a quick release shot that went top shelf, cleanly beating the goaltender. It was a perfectly executed play that demonstrated his ability to finish in tight situations. Beyond his individual skill, Cardilli’s presence on the ice at the end of tight games speaks to his importance. The fact that he’s trusted in those high-leverage moments is a strong indicator of his value as one of the team’s best players.

Vasili Zelenov (LW, L, 6’0″, 180, Green Bay Gamblers, 02/02/2006)

Grade: C+

Comments: Zelenov showed some impressive skill off the rush, using his speed and vision to create opportunities for himself and his teammates. He was able to navigate through defenders and get pucks on net, often using the defenders as screens to make it harder for the goalie to track the shot. Additionally, he was on the ice at the end of the game in a tight contest to secure the win, which shows his ability to block shots; ultimately leading to the empty net goal.

Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images

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