Game played on 11/01/2024.
Louka Cloutier (G, L, 6’2″, 168, Chicago Steel, 08/22/2006, Nebraska Omaha)
Grade: A-
Comments: The Colorado Avalanche draft pick has a calm and composed base to his game. Playing a deeper game in his crease made possible with a frame of almost 6’2′ tall to limit longer range movements. Struggling in this contest with rebound control and spitting pucks back into scoring areas even from his chest allowed the Gamblers to get more second chance opportunities. Setting his feet and centering his body on plays creates a foundation for success. A wide stance much of the time tends to pull his chest forward and reduce power, creating off balance instances. Comfortable in and around his posts the 2006 born goaltender seals the ice well and makes awkward angle opportunities and movement with ease and power. Making some big saves in this one on odd man rushes and breakaways kept the Steel up in this game. Scrambling and sprawling, when necessary, at times balance and stability could be improved to eliminate some of the instances where Cloutier ends up on his stomach and back. A good performance and earning the two points against Green Bay.
Gavin Moffatt (G, L, 6’0″, 170, Green Bay Gamblers, 04/16/2004)
Grade: B+
Comments: The backbone for the Gamblers Moffatt has smooth and powerful movement stemming from a solid foundation of fundamentals. With powerful and precise movement, the 2004 born goaltender centers his body on pucks and improves second opportunity mobility. To beat him on first chance opportunities you’ll have to deflect pucks or create screens and traffic to the net which Chicago was able to do in this one. Normally setting his feet on pucks is a strong suit, in this contest his feet tended to widen and reduce his mobility. An active stick and hands make controlling rebounds a strong suit and eliminating second chance efforts. Gaining depth when possible and necessary, the Michigan native recognizes and reads plays well enough to never be out of position or scrambling. Constant backside looks and scans aid in his depth control and tracking pucks well aid in controlling rebounds. Having a bit of a tough game but not giving up soft goals, we will see how Moffatt and the Gamblers respond moving forward.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images