Game played on 10/12/2024.
General Game Notes: In a tight USHL matchup, the Omaha Lancers earned a 2-0 shutout victory over the Chicago Steel on October 12, 2024. Both teams saw excellent performances from their goaltenders, with Kam Hendrickson leading the way for Omaha, stopping every shot to secure the win. The Lancers’ defense was key, consistently limiting Chicago’s chances and protecting their lead, while the Steel struggled to break through Omaha’s structure. Despite Chicago’s efforts, Omaha’s timely goals and disciplined defensive play made the difference in this evenly contested game. Scout: Mike Garteig
Jack Parsons (G, L, 6’3″, 194, Chicago Steel, 01/15/2006, Providence)
Grade: A-
Comments: Parsons showcases all the traits of a top-notch goaltender, including size, speed, and athleticism. His strong skating enables him to get into position early, ensuring he remains square to shooters. He actively reacts to pucks instead of merely absorbing them, which helps him control rebounds and limit second-chance opportunities. At times, he makes challenging saves look effortless, highlighting his composure and keen ability to read plays. A prime example of his skill was displayed in the first period during a penalty kill, where he stopped the initial shot, quickly tracked the loose puck, and spread across the net to make a second save with calm precision. In this game, he allowed just one goal, giving his team a solid chance to secure a win and further underscoring his potential as a standout goaltender.
Chris Reiniger (D, R, 5’8″, 168, Chicago Steel, 03/27/2006, Princeton)
Grade: B+
Comments: Reiniger displayed his offensive flair, particularly on the power play, despite the Steel being held scoreless in the game. He demonstrated strong awareness on the blue line, consistently making smart offensive plays. His puck patience was notable; instead of retreating, he held onto the puck and moved closer to the net. He looked for back-door plays that, while not connecting, highlighted his vision and awareness. As a smaller defender, he effectively used his speed, shiftiness, and skill to make an impact throughout the game, whether five-on-five or on the power play. His creativity and determination made him a key player on the ice.
Kolin Sisson (RW, R, 5’9″, 172, Chicago Steel, 09/30/2006, Providence)
Grade: B
Comments: Sisson showcased his creativity on the power play, making some impressive plays. From the half-wall, he skillfully held onto the puck instead of forcing a shot, using pump fakes to deceive defenders and maneuver into better shooting positions. This approach allowed him to generate dangerous shots on net. Additionally, during five-on-five play, he kept his feet moving and frequently attacked off the rush, demonstrating his speed, skill, and offensive instincts.
Teddy Mutryn (C, R, 6’1″, 207, Chicago Steel, 02/16/2007, Boston College)
Grade: B-
Comments: Mutryn showcased his skill and creativity throughout the game, though he struggled to convert on his chances. He was strong on the puck, displaying nice hands and solid skating ability, which allowed him to create opportunities off the rush and protect the puck effectively in the offensive zone. There were times he perhaps tried to do too much, leading to turnovers. Nevertheless, his talent was clear, and even in a game where his team didn’t score, he pushed the pace and worked hard to get them on the board.
Arseni Marchenko (D, R, 6’6″, 208, Chicago Steel, 09/10/2006)
Grade: B
Comments: Marchenko is a towering defenseman known for his physical and aggressive play in his own end. He consistently finishes checks along the walls, using his large frame to separate opponents from the puck effectively. He demonstrated his skill during puck retrievals, showcasing his ability to shoulder check, shimmy past forecheckers, and make plays up the ice. Overall, he makes simple, hard plays while occasionally mixing in skillful passes, making him a well-rounded asset on the blue line.
Owen Tylec (C, L, 5’11”, 167, Chicago Steel, 10/16/2006, Notre Dame)
Grade: B-
Comments: Tylec demonstrated impressive vision throughout the game, consistently looking to make that extra pass and often connecting to set up his linemates for grade A scoring opportunities. He hunted down pucks diligently, and when he retrieved them, his skill truly shone as he aimed to get pucks into dangerous areas. Additionally, he effectively exploited his opponents’ triangles off the rush, creating plays and openings for himself and his teammates.
Kam Hendrickson (G, R, 6’0″, 171, Omaha Lancers, 01/09/2006, Connecticut)
Grade: B+
Comments: Hendrickson is an active goaltender who combines quick feet with small adjustments to make his saves effectively. He brings intensity to every play, ready to handle whatever comes his way as opponents enter the zone. When he kicks out a rebound, he demonstrates agility, often pushing himself back into position with quick movements to prepare for the next shot. His play relies heavily on instincts and athleticism, and in this game, he pitched a perfect performance, helping his team secure the win.
Branko Vukas (D, R, 6’3″, 210, Omaha Lancers, 11/28/2005, Miami (Ohio))
Grade: B
Comments: Branko demonstrated his ability to walk the blue line effectively, consistently getting shots on net. As a big right-shot defenseman, he maintained his awareness with his head up and kept his feet moving, allowing him to create scoring opportunities. Defensively, he used his size to play a physical game, shutting down plays and being strong in the net-front area. He made simple, effective plays, especially in the d-zone.
Sam Scheetz (F, L, 5’10”, 175, Omaha Lancers, 11/24/2005)
Grade: B
Comments: Scheetz was effective in all three zones, breaking up plays and maintaining his feet to avoid penalties. He created turnovers on the backcheck by pursuing opponents, lifting their sticks, and initiating transitions. His responsible plays often went unnoticed but were crucial to the game’s flow. A highlight came when he threw a puck into the goal crease, which was tipped in by a teammate for the first goal.
Dakotah Bailey (RW, R, 6’0″, 188, Omaha Lancers, 03/12/2008)
Grade: B-
Comments: Bailey displayed impressive determination and grit on the forecheck, consistently hunting down pucks and using his body effectively. His physicality along the boards allowed him to separate opponents from the puck, leveraging his weight to gain an advantage. Overall, he played a straightforward game, focusing on clean passes and driving to the net without over-complicating plays. His direct approach was a key factor in his effectiveness on the ice.
Hunter Ramos (LW, L, 5’9″, 162, Omaha Lancers, 05/09/2005, Lake Superior)
Grade: B
Comments: Ramos is a speedy winger who leverages his skating ability to create time and space despite his smaller stature. He effectively stretches the zone, catching passes and attacking defenders head-on. A few times during the game, he squeezed past opponents, generating mini breakaways and showcasing his quickness. His ability to jump on pucks was impressive, and when he got to them first, he consistently attacked the net, creating scoring opportunities
Noah Jones (D, R, 6’4″, 212, Omaha Lancers, 02/22/2004, Northeastern)
Grade: B+
Comments: Jones is a versatile right-shot defender who excels in both ends of the ice. While he isn’t overly physical, he effectively uses his skill and long reach to disrupt plays in the defensive zone and transition pucks up ice. He’s adept at making quick first passes and often joins the rush to contribute offensively. On the power play, he shines as a quarterback, positioning himself at the top and making decisive plays. His ability to shoot and pass makes him a dual threat, and his longer reach allows him to push pucks into shooting lanes, creating valuable opportunities for his team.
David Deputy (C, R, 5’9″, 161, Omaha Lancers, 06/25/2004, Miami (Ohio))
Grade: B
Comments: Deputy had a solid performance both five-on-five and on the penalty kill. He excelled on the PK, effectively stifling opponents with his active stick and shot-blocking mentality. His aggressive up-ice pressure created chances during breakouts, and he earned a clean breakaway by using his speed to beat defenders to the net, although he wasn’t able to capitalize on the opportunity. His quickness and awareness were key factors in his ability to make plays, making him a noticeable presence throughout the game.
Nicolas Sykora (C, L, 5’9″, 153, Omaha Lancers, 05/24/2007, Quinnipiac)
Grade: B+
Comments: Sykora had numerous offensive opportunities but struggled to finish his chances. However, his ability to generate offense for both himself and his linemates was evident throughout the game. A standout moment came in the first period when he collected a puck at the blue line, attacked a defender one-on-one, and skillfully opened his hips before accelerating past his opponent. Though he missed the net with a quick flick of the wrist, this play showcased his impressive edge work, hands, and hockey IQ. Overall, his potential to create scoring chances was clear, even if the final touches weren’t there this time.
Jamison Sluys (F, L, 5’9″, 187, Omaha Lancers, 09/03/2005, Western Michigan)
Grade: C+
Comments: Sluys opened the scoring by driving hard to the net and knocking in a puck that was passed from the goal-line area. This play showcased his knack for getting to the right spot, battling through checks, and seizing the opportunity to finish.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images