We recently saw a match-up with Muskegon, and there was no doubt this was a game we were looking forward to viewing as both teams have skill along with youth. It made it a great game to watch in terms of 2020 NHL draft able talent along with multiple players who will be viewed heavily next season for the 2021 NHL draft. Chicago controlled the play and had the better of the scoring chances, but found themselves down by 2 goals multiple times. They put on a strong push to tie it up, but were unable to take the lead as Muskegon played discipline and was very opportunistic. Eventually Muskegon got an empty net goal to seal a 6-4 victory over a very strong Chicago team. Timely scoring and big saves from Jonathan Williams (37 SAVES) in net got the job done for Muskegon.
Sean Farrell (4.25 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — B+) Forward
Sean was the best forward on the ice for both teams on the night. His ability to possess the puck and find open players to create was outstanding. Anyone on the ice with him was made better by his play with the puck. Not only did he distribute but he also was aggressive in getting the puck to the net. He showed he can finish by zipping one past Williams on a 2 on 1. He registered 4 shots and made a ton of plays. Everything he did was with his head up and his vision was great. He made their power play run by him being able to distribute the puck and get everyone involved. GAME GRADE: A
Brendan Brisson (4.25 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — B) Forward
Brendan only finished the game with a 0-1-1 but showed much more than that on the ice. He showed his strong skating ability along with a high compete level. Down low he made several plays to roll off or fight through checks in order to possess the puck. He took punishment to make plays often. His skill was strong with making some soft touch plays or area passes. He was a true duel threat to shoot the puck or set up a line mate to hurt the other team. GAME GRADE: B+
Gunnarwolfe Fontaine (4.25 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — C) Forward
It was easy to see why Gunnarwolfe is such a fan favorite in Chicago. He showed a ton of character as a player as he pressured pucks everywhere and engaged in puck battles. He isn’t a flat out burner for an undersized player but his energy and will got the job done. The puck always seemed to be around it and it wasn’t an accident. His effort and positioning put him in great spots to get puck touches. With the puck he made skill plays and was very aggressive to take shots when given the chance. Oddly enough he was held of the score sheet but he registered 4 shots appeared to attempted more than double that number. GAME GRADE: B+
Sam Colangelo (4 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — B+) Forward
Sam was in and out in terms of his impact on the game throughout the night. He had it going some shifts when he was skating and playing with energy. In the open ice he is very noticeable with his size and skating ability. He has the tools to take defenders wide and snap it off. When the game got slowed down and played below the dot there wasn’t as much puck possession nor play making as you would think. In space he was very dangerous but with little or no time he was held in relative check by Muskegon. GAME GRADE: C+
Matthew Coronato (4 Star Amateur Rating, 2021 NHL DRAFT Grade — B) Forward
Matthew played with a ton of speed and pace to his game tonight. He was all over the ice and putting pressure on the opponent’s defensive core. His quickness and change of direction gave him a lot of chances. He cashed in tonight as he had 2-0-2 with 4 shots on goal. His stick was as quick as his feet and made things very difficult for defenders to get the puck back from him. He made plays on the rush as well as down low. A player who has room to get stronger and be a player to follow for the 2021 NHL Draft. GAME GRADE: B+
Luke Reid (4.75 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — B) Defense
Luke has great lateral movement with and without the puck. It gives him a chance to walk the blue line under pressure and open up passing or shooting lanes for himself. His puck skills are above average and he is able to handle the puck under pressure. Defensively he defended with his feet and stick by staying in front of attackers. He showed offensive skill but was held of the score sheet in points and shots. He played a two-way puck moving game. GAME GRADE: C+
Owen Power (5 Star Amateur Rating, 2021 NHL DRAFT Grade — A) Defense
The game just appeared very easy for the hulking defenseman. It isn’t very often you see a player with his size so refined at his age. He played extremely well with his partner and made strong plays with the puck on his forehand. His feet were very impressive for his size and he moved laterally with ease. He always had his head up and made high percentage plays. Defensively he didn’t play an overall physical game but was in great position and used his stick and length to separate players from pucks. He moved the puck on the power play very well and handled pressure. His feet and hockey sense allowed him to open up passing lanes and get pucks to the net or find the open man down low. He finished with 0-1-1 and 3 shots on goal. Tonight he continued to make his mark as a possible 1 st round 2021 NHL Draft pick. GAME GRADE: A