Games played on 10/4/2024 and 10/5/2024.
In a weekend packed with game action, the United States Hockey League showcased the talents of goaltenders, as nine games unfolded across October 4th and 5th, 2024. Neutral Zone watched and evaluated 18 goalie’s games. With each netminder playing a pivotal role for their respective teams, the weekend offered a glimpse into the depth of talent in the USHL. From clutch saves in high-pressure situations to controlled rebound management and lateral quickness, these evaluations highlight the skill and resilience of the USHL’s emerging goaltenders. Scout: Jason Pawloski
Caleb Heil (G, L, 6’2″, 196, Madison Capitols, 06/17/2006, North Dakota)
Grade: A-
Comments: Madison: Caleb Heil (2006) The Victoria Minnesota native makes quick angle adjustments and keeps his body square and centered on pucks. Heil tracks pucks well and makes reads off the blade as you can visually see his head tracking. Setting his feet well on pucks, he does tend to widen and limit his mobility from that stance losing power. Controlling rebounds well and able to use his stick and chest to trap and direct pucks limits second chance opportunities. His active stick and positioning also allows him to deflect passes in tight and from behind the net. Heil can drop into pucks from his reads and aid in rebound control and keep his feet/ knees under him. Able to play pucks effectively, even setting up one of the goals in this game aids in moving his team north. At times his feet widen and stance spreads opening holes through his body. The North Dakota commit with a strong performance here, we will see how he progresses over this season.
Erick Roest (G, L, 6’0″, 180, Tri City Storm, 10/26/2004, Cornell)
Grade: B+
Comments: Tri-City: Erick Roest (2004) The Cornell University commit Roest keeps his stance/feet underneath himself with an upright chest. Puck movement laterally causes his feet to widen and his chest to drop forwards hindering his rotational ability. The Storm goaltender scans the ice well when pucks aren’t in dangerous areas and takes shoulder checks from his posts to read plays moving vertically. A stance differential allows him to see through screens with only a 6′ frame. When pucks get lost in traffic his feet slowly drift backwards losing depth and size. Tending to lose his feet when plays move laterally limits his mobility. Pucks to his chest and hands are swallowed well controlling rebounds. Constant Angle adjustments centering his body on pucks, allows him to gain depth and effectively use a forward release into pucks. Falling just short in this one but a decent performance. Grade: B+
Gavin Moffatt (G, L, 6’0″, 170, Green Bay Gamblers, 04/16/2004)
Grade: A
Comments: Green Bay: Gavin Moffatt (2004) The second-year goaltender for the Gamblers from Plymouth Michigan stopped all twenty-five shots in this contest to secure the 3-0 victory, his second shutout of the season. Moffatt’s movement is very smooth and powerful. A big-time performance and great start with some big early saves allowed him to settle in. The 2004 born goaltender sets his feet on pucks and beats plays on his feet but tends to widen out at times. Puck tracking is a strong suit of his game and aids in rebound control. His hands and stick are very active and aids his control. Just under 6′ he uses his shoulders, elbows, and body well to be reactive to pucks. Depth control and gaining depth when recognizing time and space allows him to reduce angles and enlarge his frame. Not allowing holes and keeping a condensed stance allows him to have the power that he has. A big performance early on to secure the win and shutout. Grade: A
Mikhail Yegorov (G, L, 6’5″, 182, Omaha Lancers, 03/07/2006, Boston University)
Grade: A-
Comments: Omaha: Mikhail Yegorov (2006) The Moscow Russia native saw twenty-one shots in this contest surrendering two goals in the 3-0 loss. Yegorov plays a simple and calm game using his size well and setting his feet on pucks. The Devils draft pick drops into pucks and centers his body on plays showing some elite skillsets. Although Yegorov has power to his calm movement, smaller adjustments and quicker plays in tight could be more precise. The Lancer’s goaltender tracks pucks well and makes use of his larger frame with active shoulders and solid body control. Some rebounds to his chest and hips were popped free and unable to hold onto and allowed opportunities for second chances. Scanning and shoulder checks are frequent to recognize threats and read plays. He seals the ice well and doesn’t allow pucks through him. Comfortable in his posts and a reverse he moves fluidly in and out. A solid performance early in the season giving his team a chance to win the game deep into the third. Grade: A-
Jack Parsons (G, L, 6’3″, 194, Chicago Steel, 01/15/2006, Providence)
Grade: A
Comments: Chicago: John Parsons (2006) The former National Team Development Program goaltender gave the Steel a chance to win in this one as they were outplayed for most of the contest. Parsons is a great first save goaltender and tracks pucks well. In order to beat him you must get him moving laterally or deflect pucks. His knees tend to widen in with lateral movement causing his hands to fall behind and open holes through his body. The Providence college commit is comfortable with pucks down low or behind the net and takes away the bottom of the net well. Comfortable playing the puck and leaving his crease is a great asset to aid in moving north. Parsons takes shoulder checks to read plays, but they are inconsistent. A stellar start to the season and a 42 save effort here is a good start to the season for Parsons. Grade: A
Jan Spunar (G, L, 6’3″, 185, Dubuque Fighting Saints, 05/30/2004)
Grade: A-
Comments: Dubuque: Jan Spunar (2004) The Czechian native of Olomouc does a good job centering his body on pucks to eliminate extra movement. His movement is smooth and controlled, although seems to lack a little bit with power. He sets his feet on pucks well and uses his size at 6’3′ to control rebounds and play. In this contest the two blemishes on the scorecard came from pucks low to his hands where they beat him on the outside. He moves laterally well and seals the ice well in a butterfly slide. The former Portland Winterhawks goaltender uses his shoulders and odd parts of his body well to fight off pucks. He reads plays well and is very comfortable in and around his posts. He takes frequent shoulder checks to identify threats and makes good use of a stance differential on threats further from the net mount. Not a very busy game but some timely saves to get Dubuque two points. Grade: A-
Max Weilandt (G, L, 6’1″, 188, Des Moines Buccaneers, 07/29/2005)
Grade: B+
Comments: Des Moines: Max Weilandt (2005) The Northbrook Illinois native suffered the 4-2 loss surrendering three goals on twenty-eight shots. Weilandt’s hips hinge forwards forcing his chest forwards. This causes his lateral tracking and movement to lose power and widen his feet without a regain. This also hinders his rotational ability. He drops and reaches for pucks outside of his body and would have more success dropping into pucks. At 6′ tall and 188 pounds the 2005 born goaltender uses frequent shoulder checks/scans to read plays, more frequent when in his posts where he seems very comfortable. His movement in and out of his posts is very precise and powerful from an RVH, as well as being comfortable using an overlap in high to low situations. Coming from the North American Hockey League he tends to play a deeper game while pucks are in the zone especially when screened and loses depth. Weilandt tracks pucks well in and out allowing him to read shots on his feet which will aid in helping rebound control as we move through the season. In this contest on October fourth, the Des Moines goaltender did make some big saves on a breakaway and some lateral plays, he gave the Buccaneers a chance to win the game. With some movement hinderances as his biggest downfall we will see how Weilandt improves as the season progresses. Grade: B+
Calvin Vachon (G, L, 5’11”, 163, Waterloo Black Hawks, 07/19/2005)
Grade: A-
Comments: Waterloo: Calvin Vachon (2005) The Redondo Beach goaltender Vachon made twenty-eight saves on thirty shots in this 4-2 win on the road in Des Moines. In his second year with Waterloo, he looks to improve from his previous season where he was action in 38 games. Vachon has powerful movement and a very upright compact stance. He makes good use of a stance differential in certain situations to gain sight lines and improve mobility. A bouncing puck and a good redirect on an odd man rush were the only imperfections on the score sheet. The 5’11’ goaltender plays bigger than his stature and controls rebounds very effectively to reduce second chance opportunities. The only times that Vachon found himself in trouble was when he found himself outside of his crease. He moves laterally very well and uses a lateral release as well dropping into pucks. Tending to leave his feet laterally in quick play situations he recovers well but could maintain his feet to improve precision and mobility. Very comfortable and composed in his crease the 2005 born goaltender shows confidence and looks to be ready for the next level. Grade: A-
Andrew Reyelts (G, L, 6’2″, 186, Cedar Rapids RoughRiders, 03/20/2006, Lindenwood)
Grade: B+
Comments: Cedar Rapids: AJ Reyelts (2006) The Proctor Minnesota native made 20 of 22 saves in this contest to help the Roughriders top Youngstown 4-2. He plays a calm game deeper in his crease with a 6’1′ frame. After giving up two early goals he kept his composure and bounced back well for the rest of the game. Reyelts moves well but his weight shifts and hinders his movement reducing his power. Larger cross crease movement is more difficult but quicker angle adjustments are precise. The 2006 born goaltender seems to have some awkwardness in and around his posts creating one of the goals against. The RoughRiders goaltender controlled rebounds well but got lackadaisical playing the puck. Solid work to help Cedar Rapids to an early season win. Grade: B+
Melvin Strahl (G, L, 6’3″, 166, Youngstown Phantoms, 03/18/2005)
Grade: A-
Comments: Youngstown: Melvin Strahl (2005) The 6’3′ tall Phantoms goaltender made eighteen saves on twenty-one shots dropping this contest 4-2. The Columbus prospect seals the ice well and uses his size to his advantage. His movement is powerful and precise as he sets his feet on threats. His frequent shoulder checks and scans aid in his precise movement and centering his body on pucks. Dropping and reaching for pucks instead of releasing and dropping into pucks made Strahl struggle with a few shots to his hands. His strong rotational movement aids in making larger cross crease movements. Rebound control is a strong suit for the Sweden native and controls the pace of the game. A good performance but falling short for the Phantoms. Grade: A-
Yan Shostak (G, L, 6’0″, 185, Lincoln Stars, 03/30/2004, St. Cloud)
Grade: A
Comments: Lincoln: Yan Shostak (2004) The second year Stars goaltender is fundamentally sound and moves with power and precision. He stays within his crease and sets his feet on threats with very controlled, balanced, and upright chest creating more size. Sprawling and getting out of position only when he must creates a calm presence in the crease. Constant angle adjustments keep his body centered on threats to eliminate the need for reaching. Smooth and condensed movement in and out of his posts sealing the ice well makes for ease in low zone threats. Constant scans of the zone and shoulder checks allows him to identify threats and increase precision with movement. He tracks pucks well and controls rebounds well with an active stick and controlled body. Falling behind early and keeping Lincoln in the game with some big saves helps the Stars to the 3-2 win. Grade: A
Carl Axelsson (G, L, 6’4″, 183, Skelleftea AIK J20, 11/21/2006)
Grade: A-
Comments: Sioux Falls: Carl Axelsson (2006) After giving up an early goal on the first shot of the game the Stampede goaltender showed good composure to settle into this game. Axelsson has a condensed stance and strong fundamental base to his game. Precise movement and setting his feet on pucks aid a slight lack in power in larger movements. He takes constant shoulder checks and scans of the zone to identify threats. Rebounds are controlled well to his chest and hands eliminating second chance opportunities. A more active stick would eliminate some pucks kicked back out from his pads. Overcommitments on fast paced lateral plays cause him to get outside of his crease but he recovers back well. Sealing the ice well with a larger frame while pucks are low in the zone makes post play simple and comfortable. A good performance but falling short in this one. Grade: A-
Gavin Moffatt (G, L, 6’0″, 170, Green Bay Gamblers, 04/16/2004)
Grade: A
Comments: Green Bay: Gavin Moffatt (2004) The Connecticut born goaltender has smooth and powerful movement based around a condensed and upright stance. Ensuring the center of his body is on pucks and making quick angle adjustments to set his feet makes his game calm and composed. His hands are very static and used well to maintain balance and aid movement. Rebounds are controlled well with his stick, body, and hands to eliminate second chance opportunities. With a 6′ frame he plays bigger than his stature gaining depth when necessary. Comfortable in and around his posts he makes a good use of a reverse and moves well in and out of it. At times when pucks walk above the goal line, he does stay in his posts instead of regaining his feet. Dropping into pucks well makes it so he doesn’t have to reach for pucks and stays centered on plays and second chance opportunities. Playing well in back-to-back nights and keeping the Gamblers in the game early Moffatt has had a good start to the season. Grade: A
Kam Hendrickson (G, R, 6’0″, 171, Omaha Lancers, 01/09/2006, Connecticut)
Grade: B+
Comments: Omaha: Kambryn Hendrickson (2006) The right-handed catching goaltender from Chanhassen Minnesota has a condensed and upright stance to aid in smooth and powerful movement. Regaining his backside leg and setting his feet keeps him mobile and centered on pucks. Struggling with pucks elevated outside of his body to his hands although from dangerous scoring areas caused his blemishes on the score sheet. Rebounds tended to bound off him and were not retained or directed away from dangerous areas. His tracking from dangerous areas gets lost and impacts the pucks outside his body. Adjusting his backside leg and comfortable in his posts he stays compact and agile. Taking backside looks helps with precision in movement. Gaining depth and recognizing when to do so aids his 6’2′ frame. A good performance but coming up short on the road in Green Bay. Grade: B+
Alan Lendak (G, L, 6’1″, 177, Fargo Force, 07/24/2006)
Grade: B+
Comments: Lendak another Slovakian goaltender stays within his means and crease doing a good job of centering his body on threats. His feet widen and don’t fully set on pucks making movement more difficult after first chance opportunities. Dropping and reaching for pucks outside of his body plays into his widening feet. Lendak gains depth well to add size to his 6’1′ frame and makes effective use of a forward release. An active stick helps deflect passes and control rebounds. Covering and sealing the ice well when in his posts creates ease in movement in and out of his posts. Keeping himself composed and focused he made a few big saves in the third period to keep the game close ant take it into overtime. He took some shoulder checks and tracked pucks well. Making things a little more difficult with some hindered movement but helping the Force get a Point. Grade: B+
Samuel Urban (G, L, 6’0″, 210, Sioux City Musketeers, 05/01/2005, Arizona State)
Grade: A
Comments: Sioux City: Samuel Urban (2005) The Slovakian goaltender for the Musketeers is very fundamentally sound and technical. He moves well and keeps a condensed stance creating power and precision. Urban uses his shoulders and elbows well to aid in fighting off pucks. He plays a calm game and stays within his crease gaining depth when able. Making a good use of a stance differential keeps him mobile and able to see through screens. He tracks pucks well into his body but could make more frequent scans of the zone to read plays. Controlling rebounds well and controlling play, a more active stick could limit bucks to his pads forced back into dangerous areas. Sealing the ice well and moving well in and out of his posts makes awkward angles seem comfortable and controlled. Stopping 27 of 29 urban helps the Musketeers secure the 3-2 win. Grade: A
Louka Cloutier (G, L, 6’2″, 168, Chicago Steel, 08/22/2006, Nebraska Omaha)
Grade: A-
Comments: Chicago: Louka Cloutier (2006) The Quebec native has a wide stance but makes great use of a stance differential to maintain mobile when pucks are at a longer range or on line rushes. With smooth and condensed movement, the Avalanche draft pick centers his body on pucks and plays a calm game. Keeping pucks in front of him if they weren’t swallowed to allow for a quick cover limited second chance opportunities. To make larger movements when his feet are widened, he must reset and come out of his stance creating extra movement and losing power or causing dropping and widening. To limit these larger movements, he plays deeper in his crease gaining depth mostly on line rushes. Moving well in his posts, regaining his backside leg and angle adjustments ensure movement in and out. Cloutier tracks pucks well and takes scans of the ice, more often and noticeable when pucks are low in the zone. A good performance and big win for the Steel. Grade: A-
Shikhabutdin Gadzhiev (G, L, 6’2″, 170, Muskegon Lumberjacks, 10/26/2004, Michigan Tech)
Grade: A-
Comments: Muskegon: Shikhabutdin Gadzhiev (2004) ‘Shikha’ the Russian born goaltender keeps a condensed stance to ensure power with movement and sets his feet on pucks. At 6’2′ tall he uses his size well and his frame to create more depth and cut down angles. Playing an aggressive and active game causes him to scramble to make saves at times or open holes through his body. Not giving up many second chance opportunities but shots to his hands tended to pop back to dangerous areas surrendering second chance opportunities. Making shoulder checks and using a stance differential the Muskegon goaltender reads plays well to beat them on his feet and stay mobile. He is comfortable in and around his posts as well as playing pucks behind the net. Making some big saves at timely spots in the game helps get a point for the Lumberjacks. Grade: A-
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images