Played on Feb 2, 2025
United States Hockey League
Game Played in Tyson Events Center – Gateway Arena
Yan Shostak (G, L, 6’0″, 185, Lincoln Stars, 03/30/2004, St. Cloud)
Game Rating
B+
Yan Shostak’s strong foundation allows him to move with power and control, centering his body on pucks and regaining his back leg to stay mobile. He is comfortable in his own zone, controlling rebounds and maintaining his feet to add size on line rushes. His fluid movements and ability to drop into pucks provide ease in the crease, while his poise and confidence translate to a solid performance. Shostak’s skillset includes smooth transitions in and out of his posts, sealing the ice, and closing holes effectively. He tracks pucks well, identifies threats, and stays ahead of plays with frequent visible scans. While he may have some limitations, particularly when moving outside of his crease or losing control, Shostak demonstrates a strong ability to read the game and make big saves.
1 Viewing
Comments: The 2004 born Goaltender has a solid foundation of fundamentals that sees powerful movement and a solid base to make movement fluid. Powerful movement and staying ahead of plays allow the Minsk native to set his feet on pucks and center his body on chances. A tendency to leave his feet sees him reduce mobility but he creates a nice seal, and his movement is powerful enough to sustain this. Dropping into pucks aggressively sees his center line on pucks but at times overcommitting can put him outside his crease and cause scrambling. To add to his almost 6′ frame he gains depth effectively and appropriately at the right times which is an elite skill for a smaller goaltender. Controlling rebounds effectively or keeping them close in front allows him to help control the pace of play and kill plays in zone. Effective puck tracking and solid movement rounds out his game. Surrendering three goals on only 21 shots in this contest on the road in Sioux City. Grade: B+
Samuel Urban (G, L, 6’0″, 210, Sioux City Musketeers, 05/01/2005, Arizona State)
Game Rating
B+
Samuel Urban displays sound fundamentals and strong movement skills around his crease, showcasing solid control and decision-making in tight situations. He effectively tracks pucks and takes shoulder checks to minimize second chance opportunities. Urban’s technical ability allows him to move well, keep a condensed stance, and seal the ice in tight spaces. While he occasionally struggles with frustration when traffic builds up or makes questionable decisions in goalmouth scrambles, his overall performance remains impressive. By staying calm and within his crease, Urban gains depth and precision, making it difficult for opponents to create scoring chances. His ability to control rebounds and track pucks into his body is a key asset.
1 Viewing
Comments: The Slovakian native is a very technical goaltender that sees fluid movement and a controlled use of his entire body. His movement specifically is very technical and sees a condensed stance, balanced weight, and an upright chest to make crease movements with ease. The only time his movement is hindered is by the dropping of his hips, which requires a regain and caught him in a rebound situation. He sets his feet well on threats which allows him to scan and analyze the zone to identify other threats. His controlled balance allows him to actively use his arms, shoulders, and legs to control rebounds although in this contest they were spotty and allowed second chance opportunities. Filling space and eliminating holes the Musketeers goaltender utilizes a reverse in awkward angles and moves north and south effectively. On the back end of a three in three Urban and the musketeers drop this contest 4-3 giving up only 24 shots. Grade: B+
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images