United States Hockey League
Game Played in Covelli Centre
Caleb Heil (G, L, 6’2″, 196, Madison Capitols, 06/17/2006, North Dakota)
Game Rating
B+
Caleb Heil is a skilled hockey player known for his quick angle adjustments and ability to track pucks well. He maintains good positioning and control of rebounds, utilizing his stick and chest to trap and direct pucks effectively. His active stick also allows him to deflect passes in tight spaces and from behind the net. With strong vision, Heil can drop into pucks from his reads and contribute to rebound control. However, at times he can lose power by widening his stance, creating openings through his body. Despite this, Heil’s overall skill set makes him a valuable asset to his team, particularly in terms of puck possession and control.
1 Viewing
Comments: The Victoria Minnesota native plays a simple relatively calm game rounded out by condensed movement and appropriate depth. His stance is just outside shoulder width and very balanced with an upright chest to create fluid movement. In quick response movement his tendency is to spread out and sprawl which leaves him vulnerable and can be easily eliminated by making sure to set his feet and regain. Active shoulder checks and scans of the ice enable him to identify threats. Shots through screens tend to be a struggle for the 6’1′ netminder as he switches eyelines instead of holding the short side resulting in more dropping and blocking. Rebound control helped eliminate second chance opportunities but at times leaves them in front unable to corral. Comfortable in a reverse from awkward angles but struggling with a backside regain also puts his movement in a tough position. Overall, Heil has made some good improvements and only finds himself in trouble when he widens and loses his chest/balance. A solid performance after giving up some reasonable early goals showing good composure. Grade: B+
Melvin Strahl (G, L, 6’3″, 166, Youngstown Phantoms, 03/18/2005, Michigan State)
Game Rating
A
The player, a goaltender from Sweden, possesses a well-rounded skill set that allows them to excel at elite skills. They track pucks effectively, stay upright and balanced, and control their body to make saves and cover the ice efficiently. Their size and athletic ability aid in their movement, allowing them to identify threats and maintain their feet. They use technical and precise movement to complete their game, with a condensed stance and controlled upper body. Their larger frame plays to their advantage, enabling them to play at mid to high depth and gain depth appropriately. They also have excellent tracking ability and rebound control, which helps them center their body on pucks. While they can make more athletic saves when necessary, some of their movements can be hesitant, causing occasional issues. However, overall, the player demonstrates a strong fundamental base and calm composure in the crease.
1 Viewing
Comments: The 2005 born Columbus Blue Jackets draft pick plays a well-rounded game that showcases elite skills while retaining a calm composure and keeping the game simple. The backbone for Youngstown appearing in 42 games has sound movement that is powerful, precise, and fluid allowing him to set his feet early on threats. While set this allows time to scan the zone for threats outside of the puck carrier easing secondary movement. Dropping into pucks while staying condensed keeps the center line of his body on pucks making it easier to control rebounds and make any additional saves/movements. Able to use his shoulders and arms to deflect pucks from dropping into pucks he is not only mobile and gets good reads but stays reactive using his 6’3′ frame. Favoring a reverse in awkward angles he stays condensed and creates a nice seal of the ice eliminating holes. Occasionally extending or losing his condensed stance are the only times the Swedish born goaltender finds himself in trouble. A solid foundation and elite skill set Strahl and the Phantoms up for success securing the 4-1 win in this contest. Grade: A
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images