Played on Mar 7, 2025
United States Hockey League
Game Played in Dubuque Ice Arena
Jan Spunar (G, L, 6’3″, 190, Dubuque Fighting Saints, 05/30/2004)
Game Rating
A-
Jan Spunar is a well-balanced goaltender who effectively uses his size to control play in his own zone. He maintains a calm presence in the crease, setting his feet on pucks and using his upper body to track rebounds. His fundamental skills are sound, allowing him to read plays and react to threats. While he may occasionally struggle with quick movements or second-chance opportunities, Spunar consistently demonstrates his ability to stay composed under pressure. He also excels at sealing the ice in a butterfly slide, making it difficult for opponents to beat him on the outside.
1 Viewing
Comments: The 6’3 goaltender from Czechia has been solid for the Saints as he uses his size effectively and has a calm well rounded game. With strong fundamentals he creates a calm presence for the Saints. His movement is strong, fluid, and precise enabling him to use his size and get to the top of the crease. Quick adjustment movements tend to trip up Spunar as he doesn’t regain his knees towards his chest, other than that his movement is pure. His ability to get his eyesight on pucks and track them effectively gives him the time to control rebounds effectively. His lower half will kick out rebounds barring an active stick. Using a reverse well in his posts and fluidly moving in and out as well as sealing holes makes steep angles easy to handle. He does have to be careful not to overuse it at times when pucks walk higher. Taking scans of the zone helps him identify threats and allows his precision of movement. Another solid performance helps secure the 4-3 overtime win at home. Grade: A-
Shikhabutdin Gadzhiev (G, L, 6’2″, 175, Muskegon Lumberjacks, 10/26/2004, Miami (Ohio))
Game Rating
B+
The player in question possesses an athletic and active style of play, utilizing their size to create depth and cut down angles. They effectively use their body positioning to seal off the ice and maintain mobility, allowing them to make saves and limit second chance opportunities. While not overly precise with their movements, they are able to stay mobile and track pucks visually to make up for any lack of uniformity in their game. Their aggressive playing style can sometimes lead to scrambles and losing composure in physical situations, but overall, they demonstrate excellent puck tracking and ability to read plays. With some refinement in movement and rebound control, the player’s performance could become even more consistent.
1 Viewing
Comments: The 2004 born Russian goaltender plays a more athletic style and does it well using his 6’1′ frame to center on pucks and force pucks around his body. After an early goal just a minute into the contest he did a good job to regain composure and show poise. Very reactive and able to use all parts of his body he uses his athletic ability to be able to fight off pucks. His movement isn’t consistent and precise, but it is very powerful. He can drop into pucks to aid in secondary movement and get his center line on pucks. Being very reactive he relies on a strong tracking ability to lead his upper body and eyes first which eases movement. Rebound control however was spotty as he seemed to fight off pucks more than control them allowing for second chance opportunities and more work. Gaining depth nicely and appropriately he can read plays to add size to his frame. Tight angles and behind the net he uses a reverse effectively and moves in and out smooth while also being able to maintain his feet. A decent performance for the Russian and showing some improvement over the season but dropping this contest in overtime surrendering four goals. Grade: B+
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images