Played on Apr 3, 2026
Game Played in Fox Valley Arena
Veeti Louhivaara (G, L, 6’4″, 207, Chicago Steel, 02/06/2006, Connecticut)
Game Rating
A
This goalie demonstrated strong balance and movement around the crease, allowing him to stay low and react quickly to shots. His upper body control was consistent throughout the game, particularly in post play, where he showed smooth and efficient entries and exits. He also displayed high hockey IQ, reading plays accurately and positioning himself well for rebounds. The goalie’s ability to read plays and set up his team for success was notable, as he consistently arrived early on shots and played the puck effectively. This led to controlled breakouts and timely saves on quality scoring chances. Overall, his movement, balance, and hockey IQ made him a formidable presence in the crease.
1 Viewing
Comments: Veeti had a very strong game and significantly contributed to his team’s win. He has the rare combination of size and speed and utilized both throughout the game. He moved well around the crease, executing quick, powerful movements while maintaining proper balance. He has strong play reading and hockey IQ. He routinely scanned his zone for offensive threats which was crucial as the NTDP generated many scoring chances off of in-zone cycles. He has 95% positive rebound control which speaks to his ability to read the play and move to his spots quickly and efficiently. He stopped 3.4 goals above expected based on the volume and quality of shots faced. He made several cross slot line saves, stopping 83% of the hardest scoring chances faced. This type of efficiency against top quality scoring chances is rare at the USHL level. He also made several timely saves in the first period against quality scoring chances. These saves allowed his team to survive an initial offensive push by NTDP then establish a lead they would not relinquish the rest of the game.
Luke Carrithers (G, L, 6’1″, 199, USA NTDP U18, 01/11/2008, Western Michigan)
Game Rating
C
Carrithers displayed strong movement and play reading skills, allowing him to establish aggressive depth throughout the game. He effectively shot off the goal line and set up plays outside the crease on both low and high threats. Despite a tendency to lose balance during net front scramble plays, Carrithers utilized his athleticism to make necessary saves.
1 Viewing
Comments: Luke has good fundamentals to his game, he moves well and has proper balance. His post integration is consistent as he quickly and efficiently moves into and out of the RVH. He struggled at times keeping up with the pace of play, which is to be expected considering the age gap between an NTDP and USHL player. He had a negative goals above expected (-.9) based on the quality and volume of shots faced. His rebound control was 75% positive. While not his best game he will be a strong goaltender with more development.
Brady Knowling (G, L, 6’5″, 202, NTDP U18, 03/09/2008, Boston University)
Game Rating
B+
Knowling’s strong performance was characterized by his impressive movement and balance throughout the game. He consistently navigated the crease with powerful pushes, seamlessly integrating into posts while maintaining excellent upper-body stability. His high IQ allowed them to read plays effectively, regularly scanning for threats and positioning themselves to arrive at key spots early. As a result, they made several timely saves on quality scoring chances, including a crucial stop in the 3rd period.
1 Viewing
Comments: Brady has very strong fundamentals to his game. He moves well, staying very well balanced and square to the puck at all times. Despite his age he is able to easily play at the pace of the USHL. He struggled initially coming in cold off the bench in the 2nd period but got better as the game went on. He has outstanding play reading and hockey IQ. The combination of his skating and play reading allowed him to quickly read the plays and get to his spots early and set his feet before the shot. His rebound control was excellent, he had 93% positive control. He stopped .75 goals above expected based on the quality and volume of shots faced. He stopped all of the cross slot line scoring chances faced which is rarely done at the USHL level. He has a very complete game which is made even more impressive given his age relative to the age of the shooters he faced.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images