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WHL: Brandon (2) at Calgary (4)

WHL: Brandon (2) at Calgary (4).

Carson Bjarnason (G, L, 6’3″, 202, Brandon Wheat Kings, 06/23/2005)

Grade: A-

Comments: Bjarnason is the complete package when it comes to goaltending. With his ideal size, quickness, and well-rounded skill set, he has all the tools to steal games for his team. While he may not always come away with the win, he consistently gives his team a strong chance to succeed by making timely and impactful saves. He plays a modern, dynamic style of goaltending, combining aggression when needed with a solid positional game, relying on his size to cover the net effectively. His skating is smooth and efficient, allowing him to execute T-pushes and shuffles to challenge shooters and stay square to the puck. Bjarnason’s ability to track rebounds is another standout feature; he stays engaged with the play, following the puck with his eyes and remaining in position to make second-chance saves regardless of the scenario.

Quinn Mantei (D, L, 6’0″, 181, Brandon Wheat Kings, 04/23/2005)

Grade: B-

Comments: Mantei was a strong contributor on the power play, consistently putting himself in shooting positions where he could unleash his shot. While he didn’t score, he was effective at finding pockets of space in the offensive zone, where he could open up his hips and one-time the puck on net, creating traffic and chaos in front of the goalie. He also displayed excellent puck skills, particularly on the offensive blue line. He was calm under pressure, able to hold onto the puck and make smart, composed decisions.

Luke Shipley (D, R, 6’0″, 186, Brandon Wheat Kings, 08/08/2004)

Grade: A-

Comments: Shipley is a dynamic right-shot defenseman who poses a significant offensive threat both at even strength and on the power play. A strong skater, he pushes pucks up the ice with ease and keeps his feet moving to join the attack as the second wave of offense. His ability to quickly transition the puck and make plays is a key strength, allowing him to create offensive opportunities from the back end. Shipley is capable of catching and shooting pucks in a hurry, often firing with precision and accuracy. He can also one-time the puck when needed, making him a versatile threat from the point. In this game, he scored two goals by finding shooting lanes and getting pucks on net with purpose. His good hands allow him to collect pucks cleanly, stay calm under pressure, and make quick decisions. He has the ability to release the puck suddenly, catching goaltenders and defenders off guard, which was displayed on both goals he scored vs the Wheat Kings.

Brady Turko (RW, R, 5’11”, 167, Brandon Wheat Kings, 09/12/2007)

Grade: C+

Comments: Turko displayed impressive speed, particularly when carrying the puck down the walls. He used his quickness to cut back effectively, maintaining zone time and keeping the pressure on the opposition. While he typically kept to the outside, his strong edge-work allowed him to create space, evade defenders, and open up passing lanes. He didn’t generate a ton, but he got pucks into dangerous areas, and created some cycle plays with his linemates.

Dominik Petr (C, L, 6’2″, 167, Brandon Wheat Kings, 04/30/2005)

Grade: B

Comments: Petr showcased some strong power-forward traits in his game. While not overly physical, he effectively used his size and reach to protect the puck and keep it away from defenders, maintaining possession in tight situations. He was aggressive in driving to the net, doing so with purpose and determination. Once there, he established himself as a solid net-front presence, creating chaos and making it difficult for defenders and goalies to track the puck.

Nolan Flamand (LW, L, 5’10”, 190, Brandon Wheat Kings, 01/12/2004)

Grade: B

Comments: Flamand was outstanding on the penalty kill, bringing a combination of intensity, hockey IQ, and speed that made him a constant threat. His quickness allowed him to disrupt plays, picking off errant passes and immediately transitioning the puck out of his zone. Not only did he clear the danger, but he also created offensive opportunities off turnovers, showcasing his ability to turn defense into attack. With his speed, Flamand was a constant challenge for defenders, using a deceptive set of hands to break through pressure and get quick shots on net. His ability to read the game stood out, as he knew when to apply pressure and when to stay passive, making him effective in both PK and 5-on-5 situations.

Daniel Hauser (G, L, 5’10”, 165, Calgary Hitmen, 01/29/2004, Wisconsin)

Grade: B+

Comments: Hauser is a slightly undersized goaltender, but his agility and quickness more than compensate for it. He excels on his edges, using his superior skating ability to stay on his feet and quickly react in tight situations. His ability to read the play is a key strength, allowing him to anticipate passes and be in position to make the save before the shooter can react, often beating it on his feet. In high-pressure scenarios, he leads with his head and reacts quickly with his hands, relying on his instincts and fast reflexes. While he challenges shooters when necessary, his primary strength is his ability to read the play and make calculated movements, rather than overcommitting.

Axel Hurtig (D, L, 6’5″, 210, Calgary Hitmen, 06/10/2005)

Grade: B

Comments: Hurtig is a big, left-shot defenseman who plays a solid, well-rounded game. While he isn’t known for flashy offensive plays, he keeps things simple, consistently getting pucks to the net from the point. His long reach is an asset, allowing him to get shots through traffic and avoid blocks, creating opportunities from the blue line. Defensively, he is reliable and physical. He uses his large frame effectively, boxing out opponents early to help clear the front of the net and ensure his goaltender has a clear line of sight to the puck. He excels in one-on-one battles, winning puck battles along the boards and in the crease. Additionally, he is capable of moving the puck up the ice efficiently, contributing to transitions and helping his team maintain possession.

Tanner Howe (LW, L, 5’10”, 188, Calgary Hitmen, 11/28/2005)

Grade: B

Comments: Howe is a hardworking forward who excels at both ends of the ice. In the defensive zone, he shows a strong commitment to supporting his teammates, often swinging low to help break up plays and transition the puck up ice. He plays a physical, in-your-face game, using his strength and body-checking ability to create turnovers and disrupt the opposition’s flow. His ability to read plays allows him to anticipate and break up loose puck situations, providing solid defensive coverage. Offensively, Howe uses his speed to generate scoring chances, frequently driving the net and putting pressure on opposing defenders. While he created some good looks with his relentless approach, he was unable to capitalize on his opportunities.

Ben Kindel (C, R, 5’10”, 176, Calgary Hitmen, 04/19/2007)

Grade: B+

Comments: Kindel possesses an exceptionally high skill set and hockey IQ, making him a dynamic playmaker at both ends of the rink. He has a keen ability to keep his head up, always surveying the ice, and can make high-end plays to set up teammates in scoring positions. His ability to put pucks into dangerous areas while maintaining puck possession and minimizing turnovers is a testament to his vision and decision-making. With a low, strong skating stride, Kindel plays with impressive speed, using his agility and strength to challenge defenders and push the pace of the game. He demonstrated his hockey sense and work ethic by scoring the second goal of the game, picking off a pass in the offensive zone, then quickly centering the puck to the slot and finishing off a loose puck in the crease. Kindel’s skill set is undeniable, but he also has the willingness to go to the hard areas of the ice, where his perseverance was rewarded.

Carson Wetsch (RW, R, 6’1″, 200, Calgary Hitmen, 05/04/2006)

Grade: A-

Comments: Wetsch is a classic power forward who excels in all aspects of the game. He is strong on the puck and uses his physicality to dominate in all three zones. Whether it’s winning battles along the boards, protecting the puck in tight spaces, or clearing out opponents in front of the net, he is a presence that makes an impact with his physicality and tenacity. Though he possesses skill with the puck, Wetsch isn’t flashy—he keeps his game simple and effective, focusing on making the right plays and getting pucks on net. He consistently goes to the hard areas, whether it’s working the corners or driving the net, where he creates scoring chances and wears down defenders. His quick release and heavy shot were on display when he ripped a one-timer top shelf from the high slot for the third goal of the game. He is the type of player who brings grit, skill, and a relentless work ethic, making him a dangerous asset in all situations.

David Adaszynski (C, L, 5’11”, 195, Calgary Hitmen, 05/25/2005)

Grade: B-

Comments: Adaszynski is a well-rounded, two-way center who excels in both ends of the ice. He plays the game with consistency, focusing on the fundamentals in the offensive zone and making the right plays in the defensive zone. A key asset to his team, he wins faceoffs with intensity, helping to establish zone time for himself and his linemates. He demonstrated his awareness and work ethic by scoring the first goal of the game. After winning a draw cleanly, he quickly escaped his box out and drove to the net, where he was in perfect position to capitalize on a rebound.

Sawyer Mynio (D, L, 6’1″, 180, Calgary Hitmen, 04/30/2005)

Grade: B

Comments: Mynio is a well-rounded two-way defenseman who excels in both ends of the rink. He skates efficiently and moves smoothly with or without the puck, showcasing excellent mobility. Defensively, he is strong at maintaining tight gaps, particularly in the neutral zone, where he effectively smothers opponents and forces them to the outside. Offensively, Mynio isn’t afraid to jump into the rush, especially after distributing outlet passes, where he acts as a secondary offensive option and can join the attack. His long reach is a key asset, allowing him to disrupt plays and win battles along the boards, while also helping him create opportunities on the offensive end.

Brandon Gorzynski (C, L, 6’2″, 187, Calgary Hitmen, 03/12/2007)

Grade: B-

Comments: Gorzynski is a rangy forward with mobility, allowing him to navigate through traffic with ease. His ability to change the angle of his hands and shift quickly makes him a difficult player to contain, as he can create space for himself in tight areas. While he has a skillful offensive game, he’s not afraid to get to the net and battle in the high-traffic areas. This was evident on the second goal by the Hitmen, where Gorzynski showed great determination, nearly scoring by poking away a loose puck in the crease. Although the goal was eventually tapped in by a teammate, his willingness to fight for position and get to the dirty areas of the ice speaks to his overall commitment to creating scoring opportunities.

Game played on 1/12/2025.

Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images

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