Game played on 1/15/2025.
Jaxon Jacobson (LW, L, 5’10”, 178, Brandon Wheat Kings, 12/11/2008)
Grade: B
Comments: Jaxon Jacobson is a dynamic, heads-up forward who thrives in high-pressure moments and demonstrates a knack for clutch plays, as evidenced by his game-winning goal in the final minute after exiting the penalty box. On that play, Jacobson showcased his offensive instincts by receiving a stretch pass from his defenseman, making a quick in-tight move, and beating the goaltender glove side. Though undersized, Jacobson’s play is unaffected by his stature. He excels at slipping through seams and using his body positioning effectively to win pucks on the forecheck. His quick hands and deceptive puck skills allow him to navigate tight spaces and execute creative plays. Jacobson frequently draws defenders toward him, then peels off checks to maintain possession or create space for his teammates. Offensively, he is trusted to take key faceoffs, emphasizing his reliability in critical situations. With the puck on his stick, Jacobson is unpredictable and elusive, often finding teammates with no-look passes or one-touch plays that keep the puck moving across the ice. His vision and playmaking ability in the neutral zone are standout attributes, making him a dual threat as both a scorer and a distributor.
Jordan Gavin (LW, L, 5’11”, 190, Brandon Wheat Kings, 11/13/2006)
Grade: B
Comments: Jordan Gavin is a skilled forward with the ability to generate offensive opportunities, particularly when entering the offensive zone with confidence. He demonstrates reasonable burst speed, which allows him to gain separation in transition and create quality chances. Gavin’s heavy shot release is a significant asset, particularly on the powerplay, where he is often utilized on the flank to cycle the puck and find shooting lanes. However, his shot selection could improve to make him a more consistent offensive threat. Gavin scored a notable goal by capitalizing on a defensive collapse, retrieving the puck in the slot, and wiring it over the blocker of the opposing goaltender. This highlights his ability to recognize and take advantage of scoring opportunities. Despite this, he sometimes struggles to create plays independently and would benefit from simplifying his game. At times, Gavin opts for flashier plays when simpler, more efficient decisions could maintain offensive momentum. Defensively, Gavin has a sneaky quick stick on the forecheck, allowing him to disrupt plays and regain possession. However, his overall game impact is heavily weighted toward offense. To elevate his play, he needs to develop more versatility and find ways to contribute consistently in all zones. Jordan Gavin’s offensive tools and ability to perform in transition make him a strong junior player. To take the next step in his development, he should focus on refining his playmaking decisions, improving shot selection, and broadening his contributions to become a more complete and impactful player at higher levels.
Joby Baumuller (RW, R, 5’10”, 188, Brandon Wheat Kings, 07/19/2007)
Grade: B-
Comments: Joby Baumuller is a hardworking checking forward who excels in the forechecking role, using his positioning and hockey sense to disrupt opposing plays and force turnovers. His ability to read and react to breakouts is a key strength, as he consistently gets into effective lanes to take away time and space or steer opponents into the F2. Baumuller’s excellent stick work keeps defenders alert, and he frequently comes close to intercepting passes, adding pressure to the opposition’s breakout. Offensively, Baumuller has limited puck skills, as he struggled with handling passes throughout the night, which led to turnovers and stalled offensive opportunities for his team. Despite this, his effort level and willingness to go to the net paid off, resulting in a grinder’s goal when a shot from his linemate deflected off him and into the net. His quick release can be effective when he has time to execute, but he often needs to clean up his puck handling to make the most of his offensive chances. Baumuller’s role as a checking forward suits his current skill set, and he provides value through his effort, defensive awareness, and ability to support his team on the forecheck. However, his upside remains uncertain. To stand out further, Baumuller will need to improve his puck-handling ability and become more reliable in possession to complement his defensive game. While Baumuller’s name has been noticed by central scouting, his progression will depend on whether he can expand his contributions beyond his checking role and develop more consistent offensive tools.
Carter Klippenstein (LW, L, 6’3″, 180, Brandon Wheat Kings, 11/25/2006)
Grade: B+
Comments: Carter Klippenstein is a hardworking forward with a strong two-way game and a focus on simplicity and efficiency. He excels in tight spaces with quick hands, making him a reliable option along the boards for puck retrieval and keeping offensive plays alive. His north-south style of play is effective, as he uses his quick burst speed to gain separation and think ahead during breakouts, ensuring smooth transitions from defense to offense. Klippenstein is utilized on the penalty kill, where his strong edgework and ability to position his stick in lanes disrupt passing plays and create turnovers. His compete level is evident in battles along the wall, where he uses his size and determination to outwork opponents, although he would benefit from adding muscle to maximize his physical effectiveness. Offensively, Klippenstein is effective in chip-and-chase scenarios, using his speed and smarts to maneuver around defenders and create opportunities. While his game is straightforward, his strong fundamentals, high compete level, and ability to impact the game in various situations make him a valuable asset. Klippenstein’s skill set and work ethic make him an intriguing prospect, especially as a potential project player for the later rounds of the NHL draft. With continued development, particularly in adding strength and expanding his offensive versatility, he has the tools to contribute at higher levels.
Nolan Stewart (LW, L, 5’10”, 163, Victoria Royals, 01/12/2008)
Grade: B
Comments: Nolan Stewart is a smart, versatile forward whose game is defined by strong decision-making and reliability. Despite being slightly undersized, Stewart effectively protects the puck, using his body positioning and awareness to maintain possession in contested areas. His added chippiness enhances his competitiveness, allowing him to hold his own in physical battles against larger opponents. Offensively, Stewart shows composure with the puck, consistently making good decisions to support his team. However, his ability to generate separation would benefit from improving his burst speed with the puck, which would enhance his capacity to break away from defenders and create more scoring opportunities. Defensively, Stewart stands out for his responsible play. He positions his stick effectively when playing the body, disrupting opposing plays and making it challenging for defenders to execute cleanly. As a 16-year-old playing consistent minutes, his ability to contribute defensively is an encouraging sign of his maturity and development. Nolan Stewart’s hockey sense and work ethic are the foundation of his game. By focusing on improving his skating explosiveness, he can elevate his offensive impact and become an even more well-rounded player. His progress so far suggests promising potential as he continues to refine his skills and gain experience.
Teydon Trembecky (LW, L, 5’11”, 182, Victoria Royals, 04/28/2005)
Grade: B-
Comments: Teydon Trembecky is an energetic and gritty forward who brings a feisty edge to his game while showing significant growth in his offensive abilities this season. His added scoring touch has elevated his overall impact, making him a more versatile and productive player. Trembecky thrives in the neutral zone, effectively using his stick to disrupt plays and prevent opponents from gaining clean entries into the offensive zone. Offensively, he excels at slipping around defenders, using his awareness and agility to position himself for scoring opportunities. However, he lacks the extra burst of speed when driving toward the net, which limits his ability to capitalize on chances at close range. Maintaining consistent foot movement, especially in high-pressure situations, will be crucial for him to maximize his scoring potential. Trembecky’s playstyle is best suited as a complementary player in a top-six role. While he benefits from playing alongside skilled linemates, his occasional lapses in pace and foot movement raise questions about his ability to drive play at higher levels. When he is engaged and moving his feet, Trembecky controls the puck well and contributes effectively, but his consistency in high-paced situations needs improvement to solidify his potential at the next level. Trembecky’s blend of spunk, defensive reliability, and emerging offensive skills make him an intriguing prospect. With further development in his skating explosiveness and pace, he could become a more dynamic and impactful player capable of thriving in faster, more demanding environments.
Reggie Newman (RW, R, 6’2″, 200, Victoria Royals, 06/08/2005)
Grade: B
Comments: Reggie Newman is a commanding presence on the ice, using his size, strength, and leadership to make an impact in all facets of the game. As a veteran player, Newman has displayed the ability to adapt, transitioning effectively from his usual position on the right wing to center in this game. His seamless adjustment highlighted his versatility and ability to contribute to the finer aspects of a centerman’s role, such as supporting transitions and controlling the play in both ends. Newman excels at protecting the puck, leveraging his physical strength to anchor his game. Whether tying up sticks, winning loose puck battles, or disrupting opponents on the forecheck, he consistently initiates offensive opportunities. On dump-and-chase plays, his physicality and tenacity set the tone for his team, and on the penalty kill, he kills valuable time simply by being difficult to maneuver around. Offensively, Newman uses his long reach and frame to generate chances, particularly in tight around the net, where he powers through defenders and shields the puck effectively. However, in his D+2 year, there is a clear need for him to focus on refining his offensive skill set and improving his production. Developing his puck-handling, shot release, and finishing ability will be key for him to become a more consistent scoring threat. Newman’s style of play—a ‘big boy game’—ensures he stands out on the ice, and his physical tools are undoubtedly translatable to the professional level. While his future in pro hockey seems certain, the level at which he can make an impact will depend on his ability to enhance his offensive output and overall skill set. With continued development, Newman has the potential to be a highly effective power forward at the next level.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images