
Game played on 1/21/2025.
General Game Notes: Five second period Brandon goals, three on the power play, proved to be the difference as the visiting Wheat Kings beat the hometown Kelowna Rockets 7-3. Nolan Flamand led the way with two goals and two assists while Luke Shipley also had two goals along with one assist. Rhett Stoesser was busy in the Kelowna net as he faced 55 Brandon shots as the Wheat Kings controlled play for much of the game.
Quinn Mantei (D, L, 6’0″, 181, Brandon Wheat Kings, 04/23/2005)
Grade: A-
Comments: Mattei is an very good two-way defensemen who showcases a well-rounded skill set complemented by a competitive edge. His mobility is evident in his ability to walk the blue line with confidence, enabling him to create scoring opportunities while maintaining solid defensive positioning. Mattei consistently excels in making excellent first passes, demonstrating his strong puck skills and nice poise under pressure. His patience with the puck allows him to effectively read the play and make smart decisions. Additionally, Mattei is not afraid to engage physically, displaying toughness in net front confrontations and a willingness to provoke opponents after the whistle, which adds an extra layer of grit to his game. Overall, Mattei’s combination of skill, smarts, and tenacity makes him a player that can have success at the next level and would benefit with more development time.
Jaxon Jacobson (LW, L, 5’10”, 178, Brandon Wheat Kings, 12/11/2008)
Grade: A-
Comments: Jacobson is a highly skilled late 2008 birthdate who exhibits exceptional poise and maturity on the ice, especially for his age. His ability to hold onto the puck and patiently wait for teammates to get into position showcases his advanced hockey IQ and vision. Jacobson’s impressive hands and puck skills, combined with excellent skating and maneuverability allow him to navigate tight spaces and create scoring opportunities. On one occasion he drove wide on an outnumbered attack and spotted his late F3 in the wide dot lane and made a perfect cross ice pass resulting in a primary assist on a great finish and goal by Hadland. He possesses excellent puck skills and consistently makes smart plays, not only in the offensive zone but also by effectively facilitating his wingers during offensive transitions. Overall, Jacobson demonstrates the potential to be a dynamic playmaker with a bright future ahead.
Jordan Gavin (LW, L, 5’11”, 190, Brandon Wheat Kings, 11/13/2006)
Grade: B
Comments: Gavin showcases a commendable all-around skill set that makes him a reliable contributor on both ends of the ice. While not the most flashy player, he excels in the subtleties of the game, demonstrating good puck handling and playmaking abilities that enable him to create opportunities in the offensive zone. His instinct for finding open spaces and willingness to battle in front of the net for loose pucks highlight his tenacity and competitiveness. Defensively, Gavin is a calm and aware presence, consistently being in the right place offensively and defensively with the result being good balanced offensive numbers of 15 goals and 16 assists for 31 points. His game would be taken to another level with elevating his willingness to grind on the walls harder for loose pucks. Overall, Gavin is a sound, smart hockey player who brings a steady and dependable game to every shift, making him a valuable contributor.
Joby Baumuller (RW, R, 5’10”, 188, Brandon Wheat Kings, 07/19/2007)
Grade: B-
Comments: Baumuller showcases a solid overall skill set, highlighted by very good puck-handling abilities and a quick, accurate shot that makes him a scoring threat from various positions on the ice. His skating is effective, allowing him to navigate through traffic and create opportunities with a willingness to carry the puck through the neutral and drive wide but, there was inconsistency with a willingness to drive the middle. He definitely has the solid frame to engage and win battles on the walls but again there is room for improvement with a more consistent approach. While he demonstrates a willingness to battle for pucks, he must work on being more proactive and assertive in his approach to the game. Currently, Baumuller appears to be at a crossroads, as he needs to define his playing style and become more involved in both offensive and defensive situations to maximize his potential. With some refinement and a clearer identity, he definitely has the tools to become a player that has a place at the next level.
Carter Klippenstein (LW, L, 6’3″, 180, Brandon Wheat Kings, 11/25/2006)
Grade: A-
Comments: Klippenstein is a high-energy 6’3 forward whose skating ability sets him apart as a dynamic presence on the ice. He excels in the forecheck, using his very good speed for a big player to pressure defenders and create turnovers. On the forecheck he displays a relentless nature when it comes to puck pursuit. His confidence in carrying the puck through the neutral zone allows him to challenge opponents one-on-one, where he demonstrates both skill and awareness where on one occasion he made a heady play where he drove the defense back, executed a quick turn back along the wall to deliver a precise cross-ice pass to a teammate charging toward the net. He consistently competed hard, leveraging his size to establish a strong net-front presence while battling for position on low to high puck movement scenarios. His willingness to engage in post-whistle skirmishes and stand up for his teammates, including taking on one of Kelowna’s tough players without hesitation, highlights his competitive spirit and team-first mentality. Overall, Klippenstein’s blend of speed, skill, and tenacity makes him an asset on both ends of the ice and, make him someone that has a valuable skill package which should get him consideration at the next level.
Luke Shipley (D, R, 6’0″, 186, Brandon Wheat Kings, 08/08/2004)
Grade: A-
Comments: Shipley is an impressive offensive defenseman whose skating ability and exceptional mobility set him apart on the ice. He demonstrates a unique combination of skill, featuring very good hands and elite vision that allow him to effectively orchestrate the play from the blue line. With a keen awareness of his surroundings, Shipley excels at spotting open teammates and distributing the puck with precision in any zone. His ability to walk the line is noteworthy; he frequently employs a quick wrist shot to ensure pucks get through to the net, thereby resulting in many goalmouth scrambles for loose pucks. Defensively, he plays tight in the neutral zone, utilizing an effective surfing technique to disrupt the opposition’s flow. On the power play, Shipley operates as the quarterback, showcasing his playmaking prowess, as evidenced by a great play where he quickly walked the line and fired a cross body, cross-ice pass that led to a one-timer goal. Overall, his contributions in both offensive and defensive situations make him a valuable asset to his team, particularly during crucial moments like the power play.
Marcus Nguyen (RW, R, 5’11”, 183, Brandon Wheat Kings, 08/02/2004, Nebraska Omaha)
Grade: A-
Comments: Nguyen is an electrifying forward standing at 5-foot-9, whose small stature belies his tenacity and skill on the ice. His ability to win puck battles along the boards is impressive, showcasing a relentless work ethic and determination. Quick and shifty, he excels on the down-low possession in the offensive zone displaying poise and vision with the puck and a knack for being able to get open without it, making him very dangerous. He also uses his speed effectively to drive offensive opportunities through the neutral zone. Nguyen is adept at attacking wide and consistently driving the puck hard to the net and demonstrating a knack for finishing. His work ethic extends over 200 feet, contributing effectively in both offensive and defensive zones. With a balanced offensive output of 22 goals and 20 assists for 42 points this season, makes him a valuable asset to any team looking for a dynamic and hardworking forward.
Nolan Flamand (LW, L, 5’10”, 190, Brandon Wheat Kings, 01/12/2004)
Grade: B+
Comments: Flamand is stocky 5’9 intriguing forward who stands out for his work ethic, high end hockey IQ and impressive vision, making him a constant threat in the offensive zone. While his top speed is good, his better agility and quickness allows him to navigate through traffic effectively and maintain control of the puck. With that, he possesses deceptive playmaking skills that enable him to create scoring opportunities for his teammates, rounding out his solid offensive skill set. Additionally, Flamand possesses a strong finishing touch, as evidenced by his ability to score with a heavy one-timer on the power play that found the top shelf over the goaltender’s glove. He also buried one off of an excellent give and go where he darted into open space and fired a cross body one timer past the goaltender Stoesser. He showed some quality defensive awareness also when one of his defenceman jumped into the attack, and he was the fourth player in the attack and then spun off and took up his position on the blue line while he was in deep. Overall, Flamand’s combination of intelligence, creativity, and finishing ability makes him someone that could provide some offensive punch at the next level.
Dawson Gerwing (LW, L, 6’3″, 225, Kelowna Rockets, 07/12/2006)
Grade: B
Comments: Gerwing continues to impress with his consistent work ethic, showcasing his reliability as a player who brings effort every game and shift. Tonight’s match highlighted his ability to recognize pivotal moments, as he initiated a fight to try to spark his team while trailing 4-1, demonstrating his leadership and willingness to step up when needed. Although his skating is somewhat choppy, he navigates the ice effectively and contributes positively to his team as as a hard forechecker and reliable contributor defensively. Gerwing capped off a strong performance on this night by scoring a late goal where he recognized he was the center driver resulting in a semi-breakaway, released a quick wrist shot that ended up slipping through the goalie’s legs. His solid skill set may not be flashy, but with some extra work, combined with his aforementioned traits could make him a contributor at the next level.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling Images