Played on Nov 8, 2025
Game Played in Co-Op Place
Prabh Bhathal (C, L, 6’2″, 198, Brandon Wheat Kings, 05/14/2009)
Game Rating
B-
1 Viewing
Comments: Bhathal plays a solid two way forwards game that really lets his hard skill shine, and has complimentary speed and soft skill. Overall his game displays a high energy compete level that blends seamlessly with decent skating, and defensive senses. Skating shows some mechanical limitations in terms of posture and ankle flection, but displayed decent pace, with a clean stride recovery and bursts of acceleration. Improvements to power will allow his defensive game to be more suffocating and offensive rush game more elusive. Physicality also shows up in bursts with some solid grit, and battles for favorable body positioning, best emphasized by his shoulder-first faceoff form. The 2009 born forward was quite defensively responsible, and played an active role on every backcheck with good lane disruption, hustle, and relentlessness that really articulated his motor quite well. This defensive transition game was echoed in his own zone too as he displayed a high motor, good fundamental play disruption, and defensive instincts/risk awareness that makes him an asset in his own zone. There were a couple of shifts that he was caught for extended periods but he shows good endurance and calm poise under pressure. Offensively in transition Bhathal shows some good physical pressure to secure zone entries through a mix of pace and handling, but is set back by limited option awareness, and rushed plays. Through three different instances in this game he showed a tendency to crash the net by forcing a play and rushing a shot, which does raise questions around his offensive creativity and overall hockey IQ. Decent handling and puck protection mechanics, but struggles with passing (ability, and puck placement) leading to some disjointed plays and less effective breakouts. Barriers to elevating his game include shooting (stiffer release, poor shot selection, and accuracy), along with puck skills.
Jaxon Jacobson (LW, L, 5’10”, 181, Brandon Wheat Kings, 12/11/2008)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: A bit of an off game for the young forward. Jacobson plays a thrifty deceptive playmakers game. His skillset was highlighted by strong puck skills, mobile skating, and capable senses. Wherever Jacobson needed to get to on the ice he did with clean smooth strides, solid lane creation, and moderate separation speed. Also has an element of deceptive skating with quality cut backs and footwork that gave him extra space to make passes when need be. Thrived in offensive play with clear offensive instincts/awareness around timing, play making, and suckering in pressure only for a quick pass to generate a chance. Was the most noticeable in offensive transition as the young forward is a rush asset due to his offensive instincts meshing well with his pass creativity and on-ice vision. In zone play he demonstrates that he has the ability to control the pace of play in a game and showed high danger play creation with quality fakes, and look offs from where he was actually passing. Mixed results in pass delivery though as his pass selection at times seemed careless and inaccurate. Shot also looked dangerous with a snappy release and power based mechanics, but lacked consistent accuracy on his chances. The biggest drawback in the young forward is his below average compete level as his intensity demonstrates a clear lack of defensive urgency, best exemplified by his non-reaction to a high danger chance with 2:00 left in the first, clearly could have at least attempted to disrupt it, but lacked hustle. This lacking intensity was also evident on second effort plays and in his passive defensive zone coverage. Physicality was not too evident in this viewing.
Gunnar Gleasman (RW, R, 6’4″, 205, Brandon Wheat Kings, 09/17/2007)
Game Rating
C+
1 Viewing
Comments: Gleasman had a decent game for Brandon in this one. His play resembles that of a depth playmaker. Overall his skillset is highlighted by decent puck skills, an adequate compete level, and strong positioning. Skating projects around average with an ok rate of acceleration, power, and slightly rigid stride recovery. However he compensates well with solid positioning as he rarely is out of position always making himself an option, or support element in every play. Compete level on the defensive side of the puck shows a calm and collected positioning, mixed in with some hustle and basic defensive instincts through pressure relief inclinations. Shows some hints of ok play reading as he was able to pick off a couple passes in this one as well. Where he shines the most is as a puck handler because of good vision, handling, and safe decision making, best exemplified by his set up play for Brandon’s fourth goal. Passing itself was hit or miss in this one. Very much a perimeter support player in the offensive zone, but does exactly what’s asked of him Physicality was limited in effectiveness as he needs more growth in terms of playing through contact, and a higher rate of board play involvement.
Luke Mistelbacher (C, R, 6’0″, 196, Brandon Wheat Kings, 11/02/2005)
Game Rating
A-
1 Viewing
Comments: Boy is Mistelbacher a shooter, and this game demonstrated that clearly as he remains a dangerous sniper in the WHL this season. Had an all around solid showing in this one due to his high quality shooting, puck skills, and senses that blended nicely together to make him a consistent offensive threat every shift in this one. Defensively he at least employed an active stick, but the majority of his value comes as a run and gun offensive finisher. In offensive transition his skating projects around average in terms of top speed, rate of acceleration, and power, but it is what he does that makes him dangerous as he showed consistent pace manipulation, good space usage, and higher end situational awareness that made him a danger than his actual speed. He demonstrates a higher rate of scanning and good play processing, which makes him able to read and react effecinetly in most play situations, which allowed for quality positioning. Puck skills also project above average with good pass receptions (out of nothing sometimes), vision, and slight deception in his handling mechanics it was always a guess of what he was going to do next. This deception and puck skills allowed for clean snappy shots, with good power that demonstrated good hand eye, and clutch.. Mix this situational awareness, with puck skills, and shooting and that explains Mistelbacher’s hat trick quite well.
Tyson Moss (D, R, 5’11”, 166, Medicine Hat Tigers, 02/11/2008)
Game Rating
C+
Tyson Moss showcased his offensive-minded approach in this game, displaying flashes of playmaking and lane creation. He looked to lead and join rushes with activation instincts, demonstrating some offensive instincts. In defensive transition, Moss employed physicality and aggressive spacing, but struggled with spatial awareness and risk assessment. His defensive zone play hinted at underdeveloped defensive awareness and poise. Despite this, he showed notable hustle in offensive transitions. Moss’s skating was around average, with hints of agility and bursts of acceleration on activations. However, fundamentals such as a full extension were lacking, which impacted power generation. In zone play, Moss provided support rather than driving plays, with below-average shooting and shot selection. To improve, he will need to work on his puck skills, including control and handling.
2 Viewings
Comments: Moss is a steady presence for the Tigers, but struggled a bit in this one. He plays that two way defenders game with adequate mobility and growth in terms of some decent play reads. His game was highlighted by a higher than average compete level, hints of physicality, and responsible transitional play. In defensive transition Moss employs a gap control that shows some isolation attempted (space management), stick usage to restrict shot lanes, and overall defensive poise that reduced the number of rush chances that Brandon could generate marginally. Moss still has early pivots still, that despite his quality hustle still hint at issues with skating (backwards crossovers, power generation, and depth). In his own zone he continues to be a stable slot presence who exerts as much physical pressure as he can which blends with defensive responsibility, battles for body position, and risk mitigation through physical play alone. Offensively he still has some jump in him as he likes to be an option in breakouts with some activations, and this willingness even led to a nice in tight playmaking effort with 9:08 in the first. Still shows some basic offensive instincts and playmaking leading to some offensive play and pressure support. Moss still lacks in senses generally as hje struggled with play anticipation, and consistent risk assessment, and fuller awareness. Puck skills looked around average by most regards in this one.
Yaroslav Bryzgalov (LW, L, 6’4″, 216, Medicine Hat Tigers, 03/23/2007, Merrimack)
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Comments: Bryzgalov played a unique game of a playmaker meets a power forward. His puck skills looked really strong in this one, complimented by his no-shifts off mentality, and more physical nature. His game demonstrated solid puck skills, a high compete level, and evident physicality. Skating in all three zones looked around average in terms of top speed, mechanics, and agility. His transition game is more clearly defined by absolute relentless physical pressure through angling and stick usage, play disruption, and advantageous play anticipation. There were multiple instances in this game where he picked off Brandon chances on the forecheck and transformed them into high danger chances for, which hinted at his overall awareness, play reading, and opportunist nature. Bryzgalov was just as relentless in the defensive zone, and frequently used his solid hitting form to slow opponent plays down while, giving his linemates a chance to retrieve pucks from his opponents. High end play engagement in all three zones. Offensively Bryzgalov shines as a transitional playmaker, with solid on-ice vision, play/pass creativity, and handling he can secure high pace zone entries and then make goalies scramble with a high danger centering or cross-crease play. Displayed frequent playmaking inclinations and even short passes to get pucks out of pressure looked routine for the 6’03 forward. Thrives the most when the puck is on his stick hinting at hidden offensive instincts, hockey IQ, and solid option ID every shift. Fought hard in all three zone for good body positioning as well. High frequency shooter, but shot looked slightly below average with a stiffer release, short mechanics, and problems with elevating the puck in close. Not a lot of finishing from Bryzgalov in this one. Barriers to the next level of play include skating and shooting.
Dayton Reschny (LW, L, 5’10”, 162, Medicine Hat Tigers, 06/24/2006)
Game Rating
C+
1 Viewing
Comments: A quieter night from Reschny. Plays a game that emphasized strong positioning, moderate hustle, and space creation. Skating looked around average due to a clunkier stride, ok route creation, and about average power. Wasn’t super noticeable on either end, and could use a higher rate of play engagement plus physicality to make his presence more felt in games. Was a secondary support element, and whenever the puck touched his stick he showed some limited play anticipation leading to poorer hit absorption. Around average puck skills by all regards.
Jonas Woo (D, R, 5’9″, 177, Medicine Hat Tigers, 11/19/2006)
Game Rating
A-
1 Viewing
Comments: Woo had a strong game that really showcased his scoring chops. He plays with the very evident poise of a offensive defender. His game was highlighted by a relentless offensive compete level, solid puck skills, and notable offensive senses. Skating all stood out moderately for Woo in this one as he employs some decent crossovers on activations, clean edgework, and solid pace management through notable lane creation and driving in both transitional and established zone plays. The 2006 born defender has also shown some moderate growth on the physicality side as shown in his gap control he tries to get body positioning, and has isolation attempts, but shows mixed results due to his frame and below average physical pressure. Defensively he tracks well and isn’t scared to engage in board play, showing that willingness is a good step forward for the defender. Can get lost in higher pace defensive plays though, hinting at some play processing issues with his defensive awareness. Offensively is where he shines the most though with his high end motor, activations, and offensive scanning he identified holes in Brandon’s defense, allowing him to jump right in and capitalize like he did on his first goal, which was virtually a breakaway. He is a rush leader, and most of the Tigers offensive efforts in this one went through him. In the offensive zone he shows good aggression with active pinches, and cycles downlow, which allowed him to be a prime offensive pressure generator. His positioning is all over the place which can get him into trouble, and especially in instances where he makes blind passes (which was frequent), just as he generates the offensive pressure, he can kill it providing questions around his play anticipation. Serves largely as a in-zone facilitator with good lane recognition, and handling/distributing upside. Served as the Tigers power play QB in this one. Shooting displays some deception and good shot placement, but demonstrates a stiffer release. Senses, physicality, and shooting still remain barriers for his play at the next level.
Mikhail Volotovskii (C, L, 6’2″, 194, Medicine Hat Tigers, 06/23/2005)
Game Rating
B-
1 Viewing
Comments: Volotovski plays a strong three-zone complete game. He plays a high energy power forward’s game that is defined by a quality compete level, decent physicality, and defensive senses. Skating projects around WHL average with a shorter stride, awkward stride recovery, some issues with depth, and limited power generation. Also displays problems with hip mobility influencing his overall agility in transitional play and in tight zone plays, which decreases his effectiveness to roll off hits and be elusiveness in zone entries. His defensive play remains strong though as Volotovski plays an active and consistent role on the forecheck which showcases strong angles of attack, relentless pressure, and defensively aware positioning which does compensate for his skating shortcomings. This transitional play is emulated in his defensive zone play too as he would constantly cover for defenders, shows moderate risk awareness, and has an active stick to both block lanes and initiate tie ups. Shows good intensity, and risk assessment throughout his zone coverage and when combined with his other factors contributes decent physical and defensive pressure. Offensively Volotovski serves more as a play connector than a play driver with solid offensive positioning that makes him an option when need be, but does demonstrate a limited spatial recognition which does limit his overall effectiveness as a bumper. Shows good hand-eye, and play anticipation leading to higher levels of offensive support. Does not dictate much of the pace of play, but will engage in offensive zone board battles and grittier areas of the ice, also is a higher end cycle supporter through puck awareness and solid hit absorption, the Tigers never lost momentum directly due to Volotovski. Below average puck skills in terms of poise, control, and option awareness does limit his overall effectiveness in the offensive zone. Around league average faceoff taker with average draw speed, positioning, and leverage. Puck skills, skating, and basic offensive sense limit his transferability to the next level.
Cameron Parr (LW, L, 5’9″, 187, Medicine Hat Tigers, 09/06/2006)
Game Rating
C
1 Viewing
Comments: Despite Parr’s fight he had quite a quiet night. Parr plays a soft skill fueled game of a playmaker, which is best exemplified by his solid puck skills, ok senses, and decent skating. At the foundation of his game is his mobility and his skating which employed a decent posture, good clean edgework, a smooth stride, and above average gliding, this allowed him to get anywhere he needed to be in the game. Defensively he was entirely passive and checked out, showing a lack of play engagement, risk assessment, and overall defensive awareness. This limited defensive engagement was best exemplified by his floating in Brandon’s fourth goal against. He was a bit of an agitator, and fought, but it was evident that he lacked some emotional control. On the offensive side of the puck he employed some good changes of pace, timing, and playamking instincts that demonstrated adequate offensive instincts and option awareness. Thrived more as a rush attacker, using speed, lane creation, and his higher pace plays to generate 3 attempted chances for with quality centering plays. Had a tendency to over handle, skating straight into pressure in an attempt to create. Quality passing ability. Significant lack of compete level that showcased a lack of intensity, defensive pressure, any attempt at second effort plays, and hustle of any kind. Physicality was a second barrier as Parr is undersized which produced below average hit absorption, and balance.
Ethan Neutens (C, R, 6’3″, 213, Medicine Hat Tigers, 05/03/2005, Alaska Anchorage)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Neutens had a decent night against Brandon. He plays an physicality infused game for the Tigers as a power-forward with some playmaking upside. His overall game against Brandon showed solid puck skills, senses, and physicality. Skating looked capable and he maintained pace of play all night. On the forecheck there was an inconsistent but decent effort as some shifts he came out with a wreckingball mentality, and others he showcased strategic pressure. Additionally in the defensive zone he employed consistent battle, aggression, good hit frequency, and (in all three zones) employed smart hit absorption that also routinely protected the puck and allowed him to move plays forward despite being stapled to the boards. Employed responsible defensive position, and created space and lanes for himself frequently that reduced the quality of chances against or pushed the offensive pace. Puck skills were a stand out in this viewing with good tight at hip-handling, conservative decision making, and pressure relief and awareness, rarely putting pucks into high danger areas. Good poise throughout the night as well. These elements defined his offensive transition play on the breakout. In the offensive zone Neutens showed good scanning, play anticipation, and hockey IQ as he did the small things right like closing off walls to prevent clears, establishing body positioning before a push, and scanning for space., These elements allowed him to be a consistent opportunist and net crasher throughout the game. Leaned more shooter than passer in this one with high shot frequency, but they were often rushed, and inaccurate, hinting at some needed shooting growth, around shot mechanics. Shooting and skating need more growth to be a higher end offensive generator and finisher at the next level.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images