Played on Jan 29, 2025
Western Hockey League
Game Played in Scotiabank Saddledome
General Game Notes: Neutral Zone viewed the WHL matchup between the Edmonton Oil Kings and the Calgary Hitmen on January 29, 2025. This game was dominated by Calgary from start to finish. The Hitmen outshot the Oil Kings 47-25 despite going shorthanded on eight occasions compared to the three powerplays they were able to get. Calgary sustained pressure in all three periods and were rewarded for their well-rounded game with a 6-0 victory.
Daniel Hauser (G, L, 5’10”, 165, Calgary Hitmen, 01/29/2004, Wisconsin)
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Comments: Hauser delivered a rock-solid performance between the pipes, reading the play well and moving efficiently across his crease to track passes and incoming shots. He stayed aggressive at the top of his crease when facing outside shots and remained composed in scrambles, keeping his stick down to deny jam plays in tight. His rebound control was excellent, consistently directing pucks into the corners rather than the slot. His sharp play earned him a well-deserved shutout, anchoring his team’s defensive effort.
Axel Hurtig (D, L, 6’5″, 210, Calgary Hitmen, 06/10/2005)
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Comments: Hurtig showed solid defensive fundamentals, especially in transition. He executed a smooth backward-to-forward pivot to win a race for an icing call, using his size effectively. His breakout passing was quick and efficient, allowing his team to exit the zone cleanly. Offensively, he displayed confidence, collecting the puck at the point, stepping into the high slot, and firing a hard wrist shot on goal.
Hunter Aura (D, R, 5’10”, 165, Calgary Hitmen, 10/22/2007)
Game Rating
C+
1 Viewing
Comments: Aura played a smart, composed game, recovering pucks cleanly in his own zone and moving them quickly to his teammates before absorbing a check. He contributed offensively with a quick shot from the point that was tipped in for a goal, earning him an assist for his heads-up decision-making.
Tanner Howe (LW, L, 5’10”, 188, Calgary Hitmen, 11/28/2005)
Game Rating
A-
Tanner Howe is a skilled winger who excels at controlling the pace of play in front of the net. With soft hands and precise stick handling, he weaves through defenders to create scoring opportunities from deep within the offensive zone. His agility and ability to cut into open spaces allow him to create chaos for opponents, making it difficult for them to anticipate his next move. In front of the net, Howe is a relentless forechecker who battles hard to screen the goalie, using his positioning and reaction time to get in position for shots on goal. This combination of skill and tenacity makes him a formidable opponent in scoring situations.
1 Viewing
Comments: Howe displayed high-end skill in tight spaces, using soft hands and shifty skating to navigate through pressure and find open ice as a dangerous playmaker. He was effective in puck battles down low, winning possession and helping sustain the cycle in the offensive zone. In front of the net, he showed great awareness, bouncing off a defender to position himself in the slot for a quick one-timer. His ability to change pace was on full display when he weaved through the neutral zone methodically before bursting past a defenseman with three quick strides and driving hard to the net.
Ben Kindel (C, R, 5’10”, 176, Calgary Hitmen, 04/19/2007)
Game Rating
A-
1 Viewing
Comments: Kindel had a standout offensive performance, showing an ability to control play through the middle of the ice. He was a key driver of zone entries, making smart chip passes to streaking wingers before getting himself to the net. Once in the offensive zone, he was in constant motion, always looking for open ice with and without the puck. His ability to receive passes cleanly on his backhand, even in stride, allowed him to maintain possession and make plays under pressure. He generated a great power-play chance with a hard one-timer aimed for the short side, but the goalie made a sharp cross-crease save. His skating was another strong asset, helping him create odd-man rushes and contribute defensively, where he supported play low in his own zone, breaking up a play in the corner before transitioning the puck out.
Carson Birnie (F, L, 6’1″, 187, Calgary Hitmen, 02/22/2005, Michigan Tech)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Birnie was highly effective on the penalty kill, using his active stick to deflect passes through the middle and quickly clear the puck out of danger. He created offense with his smart decision-making, including a partial breakaway where he drew in defenders before dropping a pass back for a high-quality scoring chance. His awareness also allowed him to capitalize on a rebound during an odd-man rush, following up the play and burying the loose puck for a goal.
Carson Wetsch (RW, R, 6’1″, 200, Calgary Hitmen, 05/04/2006)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Wetsch displayed solid offensive instincts and two-way responsibility. He executed a strong rush down the wing, using a quick cut move to get around the defenseman, though he ran into traffic before getting a shot off. His defensive awareness showed on the penalty kill, where he blocked a point shot to break up an offensive threat. He also contributed offensively, using his stick to redirect a point shot into the net for a well-earned goal.
David Adaszynski (C, L, 5’11”, 195, Calgary Hitmen, 05/25/2005)
Game Rating
B-
1 Viewing
Comments: Adaszynski played with relentless energy, consistently applying pressure on the forecheck and battling hard behind the goal line in the offensive zone. His quick first step allowed him to jump on loose pucks before opponents could react. Defensively, he made a key sacrifice, blocking a hard one-timer slapshot while on the penalty kill, demonstrating his commitment to both ends of the ice.
Connor Hvidston (LW, L, 6’2″, 164, Calgary Hitmen, 09/11/2004)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Hvidston showed great puck control and patience, running a one-man cycle while his team was changing, curling around the circle, and ripping a wrist shot top corner for a goal. He was aggressive on the forecheck, forcing turnovers, including a poke-check steal that led to a pass into the slot for a scoring chance. His smart positioning paid off again when he pressured a defender on a bouncing puck, used his body to gain inside position, and got a shot off that resulted in a rebound goal, earning him an assist.
Carter Yakemchuk (D, R, 6’3″, 201, Calgary Hitmen, 09/29/2005)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Yakemchuk had an active game, contributing offensively while showing areas for defensive improvement. He was caught puck-watching in a one-on-one situation, allowing his opponent to skate around him. The rest of the game though, he showed to be highly engaged and was strong defensively with his ability to recover quickly when the other team transitioned up ice. He showcased his offensive instincts with a strong rush, deking around the goalie with a slick move but just missing the finish.
Oliver Tulk (F, R, 5’8″, 172, Calgary Hitmen, 01/19/2005, Wisconsin)
Game Rating
B-
1 Viewing
Comments: Tulk was quick and elusive in the offensive zone, using his agility to slip past a defenseman in the corner and draw a tripping penalty. His defensive instincts were just as sharp—he intercepted a pass in his own zone, exploded into open ice for a breakaway, and was hooked, leading to a penalty shot. On the attempt, he took a quick-release shot that rang off the post, just inches away from capitalizing on his strong individual effort.
Brandon Gorzynski (C, L, 6’2″, 187, Calgary Hitmen, 03/12/2007)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Gorzynski consistently generated offensive chances, creating multiple two-on-ones by pushing the pace up ice and delivering accurate passes across for high-quality looks. He showcased his ability to finish as well, crashing the net hard on a cross-crease feed and getting his stick on the puck to tip it into the net for a well-earned goal.
Rylan Ng (RW, R, 5’9″, 150, Calgary Hitmen, 09/22/2008)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Ng’s work ethic was evident throughout the game, as he skated hard to win puck races on multiple occasions. He showed good offensive instincts, taking the puck from the corner to the half-wall before driving toward the slot and getting a shot off, leading to a rebound goal for a teammate and an assist for him. His battle level behind the net created turnovers and extended offensive possessions. On the penalty kill, he capitalized on a loose puck at his own blue line, bursting out for a breakaway, but his backhand attempt was stopped as he couldn’t quite lift it over the pad.
Blake Fiddler (D, R, 6’4″, 210, Edmonton Oil Kings, 07/09/2007)
Game Rating
C+
Fiddler showcased his skillset with ease, making intricate plays appear effortless. His active stick allowed him to deflect passes through the middle of the ice and off opponents’ sticks. With control of the puck on his tape, he confidently navigated up the ice, often choosing to quickly pass it to a teammate or skate into the neutral zone to dump the puck deep. This calculated approach also enabled him to intercept a stretch pass and initiate a scoring chance for his team. His poise and skill allowed him to dictate the tempo of play, making impactful plays throughout the game.
1 Viewing
Comments: Fiddler was strong along the boards and effective in battles behind the goal line. He used his physical play to his advantage, engaging opponents and disrupting the cycle in his defensive zone. His ability to play the body on opposing forwards made it difficult for teams to maintain possession down low.
Rylen Roersma (LW, L, 5’11”, 190, Edmonton Oil Kings, 07/25/2004)
Game Rating
B-
Roersma displayed impressive agility and puck-handling skills during this game, frequently navigating through traffic to create scoring opportunities. He effectively utilized his speed and agility to separate himself from defenders and gain open ice. In front of the net, Roersma showcased his ability to adapt quickly, making a slick deke move around a defender and creating a backhand shot opportunity. His positioning allowed him to capitalize on a loose puck, taking advantage of an opponent’s mistake to score. Roersma also demonstrated solid defensive play, using his active stick to disrupt opponents’ movements from the point and create counter-attacking opportunities for his team.
1 Viewing
Comments: Roersma’s ability to enter the zone with control was a highlight of his game. On one play, he received a pass in stride, executed a toe drag around a defender, and maneuvered to the middle for a quality shot attempt. His skating was a major asset, as he consistently weaved through the neutral zone and used his edges effectively to elude defenders. His zone entries helped drive offensive possession for his team throughout the game.
Luke Powell (LW, R, 5’10”, 185, Edmonton Oil Kings, 04/23/2007)
Game Rating
C+
Luke Powell’s speed with the puck allows him to rapidly move into the middle of the ice, creating opportunities for scoring chances. He effectively uses his agility to split defenders and gain a good angle on goal. Powell is also notable for his tenacity in battling for pucks, often emerging from physical encounters with possession.
1 Viewing
Comments: Powell showcased high-end speed, flying down the wing with ease. He used his skating to generate offense, executing a strong rush where he drove hard to the net before attempting a high backhand shot. His ability to challenge defenders wide and attack the net with pace made him a dangerous presence in transition.
Adam Jecho (RW, R, 6’5″, 198, Edmonton Oil Kings, 03/24/2006)
Game Rating
B
Adam Jecho is a dynamic force on the ice, utilizing his size and agility to control the tempo of play. As a forechecker, he exerts an intimidating presence, winning battles in the corners and creating turnovers. When playing with possession in the offensive zone, he maintains a calculated aggressiveness, rapidly positioning himself to intercept passes and create scoring chances. His exceptional vision allows him to identify open teammates, making informed decisions about where to deliver the puck. On the wing during rushes, Jecho demonstrates his ability to adapt, using creative angles to get around the net and generate scoring opportunities through wraparound chances.
1 Viewing
Comments: Jecho’s blend of size and skill made him a difficult player to contain. On a one-on-one opportunity, he slipped around a defender and carried the puck into the corner, showing his ability to navigate tight spaces. His hands were especially smooth in motion, allowing him to handle the puck through traffic and gain offensive zone entry. Despite his larger frame, he found open ice well and displayed creativity in his passing, threading pucks through the middle to set up teammates.
Ethan MacKenzie (D, L, 5’11”, 171, Edmonton Oil Kings, 09/02/2006)
Game Rating
B-
Ethan Mackenzie demonstrated exceptional defensive skills in this game, showcasing impressive fundamentals and hockey IQ. He excels at maintaining a close gap with opponents, using his agility to cut off passing lanes and send them into the boards. When facing fast skaters, he adapts by staying central, allowing for smooth transitions between defense and offense. In powerplay situations, Mackenzie proved adept at facilitating from the point, quickly distributing the puck to his forwards on the half-wall. His ability to read the game and execute plays effectively highlights his strong hockey sense.
1 Viewing
Comments: Mackenzie played a strong physical and positional game, showing poise under pressure. He stood up to a charging opponent who attempted to lay a big hit on him, knocking the other player down after dumping the puck over the red line. His presence on the power play was effective, displaying good movement at the top while quarterbacking the unit. In the neutral zone, he delivered a big open-ice hit to separate his opponent from the puck. Offensively, he took smart shots from the point, finding lanes through screens and placing pucks where they could be tipped in front.
Lukas Sawchyn (C, R, 5’10”, 174, Edmonton Oil Kings, 02/27/2007)
Game Rating
B-
Lukas Sawchyn possesses quickness that allows him to navigate through tight spaces and capitalize on scoring opportunities. His soft hands enable him to slip past defenders with ease, while his acceleration enables him to rapidly change direction. This skillset is showcased in both power play and breakaway situations, where he can quickly move into open space or exploit defensive weaknesses. Sawchyn’s ability to read the game and recognize scoring chances allows him to create opportunities for himself and his teammates. He also demonstrates exceptional puck skills, including the ability to control speed and direction while maintaining possession, ultimately leading to a strong on-ice presence that drives his team’s offense.
1 Viewing
Comments: Sawchyn was a constant threat off the rush, using his speed and skill to create high-danger opportunities. On one impressive sequence, he drove wide around a defenseman, got off a quality in-tight shot, retrieved his own rebound, and circled the zone for another quick release. Later, he displayed great acceleration again, splitting the defenders for a dangerous scoring chance that generated a rebound in front, though it was eventually cleared away. His ability to generate offense off the rush was a standout aspect of his game.
Logo courtesy of the Calgary Hitmen