Played on Nov 7, 2025
Game Played in Co-Op Place
General Game Notes: This game was a true back-and-forth battle, with both teams trading goals and refusing to give an inch. The depth on both sides was on full display, as several players contributed offensively throughout the night. In the end, it was the Oil Kings who found a way to grab the extra point, sealing the win in the shootout.
Blake Fiddler (D, R, 6’5″, 222, Edmonton Oil Kings, 07/09/2007)
Game Rating
A-
1 Viewing
Comments: Fiddler is a defenseman who benefits from having size while also being able to provide that mobile offensive game as well. Scored a nice goal tonight sneaking off the blue line where he was able to get a slot pass from the goal line. Without stick handling or taking too much time to pick his spot, he got his shot through the first layer, and with a ton of help, it pin balled off a couple guys and into the back of the net. The goal was a bit lucky, but before the goal Fiddler sets himself in place where he can get a shot off and by not getting it blocked, benefited from some fortune. These are little parts to his game that separates himself from other offensive defenseman.
Jensen Marsh (F, R, 5’10”, 163, Airdrie Bisons U18, 03/21/2009)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Marsh is one of the, if not thee, youngest player on the ice. He shockingly fit in well tonight getting a nice assist on the first goal of the game. It may have looked a little lucky but if he knew his teammate was wide open for a tap in goal in front of the net, then it was an impressive pass. He plays with energy every step he takes. Obviously he makes some younger mistakes but if you zero in on what he did well against older bigger players, he was one of the better puck handlers on the ice. His plays need to be quicker on the breakout, and know players are coming to eliminate him from the play.
Joe Iginla (RW, R, 5’10”, 177, Edmonton Oil Kings, 08/13/2008)
Game Rating
B+
Iginla is a compact but tenacious forward with a knack for creating scoring opportunities through his individual effort. He effectively uses speed and agility to control the puck and navigate the ice, often finding himself one-on-one with defenders. His ability to read the play and react quickly allows him to capitalize on mistakes by opposing players. When it comes to defensive play, Iginla’s scrappiness is evident as he consistently chases down loose pucks and harasses opponents.
1 Viewing
Comments: Iginla plays the Iginla way, hard on the puck and hard to play against while having the skill to make some players look silly. Tonight he was not able to show off a ton of that skill but made himself known in other ways. Won wall battles, won one on ones, and beat defenders wide to set up late rushes into the zone. At a younger age, he was able to show that he is a well rounded two way player, he showed this with puck decisions in his own end. Off the wall instead of through the middle type of plays.
Landon Hanson (RW, R, 6’1″, 181, Edmonton Oil Kings, 01/09/2006)
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Comments: Hanson scored one the more prettier goals in tonight’s game, getting the puck off the end wall in what looked like a called off icing, and from just above the goal line, ripped the puck over the goalies shoulder. It was an absolute snipe that had many wondering why he shot it in the first place given his type of play style. Hanson works hard for loose pucks and will wear teams down with his relentless pursuit of the body and puck. Where a lot of players will stop moving their feet and glide, Hanson sprints back in the play.
Andrew O’Neill (RW, R, 6’2″, 197, Edmonton Oil Kings, 02/07/2007, North Dakota)
Game Rating
A-
1 Viewing
Comments: O’Neill opened the scoring with a nice goal following up a rush and getting rebound back door that he was able to easily tap home. O’Neill is a big player who can play a power forward role but also adds some speed and skill to his game. He did a good job tonight at using his size and strength to out muscle for position and has that long stride to beat out smaller players in a length race, his goal was a good example of that. He is not the fastest in smaller areas but when he can reach top speed, combined with his size, he is hard to defend.
Miroslav Holinka (RW, R, 6’1″, 192, Edmonton Oil Kings, 11/10/2005)
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Comments: Holinka showed tonight that he is not shy about playing in the rough areas of the ice, and he is good at getting pucks out of corners. He has an above average shot, although many of his goals come from his ability to agitate and get his stick on pucks in front of the net, despite his slower boots, he gets first to puck a lot based on his positioning. Holinka possesses decent vision and instincts, but most of his other skills were unimpressive, for someone of his stature.
Lukas Sawchyn (C, R, 5’10”, 173, Edmonton Oil Kings, 02/27/2007, Arizona State)
Game Rating
A-
1 Viewing
Comments: Sawchyn plays with great pace with and without the puck. Had a nice assists driving the puck low only to seam it back high to his defenseman. He uses the length and the width of the ice to be effective. By spreading the rink out, he is able to show off his skating and vision with the puck an he is not afraid to hold on to it for the extra second to allow something to open up. He was one of the better players on the ice with the puck tonight.
Kadon McCann (LW, L, 6’3″, 202, Medicine Hat Tigers, 03/25/2007)
Game Rating
B+
McCann’s skillset as a winger is notable for his ability to generate momentum while moving up and down the ice. His lateral movement allows him to quickly shift sides without losing speed or control. Additionally, his soft hands enable him to handle the puck effectively in tight spaces. When given time and space, McCann can be a formidable opponent due to his size and physicality. He uses his body well to drive to the net and create scoring opportunities. However, it’s clear that he often relies on a similar approach, focusing on driving wide and using creativity to create chances.
1 Viewing
Comments: McCann plays a solid two way game where he wins battles at both creases and will give the extra effort along the boards. Scored a nice and important goal tonight at the crease with a man up where he stood his ground and won a puck battle and tapped it passed the goalie, in mid air. He was all over the ice tonight offensively and his play usually ended up at the net front. His game in his own end is equally noticeable, digging for pucks and creating turnovers ultimately starting rushes going the other way. Tonight he won a lot of his one on one battles.
Yaroslav Bryzgalov (LW, L, 6’4″, 216, Medicine Hat Tigers, 03/23/2007, Merrimack)
Game Rating
B
Bryzgalov’s skillset is characterized by his physical presence and ability to create space in front of the opponent’s goal. He has excellent strength and balance on his skates, allowing him to be a dominant force in all areas of the ice. This enables him to identify and capitalize on moments to attack physically, while maintaining position. However, his footwork can sometimes leave him vulnerable in one-on-one defensive situations. Despite this, Bryzgalov’s overall game is marked by his impressive balance between physicality and finesse.
1 Viewing
Comments: Bryzgalov is a big body who does a good job at throwing his weight around. At times, it looked like finishing his check was his first and second priority when the puck was just laying there, playing the puck would have fueled his offensive chances a lot more tonight. Took a penalty to open the game that kind of set the mood for the other team. While on the ice, he can play all three forward positions, chip in on offense if needed, and agitate and hustle creating a ton of energy, that was the critique of his game tonight.
Jonas Woo (D, R, 5’9″, 177, Medicine Hat Tigers, 11/19/2006)
Game Rating
A-
1 Viewing
Comments: Woo is more of a typical smaller offensive defenseman, has the feet to beat anyone in small areas and is thinking offensive first as second option with and without the puck. With that being said, scored one of the more anti offensive defenseman goals where he was able bury one as the net front on the power play. Despite being smaller, he has a ton of fight in his game, he wants to win loose pucks and wants give some hits in exchange. His reward in this game outweighed his risk but that is a hard way to play consistent hockey.
Bryce Pickford (D, R, 6’0″, 192, Medicine Hat Tigers, 04/02/2006)
Game Rating
A-
Bryce Pickford showcased his solid all-around skills on the ice, exceling in transition hockey and making a significant impact in his team’s two-goal lead early in the game. He demonstrated impressive skating abilities and creativity, allowing him to quickly join rushes and contribute to zone exits and entries. While he can improve in picking his spots, Pickford consistently displayed strong puck movement skills, efficient joining of rushes, and solid positioning.
1 Viewing
Comments: Pickford has a unique combination of being bigger while being super offensive from the back end. He is mobile but can also be stationary focused on his positioning able to shut down plays in his own end. Scored a nice goal tonight beating a defender in the slot where he was able to power home a wrist shot through a screen. Offensively, he takes risks, and this goal was an example based on how many guys were behind him when he shot the puck but this goal was also an example of the reward his risks can produce.
Ethan Neutens (C, R, 6’4″, 206, Medicine Hat Tigers, 05/03/2005, Alaska Anchorage)
Game Rating
B-
Ethan Neutens showcased his offensive skills, particularly his ability to create scoring opportunities with quick releases and deceptive movements. He demonstrated good skating ability and controlled space effectively, allowing him to dominate hard areas such as shooting in contested spots. While he is not a well-rounded two-way player, Neutens excels in his ability to find the back of the net. His lack of foot speed is an area for improvement, but with the addition of skills like using his big mentality to attack the net, he has potential down the wall off rushes.
1 Viewing
Comments: What Nuetens can provide is a healthy pace of physicality, some times too much, but can put a certain level of panic into the other teams game. Where Neutens was at his best tonight was digging for loose pucks out of the corner and against the walls. He did not show the vision or skill to make the next play after winning loose puck battles but is not afraid to attack the net. He works hard no doubt and has a great long stride but struggles when it comes to a small area game.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images