Game played 1/3/2025.
Blake Fiddler (D, R, 6’4″, 210, Edmonton Oil Kings, 07/09/2007)
Game Rating
A-
1 Viewing
Comments: Fidler had a solid game for the Oil Kings in this one. The 6’04 defender was effective in both ends of the ice. His game was highlighted by quality physicality, defensive senses, and transition play. His skating was around/below average and needed some growth in terms of a cleaner stride, and some improvement in acceleration which did slightly hurt his overall effectiveness. With that said Fiddler showed quality play in defensive transition as the American defender showed a high frequency of proactive scans mixed in with good stick work that took away lanes, and momentum killing physicality. Fiddler isolated players regularly and slowed the opponents attacking pace down to a halt, which demonstrated the Edmonton defenders overall defensive instincts through high end risk mitigation and isolation. The 2007 born defender showed a good aptitude to be a quality shut down defender at the next level. In defensive zone play he showed quality defensive senses mixed in with top notch physicality. This physicality was defined by a good frame, hitting form, and developing hit absorption. These senses articulated themselves through strong positioning where Fiddler established himself as a physically punishing slot presence, with good defensive habits (box outs, body positioning and grit), with decent defensive awareness (lane awareness, and defensive poise). One other area Fiddler stood out in the defensive zone was on retrievals, where he generated quick ups through board based passing plays, which allowed consistent offensive pressure generation from the Oil Kings. In offensive transition Fiddler showed offensive instincts through high frequency activations, lane creations, and zone entry generations. In the rare instance that he was not leading the rush, he showed offensive play reads through positioning at the opponents blue line in preparation. There were a couple of instances where Fiddler raised concerns around play processing via passes into pressure, nothing activations, or a poor risk assessment on his activation. This combined with some mis plays in the offensive zone raised further concerns around decision making, and offensive play reading/play anticipation. In transition and zone play he showed some capable puck skills through above average handling and play facilitation ability. These puck skills were particularly notable when Fiddler served as the power play quarterback. Offensive zone play showed some above average shooting in terms of a quicker release point, solid power generation, and decent shooting leverage. In all three zones Fiddler showed a high end compete level through frequent play engagement, offensive pressure generation, and motor. We look forward to growth in some of his offensive senses (play processing, decision making, and play anticipation), and skating (stride, and acceleration).
Alofa Tunao Taamu (D, L, 6’2″, 233, Edmonton Oil Kings, 05/28/2008)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: An overall decent game from the young defender. Ta’amu played a two way defenders game with some hidden offensive upside. His game was highlighted by some solid puck skills, developing senses, and notable transition play. In defensive transition the 2008 born defender’s gap control is defined by a solid space management which gave him the ability to close gaps quickly, and relentlessness poke checks where his frame and reach are advantageous. This defensive transitional play further hinted at some quality spacial awareness, play disruption, and some defensive instincts as the American defender often targeted players just as they entered the Oil Kings zone. Even in outnumbered rush chances against he handled situations in a ok manner by taking away passing and play lanes from the puck carrier. This showed some risk mitigation and management, and promising defensive poise. In defensive zone play this poise continued as he showed some capable defensive positioning where he posts up as a slot presence, while also displaying a high frequency of scans and ok play processing ability hinting at some quality senses. In both defensive and offensive transition the Oil Kings rearguard does have a tendency to exert some aggressiveness showing some developing aspects of risk assessment. In offensive transition he was an asset due to his quality puck skills and aforementioned senses. Through this combination he exerts clear on-ice vision that articulates itself in quality option ID, passing placement, which allow for quick ups. This also demonstrates some quality situational awareness as Ta’amu exemplified this in a multiple instances of lead passes to forwards that sprung chances, penalties, or quick offensive zone entries. In transition he showed instances where he wanted to lead but often settled for dump ins, which hinted at some activation aptitude in the future. In the offensive zone the Edmonton defender looked to be more of a play support asset with some decent pinches, but little play creation himself. Around average compete level in all regards. Displayed around average shooting with some ok stability, but a developing weight transfer, and release. We look forward to growth in his skating (slightly physicality (form, and muscle mass), skating (lower body rigidity, a mechanically shorter stride, and some limited extension/acceleration), and offensive awareness. This previously mentioned muscle mass will also help with shooting and skating growth as well.
Luke Powell (LW, R, 5’10”, 185, Edmonton Oil Kings, 04/23/2007)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Powell had a quieter game for the Oil Kings in this one. He played the game of a two way forward with some basic playmaking instincts. The forwards game was defined by a slightly above average compete level, some quality skating, and basic puck skills. Powell’s game was centered around transition and this came through his compete level which had a notable motor, hustle, and some minor play disruption through clean pivots and angles of attack. This was slightly undone by reactionary play anticipation which did harm his pace of play. In defensive transition the Edmonton forward played a somewhat active role on the backcheck with decent lane awareness and some pressure awareness. This backcheck role was also notable for Powell’s quality skating (edgework, stride, and crossover integration). Improvements in acceleration and top speed would allow Powell to exert more defensive pressure and let his offensive rush game thrive more. In defensive transition Powell also showed his physicality with some quality hit implementation that killed opponent momentum, and showed some quality hitting form, muscle mass despite frame limitations, and grit. In defensive zone play the Edmonton forward showed good hustle but limited defensive instincts and awareness. In offensive transition Powell played with high pace but was once again ineffective due to limited offensive creativity, option identification, and play reading. This hinted at developing senses. Around average puck skills in terms of handling, passing plays, and control. Displayed some decent puck protection instances in this one in offensive zone play, through good handling, board angling, and pressure awareness. We look forward to growth in senses (hockey IQ, play reading, and creativity). More effective shot selection, and lane manipulation on the rush could benefit his game as well.
Joe Iginla (F, R, 5’10”, 170, Edmonton Oil Kings, 08/13/2008)
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Comments: Iginla had a decent game for the Oil Kings in this one. His game resembled that of a playmaker with a notable compete level. The forwards game was highlighted by notable compete, skating, and puck skills with some hidden senses. At the base of his game Iginla had a solid skating foundation, with above average posture, hip rotation, and flection. This posture combined with some notable mechanics particularly noticeable are his bursts of acceleration that help him in transition play, some quality changes of pace that add some deception to his game, and a generally good extension that just needs a bit more muscle mass to generate even more power. Good edgework and agility displayed in this one as well, which allowed for clean route creation and angles of attack in transition. This skating base combined well in defensive transition as Iginla played an active role on the forecheck where he was able to close gaps quickly and force opponents into . This forecheck aptitude was highlighted by a quality compete level (hustle, motor, and play engagement) which generated quality play disruption that negatively altered the Hurricanes breakout tactics. Combine this compete level with lane awareness and an active stick that frequently disrupted passing lanes and there were hints of defensive awareness, and risk assessment in the 2008 born forwards game. Some of the angles of attack remained quite lateral and in turn became predictable so defensive pressure exertion was not always effective. In offensive transition the Edmonton forward shined with quality puck skills where he showed good option identification in the breakout that meshed well with both his vision and passing aptitude. These puck skills made him a consistent breakout asset for the Oil Kings. He also kept up with pace of play quite well, and especially on zone entries Iginla prioritized quality body leverage and positioning against his opponents showing some developing hockey IQ. In offensive zone play Iginla played an active role as a net front screen, and got some powerplay time on the half wall. This net front role showed some grit, but also highlighted some limitations in offensive creativity, and option creation. Puck skills also showed above average handling and deke ability in offensive zone play, particularly in the first period, as he generated a handful of chances through good hands. There were some minor issues around puck control in this one, especially under pressure. We look forward to further growth in skating as the player ages this should excel even more than it was already through a cleaner stride, even more power generation and acceleration consistency. Limited physicality in this one in terms of frequency, and puck/position battle effectiveness. Over eagerness on o breakouts (play reading, and anticipation).
Joshua Albert Lee (D, R, 5’7″, 139, Edmonton Oil Kings, 01/10/2008)
Game Rating
C+
1 Viewing
Comments: A quieter night from Lee. He played with the toolkit of a two way defender. His game was highlighted by some hidden offensive instincts, transitional play ability, and some play support. In defensive transition Lee displayed some decent gap control through his conservative spacing, capable risk assessment, and quality stick positioning that reduced the play options for Hurricanes forwards. This showed some decent defensive play reading, and chance isolation ability from the young defender. In defensive zone play Lee showed capable defensive positioning, and positional responsibility as a notable slot presence. In offensive transition the 2008 born defender showed some limited puck skills as he struggled with decision making largely due to poorer option ID, that the common result in this game was a turnover from Lee. He showed some hidden offensive instincts through a willingness to activate, capable spacial recognition, and some minor space creation aptitude. In offensive zone play his play engagement was below average, but he provided capable play support from the offensive zone blueline, with short d-d passes, and kept plays alive. Was a shooting threat due to frequency, but displayed a stiff release, developing lower body leverage, and below average shot selection. Around average compete level in terms of motor, hustle, and intensity. We look forward to growth in shooting (release, shot selection, and power), skating (backwards crossovers, lower body strength, and stride recovery), and physicality (frame, muscle mass, and effectiveness).
Jack Toogood (RW, 6’0″, 185, Edmonton Oil Kings, 08/16/2007)
Game Rating
C+
1 Viewing
Comments: In limited ice time Toogood had a quieter game for the Edmonton Oil Kings. He showed a good mix of soft and hard skill in this one. His game was highlighted by slightly above average skating, some decent transitional play, and hints of physicality. At the base of Toogood’s game is his high energy and skating ability. He showed a relatively clean stride, with hints of agility, and developing acceleration, which allowed him to get most of the places he needed to go on the ice. This skating aptitude allowed him to have an above average positional responsibility, positioning, and motor. His overall compete level stood around average (motor, intensity, hustle, and play disruption). In offensive transition Toogood showed some flashes of developing senses and puck skills with offensive instincts articulated through some quality passing plays, deception, and situational awareness. One area the 2007 born forward particularly stood out was around his physicality as he had solid balance through quite a wide skating stance, and some decent hitting form that drained the momentum of his opponents, and slowed down their pace of play quite drastically. In offensive zone play Toogood showed a ok shooting through a capable release point, power, and puck placement. We look forward to refinement of his offensive senses (chance awareness, creativity, and play reading).
Cameron Norrie (LW, L, 6’1″, 193, Lethbridge Hurricanes, 05/29/2007)
Game Rating
B-
1 Viewing
Comments: Norrie had an ok game for the Hurricanes. His game was that of a two way forward with some capable hard skill in this one. Norrie’s game was highlighted by decent senses, physicality, and compete. Norrie played an active role in the back check exemplified by his compete level where he employed relentless poke checks, unwavering defensive pressure, and smart physicality. This hinted at decent senses through his obvious risk assessment, and defensive awareness. This carried over into zone play where the 6’01 forward served as a capable high forward and employed high frequency defensive scans. Although he did not jump into the plays, he showed awareness of the plays that developed around him. In offensive transition Norrie showed some rush instincts through passing plays, and quality situational awareness. This situational awareness allowed him to become an option away from his teammates, and even generated a high quality breakaway at the 18 minute mark of the second period. Norrie had quality positioning whenever he was on the ice. One notable thing in transition was the body leverage and almost reverse hits that Norrie attempted to throw against Oil King forwards, which demonstrated hints of physicality, and grit. This physicality was further articulated through his command of space and board play in the offensive zone where he often threw opponents to the boards and tied them up to slow the pace down, which was favourable for his Hurricanes teammates. In the offensive zone the Hurricanes forward was a moderate shooting threat who displayed a quick(ish) release, a solid release point, and a decent weight transfer. Around average skating with notable agility and ok power, but needed growth in terms of edgework, displayed limited extension, and had a rigid stride recovery. We look forward to growth in this aforementioned skating and puck skills (handling and decision making were below average).
Chase Petersen (C, L, 6’2″, 187, Lethbridge Hurricanes, 05/19/2008)
Game Rating
C+
1 Viewing
Comments: A quiet game for Petersen. He looked to have the soft skill of a playmaker with a bit of a physical edge. His game was highlighted by some decent skating ability, moderate puck skills, and hints of senses and physicality. Petersen had some decent skating mechanics through his depth, stride, lower body flection and recovery, and pace. Skating posture was a bit upright. In defensive transition and zone play the 2008 born forward showed some decent awareness through a high scanning frequency, an inconsistent forecheck role, and remained positionally responsible throughout the game. In offensive transition the first year forward showed capable puck skills through decent handling, and option idea mixed with passing ideas but lacked some passing execution. Minor issues with puck control as well. This game was just plagued by a poor compete level for the rookie, as he lacked intensity, consistent effort, hustle, and play engagement. We look forward to growth in terms of offensive creativity, compete level, and puck skills (passing lane awareness, and passing ability). As an 2008 born forward he has lots of runway for growth yet.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images
