Played on Mar 7, 2026
Game Played in Memorial Coliseum
General Game Notes: The close game with a ton of offense, with over eighty recorded shots on net, both teams traded chances back and forth. With four different goal scorers from the Everett Silvertips, it was the depth of their team tonight as to why they were able to come away with a win.
Luke Vlooswyk (D, R, 6’5″, 201, Everett Silvertips, 01/09/2007)
Game Rating
B
Vlooswyk’s playing style is rooted in his physical presence, as evident in his ability to engage in tough battles along the boards and in front of the net. His size allows him to be an effective forechecker, and when moving at full speed, he can be a formidable force to contend with on the ice. Offensively, Vlooswyk demonstrates a solid understanding of how to create space and set up shots on goal. While his game may not be overly complex, he has a reliable shot that can be an asset when given the opportunity. His overall approach is straightforward and effective, allowing him to make an impact in his role.
1 Viewing
Comments: Vlooswyk plays with an effective blend of power and skill. For a player of his size, he moves well and looks surprisingly fluid skating forward, covering ice comfortably and keeping pace with the play. He also is not shy about using his physicality, showing a willingness to step up and deliver hard, punishing checks. With his larger frame, he naturally takes up a lot of space on the ice, which helps him defend effectively and make life difficult for opponents. Combined with his physical edge and mobility, he brings a presence that is hard to play against shift after shift.
Julius Miettinen (C, L, 6’3″, 217, Everett Silvertips, 01/20/2006)
Game Rating
A-
1 Viewing
Comments: Miettinen a big power forward who uses his size around the net to create chances. He scored a nice goal tonight, just out working his opponents for a loose puck in the crease. Before this goal happened, he was the one that set the play up by finding the late wave, showing his vision and ability to slow the game down. He has a unique combination of size and ability to keep up with smaller, more agile players on the ice. When he decides to lower his shoulder and drive the net, he makes himself a force that is extremely hard for smaller defensemen to box out at the top of the crease.
Nolan Chastko (C, L, 5’8″, 156, Everett Silvertips, 08/23/2005)
Game Rating
A-
Chastko’s playing style showcases a unique blend of speed and creativity on the ice. He often takes initiative to control the puck, demonstrating an innate ability to find himself in scoring positions. Defensively, while not exceptionally strong, he is capable enough to hold his own, but his lack of size and physicality may hinder his effectiveness in his own end. A significant challenge for Chastko lies in competing with elite-level players who mirror his playing style. Despite this, he has shown promise in quickly transitioning the puck with swift and decisive movements. This ability allows him to create scoring opportunities and gain an advantage on the ice.
1 Viewing
Comments: Chastko opened up the scoring with a nice slot goal where his teammate wants a race to a loose puck, dishes it out front and Chastko was in a great position to one time it over the goalies glove. His quick feet and short, choppy strides allows him to change directions and be very deceptive with the puck. One of the better parts to his game is how fearless he seems to be going into all battles or in front of the net. Despite his size, he jumps on loose pucks and is not afraid to attack the middle of the ice, quickly cutting into a scoring area.
Jesse Heslop (LW, L, 5’11”, 178, Everett Silvertips, 04/18/2006)
Game Rating
A-
Heslop’s skillset is centered around making smart, impactful plays without drawing unnecessary attention to himself. He excels at reading the game and positioning himself well, which allows him to contribute effectively in various situations. His hockey sense, paired with a strong work ethic and high energy level, makes him a challenging opponent to match up against.
1 Viewing
Comments: Heslop was able to show that he is an offense first minded forward whose speed is a constant threat. Dangerous in transition, he can accelerate quickly through the neutral zone and create chances off the rush. When he gets his shot off in stride, it comes with a quick, deceptive release that can catch goaltenders off guard. He also does a good job manipulating his shooting angle, subtly adjusting his positioning to open lanes and improve his chances of beating the goaltender.
Tarin Smith (D, L, 6’1″, 201, Everett Silvertips, 03/24/2006)
Game Rating
A-
Tarin Smith’s game is characterized by his ability to make plays with quick, decisive movements around the rink. He demonstrates an understanding of the game that allows him to capitalize on openings and take risks, often resulting in positive outcomes. As a puck-moving defenseman, Smith possesses great offensive tools, including accuracy on his shot and excellent vision. He is judicious in joining the rush and prioritizes team success over personal scoring chances. While not perfect defensively, Smith’s mobility and poise make him an asset in zone exits and his own end, where he excels at making tape-to-tape passes. As a net front defender, Smith shows a willingness to battle in the corners, using thoughtful physicality to muscle opponents into positions that allow him to create scoring chances. His size is a key factor in this approach, allowing him to overpower puck carriers and create opportunities for his teammates.
1 Viewing
Comments: Smith is an offensive defenseman whose lateral movement and mobility allows him to create as much offense as he does. Scored a nice goal tonight, doing just this, walking the blue line with patience, waiting for lanes to open up, and beating the goalie with a wrist shot from distance. One thing he does really well is scan for options when he has the puck on his stick. His first and second option consistently look to be passing, but he will shoot the puck. Which is a big reason as to why the offense defense has twelve goals on the year so far. His Mobility extends into other areas of his game, not just in the offensive zone like breakouts which helps him getting back to pucks first.
Matias Vanhanen (RW, L, 5’11”, 174, Everett Silvertips, 09/11/2007)
Game Rating
A
Vanhanen possesses a strong sense of spatial awareness on the ice, allowing him to make effective passes that open up scoring opportunities for teammates. His ability to move with pace while maintaining visual awareness enables him to contribute both offensively and defensively. He demonstrates smart playmaking skills by recognizing the space available and making calculated decisions about when to pass or shoot. Vanhanen also exhibits evasive skills, using his agility to create separation from defenders and exploit defensive coverages.
1 Viewing
Comments: Vanhanen possesses a strong blend of skill and speed, regularly beating defenders with his puck handling and showing creativity when the puck is on his stick. His ability to improvise and attack with confidence makes him a constant threat in the offensive zone. When he keeps his game direct and plays with pace, he becomes especially effective. Vanhanen able to show tonight that he is dangerous off the rush, capable of making plays at top speed while maintaining control. Even without standout size or physicality, he competes with attention to detail, staying engaged and contributing in multiple areas of the game.
Ryan Miller (LW, L, 6’0″, 178, Portland Winterhawks, 05/03/2007, Denver)
Game Rating
B+
Miller’s physicality is a notable aspect of his game, as he consistently battles for loose pucks and shows no hesitation when engaging in physical play. He effectively uses his compact size to his advantage by creating space and making quick decisions to pursue pucks. In the offensive zone, Miller excels at moving his feet and delivering precise passes into tight spaces. When dynamic on offense, he becomes a solid two-way player due to his established defensive prowess. However, his below-average skating speed limits his overall effectiveness. To take his game to the next level, Miller needs to work on increasing his quickness and edge in his stride. By improving his mobility, he can unlock more complete version of his skills and overall performance.
1 Viewing
Comments: Miller has such a quick set of hands, allowing him to create passing lanes and execute them under pressure. Multiple times tonight, he would find cross-ice seams and put it on his teammates stick with time and space, allowing them to get a higher quality shot off. The quicker and more agile forward always seems to be buzzing around with high energy, with and without the puck. Not afraid to be first on the forecheck and create some physicality within his shift. His size is as deceptive as his offensive game because he will get low, take a hit, and use a power move to attack the net, always making himself a threat to create.
Will McLaughlin (D, L, 6’2″, 169, Portland Winterhawks, 03/10/2008, Colorado College)
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Comments: McLaughlin scored a nice goal tonight on an impressive individual effort. He picked up a loose puck along the boards. Challenged a defender one on one by slipping the puck in between his legs, then with a quick snapshot, beat the goalie five hole. He was able to show a couple other plays similar to this where he uses his hands to manipulate small areas of the ice. McLaughlin as an offensive defenseman, clearly not afraid to get up in the play. He will lead rushes as well as finish them.
Reed Brown (C, L, 5’11”, 161, Portland Winterhawks, 02/22/2008)
Game Rating
B-
Reed Brown demonstrated solid hockey sense in various situations. He effectively used his speed to control a turnover in the offensive zone, quickly retreating to provide support on the back check. In the slot, he showcased his catch and release skills, catching the goalie off guard with a powerful shot from the top circle. One of Brown’s notable strengths is his ability to quickly capture and release shots, which requires confidence and precision. This skillset is evident in his game, allowing him to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
1 Viewing
Comments: Brown is a capable skater, though his overall game can occasionally lack tempo. What stands out offensively is his quick release, which allows him to get shots off before defenders can fully close. Away from the puck, he shows strong instincts, finding soft spots in coverage and slipping into open lanes to make himself available. He also displays soft hands and comfort handling the puck on his backhand, often making plays that many players avoid. When opportunities develop, he reads the ice well and shows the vision and touch to execute difficult passes, adding a layer of finesse to his offensive game.
Max Psenicka (D, R, 6’5″, 178, Portland Winterhawks, 01/18/2007)
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Comments: Psenicka works hard to extend plays and remains consistently involved in the action, contributing as much defensively as he does offensively. His commitment away from the puck is evident, often putting in the same level of effort to prevent goals as he does trying to create them. That said, there were not many moments where high end playmaking ability or advanced scoring instincts truly stood out, just consistently made the easy play. His transition game is solid, carrying the puck more through the neutral zone, it helps elevate his offensive impact. When he works the puck toward the middle of the ice, he tends to hold on to pucks and create entries.
Nathan Free (RW, R, 5’10”, 163, Portland Winterhawks, 06/23/2006, Penn State)
Game Rating
B+
Nathan Free is a dynamic skater who excels on the rush, generating offense with his speed and agility. His ability to quickly change direction and create chaos makes him a threat in the offensive zone. However, he sometimes takes risks that lead to turnovers due to overplaymaking. On defense, he can be vulnerable to physical battles and relies heavily on his linemates to provide support. While he demonstrates impressive footwork skills, particularly in his own end, where he uses his acceleration to escape pressure, he occasionally struggles with managing the puck responsibly and covering for his teammates.
1 Viewing
Comments: Free is capable of making highly skilled plays in motion and consistently generates controlled entries with the puck on his stick. He is often looking to create opportunities for teammates. Free also brings a strong work ethic on both sides of the puck, staying engaged in all three zones. His awareness stands out. He takes intelligent routes with and without the puck, does a good job finding open space in possession, and keeps his head up to survey options. Combined with his ability to process the game quickly, it allows him to make efficient decisions and stay a step ahead of the play. Tonight, one of the more skilled players on the ice.
Alex Weiermair (C, R, 6’1″, 191, Portland Winterhawks, 05/10/2005, Denver)
Game Rating
A-
Weiermair’s skill set allows him to excel in various aspects of the game. He demonstrates quick reflexes and shot power, enabling him to capitalize on scoring opportunities. His size and positioning enable him to create space and evade defenders. Weiermair also showcases a two-way game, effectively defending his zone while contributing offensively. His agility and explosive first steps make him difficult to contain in tight spaces, allowing him to exploit seams and create scoring chances. While physicality plays a role in certain situations, Weiermair can still contribute without relying on it heavily. His high motor and defensive IQ enable him to read plays well and capitalize on transition opportunities.
1 Viewing
Comments: When it counted the most Weiermair showed up with an absolute bomb from the point. Up a man, Weiermair Sat just inside the blue line waiting for a one timer, which he was able to get off with time and space. With layers at the net, he found a lane and beat the goalie clean, low side. The confidence he has in more chaotic times of the game showed up when his team needed a goal and is a reason why he has thirty four goals on the year. One of the better parts to his game is how he recognizes poorly gapped defenders and takes advantage of the space that is given to him. He can slow down or speed up based on the ice in front of him, making him unpredictable and deceptive on entries.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images