Game played on 11/29/2024.
The 2004s
Beau Courtney (C, R, 5’10”, 180, Everett Silvertips, 01/12/2004, Alaska Fairbanks)
Grade: C+
Comments: The University of Alaska-Fairbanks commit is currently in his fourth season with the Silvertips. Beau is a smaller forward who showcased excellent effort in puck battles during this viewing. Although he did not win many battles, often being out-muscled by opponents, we were impressed by his determination and his willingness to commit to the gritty side of the game. When defenders activated offensively, Beau frequently fell back to cover for them and supported them in battles down low in the zone. He also displayed strong straight-line speed and was able to transition up ice quickly. At present, Beau projects as a bottom-six player who can wear down opponents with his speed and relentless effort.
Dominik Rymon (LW, L, 5’10”, 156, Everett Silvertips, 05/29/2004)
Grade: A
Comments: Dominik is one of the top ’04-born players in the WHL, returning to the Silvertips after recording 81 points in 57 games last season—his first full WHL campaign. He scored shorthanded in this game after MacKenzie forced a turnover down low and sent the puck out front to Dominik, who one-timed it past the goaltender. Dominik added two more assists before the final horn. Dominik excels in a straight line, quickly generating speed with his explosive first few strides. He reads the direction of plays well, and his speed allows him to get to loose pucks quickly. Despite being a smaller forward, Dominik cycled the puck effectively down low and played through contact while dishing it out himself—a testament to his strength and edgework. Defensively, Dominik used his speed to close gaps on opponents and knock pucks away with his stick. He also supported defenders down low, showcasing a strong 200-foot game overall. As it stands, Dominik is a player who could excel in any NCAA program while also garnering significant attention from NHL teams looking to add him to their minor league rosters. Regardless of which development path he chooses, we expect him to succeed.
Tyler MacKenzie (LW, L, 5’10”, 186, Everett Silvertips, 06/04/2004, Merrimack)
Grade: A-
Comments: Tyler joined the Silvertips after four seasons with the Medicine Hat Tigers. Against the Giants, he recorded a goal and an assist. On his assist, he forced a turnover down low in the offensive zone while the Silvertips were shorthanded. He quickly moved the puck to Rymon in the slot, who buried the chance. On his goal, Tyler capitalized on a loose puck in the neutral zone, toe-dragging a defender to manipulate him into screening the goaltender. Tyler then fired a quick shot that beat the screened goaltender high to the blocker side. What stood out most in this viewing was Tyler’s passing. In transition, he made a strong backhand pass to a teammate while moving at full speed, narrowly missing the connection. On another play, during a 3-on-2 rush, he identified a tight seam between defenders and delivered a precise cross-ice pass that led to a shot on goal. Tyler was also hard on pucks down low in the offensive zone, cycling effectively to wear down defenders. As it stands, Tyler is one of the top ’04-born forwards in the WHL and will aim to make an immediate impact at Merrimack next season.