Game played on 1/17/2025.
Nathan Behm (C, R, 6’1″, 195, Kamloops Blazers, 04/18/2007)
Grade: B
Comments: Nethan Behm showcased flashes of high-end skill and offensive awareness, particularly on the power play. He displayed excellent patience and vision when setting up Tommy Lafreniere’s goal, recognizing his teammate’s backdoor positioning and delivering a precise pass from the point that led directly to a goal. His ability to read the play and make an impactful decision under pressure stands out in key offensive situations. Behm’s speed in transition is a notable strength. He generates impressive pace with the puck on his stick, utilizing his acceleration effectively to drive play through the neutral zone. However, his decision-making at times hinders his effectiveness. Behm occasionally forces plays, particularly on breakouts, opting for indirect passes or pushing the puck into the offensive zone without fully surveying his options. Developing a habit of keeping his head on a swivel and identifying safer puck-possession plays would greatly enhance his game. One of Behm’s standout tools is his deceptive release. His ability to curl and drag before unleashing hard, accurate shots makes him a threat from anywhere in the offensive zone. His shot is difficult for goaltenders to contain and can be a consistent source of scoring opportunities. To reach his full potential, Behm should focus on improving his situational awareness and making more calculated decisions, particularly in transition and breakout scenarios. His speed, shot, and offensive instincts give him a strong foundation, making him a player with promising upside as he refines his game.
Ty Bonkowski (RW, R, 5’10”, 160, Kamloops Blazers, 07/09/2008)
Grade: B-
Comments: Ty Bonkowski is a promising young forward showing flashes of his potential despite limited minutes as a 16-year-old on a rebuilding Kamloops Blazers team. He demonstrates a solid foundation of two-way play, with his defensive instincts and quick stick standing out as key strengths. Bonkowski has a knack for intercepting pucks in the defensive zone, using sharp positioning and active stick work to break up plays. With the puck, Bonkowski showcases a second gear, allowing him to evade defenders and maintain possession along the boards. He is elusive in tight spaces and difficult to defend when engaged in board battles. His ability to win stick battles and his high compete level are complemented by his willingness to take a hit and keep playing, showing his toughness despite being on the smaller side. A notable moment in his game came late against the Royals, where his relentless forecheck led to an intercepted breakout pass, exemplifying his high hockey IQ and ability to read the play effectively. Though his offensive contributions are limited at this stage, Bonkowski shows glimpses of offensive upside that could emerge with increased ice time and further development.
Tommy Lafreniere (C, R, 5’11”, 172, Kamloops Blazers, 01/16/2007)
Grade: B+
Comments: Tommy Lafreniere is a skilled and competitive forward whose standout stick work and anticipation make him a valuable player for the Kamloops Blazers. His ability to disrupt opponents’ passing plays is notable, as he consistently keeps his stick in lanes and anticipates passes with precision. This defensive awareness transitions seamlessly into his offensive game, particularly in the neutral zone, where he can quickly turn turnovers into opportunities. Lafreniere’s scoring instincts were on display in Kamloops’ lone goal of the contest. He initiated the play from behind the net, dishing to the left point before timing his cut to the front of the net perfectly. By slipping under the defender’s stick and positioning himself for a tip-in, he showcased his elusiveness and ability to capitalize on offensive sequences. This sequence highlighted his smart timing and understanding of how to create space. While Lafreniere excels in making quick plays and passes, he occasionally forces unnecessary or inaccurate passes, leading to turnovers. Refining his decision-making with the puck will be crucial as he continues to develop. Despite a less refined skating stride, his acceleration is a standout trait, allowing him to separate from defenders and attack effectively off the rush. A player who thrives in high-tempo situations, Lafreniere is making the most of his opportunities this season. With continued focus on simplifying his puck decisions and improving his overall skating efficiency, he has the tools to be a reliable offensive contributor at higher levels.
Vit Zahejsky (C, R, 5’11”, 170, Kamloops Blazers, 08/10/2007)
Grade: B+
Comments: Vit Zahejsky’s dynamic skating ability is his most notable asset, allowing him to create separation in transition and challenge defenders with his pace. His fluid stride and top-end speed make him a constant threat on the rush, and he uses his acceleration to stretch the ice and attack with purpose. Defenders struggle to adjust to his pace, often finding themselves on their heels when Zahejsky gets the puck in open ice. On the defensive side, Zahejsky is equally committed. His active stick and high work rate on the backcheck make him effective at disrupting plays and regaining possession. He excels at retrieving pucks in all three zones and shows a strong understanding of positioning and timing to force turnovers. Offensively, Zahejsky has quick hands that allow him to manipulate defenders and create space, particularly in one-on-one situations. However, he struggles to handle the puck effectively at top speed, often losing control when attempting to transition from defense to offense. This is likely due to his tendency to think two steps ahead, which sometimes causes him to rush plays before securing possession. As a playmaker, Zahejsky demonstrates excellent vision and creativity, consistently looking for opportunities to set up teammates. To reach his full potential, he needs to improve his ability to handle the puck in high-traffic areas and play through physical contact. Developing this aspect of his game will make him more versatile and better equipped to thrive against higher levels of competition. Zahejsky is an exciting player to watch, with speed and creativity that can change the momentum of a game. With improvements to his puck management under pressure, he has the potential to become a standout offensive contributor.
Cole Reschny (C, L, 5’11”, 183, Victoria Royals, 04/04/2007)
Grade: B+
Comments: Cole Reschny made an immediate impact upon returning from injury, demonstrating his ability to read and react at a high level. From his first shift, he retrieved a puck along the end wall, executed a slick toe drag around a defender, and set up his defender at the point before quickly getting open again. His offensive awareness and creativity shone as he curled back into space and delivered a perfect pass for a one-timer goal. While not an elite skater, Reschny compensates with exceptional decision-making under pressure. His vision allows him to anticipate plays and create space for himself and his teammates, making him a reliable offensive presence. His poise with limited time and space is particularly noteworthy, as he consistently makes high-percentage plays that lead to scoring opportunities. Off the puck, Reschny excels in disrupting opponents. His ability to get under sticks on both the forecheck and backcheck leads to turnovers and additional chances for his team. His knack for generating offense from these situations adds another layer to his game. With his strong hockey IQ, precise passing, and ability to make plays in tight areas, Reschny is a key contributor for the Royals. Continued focus on improving his skating will only enhance his effectiveness and help him reach the next level.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images
