Played on Dec 6, 2025
Game Played in South Okanagan Events Centre
General Game Notes: It took an overtime goal by Kamloops Blazers defenceman Isa Guram, on a beautiful set up by JP Hurlbert, to get the victory in this low scoring affair 2-1, over the hometown Penticton Vees. Blazers goaltender Ivans Kufterins was excellent in the net making 24 saves, several of the very difficult variety. Rounding out the scoring for the winners was Owen Cooper, while Brooks Demars scored the lone Penticton goal.
Ivans Kufterins (G, L, 6’1″, 163, Kamloops Blazers, 01/07/2007)
Game Rating
A-
1 Viewing
Comments: Kufterins was excellent in this game — a calm, positionally sound netminder who finished with 24 saves on 25 shots and consistently made timely, momentum-saving stops. He displayed strong post-to-post quickness while remaining square to shooters, including a huge stop on a bang-bang cross-ice one-timer that immediately preceded his team’s tying goal, and an early game cross-crease one-timer save on a quality Vees goal scorer. He gave up few rebounds, showed confident puck-handling and composure under pressure, and proved capable of stealing games with big saves when needed.
JP Hurlbert (C, R, 6’0″, 187, Kamloops Blazers, 04/01/2008, Michigan)
Game Rating
A-
Hurlbert’s dynamic skill set allows him to excel in various aspects of the game. With high hockey IQ, he effectively navigates the ice and creates opportunities for himself and teammates. He possesses excellent skating ability, including good speed and mobility in tight spaces, which enables him to evade pressure and make plays. His on-ice awareness and playmaking instincts are notable, often finding ways to create scoring chances. When attacking from the left side, he seems to have an advantage, particularly when having his stick in the middle. He is also a threat shooting off the wing, with a quick and accurate release. The player’s competitive nature shines through in the offensive zone, where he pursues hard on the puck and finishes strong. Overall, this individual projects as a top-end offensive contributor with strong two-way compete.
1 Viewing
Comments: Hurlbert is a high-end talent who excels with strong puck skills and an advanced hockey IQ; his skating is good — average top-end speed but very good edge work and maneuverability — that aspect, more than his speed, allows him to drive the attack through the neutral zone and consistently draw defenders before making the decisive dish. He attacks the middle in both 5-on-5 and on the power play, willingly occupying hard areas in front of the net and battles for loose pucks; when the puck is chipped in he forechecks hard and will finish on the body, and he commits to the backcheck and shows reliable defensive-zone awareness. He’s not a playmaker who waits for chances — he goes and gets pucks himself — and becomes especially dangerous on the power play where open ice suits his game; he plays the flank, attacks downhill to create while moving, and can quickly release a very good wrister. His confidence and his abilities were on display in overtime, where he went around the world and threaded a beautiful backhand pass through traffic to teammate Guram who buried it top shelf for the winner. His ability to navigate traffic makes him the late man on power play breakouts, and he handled heavy usage in this game (26+ minutes, about four more than his nearest teammate), though a couple of shifts were too long.
Isa Guram (D, L, 6’0″, 173, Kamloops Blazers, 05/10/2007)
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Comments: Guram is a reliable, steady backend presence for the Blazers who excels in all situations; a strong, mobile skater who plays at a high tempo and consistently ‘gets the job done.’ Calm under pressure with the puck, he shows poise in tight areas and routinely makes the simple, effective plays—finding outlets and threading small passes to relieve pressure (notably spinning off a checker to slide the puck through the second-checkers triangle to spring a clean breakout). He supports the attack well, contributes on the body in the defensive zone but is not a banger overall, and is a trusted option on both the second power-play and penalty kill. His offensive awareness was highlighted in overtime when he jumped into open ice and finished top-shelf for the winner, underscoring his two-way value. In this game, he led the Blazers defenceman in ice time with 21+ minutes.
Jacob Dumansky (C, L, 6’2″, 181, Kamloops Blazers, 01/03/2009)
Game Rating
B-
1 Viewing
Comments: Domansky (2009) is a 6’2′ left-shot center with a sound, well-rounded skill set and good skating — decent top speed and the ability to carry the puck through traffic and make plays when he commits; however, those qualities only flashed intermittently in this game and he needs to play with more confidence and dig in more consistently to show them regularly. Defensively he impressed — strong awareness on the defensive zone coverage, committed reads and timely switch-offs — and he logged 13 minutes of ice time (two minutes above his season average). He finished a respectable 50% on faceoffs but was below average in puck battles for a player of his size; his game seemed measured or hesitant…with added overall higher pace/compete level and a bit more physicality, he has clear upside.
Tommy Lafreniere (C, R, 6’0″, 177, Kamloops Blazers, 01/16/2007, Western Michigan)
Game Rating
B+
Lafreniere’s impressive skill set is evident in his ability to navigate the ice with ease, showcasing solid skating and top-end speed. His high hockey IQ allows him to make quick decisions and locate teammates effectively, making him a significant threat in the offensive end. He excels at reading plays and being disruptive on penalty kills, particularly in neutral zone drop back passes. While he has a tendency to rely on his stick rather than using his body in puck battles, this can lead to lower success rates. However, Lafreniere’s defensive game is still developing, with struggles making effective reads and being assertive on the puck. He needs to improve his physicality along the boards to be more effective in these areas. Despite this, his overall skill set and work ethic position him as a valuable asset for any team, with room for growth on the defensive side of the puck.
1 Viewing
Comments: Lafrenière is an engaged, hard-working forward whose compete level and well-rounded skill set make him a consistent impact player; he’s a good skater with decent top-end speed, excellent edgework and tight-space manoeuvrability, and very good puck skills and vision that allow him to be elusive and create plays rather than rely solely on the shot. He logged nearly 23 minutes in this game, drives both the top power-play (usually on the one-time flank) and the PK, and his high-effort plays — notably, while on the power play, backchecked on a 2-on-1 where he pickpocketed a Vees attacker and immediately turned the play up ice — showing his value at both ends. The primary area for improvement is his defensive-zone awareness and decision-making under pressure; he at times loses track of where danger is and makes risky passes that lead to turnovers. Overall he projects as a skilled, high-effort two-way contributor whose defensive instincts and puck-decision polish will raise his game further.
Ty Bonkowski (RW, R, 5’10”, 169, Kamloops Blazers, 07/09/2008)
Game Rating
B
Bonkowski is a compact, hard-working center with a strong skating ability and quick acceleration, allowing him to navigate tight spaces and make plays on the forecheck. He excels defensively, reading plays well and making smart decisions without the puck. Bonkowski’s intelligence and IQ are notable, enabling him to anticipate and make effective passes, often in challenging situations. While he may not be a large player, his skills compensate for his size, particularly in battling for pucks and protecting the wall. His ability to become more comfortable in games should translate to increased confidence and effectiveness moving forward.
1 Viewing
Comments: Bonkowski (5’10’) is a dependable two-way forward who logged just over 21 minutes in this game, providing a solid contribution across all situations — including the second power play and on the penalty kill. Not the biggest player, he compensates with hard work, strong skating and respectable top-end speed, good puck skills, and quickness in tight areas. He pursues the forecheck hard, finishes checks on the body, and consistently battles to recover pucks for his teammates. Poised with the puck, he routinely makes smart plays and sets up scoring chances moreso than having a high end, finishing ability himself, making him a reliable, versatile depth option.
Kayd Ruedig (D, R, 5’11”, 174, Kamloops Blazers, 07/07/2007)
Game Rating
B+
Ruedig is a skilled defenseman with a well-rounded skill set that highlights his speed, agility, and puck control. He possesses smooth skating abilities, allowing him to quickly accelerate and evade pressure. His excellent puck skills enable him to navigate through traffic, make precise passes, and create scoring opportunities. Ruedig also demonstrates strong vision and playmaking instincts, as seen on the power-play unit. In his defensive role, he excels by using positioning and getting in opponents’ lanes, making him effective without relying on physicality. Overall, Ruedig is best suited as a mobile, offensive-minded defenseman who can drive transition and quarterback special teams, leveraging his skills to make a significant impact on the ice.
1 Viewing
Comments: Ruedig is a 5’11’ skilled, shifty defenseman who stands out as an offensive catalyst — very good skating and high-end maneuverability allow him to evade pressure, protect the puck, and create plays with poise; his puck skills and ability to beat opponents in tight on the attack (notably a toe-drag, beating the defenceman and quick release that produced a prime scoring opportunity) make him a consistent threat joining or leading the rush. He logs heavy minutes (21 in this game), plays on the top power play and supports the second penalty kill, showing versatility in special teams. Defensively he is sound positionally and willing to engage — not an overly physical blueliner but competitive in battles (season success rate >50%) — making him a reliable, offense-first defenseman with adequate defensive awareness.
Nolan Stevenson (D, R, 6’2″, 177, Penticton Vees, 01/04/2005, St. Cloud)
Game Rating
A-
Nolan Stevenson is a well-rounded defenseman who excels in both offensive and defensive situations. He has seamless transitions from the BCHL to the WHL and consistently performs at a high level. His skating ability allows for effective mobility, and he demonstrates strong puck skills, poise under pressure, and strategic approach to defense. While not known for physicality, Stevenson compensates with excellent positioning and battle numbers. Stevenson is a key player on his team, logging significant ice time and contributing to both power play and penalty kill units. He is confident with the puck, skillfully transitioning it between zones and creating scoring opportunities. His ability to execute plays effectively, especially on the power play, showcases his importance in various game situations. Stevenson’s overall skill set combines intelligence, tenacity, and a strong work ethic, making him a vital component of his team’s success. His reliable steady presence on the backend provides a sense of stability, allowing him to provide dependable high-end minutes shift after shift.
1 Viewing
Comments: Stevenson is a very dependable two-way contributor who quietly drives results at both ends of the ice; in this outing he logged nearly 26 minutes—just above his season average—serving as a key piece on the top power play and the penalty kill (often deployed at the half-wall or the top of the umbrella) while regularly taking defensive starts and tough assignments. His skating is good and efficient—though not elite, good enough to recover and rarely get beat defensively—allowing him to join rushes when the play warrants without sacrificing coverage. He isn’t flashy and doesn’t rely on brute force, but he won roughly 55% of his battles tonight and consistently wins wall play and clears passing lanes in front of his net, making him a reliable possession and transition player who elevates special teams and steadies his team’s structure.
Booker Toninato (RW, R, 6’0″, 171, Penticton Vees, 04/30/2008, Arizona State)
Game Rating
B
Booker Toninato exhibits a promising blend of speed, acceleration, and puck skill on the ice. He displayed effective hands and edgework during limited playing time, showcasing a strong foundation in transition ability. While he has good skills, his tendency to try to create plays standing still rather than using his feet is an area for improvement. Additionally, Toninato struggles with making plays off breakout passes and must work on his overall compete level. With a focus on upping his physical presence and being more proactive in the dirty areas, his skill set projects well at the collegiate level.
1 Viewing
Comments: Toninato, playing center, is a strong, sturdy skater who’s difficult to knock off the puck and shows reliable puck skills, vision and hockey IQ; He offered solid low and slow support and timing on breakouts and displayed good defensive awareness by staying below the puck in the defensive zone, showing increased confidence and comfort in the middle. When receiving pucks in the middle of the ice, he showed poise, controlled them and quickly found teammates with timely, speed-driven passes, often drawing checkers before dishing. He logged just over 11 minutes in this game but needs improvement on his faceoffs and must bear down more in puck battles to maximize his effectiveness.
Jiri Kamas (D, R, 6’1″, 187, Penticton Vees, 03/04/2008)
Game Rating
B
Kamas showcased his reliable two-way skills in this game, demonstrating his ability to effectively navigate both offense and defense. A skilled skater with good edges and strength, he excels at puck protection and board battles, often gaining an advantage over opponents. His pre-scan moves allow him to successfully retrieve pucks and distribute them to his teammates. On the offensive side, Kamas displays a willingness to create chances without forcing plays, showcasing his good puck skills and instincts. While he can struggle with situational positioning at times, there is potential for improvement in gap control and overall defensive effectiveness.
1 Viewing
Comments: Kamas is a stocky, 6-foot right-shot defender who provides steady, reliable minutes for the Vees — logged 15+ minutes in this game, largely on the left side, and won 43% of his battles (slightly below his season average). He isn’t flashy but plays a composed, positionally sound game: takes away space through the neutral zone, defends one-on-one well, communicates effectively, and makes smart plays and reads in the defensive zone. Comfortable moving the puck and a good skater with a clean first pass, he boxes out on point shots and will engage physically when needed, though he’s not an overwhelming physical presence; projects as a dependable defensive option who can eat minutes and stabilize the backend.
Tristan Petersen (LW, L, 6’1″, 191, Penticton Vees, 07/03/2006)
Game Rating
B
Petersen is a tall left-winger who utilizes his size and speed to excel on both ends of the ice. He demonstrates a strong commitment to defense, consistently providing reliable coverage in the zone and applying pressure on opponents during forechecks. Petersen’s puck-handling skills allow him to create scoring opportunities by cutting to the middle of the ice. His ability to finish checks and apply pressure is notable, and his work ethic is evident in his back-checking situations.
1 Viewing
Comments: Petersen is a hard-working, reliable two-way forward who consistently contributes at both ends of the ice. He’s a good skater with very good top-end speed and sound puck skills, which make him effective on the attack – able to back off a defenseman, move pucks to teammates, or chip and chase to finish physically. He handles traffic well and routinely battles through congestion with the puck, providing steady support on the walls and creating opportunities for linemates through his work ethic and grind. Used on the top line, second power play and second penalty kill, he logged 17+ minutes in this game and won roughly half of his battles; not overly flashy, Petersen is a dependable, well-rounded player with a modest offensive upside.
Cameron Norrie (LW, L, 6’1″, 197, Penticton Vees, 05/29/2007)
Game Rating
B
Cameron Norrie displays a strong work ethic and physical presence on the ice. He consistently maintains good positioning in all three zones, particularly in the defensive end where he excels at closing out checks and protecting his team’s net. Norrie is effective in penalty-kill situations due to his ability to dig in and create scoring chances through his body position. While his skating speed is a notable asset for his frame, there are areas for improvement in terms of mechanics. Nevertheless, Norrie projects as a dependable middle-six centre who provides a strong defensive presence and grit, making him an attractive option in a variety of situations.
1 Viewing
Comments: Norrie is a relentless, hard-nosed forward who brings consistent energy and pushback shift after shift and reliably contributes over 200 feet; defensively sound, he backchecks and forechecks with purpose, finishes physically on defensemen, and is a dependable penalty-kill option. In this game he logged nearly 14 minutes, showcasing his steady 50% battle rate that reflects his compete level, though his face-off work needs improvement (around a 40% win rate at the dot). Overall, Norrie’s value is driven by his work ethic, defensive instincts and physicality rather than offensive production – a glue-piece who every coach can trust to play hard minutes and make the simple, responsible plays.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images