Game played 2/15/2025.
General Game Notes: The hometown Kelowna Rockets were unable to hold onto a 3-1 lead losing their 13th game in a row 4-3 to the Kamloops Blazers. Tommy Lafreniere was the hero as he went around the world and scored with 5.5 seconds remaining in the game. He also had two assists, while Levi Benson had a goal and assist for the Rockets.
Ryan Michael (D, L, 6’2″, 195, Kamloops Blazers, 02/05/2005)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Michael is a reliable defensive defenseman, logging about 23 minutes of ice time, who is good in his own zone with a strong understanding of positioning and an ability to effectively engage opponents along the boards. Standing at 6’2′ and shooting left, he combines sound skating with good hands, allowing him to transition the puck smoothly and make plays at both ends of the ice. While he may not be flashy or overly physical, his poise and patience with the puck enable him to maintain control under pressure. With an impressive 80% win rate in battles and eight takeaways, Michael demonstrates a commitment to defensive responsibility and a knack for disrupting the opposition’s plays through good body positioning. He was counted on heavily on the penalty killing unit where he was on the ice for four minutes and 31 seconds. Overall, he’s a dependable presence on the blue line who contributes effectively to his team’s defensive side of the puck.
Nathan Behm (C, R, 6’1″, 195, Kamloops Blazers, 04/18/2007)
Game Rating
Nathan Behm showcased his impressive skill set on the ice, demonstrating excellent speed, quickness, and maneuverability. He excelled at handling the puck both in tight spaces and while moving at high speeds, utilizing his agility to create scoring opportunities. His high-end puck skills allowed him to evade defenders and make precise passes to teammates. Behm’s physicality also enabled him to effectively engage opponents and control the tempo of play. While he occasionally needs to improve on finishing plays, his overall skill set suggests a high ceiling for this talented player. With refined work ethic and attention to detail, Behm has the potential to excel at the next level.
1 Viewing
Comments: Did not play.
Tommy Lafreniere (C, R, 5’11”, 172, Kamloops Blazers, 01/16/2007)
Game Rating
A-
Tommy Lafreniere showcases a well-rounded skillset that sets him apart from other young players. He possesses excellent maneuverability and quick hands, which allow him to effectively navigate the ice and create scoring opportunities. His release is particularly impressive, often getting himself open in the offensive zone. Additionally, Lafreniere has exceptional puck skills, demonstrating a high level of IQ and awareness on the ice. He excels in all areas, from forechecking to breakout situations, and is capable of making quick decisions to provide outlet options. While he may need to improve his physicality, particularly in face-offs, Lafreniere’s technical skills make him an exciting prospect for the future.
1 Viewing
Comments: Lafreniere showcases a comprehensive 200-foot game that highlights his reliability on both ends of the ice. Defensively, he exhibits strong positional awareness and a solid understanding of defensive zone coverage, making him a dependable asset in his own end. He’s at his best in in the offensive zone, leveraging his excellent hockey IQ to create scoring opportunities and find open spaces. This was evidenced by his game-winning goal where he skillfully went around the world, jumped into a seam in the middle of the ice, firing a wrister for the winner with just 5.5 seconds remaining. His quickness in tight spaces and evasiveness along the boards allow him to maintain possession and evade defenders effectively. He is counted on both the teams top special teams units. While he is not an overly physical player, Lafreniere utilizes his body positioning well in battles and races for the puck, demonstrating persistence in recovering loose pucks. His skating ability is solid, though his top speed remains average, yet his overall game intelligence and skill set make him a very valuable contributor to the lineup.
Jordan Keller (F, L, 5’10”, 175, Kamloops Blazers, 03/08/2005)
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Comments: Keller is a versatile two-way player who consistently demonstrates a strong 200-foot game, showcasing impressive positional awareness and a willingness to sacrifice his body by blocking shots on the penalty kill. While his skating is technically sound, his top-end speed is average, limiting his ability to drive the attack through the neutral zone. However, Keller becomes a significant offensive threat in the offensive zone, where he excels at puck retrieval and is adept at making plays under pressure. These traits make him a key contributor to both the top power play, and penalty killing units. His intelligence and trust from the coaches is evident, as reflected in his ability to lead his team with nearly 25 minutes of ice time, won a commendable 59% of his faceoffs and emerged victorious in 55% of puck battles. Overall, Keller is a hardworking player whose dedication and skill make him a valuable asset to any lineup.
Vit Zahejsky (C, R, 5’11”, 170, Kamloops Blazers, 08/10/2007)
Game Rating
C+
1 Viewing
Comments: Zahejsky is an intriguing prospect with a solid skating foundation and impressive hands, showcasing a well-rounded skill set that includes good vision and playmaking ability. Standing at 5’10’, he may not have the size advantage, but his agility and quickness allow him to navigate through defenses effectively. Despite his potential, Zahejsky left me wanting more, as he tends to rely on his skill rather than consistently bringing a competitive edge to his game. In this game he logged nearly 17 minutes of ice time, demonstrating the ability to contribute, but he needs to elevate his work ethic and intensity, dig in more and go to the hard areas to fully capitalize on his abilities and make a more significant impact on the ice.
Gabriel Guilbault (D, R, 6’2″, 180, Kelowna Rockets, 01/07/2006)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Guilbault is a steady player who demonstrates good skating ability and good hands, particularly evident in his effective first pass and contributions during power plays, where he logged nearly four minutes of ice time. He played a confident, steady game while his defensive awareness was apparent as he effectively defends the attack by staying up In the neutral zone and successfully pinching off potential attackers. While his backward mobility is commendable but his forward skating mechanics require refinement, and he could benefit from enhancing his speed. He logged only approximately 13 minutes of total ice time with a battle success rate of only 33% suggesting a need for harder physical engagement and tenacity in puck retrieval. Overall, he possesses a solid foundation but must work on increasing his competitiveness and improving his skating mechanics to elevate his game.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images