Played on Nov 4, 2025
Game Played in Numerica Veterans Arena
General Game Notes: The visiting Kamloops Blazers scored five straight first period goals and cruised to an 8-2 win over the Spokane Chiefs. Nathan Behm, Kayd Ruedig and Rhett Ravndahl led the way for the Chiefs with two goals each. Ivans Kufterins got the win in goal making 41 stops.
JP Hurlbert (C, R, 6’0″, 187, Kamloops Blazers, 04/01/2008, Michigan)
Game Rating
A-
1 Viewing
Comments: Hurlbert (2008), a 6′, 185 lb right-shot and University of Michigan commit, is a dynamic winger, who effectively played left wing in this game, blends high hockey IQ with very good skating and high end finishing ability. He’s a very good skater with good top-end speed, but not elite, and excellent mobility in tight spaces, allowing him to evade pressure and create seams and use those seams to make plays. When attacking from the left side and having his stick in the middle, seemed to work to his advantage on many occasions, such as, on one occasion, he stopped up just inside the blue line and fired a quick pass to an open line mate down low, who quickly moved the puck cross ice for a goal. His elite on-ice awareness and playmaking instincts stood out again — on the Blazers’ first goal, while on the attack, he quickly pulled a puck to his backhand while under pressure from behind and delivered a precise feed to a linemate Behm who quickly rifled it home — and he routinely finds plays where none seem to exist. He’s dangerous shooting off the wing, featuring a quick, accurate release, scoring in this case. He shows competitive urgency in the offensive zone with hard puck pursuit and willingness to finish on the body. He is on the top power-play unit and is also part of the second penalty killing unit. He has a bit of edge to his game, projects as a top-end offensive contributor with strong two-way compete.
Dryden Deobald (D, L, 6’4″, 168, Kamloops Blazers, 04/23/2008)
Game Rating
B-
1 Viewing
Comments: Deobald (2008) is a 6’4′, 170 lb left-shot defenseman who played 15 minutes in this game and was successful in 47% of his battles — a promising engagement rate on paper that didn’t translate into him being very physical at all. An average skater who needs to improve quickness and top-end speed, he handles the puck adequately for simple first passes but struggled on plays when he had to make time (hesitated and delayed when trying to stretch the ice). Defensively he showed positional size but was reluctant in board battles and lacked consistent aggression and engagement; his lateral mobility across the offensive blue line was somewhat limited. With targeted work on acceleration, decision speed with the puck, and competing harder along the walls, he projects as a useful, size-driven defender who can develop into a steady two-way option.
Owen Cooper (LW, L, 5’7″, 161, Kamloops Blazers, 08/11/2008)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Cooper (2008) — 5’7′: In 13 minutes of game action he showed a high compete level and good motor; despite his smaller frame he is quick, mobile and shows confident edge work that allows him to be evasive and create plays down low in the offensive zone. He is most effective in tight areas using quick hands and change-of-direction to retain possession and generate scoring chances rather than on the rush, where his top-end speed is average. Defensively he is reliable, competes hard, and uses his mobility to push lanes and recover; continued strength and speed development would help him impact play more consistently across all three zones.
Jordan Keller (C, L, 5’11”, 177, Kamloops Blazers, 03/08/2005)
Game Rating
B
Jordan Keller is a skilled left-handed centre with a strong work ethic that allows him to drive the attack effectively in the offensive zone. He demonstrates excellent awareness, as seen in a recent game where he won a puck battle down low and executed a precise bump pass to a teammate. Keller’s speed enables him to navigate through traffic on breakouts, making clean entries into the opponent’s zone. Keller is also a capable playmaker and scorer, showcasing his ability to make plays under pressure. He consistently displays strong positional awareness and a willingness to sacrifice his body to block shots. While he may have some areas for improvement, such as attention to detail in down-low coverage, Keller’s intelligence and trust with coaches are evident.
1 Viewing
Comments: Keller (5’11’, 175 lb, left centre) is a well-rounded forward with quick, efficient skating and good puck skills that allow him to create plays and navigate traffic effectively — notably showing his vision on a play where he slipped through the middle and fed a teammate with a drop pass for a goal. He projects as a versatile option who can play up and down the lineup, contributing as a reliable top-unit penalty killer and capable power-play minute taker. His combination of quickness, playmaking, and defensive responsibility makes him a dependable two-way center who can be deployed in key special-teams and situational roles.
Josh Evaschesen (C, L, 6’2″, 191, Kamloops Blazers, 08/11/2006)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Evaschesen (2006) — 6’2′, 190 lb. He is a dependable left shot two-way center who competes hard over the full 200 feet; he consistently pursues loose pucks, wins board battles and takes responsibility in his own zone. Reliable on the defensive zone coverage, he also drives play from the middle and is on his team’s top power-play unit thanks to above-average vision and playmaking — he routinely finds teammates and creates scoring chances, as he did finding line mate Behm in front of the net wide open for a goal. Skating is his main limitation: stride is somewhat choppy and his top-end speed is average, though he shows quickness and maneuverability in tight spaces. Projects upside as a steady, competitive two-way pivot.
Ty Bonkowski (RW, R, 5’10”, 169, Kamloops Blazers, 07/09/2008)
Game Rating
B
Ty Bonkowski is a skilled player who excels despite being small in stature. His high intelligence quotient allows him to make quick, effective decisions on the ice, making plays such as receiving passes on the wall and creating scoring opportunities. As a skater, he is agile and fearless, willing to battle for pucks and venture into tough areas, often resulting in positive outcomes like his netfront goal tonight. Additionally, Bonkowski demonstrates excellent defensive skills, particularly when protecting the blue line. His increasing comfort level will likely translate into increased confidence and success on the ice.
1 Viewing
Comments: Bonkowski (RW) — 5’10’, 170 lbs — A sturdy, hard-working right wing with strong skating and quick acceleration; he shows good puck skills in tight spaces and decent top-end speed to attack the net, disrupts plays on the forecheck and finishes physically when opportunities arise. Very reliable defensively — reads plays well, plays with urgency on the penalty kill (used on the top unit) and makes smart decisions without the puck. He showed an ability to carry the puck and navigate through traffic, though increased confidence to assert the puck-carrier role more often would unlock a higher offensive ceiling; projects as a dependable two-way forward with upside as a penalty-killing, energy-line contributor.
Madden Tymchak (LW, L, 6’3″, 159, Kamloops Blazers, 02/06/2009)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Tymchak (6’3′, 2009) is a robust left-winger who brings a nice blend of size and competitiveness to the ice; he displays good skating ability and decent foot quickness for his frame, with good overall mobility that allow him to react quickly and recover effectively. He competes hard — consistently engages physically, wins battles along the boards, and shows a willingness to compete for loose pucks — making him a reliable net-front and forecheck presence. His top-end speed is respectable, but his stride and skating mechanics need refinement to maximize acceleration, edge work and sustained speed; with targeted skating development and continued physical play, he projects as a high-energy winger who can drive play and contribute good minutes.
Kayd Ruedig (D, R, 5’11”, 174, Kamloops Blazers, 07/07/2007)
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Comments: Ruedig (2007) is a 5’11’, 175 lb right-shot defenseman with a very good all-around skill set — smooth, high-end skating with strong top-end speed and quick acceleration that gives him evasiveness on puck retrievals and the ability to accelerate and beat pressure; excellent puck skills allow him to navigate traffic, carry the puck through open ice, or deliver hard, lengthy tape-to-tape passes. He shows strong vision and playmaking instincts (used on the Blazers’ top power-play unit), highlighted by a play where he attacked down the wall from the blue line and roofed a quick wrister high short side on the man advantage. While he doesn’t project as a physical defender, he defends effectively by using positioning and getting in opponents’ lanes; projects best as a mobile, offensive-minded puck-moving defensemen who can drive transition and quarterback special teams.
Kaden Allan (D, L, 6’3″, 187, Spokane Chiefs, 01/25/2008)
Game Rating
B
Kaden Allan is a promising left-shot defenseman who excels in his ability to control the puck and navigate the ice with confidence. He demonstrates strong defensive skills, consistently making smart decisions to break up plays and initiate clean breakouts. When under pressure, he remains calm and composed, opting for safe passes rather than taking unnecessary risks. Allan also shows flashes of creativity, recognizing open space and capitalizing on scoring opportunities.
1 Viewing
Comments: Allan (6’3′, 185 lb, 2008) is a tall, mobile left-shot defenseman with a reliably steady defensive game and a clean two-way profile. He skates well for his size and shows confident mobility—actively taking away space in the neutral zone and closing on attacking forwards. His puck skills are sound and he consistently makes a strong first-pass outlet off the breakout, showing good vision and composure under pressure. Retrievals are a strength: he hustles back, pre-scans options and makes decisive, confident plays to move the puck. Projects as a dependable, stay-at-home plus transition defender who can handle minutes and continue to add strength and consistency to his decision-making.
Cohen Harris (RW, R, 5’10”, 153, Spokane Chiefs, 07/05/2008)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Harris (2008), 5’10’, 150 lbs — not the biggest player but brings a lot of compete and confidence every shift; his stride is balanced and hard to knock off the puck, he shows above-average straight-line speed and agility, and his strong puck skills and playmaking instincts allow him to create chances for teammates. He competes hard for 50/50 pucks, battles effectively on the walls, and consistently works to get to the net both with and without the puck. Defensively he reads plays well, communicates and makes timely switches with linemates, projecting as a high-effort two-way forward who can drive possession and contribute in all zones.
Gavin Burcar (C, R, 6’1″, 178, Spokane Chiefs, 01/08/2009, Michigan State)
Game Rating
B
Burcar is a physically gifted center with notable skills that make him an intriguing prospect. He possesses a solid base and open ice speed, allowing him to maintain possession in high-pressure situations. Confidence is a key attribute for Burcar, as evident in his willingness to engage in battles for pucks and take positioning near the net front. With the puck, he demonstrates poise and ability to make plays, showcasing his overall hockey IQ. His dependable play at both ends of the rink suggests a well-rounded game. As a young player, it’s also noteworthy that Burcar was entrusted with significant responsibilities on the power play unit.
1 Viewing
Comments: Burcar (2009) is a 6’1′, 175 lb right-shot center with excellent skating — highlighted by very good top end speed— that fuels his attacking game and creates separation in transition. He pairs strong puck skills with his speed to be dangerous off the rush and in odd-man opportunities, consistently driving play into the offensive zone; he works hard along the boards, attacks the front of the net on a mission and is willing to engage in the dirty areas. Defensively he is responsible, backchecks aggressively through the neutral zone and provides reliable coverage in his own end. Projects as a two-way middle-six center who can be leaned on in key defensive situations while providing a consistent offensive threat off speed and work ethic.
Brody Gillespie (C, L, 6’1″, 196, Spokane Chiefs, 02/16/2008)
Game Rating
B-
1 Viewing
Comments: Gillespie, a 2008, 6’1, 195lb left winger, is a very good skater with sound mechanics and acceleration, along with edge control to create separation; combined with sturdy puck protection and reliable hands, he occasionally wins battles and can carry possession through traffic. He shows good puck skills and the ability to make plays off the rush, but his overall impact is limited by an inconsistent work ethic — too often he played on the perimeter instead of getting to the inside and battling in the dirty areas along the walls and in front of the net. With a more consistent compete level and willingness to engage physically in those high-value areas, Gillespie projects as a dependable middle six contributor who can drive possession and finish chances.
Chase Harrington (LW, L, 6’1″, 196, Spokane Chiefs, 10/30/2007)
Game Rating
B+
Chase Harrington possesses a well-rounded skill set that makes him an impact forward on the ice. His strong skating and quickness allow him to create in tight areas and on the rush, making him a formidable force in driving offense through the neutral zone. He excels at puck protection along the walls, rolling off contact to extend plays and find teammates. Harrington’s elite playmaking instincts and good puck skills are key components of his game. He has shown improved willingness to engage in netfront scrums and battle for pucks on walls. While there is room for improvement in his defensive zone awareness, Harrington remains a talented prospect with high upside.
1 Viewing
Comments: Harrington (6’1′, 195 lbs, late 2007) is a hard-working, competitive forward who competes every shift, and in this lopsided game, right to the end. He consistently attacks the dirty areas, wins battles on the boards and creates sustained net-front traffic that forces defenders to earn every shift. He is a strong, confident skater with above-average speed and the ability to carry the puck out of pressure — showcased as the late man on power-play breakouts — and his puck-carrying through traffic is complemented by high-end vision and playmaking instincts. Down low he is difficult to handle: elusive with his edges, able to roll off checks and create passing lanes, and he finishes with a quick release that makes him a consistent scoring threat in tight spaces. He is a player that possesses many tools to be successful at the next level.
Rhett Sather (D, L, 5’11”, 178, Spokane Chiefs, 09/25/2008)
Game Rating
B
Rhett Sather is a polished left-shot defenseman with a strong puck-moving game. He exudes confidence on the ice and makes effective outlet passes, using his smooth skating skills to activate the rush. With experience playing key power-play and penalty-killing roles, Sather demonstrates poise under pressure and control in tight spaces. While not a physical player, he leverages his hockey IQ, mobility, and transition game to excel as a top-four defenseman.
1 Viewing
Comments: Sather (late 2008) is a 5’11’, 175-lb left defenseman who has good mobility — he skates well with good top-end speed and quickness, which makes him elusive on retrievals, where he will pre-scan options and gain separation. He shows poise carrying the puck, able to skate with the puck to take available ice in front of him or move the puck with a clean first pass, and his mobility translates to the offensive blue line where he finds ways to get open and fire pucks through to the net. He will join the rush as a late-man option and competes in front-of-net scrums, showing willingness to engage physically, though continued strength and consistency at the point will help him maximize his two-way impact as he develops.
Mathis Preston (C, R, 5’11”, 177, Spokane Chiefs, 07/21/2008)
Game Rating
A-
Preston showcases impressive tools in both offense and defense, leveraging his strong skating ability and puck carrying skills to drive play and create scoring chances. He demonstrates vision and passing skills in the offensive zone, consistently setting up linemates for opportunities. Preston’s release as a shooter is effective, making him a threat from anywhere on the ice. While he prefers to shoot, Preston’s instincts are undeniable, suggesting potential as a go-to goal scorer. However, his physical play could be improved, particularly in puck races where he showed hesitance. As he develops his battle instinct, Preston’s offensive capabilities will become more impactful.
1 Viewing
Comments: Preston — 5’11’, 175 lb right wing (2008) — is an explosive, high-end prospect whose game is defined by elite quickness and top-end speed. He pairs quick feet and hands with a pro release, making him a constant threat on the rush: he can take the puck wide, drive a defenseman wide and then challenge him and attack the net hard, or weave through heavy traffic to create space and finish. He competes hard off the puck, consistently retrieving pucks and finishing physically on the forecheck, and his skating and puck skills are evident when he operates as the late guy on the power-play breakout. Overall he offers high-level skill, pace and compete level — a difference-maker who kept battling hard even in a game that was out of reach early.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images