Played on Mar 2, 2025
Western Hockey League
Game Played in Scotiabank Saddledome
General Game Notes: March 2, 2025 – WHL action between the Kelowna Rockets and the Calgary Hitmen. A 23 save shutout from Daniel Hauser #31, led the way as the Hitmen controlled this one right from the get go. A final score of 7-0 in favor of the Hitmen over the Rockets.
Daniel Hauser (G, L, 5’10”, 165, Calgary Hitmen, 01/29/2004, Wisconsin)
Game Rating
B+
Hauser’s playing style is characterized by his agility and quickness, which allow him to effectively navigate tight spaces on the ice. He excels at reading plays, often anticipating passes and positioning himself to make saves before the shooter has a chance to react. When faced with high-pressure situations, Hauser leads with his head and relies on his instincts to quickly respond. While he can challenge shooters when necessary, his primary strength lies in his ability to analyze situations and make calculated movements.
1 Viewing
Comments: Hauser, a slightly undersized goalie, moves extremely well and attacks shooters to cut down the angle, giving them little time or space to get a clean shot off. His quickness down low allows him to cover the ice effectively, making several in-tight saves and tracking the puck with his head, which helps position his entire body correctly. He seals his posts well and moves side to side with ease, using the RVH to maintain excellent positioning. Despite the 7-0 score-line, Hauser made several crucial saves throughout the game to preserve the shutout, showing his ability to stay focused and make key stops when needed.
Tanner Howe (LW, L, 5’10”, 188, Calgary Hitmen, 11/28/2005)
Game Rating
B-
Howe is a well-rounded forward who consistently contributes to both ends of the ice. In defense, he demonstrates a strong work ethic, often dropping low to help teammates and disrupt opposing plays. His physical presence allows him to create turnovers and alter the flow of the game. Howe’s ability to read situations enables him to anticipate and clear loose pucks, providing solid defensive coverage. Offensively, Howe utilizes his speed to generate scoring chances by driving towards the net and pressuring defenders. While he created some promising opportunities, he was unable to capitalize on them.
1 Viewing
Comments: Howe is a well-rounded player who excels at the little details of the game. He consistently makes the right play, whether it’s chipping pucks into the offensive zone or clearing them out of his own end. His relentless forechecking disrupts plays with a combination of speed and grit, putting pressure on opponents and forcing turnovers. Not one to shy away from the tough areas, Howe attacks the net with confidence and is always willing to battle through the middle of the ice.
Ben Kindel (C, R, 5’10”, 176, Calgary Hitmen, 04/19/2007)
Game Rating
B
Kindel showcases a well-rounded skill set that enables him to make significant impacts on both offense and defense. He consistently demonstrates high hockey IQ, allowing him to read the game effectively and create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. Kindel’s vision and decision-making are noteworthy, as he is able to put pucks in danger zones while maintaining possession and minimizing turnovers. His speed and agility enable him to push the pace of the game and challenge defenders.
1 Viewing
Comments: Kindel is a tough player to defend against in the offensive zone due to his dual threat of shooting and passing. He possesses a deadly shot that can beat goaltenders cleanly, but his shooting ability forces goalies to bite on his release. This opens up passing lanes, allowing him to dish out assists and put his teammates in prime scoring positions. His well-rounded skill set, combined with his ability to find soft spots in the offensive zone, makes him a constant threat every time he’s on the ice.
Carson Wetsch (RW, R, 6’1″, 200, Calgary Hitmen, 05/04/2006)
Game Rating
A-
Wetsch is a physical presence in the hockey rink, using his strength to dominate play in all three zones. He effectively wins battles along the boards, protects the puck in tight spaces, and clears out opponents from in front of the net. While he possesses some skill with the puck, his game is straightforward and focused on making effective plays. He consistently targets high-percentage areas of the ice, creating scoring chances and wearing down defenders. His quick release and heavy shot were evident when he scored a goal from the high slot. Wetsch brings a unique combination of grit, skill, and work ethic to the game, making him a valuable asset in various situations.
1 Viewing
Comments: Wetsch is the type of player you want on your team in every situation. He does it all with his straightforward, no-nonsense game. He wins puck battles and consistently commits to stopping on the puck, excelling at all the little things that often go unnoticed. Whether it’s blocking shots or finishing a check, he leads by example. Offensively, Wetsch can score in a variety of ways—using his size to battle in the blue paint for goals or utilizing his combination of size and speed off the rush, where his hard, quick release makes him a constant threat. His ability to get to the tough areas of the ice and create opportunities for his team makes him incredibly valuable, showcasing his well-rounded game and leadership.
Connor Hvidston (LW, L, 6’2″, 164, Calgary Hitmen, 09/11/2004)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Connor Hvidston is a reliable two-way forward who excels in his own end. His defensive responsibility often drives his offensive game, as he consistently stops on pucks, breaks up plays, and transitions quickly the other way. Hvidston plays a straightforward, physical style, always driving hard to the net. He showcased his offensive instincts with a well-positioned power-play goal, finding himself on the back-post to bury a beautiful pass that came his way, demonstrating his ability to capitalize on scoring chances.
Sawyer Mynio (D, L, 6’1″, 180, Calgary Hitmen, 04/30/2005)
Game Rating
A-
Mynio’s skillset is characterized by his balanced approach to both offense and defense. He demonstrates efficient skating and smooth mobility, enabling him to effectively move with or without the puck. Defensively, Mynio excels at maintaining tight gaps in the neutral zone, using his quickness to disrupt opponents’ movements and force them out of their comfort zones. This skillset also translates to his ability to join the rush after distributing outlet passes, making him a reliable secondary option on offense. Mynio’s long reach is a notable asset, allowing him to control battles along the boards and create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. His overall two-way gameplay makes him an asset to any team.
1 Viewing
Comments: Mynio is a smart, dynamic two-way defender who excels at suffocating opponents by denying them time and space. With his active stick and aggressive physicality, he constantly disrupts plays and wins puck battles. Once he gains possession, he transitions quickly, making crisp first passes and seamlessly joining the offensive rush. Mynio’s powerful shot is a major asset, especially on the power play, where he finds prime shooting positions and lets it rip. One standout moment saw him score on a one-timer from the flank, where he positioned himself perfectly and unleashed a rocket of a shot top shelf, leaving the goaltender no chance.
Carter Yakemchuk (D, R, 6’3″, 205, Calgary Hitmen, 09/29/2005)
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Comments: Yakemchuk is a towering, right-handed defenseman with an absolute cannon of a shot from the point. He’s a master of positioning, routinely firing off one-timers that not only test the goalie but create chaos in front of the net, leading to second-chance opportunities. His physicality is felt in every zone, leaving opponents on edge every time he steps on the ice. A smooth skater, he’s quick to join the rush, seamlessly slipping into the second wave to capitalize on offensive chances and drive to the net. With his perfect blend of offensive flair and defensive grit, Yakemchuk is a game-changer every time he’s on the ice.
Oliver Tulk (F, R, 5’8″, 172, Calgary Hitmen, 01/19/2005, Wisconsin)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Tulk was exceptional in the faceoff dot all night, winning nearly every draw and giving his team crucial possession, allowing them to control the puck. He assisted on the game’s third goal with a brilliant seam pass on the power play. With a no-look pass, he fired a bullet across to his teammate on the backdoor, who made no mistake finishing it off. Tulk’s composure with the puck and his ability to stay calm under pressure were key in creating offensive opportunities, showcasing his playmaking skills and vision on the ice.
Gabriel Guilbault (D, R, 6’0″, 180, Kelowna Rockets, 01/07/2006)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Gabriel Guilbault is a solid two-way defenseman who isn’t afraid to jump into the offense when given the time and space. He has a strong sense of the game, reading plays well enough to know when to be aggressive and when to pull back. A great example of this came when he capitalized on a turnover, charging up the ice for a breakaway showcasing his ability to pick the right moments to attack. Defensively, he uses his size and strength to lean on opponents, playing with a physical edge, and isn’t afraid to sacrifice his body to block shots when the situation calls for it.
Kayden Longley (LW, L, 6’2″, 180, Kelowna Rockets, 01/09/2006)
Game Rating
B-
1 Viewing
Comments: Kayden Longley plays a power-forward style, using his size and strength to get inside the game. He keeps his feet moving and is willing to do whatever it takes to battle his way into the tough areas. Offensively, he had some strong chances, including a breakaway in the first period where he created a turnover, charged to the net, but unfortunately couldn’t finish the play. His tenacity and drive to get to those high-danger areas show his potential to be a consistent offensive threat.
Nate Corbet (D, L, 6’1″, 171, Kelowna Rockets, 03/15/2006)
Game Rating
B-
1 Viewing
Comments: Corbet wasn’t afraid to get his hands dirty in the physical side of the game. While not known for his offensive flair, he played with a tough, gritty edge, regularly engaging in battles and getting under the opposition’s skin. He wasn’t shy about delivering an extra hack or whack, using his physicality to wear down opponents and make his presence felt.
Jakub Stancl (LW, L, 6’3″, 205, Kelowna Rockets, 04/10/2005)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Stancl is a powerful forward with a booming shot, including a wicked one-timer that he’s especially dangerous with on the power play. With a shoot-first mentality, he consistently leads his team in shots on goal, showing his strong desire to contribute offensively—even when the scoring isn’t coming. While not known for elite speed, he more than makes up for it with his ability to win battles along the boards, using his size and strength to protect the puck in all three zones.
Hiroki Gojsic (RW, R, 6’3″, 202, Kelowna Rockets, 05/01/2006)
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Comments: Hiroki Gojsic is a power-forward who blends skill with physicality. While not relying heavily on his skating ability, he uses his size and momentum effectively to protect the puck and make plays that lead to scoring chances. He leans on his opponents, winning puck battles and asserting himself in the tough areas. When given time and space, Gojsic possesses a quick release and a hard shot that makes him a threat in front of the net. His dynamic offensive game, combined with his physical style, makes him a difficult player to defend against.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images