Played on Jan 23, 2026
Game Played in accesso ShoWare Center
General Game Notes: This game was a lot close than the score suggests, with minutes left to play, it was only a two goal deficit that the Thunderbirds were facing. The back and forth scoring ended when special teams in the third took over for the Rockets scoring short handed and power play goals.
Mazden Leslie (D, R, 6’0″, 189, Kelowna Rockets, 04/15/2005)
Game Rating
B+
Leslie exhibits impressive mobility for his size, allowing him to maintain a high level of performance despite being a smaller player. His ability to distribute effectively from the blue line is notable, as he is able to deceive opponents and find small targets with precision. His speed and agility also enable him to keep tight gaps on the rush, enhancing his overall defensive game. On offense, Leslie showed his capabilities by picking his corners and creating scoring opportunities. He demonstrated excellent spatial awareness, timing his entries into play to maximize his impact. His ability to hold onto the puck and wait for openings in the neutral zone is also a strong asset. Overall, Leslie’s well-rounded skillset makes him a valuable player in the Giants’ lineup.
1 Viewing
Comments: Leslie set himself up as the bumper on this power play, where he got the puck exactly where he wanted to come on in the middle of the ice with just enough time to get a quick shot off. His shot was quick enough to catch the goalie a little bit out of position, where he tucked it just inside the goalies arm. Leslie is an offensive defenseman who does a good job of floating around, finding coverless space, and this goal was a great example of it, even if it was on the power play. He has the mobility to beat multiple offenders in one play.
Shane Smith (C, L, 6’1″, 202, Kelowna Rockets, 01/14/2005)
Game Rating
A-
1 Viewing
Comments: Smith was able to show that he skates well for his size, showing comfort on his heels and strong edge control. A skilled forward, he is constantly active in open ice and is not afraid to make moves with the puck, there is a little more risk to his game. While his skating is not flashy or explosive, he plays at a fast pace that suits his game and allows him to be effective. He consistently generates clean zone entries with the ability to cut laterally and helps drive play through transition, always thinking offense, both in good and bad ways.
Tij Iginla (C, L, 6’0″, 191, Kelowna Rockets, 08/01/2006)
Game Rating
A
1 Viewing
Comments: There is no doubt that he is one of the better players on the ice, and tonight was proof that he can dominate a game and take over with his offensive ability. Two goals and an assist, Iginla was a consistent offensive threat throughout the game. Scored his first goal short handed on an odd-man rush, two on one to be specific, where he out waited the defenseman, picked a corner, and sniped one over the goalies shoulder. His power play goal was a bit of the same, where we had time to pick a corner, the corner he picked was over the goalies shoulder for an impressive goal.
Carson Wetsch (RW, R, 6’1″, 201, Kelowna Rockets, 05/04/2006)
Game Rating
B+
Carson Wetsch is a physical presence on the ice, leveraging his size and strength to contribute defensively and create scoring opportunities in front of the net. He demonstrated the ability to effectively handle the puck once possession is gained, showcasing agility in tight spaces and making plays with precision. Notably, Wetsch displayed quick hand movement, using his backhand to set up a promising scoring chance on a fast break. While he was able to beat players one-on-one at times, there were instances where he opted for more aggressive playstyle over pinpoint accuracy.
1 Viewing
Comments: Wetsch scored a nice go ahead goal where he showed smart habits like stopping at the net as opposed to drifting by it, the rebound came to the post, exactly where he was and buried it home. The play started with him, on the entry showing poise and skill, found the late wave option. After all that, it was the stopping at the post and being an option if the puck bounced back to go the other way that really made this goal happen. He does a good job with the stops and starts and being a threat when the puck is in the vicinity.
Dawson Gerwing (LW, L, 6’4″, 232, Kelowna Rockets, 07/12/2006)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Gerwing was able to show that he is a bigger forward who moves like a much smaller forward, combining size with speed and skill, when he is at his best. He is capable of making difficult plays at full pace, exploding off the line with a strong first step acceleration. His lateral mobility allows him to adjust routes through the neutral zone and attack defenders with speed. Off the rush, he is particularly dangerous, showing the confidence and touch to slip pucks through tight seams and between defenders. There are times when his size takes over and he would rather play stationary.
Hayden Paupanekis (C, R, 6’5″, 206, Kelowna Rockets, 02/04/2007)
Game Rating
A-
1 Viewing
Comments: Paupanekis buried home a shot that was set up perfectly for him with the goalie on the other side of the cage. After his teammate created a turnover, Paupanekis was in a spot where he was able to get cocked and loaded for an empty net one timer. Paupanekis is a solid sized forward who did a good job at bearing down on this goal, dropping a knee, and putting enough power and height to get it over the goalies diving pads. He played a lot tougher and nastier after he scored this goal.
Hiroki Gojsic (RW, R, 6’3″, 202, Kelowna Rockets, 05/01/2006)
Game Rating
B+
Gojsic’s size is a notable asset in his hockey game, allowing him to create space and shot opportunities from a distance. He is quick for his frame, possessing two effective ways to beat defenders through a combination of speed and size. However, Gojsic can be overly aggressive at times, resulting in couple by passes that lead to turnovers. His playing style is characterized by a high pace, which often leads to stop-and-start moments as he balances his need for speed with the importance of maintaining possession.
1 Viewing
Comments: Gojsic opened the scoring tonight for the Rockets early into the game with a nice tip from a point shot. A little bit of a lucky bounce but he put himself in a great position to create this type of bounce. The speedy forward just beat out his defenseman to the scoring area and won a battle. He does this all over the ice, uses his feet to win and creates scoring chances with his quicker and agile style of play.
Ashton Cumby (D, L, 6’5″, 216, Seattle Thunderbirds, 07/19/2005)
Game Rating
B-
Ashton Cumby is a well-rounded defenseman with a strong skill set, excelling in both transition and offensive play. His speed and puck skills enable him to create scoring opportunities from various angles. While he takes calculated risks on offense, this willingness to take chances can sometimes lead to defensive lapses when those decisions don’t yield results. Despite these inconsistencies, Cumby’s ability to maintain possession of the puck is a significant strength, allowing him to control play effectively in both ends of the ice.
1 Viewing
Comments: Cumby was able to show that he will do whatever it takes to keep opponents away from the net, even if that edge occasionally leads to penalties. He is a defenseman with good mobility for his size, solid skating ability, and a simple, reliable first pass out of his own zone. He plays a hard, physical brand of hockey, though at times his aggression can spill over and end up working against both himself and the team.
Brock England (C, L, 5’11”, 174, Seattle Thunderbirds, 08/22/2009)
Game Rating
A-
England’s offensive skills are a key aspect of his game, as evidenced by his ability to score from rebounds. He demonstrated this skill in a recent game, starting a three-on-one rush at the net and burying a rebound after opting not to pass it to a teammate instead. This play showcases England’s confidence and decision-making on the ice. What may be underrated about England’s play is that he chooses to stay involved in the offense, even when it means not passing the puck to a more open teammate. This approach allows him to be rewarded with goals like the one mentioned, highlighting his threat level from close range.
1 Viewing
Comments: England tied the game up with a net front battle goal where he was able to get a stick on a bouncing puck and find the back of the net. It was a nice goal, off balance and on one foot he was able to find the back of the net. One of the better parts about Englands game is that he shows this same type of stability along the boards and at the crease with possession. Takes a lot to get him completely knocked off the puck and eliminated from the play.
Marcus Laraque (RW, R, 6’4″, 217, Seattle Thunderbirds, 03/30/2009)
Game Rating
B-
1 Viewing
Comments: For Laraque and, as a bigger forward, straight line speed is still an area for growth, but he currently creates and wins space through his size and physical presence when going against literally anyone smaller than he is. He struggles at times with creating chances with and without the puck, but it is in his game to hold on to the puck longer, given his strength and size. He needs to figure out how to connect the possession part and the creativity part of his game to become more of an offensive threat consistently.
Antonio Martorana (RW, R, 5’8″, 182, Seattle Thunderbirds, 06/18/2007)
Game Rating
A-
Martorana showcased his speed and agility as a winger, creating space for himself and his teammates in the offensive zone with strong acceleration. He possesses a powerful shot and good vision, making him a dynamic playmaker with excellent hands and puck-handling skills. However, Martorana’s defensive game is underdeveloped, particularly when it comes to awareness and positioning. He often struggles to read and react to situations quickly enough, which can leave him vulnerable in his own end. Despite his smaller size, Martorana’s work rate allows him to stay in the play and contribute positively.
1 Viewing
Comments: Martorana was able to show that he is a strong skater who can drive play with a blend of speed and skill, and he was a legitimate difference maker offensively. His puck skill is excellent, using quick hands and deception to slip checks and create space. At times, his effort level can waver, but when he is engaged he shows the ability to play at a high pace. One of the more glaring parts to his game is going to be finding greater shift to shift consistency that would allow his game to fully take over. He is smaller in stature but does not play like that for most shifts.
Cameron Schmidt (RW, R, 5’8″, 167, Seattle Thunderbirds, 01/19/2007)
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Comments: Schmidt shot out of a cannon for his goal, where he was able to win the race to the back post. Get a back door feed and in tight, pull it to his backhand, and beat the goalie in the top part of the net. It was an impressive goal, given how fast he was going and how close he was to the goalie. To be able to pull off a goal like that in tight at top speed takes a ton of skill. His speed is what sets him apart from a lot of other players, but his size also does as well.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images