Game played on 12/29/2024.
Ben Kindel (C, R, 5’10”, 176, Calgary Hitmen, 04/19/2007)
Grade: A-
Comments: Kindel had a solid all around game for the Calgary Hitmen. His play was a combo of high pace playmaker mixed with some two way forward compete. This game was particularly noticeable for his skating, high hockey IQ, and shooting mechanics. Anywhere Kindel needs to get on the ice he gets there no problem due to a his good posture, lane creation ability, rapid acceleration that has good separation speed, and overall agility. He plays at a high pace and often expects his teammates to keep up with him. His compete compliments this skating quite well as he exerts clean offensive pressure on his opponents anytime he steps on the ice with his high motor, and pressure absorption qualities. He is also rarely out of position, but in this one he did show some flashes of defensive awareness, requiring quick edgework and play re-engagement. In the offensive zone he opens passing lanes for his teammates with little problem, while driving the pace of play himself. He has high end offensive instincts articulated through quality changes of pace, high end situational awareness (opportunist), and route creativity that made the Tigers consistently remain on their toes in this one. Overall he has a high and still developing hockey IQ, and senses. These senses particularly evident in the offensive zone are compliments by some of his shooting mechanics which showed a deceptive release, good frequency, and decent power. We look forward to growth in his teammate awareness, especially when he plays at such a high pace.
Tyson Moss (D, R, 5’10”, 165, Medicine Hat Tigers, 02/11/2008)
Grade: C+
Comments: Moss had a quieter game against Calgary. The 2007 born defender looked more offensively minded in this one. His game had highlights of offensive senses, some touches of physicality, and physicality. In defensive transition Moss employed a bit more of an aggressive spacing but this provided issues with higher pace plays, while also employing some physicality. In retrieval instances he let his defence partner take rushing forwards while he looked to provide a wrap around breakout option on the other side of the zone. In defensive zone play Moss struggled with some spacial awareness, play reading, and risk assessment in this game. Moss’s defensive zone play hinted at some underdeveloped defensive awareness and poise generally. In offensive transition he looked to lead and or join rushes with some activation instincts which displayed some offensive instincts, play making, and lane creation for the young defender. In offensive transition he showed notable hustle as well. Around average skating with some hints of agility, and bursts of acceleration (specifically on activations), but some fundamentals were missing including a full extension and this revealed some limited power generation. In zone play Moss was much more of a complimentary piece than a play driver in this one, as he provided play support from the blueline. In zone he showed below average shooting with a rushed release, and less than ideal shot selection. We look forward to improvements in skating, puck skills (control, and handling), and senses.
Riley Steen (D, L, 5’11”, 152, Medicine Hat Tigers, 09/07/2008)
Grade: C+
Comments: The rookie defender played an all around stable game for the Tigers. He played with the toolkit of a two-way defender. His game was highlighted by some basic puck skills, a slightly above average compete level, and some decent positioning. A slightly above average compete level throughout his game exemplified by notable play engagement, and quality hustle. In defensive transition Steen had some relatively conservative spacing, which he mixed in with some physicality/body angling when he needed to. He excelled on retrievals in this one, with decent skating edgework, mixed in with some quick decision making and confidence that resulted in a regular bank pass. This showed some poise beyond his experience, despite the defensive pressure he was subjected to. In defensive transition generally Steen showed some good positioning, risk assessment, and defensive instincts. These defensive instincts were particularly evident in his smart angling/risk isolation when he fell behind on gap control. In offensive transition he displayed some puck skills with quality option ID, and play facilitation, but needed some refinement of his passing placement/ability especially in breakouts. Around average skating in most regards (stride, below average acceleration, but some hints of agility). We look forward to growth in his shooting as he had a stiffer release, and poorer shot selection, and leverage but showed a good willingness to get involved in plays (hidden offensive instincts). Improvements in physicality (muscle mass, form, and more exertion of physicality) will round out his defensive game nicely.
Kadon McCann (LW, L, 6’3″, 200, Medicine Hat Tigers, 03/25/2007)
Grade: C+
Comments: McCann had a mixed results game. He played with the toolkit of a power forward. The 2007 born forward’s game was highlighted by physicality, and some compete level. In defensive transition McCann proved to have some energy and hustle, as he regularly attempted some minor breakout disruptions, but due to predictable angles of attack and poor play anticipation had mixed results in terms of defensive pressure exertion. Despite these mixed results the Tigers forward showed some decent physicality rarely not finishing a check, while showing some positional responsibility, and grit. In defensive zone play the Cocherane born forward showed some basic puck skills (pressure awareness, pressure absorption and handling), which generated defensive zone exits for the Tigers. McCann was also an asset in board battles and puck retrievals through his notable physicality and his establishment of decent body positioning with his above average frame, some muscle mass, and once again willingness and grit to get involved. He could be a puck battle asset in the future. In the offensive zone he showed base line play facilitation, and played with some confidence, but did not add much to the Tigers overall offensive drive. At points throughout the game his shot selection was a bit rushed and due to this it didn’t generate as much power in his release, or as much of an offensive threat. We look forward to growth in terms of his senses (offensive instincts, creativity, play reading/anticipation, and spacial awareness). We also look forward to growth in terms of skating as McCann displayed a shorter stride and extension that had problematic depth and a rigid stride recovery, which meant issues around acceleration, and meant he often needed a runway for his first couple of strides.
Liam Ruck (F, R, 5’11”, 175, Medicine Hat Tigers, 02/21/2007)
Grade: B+
Comments: L. Ruck had a strong performance for the Tigers in this one. He had the toolkit of a playmaker in this one. His game was highlighted by high quality senses, some decent puck skills, and notable hockey IQ. In defensive transition L. Ruck attempted to exert some defensive pressure by closing gaps, angling, and stick positioning, which had mixed results. In defensive zone play the 2008 born forward served as a capable high forward and showed some lane awareness by blocking play options for the Hitmen. Decent defensive play reads. This lane awareness mixed in with some hustle showed some elements of risk awareness, and bodes well for the future of his two way play. Where L. Ruck really shined in this game though was in offensive transition, with clean puck skills in regards to handling, passing, and option identification he was a offensive breakout asset. Upon entering the offensive zone L. Ruck articulated some offensive senses and rush instincts through some on-ice vision where he found a quick passing play that used pace and space to generate. He had a decent nose for the net and displayed some route creation with ok pace. He had overall decent spacial awareness that benefitted his puck distribution. Had smart positioning (closing off walls), good decision making under pressure, and exertion of offensive pressure in cycles). If he could not generate a zone entry he made the simple dump in or chip, and did not force anything. Showed a developing hockey IQ against the Hitmen through all the aforemented senses, puck management, and play creation. Slightly above average skating with good agility, with bursts of acceleration, and an ok stride. As the forward matures and growth in muscle mass happens power generation, acceleration and top end speed should increase. We look forward to growth in physicality as he served as a net front presence but often had issues getting over powered, or tied up, and growth in frame, muscle mass, and greater means to exert body positioning and leverage should help resolve these issues. Minor issues with hand-eye coordination when it came to shooting in this one.
Brayden Ryan-MacKay (LW, L, 5’6″, 147, SAHA U18 Prep, 06/20/2007)
Grade: C
Comments: Ryan-MacKay had a quieter night for the Medicine Hat Tigers in this one. He showed the toolkit of a two-way forward in this one. His game was highlighted by some elements of a compete level, notable skating, and hints of physical upside. The 2008 born forward shined in defensive transition for his slightly above average motor, while playing an active role on the forecheck/backcheck where he exerted some clean defensive pressure. Showed decent body positioning mechanics, and was an asset in board play for his grit. It was on this forecheck and backcheck that he displayed above average skating with a shorter but rapid stride, good power that allowed for him to close gaps quickly, and notable acceleration for changes of pace in offensive transition. Limited offensive play creation in this one.
Luke Ruptash (RW, R, 5’10”, 156, Medicine Hat Tigers, 01/02/2009)
Grade: B-
Comments: Ruptash had a limited ice time but promising game in this one. He played the power forward role well for the Tigers. His game was highlighted by strong physicality, higher end compete level, and some skating and puck management skills. Defensive transition was the bread and butter for Ruptash’s game, as he showed a good compete level through his motor, frequent back check engagement and energy as he was absolutely relentless on his opponents tonight. This compete level was further complimented by his lane awareness, and ability to close gaps quite quickly. It also seemed like every transition play Ruptash dished out at least one hit. This hit frequency showed grit, solid stability, and willingness to disrupt plays as a momentum killer. Above average skating displayed in this one too with hints of agility, burst of acceleration, and ok stride recovery. This skating was particularly noticeable in his transition play. In zone play he does need to scan a bit more, as he showed some limitations in play awareness/ risk assessment tonight, but that play poise should come with more time. In offensive transition the 2009 born forward showed some hints of vision and transitional playmaking. His positioning was hit or miss tonight as he didn’t always make himself an option, but he showed a good effort to battle for body positioning, especially along the wall and on zone entries. We look forward to improvements in his senses as that will add another layer of play creation, awareness, and offensive instincts to his already solid hard skill game. Minor improvements in shooting in regards to accuracy/selection could add more finish to his release and decent power. Lots to like from the young promising forward in this one.
Carter Cunningham (LW, R, 6’2″, 187, Medicine Hat Tigers, 01/11/2006)
Grade: C
Comments: A limited viewing for Cunningham in this one. He showed flashes of offensive instincts in regards to positioning, lane creation, and option creation. This offensive upside showed some recent growth in offensive awareness. His game implemented a fair amount of physicality orientated elements with some good grit in board battles, fights for positioning, and understanding of body leverage. Some decent hit absorption shown in this one as well, as Cunningham rarely let it stop his momentum, even when thrown a big hit his way he showed good hustle to get back up and once again involve himself in the play. Around average puck skills with some notable handling in transition, and conservative passing ability. We look forward to growth in his skating especially in regards to stride, acceleration, and depth. Demonstrated some ok outside and inside edge work.
Markus Ruck (C, L, 5’11”, 165, Medicine Hat Tigers, 02/21/2008)
Grade: B-
Comments: A quieter night for M. Ruck in this one. Provided a bit of a two way forward look in this limited viewing. His game was highlighted by puck skills, some physicality, and compete level. In defensive transition M. Ruck showed some good hustle, play involvement, and lane awareness, which allowed him to be a defensively responsible backchecker. In the defensive zone M.Ruck showed some good physicality through a regular involvement in board play hinting at some grit, intensity, and aggressiveness. In offensive transition the Tigers forward kept pace of play, well, but did not particularly drive any plays. In offensive transition and zone play the 2008 born winger stood out more as a play facilitator, with some decent passing aptitude. Around average skating in terms of stride, acceleration, and posture. Particularly was absent in zone play involvement. Skating should improve with more physical maturity. We look forward to improvements in shooting selection, and a more consistent compete level.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images