Played on Oct 27, 2025
Game Played in South Okanagan Events Centre
Jordan Switzer (G, L, 6’0″, 186, Medicine Hat Tigers, 01/26/2007)
Game Rating
A-
1 Viewing
Comments: Jordan did his job to ensure a Tigers win tonight. He is an aggressive, athletic, and composed goaltender for the Medicine Hat Tigers. Jordan is very quick post-to-post, using an explosive push to get square to far-side shots. He soaked pucks up, not leaving rebound opportunities, and on longer shots he deflected pucks where he wanted. On two- or three-second shot opportunities, Jordan looked calm and composed, trusting his instincts to make scrambling saves. The only goal against tonight was a power-play marker from a well-placed shot. Stopping 25 of 26 shots, Jordan earned a .961 save percentage and a well-deserved 2nd star of the game.
Kyle Heger (D, L, 6’1″, 193, Medicine Hat Tigers, 09/21/2007, Western Michigan)
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Comments: Kyle made several great plays tonight using deception. He likes to play a North-South game with his feet while zipping strong, accurate passes East-West. On retrievals he corrals pucks and immediately moves his feet into space, buying time to find options or skate away from pressure. His deception stands out, as he rarely telegraphs his intentions. When he hits the red line he doesn’t force plays instead, he dumps pucks for his forwards to retrieve. When he elects to pass, he often joins the rush as a third layer. On the offensive blue line he uses head fakes and subtle stick-handling motions to create shooting lanes, all while constantly moving his feet.
Liam Ruck (RW, R, 6’0″, 177, Medicine Hat Tigers, 02/21/2007)
Game Rating
A-
1 Viewing
Comments: Liam has a lot of tools in his toolbox, but tonight he really showcased a high hockey-IQ game. He continues to show his speed through the neutral zone and on the forecheck with quick, powerful strides to close or create space. His stickhandling abilities are strong, finding holes and space to attack with the puck. Tonight he used his vision to read plays extremely well. On one forecheck, while applying pressure, Liam recognized where his opponent wanted to move the puck. He cheated to the corner, stole a reversed puck, and quickly zipped a pass to the slot for a quality shot. On the power play, Liam worked the half wall on his forehand side. When given the chance to move high and receive the puck downhill, he released a wicked shot beating the goalie. It’s a classic power-play look that Liam and his brother execute extremely well.
Veeti Vaisanen (D, L, 6’1″, 188, Medicine Hat Tigers, 02/15/2006)
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Comments: Veeti looks comfortable and confident in his second season with Medicine Hat. His biggest strengths are his passing and fluid skating, helping lead clean transitions on puck retrievals. Veeti’s skating fluidity comes from his ability to transition from backwards to forwards with control and power. He trusts his edges, digging in deep before exploding forward. His assist came after closing a gap defensively, winning a one-on-one battle, transitioning up ice, and driving wide, leading to a rebound that was converted for the tying goal. It showcased a more physical element to his game something that can go unseen in his game at times.
Markus Ruck (C, L, 6’0″, 167, Medicine Hat Tigers, 02/21/2008)
Game Rating
A
1 Viewing
Comments: Markus earned the first star of the game with a goal, assist, and +1 rating. As a center, he takes pride in the defensive zone, applying pressure to his assignments and being a reliable breakout option. Markus and his brother work the power play on their respective forehand sides. When they move high and receive pucks heading downhill, they can scan cross-ice or shoot. In the third, Markus elected to shoot, pulling the puck into his feet and releasing a rocket. It beat the goalie but rang off the crossbar with authority. His goal tonight came from simply finding a rebound off the rush. This only boosts Markus’ stock, as his skill, willingness to go to hard areas, and commitment to defensive assignments provides a solid 200-ft center.
Andrew Reyelts (G, L, 6’1″, 182, Penticton Vees, 03/20/2006, Minnesota Duluth)
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Comments: Andrew showed high compete tonight. He stayed square, making consistent chest saves and limiting rebounds, while also producing highlight-reel stops when needed. He was confident playing the puck, leading multiple breakouts — not just to defensemen but to wingers, catching the Tigers during changes. The only area he struggled was through traffic and layered screens, particularly on the penalty kill, where he was beaten multiple times (only once for a goal). Continued work reading through traffic will round out his game. Regardless, Andrew gave his team a real chance to get points tonight and deserves credit. B+
Ethan Weber (D, R, 6’0″, 191, Penticton Vees, 12/10/2006, Penn State)
Oct 27/25Mark Shroyer#2 Weber, Ethan (Penticton)Birth Date: Dec 10, 2006Line: 2Position: RD6.00.25 / 191
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Comments: Ethan stood out particularly on the power play due to his deception and skating. Early in the first, when the Vees struggled with zone entries, he took charge and executed a clean entry leading to an assist. Later, he walked the blue line, stepped middle, cut back outside, sent a defender the wrong way, and threaded a backdoor pass. Beyond those highlight plays, he controlled the QB spot effectively — making smart, efficient decisions to give teammates time and space. A strong showcase of his offensive capabilities as a defenseman.
Brady Birnie (C, L, 5’8″, 171, Penticton Vees, 09/07/2005, Bemidji State)
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Comments: Brady is an undersized forward with an elite shot, similar to Cole Caufield. He loves pulling pucks inside and ripping blistering wristers off the toe, and scored his goal tonight in that fashion. On breakouts he handles pressure well, moving pucks quickly and occasionally using a clever bump pass to beat multiple defenders. Tonight he was very shot-focused and consistently found lanes to be an option. Despite being undersized, he competes and rarely loses one-on-one battles, often choosing efficient plays. With limited offense overall for the Vees tonight, Brady seemed to be on the ice whenever they generated sustained offensive zone pressure.
Ryden Evers (F, L, 6’4″, 196, Penticton Vees, 06/22/2005, Clarkson)
Game Rating
A-
1 Viewing
Comments: Ryden impacts the game in so many ways. The Vees rely heavily on his play through the middle, where he is defensively reliable and skilled with the puck. At 6’3′, Ryden protects the puck extremely well, using wide hands and a strong stance to maintain body position. Below the goal line, he draws pressure to create space for teammates. Through the neutral zone he isn’t the fastest skater, yet he powers through traffic with length and steady compete. On his first shift of the third he sparked the team with a strong forecheck and a big hit. Defensively, he uses his long reach to disrupt plays, doing so multiple times tonight.
Morgan Tastad (D, L, 6’4″, 188, Penticton Vees, 01/10/2006)
Game Rating
B-
1 Viewing
Comments: Morgan is a large, stay-at-home defenseman who plays a steady, reliable defensive game. His size and long reach make him tough to beat 1-on-1, and he takes pride in net-front battles — lifting sticks and gaining body position. In the second period he saved a goal by tying up a shooter and clearing a loose puck from a near-empty net. Since joining Penticton from Saskatoon, he’s already nearing last season’s point total. This is not to suggest an offensive breakout season but more a sign of increased opportunity. A fresh start appears to be benefiting him.
Jacob Kvasnicka (RW, R, 5’11”, 172, Penticton Vees, 08/10/2007, Minnesota)
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Comments: Jacob is an elite skater who has entered the WHL with force. With a wide base and low stance he is difficult to knock off the puck. If his opponents can even catch him. His north-south speed is elite and in tight he is explosive in short bursts. He consistently drives the net, pushing defenders back and opening layers for teammates. At times tonight, he looked to pass when he had quality shooting opportunities, holding onto the puck longer than needed. Still, he is trusted in all situations and his skating shines particularly on the PK. On one penalty kill, Jacob kept possession, skated into space, and even circled back to burn valuable seconds. His heads-up skating gives him confidence to make extra plays many players won’t attempt.
Cameron Norrie (LW, L, 6’1″, 197, Penticton Vees, 05/29/2007)
Game Rating
B-
1 Viewing
Comments: Cameron is an effort-driven player every team needs. He forces opponents to stay sharp when he’s on the ice and takes pride in penalty-killing duties. Tonight he turned a penalty kill into 4-on-4 by reading a drop pass, jumping the play, and drawing a penalty while driving the net. With the PK going 6-for-7, players like Cameron deserve tons of credit.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images