Played on Nov 21, 2025
Game Played in Marchant Crane Centrium
Kadon McCann (LW, L, 6’3″, 202, Medicine Hat Tigers, 03/25/2007)
Game Rating
B-
McCann’s game showcased his physicality and compete level, demonstrating the characteristics of a power forward. He displayed decent physicality in finishes and positional responsibility during defensive zone play, as well as basic puck skills such as pressure awareness and handling. In addition to his notable body positioning, McCann was an asset in board battles and puck retrievals due to his physical presence and willingness to get involved. However, there were areas for improvement evident throughout the game. His shot selection at times seemed rushed, resulting in less power and offense. Furthermore, McCann’s skating showcased a shorter stride with problematic depth and recovery, affecting his acceleration and overall mobility.
1 Viewing
Comments: McCann plays a responsible power forwards game highlighted by high compete, strong physicality, and evident skating. Skating wise the 2007 born forward is capable and shows decent stride recovery, edgework, and adequate pace to be an asset in defensive transition where he uses his physicality, body leverage, and angles of attack to effectively disrupt plays. In his own zone he proved to be a board play asset, with good grit, defensive/physical pressure exertion, and just a wrecking ball mentality. Play reading is capable, and keeps up offensively through cycle support and down-low second efforts. Good hustle.
Markus Ruck (C, L, 6’0″, 167, Medicine Hat Tigers, 02/21/2008)
Game Rating
B+
Markus Ruck’s performance showcased a well-rounded two-way game. He demonstrated strong puck skills, physicality, and competitiveness on the ice. In defensive situations, Ruck displayed hustle and play involvement, highlighting his ability to be a responsible backchecker. While he didn’t particularly drive plays in transition, he excelled as a facilitator, displaying decent passing aptitude. His skating was average, with room for improvement as he gains physical maturity. Notably, he struggled with zone play involvement. With continued development, Ruck has the potential to become a more well-rounded player.
1 Viewing
Comments: Ruck once again showed off his two way orientated game. He thrives in practically all situations be it as a creator or a risk mitigator. His game was highlighted by strong senses, compete level, and higher end skating. Skating looks to have taken a step forward with notable improvements in agility, stride, and power generation, which allows him to be anywhere he needs to be on the ice. This skating blends nicely with his compete level as M. Ruck showed consistent defensive responsibility, endurance, positioning, and play reads. Showed healthy aggression, but never put himself in a bad spot. Puck skills continue to shine with good handling, passing, and play creativity throughout this viewing. Play processing was solid and looks to be improving with every game. Was equally an asset on the power-play in this one with good shooting mechanics with a stellar quick release, and moderate deception. Solid stable game all around for him.
Matthew Kondro (G, L, 6’1″, 166, Red Deer Rebels, 12/06/2007)
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Comments: Kondo had a solid showing for Red Deer in this one. He played a hybird game that showed solid mobility, ok play reading, and solid rebound control throughout the night. Kondo’s mobility allowed him to thrive, especially when he overcommitted, one leap or t-push and he was right back in position. He remained focused throughout the night which showcased solid checking-up, good play reading, and adequate play processing, there were only a handful of times when he was scrambling. Solid rebound control that pushed shots to lower danger areas, and ok five hole control. Handled the Tiger’s rush attacks with good poise. Does look to be quite aggressive that can get him into trouble positionally.
Aleksey Chichkin (D, L, 6’4″, 222, Red Deer Rebels, 07/21/2005)
Game Rating
B-
1 Viewing
Comments: Chichkin plays the role of a high energy two-way transitional defender that has a physical shutdown element to his game. His skillset is highlighted by strong physicality, an evident compete level, and capable enough puck skills and shooting. Chichkin demonstrates good poise in gap control, and although his skating (grindier stride, issues with stride recovery, and below average acceleration) can get the defender in trouble in higher paced attacks he showed generally good conservative positioning, blended with good stick usage, and physical pressure to mitigate these issues. There was one 2 on 1 breakaway that Chichkin handled with good poise, lane interruption, and calm and collected play to mitigate the surefire goal. Defensive zone coverage established Chichkin as a physical slot presence with good physical pressure through board play fueled risk mitigation, his ability to neutralize opponent hits with good balance, strong muscle mass, and body positioning. Slows the pace of an opponents attack down drastically with a good motor, hustle , and previously mentioned physical elements. Offensively his puck skills were not evident in this game, as his vision, decision making, and passing ability faltered frequently often opting for a risky stretch pass that would generate a turnover instead. Around average offensive zone play with basic support elements (pinches, basic facilitation). Shooting projects slightly above average though with good lane recognition blended in with strong power-based shooting mechanics, looked for tips as well. Senses struggled all around in this one as his instincts, positioning, and limited creativity made him an erratic defender in this viewing.
Jake Missura (D, R, 5’10”, 181, Red Deer Rebels, 06/07/2008)
Game Rating
C+
Missura demonstrated a well-rounded skill set, with solid puck skills, physicality, and conservative transitional game. He showed decent gap control and positioning in defensive transition, although occasional passivity was noted. In the defensive zone, Missura displayed good instincts through stick lifts, boxouts, and risk mitigation. However, his skating issues, including power and extension problems, limited his overall effectiveness. In offensive transition, Missura excelled with capable option identification, vision, and passing, which benefited his teammates. His shot selection was acceptable but suffered from inconsistent release form and power. A lower compete level hindered his involvement in play and motor, holding back his potential as a breakout asset.
2 Viewings
Comments: First viewing of the season for Missura, and he shows some consistent growth. Still plays the two-way defenders game with some moderate shut down ability. This game against Medicine Hat once again showcased his strong physicality, moderate compete level, and decent enough puck skills. His skating still remains an issue as his acceleration limitations make retrievals a bit more challenging then they need to be. Gap control showed some good pace management, physical pressure, and attempts at angling to reduce opponents effectiveness. In Red Deer’s defensive zone Missura sure is a wrecking ball. He commits to hits, shows good muscle mass growth, and engages in hard nosed battles along the boards and in front of the net with relative frequency. Displays good hitting ability all around. This physicality blends nicely with his improved compete level in this viewing as well for he employs good hustle, intensity, and a higher rate of play engagement. Offensively he shows basic puck skills that demonstrate stable short passing, option/play recognition and on-ice vision. His transition game remains a secondary area where he is an asset. In the offensive zone there are improvements in his play reading and offensive awareness leading to smarter play pinches, and offensive pressure support. Creativity and chance creation on his own remain limited. It is evident that Missura is growing in confidence and poise as he continues to play more games with the Rebels.
Nate Yellowaga (D, L, 5’11”, 171, Red Deer Rebels, 03/09/2008, Maine)
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Comments: Yellowaga had one of the best games of his entire season. He is the epitome of an offensive minded defender and thrives in a high pace chance generating game. His game was defined by solid puck skills, a high compete level, and quality offensive senses. Skating looks to be slightly above average in most regards, but does need more power to really thrive at the WHL level. Gap control was stable and solid with good space management, frequent poke checks, and effective pre-scans. Yellowaga shows basic defensive senses, and risk awareness in his own zone, but does lack some confidence in risk mitigation, and also lacks the muscle mass leading to slightly ineffective boxouts, tie ups, and other defensive maneuvers in the Red Deer slot. Where Yellowaga shined the most was on the offensive side of the puck as he has great play anticipation, offensive awareness, and situational reads, which actually contributed to him scoring his first goal of the season on a breakaway. Yellowaga is also a skilled puck mover with rapid option ID, high end on ice-vision, and crisp passing ability, and when Yellowaga is not passing he displays high end activation ability and hustle that made him a dangerous rush attacker. The confidence he gained from scoring his first goal likely influenced his offensive pace driving in this one too. Yellowaga was a high quality transitional offensive asset for the Rebels in this one. In the offensive zone he leans 50/50 shooter facilitator, but drives the pace of play regardless, and shows upside in both. High hockey IQ is evident. Shooting is an area of growth for the young defender, as he showed inconsistent accuracy in his shot selection, along with a stiffer release, but that should come with time. Physicality and shooting remain his barriers for the next level.
Kohen Lodge (RW, L, 5’9″, 187, Red Deer Rebels, 10/05/2008)
Game Rating
B-
1 Viewing
Comments: Lodge plays a stable playmakers game and is a good source of secondary chance generation for the Rebels. His game was highlighted by strong puck skills, quality senses, and some growth in physicality. Skating projects around average with some decent mechanics, growing agility, but a lack of power and crossover generation, along with restricted hip mobility. Defensively Lodge was not much of a factor, as he was quite passive showed limited defensive pressure exertion, and had lower defensive play engagement, but remained positionally responsible and employed a semi-frequent active stick. Limited forecheck asset. Offensive play is where Lodge shines the most, with his blend of playmaking, pressure relief, and offensive instincts. Was a breakout/rush asset, as he employs some deception in his passing mixed in with quality handling, evident vision, and overwhelming playmaking instincts. He had a couple of nice centering attempts like at 10:30 in the first, but his teammates lacked some reception ability to fully execute. Lodge uses and reads time and space well with frequent scans, ok play anticipation, and stellar situational awareness which blends well with his puck skills to make him a danger every time he has the puck. There was another play that showcased this spatial awareness, anticipation, and handling ability with 45 seconds left in the second period Lodge made a nice in-close play that generated a dangerous shot. Thrives most as a rush playmaker, but can be a solid play facilitator as his vision allows for stable conservative decision making. Physicality shows growth in his willingness to go to the dirty areas, while, showing some ok grit and physical pressure, but still needs growth in balance, and muscle mass as his hit absorption often results in unneeded falls. Areas of growth include his compete level (defensive pressure, lower rate of engagement, and average hustle), along with his skating, Shooting looked around average in all regards, with some decent shot selection.
Nolan Schmidt (C, R, 6’0″, 181, Red Deer Rebels, 03/08/2008)
Game Rating
B-
1 Viewing
Comments: A solid power-forward game in this one for Schmidt. At the WHL level Schmidt plays a hard skill orientated game that focuses on responsibility, physicality and compete level. Skating projects around average as he generally is able to keep up with the pace of play, has decent enough depth, and good crossover ability to be an asset in transition, but he also is not going to burn any opponents either. That being said Schmidt played an active role on most forechecks with a good active stick, lane awareness, and defensively responsible positioning every single shift which all contributed to minor defensive pressure. His physicality and compete just blend so well together as the 2008 born forward is an energizer bunny on the ice with high energy, a notable motor, and consistent hustle, which he blends with physical pressure, hit frequency, and opponent isolation well. Every time Schmidt is on the ice he slowed the Tigers pace of play down moderately by sending players into the boards, and initiating board play and quality tie ups. In his own zone his offensive transition would often prioritize pressure relief over a breakout, which does show some limitations in option awareness. Offensively the young forward didn’t generate a whole lot by himself, but used his physicality to consistently establish favorable inside body positioning on Tigers defenders, which granted greater puck protection, offensive support, and play momentum in Red Deer’s favour. Largely a down-low supporter. The main barriers for Schmidt’s play is his senses as he looks quite reactionary hinting at below average play anticipation, lacks offensive creativity, and displays below average scanning frequency. Puck skills were a secondary barrier with noticeable handling/control issues, and limited passing placement ability leading to wild neutral zone plays.
Arjun Bawa (LW, L, 6’2″, 183, Red Deer Rebels, 05/10/2005)
Game Rating
C+
1 Viewing
Comments: Bawa played an ok game against the Tigers in this one. He plays a game of a two-way forward, with a blend of power forward. His skillset demonstrated a moderate compete level, physicality, and ok puck skills. Bawa did not generate a whole lot of offensive chances by himself, but provided a stable defensive physical presence with a handful of pressure relief instances, quality physical pressure exertion along the boards, and evident second efforts on plays. He particularly uses his frame well, and exerts good body positioning and leverage on opponents. Skating projects slightly above average with some bursts of acceleration and decent enough mechanics. A decent physical shutdown forward that is largely a play supporter in the offensive zone.
Beckett Hamilton (RW, R, 5’11”, 177, Red Deer Rebels, 03/28/2008)
Game Rating
A-
Beckett Hamilton showed a solid two-way game against the Kamloops Blazers. He demonstrated above-average physicality and compete level, which stood out in both defensive and offensive transition. In defense, he displayed good positioning, responsibility, and scanning, with quality play reading that generated support for his team. His physical presence also shone through, including hit absorption ability and frequency. In offense, Hamilton’s vision, play identification, and passing placement were strong, generating quick breakouts and zone entries. He showed good spacial awareness, translating to decent positioning and making himself an option for teammates. While there is room for improvement in puck skills, endurance, and offensive instincts, Hamilton’s overall performance was a positive indication of his potential.
2 Viewings
Comments: Hamilton has shown some significant growth this season. He consistently shows high end effort in all three zones, and thrives as a two-way forward for the Rebels. Hamilton’s skillset is highlighted by strong senses, high paced skating, and stellar puck skills and handling. Hamilton was the focal point for the Rebels offensive attack in this one, as he completely drove the pace of play. Skating looks clean with quality edgework, mechanics, and bursts of acceleration. Crossover integration in the neutral zone was evident as Hamilton adds another level to his rush game. Defensively his game showed some good defensive awareness, lane recognition, and solid play anticipation that put pressure, and the opportunity for him to pick off passes regularly for the Rebels. Defensive motor does not match his offensive drive as much though, and there were a handful of intensity lapses in his play. Offensively he shined, with solid puck skills that resembled clean tight handling and control that allowed him to consistently generate zone entries for the Rebels, and has the passing smoothness, and playmaking skills to match. He frequently used good spatial recognition, mixed with cutbacks to manipulate lanes, open passing options for teammates, and create chances when possible. Shows good poise, timing, and offensive instincts to be a solid facilitator at the next level, as he thrives in that role with the Rebels. High hockey IQ player, with good play reading and pressure awareness to be a difference maker. He had a few instances where he forced plays, but this is in part due to his linemates not being able to keep up with his processing speed. Compete and physicality could use growth as Hamilton looks to build more momentum this season.
Matej Mikes (C, R, 6’3″, 204, Red Deer Rebels, 02/17/2007)
Game Rating
C+
1 Viewing
Comments: Mikes had limited minutes tonight leading to a more limited viewing. Mikes is a energy based playmaking forward that routinely pushes plays forward for Red Deer. His skillset was highlighted by some good handling, ok senses, and some stronger physicality. Skating projects slightly above average by all regards, but does need a higher rate of acceleration to thrive a bit more in transition. Defensively Mikes employs good defensive awareness with clear risk assessment, quality spatial awareness, and overall play processing. Shows a good rate of physical engagement with opponents that exemplifies his grit by getting to the harder areas of the ice, and solid hit absorption in all three zones that allow Mikes and Red Deer to build consistent pressure. Was quite positionally responsible, and exerted clean defensive pressure. On the offensive side of the puck Mikes was always scanning, processing plays, and calculating risks. Puck skills shined in transition and zone play through his top notch handling, and puck protection elements that shined when blended with his physical side showing good body leverage in battles, and the ability to get out of risky areas with the puck. Did not show too much offensive creativity in this one, but secured zone entries and play support with ok spatial awareness. Passing and puck placement was also hit or miss with Mikes in this one.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images