The 2004s.
Harrison Meneghin (G, L, 6’3″, 172, Medicine Hat Tigers, 09/13/2004)
Grade: A-
Comments: Harrison is a top goaltender in the WHL, having been named to both the first and second All-Star teams across just two seasons in the league. Due to his strong performance, he was selected by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the seventh round of the 2024 NHL Draft. Listed at 6’4′, Harrison is a big goaltender who does a good job of keeping his movements simple and refined in the crease, using his size to his advantage. That being said, he is excellent when moving laterally, as he is quick and explosive while keeping his chest up. Harrison made a number of pad saves and showcased great flexibility when kicking pucks to safety. He was hurt in this game when he went into the splits to make a save and was bumped. We wish him a speedy recovery and hope that he can get back to 100%. As a draft pick of the Lightning, it is unclear if Harrison will turn pro next season or go to the NCAA, but we expect him to succeed in whichever route he chooses. It is worth noting that Harrison posted a 0.916 SV% across his last four games before he was injured.
Oasiz Wiesblatt (C, L, 5’7″, 178, Medicine Hat Tigers, 04/08/2004)
Grade: A-
Comments: The Tigers’ captain is one of the more accomplished overage players in the WHL, having recorded 226 points across 247 career games. He is a two-time second-team all-star and recorded an impressive 91 points in 63 games last season. He is currently on pace to surpass that total. Despite not recording a point in this game, Oasiz fired seven shots on goal and impressed us with his ability to play through contact and handle pucks in tight. He consistently made short passes to teammates that got defenders scrambling, showcasing his decision-making in tight spaces. Off the puck, he did a good job of getting open as a passing option. On one such play, he was able to get open at the far blue line and received a pass for a partial breakaway. On another play, he showcased his positioning, as he hopped on a loose puck in the neutral zone and made a quick pass up to McKenna, who had a partial breakaway off the play. Oasiz was strong on the defensive side of the puck as well, as he got into position in the defensive zone to get his stick into passing and shooting lanes and helped to win the line. We did note that Oasiz would be better suited by moving to the wing, as his choppy stride limits his straight-line speed, making him less effective in the center position.
Mathew Ward (C, L, 5’9″, 170, Medicine Hat Tigers, 01/24/2004)
Grade: C+
Comments: Matthew has an impressive resume at the WHL level, having recorded 225 points across 227 games, primarily with the Swift Current Broncos. The smaller forward showcased quick hands and edges, able to attack up ice with the puck and with his head up. He spaced himself well off the puck as a passing option and worked well with his linemates. We noted that Matthew isn’t the type of player who goes and gets the puck, but is someone who can get open off the puck in scoring areas. That being said, an NCAA program that can put him on a line with big and strong linemates who can do the dirty work is likely to get the most out of Matthew. It is also worth noting that, despite being a strong scorer at the WHL level, Matthew is a career -29.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images