Played on Apr 4, 2025
Western Hockey League
Game Played in VisitLethbridge.com Arena
General Game Notes: April 4, 2025 – Playoff hockey. Brandon Wheat Kings vs Lethbridge Hurricanes. Despite leading 2-1 after the first period, the Wheat Kings couldn’t hold onto that lead, ultimately falling by a final score of 5-2. A balanced scoresheet from the Hurricanes led the way, along with 24 saves from Jackson Unger #35.
Ethan Eskit (G, L, 5’11”, 184, Brandon Wheat Kings, 01/07/2006)
Game Rating
B-
1 Viewing
Comments: Eskit is an undersized goaltender, but what he lacks in size, he more than makes up for with exceptional movement and quickness. His lateral mobility is impressive, allowing him to track pucks across the crease and get to shooters, especially on long passes. Eskit’s ability to skate and stay square to the puck is a key strength, allowing him to make saves in high-pressure situations. He has a fierce competitive spirit, battling hard for every puck, often diving on loose ones to prevent second-chance opportunities. Throughout the game, Eskit made several key saves to keep his team within reach, showcasing his determination and intense work ethic, even in a losing effort.
Quinn Mantei (D, L, 6’0″, 187, Brandon Wheat Kings, 04/23/2005)
Game Rating
B
Mantei demonstrated a reliable skillset as a power play contributor, consistently placing himself in scoring opportunities. His ability to find space in the offensive zone allowed him to unleash his shot from various angles, generating traffic around the net. Notably, he excelled at using his hips and one-timing shots, creating problems for the goalie. On the blue line, Mantei showcased exceptional puck control, displaying calmness under pressure as he made smart decisions with the puck. This composure enabled him to effectively navigate challenging situations, ultimately contributing positively to his team’s efforts.
1 Viewing
Comments: Mantei is always a threat from the offensive blue line, getting pucks to the net with precision and purpose. He quickly collects the puck and wastes no time, finding lanes that allow his shots to get through to the net. With a high hockey IQ, he has a great sense of when he’s being pressured and when he has time, allowing him to make the right decisions in every situation. His passing game is sharp, as he can dish out tape-to-tape passes with ease. Additionally, Mantei isn’t afraid to engage physically when necessary, using his size and strength to make an impact in all areas of the game.
Jaxon Jacobson (LW, L, 5’10”, 178, Brandon Wheat Kings, 12/11/2008)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Jacobson has a bright future ahead of him, showcasing an abundance of confidence and a high skill set. He’s not afraid to take on opponents head-on, regularly challenging them and attacking the net with determination. His ability to drive wide on defenders, curl up, and then find teammates entering the zone with speed is a testament to his excellent vision and playmaking ability. In addition, Jacobson isn’t shy about getting pucks to the net himself. With a shooter’s mentality, he adds versatility to his offensive game, making him a dual threat both as a playmaker and as a scorer. His well-rounded skill set makes him a valuable asset in all situations on the ice.
Jordan Gavin (LW, L, 5’11”, 190, Brandon Wheat Kings, 11/13/2006)
Game Rating
B
Gavin’s ability to create chaos in the net-front area is a key aspect of his game. He effectively uses his speed and agility to drive the middle lane, drawing defenders and creating space for himself and his teammates. His strong skating allows him to maintain possession of the puck, making it difficult for opponents to gain control. Gavin’s forechecking pressure is relentless, forcing opponents to make mistakes in their own zone. When the opportunity arises, he isn’t afraid to finish a check, showcasing his toughness and competitiveness. This combination of skills makes him a valuable asset on the ice.
1 Viewing
Comments: Gavin has a remarkable ability to find open space in the offensive zone, reading the play with an advanced sense of awareness. He quickly identifies where pressure or coverage is coming from and positions himself accordingly to get pucks towards the net. Whether he’s sneaking into quiet areas or charging into them with full speed, he makes the most of his quick release and heavy shot. This was evident on the second goal of the game for the Wheat Kings, where Gavin pounced on a loose puck, wasted no time getting it to the net, and it was eventually tipped in. His instincts and ability to capitalize on opportunities make him a constant offensive threat.
Luke Shipley (D, R, 6’0″, 186, Brandon Wheat Kings, 08/08/2004, UMass Lowell)
Game Rating
B+
Shipley is a skilled right-shot defenseman with notable offensive prowess. His strong skating ability allows him to seamlessly transition the puck up the ice, making him a formidable force in creating scoring opportunities from the back end. Shipley’s versatility shines through in his one-timing and shooting abilities, making him a threat from various distances. He excels at catching pucks quickly and releasing them with precision. Shipley’s composure under pressure is also evident in his ability to collect pucks cleanly and make swift decisions. His sudden release of the puck can catch opponents off guard, making him a valuable asset on the power play. In this game, Shipley demonstrated his skills by scoring two goals through his sharp shooting.
1 Viewing
Comments: Shipley is a well-rounded defender capable of contributing on both ends of the ice. His excellent skating allows him to close the gap on opponents quickly, disrupting plays and limiting chances against his team. His high skill set is evident in his ability to make precise tape-to-tape passes, helping to fuel his team’s transition and offense. In the offensive zone, Shipley keeps his head up, hands ready for a shot, and feet constantly moving, which helps him identify shooting lanes and contribute offensively. This combination of defensive stability and offensive awareness makes him a valuable asset on both sides of the puck.
Dominik Petr (C, L, 6’2″, 167, Brandon Wheat Kings, 04/30/2005)
Game Rating
B
Petr is a physical player who uses his size and reach to control the game. He has a unique ability to flow in and out of rush plays, allowing him to collect pucks and create scoring chances. When given space, he can be quite powerful, using his shoulder to drive towards the net. In tight spaces, Petr’s skillset is complemented by his physicality, as he effectively uses his reach to protect the puck and maintain possession. His determination to drive to the net and establish himself in front of the goal creates a challenging environment for defenders and goaltenders alike.
1 Viewing
Viewed on TV
Comments: Petr is a dynamic forward with a strong blend of skill and physicality, making him a versatile asset on the ice. He is highly creative with the puck, often using the curl and drag to elude pressure and create scoring opportunities. His vision is sharp, allowing him to make plays in tight spaces and set up teammates. But he’s not just about finesse—Petr also uses his size and strength effectively, driving hard to the net and establishing his presence in front of the goal. His ability to gain body position in the neutral zone fuels offensive transitions, making him a constant threat both offensively and defensively.
Nolan Flamand (LW, L, 5’10”, 190, Brandon Wheat Kings, 01/12/2004)
Game Rating
B
Flamand is a versatile player who consistently brings energy to his team’s shifts. He excels at finishing checks and blocking shots, creating possession opportunities for his team. His ability to win battles and control the puck allows him to generate more zone time. In penalty killing, Flamand is effective with his combination of intensity, speed, and hockey IQ. He disrupts plays, picks off passes, and creates offensive chances from turnovers. His quickness makes him a challenge for defenders, allowing him to break through pressure and create scoring opportunities.
1 Viewing
Comments: Flamand brings an infectious energy to all three zones, constantly moving his feet and creating chaos with or without the puck. His forechecking is relentless and purposeful, always looking to force turnovers and disrupt the opposition. One of his standout traits is his ability to get to the net—whether it’s driving the puck there himself or positioning himself for screens and second-chance opportunities. His well-rounded game ensures a consistent presence in the lineup, and you always know exactly what you’re getting from him every shift: effort, intensity, and a commitment to creating plays.
Jackson Unger (G, L, 6’2″, 195, Lethbridge Hurricanes, 01/13/2005)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Unger brings a steady and reliable presence between the pipes, consistently providing solid goaltending. He plays a compact, technical style, using his excellent skating and high hockey IQ to position himself effectively and get in front of pucks. While he’s not known for being flashy, his consistency is his strength—he makes the saves he’s expected to and ensures he maintains tight rebound control. By limiting second-chance opportunities and dictating the flow of the game, Unger gives his team confidence and stability in net. His poised approach allows him to stay calm in high-pressure situations, making him a dependable option in any game scenario.
Noah Chadwick (D, L, 6’4″, 202, Lethbridge Hurricanes, 05/10/2005)
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Comments: Chadwick is a solid, reliable defender who uses his size to great effect. He excels at angling, pinning, and smothering opponents, making it difficult for them to get to the net. While skating isn’t his strongest asset, his hockey IQ allows him to read plays effectively and neutralize threats with smart positioning. His size also gives him the ability to fill shooting lanes and block pucks, adding another layer to his defensive game. Offensively, Chadwick shows impressive poise for a big man, moving the puck well and showcasing a strong skill set. He demonstrated his offensive ability by scoring the eventual game-winner on the power play, catching and releasing a puck quickly, finding the back of the net. When shooting, he keeps his head up and is able to adjust his body position to change the angle, getting pucks through to the net with precision.
Miguel Marques (RW, R, 5’11”, 180, Lethbridge Hurricanes, 03/08/2006)
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Comments: Marques brings a lethal combination of a shoot-first mentality and high-end passing skills, making him a dual-threat that’s difficult for defenders to contain. He displays grit and tenacity along the boards, consistently winning battles and doing whatever it takes to generate offensive chances. Effective both off the rush in 5-on-5 play and on the power play, he leverages his hockey IQ, vision, and powerful shot to create scoring opportunities. While his offensive game shines, his defensive play could still use some fine-tuning to round out his overall skill set.
Kooper Gizowski (F, L, 5’9″, 168, Lethbridge Hurricanes, 05/05/2005)
Game Rating
B-
1 Viewing
Comments: Gizowski showcased his playmaking ability on the game-tying goal, threading the needle with a perfectly timed pass to set up a back-post tap-in. He initiated the play by pushing the pace up the ice with speed, attacking wide before pulling up sharply and delivering a crisp pass that landed right on his teammate’s stick. His north-to-south mentality kept defenders on their heels, creating space and forcing the defense to back off. His ability to make high-pressure plays like that, combined with his speed, made him a constant offensive threat and a key contributor in key moments.
Logan Wormald (F, L, 5’10”, 165, Lethbridge Hurricanes, 08/12/2005)
Game Rating
B-
1 Viewing
Comments: Wormald has a refined skill set that allows him to slow the game down, control the pace, and make precise tape-to-tape passes that put his teammates in prime scoring positions. His vision was on full display during a recent game where he recorded two assists, showcasing his ability to make plays in tight spaces. His hands are smooth and quick, as he threads the needle with perfect timing, setting up his teammates in dangerous areas.
Brayden Edwards (RW, R, 6’0″, 186, Lethbridge Hurricanes, 12/23/2004)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Edwards plays the game with a strong work ethic and a no-nonsense approach. He competes relentlessly for loose pucks and isn’t afraid to battle in the tough areas of the ice. His determination is evident as he drives to the net with purpose, keeping his stick on the ice and working for second-chance opportunities with his tenacity. Defensively, he’s solid, often blocking shots and using his active stick to disrupt the opposition and create chaos in all three zones. Edwards is the type of player who can be trusted in any situation, combining skill, grit, and overall competence to make a positive impact wherever he’s needed.
Brayden Yager (C, R, 5’11”, 171, Lethbridge Hurricanes, 01/03/2005)
Game Rating
A-
1 Viewing
Comments: Yager may have missed a golden opportunity on a breakaway and a penalty shot early in the first period, but his resilience shone through as he quickly bounced back to score the game’s first goal, unleashing an electric celebration afterwards. He owns excellent offensive awareness, consistently putting him in prime scoring positions where he uses his blistering speed and lightning-fast release to fire pucks on net. His shot is a lethal combination of power, accuracy, and quickness that catches goalies off guard, making him a constant threat in 5-on-5 play and on the power play. Not one to shy away from firing the puck, Yager confidently relies on his shooting ability, which stands as one of his most dangerous weapons.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images