Played on Apr 14, 2025
Western Hockey League
Game Played in Spokane Arena
General Game Notes: The visiting Victoria Royals tied the second round playoff series at 1-1 with a convincing 5-1 victory over the Spokane Chiefs. The Royals got their scoring from five different players with three of them coming on the powerplay. The difference in this game though was Royals goaltender Johnny Hicks who was excellent stopping 17 first period shots and 40 of 41 overall.
Owen Schoettler (D, R, 6’0″, 181, Spokane Chiefs, 01/23/2007)
Game Rating
B+
Owen Schoettler’s skill set showcases a balance of defensive acumen and offensive prowess, making him a valuable asset to any team. His effective skating ability allows him to navigate the ice with ease, while his strong defensive awareness enables him to excel in the defensive zone. He consistently makes solid first contacts and contains opponents effectively. Offensively, Schoettler’s puck skills are sound, allowing him to make accurate outlet passes that transition play quickly up the ice. His well-rounded skill set makes him a reliable contributor who consistently makes plays that positively impact the game.
1 Viewing
Comments: Schoettler is a highly reliable defenceman who makes a solid contribution over 200 feet, demonstrating very good mobility and skating ability that make him an important asset for the Chiefs. His strong puck-handling skills complement his defensive prowess, allowing him to effectively manage one-on-one rushes and maintain sound defensive zone coverage. A versatile player, Schoettler is good on both power-play and penalty-killing situations, and his composure under pressure is particularly notable in the playoffs, where he has been equally poised and dependable. Despite being positioned behind three NHL draft picks on the blue line, he logged a solid 13 minutes of ice time in his latest outing, showcasing his capability to compete at high levels. With an impressive puck battle win rate of 63% over the season and an excellent 75% in this game, Schoettler continues to prove himself as a valuable player for the Chiefs.
Owen Martin (C, 6’0″, 186, Spokane Chiefs, 05/11/2007)
Game Rating
B
Owen Martin is a well-rounded player who excels in various aspects of the game. His exceptional skating ability enables him to separate from opponents in the neutral zone, allowing for seamless transitions into the blue line. With high intelligence, Martin makes informed decisions regarding puck possession, often opting to pass or carry rather than rush. He possesses solid puck skills, which enable him to create space and capitalize on scoring opportunities. Additionally, he demonstrates poise and control when positioning himself for open ice, making it difficult for opponents to contain him.
1 Viewing
Comments: Martin is a reliable 200-foot player whose consistent effort has made him a valuable asset in all situations. While his offensive production may not be standout in the playoffs, Martin has a knack for chipping in timely goals and assists when it matters most. He is good in his own zone, demonstrating a strong competitive nature as he battles diligently for pucks and showcases a solid understanding of defensive responsibilities. With good speed and impressive puck-handling skills, Martin can transition effectively between defense and offense. In this game, he logged just over 15 minutes of ice time, reflecting a slight reduction compared to other playoff contests. Nonetheless, he remains an integral part of both the second power play unit and the penalty killing unit, contributing significantly to his team’s overall play.
Chase Harrington (LW, L, 6’0″, 201, Spokane Chiefs, 10/30/2007)
Game Rating
B+
Harrington possesses a strong skill set, with exceptional hockey IQ and next-level offensive instincts. He consistently demonstrates ability to read the play and position himself effectively in the offensive zone. His speed and agility allow him to make plays down the wing, and his shooting ability is a threat on both even-strength and power-play situations. He excels at puck protection along the walls, using quick releases and smart positioning to extend plays and find teammates. While there is room for improvement in defensive zone awareness, Harrington’s overall game is marked by poise with the puck and strong battle level for loose pucks.
1 Viewing
Comments: Harrington is a very talented prospect eligible for the 2026 NHL draft, showcasing impressive speed and quickness that make him a formidable force on the ice. His skill set is highlighted by exceptional puck handling, allowing him to be a significant offensive threat. Harrington excels in driving the offense through the neutral zone, demonstrating a high hockey IQ that enables him to create opportunities with both direct plays and deceptive maneuvers. As a contributor to the second power-play unit, he effectively serves as both a shooter and a distributor, proving his versatility. Although he logged just over 14 minutes of ice time in his latest game—slightly below his average—he continues to display the ability to win puck battles, though this aspect of his game remains inconsistent at times. With his considerable potential, Harrington is poised for a bright future in the game.
Mathis Preston (C, R, 5’11”, 166, Spokane Chiefs, 07/21/2008)
Game Rating
B
Preston showcases impressive offensive skills, including an elite shooter with a high-level release, which allows him to deliver precise wrist shots. He also demonstrates quick footwork and tenacity in protecting the puck along the boards, exuding confidence even in tight situations. Preston has a knack for identifying soft spots in the defense, enabling him to exploit openings on the ice.
1 Viewing
Comments: Preston is a high-end offensive talent known for his very good skating ability and quick footwork, making him a formidable presence on the ice. His impressive puck skills, combined with quick hands and an elite shot release, allow him to capitalize on offensive opportunities and consistently pose a threat to opposing defenses. While he prefers to shoot rather than distribute, his scoring instincts are undeniable, showcasing his potential as a go-to goal scorer. Standing at 5 foot 10, Preston may not be the tallest player on the ice, yet he has room for growth in his physical play, particularly in puck races, where he exhibited hesitance to engage fully in competitive puck race scenarios. As he develops his battle instinct, his offensive capabilities are poised to make a significant impact in the game.
Johnny Hicks (G, L, 5’11”, 155, Victoria Royals, 09/11/2005)
Game Rating
A-
The player’s skills are well-rounded, with notable strengths in agility and composure. He is able to maintain control of his body and stay in position to make critical saves, thanks to his quick feet and lateral movement. His ability to keep pucks from straying far from him also suggests excellent rebound control. His intense battling style in the crease and commitment to covering a significant portion of the net are notable. While he may be smaller than other goalies, his compactness allows for quick side-to-side movement and effective positioning down low.
1 Viewing
Comments: Hicks, the undersized goaltender measuring at 5’9′, continues to shine during the playoffs with his excellent performances. His lightning-quick reflexes, both with his legs and hands, allow him to swiftly move from post to post, demonstrating elite agility for a netminder of his stature. In this game, Hicks was instrumental, making 17 saves in the first period alone, effectively preventing the opposing team from gaining momentum. His ability to control rebounds is very good; the puck rarely strays far from him, minimizing second-chance opportunities for opponents. A highlight of his performance came in the third period when he displayed his never-give-up attitude by reaching back with the paddle of his stick to deny a sure goal from a Chiefs player in a wide-open net. With excellent net coverage and a tenacious spirit, Hicks stands out as a goaltender who consistently rises to the occasion.
Cole Reschny (C, L, 5’11”, 183, Victoria Royals, 04/04/2007)
Game Rating
A-
Cole Reschny is a highly skilled forward with a versatile skill set that shines in various aspects of the game. He consistently demonstrates strong playmaking ability, finding teammates in advantageous positions through his impressive hockey IQ and situational awareness. His defensive skills are solid, showcasing effective body positioning to mitigate threats and allowing him to maintain pace while carrying the puck. Reschny’s skating technique is sturdy, enabling him to withstand contact and make plays with ease. He possesses good top-end speed, but it’s not elite, and his vision allows him to read the game and make plays in advance. His confidence and poise with the puck are evident, particularly on power play units, where he consistently makes a significant impact. Reschny is a valuable asset, capable of excelling in both scoring and playmaking situations. He stands out for his ability to adapt to different roles and situations, making him a reliable player in various line combinations.
1 Viewing
Comments: Reschny has been very good in the WHL playoffs thus far, showcasing high-end talent that consistently impresses. With an elite hockey IQ, he demonstrates exceptional awareness with the puck, making astute decisions whether to shoot or distribute. He’s not the biggest player standing a mere 5’10 but has shown an effectiveness in puck battles, as he utilizes very good body positioning and strength on his stick to enhance his success rate. Reschny’s ability to assert himself along the boards allows him to maneuver off checks and exploit defensive gaps, making him a dual threat as both a dangerous shooter and a skilled playmaker. While his top-end speed is commendable, it remains an area for potential improvement as he continues to develop his game.
Keaton Verhoeff (D, R, 6’4″, 207, Victoria Royals, 06/19/2008)
Game Rating
A-
Verhoeff showcases a dynamic skill set that highlights his potential to excel at the NHL level. His exceptional skating ability allows him to navigate the ice with ease, making him a highly mobile presence on the rink. He displays a high hockey IQ, excelling in both defensive and offensive situations, often displaying poise and patience when handling the puck. Verhoeff’s commitment to blocking shots and disrupting opponents is evident, particularly on the penalty kill. His ability to make smart outlet passes and transition quickly from defense to offense makes him an asset on both sides of the ice. He consistently demonstrates intelligence in his decision-making, often anticipating plays and making smart choices with the puck.
1 Viewing
Comments: Verhoeff continues to impress during the playoffs, demonstrating exceptional endurance by logging over 33 minutes of ice time in this game despite being an underage 2008 player. His versatility on the ice is also evident, as he excels in both offensive and defensive zones. Defensively, he showcases high end poise and dependability, effectively covering his assignments while consistently delivering accurate outlet passes. His relentless effort in regaining puck possession is notable; he employs effective body work and stick pressure, resulting in an impressive 57% win percentage in battles for pucks throughout the season. Moreover, Verhoeff is a valuable asset on both the power play and penalty killing units, highlighting his well-rounded skill set and commitment to contributing in all situations.
Hayden Moore (C, R, 5’11”, 175, Victoria Royals, 03/19/2006)
Game Rating
B
This player is highly reliable and effective in his role, demonstrating solid two-way capabilities throughout the game. His skating is well-suited for fast-paced play, allowing him to quickly move up and down the ice. He excels at puck skills, making plays in tight situations and creating scoring opportunities. A strong contributor in the top six, this player’s work ethic stands out as he consistently battles for puck possession and drives play forward.
1 Viewing
Comments: Moore is a dependable two-way player who is good over 200 feet on the ice, showcasing impressive top-end speed and a solid defensive presence. His strong puck-handling skills allow him to create opportunities in the offensive zone, contributing to his team’s scoring potential. In this game, Moore logged nearly 17 minutes of ice time, demonstrating his reliability and endurance. While his battle numbers in this contest were slightly lower, he maintains an impressive 53% success rate for the season, underscoring his effectiveness in competitive situations. Primarily relied upon for defensive responsibilities, Moore also possesses the potential to contribute offensively, making him a valuable asset to his team.
Reggie Newman (RW, R, 6’2″, 200, Victoria Royals, 06/08/2005)
Game Rating
A-
Reggie Newman demonstrates a strong work ethic on the ice, utilizing his size and agility to outmaneuver opponents. He effectively combines physicality with finesse in his playmaking ability, showcasing impressive puck-handling skills that allow him to navigate through tight spaces. Newman’s drive to the net is a significant threat for opposing defensemen, as he utilizes his stick to create scoring opportunities. His defensive prowess is also notable, with consistent backchecking and effective use of his body to block shots and disrupt plays.
1 Viewing
Comments: Newman continues to impress as a key player for his team, showcasing a formidable combination of size and skating ability at 6’2′. His attributes make him a very key playoff contributor. His speed complements his physical presence on the ice, allowing him to effectively engage in forechecking and working the body on the walls. Despite puck battle numbers not being as high as one might think, he is still a very effective presence as he competes very hard in this area. His puck skills are commendable, particularly in protecting the puck along the boards where he creates plays. As a versatile contributor, Newman plays an essential role in both power-play and penalty-killing units for the Royals. In a recent game, he logged an impressive 21 minutes of ice time, solidifying his status as a top forward and underscoring his importance to the team’s overall performance.