Game played 12/01/2024.
Kyle Chyzowski (C, L, 5’10”, 170, Portland Winterhawks, 08/16/2004)
Grade: B+
Comments: Kyle scored twice in this game, setting a career high for goals in a season with 18, in just his 26th game played. On his first goal, he took a good lane to the net while the Winterhawks were on the power play and one-timed a cross-ice pass home. On his second goal (also on the power play), he received the puck near the goal line on the left side of the ice. As a left-shot, he had nothing to shoot at but managed to pull the puck to his backhand and beat the goaltender. Kyle is a smooth skater who accelerates well through his first few strides. His speed was evident on both sides of the puck, but it stood out more defensively as he hustled back to defend when the play turned the other way. He also gapped up opponents well defensively and defended the rush effectively, despite being a forward. Kyle positioned himself well off the puck and was quick to loose pucks, able to control them and clear the zone defensively. As it stands, Kyle is a strong two-way player who would succeed in a middle-six role at the NCAA level.
Tyson Jugnauth (D, L, 5’11”, 160, Portland Winterhawks, 04/17/2004)
Grade: A-
Comments: Tyson has established himself as a top defender in the WHL since joining the Winterhawks partway through last season after leaving the University of Wisconsin. Jugnauth is an intriguing measuring stick for the 2004 group, as his NCAA experience at a major program provides a valuable point of comparison. The Seattle Kraken’s fourth-round pick in 2022 is a strong offensive defenseman who recorded two assists in this game. On his first assist, he attacked north off the blue line and fired a hard shot on goal that trickled through the goaltender before being tapped home by a teammate. Offensively, he showcased his ability to activate from the line using his edges and skillful puck handling. However, we noted that he was occasionally prone to shooting into blocks and needs to work on getting his shots through to the net to avoid turnovers and odd-man rushes. Defensively, he used his speed effectively to gap up on the rush and consistently stepped up to force turnovers. That said, there is room for improvement in his defensive-zone play, as he was occasionally pushed off pucks and, at times, failed to tie up his man at the net front, leading to chances against. As it stands, Tyson is an elite offensive talent, and we expect him to turn pro rather than return to the NCAA next season.
Ryder Thompson (D, L, 5’11”, 176, Portland Winterhawks, 06/18/2004)
Grade: B-
Comments: Ryder is currently in his fifth season with the Portland Winterhawks and has already set a career high in goals with four. He stood out more on the defensive side of the puck, utilizing his edges to gap up on the rush and effectively engaging opponents physically in the defensive zone. When controlling the puck in the defensive end, he demonstrated the ability to cut to open space with his head up and make smart passes up the wall and out of the zone. We noted that Ryder was strong with the puck under pressure, consistently finding ways to move it to teammates to relieve pressure. As it stands, Ryder would excel at an NCAA program that allows him to play bottom- or middle-pairing minutes.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images