Played on Oct 13, 2025
Game Played in Scotiabank Saddledome
Aidan Hesse (G, L, 6’1″, 177, Calgary Hitmen, 02/23/2008)
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Comments: The draft eligible goaltender had a solid start for the first of his WHL career. Plays more of a hybird goaltenders game. His play was highlighted by clear athleticism, play reading, and clear tracking. Both his gloev and catcher hand showed some improvement, and that combined with his reaction time made him an alert and capable goaltender. Handled high danger chances with good poise, and squared up well to shots. Positioning play anticipation, and a healthy amount of aggression made him a clutch performer. Checking up was consistent and showed evident scanning throughout plays recognizing lanes effectively. Areas of improvement include his crease management.
Calder Hamilton (D, L, 5’10”, 157, Calgary Hitmen, 03/08/2009)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Hamilton is a capable puck moving defender, who plays a three zone transitional based game for the Hitmen. His game was highlighted by decent skating, puck skills, and shooting. Skating shined with a clean stride, edgework, stride recovery, and a good rate of acceleration. Defensively Hamilton was quite passive on gap control, and showed some physical limitations as a slot presence as tie ups, and body positioning was hard to establish for the young defender as he lacks significant muscle mass. Where the defender shined the most was in offensive transition, despite his extended play processing, and panic under pressure, demonstrated quality passing ability, and puck placement that routinely jumpstarted breakouts for his club. In the offensive zone Hamilton served a key role as an offensive facilitator with growing offensive instincts and awareness. Hamilton was also a shooting threat in this game with good power mechanics, and shot placement. Physicality and senses remain the young defenders barriers to play, but he should overcome these with time and growth.
Axel Hurtig (D, L, 6’5″, 208, Calgary Hitmen, 06/10/2005)
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Comments: Hurtig is a bruising physical presence of a defender for the Calgary Hitmen every single shift he plays. He thrives as a shutdown defender due to his physicality, high compete level, and capable defensive senses. His gap control showed good old fashioned fundamentals with solid space management, clear physical isolation, and pre-scans that allowed the 2005 defender to shut down lanes and options of the incoming attacker on a whim. He was able to control the pace of play with his physicality quite well. His play in his own zone also shined with his compete (physical/defensive pressure, mixed in with intensity), and physicality which meant routine shot blocking, boxouts, and grit throughout. Hurtig uses his frame and muscle mass well in every instance, from establishing favorable body positioning, to higher end hit absorption, nothing physical ever costed Hurtig momentum in this one. He struggled in offensive transition as his puck skills are still quite rough leading to poor pass placement, limited option awareness, and risky decisions like stretch passes or passes into high pressure situations. Best case scenario it was an icing. In offensive zone play Hurtig is largely a physical support element that can hold the line with smart pinches, but lacks offensive creativity and playmaking instincts to drive any offensive plays himself. Shooting also looked around average by all regards. Puck skills, and offensive upside remain his main barriers to play at the next level.
Andrei Molgachyov (LW, L, 5’10”, 187, Calgary Hitmen, 03/01/2008)
Game Rating
C+
1 Viewing
Comments: Molgachev had a rougher game in this one as he just could not get much going. He plays a sniper-offensive first orientated game, defined by strong and frequent shooting, aggressive offensive senses, and a high energy based game. Skating projects slightly below average as he was just always trying to keep up with the pace of play due to shorter stride mechanics, limited hip mobility, and a dragging stride hinting at issues of depth and stride recovery. These skating shortcomings made him less effective in his transitional game, but still remained an active forechecker with good positional awareness, stick usage, and minor defensive pressure exertion through an above average motor. This play was consistent in his defensive zone coverage as well. as Molgachev employed ok risk assessment, conservative positioning, and frequent play support for his defensemen. Offensively he stood out a bit more as he had quality senses through a decent play awareness, creativity (which had mixed playmaking results), and hidden finishing ability. Also shows good understanding of body positioning elements on puck protection. This finishing ability was particularly intriguing as he shows good shooting (mechanics, power/leverage, and a quicker release point). Played on the powerplay, but got limited chances in this one. Around average physicality by most regards, could be a more effective checker with more muscle mass. Main limitations include his puck skills as he struggled to both receive passes, place passes, and control/handle pucks. Needs growth in poise as he generated significant turnovers, and rushes passes into areas of pressure consistently. Secondary elements include more spatial awareness as he doesn’t create or anticipate plays as well as he should, leading some of his linemates high and dry.
Harrison Lodewyk (C, L, 5’11”, 206, Calgary Hitmen, 03/01/2005, RPI)
Game Rating
B-
1 Viewing
Comments: The over-ager played a decent game that showed his versatility as a depth forward for the Hitmen. Lodewyk plays a power forwards game fueled by his need for contact, high compete, and moderately above average skating. Skating looked smooth in this one with a higher energy-based pace, clean crossover integration, edgework, and decent enough acceleration that allowed him to be a problem for Portland defenders on their retrievals. Forecheck demonstrated a higher end motor, with a good rate of play engagement, and pressure exertion in all three zones. Lodewyk was a fan of using his body to force opponents into unfavorable plays and generate turnovers, through high aggression, smart angles, and lane reduction. He showed some over-eagerness in this regard leading to an avoidable penalty at the start of the third. Physicality in all three zones showed high quality hitting form, good body leverage to reduce opponent pace, and physical/gritty play support. Basic senses by all regards, but had enough awareness to rarely keep him out of position, limited high end creativity, and showed some hockey IQ question marks around forcing plays. Puck skills served as the biggest barrier for Lodewyk as he lacked consistent handling, and showed below average deke ability.
Ben Macbeath (D, L, 6’2″, 184, Calgary Hitmen, 03/04/2008, Denver)
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Comments: Macbeath was a stable two way mobile defender for Calgary. His game was highlighted by smooth skating, strong puck skills, and a capable compete level. Strong smooth stride, rapid acceleration, and clean mechanics allow the young defender the mobility and ability to remain consistently in position, while also being a speed threat for an activation, or a quick recovery. Was a powerplay and breakout asset in this one with clean passing, quick option ID, and outlet ability that routinely found its mark. Was a facilitator and shooter on the powerplay, and demonstrated good lane selection, shooting deception with look offs, and clean power generation. Shows good fundamental offensive instincts, and awareness, and can drive the pace of play with solid timing, and lane creation. Shows moderate compete through hustle, offensive pressure support, and higher end play involvement.
Rylan Ng (RW, R, 5’9″, 157, Calgary Hitmen, 09/22/2008)
Game Rating
C+
Rylan Ng displayed a strong compete level during his game against Kamloops, showcasing his energy and potential as a soft-skill playmaker. He demonstrated good puck skills and an above-average motor, particularly in defensive transition. However, Ng’s positioning and play reading were occasionally lacking, with some instances of limited spatial awareness in neutral zone transitions. His shooting mechanics and release were not up to par, and he tended to rely on a straightforward approach rather than more creative options. Despite these areas for improvement, Ng showed flashes of promise as an offensive player, particularly at his young age and in the WHL. With continued development, he is likely to refine his skills and become a more effective playmaker and shooter.
2 Viewings
Comments: Ng still plays the playmakers game with a more developed defensive side to his game. Overall his game is defined by stronger skating, capable puck skills, and a higher energy compete level. No where is this compete level more evident than on the forecheck where the shifty Ng has deceptive space management that generates effective defensive pressure with his higher end motor and suffocating presence. Has an element of relentlessness on the forecheck. Defensive zone coverage shows moderate risk awareness, an active stick. With that being said, Ng still lacks solid positioning and spatial awareness, due to ineffective cheating, and this contributed to missed coverage directly leading to missed assignments. Defensive play anticipation and reading still needs growth. Offensively Ng’s demonstrates a high motor, and good sense of timing which hints at play making upside. Shows consistent option awareness, and safe decision making every shift, and can push the pace of play. Skating has significantly improved since last viewing in terms of Lateral acceleration, stride recovery, elusiveness. Physicality largely absent from this viewing.
Shaun Hildebrandt (LW, L, 5’10”, 178, Calgary Hitmen, 06/15/2009)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Hildebrandt had a decent game for Calgary in this one. The Hitmen also rely on him more as a defensive two way forward, but he shows some real playmaking upside. Skating looked solid, and slightly above average in terms of the WHL, with ok agility, bursts of acceleration, but a shorter stride, and minor edgework issues. Lots of room for growth in terms of skating power though for the 2009 born forward. In defensive transition Hildebrandt showed good space management which allowed him to close gaps quickly and effectively, employed a consistently active stick, and through the combination of the two exerted ok defensive pressure. He was a consistent penalty killer for the Hitmen and displayed that same active stick in the defensive zone, showed ok lane mitigation, and growing defensive instincts. Where he particularly shined was on the offensive side of the play as his playmaking instincts were notable from his scanning frequency (in all three zones), he employed stellar offensive awareness that allowed him to generate two high end chances,. one in the first wirh 14:15 left where he was a deadly net crasher, and a second in the third where he caught the Portland defense off-guard. He shows good lane creation, and manipulation that could grow in deception and as a finisher as the player ages up. Hints of hockey IQ everywhere in his game. Shooting wise he is also a threat with a quicker release point, and decent enough shot placement. Compete level looked around average as his motor, play engagement, and intensity were not standing out too much. Physicality was also absent in this viewing hinting at lacking some confidence. Puck skills were rougher in this game too as he often looked rushed, and this was reflected in poor pass placement, and option ID. Likely again a confidence issue.
Koy Funk (C, L, 6’2″, 198, Calgary Hitmen, 01/08/2008)
Game Rating
C+
Funk’s game was characterized by some positive aspects, including physicality and good sptcial awareness. He showed stability and muscle mass, which contributed to his overall structure on the ice. Funk demonstrated lane awareness through stick positioning and hand-eye coordination, allowing him to navigate effectively in transitional play. However, there were areas for improvement. Skating issues, such as a shorter stride and limited acceleration, hindered his ability to transition smoothly. Additionally, body positioning and leverage challenges made it difficult for him to establish himself physically. While he showed some play involvement and positional responsibility, puck skills were not on full display.
2 Viewings
Comments: Funk made his season debut with the Calgary Hitmen. He continues to blend elements of a power forward with a two way game. His overall game was highlighted by solid physicality, and defensive senses. Skating looked moderately below average with a low pace, rigid hip mobility, and lower end acceleration/stride recovery, which created some issues for Funk’s defensive transition game, as he routinely just charged at opponents in a lateral line. Where did excel in transition was in neutral zone play where he delivered some solid hits, tie ups, and board play that reduced the speed and pace of Portland’s breakouts and zone entries as they entered the Hitmen’s defensive zone. Still possessed a solid frame and muscle mass that gave him better balance for higher quality hit absorption, and minor elements of physical pressure to his game. Most of Funk’s value came from his defensive zone play where through decent scans, an active stick, positional awareness, and lane management he displayed adequate defensive awareness risk awareness. His play anticipation in both zone play and defensive transition generated some good pressure exertion as well, as he was able to intercept some passing plays from Portland. Puck skills struggled in the offensive areas of the game as puck receptions and handling was not super smooth. Average compete level displayed through mixed hustle, lower pace, and some passive defensive pressure exertion.
Caine Wilke (LW, L, 5’8″, 168, Calgary Hitmen, 03/01/2008)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Wilke plays a responsible two-hundred foot game for the Calgary Hitmen. In this game specifically his skillset was highlighted by decent skating, compete, and solid puck skills. Skating showed a decent posture, mechanics, and bursts of acceleration that made him a threat every shift. Skating matched with his compete level that allowed him to be a relentless defensive pressure with good intensity on the forecheck and the defensive zone. Abused gaps, and caused havoc for the Portland breakout. Offensively Wilke was a solid playmaking element to Calgary’s attack that highlighted strong vision, short passing, timing, and lane recognition. Had hidden offensive senses and playmaking upside in this one, showed good hockey IQ, and creativity with the plays that he made.
Luc Trevors (LW, L, 5’11”, 174, Calgary Hitmen, 01/20/2006)
Game Rating
C+
1 Viewing
Comments: Trevors plays a consistent depth role for that Hitmen where his game pushes the pace of play in all three zones. His game stood out for quality puck skills, adequate skating, and consistent gritty play support. Trevors employs around WHL average skating by all regards. Defensively and offensively his premier elements are his compete level and physicality as they allow him to support plays, control the pace of play, and exert clean physical pressure exertion in all situations. Offensively gets to the dirty areas of the ice and has evident body positioning awareness. This hard skill meshes well with his puck skills as he shows good on-ice vision, stable decision making, and quality passing ability which makes him a consistent breakout asset, and play supporter throughout his shift. Has hidden playmaking upside.
Will McLaughlin (D, L, 6’2″, 169, Portland Winterhawks, 03/10/2008, Colorado College)
Game Rating
B+
Mclaughlin displayed a solid skillset on Drumheller’s blueline, showcasing an offense-minded style. His puck skills stood out, particularly in the face of passing, deke ability, and hand-eye coordination. These skills demonstrated above-average puck control and allowed for creative playmaking in the offensive zone. The effectiveness of his passes and dekes created space for him to operate, highlighting his quality offensive instincts and awareness. Improvements are anticipated in skating, which would enhance his rush and overall playmaking capabilities.
2 Viewings
Comments: McLaughlin was one of the best defenders on the ice for Portland. He still plays that offensive minded defenders game, and highlights included a high compete, good senses, and stable puck skills. He generated a handful of chances alone with his quality activations, as McLaughlin was able to identify space, create it, or pass to it in a heartbeat, hinting at above average play reading, and scanning ability. He was administering the offensive pressure for Portland, as his facilitation and offensive awareness made him a consistent threat. Shows good creativity and lane recognition, as he dished out some lethal shots in this one as well. Major improvements since last viewing.
Jake Gustafson (RW, R, 6’4″, 179, Portland Winterhawks, 04/03/2008, Colorado College)
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Comments: Gustafson was a clutch performer in this one against the Hitmen. The 2008 born forward plays a solid power-forward’s game that displays hints of two way forward. His game was highlighted by strong physicality, a high energy compete level, and capable senses. On the forecheck and backcheck Gustafson employed good space management, cut off angles, and showed responsible positioning which allowed clean and effective defensive pressure against. In his own zone he employed much of the same tactics but blended it with strong defensive awareness through risk management, an active stick, and quality defensive instincts that he articulated through a high rate of play engagement and responsible positioning. Gustafson was also never shy about throwing around a hit with a solid 6’03 frame, and a willingness to battle for body positioning in all three zones he was relentless on hit delivery and drawing in pressure. In offensive transition the 2008 born forward showed stable decision making, quality play reads, and pace control, all of which oozed of a higher end hockey IQ. Capable short passing and vision, but more often than not he was the one to secure zone entries and push the pace of play. Barriers for his play include average skating (mechanics, agility, and rate of acceleration), which harmed his full rush game, and around average shooting (a quicker release point, but average shot selection, and accuracy). Puck protection mechanics can also use some improvement.
Luke Wilfley (C, R, 6’1″, 183, Portland Winterhawks, 06/30/2008, Arizona State)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Wilfley had a decent game for Portland in this one. He thrived as a playmaker with strong offensive upside highlighted by higher end puck skills, senses, and compete level. Skating did lack some power, and had sloppier mechanics, but this did not cause too much of an issue for him. Wilfley even played an active role on the backcheck, which showed some defensively responsible positioning, hustle, and basic defensive awareness as well. In his own zone Wilfley showed solid play reading through advanced lane awareness, and play anticipation. He even showed some willingness to shot-block. Where he stood out the most was on the offensive side of the puck as he was an effective breakout artist with good puck skills through his vision, option ID, and passing ability. Was a rush asset with a higher end motor, hustle, and play engagement. This compete level blended with his strong offensive instincts and awareness as exemplified by a passing-sequence where Wilfley showed timing, and space creation with 12:20 left in the third. He controlled the pace and flow of Portland’s game with advanced hockey IQ whenever he was on the ice. Skating needs growth, but lots of runway for the young forward.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images