Played on Oct 31, 2025
Game Played in Memorial Coliseum
General Game Notes: The home town Portland Winter Hawks got very good goaltending from Ondrej Stebetak who made 33 saves on 35 shots in a 6-2 win over the Prince George Cougars. The Winter Hawks had five different goal scorers but it was Alex Weiermair leading the way for the with a goal and two assists while Jordan Duguay chipped in with three assists.
Ondrej Stebetak (G, L, 6’2″, 172, Portland Winterhawks, 07/19/2007)
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Comments: Stebetak (2007) is a 6’2′ left-catching goaltender who projects as a sound positional netminder; he reads plays well, stays square to shooters and moves efficiently without over-committing, consistently playing bigger than his listed size. He absorbs shots effectively—the puck rarely bounces away when it hits him—and shows the confidence and mobility to leave his crease to play rimmed pucks in the trapezoid with a respectable degree of success. His situational awareness is strong: he demonstrated the judgment to stay deeper in the crease when a dangerous weak-side attacker was parked on the doorstep instead of aggressively challenging the shooter, indicating reliable decision-making and poise under pressure.
Cameron Jacobson (D, L, 5’10”, 161, Portland Winterhawks, 02/04/2008)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Jacobson is a slightly undersized (5’10’, 160 lb, 2008), left-shot defenseman who logs roughly 11 minutes a night (13 minutes in this game) and projects as a reliable defender with good skating. He is steady on his edges, hard to move off pucks, and wins board and net-front battles (˜60% battle success rate), also showing willingness to engage and push back in front of his net. His puck skills are good — confident with the puck, capable of a clean first pass and the occasional stretch pass — though he was a bit tentative early in this game before settling in and making better reads as the contest progressed. Versatile enough to play the off-side (spent most of the game on the right), his projection is as a dependable defenseman who can move the puck; continued development in consistency and decision-making under pressure will raise his ceiling.
Jordan Duguay (C, L, 5’10”, 177, Portland Winterhawks, 02/16/2008)
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Comments: Duguay (2008) is a 5’10’, 175 lb left shot winger who projects as a creative offensive driver: he’s a very good skater with solid top-end speed and excellent puck-handling, showing patience and poise with the puck. That blend of skating and skill makes him dangerous both with and without the puck—able to make the easy, safe play or the slick, sneaky play to create chances. He was particularly effective on the top power-play unit, leveraging high hockey IQ and awareness to find soft areas and move intelligently between net-front, pop-out and below-the-goal-line positioning where he delivered a textbook set-up for a one-timer goal for his defenceman Sotheran moving down off the point and created another one-timer cross ice feed for a goal by Nathan Free, illustrating his timing, vision and playmaking ability in the offensive zone.
Will McLaughlin (D, L, 6’2″, 169, Portland Winterhawks, 03/10/2008, Colorado College)
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Comments: McLaughlin (6’2′, 170 lb, 2008), a Colorado College commit and draft-eligible prospect, projects as a high-upside player, already showing some veteran savvy. He’s a solid skater with good mobility and quickness for his size, shows very good puck skills and a reliable first pass, and consistently pre-scans on retrievals—when there’s ice in front of him he will take it or smartly jumps into the play as a supporting option. Positionally sound in his own end and steady in defensive zone coverage, he also contributes on both the power play and the penalty killing units. In this game, he was third in defenceman ice time, close behind two veterans, logging over 22 minutes and is averaging about 19 minutes per game on the season. Areas for improvement: he can run into trouble trying to make plays while standing still and needs to refine his battle technique (just 30% on board battles in this game, ~50% on the season). Overall he projects as a capable next-level player with clear upside.
Jake Gustafson (RW, R, 6’4″, 179, Portland Winterhawks, 04/03/2008, Colorado College)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Gustafson (6’4′, 180 lbs; 2008; Colorado College commit) projects as a player with upside, mobile big right winger with a solid skill set and a strong work ethic for a young player. In this game he played 13+ minutes and consistently showed sound skating mechanics and good mobility for his size, though he still needs to add quickness and foot speed to fully influence play at higher levels. His hockey IQ was very good — he read a play defensively when the defenseman on his side pinched in the neutral zone, made the smart read to jump in behind for support rather than attack the same player as the defenceman, preserving a favorable two-on-two structure — and he competes hard every shift. With continued athletic development and improved speed and quickness, he projects as a reliable two-way player.
Finn Spehar (LW, R, 5’8″, 164, Portland Winterhawks, 04/10/2009)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Spehar (RW, 5’8′, 165 lbs, 2009) is an undersized but dynamic forward whose key tools are high end top speed and very good puck skills; he attacks with a shifty, north-south style and consistently wins puck races on the forecheck causing problems for defenceman retrievals. In this game he displayed a willingness to compete in the hard areas — finishing a net-front scramble from on top of the crease for a goal — and showed playmaking vision by winning a dump-in race and threading a slick net-front pass that produced a goal. His quickness and hands make him a constant transition threat and a difficult matchup for defenders recovering the puck, though he will need to add strength and continue to sharpen his decision-making in heavy traffic to thrive at higher levels.
Reed Brown (C, L, 5’11”, 161, Portland Winterhawks, 02/22/2008)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Brown is a draft-eligible 2008 left-winger (5’10’) who plays a hard-working, attacking game. He shows very good skating — excellent straight-line speed and quick feet that give him an explosive first few steps — which he consistently uses to get in quickly on the forecheck and displays relentless puck pursuit. He has reliable puck skills and competitive instincts that allow him to drive defensemen wide and create seams; he showed good vision on a nice pass through a defender’s triangle to a mid-lane driver for a nice opportunity. Offensively he’s finishing well early in the season (6 goals in 9 games), but he needs to improve consistency in one-on-one battles (around a 40% success rate) to translate his speed and effort into more sustained impact.
Nathan Free (RW, R, 5’10”, 163, Portland Winterhawks, 06/23/2006, Penn State)
Game Rating
B+
Nathan Free is a skilled right winger who brings a high level of speed and agility to his game. His ability to quickly accelerate and decelerate makes him a formidable opponent on the ice, particularly in the offensive zone. He possesses excellent puck skills, including a quick release that allows him to accurately place shots on net. As a playmaker, Free’s vision is also notable, making him a threat both as a shooter and distributor. However, there are areas where he can improve, most notably his work ethic and competitiveness. While he has flashes of high energy, he often struggles to maintain consistency throughout the game. To reach his full potential, Free will need to develop greater drive and determination in his efforts along the boards and in puck retrieval situations.
1 Viewing
Comments: Free (2006, 5’10’, Penn State commit) is an explosive, high-tempo winger whose game is defined by high end speed and quick feet. He accelerates past defenders and creates time and space off the flank, where his combination of sharp puck skills and fast hands allows him to make instinctive, tape-to-tape passes or unleash a heavy, quick-release shot — notably scoring on a one-timer on the power play. On the power play he presents a true dual threat as both shooter and playmaker, and his skating makes him a consistent puck-transport option in transition and a dangerous option on entries and zone exits. In the defensive zone, he generally makes sound reads with his positioning, although on a few occasions there was too much circling as opposed to stops and starts. With continued work and attention to detail defensively, he projects as a dynamic top-six college winger.
Phoenix Cahill (D, R, 6’2″, 212, Prince George Cougars, 07/07/2008, Colorado College)
Game Rating
B-
1 Viewing
Comments: Cahill (2008) — 6’2′, 210lbs — Projects as a steady, stay-at-home right-side defender with a reliable, defense-first mindset; competes hard in his own end, shows decent puck skills and can make a good first pass when calm, though his puck-handling was shaky early in this game. He has a physical element but needs more and on a more consistent basis; skating and overall mechanics are average and his quickness/closing speed on D-zone coverage need work as he needs to take away time and space quicker. Not a flashy player, but with improved mobility and sharper gap control he has the tools to be an effective, dependable defensive defenseman at higher levels.
Carson Carels (D, L, 6’2″, 197, Prince George Cougars, 06/23/2008)
Game Rating
B+
Carson Carels showcases poise and confidence on the ice, displaying steady defensive play and adept puck movement in various game situations. He excels at making reliable tape-to-tape passes, setting the tone for his team’s transition game. His physical presence has also improved, particularly in net-front battles, where he holds his ground and pushes back against opponents. Carels possesses excellent vision, creating scoring opportunities on the powerplay and making effective plays with his head up. He is a strong skater, moving well backwards and laterally, which allows him to defend effectively one-on-one. As he becomes more comfortable, Carels has significant upside as an offensive defenseman, with room to develop his skills.
1 Viewing
Comments: Carels is a high-end, two way, 2008-born, 6’2′ left-side defenseman with an excellent all-around game. He skates very well—good edges and stride along with solid top end speed—but, could add a touch more quickness in first few strides getting off the mark. Defensively he’s excellent, consistently taking away space, using strong angles and finishing physically. He’s a confident puck-handler with a very sharp first pass and the instincts to lead or jump into the rush. On retrievals he recovers quickly, reads the ice with a pre-scan, and effectively uses his partner or pivots and accelerates out of danger. His mobility is on display at the offensive blue line by moving laterally and getting free, creating shooting lanes whereby he can effectively get pucks through. Reliable in all situations, he excels five-on-five and features on both the top penalty kill and power-play units. in this game, he logged almost 24 minutes of ice time, with over four minutes on each of the power play and penalty killing units. He projects as a very effective top-four defenseman at the next level able to handle big minutes.
Arseni Anisimov (D, L, 6’0″, 177, Prince George Cougars, 11/25/2007)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Anisimov (late 2007) is a 6’0′ left-shot defenseman who profiles as a mobile, two-way blueliner; he skates well with decent quickness and top-end speed but not elite, defends the rush effectively and is reliable on down low defensive zone coverage. He is not a physical presence, but can get in people’s way. He shows good puck skills and above-average hockey IQ—consistently making the simple play, moving the puck to teammates and quickly presenting for returns (even out of the defensive zone). In this game he logged nearly 19 minutes of ice time (just under his ~20+ minute season average) and is a regular contributor on both the second power play and the penalty kill, making him a quiet, not flashy, very dependable option in all situations.
Kooper Gizowski (LW, L, 5’9″, 177, Prince George Cougars, 05/05/2005)
Game Rating
B-
1 Viewing
Comments: Gizowski, a 5’9′ (2005) left wing, projects as an opportunistic offensive winger with good puck skills and a very quick release — particularly effective on the power-play flank where his one-timer and rapid release create danger. Skating is solid but unspectacular, with average top-end speed and quickness; he compensates by finding space and getting open rather than chasing pucks. He tends to rely on linemates to recover and push possessions, and his overall compete and involvement level in this game was limited. To reach the next level he needs to bring more consistent effort and engagement from shift to shift, but his shot and playmaking on the half-wall/power-play spots make him a useful complementary scoring piece.
Townes Kozicky (C, R, 6’1″, 177, Prince George Cougars, 06/30/2008)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Kozicki (2008) is a 6’1′, 175 lb right-shot centre who skates well with decent top-end speed and mobility—though his stride and technique need refinement, which would likely improve his initial quickness. He’s not a primary driver of offense at this stage but projects as a reliable puck-recovery, playmaking third-line centre who wins battles and quickly moves the puck after retrievals; in this game he logged just over 11 minutes, won roughly half of his board battles, and created several transition opportunities for his line mates in the offensive zone. Kozicki competes physically and is more than willing to finish checks all over the ice, offering upside as a dependable two-way forward; areas to clean up are faceoffs (about 30% this game) and skating technique to maximize his mobility and quickness.
Aiden Foster (LW, L, 6’2″, 184, Prince George Cougars, 02/25/2007)
Game Rating
B+
Aiden Foster is a physically gifted left winger who excels at moving up and down the lineup with his versatility in terms of size, speed, and skillset. His quality skating and puck skills allow him to maintain good speed with the puck, making plays in transition with his linemates. Foster aggressively drives to the net, establishes position in front, and creates scoring opportunities by battling for loose pucks. He is also commendable on defense, often leading the charge back into the defensive zone and covering key areas of the ice when needed. His all-around game allows him to contribute offensively, defensively, and physically, making him a well-rounded prospect at the next level.
1 Viewing
Comments: Foster (2007, 6’2′, Tampa Bay draft pick) is a dependable, hard-working forward who brings a consistent game every night—you know what you’re getting. He skates very well with complimentary top-end speed and uses it to get in quickly on the forecheck where he is always a physical, finishing presence, consistently closing down lanes and driving the net with or without the puck. His overall skill set is sound, with good puck skills that have earned him minutes on the second power-play unit; he plays the walls smartly, protects the puck with his head up, and routinely makes the simple, correct play rather than forcing turnovers. At this point in the season, he is averaging just over 16 minutes per game in ice time. Clear about his role, Foster projects as a reliable contributor at the next level who can provide energy, board play, and situational special-teams value.
Kayden Lemire (RW, R, 6’4″, 196, Prince George Cougars, 01/27/2008)
Game Rating
B+
Lemire is a physically gifted prospect with significant potential, boasting a smooth skating stride and impressive acceleration. His puck skills are solid, allowing him to make plays and create opportunities. Defensively, he is willing to engage physically and battle in the hard areas, demonstrating his ability to contribute over both ends of the ice. While his limited playing time has hindered his development, Lemire showcases flashes of his potential and has the tools to become a more impactful player.
1 Viewing
Comments: Lemire (6’4′, 195 lbs, 2008) is a prototypical power-forward right winger with high upside — a very good good skater for a big, young player who uses his speed and reach to attack pucks hard and consistently battles along the boards and around the crease. He’s a relentless 200-foot worker who brings heavy, finishing checks and is always first on the forecheck, providing consistent pushback in scrums and aiding teammates when needed. In the offensive zone he shows reliable puck skills in tight, willing to come off the wall and drive hard to the net to challenge defenders. He averages almost 14 minutes of ice time per game, on a Cougar’s team that has a deep right side. More complementary on the attack although he can effectively carry the puck through traffic in the neutral zone, his combination of size, mobility, physicality and puck instincts projects him as an effective next-level power winger with room to grow.
Jett Lajoie (LW, R, 6’0″, 196, Prince George Cougars, 02/05/2007)
Game Rating
B
Lajoie’s game has shown significant improvement, particularly in his overall effort and consistency throughout the full 60 minutes. His skating ability stands out, allowing him to transition effectively between offense and defense with impressive top-end speed. In the offensive zone, Lajoie possesses good puck skills and a quick shooting release, making him a scoring threat. He demonstrates strong awareness and skill in the defensive zone, particularly when receiving pucks along the walls. On the forecheck, he excels at carrying the puck with speed through the neutral zone and serves as a valuable asset on physical plays. Defensively, Lajoie recognizes key positions and angles well, making smart plays within his team’s blue line. He is also capable of finishing his checks and contributing to the physicality of the game, winning 73% of battles while logging significant ice time.
1 Viewing
Comments: Lajoie (2007), a 6’0′, 195 lb right wing, is a strong two-way forward whose combination of good skating and very good puck skills creates consistent trouble for defenders in transition and in the offensive zone. He shows a hard-nosed willingness to get behind the defence and pursue the puck on the forecheck, finishing plays more physically than in the past, and his more consistent reliable work each shift has earned him roles on both the power play and penalty kill while averaging about 18 minutes a night. Lajoie’s net-front presence on the man advantage resulted in the Cougars’ first power-play goal. His mix of very good skill, physicality and dependable work ethic over 200 feet, definitely ups his value moving forward.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images