Game played on 11/01/2024.
General Game Notes: This game was tight early with Kamloops having several very good scoring opportunities all denied by PGs excellent goaltender Joshua Ravensbergen. This allowed PG time to find their way and eventually built a 4-0 lead. Kamloops ended up making a game of it getting it to a one goal game but Koehn Ziemmer scored his third of the night sealing the game for PG…final score 6-3.
Nathan Behm (C, R, 6’1″, 192, Kamloops Blazers, 04/18/2007)
Grade: B+
Comments: Many positive aspects of Behm’s game were on display this night, and he was consistently engaged. For a big player his quickness and speed is excellent both on the attack where he is tough to handle when he decides to cut to the middle and, darting into holes in the offensive zone either with the puck or without to create opportunities. On Kamloops first goal he did just that as the mid lane driver pushing the D back creating havoc, and stopping on the top of the paint. Meanwhile in the defensive zone he showed great maneuverability using these same skills. Coupled with his high end puck skills, he was able to get away from puck pursuers to get pucks out by carrying or moving it to available teammates. He would usually put the body on D when forechecking but there are times I’d like to see him finish harder.
Tommy Lafreniere (C, R, 5’11”, 172, Kamloops Blazers, 01/16/2007)
Grade: A-
Comments: Lafreniere is fast and has excellent maneuverability which he uses to get in on the forecheck. He is very aware in all areas of the ice recognizing his job while forechecking and his role on the down low coverage in the DZ usually maintaining good body position. With that, while breaking out he demonstrated awareness of being low and slow as the centre and then in one instance using his quick hands to beat a player and effectively move the puck. He has also shown a willingness to block shots on many occasions, not just on PK1. He also showed his very good release on several occasions in this game. He has many very good qualities for a first year player.
Joshua Ravensbergen (G, R, 6’5″, 190, Prince George Cougars, 11/27/2006)
Grade: A-
Comments: Ravensbergen was the difference early in this game when his team needed him as Kamloops had several very good opportunities that he shut down. His skills in tight scrambles are excellent as he is usually in a position to make a play on pucks around the crease, although there were some instances where he created the problem in tight by not controlling the initial shot. He is quick side to side and generally does not come apart with this movement. There is not a lot of extra movement, he is concise and his body is controlled. Combine all of this with his size (6’5′) and he is very difficult to beat.
Aiden Foster (LW, L, 6’2″, 184, Prince George Cougars, 02/25/2007)
Grade: B+
Comments: Foster is simply a very steady consistent performer, you know what you are going to get each night. He is a very good, smooth skater that plays the game hard, on the walls, on the FC and in front of the net. He is also aware defensively in all three zones. He is an asset to his linemates with his ability to win wall battles and make plays along with getting in on the forecheck quickly with his speed and physical presence.
Borya Valis (LW, R, 6’1″, 196, Prince George Cougars, 04/01/2004)
Grade: A-
Comments: Valis was impressive in this game showing his excellent speed with very smooth skating mechanics. He used this speed on the attack constantly trying to turn the D to the outside and driving the middle hard, which he was successful with on several occasions. He was also very effective controlling pucks on the walls and making plays by making a quick pass or rolling off and attacking the middle. With that, he was a consistent offensive threat throughout the game.
Kayden Lemire (RW, R, 6’3″, 192, Prince George Cougars, 01/27/2008)
Grade: B+
Comments: Lemire is a big, young player (08) that does many things well. This begins with his speed and smoothness combined with a willingness to get involved in the hard areas. He is very difficult to handle with the puck on the walls with his protection skills and, competes hard for pucks netfront. He is dangerous in tight spaces with an ability to make plays and release the puck quickly. He is in a position in the PG lineup where he is expected to also defend which will really help round out his game as it is no secret that he has some offensive capability also. He seems quite effective at with his awareness in the DZ, even at this point in his career.
Dermot Johnston (D, L, 6’4″, 216, Prince George Cougars, 05/04/2008)
Grade: B
Comments: Johnston is a big body (6’4′), steady young (08) defenseman with many very good assets. He is a very good skater that is mobile as displayed on retrievals and getting up ice with the play. He is sound defensively being very aware in the DZ with hitting and pinning and getting in peoples way with his big frame. His puck skills are quite good as he displayed while wheeling behind the net and poise at the offensive blueline making plays, not just getting it and throwing it away. An area for him to improve is inconsistent gap control which was lacking in some cases through the game.
Jett Lajoie (LW, R, 6’0″, 180, Prince George Cougars, 02/05/2007)
Grade: A-
Comments: It is clear Lajoie has many very good offensive instincts but on this night other key aspects of the game were on display. His speed on the attack was evident but he battled hard through traffic and hold ups to try to get to the D, where he would more consistently finish with contact. Defensively he recognized being the 3rd person high, very good NZ angling and being first person back in the DZ thus having to assume the down low position. Offensively he was excellent on the wall protecting and making plays from it, one specifically from behind the goal line resulting in a goal.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images