Played on Mar 23, 2025
Western Hockey League
Game Played in Rogers Place
General Game Notes: March 23, 2025 – WHL action between two Alberta teams, Red Deer Rebels and home side Edmonton Oil Kings. All goals were scored in the second period, and it was Edmonton who controlled much of the play, ultimately winning the game by a final score of 4-2.
Alex Worthington (G, L, 6’3″, 180, Edmonton Oil Kings, 05/02/2005)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Worthington is a well-rounded goaltender with a strong skill set, using his size effectively to fight through traffic and cover the ice with his pads. His ability to swallow up rebounds makes him a reliable presence in the crease. He plays a calm, composed game that provides his team with both confidence and a calming presence in high-pressure situations. He utilizes a standard butterfly style, and while his positioning is generally solid, there are times when his movement allows him to take hits from pucks.
Blake Fiddler (D, R, 6’4″, 210, Edmonton Oil Kings, 07/09/2007)
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Comments: Fiddler is a big, right-shot defenseman who excels at playing a hard and physical game in his own zone. He possesses a long reach, constantly disrupting opposing plays, and he closes off the walls effectively. His size allows him to get in shooting lanes and block shots when they come his way, making him a reliable defensive presence. Offensively, Fiddler has a powerful shot and can unleash a one-timer when given time and space. He demonstrated his offensive potential by scoring a short-handed goal in this game, showcasing his ability to contribute at both ends of the ice. His blend of physicality and offensive upside makes him a strong two-way player with the potential to impact the game in multiple areas.
Cole Miller (C, R, 6’4″, 190, Edmonton Oil Kings, 02/04/2005)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Miller is a solid two-way forward who excels at both ends of the ice. He competes hard in all three zones, using his size effectively to win 50/50 battles. He was especially effective on the penalty kill, where he reads plays well, breaks them up, and transitions the puck down the ice towards the offensive zone. In the OZ, Miller shows great puck possession, never rushing or throwing the puck away blindly. Instead, he creates offense by getting the puck to the net, whether it’s in tight or by quickly releasing shots. His well-rounded game and ability to contribute both defensively and offensively make him a valuable asset to his team.
Joe Iginla (F, R, 5’10”, 170, Edmonton Oil Kings, 08/13/2008)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Iginla has a high hockey IQ, particularly in the offensive zone, where he excels at making precise slip passes through defenders’ triangles to set up scoring opportunities for his teammates. He demonstrated his patience and vision on the first goal of the game, where he picked up a rebound and, instead of forcing the puck into the goaltender’s pads, he calmly made a beautiful backdoor pass for a tap-in that his teammate finished without hesitation. With his combination of speed, skill, and hockey IQ, Iginla is a constant offensive threat and difficult to defend against, making him a tough player to match up with on the ice.
Gracyn Sawchyn (C, R, 5’11”, 157, Edmonton Oil Kings, 01/19/2005)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Sawchyn is a skilled right-shot defenseman known for his agility and exceptional edgework in all three zones. His skating ability allows him to weave in and out of traffic, creating open ice and generating offensive opportunities. Offensively, he keeps his head up and has a keen sense of where pressure is coming from, enabling him to make the right play and help his team create scoring chances. A particular play that stood out in the second period where he grabbed the puck, attacked middle ice, changed the angle of his hands and setup his teammate with a great look back door. The play itself exemplified his skill-set, vision, and offensive prowess.
Miroslav Holinka (RW, R, 6’1″, 187, Edmonton Oil Kings, 11/10/2005)
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Comments: Holinka scored the fourth goal of the game, essentially putting it out of reach. He used his size and strength to out-muscle his opponent, win the puck battle, and with a quick flick of the wrist, beat the goaltender cleanly, hitting the post and in. Throughout the game, he consistently makes the ‘right’ plays, limiting mistakes with smart puck decisions. This approach helps him manage turnovers, maintain puck possession, and create chances for both himself and his linemates. One of Holinka’s greatest assets is his shot; when he gets it on net, he can generate second-chance opportunities and create scoring chances for his team.
Lukas Sawchyn (C, R, 5’10”, 174, Edmonton Oil Kings, 02/27/2007)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Sawchyn is a shifty forward with high-end skill, particularly in tight spaces. He’s able to attack the net from different angles, using quick changes in body and hand positioning to create more time and space for both himself and his teammates. His patience with the puck is evident, and he possesses a versatile shoot/pass mentality, which makes him unpredictable in the offensive zone. This ability to keep defenders guessing makes him a constant threat when in possession of the puck.
Chase Wutzke (G, L, 6’2″, 160, Red Deer Rebels, 07/26/2006)
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Comments: The final score didn’t fully reflect the way Wutzke played, as he made several grade-A saves to keep his team in the game despite the 4-1 deficit. He boasts good size and is quick on his feet, showing a strong ability to make the ‘big’ save when it’s needed most. Wutzke has a solid foundation in his game, particularly with his post play, where he effectively utilizes the RVH and transitions smoothly between low-to-high and high-to-low puck movements. He fights through traffic well, maintaining solid positioning and keeping his composure. His butterfly form is strong, and his active hands help him track pucks and make key saves in tight situations.
Derek Thurston (D, L, 6’1″, 195, Red Deer Rebels, 06/04/2006)
Game Rating
B-
1 Viewing
Comments: Thurston is a solid defender who excels in his own zone. He combines skill and physicality, making him a tough player to play against. He can control the puck while also bringing a mean streak to his game when necessary. Thurston is particularly strong in his defensive positioning, often using effective box outs and showing great strength on the puck. He wins numerous battles and is able to push the puck up the ice.
Jake Missura (D, R, 5’10”, 165, Red Deer Rebels, 06/07/2008)
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Comments: Missura plays with an in-your-face style that immediately stands out. While he can be a bit reckless at times, his tenacity and grit make him a constant presence on the ice. He isn’t afraid to jump up into the neutral zone and deliver open-ice hits, showing off his fearless, physical approach to the game. Although his offensive game is still a work in progress, it’s his intangibles that truly set him apart. His relentless energy and willingness to engage in every shift bring an added edge to his team, and these qualities will continue to serve him well as he refines his game.
Gleb Semyonov (C, R, 6’3″, 183, Red Deer Rebels, 02/17/2007)
Game Rating
C+
1 Viewing
Comments: Semenov is a larger forward who skates well for his size. He moves his feet effectively and challenges opponents, consistently getting pucks into the tough areas of the ice. While he has a physical edge to his game, he’s not afraid to lean on his opponents in all three zones, whether he has the puck or not.
Kalan Lind (C, L, 6’1″, 158, Red Deer Rebels, 01/25/2005)
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Comments: Lind is a two-way forward who thrives by getting involved in the thick of the action. He is always looking to get to the middle of the ice and create chaos around the net. While he possesses the skill set to make plays off the rush, it’s his consistent ability to drive to the net and establish a presence there that stands out. He scored his team’s only goal by finding a loose puck in the high slot, where he showcased a quick release to beat the goaltender through traffic. Lind’s ability to be in the right place at the right time, coupled with his relentless style, makes him a constant threat around the net.
Ollie Josephson (C, L, 6’0″, 179, Red Deer Rebels, 07/22/2006)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Josephson has the ability to control the game and dictate the flow when he has the puck. He is a smart player who makes simple, yet effective decisions, allowing his team to drive toward the offensive zone. His strong hockey sense enables him to read plays without the puck, which helps him intercept passes and disrupt the opposition’s flow. His high IQ, combined with his skill set, makes him a versatile forward capable of playing well at both ends of the ice, while also contributing offensively.