Played on Dec 12, 2025
Game Played in Scotiabank Saddledome
General Game Notes: This was a tied game going into the third period and the breakdown that the Rebels gave up just fourteen seconds into the third ultimately decided the game. The momentum seemed to be stolen from the building because just two minutes later the Hitman scored again really putting score at a gasp too big for Red Deer to overcome. Did a good job at staying calm in pressure situations, couple times his team got hemmed in and when to freeze the puck and get a whistle and when to keep the puck moving.
Eric Tu (G, L, 6’3″, 206, Calgary Hitmen, 10/26/2008)
Game Rating
A-
1 Viewing
Comments: One of the better parts to Tus game is how he flexes out to shooters when he know he has the back side covered. He made it hard for shooters to beat him from a distance and forced them to make either a move in tight or clean with an accurate shot. Where he could have been a little tighter tonight was his second chance opportunities, could routine shots found there way to the top of the crease. Created the momentum by stopping an early penalty shot.
Andrei Molgachyov (LW, L, 5’10”, 187, Calgary Hitmen, 03/01/2008)
Game Rating
A-
1 Viewing
Comments: Molgachev opened the scoring with an absolute heater. As he found space behind the defense in the neutral zone, his defenseman was able to snap a pass on his tape and spring him free for a small two on one. He beat the goalie clean with a wrist that showed his power and quickness behind his release. He is smaller in stature but plays with such a fast pace he demands opponents to respect their gaps when he is on the rush. He was at his best tonight when his feet and hands were moving at the same pace. When he chooses to stay stationary, he invites contact and really does not do well when the game is turned physical. He is a shot first player and his goal tonight was a great example why.
Harrison Lodewyk (C, L, 5’11”, 206, Calgary Hitmen, 03/01/2005, RPI)
Game Rating
A-
1 Viewing
Comments: Picked up a nice assist using his speed and vision with his head up and noticing a net front battle that could be won from his teammate. As he circled the zone, he fired a puck on net that gave his teammate a chance to bury home a second chance. His size and playmaking touch allow him to bypass defenses and consistently generate offense. He brings a ton of energy to his shifts and is a real asset on the rush. His skill level is undeniable, but his attack heavy mindset can lead to costly mistakes, and those turnovers eat into the high quality chances he creates.
Wyatt Pisarczyk (D, L, 5’10”, 177, Calgary Hitmen, 07/20/2007)
Game Rating
A-
1 Viewing
Comments: Pisarczyk was able to show tonight that he is a true offensive engine, fast, creative, and a major asset in transition. His vision and skating allow him to drive play through the neutral zone, and his puck moving ability makes him a natural fit on the power play, where he can cleanly gain the zone and distribute to open teammates. One knock on his game is his that his consistency was the biggest hurdle, but his game is clearly there. With three assists on the night, he distributed the puck well to open player with time and space.
Brandon Gorzynski (C, L, 6’2″, 187, Calgary Hitmen, 03/12/2007, Arizona State)
Game Rating
A-
Gorzynski showcased his skills through his goal-scoring ability, particularly in a breakaway situation where he demonstrated a move at the top of the crease and a precise backhand shot. He also highlighted his playmaking abilities, which are above average and complemented by underrated puck skills and a sound decision-making process. As a two-way player, Gorzynski demonstrates smartness that allows him to contribute in both offensively and defensively. However, while he can manage the defensive aspect of his role without severely impacting his scoring output, there are limitations to his ability to handle tough defensive matchups against top lines.
1 Viewing
Comments: Scored a nice goal tonight winning his net front battle and picking up a rebound that sitting there for him to bury. He has the size to be extremely hard to play against and his goal was a good example of that. Gorzynski is a strong defensive style forward who pairs good size with excellent instincts and an active defensive stick. His awareness allows him to consistently be in the right place, even if his offensive ceiling seems limited. Despite that, he is a natural puck mover with solid vision with a solid skating stride. His versatility is his greatest asset because he can stabilize play in his own end and quickly transition up ice to support the rush and contribute offensively making himself more of a two way threat.
Kale Dach (C, L, 5’10”, 167, Calgary Hitmen, 02/15/2007, Penn State)
Game Rating
A-
Kale Dach showcases a well-rounded skill set, excelling in puck control and playmaking abilities. He demonstrates effective skating, allowing him to create space for his teammates and drive possession forward. As a defensive player, Dach consistently handles challenging assignments with poise, providing solid zone exits and battling in the corners. His physical presence is evident, as he can match up against bigger opponents without issue. While he has shown flashes of offense, including an empty net goal, it’s his overall defensive prowess and ability to remain even with larger opponents that sets him apart.
1 Viewing
Comments: Dach is a smaller shifty player who can get lost in the offensive zone very well and his goal was a good example of that. When his feet are moving as fast as his hands, he is a tough player to contain. He is loaded with high-end puck skill, great vision of the ice, and the speed to back defenders off in their gaps. Any time he touches the puck, he is a legitimate threat to create offense. He drives play as a true offensive catalyst, but he is at his best when his shifts stay short. Longer shifts can lead to positional lapses in his own end. His aggressive, attack minded style can result in the occasional turnover, but the upside he brings with the puck far outweighed the risks tonight.
Matthew Kondro (G, L, 6’1″, 166, Red Deer Rebels, 12/06/2007)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: While not his best game tonight, he was peppered with shots. Kondro is a goalie with an impressive blend of size and athleticism, he moves efficiently, challenges shooters confidently, and tracks pucks with composure. He is aggressive in his reads and rarely looks rattled, maintaining calm control even in chaotic second chances around the crease.
Nate Yellowaga (D, L, 5’11”, 171, Red Deer Rebels, 03/09/2008, Maine)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Yellowaga was able to show that his speed lets him play an up tempo, aggressive game, though that pace can occasionally come at the expense of his defensive detail. He is not a true liability, but his eagerness to jump into the rush can lead to mistakes and premature exits from the defensive zone. Offensively, he is a high motor winger with a tremendous work ethic, gritty, relentless, and willing to grind for every puck. His competitiveness drives his impact shift after shift.
Matthew Gard (LW, L, 6’5″, 197, Red Deer Rebels, 04/07/2007)
Game Rating
B-
Matthew Gard’s ability to control the puck and create scoring opportunities is a notable aspect of his game. He effectively utilizes his size to his advantage, using a combination of speed and agility to outmaneuver opponents. Gard’s long stride allows him to maintain a safe distance from defenders, making it difficult for them to keep up with him. While he has moments of high skill, such as his impressive overtime winner, there is room for improvement in terms of agility and quickness. Defensively, Gard leverages his reach to intercept passes and gain possession of the puck, showcasing his ability to close out on opponents effectively.
1 Viewing
Comments: Gard was able to show that he is a defensive center and a real asset in the face off dot. While his speed and puck skills could improve to help him generate more offense off the rush, his overall game is driven by intelligence and above average size. He is a strong skater who protects the puck well, using his frame to create the time and space needed to make plays. Defensively, he is exceptionally sharp, an instinctive pickpocket with a strong, active stick and the ability to use his size to separate opponents from the puck.
Owen DeWitt (LW, L, 6’3″, 196, Red Deer Rebels, 02/21/2007)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Dewitt was able to show tonight that he is neither the fastest nor the most physical player, but he is crafty and always finds a way to attack the net. While he will not blow past defenders with pure speed, and his hands can occasionally lag behind his feet, he generally makes smart use of the space he creates and finds ways to turn opportunities into chances. Tonight he did a good job at winning his battles along the boards showing that his size is a true asset to his game.
Noah Milford (C, R, 5’11”, 171, Red Deer Rebels, 03/07/2008)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Milford tied the game up in the second period with a little patients at the net front where he waited out the goalie and was able to slip the puck five hole. The shift he scored the goal was one of the more noticeable times on the ice, obviously, but some other shifts it looked like he just took the night off. Milford wants to play a more physical game when his skating should do most the work. He takes himself out of the play when he looks to finish a check and found himself chasing the puck back into his own end. The times he was able to make a difference was off the rush where he can cut to the middle and make it harder for defenseman to read the play.
Owen Shadrick (LW, L, 6’1″, 168, Red Deer Rebels, 05/29/2008)
Game Rating
B-
Shadrick demonstrated a solid skill set on the ice tonight, showcasing his ability to create scoring opportunities with his size and speed. He effectively uses his body positioning to drive towards the net, creating a stable base that allows him to maintain control. Shadrick’s acceleration through the neutral zone is notable, as it enables him to reach shooting spaces before opponents can react. His pace is somewhat labored when starting from a standstill, but he makes up for this with his overall speed and agility.
1 Viewing
Comments: Shadrick was able to show tonight that he finishes his checks, plays responsible defense, and chips in offensively. With decent size and a strong motor, he brings energy to every shift. While he lacks true high end offensive tools and does not have the positional precision to be a shutdown winger, he makes his impact through effort, throwing his body around, delivering big hits, blocking shots, and consistently working to tilt the ice in his teams favor.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images