
Game played on 11/30/2024.
General Game Notes: In a game that was tight early, as both teams scored in the first five minutes, the hometown Kelowna Rockets blew the game wide open with four more goals in the first to lead the Regina Pats 5-1 after one. The Rockets were again led by the duo of Andrew Cristall and Tij Iginla who had five points each. Jake Pilon was steady in the Rockets net making 26 saves resulting in a dominant 9-1 victory.
Kolten Bridgeman (D, R, 6’4″, 220, Regina Pats, 10/28/2006)
Grade: B
Comments: Bridgeman is a solid, reliable defensive presence for the Pats. Standing at 6’4′ and weighing 215 pounds, his size alone gives him an advantage in physical play and net-front presence. As a classic defensive defenceman, his primary focus on shutting down opposing players and making smart, effective plays in his own zone is invaluable. His ability to make a good first pass is particularly crucial in transitioning from defense to offense, allowing his team to maintain possession and generate scoring opportunities. While he may not have elite speed, his skating ability and mobility suggest that he can position himself well and effectively manage his defensive responsibilities. The fact that he finishes checks physically is a great asset, and with some encouragement to do it more often, he could become a more imposing presence. His willingness to pushback and confront opponents shows leadership and a commitment to team play, which can inspire confidence in his teammates.
John Babcock (D, L, 6’2″, 204, Regina Pats, 04/25/2004)
Grade: A-
Comments: Babcock was solid on this night and brings a well-rounded skill set that stands out on the ice. At 6’2′ and 205 pounds, he combines size and agility, allowing him to navigate effectively both forwards and backwards. His skating ability is complemented by strong puck skills and a calm demeanor, especially evident when he quarterbacks the first power-play unit. His quick puck retrievals demonstrate his readiness and displays an ability to evade forecheckers, often using clever deception and sharp turns to maintain possession. Babcock is adept at either leading the offensive charge himself or quickly moving the puck to his teammates, showcasing his vision and playmaking abilities. While he has a physical edge and is willing to engage on the body, he shows a preference for contributing offensively. His team-first attitude is commendable; he displayed toughness right from the opening face-off by taking on Kelowna’s Max Graham, another tough competitor. Perhaps most impressive is his consistency—despite the score becoming lopsided, Babcock maintained his level of play throughout the game, demonstrating resilience and a commitment to his performance. Overall, his blend of skill, physicality, and determination makes him a valuable asset on the ice.
Reese Hamilton (D, L, 6’0″, 174, Regina Pats, 03/26/2007)
Grade: B-
Comments: Hamilton is an offensively gifted defenceman who showcases exceptional skating ability, allowing him to transition quickly and drive the attack or effectively support it. His smooth skating and puck-handling skills make him a dynamic presence on the ice, and he demonstrates strong passing abilities that can set up scoring opportunities. However, during this particular outing, Hamilton displayed inconsistency in his performance, appearing to rely too heavily on his teammates to drive the play rather than actively engaging himself. While he possesses impressive body and stick deception to create plays, he needs to adopt a more proactive approach and contribute consistently on every shift to fully capitalize on his talents and elevate his game to the next level.
Tye Spencer (C, R, 5’7″, 150, Regina Pats, 06/27/2004)
Grade: B
Comments: Ty Spencer is a dynamic forward standing at 5’7, showcasing an impressive combination of speed and agility. He demonstrated his scoring ability with a well-executed tip-in goal, highlighting his willingness to fight for position net front. While Spencer possesses top-end speed, there is room for improvement in utilizing his skating to create more offensive opportunities. He displays a strong understanding of the game, balancing his roles as both a passer and a shooter, and his work ethic shines through in his willingness to engage in battles. However, his lack of physicality and technique poses challenges, particularly in defensive zone coverage situations. Overall, Spencer’s skill set and tenacity make him a valuable prospect, but he will need to enhance his physical engagement to reach his full potential at higher levels of competition.
Zachary Pantelakis (LW, L, 5’10”, 165, Regina Pats, 10/18/2007)
Grade: B-
Comments: Pantelakis is a hard-working forward who combines impressive speed and agility, making him a presence through the neutral zone. His skating ability allows him to quickly create separation from would be backcheckers and drive the attack, showcasing his potential as a dynamic offensive player. However, to elevate his game, he must develop a greater willingness to drive to the middle of the ice and engage in the gritty areas near the net, where scoring opportunities often arise. Pantelakis possesses strong stick handling skills, enabling him to complement his linemates well and maintain puck possession. He seems to have a sound understanding of his defensive zone responsibilities as he is constantly swinging his head to know where his check is. With continued development in his approach to high-traffic areas, he could become a more complete player and a significant asset to any team.
Braxton Whitehead (RW, R, 5’11”, 164, Regina Pats, 06/09/2004, Arizona State)
Grade: B
Comments: Whitehead is a reliable and steady 5’10, 165-pound forward who excels in a 200-foot game, showcasing strong skating ability and good top-end speed. While not an elite talent, he possesses a well-rounded skill set that makes him a valuable asset on the ice. Whitehead’s commitment to grinding and competing is evident in his work ethic, and he consistently demonstrates sound defensive play, highlighted by his excellent positioning in the defensive zone. At this stage of his development, he contributes more defensively than offensively, but his consistency and reliability make him a dependable player who can be counted on to perform every shift. As he continues to refine his offensive game, Whitehead has the potential to become a key two-way player at higher levels of competition.
Zachary Lansard (RW, R, 5’11”, 175, Regina Pats, 07/29/2008)
Grade: B-
Comments: Lansard is a young 2008 prospect that brings many quality skills characterized by his sound work ethic and tenacity on the ice. His skating ability is a key feature, with quick feet and noteworthy top-end speed that enable him to effectively navigate through the neutral zone and drive the attack. Lansard demonstrates strong puck skills, particularly in tight spaces, showcasing his ability to maintain possession under pressure. His shooting release is another asset, hinting at potential offensive upside that is likely to flourish as he gains more experience in the league. Overall, Lansard’s combination of skating, puck handling, and work ethic makes him a promising player with the potential to contribute significantly to his team’s offensive efforts as he continues to develop.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images