Game played on 12/03/2024.
John Babcock (D, L, 6’2″, 204, Regina Pats, 04/25/2004)
Grade: B-
Comments: John is a veteran of 200+ WHL games, having played for the Kelowna Rockets, Saskatoon Blades, and now the Regina Pats. He is primarily a defensive defenseman who brings a strong veteran presence to the back end. John did a good job of keeping the rush to the outside and was able to step up to stop it. In the defensive zone, he protected the front of the net effectively and won pucks before cutting to space to clear the zone. As it stands, John is a big and strong defensive defenseman who would succeed at an NCAA program that allows him to play that style. Moving forward, refining his skating stride to add speed and continuing to improve his puck skills should be key areas of focus.
Tye Spencer (C, R, 5’7″, 150, Regina Pats, 06/27/2004)
Grade: B
Comments: Tye is a smaller, skilled forward who is in his fifth WHL season. In this game, he scored after being left all alone on the weak side of the ice. His linemates forced a turnover on the right side and slid a pass to him in the slot. As a right-shot, he quickly fired the puck top shelf past the goaltender. Tye is a quick skater who was able to get to loose pucks in the offensive zone. Upon controlling the puck, he showcased quick hands and was able to create space for himself. Off the puck, he did an excellent job of getting open in dangerous areas, showcasing his intelligence and ability to read the play. As it stands, Tye is a quick and shifty forward who creates opportunities for himself through his intelligence and positioning. He would succeed at an NCAA program where he can play top or middle-six minutes.
Braxton Whitehead (RW, R, 5’11”, 164, Regina Pats, 06/09/2004, Arizona State)
Grade: B
Comments: Braxton made history earlier this season when he became the first CHL player to commit to an NCAA program, committing to Arizona State. He is having a bit of a down year offensively after recording 52 points in 52 games last season, but this is most likely due to the fact that the Pats are in a rebuilding year. Arguably the best play Braxton made in this game came when he forced a turnover down low in the offensive zone while killing a penalty. He then dangled the defender before passing the puck back to a teammate in the neutral zone to kill time. He showcased his skill on another play when he caught a pass behind him at full speed in transition, pulled it in front of him, and kept the play alive. Despite being a smaller player, Braxton forechecked aggressively and was able to force turnovers down low in the zone. On one play, he forced a turnover down low and then walked out front for a shot on goal. On the defensive side of the puck, Braxton stood out as well. He came back hard and was able to stifle a rush in the neutral zone. On another play, while shorthanded, he stick-checked an opponent from behind while defending the breakout, killing the play and valuable time. As it stands, Braxton should make an instant impact next season when he joins ASU.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images