The 2004s.
Harrison Meneghin (G, L, 6’3″, 172, Medicine Hat Tigers, 09/13/2004)
Comments: Overview Harrison Meneghin is a promising, 6’3′ goalie with strong fundamentals and a calm demeanor in the crease. His size gives him an advantage in junior hockey but he will be average sized for professional hockey, while his quick reflexes and lateral movement make him an effective presence in net. Meneghin displays above-average puck handling skills for a goalie and has the ability to read plays well. While he has solid technical abilities, his development will depend on his ability to improve areas such as rebound control and positioning when facing screens or deflections. Overall, Meneghin shows the potential to develop into a backup goalie or a solid 1B option at the professional level, with the right guidance and development. Role and Current Usage Meneghin currently serves as a reliable goaltender for Medicine Hat, often facing a significant number of quality shots each game. He has shown the ability to manage his crease well and maintain composure under pressure. He is a key player who is expected to continue improving his consistency and overall performance. His average save percentage of .900 and 2.8 goals-against per game for the 2024/25 season reflect a solid, if not spectacular, performance. By starting 53 games during the 2023/24 season shows his is ability to handle a significant workload Strengths Anticipation and Coverage: Standing at 6’3′, Meneghin uses his size effectively to cover a large portion of the net. His height allows him to dominate the low portion of the net and makes it difficult for shooters to find open areas, particularly in tight situations. Quick Reflexes and Lateral Movement: Meneghin’s lateral movement is strong, and he is able to move quickly across the crease to cover shooters. His ability to track the puck effectively and adjust his positioning on the fly helps him make saves from various angles. Calm Under Pressure: He remains composed in high-pressure situations, which we view is a critical trait for a goalie. His ability to stay focused in difficult moments allows him to maintain confidence and perform consistently. Puck Handling: For a goalie, Meneghin has above-average puck handling ability, which allows him to assist in breaking the puck out of the defensive zone and support his defensemen when the puck is played behind the net. Weaknesses Rebound Control: One of the areas that needs improvement for Meneghin is his rebound control. He has allowed 7 goals from net front rebounds this season, and his tendency to give up second-chance opportunities can be costly in terms of goals against and momentum. Working on directing rebounds to safer areas and controlling them better will be crucial for his development. Positioning on Screens and Deflections: Meneghin struggles with his positioning when dealing with big bodied screens and downhill deflections. Improving his ability to track shots through traffic and adjust his positioning in these scenarios will be a key developmental focus. Consistency: While Meneghin has shown the flashes of strong play that led to him being a Tamps Bay draft pick, he has yet to fully develop the consistency needed to be an elite goaltender. Regularly performing at a high level, particularly on second-chance opportunities and when facing significant traffic, will be essential for his future success. Development Opportunities in NCAA Choosing to continue development in the NCAA after his time in the CHL would provide Meneghin with significant opportunities for growth. The NCAA offers an environment for goalies, with a focus on technical skill development and an increased practice-to-game ratio, which would allow Meneghin to improve his fundamental skills, especially his rebound control and positioning. The additional time for off-ice strength training, agility, and explosiveness development would be especially beneficial for Meneghin. Building strength in his lower body and core would help him with both his rebound control and lateral movement. Additionally, the focus on improving speed and agility would allow him to react more quickly to shooters, particularly when facing planned downhill tips at the professional level. The NCAA’s structured environment, where coaches emphasize technical refinement, would be critical for Meneghin to further develop his positioning, particularly when facing deflections or screens. NCAA goalies benefit from a lighter game schedule and greater emphasis on positioning, which could help Meneghin further refine his ability to track pucks through traffic and improve his overall composure in the crease. Furthermore, the NCAA provides a more consistent schedule with fewer games, allowing for more time dedicated to practice and individual development. This opportunity would be invaluable for Meneghin, as it would allow him to focus on his weaknesses while honing his strengths in a more controlled and less demanding environment. Conclusion Harrison Meneghin is a promising goalie with strong fundamentals, quick reflexes, and a calm presence under pressure. His size and puck-handling skills are above average, but his development will depend on his ability to refine key areas such as rebound control and positioning under traffic. The NCAA offers a longer development opportunity for Meneghin to improve these aspects of his game, as well as to enhance his strength, agility, and overall consistency. With the right development, Meneghin has the potential to develop into a solid National League backup goalie or a 1B option, and the NCAA could provide an ideal setting to help him reach that potential.
Oasiz Wiesblatt (C, L, 5’7″, 178, Medicine Hat Tigers, 04/08/2004)
Comments: Current Role: Oasiz Wiesblatt is a top-six forward for Medicine Hat, where he serves as an offensive catalyst, agitator and team Captain. He is a high-energy player who consistently drives play and creates scoring opportunities with his pace, skill, and relentless forechecking. Despite his smaller stature, he plays a heavy, fearless game and contributes on both special teams. Player Type: Wiesblatt is a shifty, high-compete playmaker with excellent skating, soft hands, and a pest-like playing style. He uses his intelligence and speed to outmaneuver opponents, combining skill and physicality to be a constant presence in all three zones. Strengths: Skating and Agility: Wiesblatt’s explosive first step and edge work are well above average, allowing him to quickly change direction and gain speed through his cuts and change of direction. He can separate from defenders and create space with ease. Compete Level: Wiesblatt plays like he’s a foot taller, fearlessly throwing body checks and engaging in battles with larger opponents. He consistently wins puck battles with his strong lower body and relentless determination. Playmaking and Vision: He has quick processing and awareness of his teammates finding passing lanes through traffic. His ability to distribute the puck quickly and accurately, especially on the power play, makes him a reliable offensive driver. Shot and Scoring Ability: Wiesblatt’s wrist shot is heavy and quick, capable of beating goaltenders from tough angles. He also has soft hands to score in tight, and his shots often create rebounds for additional scoring chances. Pest-Like Style: Wiesblatt’s physical, in-your-face play frustrates opponents and creates turnovers. His ability to combine this with finesse and skill makes him an incredibly effective agitator. Two-Way Game: Wiesblatt competes hard on the backcheck, uses his stick effectively, and creates turnovers in all zones. His ability to play a responsible 200-foot game adds value beyond his offensive contributions. Weaknesses: Size and Physical Limitations: At 5’7′, 178 lbs, Wiesblatt’s smaller stature can make him vulnerable to being boxed out in the defensive zone or boxed in along the boards. While he competes hard, his size may limit his ability to handle NHL-caliber physicality without added strength. Puck Management: With an equal number of takeaways and giveaways (5 each per game), Wiesblatt needs to reduce turnovers, especially when attempting high-risk plays under pressure. Discipline: His physical style can lead to penalties, as evidenced by the 2 and 10 he served against Saskatoon for ‘accidentally’ running into the goalie on a net drive. Improving discipline without losing his edge is essential. Durability: Given his size and high-intensity playing style, durability over a long season could become a concern as he transitions to higher levels of play. Projection and NCAA Pathway Benefits: Oasiz Wiesblatt has the potential to develop into a versatile depth forward who combines offensive skill with the ability to disrupt opponents. Transitioning to the NCAA would provide several key benefits: Strength and Conditioning: The NCAA’s emphasis on off-ice training would allow Wiesblatt to add muscle and improve his durability and ability to battle effectively against larger opponents. Puck Management and Discipline: With more practice time, Wiesblatt could refine his decision-making to reduce turnovers and learn to manage his physical play to avoid unnecessary penalties. Skill Refinement: The additional practice-to-game ratio in the NCAA would allow Wiesblatt to further develop his offensive skills, including puck protection and shooting consistency. Defensive Growth: Competing against older, more physically mature players in the NCAA would help Wiesblatt refine his defensive positioning and awareness, enhancing his two-way game. Playing Against Varied Styles: The NCAA’s diverse styles of play would help Wiesblatt adapt to different game situations, improving his versatility and adaptability for professional hockey. Conclusion: Oasiz Wiesblatt is an exciting, high-energy player who consistently impacts games with his pace, skill, and physicality. While his size may deter some, his fearless approach and ability to back it up with skill make him a valuable prospect. By transitioning to the NCAA, Wiesblatt would gain the opportunity to refine his game in a development-focused environment, addressing areas like strength, puck management, and discipline. With continued growth, Wiesblatt projects as a middle-six forward capable of excelling in a versatile role at the professional level.
Mathew Ward (C, L, 5’9″, 170, Medicine Hat Tigers, 01/24/2004)
Comments: Current Role: Mathew Ward is a top-six forward and a primary offensive driver for Medicine Hat. He works the power play a distributor and contributes on the penalty kill with his high hockey IQ and strong effort level. Despite his smaller stature, Ward plays a hard-nosed, 200-foot game and competes in all areas of the ice. Player Type: Ward is a creative, high-paced playmaker with soft hands, elite vision, and a quick release. While undersized, his processing, skill set, and competitive edge allow him to make plays in tight spaces and generate offense against larger opponents. Strengths: Vision and Playmaking: Ward’s ability to read the game and make split-second decisions are above average. He consistently finds teammates in scoring positions with accurate, timely passes, both at even strength and on the power play. Skating: Ward has a good first steps and good straight-line speed, enabling him to separate from defenders and hunt down pucks effectively. His strong edges and balance allow him to navigate through traffic and absorb contact. Offensive Skill Set: Ward has a quick-release wrist shot that he can unleash from various angles, making him a consistent scoring threat. His creativity and soft hands enable him to execute high-skill plays, even under pressure. Competitive Edge: Ward does not play small. He throws body checks, absorbs contact, and competes hard in puck battles, showing a willingness to play physically despite his size. Two-Way Play: His backchecking effort and active stick make him an asset defensively, particularly on the penalty kill. Ward processes the game quickly in all three zones, positioning himself effectively to support teammates. Weaknesses: Physicality and Durability: While Ward does not shy away from physical play, his smaller frame leaves him vulnerable to absorbing too many hits (1.42 body checks received per game). This could wear him down over a professional season. Face-Offs: Winning just 25% of his draws against Saskatoon and averaging a 45% win rate in 50/50 puck battles highlights an area for significant improvement in overall strength. Puck Management: With six giveaways per game on average, Ward needs to reduce turnovers by improving his decision-making under pressure and ensuring he doesn’t overcomplicate plays. Passing Efficiency: An 81% passing completion rate is solid, but for a primary playmaker, increasing this closer to 90% will be necessary to maximize his impact. Explosiveness: While Ward is quick, his lack of top-end explosiveness limits his ability to consistently beat defenders one-on-one or break away from coverage. Projection and NCAA Pathway Benefits: Ward’s skill set and hockey sense give him the potential to develop into a dynamic offensive player at the professional level. However, further development is essential to round out his game and prepare him for the physical and mental demands of professional hockey. The NCAA pathway offers unique benefits for Ward: Strength and Conditioning: The NCAA’s emphasis on off-ice strength and conditioning training would allow Ward to add muscle, improving his durability and ability to compete physically without being worn down by contact. Explosiveness Development: Focused attention on explosiveness and acceleration training would enhance Ward’s skating, allowing him to separate more effectively and create space against faster, stronger opponents. Skill Refinement: The NCAA’s higher practice-to-game ratio would provide Ward with the opportunity to improve his puck management and passing accuracy, reducing turnovers and elevating his offensive efficiency. Defensive Growth: With more time to focus on positional play and defensive awareness, Ward could continue to improve as a reliable two-way forward, adding penalty killing as a stronger element of his game. Adjustment to Physicality: Competing against older, stronger players in the NCAA would help Ward develop strategies to better handle physical challenges and thrive despite his size. Conclusion: Mathew Ward is a skilled, intelligent playmaker with the ability to create offense and contribute in all three zones. While his size and physical durability remain concerns, his competitive edge, creativity, and two-way effort make him a highly intriguing prospect. Transitioning to the NCAA would provide Ward with the environment to address his physical and technical weaknesses while maximizing his high-end hockey sense and playmaking ability. With continued development, Ward projects as a depth forward with the potential to excel in special teams roles in professional hockey.
Ben Saunderson (D, L, 6’0″, 191, Saskatoon Blades, 09/24/2004)
Comments: Current Role: Ben Saunderson is a reliable top-four defenseman for Saskatoon, logging significant minutes, particularly in defensive situations. He is a key penalty killer and brings a physical, gritty presence to his team. While he does not play a significant role on the power play, his ability to make quick, accurate breakout passes and maintain defensive stability makes him a crucial component of Saskatoon’s defensive unit. Player Type: Saunderson is a defense-first blueliner with strong skating, good hockey sense, and a physical edge. His balance and edgework, coupled with his calmness under pressure, make him effective in breaking up plays and transitioning the puck efficiently. Strengths: Defensive Awareness: Saunderson excels in one-on-one situations, using his body effectively to contain opponents and separate them from the puck. His aggressive, gritty play in the defensive zone ensures that he is tough to play against. Skating and Balance: His heavy, fluid stride and plus edgework provide stability and quickness, enabling him to evade forecheckers and maintain strong positioning in the defensive zone. Puck Movement: Saunderson is poised with the puck, demonstrating a pass completion rate of 88% and the ability to make crisp, accurate breakout passes. His quick reads allow him to move the puck effectively to open teammates in all three zones. Physicality: While not overly punishing, Saunderson plays with a consistent physical edge, winning 58% of his 50/50 puck battles and using his body to make life difficult for opponents in front of the net and along the boards. Penalty Killing: Saunderson’s positioning, stick work, and compete level make him a key penalty killer who can reliably disrupt opposing power plays. Weaknesses: Consistency: Saunderson’s play can fluctuate; he shows flashes of high-level performance but also goes through stretches where he is less noticeable or commits unforced errors. Puck Management Under Pressure: While he is generally calm, Saunderson can occasionally rush plays when heavily pressured, leading to turnovers in the grey areas (averaging six giveaways per game). Offensive Ceiling: Saunderson is not a primary offensive driver and does not currently contribute meaningfully on the power play. Developing his offensive instincts and ability to create scoring chances would add another dimension to his game. Physical Engagement: Despite his size and grit, Saunderson averages fewer than one hit per game (0.88), suggesting he could impose himself physically more consistently. Projection and NCAA Pathway Benefits: Ben Saunderson has the potential to develop into a dependable, depth defenseman at the professional level. His skating, defensive play, and passing ability are foundational strengths, but further development is needed to elevate his consistency and offensive contributions. The NCAA path offers unique benefits: Strength and Conditioning: The NCAA’s focus on off-ice training would allow Saunderson to add strength and explosiveness, enhancing his ability to win physical battles and improve his skating power. Skill Refinement: More practice time would help Saunderson address puck management issues, particularly under pressure, and develop better offensive instincts to contribute in transition and on the power play. Consistency Development: The structured environment of NCAA hockey would provide opportunities to develop his game-to-game reliability and minimize lapses in play. Expanded Role Opportunities: The NCAA’s emphasis on individual player development could allow Saunderson to gain power-play experience, rounding out his skill set and increasing his versatility. Exposure to Varied Competition: Competing against older, stronger players in the NCAA would prepare Saunderson for the physical and mental challenges of professional hockey. Conclusion: Ben Saunderson is a poised, defense-first blueliner with strong skating, solid hockey sense, and a physical edge. His ability to disrupt plays and transition the puck effectively makes him a valuable asset in his own zone. However, to maximize his professional potential, he must address his puck management under pressure, improve his offensive contributions, and develop greater consistency. The NCAA environment offers a setting for Saunderson to refine his game, positioning him for a successful transition to professional hockey as a dependable depth defenseman.
Brandon Lisowsky (C, L, 5’8″, 172, Saskatoon Blades, 04/13/2004)
Comments: Current Role: Brandon Lisowsky is a top-2-line center for Saskatoon, known for his offensive creativity, high compete level, and goal-scoring ability. A power-play specialist, Lisowsky uses his quick release and dynamic puck skills to generate offense consistently. While not a primary penalty killer, he has been used situationally and contributes defensively with strong positioning and a mature mindset. Player Type: Lisowsky is a shoot-first offensive forward with high end puck skills, high hockey IQ, and a deceptive skating stride. Despite his smaller stature, he competes hard, attacks high-traffic areas, and plays a team-first, 200-foot game. Strengths: Goal Scoring and Shot: Lisowsky’s shot is his defining asset. He possesses a smooth wrist shot with a quick, deceptive release that he can execute under pressure and in tight spaces. His ability to shoot off the pass, change angles, and create rebounds adds to his offensive threat. Offensive Creativity: Lisowsky is highly skilled at creating offense both for himself and his teammates. He consistently finds soft spots in coverage, uses his hands to beat defenders, and has underrated passing skills to set up scoring chances. Skating and Edge Work: While his stride can look choppy, Lisowsky is deceptively quick and explosive in short bursts. His strong edges allow him to cut quickly, maintain balance, and navigate through tight spaces. Hockey IQ: Lisowsky processes the play exceptionally well, both offensively and defensively. He positions himself effectively, anticipates plays, and creates turnovers with his awareness and effort. Compete Level: Despite his size, Lisowsky battles hard in all areas of the ice. He attacks the net with determination, plays with pace, and provides consistent back pressure on the defensive side of the puck. Special Teams Contributions: Lisowsky thrives on the power play, using his movement to open shooting lanes and create space for teammates. His situational awareness and quick decision-making make him a reliable offensive option. Weaknesses: Size and Physicality: At 5’8″ and 172 lbs, Lisowsky lacks the physical presence to consistently win puck battles or hold his ground against larger opponents. His 42% success rate in 50/50 puck battles highlights a need for increased strength and power. Stride Mechanics: While Lisowsky’s skating is effective, his stride can appear choppy, limiting his top-end speed and ability to pull away from defenders in open ice. Puck Management: Averaging 3.6 giveaways per game, Lisowsky can sometimes force plays or make high-risk decisions while looking to make the highlight play. Durability: Playing in high-traffic areas and taking physical punishment may raise concerns about his ability to endure the physical demands of professional hockey without added strength. Projection and NCAA Pathway Benefits: Brandon Lisowsky has the potential to develop into a depth forward with a focus on offensive production and special teams contributions. Transitioning to the NCAA would provide valuable developmental advantages: Strength and Conditioning: The NCAA’s focus on off-ice training would allow Lisowsky to build strength and durability, enabling him to compete more effectively in puck battles and withstand physical play. Stride Refinement: Dedicated skating coaches and increased practice time in the NCAA would help Lisowsky improve his stride mechanics and maximize his explosiveness and speed. Puck Management: The NCAA’s higher practice-to-game ratio would give Lisowsky the opportunity to refine his decision-making under pressure and reduce turnovers. Defensive Role Expansion: With more structured development, Lisowsky could build on his situational penalty-kill usage to become a more reliable two-way player. Competing Against Older Players: Facing older, stronger competition in the NCAA would help Lisowsky adapt to the physical demands of professional hockey while continuing to develop his offensive game. Conclusion: Lisowsky is an intelligent, skilled offensive forward with high-end shooting ability and the tools to be a consistent scoring threat. While his size and stride mechanics present challenges, his compete level, hockey sense, and offensive instincts make him a standout prospect. Choosing the NCAA path would provide Lisowsky with the structured environment needed to improve his physical strength, skating, and overall versatility, preparing him for a professional career. With continued development, Lisowsky projects as a depth forward who can contribute effectively on the power play and in key offensive situations.
Grayden Siepmann (D, R, 5’10”, 185, Saskatoon Blades, 05/26/2004)
Comments: Current Role: Grayden Siepmann is a top-four, puck-moving defenseman for Saskatoon who logs significant minutes in both even-strength and penalty-kill situations. While not a primary power-play quarterback, his ability to move the puck effectively and create offense from the back end makes him a valuable secondary option in all situations. Player Type: Siepmann is an intelligent, mobile defender with high-end puck-moving skills and offensive instincts. His strong skating allows him to drive transitions and make quick, effective plays under pressure. Though undersized, his physical edge and ability to read the play compensate for his stature. Strengths: Hockey IQ: Siepmann demonstrates awareness in all three zones. His ability to scan the ice and anticipate plays allows him to make intelligent decisions, particularly when starting breakouts or neutral zone offensive transition. Puck Movement: He excels at creating lanes for outlet passes using deception, often drawing forecheckers out of position before threading accurate passes into open space. His 88% pass completion rate highlights his effectiveness in this area. Skating and Mobility: Siepmann’s edgework and balance are above average. He moves laterally with ease, maintains speed through transitions, and is elusive when evading forecheckers. His skating allows him to hold the offensive blue line effectively and create space in tight areas. Offensive Instincts: Siepmann is adept at jumping into the play offensively and finding shooting or passing lanes. His quick release and ability to get pucks through traffic add a layer of offensive depth. Defensive Awareness: He is reliable in his own zone, scanning effectively to identify threats and supporting his partner during board battles. He uses an active stick and good positioning to disrupt plays. Grit and Compete Level: Despite his smaller stature, Siepmann does not shy away from physical play. He battles hard in front of the net and along the boards, consistently winning puck battles. Weaknesses: Size and Physicality: At 5’10’, 185 lbs, Siepmann lacks ideal size for a professional defenseman. While he compensates with effort and positioning, he can struggle against larger forwards in net-front battles. Defensive Gaps: Siepmann occasionally finds himself caught in ‘no man’s land,’ unsure whether to commit to the puck carrier or cover passing options. This hesitation has led to defensive breakdowns. Turnovers: While his puck management is generally strong, he averages seven giveaways per game, often when attempting high-risk plays under pressure. Offensive Role Ceiling: Siepmann’s offensive game is strong at the junior level, but he may not project as a power-play option in professional hockey. His effectiveness may be better suited to a depth role on special teams. Physical Durability: His physical playing style, combined with his smaller frame, raises concerns about how well he can withstand the rigors of a professional season without added strength. Projection and NCAA Pathway Benefits: Siepmann’s processing, mobility, and puck-moving abilities give him the potential to develop into a middle-pairing defenseman at the professional level. Choosing the NCAA route would offer critical benefits for his development: Strength and Conditioning: The NCAA’s focus on off-ice training would help Siepmann add strength and durability, enabling him to better compete physically against larger opponents. Refinement of Defensive Play: With more practice time, Siepmann could address his positional lapses and improve his consistency in net-front and low-zone coverage. Skill Development: The NCAA’s higher practice-to-game ratio would allow him to improve his puck management and decision-making under pressure, reducing high risk turnovers. Role Expansion: The NCAA’s development-focused structure could provide Siepmann with increased opportunities to develop a power-play role, further rounding out his offensive toolkit. Competing Against Older Players: Facing older, stronger opponents in the NCAA would prepare Siepmann for the physicality and speed of professional hockey, enhancing his ability to transition successfully. Conclusion: Siepmann is a mobile, puck-moving defenseman with strong offensive instincts and above average defensive awareness. His skating, passing, and compete level make him a valuable contributor at the junior level, and his potential for growth is evident. By transitioning to the NCAA, Siepmann could gain the tools needed to address his weaknesses, improve his physicality, and refine his defensive positioning consistency. With continued development, he projects as a dependable, puck-moving defenseman capable of playing a depth-pairing role at the professional level.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images