Game played 11/08/2024.
General Game Notes: This was a game where the Blades struggled with generating much offensively, as shown with the lopsided shot totals of 33-14 in favour of the hometown Rockets. It wasn’t until late in the third when the Rockets were able to solve a stellar Gardner in the Blades goal. This goal was another highlight reel effort by Tij Iginla beating a defender one on one and the firing a very quick release into the top corner resulting in a 2-1 final.
Kanjyu Gojsic (RW, R, 6’0″, 190, Kelowna Rockets, 01/11/2008)
Grade: B
Comments: Gojsic, in somewhat limited action, definitely shows some upside. He skates well, has very good speed, handles the puck well and is willing to finish hard on D on the forecheck. He makes good reads on the attack when to chip and chase and when to challenge the D. He very effectively rolled off checks down low and took pucks to the net from behind the goal line.
Jordan Martin (D, R, 6’1″, 190, Saskatoon Blades, 01/08/2007)
Grade: B-
Comments: Martin is an average size (6′), good skating mobile RS defenseman. He is not flashy on the offensive side but is steady over 200 feet with the other aspects of the game. He handles the puck well, moves it, and makes simple plays with regularity. He is not overly physical but defends well by getting in peoples way and possesses good stick.
Brayden Klimpke (D, L, 5’10”, 156, Saskatoon Blades, 10/08/2007)
Grade: B+
Comments: Klimke was very good on this night and shows an excellent upside. He is not overly big but it did not affect his ability to defend effectively. He has excellent skating skills, is smooth and very mobile. His puck handling skills are excellent, coupled with his poise, he would consistently make effective outlets to his teammates. His high IQ was on display all night as he seems a step ahead at all times.
Isaac Poll (D, R, 6’2″, 187, Saskatoon Blades, 05/03/2007)
Grade: B
Comments: Poll is an effective defensive defender that seems to understand his limitations at this point. He stays home, generally defends the DZ well with effective hit and pins and displays a good two hand technique netfront to control the opposition. With that he sometimes makes questionable reads and could finish harder on the walls using his big frame more to his advantage. He gets around the ice well but needs to work at his in tight lateral mobility when skating backwards. He handles the puck well and moves it effectively most of the time.
Ben Riche (LW, L, 5’10”, 180, Saskatoon Blades, 03/15/2005)
Grade: B
Comments: Riche’s speed is very good and was on display all night. He uses it effectively on the attack getting D to turn and then trying to get to the middle. He handles the puck very well with his head up at all times, thus in a position to make quick plays coupled with excellent awareness makes him dangerous at all times. He demonstrated a very good release while receiving passes on his one time side and across his body. He was adequate on the down low coverage in the DZ where his small stature was offset somewhat with his quickness.
Tyler Parr (RW, R, 5’10”, 187, Saskatoon Blades, 01/30/2005)
Grade: B+
Comments: Parr was impressive with a very good all round skill set and a consistent approach to every shift…you know what you’re going to get. He skates very well and is willing to use it on the attack. He is aware at both ends of the ice and is a presence with his compete and willingness to pushback in netfront loose puck battles and on the walls. He has good puck sills and can make quick plays down low in the offensive zone.
Grayden Siepmann (D, R, 5’10”, 185, Saskatoon Blades, 05/26/2004)
Grade: A-
Comments: Siepmann’s high end offensive instincts were on display all game. He is a very good skater that is mobile while possessing excellent puck skills. He handles with his head up at all times allowing him to never miss open passing options, along with a great ability to get free at the offensive blueline and use a quick release to get pucks through. He is not overly physical but can adequately defend in the DZ maintaining good body position with his high end mobility.
Cooper Williams (C, L, 6’0″, 165, Saskatoon Blades, 02/18/2008)
Grade: B+
Comments: Williams is a young player (08) that was very impressive on this night. He comes off the page with his very good skating ability, complimented with excellent puck skills and the poise of a player that has been in the league for years. He has excellent puck skills, is deceptive and sneaky with his playmaking ability. With that he plays the point on PP1. His compete was very good both on the walls for pucks and netfront. There were times where he did hold the puck too long and got himself into trouble.
William James (RW, R, 5’10”, 154, Saskatoon Blades, 09/28/2006)
Grade: B+
Comments: James was not flashy but he was very good in many areas of the game. He is not the biggest player at 5′ 10′ but, is a very good skater that brings a very consistent work ethic and battle all the time. He handles the puck well and used these skills effectively with a willingness to net drive. His compete shone through with a shot block resulting in him struggling to get around, but he then blocked another one in the same sequence.
David Lewandowski (LW, L, 6’1″, 178, Saskatoon Blades, 02/20/2007)
Grade: B
Comments: Lewandowski has good size at 6’2′ and possesses very good offensive instincts. He knows how to get open and will compete for loose pucks on the forecheck. He handles the puck well and has a good release and one timer, thus his position on PP1. His skating was good and he gets around quite effectively but he will need to work on his mechanics to become faster and smoother.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images