December 28, 201
Recap:
The ShoWare center in Seattle, Washington was packed for the Portland Winterhawks vs. Seattle Thunderbirds matchup. Both of the division rivals hit the ice with high energy, but the Winterhawks clearly came to play. The first ten shots of the game came from the Winterhawks, yet on the first shot coming from the Thunderbirds they scored. There were many power play opportunities for both teams, but Portland – who ranks fourth in the league for their powerplay – was unable to even register a shot after the first three attempts. The game finished 4-1 in favor of the Winterhawks who outshot the Thunderbirds 50 to 23. This game snaps Seattle’s win streak and puts them in third place in the Eastern Conference and leaves Portland sitting at first on the U.S. Conference. There will be a rematch between the two teams on New Years Eve.
Neutral Zone did a write up on the 2020 NHL draft prospects from both teams – read below for the report:
Winterhawks:
Seth Jarvis (4.5 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — B+) Forward
Seth Jarvis #24 (F, R, 5’10”, 172, Rink Hockey Academy, 02/01/2002)- Jarvis was one of the most skilled players every time he stepped on the ice. He is a very fast skater with an explosive stride. He is clearly an athletic kid and is not afraid to play physical along the boards. He finishes checks and consistently wins battles. He is incredibly smooth with the puck – he carries with his head up, he can make what looks to be effortless moves on the opposition, or he can flat out blow by players with his speed. He has a quick snap in stride on the rush and has great puck placement – often leading players into empty space. He is on the first power play for a very good team and there is no question why. He is versatile, smart, and a consistent threat on the power play. He got lost in the defensive zone once and almost caused a goal against, so he needs to be more aware of his surroundings in the defensive zone. He can go 1v1 with anyone, he has a quick, hard one timer from the wall, and is an elite play maker. Grade: A-
Cross Hanas (4.5 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — B-) Forward
Cross Hanas #71 (F, L, 6’1″, 167, Dallas Stars U16, 01/05/2002)- Hanas is a highly skilled forward for the Winterhawks that consistently makes plays. He has a long frame and good stick on the forecheck. He plays with pace and is not afraid to get dirty and play physical. He started the game undisciplined, collecting two penalties – one of which cost his team a goal against – in the first period alone, but cleaned up is play for the remainder of the game. He is nifty with the puck as he caught the puck between his legs and went in for a good scoring chance blowing by the defender. He has a long stride and both his acceleration and speed were unmatched. He was always moving out there and was deceptive in his decisions. He moves one way when you think he is going the other. He takes good angles on the forecheck and earned a spot on the second power play for the Winterhawks. He had a nice assist on a curl and pass to the slot and was a threat all over the ice. Grade: B+
Robbie Fromm-DeLorme (3.75 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — C) Forward
Robbie has had his NHL Draft Grade raised to a ‘C’. Although we think he has another level, we feel he is starting understand his potential as a player.
Robbie Fromm-DeLorme #11 (F, R, 6’1″, 175, 03/02/2002)- Fromm-Delorme is a bigger forward with a long stride. He moves the puck quickly and has a wicked release. He works hard but it seems as though he has another gear that he hasn’t quite reached yet. He is a shooter who loves to have the puck on his stick in the offensive zone. Multiple times, he came down on the zone entry and pulled up to let a quick shot go on net. He has quick hands and is quite creative as he put it through a defenders legs and blew by him. He thinks a step ahead which is evident with his smart puck placement. He has a spot on the second power play and parks himself in the high slot looking for a quick shot to catch the goalie off guard. Grade: B-
Jonas Brondberg (3.75 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — C) Defense
Jonas Brondberg #27 (D, L, 6’4″, 194, 01/25/2001)-Brondberg is a big defender from Denmark who was very consistent. He wasn’t a guy that would wow you with his skating ability or offensive instinct, but rather he did almost everything right that he should all game long. His feet are alright and he fumbled a few pucks, but he makes solid choice on the breakout, his head is consistently up and scanning the ice, and he makes some good looks up ice. He has some bite and will join the rush if given the opportunity. He made a nice desperation play dropping to his knees to cut off the passing option on a 2v1. He ties up on the wall and plays a simple, reliable game. Grade: C+
Thunderbirds:
Tyrel Bauer (3.75 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — C) Defense
Tyrel Bauer #6 (D, R, 6’3″, 205, Airdrie Bisons, 03/23/2002)- Bauer wears the “A” for his team as a 2002 birth year which is quite impressive. He is a solid defenseman who has good gap control and uses his body to separate the opposition from the puck. He will also carry the puck with his head on a swivel showing confidence in himself. He is on the first power play and plays the role of the quarterback on the breakout – showcasing his strong and smooth stride. He has a high IQ and gets physical in the hard spots. He knocked a springing forward off of his feet on a 1v1 with a hard check closing in on the net. Tyrel has a rocket one-timer slapshot from the point and also a quick, hard wrister. He is calm under pressure, has an active stick all over the ice, and keeps his team grounded defensively. He has some meanness to his game and will block shots on the penalty kill. He can go 1v1 with anyone, he has a quick, hard one timer from the wall, and is an elite play maker. His edges are strong and his passes are crisp and on the tape. Grade: B+
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images