Game played on 1/17/2025.
General Game Notes: The visiting Seattle Thunderbirds built a 2-0 lead on the hometown Kelowna Rockets in a rather lacklustre affair through the first half of the game. The Rockets responded with three straight of their own only to have Seattle tie it on a Nathan Pilling goal off a slick pass from Antonio Martorana with just under three minutes left in the game. The Thunderbirds were able to get the two points as Nathan Shuurman completed a three point night scoring the winner in OT.
Will Sharpe (D, L, 6’0″, 195, Kelowna Rockets, 03/07/2007)
Grade: A-
Comments: Sharpe is an impressive prospect known for his very good skating ability and high-energy playing style. His willingness to engage in offensive scenarios is evident, as showcased by a recent play where he effectively acted as F3 in the attack, delayed on the boards and demonstrated patience with the puck, before setting up his teammate Benson who was driving through mid ice for a goal in the high slot. Sharpe also found the back of the net himself, displaying his offensive instincts with a seeing eye wrist shot from the point that found its way through traffic. His skill in walking the blue line is a notable strength, allowing him to create scoring opportunities from the back end. He has good puck skills and can make the little plays with his combined quickness and awareness as to where his teammates are. However, Sharpe is still a work in progress, particularly in discerning when to activate offensively versus maintaining defensive responsibilities. With continued development in this area, he has the potential to become a dynamic two-way player at the next level.
Hayden Paupanekis (C, R, 6’4″, 200, Kelowna Rockets, 02/04/2007)
Grade: B+
Comments: Paupanekis is a hardworking player who combines size, good skating ability and physicality, making him a valuable asset on both ends of the ice. With that, he was used in the centre ice position on this night which was a change from the last viewing where he was on the wing. He handled this quite well, a testament to his sound agility and ability to defend on the down low coverage. He demonstrated solid top-end speed, although his skating mechanics could benefit from fine-tuning. Offensively, he possesses strong puck-handling skills and a keen hockey IQ, evidenced by his ability to make effective indirect passes and find open spaces. While he demonstrated a knack for getting open and creating scoring opportunities for himself and teammates, although he struggled to finish on several occasions. His willingness to engage physically, particularly on the forecheck, adds a gritty dimension to his game. With continued development, particularly in his shooting and skating, Paupanekis has the potential to become a significant contributor at higher levels of play.
Radim Mrtka (D, R, 6’6″, 210, Seattle Thunderbirds, 06/09/2007)
Grade: A-
Comments: Mrtka is an impressive prospect, standing at 6’6′ with solid skating ability, that makes him a noticeable presence on the ice. While there is room for some refinement in his skating mechanics, it by no means hinders his ability to get around effectively, but it would surely help him. This combination allows him to excel in puck retrievals and making defensive plays. Mrtka exhibits excellent poise and patience when handling the puck, often making smart first-pass decisions that facilitate quick transitions. His ability to pre-scan for forecheckers enables him to maintain control and make effective plays under pressure. Notably, he also demonstrated a strong capacity to absorb contact while retrieving and effectively make the D to D pass showcasing awareness and physical prowess. Mrtka’s tight gap control in the neutral zone prevents opposing players from gaining speed, and his proficiency in delivering hard, flat outlet passes makes him a valuable asset in both defensive and offensive situations. With continued development of his skating mechanics, Mrtka has the potential to become a formidable player at the next level.
Braeden Cootes (C, R, 5’11”, 185, Seattle Thunderbirds, 02/09/2007)
Grade: A-
Comments: Cootes is an impressive prospect whose skating ability and quick feet make him a dynamic player capable of escaping tight situations with ease. While he was not as consistently active in puck pursuit during this viewing compared to previous games, his offensive skill set was still on full display. His exceptional puck handling and shooting ability were highlighted during a power play when he received a pass on the flank, took two quick steps, and unleashed a laser over the goaltender’s blocker. Additionally, on another power play where he rotated to the top, his vision was evident as he used a look away pass to set up a teammate for a one timer, leading to a rebound goal for Seattle. His very good feet and sound work ethic were on display defensively on the defensive zone coverage down low as he is is able to maintain body position on a consistent basis. Cootes’ work ethic, quickness and elusiveness in the offensive zone make him a challenging player to defend against, particularly in tight spaces…showcasing his many skills that will translate to the next level.
Matej Pekar (C, L, 5’10”, 163, Seattle Thunderbirds, 09/08/2007)
Grade: B-
Comments: Pekar showcases a commendable all-around offensive skill set, characterized by his impressive skating ability, refined puck skills, and a quick release that can catch goaltenders off-guard. However, there is a noticeable inconsistency in his engagement level on the ice that leaves room for improvement. At times, he seems hesitant to fully immerse himself in battles for the puck, and there were multiple instances where he could have been the first to initiate the forecheck but opted to hang back instead. To elevate his game, Pekar needs to adopt a more competitive mindset, increasing his involvement in puck retrievals and asserting himself in physical situations, which would better complement his natural offensive talents.
Logo courtesy of The Seattle Thunderbirds