Game played on 10/16/2024
General Game Notes: In a Western Hockey League matchup, the Brandon Wheat Kings defeated the Spokane Chiefs 6-3 in a high-paced contest. Brandon’s offense was led by key contributions throughout the lineup, outshooting Spokane 33-28 and converting on one of their power play opportunities. Carson Bjarnason, a Philadelphia Flyers draft pick, was solid in net for the Wheat Kings, making crucial saves to maintain Brandon’s lead. Spokane’s goaltender, Dawson Cowan, held his own despite being under pressure, but the Chiefs couldn’t match Brandon’s offensive output. Spokane registered 19 blocked shots and 14 hits, demonstrating a physical defensive effort, but their power play struggled, going 0-for-3. Brandon, with 10 blocked shots and 9 hits, matched Spokane’s intensity while capitalizing on more offensive chances to seal the 6-3 victory.
Dylan Ronald (D, L, 6’0″, 186, Brandon Wheat Kings, 11/09/2006)
Grade: C
Comments: At this stage, Ronald appears to be a prospect who has yet to solidify his game at the WHL level. Based on this performance, he currently projects as a long-term developmental player, likely suited for a depth role in professional hockey. To have a future at the pro level, he will need to improve his physicality, puck battle competitiveness, and defensive zone awareness. His passing ability is a strength, but it will not be enough without growth in the other areas of his game.
Roger McQueen (RW, R, 6’5″, 192, Brandon Wheat Kings, 10/02/2006)
Did not play.
Joby Baumuller (RW, R, 5’11”, 190, Brandon Wheat Kings, 07/19/2007)
Grade: B
Comments: In this game, Joby Baumuller played 14:32, including 1:32 on the power-play. He scored on a well-executed one-timer from the wide dot-lane. This play highlights his ability to time his routes and find soft spots in the defense. Baumuller finished the game with a plus-2 rating, took two shots on net, and had two grade ‘A’ scoring chances, showcasing his offensive instincts. However, Baumuller’s off-puck play and overall involvement in key areas raise some concerns. He won just 29% of his 50/50 puck battles and had zero loose puck recoveries. His five giveaways further highlight issues with puck security and decision making while under pressure, although his 100% pass completion rate shows that when given space and time, he can make clean passes. At 5’11’, 190 pounds, Baumuller has the size and strength to compete, but tonight his game lacked the intensity and battle level needed to be effective in a more physical and tight-checking environment. Projection: Baumuller has a good offensive skill set, including a strong shot and the ability to find space for scoring chances. If he can improve his puck battle competitiveness, puck management, and off-puck involvement, he could project as a bottom-six NHL winger with second power-play upside. However, without improvements in these areas, his professional potential would likely be limited to a depth AHL role.
Ben Binder-Nord (F, L, 6’1″, 166, Brandon Wheat Kings, 05/15/2007)
Grade: C+
Comments: Ben Binder-Nord played a limited role in this game with 7:35 of ice time, including 0:35 on the power play. He brings high energy to the ice, which was evident in his willingness to engage physically, highlighted by getting into a fight. Despite this, his impact in key areas of play was minimal, as he finished with no shots on goal, just one hit, and won only 30% of his 50/50 puck battles. His high-energy style is a positive attribute, but it needs to be paired with better puck skills and more consistent involvement in play for him to project beyond a depth role. Projection: With his high-energy play and willingness to engage physically, Binder-Nord could develop into a bottom-six grinder-type forward at the professional level, potentially used in match-up situations or as an energy winger. However, he needs to improve his puck battle success, offensive involvement, and overall physical strength to have a realistic chance of reaching the NHL. Currently, he projects more as a depth player unless he can add strength and refine his all-around game.
Brady Turko (RW, R, 5’11”, 167, Brandon Wheat Kings, 09/12/2007)
Grade: C
Comments: Brady Turko played 15:04 in this game, including 1:03 on the power play and a brief 0:05 on the penalty kill. Turko finished with a minus-2 rating, registering zero shots on goal and having two of his shot attempts blocked. His 33% success rate in 50/50 puck battles and just one loose puck retrieval show he struggled physically to win possession and assert himself physically. Additionally, his passing accuracy of 77% was below average.
Owen Schoettler (D, R, 6’0″, 181, Spokane Chiefs, 01/23/2007)
Grade: B+
Comments: Of note, Schoettler earned a substantial 20:59 of ice time, with limited special teams involvement (0:23 on the power play and 1:12 on the penalty kill). Despite his team’s 6-3 loss, Schoettler finished with a solid plus-one rating and demonstrated his defensive prowess, recording two hits and an impressive 11 takeaways—second-most in the game. His 79% success rate in 50/50 puck battles and four loose puck recoveries further highlight his strong physical presence and ability to win possession. Offensively, Schoettler contributed one shot on net but did not register any points. While his offensive production was minimal, his defensive contributions were impactful, as he consistently disrupted the opposition’s play with good stick placement and maintained net side positioning throughout battles. Projection: Schoettler shows promise as a reliable, defensively-focused defenseman. His ability to win puck battles, his consistently high takeaway numbers, and his responsible positioning make him a candidate to develop into a strong, shutdown type defenseman at the professional level. While his offensive upside may be limited, his defensive reliability and physical play suggest he could project as a steady depth defenseman, particularly in penalty-killing or defensive role. Continued development of his puck-moving and offensive game could raise his ceiling further.
Owen Martin (C, 6’0″, 186, Spokane Chiefs, 05/11/2007)
Grade: B
Comments: Owen Martin played a significant role for Spokane, logging 18:57 of ice time, which included 5:05 on the power play and 1:24 on the penalty kill. He was highly effective in the face-off circle, winning 10 of 17 draws (59%). His strong face-off ability, combined with his ice time in all situations, underscores his versatility and reliability. Offensively, Martin recorded one shot and generated a grade ‘A’ scoring chance, though he finished the game with a minus-two rating, which speaks to the challenges his team faced defensively. He won 59% of his 50/50 puck battles, demonstrating his competitiveness in contested situations. Offensively he was forcing passes without showing the deception needed and his 79% pass completion percentage is a tell tale sign that he was forcing passes tonight. His single loose puck retrieval shows some involvement in the transition game, though considering his anticipation there is potential for greater impact in this area. Projection: Martin’s strong face-off performance and ability to contribute in all situations suggest he has the instincts to develop into a responsible two-way center. While his offensive contributions were limited in this game, his power play and penalty-kill usage indicate trust from the coaching staff, and his competitiveness in puck battles is a positive sign as his career progresses. With further deception in his passing and offensive consistency, Martin could project as a bottom-six NHL center with penalty-killing responsibilities, possibly in a third-line shutdown role. Continued development and deception in his overall offensive game would elevate his long-term potential.
Hayden Paupanekis (C, R, 6’4″, 192, Spokane Chiefs, 12/14/2007)
Grade: B-
Comments: Hayden Paupanekis, standing at 6’4″ and 200 pounds, brings a physical presence to the ice, but his game is still developing in key areas. In this game, he played 17:26, including 3:33 on the power play, which suggests that he’s being relied on to contribute offensively. However, his single shot on goal and one grade “A” scoring opportunity indicate that he’s not yet fully capitalizing on his size and strength by attacking the low slot in the offensive zone. Paupanekis struggled in the face-off circle, winning just 4 of 16 draws (25%), which will need significant improvement if he is to succeed at higher levels as a center. His two hits are a positive sign of physical engagement, but his inability to retrieve loose pucks and win only 27% of his 50/50 puck battles suggests he still needs to grow stronger and spend significant time in the weight room. His six giveaways are concerning, as they reflect issues with puck management, though his six takeaways show a promising ability to anticipate plays and force turnovers. His 71% passing accuracy reveals some inconsistency in playmaking, likely stemming from his developing offensive game. The fact that he didn’t register any loose puck retrievals highlights the need for more involvement in transition play and battles along the boards. Projection: Paupanekis has the physical tools to develop into a power forward or a bottom-six center at the NHL level, but he is still a work in progress. Improving his face-off skills, puck management, and ability to win battles will be crucial to his development. If he can refine these aspects and become more effective offensively, he could project as a physical third- or fourth-line center with the ability to contribute on the power play. His size and anticipation are assets that could serve him well as he gains more strength and experience.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images