Played on Mar 7, 2025
Western Hockey League
Game Played in Scotiabank Saddledome
Scout: Liam Chisholm
General Game Notes: Neutral Zone viewed the WHL matchup between the Calgary Hitmen and the Swift Current Broncos on March 07, 2025. After the Broncos scored the first goal early in the game, the Hitmen completely took over and dominated play the rest of the way, winning by a score of 6-2 and outshooting their opponent 48-26. For the Broncos, their top line of Mistlebacher, Birnie, and Dezainde never touched the ice despite being dressed and on the bench as they were noticeably missed in this contest.
|Daniel^Hauser|
Game Rating
B+
Daniel Hauser showcased a solid defensive mindset, reading the game and reacting to various situations with poise. He effectively tracked passes and shots, staying in front of potential scoring threats while maintaining composure in chaotic plays. His positioning allowed him to intercept loose pucks and control rebounds, directing them into safe areas rather than leaving opportunities for opponents. Hauser’s defensive play was well-coordinated and timely, contributing to his team’s success.
1 Viewing
Comments: Hauser was composed and technically sound, making smart plays with the puck by passing to his defensemen or sending clears around the boards. He made a highlight-reel save on a 2-on-1, stacking his pad, stick, and glove to take away nearly all available space. His positioning was excellent, with small, efficient movements keeping him square to shooters at all times. He was quick across his crease and stayed locked onto his posts, preventing short-side chances. He also showed impressive flexibility, using the splits to seal the ice and eliminate low-angle shots. His second-effort saves were outstanding, never giving up on a play.
|Axel^Hurtig|
Game Rating
B
Axel Hurtig’s defensive play was characterized by solid fundamentals, particularly in transition situations. He demonstrated effective use of his size to gain an advantage, as seen in a successful pivot for icing call. His breakout passing was also noteworthy, allowing his team to maintain possession and exit the zone without issue. In the offensive zone, Hurtig showed confidence in his shot selection, taking calculated shots on goal from the high slot. His ability to collect the puck at the point and release a hard wrist shot provided a threat for opponents.
1 Viewing
Viewed on TV
Comments: Hurtig contributed offensively with a well-placed wrist shot goal after joining the rush late. He showed strong offensive instincts, finding shooting lanes and making smart breakout plays, including a long stretch pass to create an odd-man rush. Defensively, he was committed, making a game-saving block on the penalty kill despite not having a stick.
|Tanner^Howe|
Game Rating
B+
Tanner Howe showcased a versatile skill set that allowed him to navigate through tight spaces and create scoring opportunities. His soft hands and shifty skating enabled him to maintain possession in puck battles down low and cycle the puck effectively in the offensive zone. In front of the net, he demonstrated great awareness and positioning, often finding himself in ideal shooting spots. Howe’s ability to change pace was evident as he weaved through the neutral zone before bursting past defenders with speed and precision. He also used his edges to cut to open space and created scoring chances by battling for position against defenders. His strong stick handling and positioning made him a formidable force in front of the net, allowing him to score goals from various angles.
1 Viewing
Comments: Howe was a dynamic offensive presence, making plays all over the offensive zone, particularly on the powerplay. He picked up a loose puck off the forecheck and set up a late-entering defenseman for a goal. His puck control was elite, allowing him to move anywhere on the ice while protecting the puck through contact. He was a physical and aggressive forechecker, forcing turnovers and creating rush chances with strong zone entries.
|Ben^Kindel|
Game Rating
A-
Kindel displayed a solid skillset on the ice, showcasing his ability to control play from the middle of the rink. He was effective at initiating zone entries with precise chip passes to his wingers, setting up opportunities for scoring chances. In the offensive zone, Kindel demonstrated agility and movement, constantly seeking open spaces where he could create shots on goal. His backhand receiving skills were reliable, allowing him to maintain possession under pressure. Kindel’s skating was also an asset, enabling him to participate in odd-man rushes and contribute defensively. He effectively supported his team by breaking up plays in his own zone and transitioning the puck out of danger.
1 Viewing
Comments: Kindel demonstrated strong vision and playmaking ability, facilitating offensive chances while also being a reliable presence at the faceoff dot. He scored on a tap-in goal after winning a draw and finding open ice. He was excellent at dictating the pace of play, slowing things down when necessary and capitalizing on opportunities. As the powerplay quarterback, he distributed the puck efficiently and got shots through traffic for tip chances. His puck control and awareness through the middle of the ice allowed him to create space for both himself and his teammates.
|Carson^Birnie|
Game Rating
C+
Carson Birnie demonstrated solid skills in various aspects of his game. On the penalty kill, he effectively used his stick to disrupt opponents’ passes and clear the puck from danger. His smart decision-making led to opportunities, including a breakaway where he created space before distributing to a teammate for a high-quality scoring chance. Birnie’s awareness also enabled him to capitalize on loose pucks, tracking down a rebound during an odd-man rush and finishing with a goal. This combination of physicality and vision showcases Birnie’s potential as a contributing player.
1 Viewing
Comments: Birnie was a direct, hard-skating forward, consistently gaining the offensive zone with speed. He played a straight-line game, attacking open ice and looking to drive the puck to the net.
|Sawyer^Mynio|
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Comments: Mynio was highly mobile along the blue line, displaying quick decision-making and the ability to find passing, shooting, and skating lanes. He assisted on a goal by moving laterally across the blue line, driving down the wing, and finding a backdoor pass. He effectively kept pucks in at the point, using a give-and-go to maneuver around an opponent and generate a tight-angle shot. His defensive awareness was also strong, using his skating ability to recover and stop a partial breakaway. He consistently got pucks through to the net, making him a reliable offensive presence from the back end.
|Carter^Yakemchuk|
Game Rating
B+
Yakemchuk’s performance was marked by moments of high engagement and defensive prowess, despite some areas for improvement. He demonstrated an active approach to offense, showcasing his instincts and ability to create scoring opportunities. In one notable instance, he executed a smooth deke around the goalie but ultimately missed the finish. However, Yakemchuk also showed some defensive vulnerabilities, particularly in one-on-one situations where he struggled with puck-watching, allowing opponents to gain an advantage.
1 Viewing
Comments: Yakemchuk displayed strong two-way play, making a great powerplay setup by settling a bouncing puck, maneuvering around a defender, and sliding a pass across for a goal. He was defensively sound, closely tracking rushing forwards and effectively closing gaps to remove time and space. His ability to hold the blue line and quickly move into the slot made him a dual threat in the offensive zone. A key defensive moment came when he made a great steal in his own end, using his stick and body positioning to force a turnover.
|Oliver^Tulk|
Game Rating
B+
Oliver Tulk showcased impressive agility and defensive acumen in this game report. He successfully evaded a defender in the corner of the ice, drawing a tripping penalty in the process. Additionally, Tulk demonstrated keen instincts by intercepting a pass in his own zone and making a breakaway attempt, ultimately leading to a penalty shot opportunity. Tulk’s speed and agility allowed him to quickly transition from offense to defense, showcasing his ability to make an impact on both ends of the ice. While he did not capitalize on his penalty shot attempt, Tulk’s individual effort was impressive and highlighted his potential as a skilled player.
1 Viewing
Comments: Tulk was relentless in the offensive zone, always moving and generating chances. He created a great rush opportunity by driving wide around a defenseman and making a curl pass to a teammate at the net. He was quick in transition, making a breakout pass and then flying down the ice to turn it into a 3-on-2. His persistence paid off when he took a shot in the slot, circled back around the net, regained the puck, and buried his second attempt.
|Brandon^Gorzynski|
Game Rating
B
Gorzynski demonstrated solid all-around skills in this game, consistently creating scoring opportunities by driving the pace of play and delivering precise passes to open teammates. His ability to capitalize on these chances was also evident, as he crashed the net and made clever plays to find the back of the net.
1 Viewing
Comments: Gorzynski showed composure in tight spaces, scoring a goal by calmly pulling a rebound to his backhand and roofing it over the goalie. He followed the play well and consistently got open as the high forward, generating quality shots off the rush. His quick hands allowed him to maneuver around defenders and get off difficult shots, including an off-balanced backhand attempt. In transition, he protected the puck through the middle of the ice with one hand while making a pass to a teammate on the wing for a scoring chance.
|Peyton^Kettles|
Game Rating
B-
Peyton Kettles showcased impressive skills as an offensive defenseman in two games. He excelled on the blue line, creating shooting lanes for himself and others. Kettles demonstrated strong instincts, joining and initiating rushes, and playing effectively off the rush. His ability to keep plays to the outside while defending was a notable strength. However, there is room for improvement in gap control. Overall, Kettles’ high ceiling suggests he has the potential to become a standout player if his game can be more consistent. With increased playing time, he will likely remain a top prospect, particularly given his upcoming draft year.
1 Viewing
Comments: Kettles made a crisp cross-ice pass to spring a forward on the breakout. With his size, he has the potential to play a more physical game and win more battles in the corners. He also has the ability to create space at the blue line but needs to play with more urgency to avoid turnovers. Despite being out of his usual position, he stepped into a net-front role on the powerplay due to his top line being benched, and his effort was rewarded with a goal off a pass to the slot.
|Jace^McFaul|
Game Rating
C+
McFaul’s defensive prowess is highlighted by his ability to maintain control of the blue line, showcasing a keen sense of spatial awareness that allows him to stay ahead of opponents. He effectively reads the play, making it difficult for opposing players to gain an advantage in clearing the puck.
1 Viewing
Comments: McFaul was steady in his own end, recovering well and moving the puck quickly to teammates, even when taking contact. When given time, he made accurate stretch passes up the ice. His game was simple but effective, avoiding risky plays and ensuring clean exits from the defensive zone.
|Rylan^Gould|
Game Rating
C+
Gould demonstrated a strong ability to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates through physical play and anticipation. He effectively used his body to shield the puck and set up passing options in the defensive zone. On offense, he showed confidence when attacking 1-on-1, using his speed and agility to generate quality shots from the wing. Gould also displayed good decision-making skills on a 3-on-1 break, making a smart individual effort to hold onto the puck despite being committed by the defender. This led to him capitalizing on his own rebound for a goal, showcasing his ability to finish chances in high-pressure situations.
1 Viewing
Comments: Gould showed strong anticipation, intercepting a pass after an aggressive forecheck. Offensively, he made a smart play by taking a drop pass, carrying the puck down low, and finding a teammate in the slot. However, he needs to be more engaged defensively, providing better support down low rather than waiting for the play to come to him.
|Grayson^Burzynski|
Game Rating
C+
Grayson Burzynski showcased impressive hockey sense and physicality on the ice. He effectively controlled his gap, making crucial hits and turnovers in both ends of the rink. The forward demonstrated smart decision-making, such as using a head fake to beat a forechecker before making an easy breakout pass. On defense, he was aggressive and timely, intercepting passes through the middle of the ice and creating scoring opportunities for himself or his teammates. One notable play saw him make a perfect backdoor pass that nearly resulted in a goal, highlighting his vision and passing ability. Overall, Burzynski’s combination of physicality and hockey IQ made him a key contributor to his team’s success.
1 Viewing
Comments: Burzynski demonstrated good movement along the blue line, surveying the ice well and identifying open passing lanes to create offensive opportunities.
|William^Morin|
Game Rating
B-
1 Viewing
Comments: Morin’s speed was evident as he jumped into a 2-on-1, receiving a pass at the net. He was also aggressive on the backcheck, using his body to force an offside. Defensively, he made a critical block in front of an open net to prevent a goal and later threw a hard hit on a defenseman to separate him from the puck.
|Connor^Dale|
Game Rating
B
Connor Dale is a dynamic winger who relies on his exceptional speed to drive offense. He moves swiftly down the wing, using his agility to evade defenders and create scoring opportunities. One highlight came when he showcased his backhand shot after being pushed into position by a defender at the wall of the net. Another notable play featured him executing a clever move around a pinching defenseman, banking the puck off the wall before spinning around to unleash an odd-man chance. These instances demonstrate Dale’s ability to use his speed and agility to create scoring chances, making him a formidable opponent on the ice.
1 Viewing
Comments: Dale was a high-energy presence, using his strength to knock a defenseman off the puck and start a 3-on-2 rush. He displayed quickness and creativity, cutting around a defender and making a perfect cross-ice pass, though his teammate was robbed by the goalie. He was reliable in transition, making strong plays to exit his zone and maintaining possession low in the offensive zone. On one rush, he skillfully maneuvered around a defender, circled behind the net, and created a sharp-angle scoring chance.
|Clarke^Caswell|
Game Rating
B-
1 Viewing
Comments: Caswell was a playmaker on the powerplay, making a strong cross-ice pass for a one-timer and later setting up a teammate in front for a tap-in goal. Defensively, he used his stick well to knock the puck away from a defenseman at the blue line and clear the zone.