Game played 2/1/2025.
General Game Notes: Rylan Gould scored his 20th and 21st goals of the season, the second on the power play proved to be the winner as the visiting Swift Current Broncos beat the Kelowna Rockets 6-3. Grayson Burzynski chipped in with a goal and two assists as the Broncos outshot the Rockets 41-36. Defensemen Jackson Gillespie had two goals for the Rockets.
Dawson Gerwing (LW, L, 6’3″, 225, Kelowna Rockets, 07/12/2006)
Game Rating
B+
Gerwing showcases a strong work ethic and reliability as a player who consistently brings effort every game and shift. He demonstrates leadership by taking calculated risks, such as initiating fights to spark his team, and successfully navigates the ice despite choppy skating. As a hard forechecker and reliable contributor defensively, Gerwing’s physical presence is evident in his ability to win battles for pucks and deliver hits during shifts. His size and strength make him well-suited for the left wing position, where he excels at utilizing his physicality to finish plays. While his puck skills are decent, his game is more focused on using his size effectively rather than being a primary driver through the neutral zone. With some refinement in his skating mechanics, Gerwing’s potential as a contributor at the next level could be realized.
1 Viewing
Comments: Gerwing is probably the most consistent player for the Rockets as you know what you are going to get every game. He is known for his relentless work ethic and physical brand of play. He always finishes checks and aggressively pursues loose pucks, which makes him a formidable presence in the corners and around the net. His ability to push back against opponents demonstrates his competitive nature and willingness to engage in battles for possession. While his skating style may lack finesse, he compensates with effective mobility and positioning, allowing him to navigate the ice efficiently. He is a capable puck handler, coupled with his persistence, often results in offensive opportunities. Gerwing’s commitment to the forecheck and tenacity in contested situations make him a valuable asset to any lineup, consistently delivering a hard-nosed performance every game.
Hunter Mayo (D, R, 6’1″, 202, Swift Current Broncos, 05/07/2004)
Game Rating
A-
1 Viewing
Comments: Mayo is a solid, steady and smart defender standing at 6’1, showcasing very good skating skills that allow him to maneuver effectively on the ice. His strong puck skills and vision allow him to make sound outlet passes highlighting his offensive capabilities, making him a valuable asset in transitioning play. Mayo’s proficiency in walking the blue line is complemented by his excellent shot, which he utilizes frequently from the point, particularly on the first power-play unit where his vision and puck movement shine. Additionally, his stocky build enables him to excel on the down-low coverage, bringing a physical presence that enhances his defensive game. On this night, he led the team with over 28 minutes of ice time along with winning 53% of his puck battles and had a very impressive 15 takeaways. Mayo combines skill and toughness, making him a well-rounded defender with significant upside.
Peyton Kettles (D, R, 6’5″, 190, Swift Current Broncos, 09/01/2007)
Game Rating
A-
1 Viewing
Comments: Kettles, standing at an impressive 6’5′, showcases a very good well-rounded skill set that enhances his game on both ends of the ice. His skating ability is notably very good and is agile for his size, allowing him to maneuver effectively during puck retrievals and transitions. Kettles possesses strong puck skills, demonstrating patience and awareness as he navigates breakouts, where he effectively utilizes his defense partner. While not a flashy player, Kettles focuses on playing a sound, steady defensive game, excelling in net-front protection and physical engagements along the walls on the down low coverage. On the night Kettles logged almost 23 minutes of ice time and is on the top penalty killing unit. Overall, Kettles’ combination of size, skating, puck skills, and defensive responsibility make him a well-rounded defenseman with the potential to play a significant role at the next level.
Josh McGregor (D, L, 6’1″, 175, Swift Current Broncos, 06/07/2007)
Game Rating
B-
1 Viewing
Comments: McGregor is a good skater whose focus is on the defensive side of the puck, demonstrating an ability to maintain a tight gap in the neutral zone. His long reach allows him to disrupt plays and break up passes, showcasing his defensive instincts. While he lacks physicality, he effectively boxes out opponents in front of the net during point shots, indicating a solid understanding of positioning. McGregor shows good awareness during breakouts, successfully employing the reverse on several occasions with his partner to transition the puck out of the defensive zone. However, he did display some questionable decision-making with the puck inside his blue line, which led to extended zone time and scoring chances for the opposition. In a game where he logged 11 minutes of ice time, McGregor’s strengths in skating and defensive play were evident, though he will need to refine his puck decisions to elevate his overall game.
Rylan Gould (F, L, 5’10”, 183, Swift Current Broncos, 08/05/2005, Michigan Tech)
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Comments: Gould, standing at 5’10’, may be small in stature, but he compensates with impressive speed and skating ability that allows him to effectively drive the play through the neutral zone. On this particular night, he showcased his offensive prowess by scoring two goals, both of which highlighted his willingness to get to the front of the net, scoring both being stationed immediately around the paint. While his offensive skills are evident, he lacks physicality, generally not finishing checks despite demonstrating good pursuit on the forecheck relying on body position and a good stick. His ability to protect the puck along the walls is commendable, as he can make plays in tight spaces, but he struggled with puck management in his own zone early in the game, resulting in a few turnovers. He is a solid contributor on both special teams units for the Broncos. Overall, Gould is a talented offensive player with room for improvement in his defensive consistency and physical engagement.
Grayson Burzynski (D, L, 6’4″, 212, Swift Current Broncos, 06/04/2005)
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Comments: Burzynski is an impressive big body, standing 6’4, two-way defender who showcases excellent skating efficiency and puck skills, making him a valuable asset on both offense and defense. His ability to remain calm under pressure allows him to make smart plays and accurate passes, while his physicality in the corners and net front battles helps establish his presence. With a long reach and solid stick work, he effectively disrupts opponents and wins battles, as evidenced by his 57% success rate in battles during the game. With just over 23 minutes of ice time, he not only contributed one goal and two assists but also demonstrated versatility by excelling on both the power play and penalty kill. His well-rounded skill set and determination make him a player to watch as he continues to develop.
Carlin Dezainde (C, L, 5’11”, 174, Swift Current Broncos, 12/29/2004, Connecticut)
Game Rating
A-
1 Viewing
Comments: Dezainde is a hard-working forward who consistently demonstrates a nice blend of skill and awareness on the ice. Standing at 5’11’, he may not have the physical stature of some of his peers, but he compensates with very good skating ability and a smooth stride that allows him to generate good top end speed. His puck-handling skills and vision enable him to create plays, as evidenced in one occasion where he delivered a pinpoint backhand pass through the seam for a scoring opportunity. Dezainde exhibits nice poise and patience, effectively navigating the neutral zone and creating offensive chances, as highlighted when he backed the defense off the blueline with his speed, cut to the middle, released a hard wrist shot, resulting in a rebound goal for Gould. Defensively, he shows strong awareness, rotating effectively and supporting below the goal line when necessary. His net-front presence on point shots and scrambles is commendable, and his commitment to physical play, despite his size, demonstrates his competitive edge. Logging over 20 minutes of ice time, Dezainde’s all-around game translates very well to the university game.
Luke Mistelbacher (C, R, 6’0″, 195, Swift Current Broncos, 11/02/2005)
Game Rating
B-
1 Viewing
Comments: Mistelbacher displayed a lack of zip and engagement in this outing, possibly the the result of this being the last game on a lengthy road trip. His key asset is his quick release coupled with a heavy shot, was on display, particularly evident during power plays, where he can capitalize on scoring opportunities. While he demonstrates good skating ability with average top speed, he tends to rely on his linemates for puck retrieval and forechecking, indicating a passive approach rather than an aggressive physical game. Mistelbacher shows strong puck-handling skills and is capable of distributing effectively, but he primarily positions himself as a shooter rather than a playmaker, excelling at finding open space in the offensive zone. To elevate his game, he needs to increase his physicality and be more consistent with his engagement level, as his current approach limits his overall impact on the ice.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images