Played on Dec 9, 2025
Game Played in South Okanagan Events Centre
General Game Notes: The Penticton Vees scored three times in the first period, and didn’t look back, cruising to an 8-0 victory over the visiting Tri-City Americans. Ryden Evers and Doogan Pederson led the way with two goals each, while Ethan Weber, Matteo Danis, Tristan Petersen and Brady Birnie chipped in with three points apiece. Ethan McCallum was steady in the net in his first start with the Vees posting the shut out stopping 18 shots.
Ethan Weber (D, R, 6’0″, 191, Penticton Vees, 12/10/2006, Penn State)
Game Rating
B+
Weber is a well-rounded defenseman who consistently demonstrates his high overall skill level through his poise and mobility on the ice. He excels at defending hard in front of his net and in board battles, showcasing physicality that allows him to compete effectively. Offensively, he possesses good puck skills, which enable him to contribute reliably from the point with a knack for getting pucks through to the net. Weber’s gap control is strong, and he projects as a two-way defender capable of handling high-pressure minutes.
1 Viewing
Comments: Weber is an offensive defenseman, with a gritty element, whose skating is one of his best attributes – highly mobile with quick acceleration that lets him evade pressure on retrievals, jumpstart the breakout and join the rush as an extra layer. He shows strong offensive instincts and puck skills, routinely making smart zone exits and effective reads; in one instance he delivered a slick cross-ice look-away pass that resulted in a goal. His vision and passing are very good, making him a consistent playmaker from the back end. Defensively he’s become reliable and has always been physical, willing to engage opponents with authority and support his teammates in scrums; his season battle win rate (~57%) and steady deployment (about 21 minutes in this game) underline his trustworthiness in all situations. Overall he projects as a mobile, puck-moving defenseman who impacts the game at both ends.
Sean Burick (D, R, 6’8″, 211, Penticton Vees, 01/09/2008, Denver)
Game Rating
B
Burick is a large, right-shot defenseman with a growing confidence that allows him to make plays with possession and create better options for his team. He demonstrates good vision and hockey IQ, often making confident first passes to move the puck into the middle zone during breakouts. However, his skating is currently average, which limits his ability to join plays effectively and handle high-speed situations. To reach his full potential, Burick needs to focus on improving his mobility and adding physicality to his game. He shows a willingness to play physically at times, but consistency in this area would be beneficial. With improved skating and added physicality, Burick is projected as a solid shutdown defender with the ability to excel in both defensive and possession situations.
1 Viewing
Comments: Burick is a towering 6’7′ right-shot defenseman who pairs good IQ and very good refined puck skills for a player his size; he moves the puck with purpose and makes smart reads in transition. His skating is currently average and would benefit from mechanical refinement to improve first-step quickness and agility, though it is sufficient for him to function effectively. In this game his physicality was notably increased-he consistently stood up and initiated neutral-zone contact, pushed back opponents in board battles and was active in net-front scrums-and his elevated ice time was handled well. Importantly, his puck-battle win rate has risen over the last several outings, indicating growing confidence and impact as a two-way, stay-at-home presence with much upside if skating efficiency is improved.
Doogan Pederson (D, L, 6’4″, 187, Penticton Vees, 06/27/2006)
Game Rating
B
Pederson is a mobile defenseman with strong skating abilities, allowing him to quickly retrieve pucks and create space on the ice. He is comfortable carrying the puck and uses evasive skills to maintain possession under pressure. On defense, he excels at handling one-on-one situations against quick attackers, utilizing his stride and positioning to neutralize threats.
1 Viewing
Comments: Pederson is a 6’3′ left-shot defenseman who brings a very reliable, 200-foot game; defensively he’s steady, makes consistent, reliable plays and outlet passes, and shows strong puck-battle and takeaway numbers. His good puck skills paired with smooth skating let him carry the puck out of his zone and transition cleanly through the neutral zone, and in this game he was rewarded offensively with two goals – including a beautiful end-to-end rush – while logging just over 21 minutes, slightly above his season average. Trusted on the top penalty kill, he reads plays well and defends on the body effectively even if he’s not an especially physical standout; overall he’s a dependable, steady presence who can be relied on in key defensive minutes and transition situations.
Brady Birnie (C, L, 5’8″, 171, Penticton Vees, 09/07/2005, Bemidji State)
Game Rating
B+
Birnie possesses a dynamic playing style, highlighting his exceptional skating ability and top-end speed. He effectively utilizes his quickness to create separation and make plays with his strong puck skills. As a dual threat, he excels as a puck distributor rather than a shooter, particularly in the power play where he pre-scans the ice to make precise passes. In the defensive zone, Birnie is efficient in receiving passes from defensemen and quickly identifying open teammates for a breakout. His competitiveness for 50-50 pucks showcases his impressive toughness and attention to detail, allowing him to outmuscle opponents despite being smaller than average size.
1 Viewing
Comments: Birnie is a compact but tenacious playmaker (5’8′) who is very good in tight spaces and battles through traffic to create offense, despite his small frame; his high hockey IQ and elite vision were on display repeatedly-on one play, from behind the goal line completing a wraparound pass for a linemates tap-in and another time threading a cross-ice feed on the power play for a one-timer goal. He protects the puck very well along the walls with quick, evasive puck-possession skills, can finish effectively around the net when needed, but serves primarily as a high-level distributor who drives the attack. His skating is good, with nice top-end speed that allows him to carry the puck and drive attack or make plays in transition, making him a valuable offensive catalyst at higher levels.
Ryden Evers (F, L, 6’4″, 196, Penticton Vees, 06/22/2005, Clarkson)
Game Rating
A-
Ryden Evers is a 6’3″ left-shot center with a reliable skill set that makes him a valuable asset for his team. He excels at both ends of the rink, consistently competing hard and using his hockey IQ to make plays in traffic. His strong positioning and willingness to engage in defensive battles allow him to shut down opponents effectively. Offensively, he wins battles for loose pucks and protects the puck well, making him a trusted two-way center. Evers’ combination of size, speed, and determination makes him a formidable presence on the ice. He is a key contributor on both power play and penalty kill units, where his high hockey IQ shines through. His ability to navigate the ice effectively and create scoring chances from tight spaces is impressive.
1 Viewing
Comments: Evers is a 6’3′, left-shot centre who plays a complete 200-foot game and is a highly dependable two-way pivot. He isn’t flashy in stride but moves well in tight spaces and possesses a deceptive top-end gear that helps him create separation be a threat on the attack; his offensive instincts showed up repeatedly-highlighted by a beautiful backhand top-shelf finish from the top of the crease and a heavy one-timer from the dot on the power play. He displays high-end hockey IQ, consistently finding teammates, making the right reads, and proactively getting himself open for plays, while his compete level is excellent in board battles and is persistent on pucks. On special teams and in the dirty areas he’s reliable, and his faceoff win rate (near 60% this season) makes him a true asset in all-zone deployment.
Jacob Kvasnicka (RW, R, 5’11”, 172, Penticton Vees, 08/10/2007, Minnesota)
Game Rating
A-
1 Viewing
Comments: Kvasnicka is a dynamic, hard-working 5’11’ right winger who injects consistent energy into the Vees lineup with high-end skating—he’s fast, accelerates sharply and is tenacious on the puck; in this game he repeatedly beat opponents to the forecheck and won loose puck races through the neutral zone. His quick first step and speed make him very dangerous on the attack and valuable on transition, and his puck-handling and awareness were evident on a strong play from behind the goal line that set up linemate Evers for a net-front finish. Overall, he profiles as a pace-driving winger who impacts play through speed, work ethic and smart playmaking in support of his teammates.
Jaxen Adam (D, L, 6’4″, 214, Tri-City Americans, 08/19/2007)
Game Rating
B
Jaxen Adam is a well-rounded defenseman who excels in various aspects of his game without drawing attention to himself. His size and agility enable him to cover a lot of ice and defend proactively in the neutral zone. He is also solid in his own end, consistently positioning himself correctly, retrieving pucks effectively, and being willing to finish physically. Adam’s passing skills are reliable, making him an effective first passer with occasional flashes of offense. His ability to score goals, such as a highlight-reel shot-in-from-behind-the-net effort, demonstrates his potential.
1 Viewing
Comments: Adam is a 6’4′ left-shot defenseman with a sound, well-rounded skill set and reliable on-ice compete. He skates well for his size, showing good mobility and station-to-station quickness, and plays a hard, physical game-particularly effective on down-low defensive zone coverage and puck battles. He is effective with his large wingspan, taking away space and staying up in the Neutral Zone. Adam retrieves pucks with strong technique, absorbing contact, protecting the puck, keeping his head up and making efficient outlet plays; he handles and moves the puck cleanly and contributes reliably on the penalty kill. In this outing he logged about 18 minutes, matching his season average, and produced solid puck- and battle-statistics while providing steady, hard-nosed defensive minutes.
Cruz Pavao (C, R, 5’11”, 201, Tri-City Americans, 08/24/2008)
Game Rating
B
Pavao showcases a solid skill set as a right winger, with good skating ability that allows him to navigate the ice effectively. He possesses decent top-end speed, making it difficult for defenders to keep up with him. His puck skills are also commendable, enabling him to drive through the neutral zone and pressure defensemen on the forecheck. However, Pavao’s strengths can be somewhat limited by his tendency to stick to the perimeter. In open ice, he has a strong release, but this is often not utilized in areas where it could be most impactful, such as around the crease. To elevate his game, Pavao will need to be more aggressive and competitive in front of the net.
1 Viewing
Comments: Pavao is a hard-working right winger, plays with a physical edge who showed a good compete level – even in a game that was out of reach he maintained consistent effort and strong puck pursuit. He skates well with solid edge control, good top-end speed and the maneuverability to operate in tight areas; he’s difficult to knock off the puck and willingly engages in traffic and board battles, showing notable strength and effectiveness on the fore check. Pavao finds the net-front consistently, makes himself available for plays and displays reliable puck skills in crowded situations; with continued refinement of decision-making at pace and an added layer of offensive creativity he projects as a dependable two-way middle-six option.
Aden Bouchard (D, L, 6’0″, 191, Tri-City Americans, 03/25/2009)
Game Rating
B-
1 Viewing
Comments: Bouchard is a well-rounded skater with good mobility and poise – he moves smoothly, displays reliable puck skills and vision, and can make a clean first pass. In this game he logged about 141/2 minutes, roughly his season average, and showed the baseline tools to be effective at this level; however, a lack of urgency in this game hurt his battle success rate and limited his overall impact. To elevate his game he needs to compete harder along the boards and in front of the net, winning more puck battles and bringing more consistent intensity every shift, along with using the solid skill set he possesses.
Jake Gudelj (C, L, 6’2″, 207, Tri-City Americans, 12/05/2005, Princeton)
Game Rating
B
This player displays a strong sense of reliability and presence on the ice, consistently maintaining possession and contributing to his team’s overall performance. His solid puck skills and ability to control the puck with ease allow him to make effective plays in various situations. He has shown strength in board battles and possesses a commendable release, particularly evident in a key moment where he released a heavy wrist shot. While there is room for improvement in his skating mechanics, he demonstrates quickness and agility that positively impacts his game. His versatility allows him to fit into different roles, as seen on the power play and penalty kill. With over 22 minutes of ice time, he provides stability and a workmanlike approach, making him a reliable asset.
1 Viewing
Comments: Gudelj is a high-energy forward whose compete level never wavered despite the lopsided score; he brings consistent physicality, pushes back on opponents, and works the walls hard every shift. He skates well—but not elite—with decent top-end speed, and displays reliable puck skills as a playmaker more than a pure finisher. Most effective in a chip-and-chase role, he excels on the forecheck and in puck pursuit, plays the body, and is a willing shot blocker. Defensively he competes hard, though he would benefit from a more stop-and-start approach and less circling in the defensive zone. Trusted on special teams, he earns minutes on the second power play and the penalty kill.
Alexander Laing (C, L, 6’2″, 197, Tri-City Americans, 01/16/2009)
Game Rating
B-
1 Viewing
Comments: Laing is a stocky, confident young forward who competes hard every shift — willingly engaging in pushbacks and showing physicality on the forecheck and along the boards. He logged over 12 minutes in this game and drew top power-play deployment, working the net-front role. He handles the puck with poise and shows decent puck skills, and while his stride and edgework are good, he needs to add straight-line speed and quicker first steps to reach the next level. His battle metrics this season have been consistently strong while faceoffs and overall draw success remain a notable weakness and an area for targeted improvement if he’s to earn more defensive-zone and special-teams responsibilities.
Crew Martinson (C, R, 6’2″, 187, Tri-City Americans, 04/20/2009)
Game Rating
B
Martinson’s movement on the ice is noteworthy, as he brings a sense of calm to his game. He positions himself well for scoring opportunities, particularly on the top power play, where he displayed a composed demeanor and quick decision-making. His skating technique is effective, allowing him to maintain speed in puck races. While not elite, he has good top-end speed that enables him to compete with players of similar size. He shows competitiveness in his play, taking hits to make plays and fighting for space. In the defensive zone, he excels at maintaining position and battling for pucks. His stop-and-start approach proves effective in defending against opponents. With a high hockey IQ and strong skating ability, there is clear potential for growth and advancement in his game.
1 Viewing
Comments: Martinson (2009) – 6’2′ right wing: a mobile, physical forward with good skating mechanics, along with good top-end speed and quickness for his size…continued development in stride efficiency would elevate his game; he displays good puck skills, vision and passing, a quick release, and good mobility in tight areas, working the boards effectively to sustain puck possession. He competes hard, is willing to throw his body around, and is trusted on both the power play and penalty kill where he is effective, but his puck-battle win rate (under 40%) indicates a need for improved technique to win board battles consistently. Also, when he receives the puck he needs to get his feet moving. Overall projects as a two-way power-forward with upside if battle technique and sustained skating refinement are addressed.
Jakub Vanecek (D, L, 6’2″, 193, Tri-City Americans, 02/25/2008)
Game Rating
B
Vanecek’s skill set is characterized by his confidence and steady two-way game. His skating and mobility are particularly notable, allowing him to effectively navigate through the neutral zone. In the defensive zone, he maintains strong gap control, using angles and positioning to disrupt opponents’ lanes. As a puck-handler and passer, Vanecek excels at making smart, subtle plays that trigger breakouts. He is reliable in one-on-one situations and can carry the puck when space allows it. While not overly physical, he effectively uses his body position and stick to pin down opponents. On special teams, he shines as a versatile player, contributing on both power-plays and penalty kills.
1 Viewing
Comments: Vanecek is a well-rounded player with a very good overall skill set – he skates well, shows strong mobility, and exhibits reliable puck skills with good passing vision. Offensively he can handle the puck under pressure and make plays, but in this game he occasionally reacted slowly as a support player and was not consistently involved off the puck, or hard enough on the puck. In this game there was inconsistent engagement, he needs to dig in more often-quicker reads, more active support and puck retrieval, and simply dig in more to maximize the talent he already displays. In this game, he logged about 21 minutes of ice time, on his season average. He also contributes on the top power play unit while also putting in minutes on the penalty kill.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images