Game played 2/17/2025.
General Game Notes: The visiting Tri City Americans came back from a two goal deficit scoring twice in the third enroute to a 3-2 shootout victory over the Kelowna Rockets. Colorado draft pick Max Curran led the way with a goal and assist for the Americans while Michael Cicek and Levi Benson replied for the Rockets. Both goaltenders, Jake Pilon for Kelowna, and Lukas Matecha for Tri City were steady as they both faced over 40 shots.
Will Sharpe (D, L, 6’0″, 195, Kelowna Rockets, 03/07/2007)
Game Rating
B+
This defenseman possesses a well-rounded skill set, highlighted by solid skating ability and mobility that enables him to effectively join the attack or evade opponents with the puck. His puck skills are strong, allowing him to make smart first passes and handle the puck well in various situations. However, he tends to prioritize offense over defense at times, particularly on the ice. Sharpe is a dynamic player who excels when engaging in offensive scenarios, showcasing his ability to create scoring opportunities from the back end and set up teammates for goals. He also has good gap control in the neutral zone, making defensive responsibilities easier. While he demonstrates an understanding of puck movement, there are moments where he gets overly aggressive and compromises his defensive positioning. To elevate his game, Sharpe will need to balance his offense-minded approach with a stronger focus on defense. By doing so, he can unlock his full potential as a two-way player at the next level.
1 Viewing
Comments: Noted for his offensive skills and instincts, Sharpe showcased an impressive all-around game today, demonstrating growth in his approach to defensive side of the game. He effectively reduced the risk in his defensive play, opting to pick his spots rather than aggressively jumping into every offensive opportunity. By staying below the puck, he prioritized defensive duties and exhibited marked improvement in his details within the defensive zone, including executing hits and pinning opponents, maintaining body position as his check would roll out of the corner as well as displaying strong communication with his defensive partner and low forwards. His tight coverage of attackers in the neutral zone remained a positive aspect of his game, although he occasionally circled instead of making quicker stop and start transitions in the defensive zone. Notably, Sharpe was quite effective while playing his offside as a left shooter on right defense, further highlighting his versatility. His coaches clearly recognized his enhanced performance, entrusting him with a season-high 28:36 of ice time, during which he won an impressive 75% of his battles, underscoring his effectiveness and reliability on the ice.
Hayden Paupanekis (C, R, 6’4″, 200, Kelowna Rockets, 02/04/2007)
Game Rating
B+
Hayden Paupanekis has been making strides as a center, showcasing his growing confidence in both offensive and defensive play. He excels at cycling the puck and exploiting seams in the defense, while also being a formidable presence in the neutral zone. His strong stick work and mobility enhance his defensive capabilities, allowing him to effectively manage down-low coverage. Offensively, Paupanekis demonstrates solid puck-handling skills and a keen hockey IQ, making effective indirect passes and finding open spaces. However, he has struggled to finish on scoring opportunities at times. He is a physical player who uses his size and agility to engage opponents, particularly on the forecheck. With continued development, Paupanekis has the potential to become a key contributor at both ends of the ice. His willingness to work hard and put in effort suggests he will be willing to address areas for improvement.
1 Viewing
Comments: Paupanekis is an evolving talent who showcases a strong work ethic and reliability on a youthful Rockets team. Standing at an imposing 6’4′ at the centre ice position, he brings both size and skill, contributing significantly to both the power play and penalty kill units. With a commendable 36 points (18 goals, 18 assists) so far this season, he demonstrates an ability to produce offensively while maintaining defensive responsibilities, particularly in low coverage situations where his length is an asset. Although his skating mechanics require improvement, they do not hinder his ability to navigate the ice with good speed, and his relentless drive to the net creates challenges for opposing defensemen. On this night, he logged an impressive 24:34 seconds of ice time, although he struggled in the face-off circle, winning only 32% of his draws, which is below his season average of 47%. Overall, Paupanekis possesses significant upside and, with continued development, can become a crucial player for his team in the seasons to come.
Jackson Smith (D, L, 6’3″, 195, Tri-City Americans, 05/07/2007)
Game Rating
A-
This player’s skill set is notable for its versatility and athleticism. His large frame allows him to dominate puck retrieval, often leaving defenders in his wake as he rapidly closes distance on loose pucks. He displays poise with the puck, rarely making careless plays, and has a high level of control when moving through space. His agility and stickwork contribute to his overall success, enabling him to maintain possession and create scoring opportunities. However, areas for improvement include his one-timer, which lacks power, and decision-making in defensive situations, where he sometimes struggles to effectively manage pressure. Despite these limitations, the player’s ability to finish games with a strong performance suggests a promising foundation for future growth.
1 Viewing
Comments: Smith is a highly skilled defenseman whose smooth skating and elite mobility set him apart on the ice. His exceptional edge work allows him to navigate the offensive blue line with precision, evidenced by his ability to generate 15 shots on goal in this game, even if not all got through to the net. Smith showcases impressive evasive footwork, enabling him to outmaneuver opposing forecheckers effortlessly and accelerate away from pressure. On the penalty kill, rather than just throw it up the wall, he demonstrated commendable poise, effectively managing the puck along the wall by containing it in his skates with his head up, to kill valuable seconds when plays were limited. His high hockey IQ is apparent, as he consistently reads the game well, drawing defenders towards him before making smart passes to open teammates. Defensively, he utilizes his stick effectively for poke checks and can hold his own in physical battles along the walls and is willing to push back hard net front. Late in the second period, with his team trailing by two, he showcased his speed and offensive prowess by going end-to-end, although he was unable to finish with a goal. However, he did exhibit some inconsistency, as he made a few questionable decisions with the puck at both the offensive blue line and in his own zone, which will need to be addressed moving forward. Overall, Smith is a very promising player with a strong skill set, but he must refine his decision-making to elevate his game further.
Savin Virk (RW, R, 5’11”, 170, Tri-City Americans, 06/06/2007, Michigan State)
Game Rating
A-
Virk possesses a well-rounded skill set that enables him to make a significant impact on the ice. He exhibits good skating ability, allowing him to navigate the rink effectively, and showcases his puck skills through excellent hands and slick passing. His high hockey IQ is evident in his awareness of the game, consistently positioning himself to support teammates in the offensive zone. Defensively, Virk demonstrates reliability in defensive coverage, using straight lines to stop and start with a strong commitment to backchecking. This combination of skills makes him an attractive asset on both power play and penalty killing units. With a solid work ethic and promising skill set, Virk is well-positioned to be an effective contributor at the University level.
1 Viewing
Comments: Virk is a sneaky good, very versatile and adept two-way player who excels in various aspects of the game, making him an invaluable asset to his team. While his skating may not appear explosive at first glance, he possesses a deceptive speed that effectively draws the respect of opposing defensemen, allowing him to create space and back them off the blue line. His quickness in the offensive zone is notable, as he displays impressive agility and puck-handling skills, enabling him to make dynamic plays in tight situations. Virk has a powerful shot with a quick release, but he also demonstrates excellent vision, frequently recognizing seams and setting up teammates for scoring opportunities or, jumping into holes himself. A reliable presence on the ice, he is frequently utilized in critical situations, including both the power play and penalty kill, and late-game faceoffs, logging over 24 minutes of ice time in this particular outing. His ability to consistently make smart, effective plays, whether retrieving pucks along the boards in his own end or simply clearing the zone when necessary, showcases his hockey IQ and understanding of the game. Overall, Virk is a player who combines skill, intelligence, and work ethic to impact the game on multiple fronts, giving him the tools necessary for success at the university level.
Jake Gudelj (C, L, 6’2″, 200, Tri-City Americans, 12/05/2005)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Gudelj is a dependable player who excels in maintaining a steady presence on the ice, showcasing reliability over 200 feet. While he may not be an elite offensive or defensive player, his solid puck skills and ability to handle the puck with his head up allow him to make effective plays in various situations. Gudelj demonstrated strength in board battles and has a commendable release, notably highlighted by receiving a pass crossbody and all in one motion releasing a heavy wrist shot in a key moment. Although his skating mechanics require refinement for him to maximize his potential at the next level, he possesses quickness and agility that contribute positively to his game. Versatile in his deployment, Gudelj can effectively fit into different roles, as evidenced by his contributions on the power play and limited usage on the penalty kill. Overall, he is a reliable asset who was trusted by his coach with over 22 minutes of ice time, bringing stability and a workmanlike approach with an ability to play up and down the lineup. More seasoning at the university level would be very beneficial for him.
Carter Savage (D, L, 6’3″, 202, Tri-City Americans, 02/05/2005)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Savage is a reliable defensive defenseman who excels in maintaining strong body positioning and defensive awareness. His skating ability and mobility allow him to effectively defend against one-on-one attacks, and he consistently demonstrates solid positioning during puck battles in the defensive zone corners. His recognition skills shine during pile-ups, where he is not a heavy physical presence, but he adeptly maintains body positioning between his opponent and the net with good pinning skills, showcasing his ability to read the play. When retrieving pucks, Savage exhibits excellent pre-scanning, enabling him to make smart, efficient plays to either the strong-side winger or his defensive partner. He possesses a firm, flat passing technique that aids in transition, and his contributions on the second penalty-killing unit underscore his defensive acumen. Although his offensive contributions are limited, his steady presence on the ice was evident as he logged over 18 minutes of ice time and won 58% of his battles during the game. Overall, Savage is a dependable asset on the blue line, bringing consistency and reliability to his team’s defensive efforts and could be a very good contributor at the university level.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images
