Played on Oct 7, 2025
Game Played in SaskTel Centre
Brayden Klimpke (D, L, 5’11”, 166, Saskatoon Blades, 10/08/2007)
Game Rating
A-
1 Viewing
Comments: Brayden was a force at both ends of the ice for the Blades tonight. On defense, he was crisp on the breakout, making smart, quick decisions to advance the puck to his forwards. On one breakout, he executed a shoulder fake that sent the forechecker the wrong way before feeding a hard, accurate pass to his streaking center. Brayden had several quality pinches at the offensive blue and red lines. Impressively, on two separate occasions, he showed great awareness by choosing not to pinch, instead backing off to maintain defensive structure and breaking up rushes with a solid gap. This demonstrated strong decision-making and reliability. Traits not always seen in players when their team holds a multi-goal lead. Along the offensive blue line, Brayden took quality shots and used deceptive shoulder fakes to create shooting lanes as he walked laterally. With a nice assist and overall strong play, Brayden had a very impactful game for the Blades.
David Lewandowski (LW, L, 6’1″, 180, Saskatoon Blades, 02/20/2007)
Game Rating
A
1 Viewing
Comments: David continues to demonstrate his talent and ability as an effective offensive player. He was a force in the corners, using his body to shield the puck while creating space for himself. While protecting the puck, he showed great vision and awareness, finding open teammates. This was especially evident on his first assist, although he recorded the secondary helper, his work in the corner made the entire play possible. David’s hockey IQ also showed on rushes. When he lacked a clear shooting or passing lane, he smartly threw softer shots on net to create rebound chances. Early in the game, this simple but effective tactic nearly led to a goal. Finishing with a goal and two assists, David clearly left his mark on this contest. If he can better control his emotions late in games and avoid unnecessary penalties, it will greatly benefit his advancement to the professional level.
Dustin Willhoft (C, L, 5’8″, 145, Saskatoon Blades, 01/09/2007)
Game Rating
A-
1 Viewing
Comments: The first-round import pick for the Saskatoon Blades came out flying tonight. Although undersized, Dustin makes up for it with his exceptional speed. His explosiveness is impressive as he uses three quick strides to create immediate separation. This was evident on a neutral-zone loose puck when he battled up the ice with an opposing defenseman, beating him out with sheer will and speed before tucking home the empty-net goal to secure the victory for the Blades. Dustin was also very responsible defensively, back checking hard and consistently picking up his assignments. He did the little things right such as lifting opponents’ sticks to eliminate their scoring chances. Another notable play came when he carried the puck behind the net under pressure. Using his speed and body positioning, he faked as if he was going to open up and drop the puck back, but instead kept it and beat his man with growing speed. It was a great display of confidence and composure under pressure. Dustin has an impressive skill set combined with a strong defensive mindset, making it hard to critique his game tonight.
Jack Kachkowski (D, R, 5’11”, 188, Saskatoon Blades, 01/14/2007)
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Comments: Jack deserves recognition for his strong defensive performance tonight. Although Saskatoon controlled most of the game, the Giants generated occasional pushes and Jack was there to make key plays to stop their momentum. As a defenseman, Jack trusts his skating and maintained a tight gap throughout the game. His backward edge work is sharp, allowing him to gradually take away opponents’ time and space. On two occasions, the Giants had 2-on-1 opportunities against him. Both times, Jack forced the puck carrier to hold on too long before attempting a late pass, which he broke up effectively with his active stick. Jack also created offense on his own 2-on-1 following a neutral-zone turnover, choosing to shoot and showcasing his ability to jump into the play as an offensive threat.
Benjamin Bowtell (F, L, 5’8″, 145, Saskatoon Blades, 12/15/2008)
Game Rating
A-
1 Viewing
Comments: Benjamin is another speedy forward for the Saskatoon Blades. Though a bit undersized, he compensates with quickness in the corners and strong north-south speed. Benjamin played a defensively responsible game, backchecking hard and breaking up multiple Giants rushes. His speed proved to be a constant nuisance for the Giants’ defense, as he pressured pucks relentlessly on the forecheck. With the puck, Benjamin is light on his feet, allowing him to cut back along the wall and avoid being pinned into the boards. His first WHL goal tonight was a beauty. Off the rush, he took the puck just inside the dot lane, kept his head up, and beat the goaltender far side with a well-placed shot. The 2008-born forward worked incredibly hard all game and earned the game-winning goal as a well-deserved reward.
Dominik Petr (C, L, 6’2″, 167, Saskatoon Blades, 04/30/2005)
Game Rating
A-
1 Viewing
Comments: Petr played tonight as a skillful power forward. He possesses excellent vision, reading the ice well while combining it with a strong, downhill game. He constantly seeks open ice and remains composed with the puck under pressure. Both of his goals tonight were impressive, but his assist on the fourth goal showcased even greater skill and awareness. From the goal line, he received the puck under pressure and, without hesitation or extra stickhandling, zipped a precise pass to a streaking teammate driving the net. It was a poised and effortless play that demonstrated his confidence and touch. With two goals and an assist, Petr had a strong performance overall. However, it appeared he was somewhat content in the third period. Given that this is his final junior season, maintaining a consistently high compete level in every game will be crucial. That said, he contributed in all situations and remained a threat, even on the penalty kill, when he decided to take his opportunities in the third period.
Burke Hood (G, L, 6’3″, 203, Vancouver Giants, 04/30/2007)
Game Rating
A-
1 Viewing
Comments: Burke gave a strong effort tonight and deserves credit for his compete level and overall performance. A well-sized goaltender at 6’3′, he stopped 33 of 38 shots. While the numbers aren’t ideal, it’s difficult to fault Burke given the circumstances. His effort and focus were evident throughout the game. His lateral movement was excellent, pushing post-to-post effectively. Late in the first period, he made a spectacular second-effort toe save that prevented what looked like a sure goal. He handled screens well, tracking pucks through traffic and swallowing up several high-slot shots. On his third goal against, Burke made multiple saves before the puck finally went in. The result of missed defensive coverage and an uncleared rebound. Though fatigue set in as the game wore on, Burke continued to close shooting angles, handle the puck confidently, and stop several Grade-A chances each period.
Ryan Lin (D, R, 5’11”, 177, Vancouver Giants, 04/18/2008)
Game Rating
A-
1 Viewing
Comments: Ryan continues to showcase his mobility as a two-way defender in his second season with the Vancouver Giants. He is a smooth skater whose stride looks effortless at times. Lin appeared very comfortable under forechecking pressure, using his legs and deceptive direction changes to escape with ease. It was a long defensive-zone game for the Giants, but Lin and his defensive partner Howell worked well together, evading the Blades’ pressure for most of the night. He executed multiple quality zone entries on the power play, often choosing to keep the puck rather than dropping it back to a teammate. On the offensive blue line, Lin strategically picked his moments to activate, creating disruption for the Blades’ defense. Early in the second period, he displayed a high compete level, delivering several hits on opposing players.
Ty Halaburda (LW, R, 5’11”, 190, Vancouver Giants, 04/22/2005, Colorado College)
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Comments: Ty is a workhorse who never stops competing. This is best illustrated on the forecheck, where he constantly pressures opponents and denies them time or space. In what was primarily a defensive game for the Giants, Ty led a strong second-period forecheck that gave his team much-needed momentum. His relentless effort forced a turnover that led to a wave of scoring chances, with the Giants capitalizing on the following shift. As a center, Ty provides reliable support on breakouts, staying patient and available through the middle of the ice rather than getting ahead of the play. His commitment in the faceoff circle is evident as he went 10-for-19 (52%) — and his willingness to sacrifice for the team showed in several key shot blocks on the penalty kill. Some of Ty’s best qualities might go unnoticed at first glance, but a closer look reveals a true competitor dedicated to his team and teammates.
Aaron Obobaifo (C, L, 5’10”, 185, Vancouver Giants, 02/13/2007)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Aaron showed great heart and competed hard throughout the game. He is a strong player with a raw, athletic stride that can be deceptively quick. Combined with good hands and hockey sense, Aaron is often available as an outlet, particularly noticeable on the Giants’ power play. Stationed in the bumper position, he consistently presented his stick as a passing target, which helped calm the Blades’ penalty kill and led to a quality shooting opportunity. In corner battles, Aaron’s compete level stood out as he was often first to loose pucks and frequently won offensive-zone 50/50 battles. Upon exiting the corners, he protected the puck well with a wide stance, making him difficult to knock off the puck while surveying for passing options. It was a tough game for the Giants, and Aaron’s frustration showed. At times, especially through the neutral zone, he tried to do too much himself, resulting in turnovers or missed opportunities. Aaron has a strong foundation, but his play suffers when he forces the game rather than letting it come to him. Finding a balance would reduce errors and enhance his overall impact. To reiterate, his physical edge is a great asset, and as he learns to better control his emotions, he will add another level to his game.
Adam Titlbach (C, L, 5’9″, 164, Vancouver Giants, 02/15/2006)
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Comments: Titlbach displayed excellent game sense tonight. Defensively, he competed hard, engaging in wall battles with both force and composure. Adam showed strong decision-making skills, knowing when to pressure on the forecheck and when to angle opponents toward his defensemen. A great example came when, after a quality slot shot, he tracked back through the middle of the ice. As a Blades defenseman attempted a cross-ice pass, Adam read the play perfectly and intercepted it just inside the Blades’ blue line. On his next shift, he demonstrated solid puck control in the offensive corner, moving up the boards before threading a smooth six-foot backhand area pass to a streaking linemate. This play directly led to the Giants’ only goal. This sequence showcased Adam’s combination of good hands, vision, and hockey IQ.
Marek Howell (D, L, 6’3″, 200, Vancouver Giants, 05/19/2006)
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Comments: Howell played on the top defensive pairing tonight and showed he deserves that role. He is a steady defenseman who controls the puck well and transitions it quickly to his forwards. At 6’3′, he has a long reach and uses it effectively to break up plays in the neutral zone and defensive corners. Although much of the game was spent in the Giants’ end, Howell and his partner Lin displayed poise, managing the puck and handling pressure efficiently. Howell’s puck protection was strong, consistently finding open teammates and moving the puck with purpose. He utilizes his size and reach well, combining them with a strong understanding of the game to make smart plays. Quarterbacking the second power-play unit, Howell maintained consistency, moving the puck quickly to allow plays to develop and generate quality opportunities. His only notable struggles came during power-play zone entries, where the Blades effectively neutralized the drop-pass breakout. Recognizing this and adjusting to lead successful entries would elevate his offensive impact.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images