Played on Nov 7, 2025
Game Played in Toyota Center
General Game Notes: The hometown Tri-City Americans were down 2-1 until late in the first period, but rebounded with four unanswered goals, including an empty netter to defeat the Vancouver Giants 5-2. The line of Connor Dale, Savin Virk and Gavin Garland were excellent in this game as they combined for 10 points for the Americans. Goaltender Ryan Grout had a relatively quiet night, but made a few good stops when needed, in the end making 22 saves for the win.
Jaxen Adam (D, L, 6’4″, 214, Tri-City Americans, 08/19/2007)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Adam — 6’4′, 215 lbs, left-shot 2007-born defenseman (played the right side in this game) — is a quietly steady defender who does a lot of things well without flash. His size and smooth skating give him above-average mobility for a big man, which he uses to defend proactively in the neutral zone and take away the attack early; in the defensive zone he is positionally sound, reliable on puck retrievals and willing to finish physically all over the ice and in scrums, where he consistently pushes back and helps teammates. He’s a dependable first passer with good puck skills and occasional offensive pop — evidenced by a goal in this game where he spun-off a would be checker at the blue line, ripped a shot, followed up and buried the rebound. Logging about 19 minutes a night, he posts strong battle numbers (~60% on the season) and is an effective penalty-kill contributor, projecting as a steady, dependable defenseman at higher levels.
Cruz Pavao (C, R, 5’11”, 201, Tri-City Americans, 08/24/2008)
Game Rating
B-
1 Viewing
Comments: Pavao (2008) is a 5’11’, 195 lb right winger who logged just over 17 minutes in this game and is a reliable contributor on the Americans’ second power-play unit; he’s a good skater with solid top-end speed and good puck skills that he uses to drive through the neutral zone and pressure defensemen on the forecheck, albeit he can struggle handling the puck in traffic. In open ice his release is very good and can be dangerous, but his play is largely perimeter-oriented — he was seldom involved around the crease — so for his game to take the next step he needs to dig in and attack the interior more consistently and compete harder in the net-front areas.
Cash Koch (C, L, 5’11”, 197, Tri-City Americans, 03/31/2007)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Koch (5’11’, 195, 2007) is a highly competitive left wing who plays with a hard physical edge; he skates well with decent top end speed, handles the puck competently and can make plays when given space, but his game truly stands out for its physicality and relentless forecheck — he consistently challenges opponents, is willing to drop the gloves to defend himself or teammates, as he did in this game, and provides noticeable energy. In this outing he logged just over 12 minutes and was trusted on the second power-play unit, showing he can be a reliable secondary contributor. Primary areas for improvement are his defensive reads in the defensive zone — he would benefit from a more controlled stop-start approach. Overall, a competitive, hard-nosed winger with playmaking upside who projects as a physical, energy-driving player if his defensive game tightens.
Connor Dale (C, L, 6’2″, 186, Tri-City Americans, 01/29/2005)
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Comments: Dale (2005), 6’2′, 185 lb, left wing — Big-bodied winger with high-end skating and a true top gear; his explosiveness allows him to detach from defenders, drive the net hard and create scoring chances for himself or set up teammates. Shows very good puck skills and finish around the net for a player his size, is shifty in tight offensive-zone areas and thriving on the top power-play unit. Displayed his playmaking and compete-to-score instincts in this game — despite being knocked down near the wall he recovered quickly, accelerated through the slot to draw defenders and passed to linemate Virk who finished for the goal. He ended the night with four assists and nearly 22 minutes of ice time. Needs to improve consistency in board battles and 50/50 situations (was around a 40% win rate in this game) to better leverage his size at the next level.
Savin Virk (RW, R, 5’11”, 177, Tri-City Americans, 06/06/2007, Michigan State)
Game Rating
B+
Virk is a well-rounded hockey player with a versatile skill set that allows him to excel in various aspects of the game. He possesses a deceptive speed that makes it difficult for opponents to defend against him, and his quickness in tight spaces enables him to make dynamic plays. Virk’s puck-handling skills are also noteworthy, as he can execute precise passes and control the pace of the game. His ability to read the ice and recognize scoring opportunities is impressive, making him a valuable asset on both offense and defense.
1 Viewing
Comments: Virk is a compact, high-IQ right winger (5’11’, 175 lbs) who skates well with good top-end speed and excellent mobility in tight spaces; he consistently finds seams and seems to be around the puck. He displays high-end hockey sense and vision, routinely making smart plays and finishing with a dangerous release. A relentless forechecker, Virk shows quickness and competitive pursuit, stripping defensemen from behind on multiple occasions, and he competes hard defensively, earning PK minutes in addition to a role on the top power play. In this game he logged nearly 23 minutes, contributing in all phases and projecting as a two-way offensive contributor at higher levels.
Crew Martinson (C, R, 6’2″, 187, Tri-City Americans, 04/20/2009)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Martinson, a 6’2′, 185 lb right-center (2009), moves well and brings calm, veteran instincts to his game. He logged a solid 14 minutes of ice time, positions himself as the net-front threat on the Americans’ top power play — where he scored a composed rebound goal, moving the puck quickly from backhand to forehand and tucking it into the top shelf — and sees minutes on the second penalty kill. He skates well with effective technique and has good top end speed, but not elite. He is competitive and showed some quickness in puck races, and is willing to take a hit to make a play. His defensive game is excellent for a player of his age: he maintains position through cycles, stays below in pile ups and battles, and uses a stop-and-start approach to defend effectively. While his battle/board numbers were only around 40% in this outing, his high hockey IQ, strong skating and skill set suggest clear upside and the tools to advance to the next level.
Jakub Vanecek (D, L, 6’2″, 193, Tri-City Americans, 02/25/2008)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Vanecek, a 6’1′, 190 lb left-shot defenseman (2008), plays a confident, steady two-way game with excellent skating and mobility that shows up consistently through the neutral zone; his gap control is strong — he steps up on attackers and uses angles and surfing well to steer play. In the defensive zone he rarely loses position, pins and finishes hits effectively without being overly physical, more often using his body position and stick to disrupt lanes. He’s a very good one on one defender all over the ice, albeit not a punishing physical defender. He’s a reliable puck-handler and passer, making smart first passes and subtle plays that trigger breakouts; he will carry the puck when there’s space and selectively jump into the attack. Not flashy but very dependable, he logged 23+ minutes, posted strong battle numbers (63% wins in this game), and after a few early miscues with puck management settled in to play a composed, high-utility defensive role. He currently plays on the top power-play unit, and is also effective on the second penalty killing unit.
Gavin Garland (C, R, 5’10”, 183, Tri-City Americans, 02/08/2006)
Game Rating
B+
Gavin Garland’s on-ice presence was noticeable in his absence, as his team struggled to find consistency without him. When he took the ice, Garland displayed a strong work ethic, consistently pushing the tempo of the game. His speed and agility allowed him to create space and opportunities for himself and his teammates. When given the chance to create scoring chances, Garland’s accuracy with his shot was evident. He showed a reliable snipe from both the slapper and wrister, making him a threat on breakaways and odd-man rushes. However, there were instances where he struggled to finish plays in tight spaces, resulting in missed opportunities.
1 Viewing
Comments: Garland (5’10, 185 lb, 2006) was the most dangerous player on the ice — a very good, solid right center with excellent top-end speed and quickness that allows him to explode through the neutral zone, navigate traffic, and attack defenders consistently. He showed strong puck skills and a quick release — finishing a play with a backhand/forehand goal — and he has a knack for finding space in high-danger areas and creating net-front chaos; he competed hard in scrums and shows good pushback to his game. Garland is shifty in tight spaces, drives the attack, and logged about 22 minutes in this game while serving as a key contributor on both the top power play and the penalty kill. He forechecks aggressively, but his success in board battles is only around 40% this season, suggesting he could add strength and consistency to become more competitive in puck retrievals. He has the ability to be a dangerous player at the collegiate level.
Ryan Lin (D, R, 5’11”, 177, Vancouver Giants, 04/18/2008)
Game Rating
A-
This young defenseman brings a dynamic skill set to the game, showcasing hard work and determination through his high energy levels and excellent skating ability. Lin’s precise passing and vision make him a formidable presence on the power play, setting up teammates for scoring chances. He also excels in physical battles during defensive zone coverage, using strong stick work to disrupt plays. With a high hockey IQ, Lin is able to recognize support and engage the puck carrier aggressively while maintaining sound positional awareness. Lin’s skating ability allows him to seamlessly transition between defense and offense, and his playmaking skills are consistently on display. He effectively uses give-and-go tactics to outmaneuver defenders and has impressive puck handling at the blue line. His versatility is highlighted by his role on both power-play and penalty kill units. Overall, Lin is a skilled defenseman with a promising future ahead.
1 Viewing
Comments: Lin (5’11’, 175 lb, right) is a hard-working, high-energy 2008 defenseman who brings an all-around, high-end game on both ends of the ice. A very good skater with excellent mobility, he shows consistently sound defensive-zone positioning, rarely getting beat and willing to play physically to pin opponents; that same mobility lets him lead or join the attack as a layered, supporting presence, a decision he makes very effectively. He displays strong puck skills and is a very reliable first passer, effective on retrievals thanks to a consistent pre-scan habit and the ability to find and use available options on the breakout, including the little plays that sustain possession. He logged nearly 27 minutes in this game (above his 25-minute season average), posts strong battle numbers (~60% success), and is a key contributor on both the top power play and penalty kill—an energetic two-way defender with pro-style instincts.
Tyus Sparks (RW, R, 5’11”, 182, Vancouver Giants, 01/04/2008)
Game Rating
B
Tyus Sparks is a notable prospect with a strong skill set, featuring decent speed, strength, and overall hockey IQ. He possesses a sturdy frame that allows him to be effective in protecting the puck along the boards, showcasing poise and quickness when needed. While refining his skating mechanics could enhance his top speed, he demonstrates good balance and agility on his skates. Sparks has shown confidence and a strong sense of positioning during power play situations, finding quiet ice and shooting the puck well. He is able to finish checks and maintain pace, combined with impressive work along the boards and solid offensive tools.
1 Viewing
Comments: Sparks (2008) — 5’11’, 180 lb — right wing: Plays bigger than his size with a composed, physical edge; not a reckless hitter but difficult to move off the puck and capable of finishing checks and knocking people down. Strong, fluid skater with good top-end speed and quick hands, showing the puck skills and agility to attack seams and will battle through traffic. Responsible defensively — works hard over 200 feet, consistently backchecks into the middle and displays solid recognition in his own zone. In this game, he had about 19 minutes of ice time, and was successful in over 50% of his battles. Effective on the flank of the top power-play unit, reliable along the boards, and brings a calm, confident game that does a lot of the little things well. Overall projects as a competitive two-way winger with upside in transition and special teams.
Aaron Obobaifo (C, L, 5’10”, 177, Vancouver Giants, 02/13/2007)
Game Rating
B+
Aaron Obobaifo is a skilled forward who excels in tight spaces due to his excellent puck handling abilities, which allow him to control the tempo of play while skating at full speed. His hockey IQ enables him to effectively find teammates and protect himself in physical battles. He also possesses a notable level of toughness, using his body to defend against opponents in crunch time situations. Obobaifo’s quick release on his shot is a notable asset, but he sometimes prioritizes being on the outside rather than taking advantage of his physical presence in front of the net, where it could be more difficult for opponents to handle him.
1 Viewing
Comments: Obobaifo (5’10’, 175 lb, 2007) is a high-effort, 200-foot left center who reliably impacts all three zones; he skates well with good top-end speed and consistently plays bigger than his frame, using competitive strength and excellent instincts to win puck battles and drive play. A steady, hard-working presence shift after shift, he brings dependable defensive structure. Offensively he handles the puck smoothly and shows true playmaking ability — he’s trusted on the top power-play unit and can thread plays under pressure — while his confident compete mentality and simple, effective decision-making would make him a dependable two-way pivot at higher levels. In this game, he logged almost 24 minutes of ice time, well above his season average of around 19 minutes. He also contributes on the penalty killing unit. He could use some work on the face off dot, as he averages only 45% success rate thus far. Projectable as a middle-six, penalty-killing center who can bump up in offensive situations, his game is defined by consistency, compete level, and playmaking at even strength and on special teams.
Brett Olson (C, R, 6’2″, 191, Vancouver Giants, 02/24/2008)
Game Rating
B-
1 Viewing
Comments: Olson (6’1.5′, 190 lb, 2008) is a right-shot center with good skating mechanics and respectable top-end speed but would benefit from increased quickness and adding a gear to his top end; his puck skills are sound and he shows value on the second power-play as a net-front presence with effective puck recovery, but in this game he struggled to make decisive plays with the puck under pressure, displayed limited physicality, and posted a sub-40% battle win rate. He had over 17 minutes of ice time—underscoring the need to dig in more, improve board play and puck poise, and add strength/urgency to his overall game to reach the next level.
Tobias Tomik (LW, L, 6’0″, 196, Vancouver Giants, 12/18/2007)
Game Rating
B-
1 Viewing
Comments: Tomik (late 2007) is a 6’0′, 195 lb left wing with very good skating ability and top-end speed which is noticeable on the power-play breakout when he has open ice in front of him; combined with good puck skills and the ability to navigate traffic, he becomes a threat on the attack…but he seems to need space to reach his ceiling. He is far less noticeable in tight areas and along the boards, reflected by just a 30% win rate in battles in this game and sub-45% on the season. A hard worker who logged 18 minutes in this game, (above his ~15 minute season average), he shows defensive awareness and reliable backchecking but displays limited physicality in all areas. Development priorities: dig in more…improve board play and puck-protection in contact, and boost battle-winning strength to translate speed into more consistent offensive impact.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images