Played on Mar 20, 2026
Game Played in The Sandman Centre
General Game Notes: Despite the score, this game was a lot closer than it suggests. It was an explosive third period that the Blazers were able to put together that really opened this game up. Before that, both teams traded goals that turned into a one goal game. The difference was the top players for the Blazers showed up.
JP Hurlbert (C, R, 6’0″, 187, Kamloops Blazers, 04/01/2008, Michigan)
Game Rating
A
The player’s skills are a major factor in his strong performance. His ability to see the ice and control the puck is impressive, allowing him to create scoring opportunities and make the players around him better. He excels at both ends of the ice, using his speed and agility to battle for pucks and create chances. He has a natural instinct for offense, making plays when they need to be made and attacking the net with confidence. His ability to beat multiple players at once is a notable skill, and he uses his size and speed effectively in various situations. However, there are areas where he can improve, such as managing his shift length and back-checking. Defensively, he shows great resilience and pressure on opponents, using his speed to disrupt cross-ice plays. He’s comfortable with the puck at his feet, but sometimes struggles to hold onto it in his own zone.
1 Viewing
Comments: Few players on any given night can match Hurlberts blend of size, skill, and playmaking ability. A highly creative distributor, he generates consistent offense for his teammates through deceptive, layered passing, slipping pucks through sticks and skates with precision and touch. He is especially effective off the rush, where he is able to manipulate defenders by drawing them wide before finding options through the middle. In transition, he is constantly looking to involve his line mates, using quick, intelligent give and go plays to create space for both himself and others. He was able to bury fortieth of the season tonight and then followed up quickly with two more.
Isa Guram (D, L, 6’0″, 173, Kamloops Blazers, 05/10/2007, Northern Michigan)
Game Rating
B
Guram’s game is characterized by his strong offensive mindset, often seeking opportunities to be involved in high-scoring situations. This willingness to take risks can lead to both impressive plays and mistakes. When presented with a chance at the net, Guram effectively moves the puck and releases it with intent, demonstrating good shot selection.
1 Viewing
Comments: Guram is a well rounded defender who leans a little more on the offensive side. His stride is choppy at times, but he compensates with strong natural athleticism. What makes him especially intriguing is his active approach to the game. He consistently looks to involve himself in the play, jumping down from the point on the weak side to hunt for opportunities. He also is not hesitant to activate off the rush, supporting as a late trailer or even leading the attack when the situation allows.
Ryan Michael (D, L, 6’3″, 196, Kamloops Blazers, 02/05/2005, RPI)
Game Rating
A-
Michael has a well-rounded skill set that contributes to his ability to drive offense with speed and instincts. He also possesses strong playmaking skills that enable him to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. His reliable defensive play is another aspect of his game, showcasing a solid work ethic and trustworthiness in his own end.
1 Viewing
Comments: Skating is the foundation of Michaels game. He is highly mobile, maintains strong posture, and generates good power through his stride, allowing him to cover ice efficiently. Despite having the tools to carry the puck more, he leans toward a puck moving style built on clean, effective passing. His skating also plays a key role defensively, helping him get into position quickly to disrupt plays and close gaps. In the offensive zone, that mobility allows him to time his pinches well and keep plays alive along the blue line. Offensively, one of his better assets is how deceptive he can be when moving the puck, he can change his mind quickly adapting well to the situation in front of him.
Jacob Dumansky (C, L, 6’2″, 181, Kamloops Blazers, 01/03/2009)
Game Rating
B-
Dumansky is a well-rounded center who excels in multiple facets of his game. He is effective in all three zones, consistently making smart decisions and playing a solid defensive role. Dumansky also demonstrates good vision and puck control, often creating scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. While he may not possess the same level of speed or athleticism as other centers on the team, his work ethic and fundamentals allow him to stay competitive in all situations.
1 Viewing
Comments: Dumansky is a bigger bodied forward who provides reliable value at both ends of the ice. He plays with a consistent work rate, tracking back hard to cover lanes and using his reach effectively to disrupt opponents in the defensive zone. Offensively, he adds value in more subtle ways. While he is not a primary shooting threat, he shows good timing around the net, arriving in the right spots to capitalize on rebounds and second chance opportunities which is where his game is the most effective.
Harrison Brunicke (D, R, 6’3″, 195, Kamloops Blazers, 05/08/2006)
Game Rating
A-
Brunicke possesses a versatile skill set, showcasing both defensive and offensive abilities. His exceptional mobility allows him to excel in multiple facets of the game. When exiting his own zone, he becomes a natural puck mover, using vision and passing skills to create scoring opportunities. In the defensive zone, Brunicke displays solid anticipation and reaction time, allowing him to interrupt passing lanes and block shots effectively.
1 Viewing
Comments: When the puck is on his stick, Brunicke is a dynamic presence. He was able to show tonight that he can be a shifty skater with fluid mobility in all directions, pairing that movement with smooth, deceptive hands to keep defenders off balance. In transition, he plays a clean, efficient game wanting to always move the puck effectively with cross ice feeds and executing stretch passes with confidence and accuracy. One of the better parts to his game is how big he is, combined with how well he moves.
Josh Evaschesen (C, L, 6’2″, 191, Kamloops Blazers, 08/11/2006, RPI)
Game Rating
B+
Evaschesen has demonstrated a strong ability to generate power and accuracy with his shot, as seen in a recent game where he released a puck in the slot and scored cleanly low on the goalie. His quick release allows him to catch defenders off guard, making it difficult for them to respond effectively. In terms of positioning, Evaschesen is often the first to react to loose pucks and engage in physical battles at the net front. He plays with a hard-nosed game that rewards him with extra space and time on the puck.
1 Viewing
Comments: Even though Evaschesen was not able to get on the score sheet tonight, his game provides a lot more than just pure offense. With strong mechanics and a low center of gravity, he did show that he is difficult to knock off balance, yet still brings explosiveness and speed. Combined with his work rate, his skating makes him a constant presence on both the forecheck and backcheck, pressuring opponents all over the ice. He is a two way winger who can show finesse in transition, blending skill with a larger frame. The combination of size, skating ability, and effort showed that his game is well rounded in all three zones.
Vit Zahejsky (C, R, 5’10”, 185, Kamloops Blazers, 08/10/2007)
Game Rating
A-
1 Viewing
Comments: With two goals on the night, Zahejsky was a massive part of his teams offense. Scored his first one on the power play where a loose puck was sitting at the crease waiting for him to bury it. After the point shot found the goalie high in the chest, it dropped to the ice and at the same time, Zahejsky was already attacking down hill. A reason why he has been able to have such a solid start is how hard he works each and every shift and this goal was a good example of his game.
Nathan Behm (C, R, 6’2″, 202, Kamloops Blazers, 04/18/2007, Arizona State)
Game Rating
A
Behm showcased a solid all-around game, impressing with his skillset as a player. He demonstrated confidence in controlling the puck, making sharp moves to create space and open up scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. On the defensive end, he provided energetic play, using his active stick to break up plays and being proactive in pursuit of the puck. His ability to balance offense and defense was evident in key moments during the game. In overtime, Behm scored the winning goal, showcasing his clutch gene and cementing his role as a top scorer on his team.
1 Viewing
Comments: Behm was able to show tonight taht he consistently finds ways to produce, functioning as a reliable two way winger whose offense is driven by strong off puck instincts and anticipation. He shows a clear commitment to attacking the inside of the ice, driving through the middle in all situations, which not only creates opportunities for himself but also opens space for his line mates. He is often first into battles and competes with a relentless mindset, working hard to win pucks and extend possessions. His three points on the night was a good indicator of the offense he brings.
Lance Mccloskey (D, R, 5’11”, 192, Vancouver Giants, 09/13/2007)
Game Rating
B
McCloskey showed solid skillset as a stay-at-home defenseman, consistently getting shots on net when presented with open lanes. His ability to generate second-chance opportunities for his forwards was notable, particularly in front of the net. While he may not be agile, his mobility allows him to participate more effectively in play.
1 Viewing
Comments: McCloskey scored a nice goal tonight simply getting his shot off and on net when the play demanded it. After picking up a rim on the yellow, McCloskey took a step into middle ice and let a shot go with traffic at the net. It somehow found its way through and ended up in the back of the net. Not the offensive minded play that usually comes from him but the simple and effective plays do. McCloskey is not going to beat multiple players at once but he does a good job at getting the puck on and off his stick quickly. Wether that be with a pass or a shot, he keeps his game simple and usually makes the smart play with the puck.
Joe Iginla (RW, R, 5’10”, 177, Vancouver Giants, 08/13/2008)
Game Rating
B+
Iginla’s playing style is characterized by his tenacity and ability to create scoring opportunities through physical battles for the puck and clever movement. He is well-rounded and demonstrated this with effective puck decisions in his own end, showcasing an off-the-wall approach that catches defenders off guard. Iginla’s skillset is complemented by his small but scrappy build, which allows him to navigate through tight spaces and exploit defensive weaknesses. He has the ability to control plays and manipulate defenders one-on-one, often resulting in solid individual efforts like last night’s goal. His defensive prowess is also notable, as he consistently tracks loose pucks and applies pressure.
1 Viewing
Comments: Iginla put himself in a great spot off the rush for his teams opening goal of the game. As the puck entered wide, his mid lane drive positioning was smart given that he had just enough time to catch a puck and get it off from his back foot. The goal itself was nice but it was where he got the puck that made the goal happen in the first place. It showed that he understands where the space is going to be and when to attack it. He also plays the game with pace. with and without the puck. He will hunt first on the forecheck and not afraid to throw his body around.
Ethan Mittelsteadt (D, L, 6’0″, 186, Vancouver Giants, 12/18/2005, Princeton)
Game Rating
B
Mittelsteadt showcased impressive playmaking skills with his hands and instincts, often dictating game outcomes through his puck movement. His ideal size and mobility allow him to effectively defend as well as contribute offense, making him a valuable two-way player. Defensively, he demonstrates intelligence and poise, eliminating chances through smart stick work and positioning. However, Mittelsteadt’s playing style can be somewhat one-dimensional at times, relying on his initial instincts rather than taking calculated risks. He tends to hold onto the puck too much, which limits his ability to consistently drive offense through transition. While he has good footwork and a strong ability to control pucks, developing more confidence in holding onto possession under pressure is crucial.
1 Viewing
Comments: Mittelsteadt was able to show tonight that he can be an active, two-way defenseman with strong a puck moving ability. He plays with a physical edge, consistently engaging opponents and using his body to separate them from the puck. Along the walls, he is effective at pinning and winning battles, while his defensive awareness helps limit second chance opportunities and protect the slot. In his game his main strengths are mostly in his defensive capabilities. He is not the biggest defender out there but he uses his size and reach to kill plays early through calculated aggressiveness as a rush defender and pincher.
Mathis Preston (C, R, 5’11”, 177, Vancouver Giants, 07/21/2008)
Game Rating
A-
Preston’s skills on ice are centered around his ability to generate scoring chances through relentless forechecking and exceptional stickhandling. He excels at controlling space with his feet, using quick first steps to outmaneuver opponents in tight spaces. His fluid skating ability allows him to maintain possession of the puck, making it difficult for defenders to dislodge him. In the slot, Preston’s ability to strip the puck from defenders and quickly release a powerful shot creates scoring opportunities. His agility and speed also enable him to burst into the neutral zone quickly, forcing defenders to adjust their positioning. These skills make him a valuable asset on offense.
1 Viewing
Comments: Preston scored an impressive goal at the flanker position on the power play where he was able to show his release and ability to pick corners. He showed tonight that he does not need a ton of time and space but when he has it, his shot is that much more accurate. One of the better aspects to this goal is how he was able to get his body around the puck without and stick handles and still get it off. It is a testament to his skaiting ability overall. His smooth skating combined with his hands allow him to hold on to pucks longer and stick handle in tight to his body. He is very deceptive with his movements and makes it hard for defenders to really predict what he wants to do with the puck.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images