Played on Mar 6, 2026
Game Played in Prospera Place
General Game Notes: Goaltender Burke Hood made 18 3rd period saves, 38 total, leading his team to a 4-3 overtime victory over the rather listless hometown Kelowna Rockets. Tobias Tomik scored the overtime winner while Joe Iginla, Kaleb Hartmann, and Colton Gerrior had single goals. The Rockets got goals from Tij Iginla, Ty Halaburda, and Vojtech Cihar.
Owen Hayden (D, L, 6’6″, 207, Kelowna Rockets, 01/09/2009)
Game Rating
B
Hayden is a physically imposing left-shot defenseman with sound mobility, allowing him to effectively slow down attacks through the neutral zone and in his own end. He relies on his long reach, physicality, and footwork to break up plays and recover pucks. While his primary role is defensive, Hayden has shown poise and makes clean outlet passes. He’s a reliable, stay-at-home option who can handle regular minutes in a thin defensive group. Hayden’s strength lies in his ability to defend the rush effectively, maintaining a reliable gap through the neutral zone. He excels at down-low coverage, using length, body positioning, and an active stick to shut down options. His puck skills are serviceable, but he can benefit from cleaner outlets. Overall, Hayden projects as a steady, defense-first presence who can eat minutes and defend reliably.
1 Viewing
Comments: Heyden is a physically imposing, left-shot stay-at-home defenseman who logged 12 minutes of ice time in this game and carries a 50% battle success rate on the season; he consistently plays the body, finishes checks in the defensive zone and uses his long wingspan to disrupt plays. He reads the neutral zone well, quickly getting on top of would be attackers to take away time and space, and is reliable with the puck-showing poise, patience and can generally make a clean first pass…as well as effective pre-scan work on retrievals. He competes hard on net-front scrums and doesn’t shy from physical confrontation with anyone. The primary area for growth is overall quickness and acceleration-adding speed would significantly elevate his effectiveness and upside.
Shane Smith (C, L, 6’1″, 202, Kelowna Rockets, 01/14/2005)
Game Rating
B+
Shane Smith is a dynamic forward with a strong skill set that makes him a valuable asset to his team. His ability to create scoring chances through his hands and puck protection is impressive, and he consistently showcases his speed and agility on the ice. On the physical side, Smith is a formidable presence in front of the net, using his strength and will to win battles for the puck. He also excels in faceoffs, winning over 50% of draws in recent games. Smith’s versatility is one of his greatest strengths, allowing him to play both wing and center positions with ease. His strong shot and ability to create plays on the power play make him a threat from anywhere on the ice. As a dependable two-way forward, Smith consistently competes every shift, displaying a reliable defensive awareness and positioning.
1 Viewing
Comments: Smith is a well-rounded forward who brings a strong offensive skill set – closing in on the 30-goal mark – and was impactful in this game with 21 minutes of ice time and an excellent 62% on faceoffs (season ~50%). A good skater with strong puck skills, he poses a real threat on the attack: he battles through traffic, can draw defenders and create for teammates, and is most dangerous when he adopts a shoot-first mentality thanks to a hard, accurate wrist shot. This outing was an anomaly in volume – just three shots versus his 7.0 season average – but his vision and playmaking show up regularly, earning him the late man on the power-play breakout and a role on the top power play unit; he’s also typically on one of the top two units on the penalty kill. Defensively he he needs commit more to play in a stop-and-start manner and posts a reasonable just-over-50% battle success on the season. A more consistent defensive mindset and sharper positioning would elevate him from very good offensive contributor to a true two-way centre.
Ryan Oothoudt (RW, R, 6’2″, 182, Kelowna Rockets, 02/09/2007, Air Force)
Game Rating
B
Oothoudt is a physical presence on the ice, showcasing good skating ability and top-end speed. He works hard on the right side and is effective in forechecking, engaging physically and displaying gritty determination in puck battles. While inconsistent in battle-success numbers, he consistently goes to the hard areas, demonstrating a willingness to contribute. In terms of offense, Oothoudt’s puck skills and on-ice awareness are solid, as seen in an assist where he drove to the middle and delivered a precise cross-ice feed. His playing style suggests potential as a dependable depth scorer if he can refine his board play.
1 Viewing
Comments: Oothoudt continues to provide a steady, reliable presence on the Rockets’ right side, giving the club important depth at the position; he brings the same consistent effort every shift—strong work ethic, quick to engage on the forecheck and willing to play physically to disrupt retrieving defensemen. He’s effective along the boards, able to protect the puck while scanning for outlets, and though an average skater overall he shows good top-end speed and would benefit from refinement to his skating mechanics. His battle win rate (≈45%) is below what you’d like for his projected role and represents an area for improvement. He logged 14:30 of ice time in this game (just above his 12:30 season average) and remains a noticeable, dependable contributor whenever he’s on the ice.
Hayden Paupanekis (C, R, 6’5″, 206, Kelowna Rockets, 02/04/2007)
Game Rating
B
Hayden Paupanekis is a big, energetic center who competes hard every shift. He brings a rare blend of size, physicality, and finesse to the ice, making him a valuable asset to any team. Paupanekis’s speed and puck skills allow him to create scoring chances in tight spaces, and his ability to finish hard on defenders creates space for his teammates. While he has some areas for improvement, such as refining his skating mechanics, Paupanekis projects as a hard-playing, multidimensional center who drives play with pace and competitiveness. He is a reliable defensive presence overall but can be inconsistent in the face-off circle. With continued refinement of his skills, especially in the defensive zone, Paupanekis has significant upside and can become a crucial player for his team.
1 Viewing
Comments: Paupanekis skated just over 16 minutes-right at his season average-and showed encouraging signs in the physical game, finishing puck battles at a rate slightly above his ~50% season mark; with his size and skill set that number should be higher, so improving technique in board work and leverage is an area for growth. He willingly engages on the forecheck and consistently drives the net, using good top-end speed, although refining skating mechanics would go a long way; when he commits he can blow by opponents and overpower them, but needs to sustain that effort more consistently. His hands are deceptively strong-slick in tight areas with reliable puck control and a capable shot-while defensively he would benefit from favouring reach, body positioning and gap management over hunting the big hit down low. Overall, a physically imposing, fast centre with good puck skills whose impact will rise if he tightens up battle technique and consistency.
Rowan Guest (D, L, 6’4″, 212, Kelowna Rockets, 01/31/2006)
Game Rating
B
Rowan Guest is a physically gifted defenseman who excels in his role as a defensive presence for the Rockets. He possesses size, wingspan, and confidence, allowing him to effectively move around the ice and clog lanes. While he may not be flashy, Guest is reliable and composed under pressure, making effective outlet passes and puck-movers when needed. His physical play is evident in net front scrums, where he consistently steps into pushback situations. Guest’s game is primarily defensive, but he has shown growth in carrying the puck through neutral ice with growing confidence. He benefits from focused work on skating mechanics to improve quickness and mobility. As an average skater, Guest relies on size, physicality, and steady decision-making to excel.
1 Viewing
Comments: Guest is a big, left-shot defenseman who has settled into a reliable, stay-at-home role, logging 22+ minutes in this game and handling five-on-five and top penalty-killing minutes quite well. Not the fastest skater, he still navigates the ice effectively and would benefit from improved skating mechanics to unlock more mobility; however, his physical game is a strength — he finishes checks, wins board battles (55% season battle success) and has grown more assertive in his pushback and defensive engagements. Off the puck he reads plays well and as a puck-mover he’s steady rather than flashy, routinely making a clean first pass to exit the zone; overall he projects as a dependable, minutes-eating defensive defenseman who can anchor a penalty kill and stabilize a backend.
Burke Hood (G, L, 6’3″, 203, Vancouver Giants, 04/30/2007)
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Comments: Hood delivered a calm, composed 38-save performance in a 4-3 OT win, coming up huge with 18 third-period saves to preserve the victory; he moves smoothly laterally, rarely looks frantic in tight traffic, and consistently works to the top of the crease to trust his positioning and make routine stops look easy. He limits rebounds and, when they do occur, battles effectively to control or smother loose pucks thanks to sound body positioning rather than sprawling and being out of position, and he showed the ability to make high-end saves (notably a post-to-post one-timer stop and a breakaway save, both in the third). He plays a steady, low-risk style and keeps his angles clean, though there was one goal he’d want back that went through him on his blocker side—overall a dependable sound netminder with good rebound control and strong situational composure.
Kaleb Hartmann (D, L, 5’11”, 201, Vancouver Giants, 06/06/2007)
Game Rating
B+
Hartmann, a reliable defenseman, brings dependable defensive play, penalty-killing value, and leadership-level minutes to his team. He excels in reading plays and using his feet to slow attackers, while also playing physically along the walls and cleaning up the front of his net. His puck handling skills allow him to help move the team forward with accurate first passes and skilled moves like a backhand ‘bump pass’ between his legs. Hartmann prefers to make simple plays with firm flat passes, but can jump into the attack as needed. He is effective in the defensive zone with hard hits and pins, making it difficult for opponents to reach the netfront. His steady presence on the ice makes him a valuable asset to his team.
1 Viewing
Comments: Hartmann is a steady, dependable defensive defenseman for the Giants who logged a team-high 25:30 minutes in this game, providing quiet but high-quality minutes over 200 feet; his game is built on hard, physical play and consistent finishing on the body (season battle success ~55%), sound—if unflashy—skating and mobility that allow him to cut off plays early and defend the rush effectively. He reads the defensive zone well, retrieves pucks reliably and moves the puck with composure, making him a trustworthy partner in his own end, along with being a key contributor on the top penalty killing unit. Offensively he stays engaged without forcing plays, showing smart blue-line rotations and timing his jumps into the attack—rewarded in this game with a beautiful toe-drag wrister goal to the top shelf—making him a low-risk, high-reward presence who stabilizes minutes and occasionally contributes offense.
Ryan Lin (D, R, 5’11”, 177, Vancouver Giants, 04/18/2008)
Game Rating
A-
Lin is a mobile and energetic right-shot defenseman who consistently impacts play with his high compete level. He excels as both an offensive and defensive player, showcasing sound defensive-zone positioning and reliability in the neutral zone. His excellent skating ability allows him to lead or join rushes effectively, while his puck skills are notable for precise tape-to-tape passing and vision. Lin is a dynamic defender who brings physicality and pro-style instincts to the ice. He competes hard in battles and uses his speed and smarts to outmaneuver opponents. His role on both power play and penalty kill units highlights his versatility and trust from coaching staff.
1 Viewing
Comments: Lin is a player with clear high-upside, mobile right-side defenseman for the Giants whose elite foot speed and quick reads drive play in all three zones; though not the biggest blueliner, he consistently wins puck retrievals with strong edges, quick spinoffs and sudden escapes to transport or outlet the puck out of danger. He shows mature decision-making — knowing when to move the puck vs. join the attack — and his vision and passing ability shorten the team’s defensive zone time while creating transition chances, and often jumping off the offensive blue line into seams to generate offense. Lin competes physically in front of the net and along the walls, pushes back in scrums and posted roughly 23 minutes in this game (second on the club), holds a ~55% battle success rate on the season, and is trusted on both the top power play and the penalty kill, making him a versatile, game-impacting defender with clear upside to develop into a top-pairing option.
Brett Olson (C, R, 6’2″, 191, Vancouver Giants, 02/24/2008)
Game Rating
B
Brett Olson is a skilled center who brings a high hockey IQ to the Giants’ lineup. He excels at reading plays quickly and making smart decisions on the ice, particularly in zone possession situations. Olson’s skating ability is noticeable, with sustained speed and decent top-end, although he could benefit from refining his acceleration. His puck skills are solid, and he displays value as a net-front presence on power play units. However, he sometimes struggles to make decisive plays under pressure and requires work on physical engagement and puck poise. A key area for improvement is adding quickness and urgency to his game.
1 Viewing
Comments: Olson is a 6’2′ right center who has a very good overall skillset and IQ with good top-end speed but would benefit from some improved mechanics and a quicker first step; he shows sound awareness at both ends and a very strong work ethic. He wins nearly 50% of puck battles this season A number that should improve as he matures physically, though his faceoff win rate (about 45%) is a clear area for development. Olson pursues the forecheck aggressively and finishes on the body, is reliable in the offensive zone, and competes physically net-front and in scrums. In this game, he had 20+ minutes in ice time, top three in the forward group. He is also a contributor on the top power-play unit. He isn’t flashy, but he is noticeable and consistently delivers dependable minutes and physical presence for the lineup.
Blake Chorney (LW, L, 6’0″, 194, Vancouver Giants, 05/13/2009)
Game Rating
B
Chorney presents himself as a dynamic forward with impressive pace and puck skills. He effectively utilizes his speed to pressure opponents on the forecheck, and demonstrates poise with the puck, making it difficult for defenders to gain possession. His ability to sustain high tempo shifts showcases his endurance and mobility. In various roles, including power-play time, Chorney displays versatility and competitiveness. Chorney is a promising young player with notable upside, offering a well-rounded skillset that includes carrying the puck through the neutral zone, driving attack, and creating separation. He is comfortable playing physical, pursuing puck battles, and executing special teams responsibilities effectively. While room for growth remains, Chorney’s multi-tool profile suggests he can contribute in various areas of the game.
1 Viewing
Comments: Chorney is a young, stocky, high-energy forward who brings consistent effort every shift – a relentless forechecker who pursues pucks and tracks hard back through the Neutral Zone. He skates well with good top-end speed and quick feet, uses a solid frame to play through traffic, and competes physically, delivering a dependable, grinding style over 200 feet. In this game he logged just over 12 minutes, slightly under his season average, but still provided the same dependable energy. Primary area for improvement is defensive-zone decision-making: simplifying his reads and playing a straighter, more direct line stop-and-start approach, react more to urgency will help him be more effective and positionally sound.
Colton Gerrior (C, R, 6’3″, 200, Vancouver Giants, 10/07/2008)
Game Rating
B
Gerrior showcases an intriguing blend of size, skating ability, and physicality, which he utilizes effectively in various game situations. He displays good top-end speed, sound edge work, and confidence on the walls, earning him power-play minutes and trust from coaching staff. His release and playmaking skill are notable, particularly when delivering precise passes to create scoring opportunities. However, there is room for improvement in Gerrior’s defensive technique, as his board-battle skills require refinement. Additionally, he could benefit from working on his overall quickness and attacking the net more consistently. Gerrior’s poise and puck control are impressive assets, allowing him to make plays in tight spaces and support his defense down low. While there are areas for growth, his promising young player status is backed by a strong combination of physicality, skating ability, and hard work.
1 Viewing
Comments: Gerrior, a 6’2′ right wing, projects as a high-upside power forward who showed clear scoring touch in this game – finding open ice to support the attack and delivering a quick release wrister that beat the goalie clean high blocker for his eighth goal of the season. He pairs size with good mobility, using effective edge work to be good in tight areas and cutting hard to the net, while showing a willingness to finish physically on the forecheck. He battles along the boards and competes hard in puck contests, though his success rate (around 40% this season) indicates room for technical improvement that should come with maturity as the willingness is there. Overall, he had 13+ minutes and ice time, offers a strong mix of net-front presence, quick shot release, and physicality that projects well at the next level.
Joe Iginla (RW, R, 5’10”, 177, Vancouver Giants, 08/13/2008)
Game Rating
B+
Iginla is a well-rounded right winger with strong skating ability, reliable puck skills, and a physical presence that allows him to make an impact in the corners. He has good composure in tight spaces and can make plays with the puck, showcasing poise and control. On the power play, he excels as a net-front presence, shooter, or on the flank, demonstrating his ability to find open space. In the defensive zone, Iginla handles traffic effectively, protecting the puck along the walls, and finds open teammates with ease. However, areas for improvement include increasing tempo and engagement, which can sometimes lead to playing at a controlled speed. With stronger body positioning, leverage, and hand placement, his puck-battle success could be boosted.
1 Viewing
Comments: Iginla is a competitive forward who showed some tenacity, despite a modest 5’10’ frame, consistently plays through traffic and competes hard along the walls and in front of the net; in this game he logged nearly 15 minutes, showed more consistent effort and pace to his game, and played on the Giants’ top power-play unit. He skates well with quick feet and bursts of acceleration when engaged. He pairs that with good hands and tight-space playmaking-highlighted by a slick toe-drag to dangle a defender then a quick, hard wrister that beat the goalie top glove. He’s physical and willing to finish checks works in traffic but, his sub-40% puck battle win rate on the season is a clear deficiency-improving lower-body positioning and leverage in board battles would elevate his effectiveness and puck-retention in heavy traffic.
Mathis Preston (C, R, 5’11”, 177, Vancouver Giants, 07/21/2008)
Game Rating
B+
Preston is a skilled right wing with impressive speed and agility, making him a threat on the rush and in transition. He consistently uses his quickness to create space and finish chances, displaying excellent puck skills and vision. His shot release is particularly notable, featuring a quick and heavy release that allows him to capitalize on scoring opportunities. Preston’s skating ability and hand-eye coordination allow him to excel both with and without the puck. He is effective in retrieving pucks off boards and creating space through tight channels, showcasing his overall hockey IQ. While he has moments of hesitation, Preston’s poise and composure under pressure are evident when handling the puck.
1 Viewing
Comments: Preston is a multi-tool forward with clear pro-level upside: an excellent skater with top-end speed and quick, explosive crossovers that let him attack the net and navigate tight spaces using strong edges; his quick feet pair with very quick hands and advanced puck skills, and he showcases a pro-caliber release that he uses both on the attack and as an effective one-timer. He brings physicality and competitive bite-aggressive on the forecheck, reliable on the backcheck, and willing to finish along the walls in all three zones. In this game he logged 21+ minutes (second among forwards for the Giants), played hard, relentlessly pursued pucks, and was a driving force on the top power-play unit.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images