Game played on 10/23/2024.
General Game Notes: Victoria came into Kelowna looking for revenge off a previous nights loss in Kamloops. It was a tight game that was decided in the second period by excellent goaltending from Victoria’s Jayden Kraus turning away 18 shots, many of those difficult. Victoria tied the game late on a goal by Cole Reschny and subsequently won it in the shootout. Scout: Bill Maguire
Marek Rocak (D, R, 5’11”, 182, Kelowna Rockets, 05/31/2005)
Grade: B+
Comments: Rocak is a very steady defender that can play at both ends. He is not very big but is a very good skater that is mobile and solid on his feet that goes into battles many times being successful. He has a heavy stick to compliment his battle ability. He has very good puckskills that can carry the puck out of trouble and lead a rush if need be but, his priority is to move pucks. He is relied upon on PP2 and PK1.
Owen Folstrom (RW, R, 6’0″, 176, Kelowna Rockets, 03/21/2008)
Grade: B
Comments: For a young player (08) Folstrom does not hesitate to battle in the tough areas, both wall and netfront. He skates very well has good quickness, and uses it effectively to get in on the FC and finish on the body. He displayed some offensive ability on the attack by using his speed either to the outside or beating D to the inside. His release is quick and there is some heaviness to his shot. He is aware defensively and is dependable in the DZ.
Ethan Mittelsteadt (D, L, 6’0″, 188, Kelowna Rockets, 12/18/2005)
Grade: B+
Comments: Mittelsteadt is a very intriguing player as he brings a very evident element of toughness and grit to every game he plays. He battles on the walls and in front of his own net with clear intent. Couple this with sneaky good skills make him someone to watch. He skates very well and is mobile while making sound decisions with the puck with a move it first mentality. He is utilized on both the PP and PK.
Andrew Cristall (LW, L, 5’10”, 175, Kelowna Rockets, 02/04/2005)
Grade: A
Comments: Cristall is playing at another level. His work ethic is improved and he uses it very effectively when he doesn’t have the puck trying to get it back. When he has it his puck skills and deception are elite as defenders are hesitant to take away space quickly on him because of his ability to beat them in many different ways. He makes plays that you think cannot be made or are not there. He controls the game when he is on the ice when he has the puck with his poise and is very slick when it comes to finding open space and being elusive.
Jayden Kraus (G, R, 6’2″, 202, Victoria Royals, 11/18/2006)
Grade: A-
Comments: Kraus was very impressive on this night. He kept his team in the game in the 2nd period as he had 18 shots, many difficult saves, only allowing one goal which came off a breakaway. After making the first save, there were very few loose pucks in tight, and if there were he was always in position to make the second and third saves. He covers the bottom of the net very well with very quick legs and does not make unnecessary movements.
Brayden Boehm (RW, L, 5’11”, 182, Victoria Royals, 01/15/2004)
Grade: B+
Comments: Boehm is an excellent compliment to Reschny as he brings very good speed, puck handling ability, poise with the puck and toughness. He’s a LS playing the right and was very effective on this side due to his speed. He caused a lot of problems for Kelown’s D on the attack as he could beat them outside or delay and make plays. He was first on the FC many times and finished with contact regularly. His poise with the puck was on display many times such as on an attack turn back delay creating a 2v1 for his linemates. He showed no hesitation challenging Graham and engaging in a altercation with him as he took a run at Verhoeff.
Cole Reschny (C, L, 5’11”, 183, Victoria Royals, 04/04/2007)
Grade: A-
Comments: Reschny’s elite game is truly multifaceted. He is a very strong, stable skater that is able to withstand contact and challenges for a puck he possesses with ease and still make a play. He is fast and is able to maintain that high speed without striding by using his edges effectively. His vision and ability to make plays is elite as he prescans and always carries with his head up thus doors don’t close on him because he is always in a position to pass. He is not large but continues to show his willingness to go to the paint and it paid off in a goal for him. His quick release was on clear display on his shootout goal.
Keaton Verhoeff (D, R, 6’4″, 207, Victoria Royals, 06/19/2008)
Grade: A-
Comments: Verhoeff is an elite player now. He continues to get better as his confidence grows even more. His poise with the puck in all zones is very impressive, this has been elevated in the offensive zone. In addition to being used extensively in all situations he was a force in 3v3 OT. He played against Kelowna’s top line of Iginla, Graham and Cristall all night and needless to say was very steady. He was able handle the physical game presented to him by Graham with ease as it had no effect on puck retrievals or still making poised patient plays with the puck.
Teydon Trembecky (LW, L, 5’11”, 182, Victoria Royals, 04/28/2005)
Grade: B+
Comments: Trembecky is another player that is an excellent compliment to the Reschny line. He has excellent top end speed and very good puckskills to compliment allowing him to make plays at high speed off the attack. He works extremely hard, using this determination on puck battles on the wall and will without hesitation take pucks to the tough areas.
Reggie Newman (RW, R, 6’2″, 197, Victoria Royals, 06/08/2005)
Grade: B+
Comments: Newman continues to impress with speed and smooth skating ability for a big body (6’2′). He understands what he brings to the game as he causes big problems for the opposition using his speed getting in on the FC and finishing hard, being difficult to move netfront (top PP unit) along with protecting and winning pucks on the wall. He does not show elite offensive numbers but he brings a coveted skillset.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images