Game played 9/27/2024.
General Game Notes: In a tightly contested game, Victoria edged Kelowna 2-1 in a low-scoring affair. Both teams played a disciplined, defensive style, limiting high-quality scoring chances throughout the game. Victoria capitalized on key opportunities, scoring both goals in the second period, while Kelowna managed to get on the board late but couldn’t find the equalizer. Solid goaltending from both sides kept the score close, but Victoria’s ability to convert on their chances proved to be the difference. Scout; Bill Maguire
Jackson Gillespie (D, R, 5’11”, 182, Kelowna Rockets, 02/26/2007)
Grade: B
Comments: Not a big player by any means but reminded me of Ryan Ellis. Right shot, not very big but moves well and makes simple plays. He was steady defensively with good body position both in DZ and NZ to get in peoples way. He could pin players on the wall and move pucks effectively. He was not by any means physical or offensive, just steady/reliable. He had a primary assist on their goal with a shot/pass from the point by getting off the wall and getting the shot through.
Kalder Varga (RW, R, 5’11”, 172, Kelowna Rockets, 06/24/2008)
Grade: B+
Comments: Varga was noticeable with his quickness and speed along with an ability to make plays with speed. He is young and small in staure but was willing to get on the wall and compete for pucks. He absolutely has the upside to be offensive threat in the league both as a distributor and a scorer as his puck skills were excellent and he can shoot.
Cole Reschny (C, L, 5’11”, 183, Victoria Royals, 04/04/2007)
Grade: B+
Comments: Reschny was very noticeable throughout the game. He is a confident player that shows a lot of poise with the puck in an attempt to make plays. He has good speed and uses it very well off the attack both 5v5 and on the PP, which he is on the top unit. For a smaller player he is willing to compete on the wall for pucks and can protect it as well. In general he has excellent instincts for the game.
Jerrett Ross (D, L, 6’0″, 155, Victoria Royals, 06/06/2007)
Grade: B-
Comments: Ross moves well but it did not translate into him being able to defend the 1v1 consistently in his own end. He used his mobility well in the NZ as he was up in the play in an attempt to stall attacks. He handles the puck well and was good with his first pass. He has the ability to be a steady defender for sure because he has good fundamentals but he needs more time.
Wyatt Danyleyko (C, L, 6’2″, 177, Victoria Royals, 07/24/2007)
Grade: B
Comments: Danyleyko is a very reliable two way player, as he was Okanagan HA. He is sound in his own end as he moves very well with the ability to process the game well in both ends. Overall a little hesitant at this point, he was not on the ice for PK one or two but he should evolve quickly as someone who thrives this role very soon.
Keaton Verhoeff (D, R, 6’4″, 207, Victoria Royals, 06/19/2008)
Grade: A-
Comments: Verhoeff is already a very noticeable player as he big, mobile, handles the puck well and is used in all situations. His upside is tremendous. He is an excellent skater that is very willing to either lead the attack or jump in. His puck skills are excellent and makes good decisions with it. He uses his body well in the DZ with quality contain skills on the wall. The coaches trust is very high already as he was also used on his wrong side and was on the ice in the last minute of a one goal game.
Reggie Newman (RW, R, 6’2″, 197, Victoria Royals, 06/08/2005)
Grade: B+
Comments: Newman was very noticeable as he did many things well. He is a big body that is a very good skater and has a willingness to use his big frame both along the walls and being a presence net-front. His pucks kills are also quite adequate. He is an excellent compliment for Reschny.
Caleb Matthews (RW, R, 6’2″, 174, Victoria Royals, 06/04/2007)
Grade: B-
Comments: Matthews has an average first step and speed. He is good on the wall and is willing to go to the net but need to do this with more regularity. His DZ awareness was quite good but didn’t really do much overall to be noticeable.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images