The 2004s.
Kyle Chyzowski (C, L, 5’10”, 170, Portland Winterhawks, 08/16/2004)
Comments: Kyle Chyzowski is a high-energy, two-way center who combines relentless work ethic with strong hockey sense. He plays a smart, gritty game, excelling wall battles and frustrating opponents with his in-your-face forechecking and well-timed backchecking. Chyzowski plays with constant pace and effort, often leading by example with his ability to push the tempo and maintain pressure in all three zones. Defensively, Chyzowski positions himself well, using an extended stick to disrupt passing lanes without compromising balance. His skating features a quick first step and good overall speed, allowing him to cover ground effectively. Offensively, Chyzowski’s vision and anticipation enable him to create scoring chances, often finding opportunities in tight spaces thanks to his shiftiness and quick hands. However, his passing completion rate (82%) and puck management (7 giveaways per game) need improvement for him to be effective at the next level. Chyzowski takes more hard body checks than is ideal (1.13 per game), but his balance and willingness to battle through contact make him surprisingly effective in puck battles. That said, he must add strength and improve his explosiveness to consistently impact the game at higher levels. Role on Current Team Chyzowski is a top-six forward for Portland, logging significant ice time (22:37 per game) and playing in all situations, including extensive power-play time (4:23 per game) and penalty kill duties (1:52 per game). His coaches trust him to bring energy, reliability, and leadership to every situation. Strengths Work Ethic and Energy: Chyzowski plays every shift at a high pace, staying in constant motion and keeping himself involved in the play. Defensive Awareness: His smart positioning and use of an active stick make him effective in disrupting opponents’ plays. Puck Battle Competitiveness: Despite his size, Chyzowski’s balance and grit allow him to win battles and remain effective below the tops of the circles. Hands in Tight: He has crafty hands and the ability to create chances in close quarters, whether along the boards or around the net. Offensive Instincts: Chyzowski reads the play well and anticipates opportunities, enabling him to be a scoring threat even without elite size or strength. Weaknesses First-Step Explosiveness: While his overall speed is strong, Chyzowski’s first step need improvement to escape pressure and create separation, especially in the neutral zone. Passing and Puck Management: An 82% passing completion rate and seven giveaways per game highlight the need for better decision-making and puck management. Size and Durability: At 5’10’, 170 lbs, Chyzowski takes too many hard body checks (1.13 per game), which could limit his effectiveness and durability over a full professional season. Shot Blocking Efficiency: With 1.25 of his shots blocked per game, Chyzowski needs to find ways to get more pucks through to the net consistently. NCAA Benefits for Development Transitioning to the NCAA after his time in the CHL would provide Chyzowski with a structured environment to refine his game and maximize his potential: Strength and Conditioning: The NCAA schedule allows for more off-ice training, giving Chyzowski the opportunity to build strength and explosiveness, helping him win battles and withstand physical play. Pace of Play and Skill Refinement: More practice time relative to games will help Chyzowski focus on improving his first-step explosiveness, puck management, and passing accuracy. Tactical Growth: Facing older, stronger players in the NCAA will challenge Chyzowski to adjust his game and refine his decision-making under pressure. Time to Mature: The NCAA provides a longer development runway, allowing Chyzowski to address his weaknesses and grow physically and mentally before transitioning to professional hockey. Projection Chyzowski projects as a versatile depth forward at the professional level, with the potential to carve out a role as an energy-line player who contributes on the penalty kill. His relentless work ethic, defensive awareness, and offensive instincts provide a strong foundation, but improving his explosiveness, puck management, and passing consistency will be critical. The NCAA path offers the best opportunity for Chyzowski to develop these areas and prepare for the demands of professional hockey.
Tyson Jugnauth (D, L, 5’11”, 160, Portland Winterhawks, 04/17/2004)
Comments: Tyson Jugnauth is an offensively gifted, two-way defenseman who combines a high hockey IQ, elite skating ability, and elite confidence. His game is defined by his ability to manipulate pace, feint with body language, and make deceptive plays that leave opponents guessing. Jugnauth’s skating allows him to create separation from forecheckers, giving him the time and space to execute clean exits through a well-timed first pass or by carrying the puck himself. Defensively, Jugnauth demonstrates strong positional awareness and commitment to details. He blocks shots, clears shooting lanes, and is unafraid to make the simple, safe play to alleviate pressure. While not overly physical, he competes hard in battles and is effective at recovering loose pucks. Offensively, Jugnauth is dynamic. He excels at joining the rush, making plays in transition, and utilizing deceptive moves at the blue line to create shooting opportunities. His ability to get pucks through traffic and onto the net consistently sets him apart from his peers. Role on Current Team Jugnauth is a top-pairing defenseman for Portland, logging heavy minutes (26:59 per game) in all situations. His significant power-play time (4:40 per game) underscores his value as a primary offensive driver from the back end, while his penalty-kill minutes (2:31 per game) reflect his versatility and reliability. His ability to contribute in transition and sustain offensive pressure makes him a critical piece for his team’s success. Strengths Offensive IQ and Creativity: Jugnauth’s ability to manipulate opponents and create offensive opportunities, whether through passes or deceptive moves at the blue line, is top tier. Skating and Mobility: His smooth, agile skating allows him to escape forecheckers, maintain gaps defensively, and lead rushes offensively. First Pass and Puck Control: His breakout ability, driven by accurate first passes and puck-carrying confidence, limits defensive zone time and enables clean transitions. Shooting Ability: Jugnauth gets pucks through traffic with a quick release and effective shot placement. Commitment to Details: Willingness to block shots, clear lanes, and make simple plays under pressure demonstrates a complete understanding of his defensive responsibilities. Weaknesses Shots Blocked: Averaging 1.81 shots blocked per game is too high for a defenseman with his offensive skillset. Physicality: While solid in puck battles (winning 60% of 50/50s), Jugnauth does not consistently use his size to play a more physical game, which could limit his effectiveness against larger opponents at higher levels. Turnover Rate: With six giveaways per game, Jugnauth can improve his decision-making in high-pressure situations to minimize costly turnovers in the grey areas. NCAA Benefits for Development The NCAA offers an ideal developmental pathway for Jugnauth, providing a structured environment to address his weaknesses while building upon his strengths: Strength and Conditioning: The collegiate schedule emphasizes off-ice strength development, allowing Jugnauth to add muscle and power to his game, making him more effective in puck battles and defensive coverage. Pace of Play Refinement: With a higher practice-to-game ratio, Jugnauth can work on fine-tuning his decision-making under pressure. Skill Development: The NCAA’s emphasis on skill progression will help Jugnauth continue to develop his ability to create offense from the blue line and further improve his defensive habits. Time to Mature: Facing older, physically mature players in the NCAA will better prepare Jugnauth for the physical challenges of professional hockey. Projection Jugnauth projects as an offensive-minded defenseman at the professional level, with the potential to quarterback a power play. His skating, puck skills, and hockey IQ are already at a high level, but he needs to add strength, reduce his number of shots blocked, and improve his decision-making under duress. By choosing the NCAA path, Jugnauth would maximize his developmental timeline, addressing these areas in a controlled environment and positioning himself for long-term success in the NHL.
Ryder Thompson (D, L, 5’11”, 176, Portland Winterhawks, 06/18/2004)
Comments: Ryder Thompson is a smooth-skating, versatile defenseman with strong hockey sense and the ability to play effectively in all three zones. His game is built on his ability to read and process plays quickly, retrieve pucks under pressure, and make calm, confident decisions in all zones. Thompson’s defensive zone exits are clean and deliberate, showcasing his vision and poise. His ability to draw forecheckers toward him before finding an outlet pass underlines his intelligence and composure. Defensively, Thompson can make plays in tight spaces, using his strength to battle effectively in the corners and in front of the net. While not overly flashy, he consistently makes the correct play, contributing positively to his team’s overall tempo and structure. Offensively, his game is understated; he can make a hard flat first pass and occasionally jump into the rush but is not a primary driver of offense. His heavy slap shot is a weapon, though he struggles to consistently find shooting lanes. Thompson’s gap control is strong, and he angles opposing forwards effectively on the rush. However, his lack of explosiveness and lateral agility can leave him vulnerable to faster, more dynamic skaters. His ability to think the game and anticipate plays compensates for some of these deficiencies, but continued development in his mobility will be critical as he advances to higher levels. Role on Current Team Thompson is a top-pairing defenseman for Portland, averaging over 24 minutes of ice time per game. He plays a key role on the penalty kill (2:57 per game) and is trusted with secondary power-play time (1:22 per game). His defensive reliability and ability to transition the puck effectively make him an indispensable part of his team’s success, though his offensive contributions remain secondary. Strengths Hockey IQ and Poise: Thompson demonstrates excellent anticipation and calmness under pressure. His ability to draw in forecheckers and make the correct play consistently is consistent. Defensive Zone Retrievals: His retrievals are smooth and efficient, allowing him to maintain possession and execute clean breakouts. Physicality and Compete: Thompson battles hard in tight areas, wins 58% of his 50/50 puck battles, and consistently closes gaps effectively. Passing Accuracy: Completing 90% of his passes highlights his ability to move the puck efficiently and jump-start his team’s transition game. Positioning and Gap Control: He maintains good positioning, closes lanes effectively, and angles opposing forwards to the boards off the rush. Weaknesses Explosiveness and Edge Agility: Thompson’s lack of explosiveness and edge work can leave him exposed against faster, more dynamic skaters. Offensive Ceiling: While he has a heavy shot and can make a strong first pass, he lacks creativity and doesn’t consistently produce offense. Turnovers: His seven giveaways per game are high for a defenseman who plays with his level of poise, indicating occasional lapses under pressure. Shots Blocked: Averaging 1.09 shots blocked per game is higher than ideal for a player with his skill set. NCAA Benefits for Development The NCAA offers Ryder Thompson an ideal platform to address his weaknesses while refining his strengths: Strength and Conditioning: The collegiate schedule provides additional time for off-ice training and development, allowing Thompson to build explosiveness and improve his edge work, which will enhance his ability to defend against faster opponents. Practice-to-Game Ratio: More practice time will help Thompson refine his puck management, reduce turnovers, and develop better offensive instincts. Defensive Refinement: Facing older, stronger competition in the NCAA will push Thompson to continue improving his physicality and positioning, preparing him for professional hockey. Skill Progression: The NCAA environment emphasizes individual skill development, providing Thompson with opportunities to improve his offensive creativity and ability to find shooting lanes. Projection Thompson projects as a depth defenseman at the professional level, with the ability to play in all situations. His hockey IQ, defensive reliability, and ability to transition the puck effectively make him a valuable asset. To maximize his potential, Thompson must address his mobility issues and work to expand his offensive contributions. The NCAA’s developmental structure offers him the best opportunity to make these adjustments and prepare for a successful transition to a professional career.
Daniel Hauser (G, L, 5’10”, 165, Wenatchee Wild, 01/29/2004, Wisconsin)
Comments: Daniel Hauser is a poised and technically sound goaltender whose game is built on confidence, efficiency, and rebound control. He thrives under pressure, tracking pucks effectively through traffic and maintaining positioning through contact, which minimizes unnecessary movement and keeps him composed during high-tempo sequences. His rebound control is a standout skill, as he consistently directs pucks into low-risk areas with his pads and blocker while catching pucks cleanly with his glove. Hauser’s quick lateral mobility and explosive inside edge thrust allow him to move efficiently across the crease, giving him the ability to respond to cross-ice plays and recover when the puck changes direction. However, his tendency to drop into the butterfly stance early can expose the upper portion of the net, especially given his smaller frame (5’11’, 165 lbs). While his tracking ability minimizes high-slot downhill tip styled goals, his compact stance on lateral slides sometimes leaves him vulnerable to well-placed shots to the top third of the net on royal road passing plays. In addition, Hauser’s puck-handling requires refinement, particularly in leaving the puck in better positions for his defensemen. Despite this, his overall skill set and demeanor make him a reliable last line of defense for his team. Role on Current Team Hauser is the starter for Wenatchee, playing a critical role in maintaining team structure and bailing out defensive lapses. His consistent play and ability to manage high-pressure situations make him a calming presence in net, providing his team with the confidence to push offensively. Strengths Rebound Control: Hauser consistently redirects pucks into safe areas, limiting second-chance opportunities. His ability to track pucks through traffic ensures clean recoveries and minimal chaos in the crease. Lateral Mobility: His quick lateral pushes and inside edge thrusts allow him to respond quickly to cross-crease plays and maintain solid positioning. Composure and Poise: Whether facing high-pressure scenarios or routine saves, Hauser exudes confidence and calm, never appearing rattled. Tracking Ability: He excels at tracking pucks through traffic and remains square to the shooter, minimizing his exposure to quick passing plays or tips. Weaknesses Size and Butterfly Tendencies: At 5’11’, Hauser’s smaller frame leaves him vulnerable to shots targeting the upper portion of the net, particularly when he drops into the butterfly early. Lateral Compactness: While his lateral mobility is strong, his tendency to become compact and too low on royal road passes can open up the upper part of the net. Puck Handling: Hauser needs to improve his passing and decision-making when playing the puck, ensuring it’s placed in safe spots for his defensemen to start transition. NCAA Benefits for Development Transitioning to the NCAA after playing in the CHL would provide Hauser with the ideal developmental environment to enhance his weaknesses and refine his strengths: Strength and Conditioning: With more time for off-ice strength and agility training, Hauser can work on adding strength and explosiveness to better manage his compact stance and maintain balance during lateral movements. Practice-to-Game Ratio: The NCAA’s higher practice ratio allows for intensive work on technical aspects like puck handling, rebound control, and tracking pucks during rapid lateral plays. Competition Against Older Players: Facing more mature, physically developed shooters will push Hauser to adapt to challenging offensive strategies and continue to develop his upper-net coverage. Projection Hauser projects as a steady depth goaltender at the professional level, with the potential to grow into a1B role if he can improve his puck handling and manage his butterfly stance effectively. His strong rebound control, composure, and ability to track pucks provide a solid foundation, but addressing his vulnerabilities in high-pressure lateral plays and optimizing his use of size will be critical. The NCAA path offers Hauser the structured time and resources necessary to make these adjustments and prepare for an opportunity in professional hockey.
Evan Friesen (C, L, 5’11”, 191, Wenatchee Wild, 08/24/2004)
Comments: Evan Friesen is the hard-nosed, north-south Captain of Wenatchee who plays a responsible 200-foot game with a high compete level. His powerful stride, physicality, and puck protection abilities make him tough to play against below the face-off dots in the offensive zone, where he excels at grinding along the boards and driving the puck to the net. Friesen’s quick release and ability to elevate pucks in tight give him a scoring edge, particularly on second-chance opportunities. He processes the game well, keeping his head on a swivel and demonstrating a purposeful, calculated approach to his offensive game. Defensively, Friesen is a committed player who gets into shooting lanes on the penalty kill and isn’t afraid to absorb contact to make defensive zone clearing plays. His willingness to finish checks and engage physically makes him a sandpaper type opponent in all areas of the ice. However, his overall mobility and quickness are areas of concern, as he struggles to generate separation on the rush and often defers to teammates for transition plays. Friesen’s faceoff percentage (49%) and passing accuracy (84%) highlight areas for improvement, especially if he is to take on a more significant role as a center or contribute as a power-play option at higher levels. Despite these limitations, his work ethic and physical style make him a valuable presence on the ice. Role on Current Team Friesen is a versatile forward for Wenatchee, logging significant minutes (19:50 per game) in both special teams roles. His 3:58 power-play time highlights his ability to contribute offensively, while his 2:57 penalty-kill time reflects his coaches’ trust in his defensive details. Friesen serves as a steady presence, capable of playing against opposing top lines and providing physicality and secondary scoring. Strengths Puck Protection and Net-Front Play: Friesen uses his balance and strength effectively to protect the puck along the boards, drive the net, and create scoring chances in tight. Compete Level: He plays a gritty, high-effort game, consistently finishing checks and battling hard in all areas of the ice. Shot and Release: Friesen’s quick and smooth release, combined with his ability to elevate the puck in tight, makes him a threat in the low slot. Defensive Commitment: He is willing to block shots, take hits to make plays, and grind out defensive-zone shifts, particularly on the penalty kill. Hockey IQ: Friesen plays with a plan, showing awareness and purpose in his positioning and decision-making. Weaknesses Mobility and Quickness: Friesen’s lack of explosiveness limits his ability to create separation in transition, and his foot speed needs improvement for him to keep up at higher levels. Faceoffs: Winning only 49% of his faceoffs is below the threshold for a defensive center, particularly one playing a middle-six role. Passing Consistency: His passing accuracy (84%) and overall puck distribution lack the precision necessary for a primary power-play role at higher levels. Puck Battle Efficiency: Winning only 46% of 50/50 puck battles highlights a need for improved strength and conditioning in contested situations. Turnovers: His 5.5 giveaways per game are too high for a center who is expected to be a reliable presence in all zones. NCAA Benefits for Development The NCAA offers an ideal developmental pathway for Friesen, allowing him to address his mobility and consistency issues while continuing to refine his strengths: Strength and Conditioning: The NCAA schedule’s emphasis on off-ice training will enable Friesen to build explosiveness and agility, making him more effective on the ice in transition and puck battles. Practice-to-Game Ratio: More practice time will help Friesen refine his puck management, passing accuracy, and faceoff technique. Skill Development: The collegiate environment will give Friesen the chance to improve his offensive consistency and playmaking ability, allowing him to become a more complete player. Maturity and Confidence: Facing older, more physically developed players will challenge Friesen to adapt to a more hectic pace and higher physicality, preparing him for professional competition. Projection Friesen projects as a depth energy-line center at the professional level, with the potential to become a middle-six contributor if he can improve his explosiveness, faceoff ability, and puck management. His physicality, work ethic, leadership and net-front presence give him a strong foundation for a depth role, while his hockey IQ and defensive reliability provide additional versatility. By leveraging the NCAA’s development opportunities, Friesen can build the tools needed to succeed at higher levels and maximize his professional potential.
Kenta Isogai (LW, L, 5’9″, 175, Wenatchee Wild, 08/28/2004)
Comments: Kenta Isogai is a high-motor forward whose game is built on speed, effort, and relentless puck pursuit. Despite being undersized, Isogai consistently finds ways to impact the game through intelligent play, quick decision-making, and an unwavering willingness to engage in tough areas of the ice. He thrives in high-tempo situations, demonstrating the ability to maintain his skill set at full speed, whether it’s making sharp passes, creating space, or generating scoring chances in tight quarters. Isogai’s ability to read and anticipate plays is evident on the penalty kill, where his active stick, quick feet, and understanding of angles force turnovers and create shorthanded opportunities. Offensively, he excels in transition, utilizing his burst and agility to separate through the neutral zone and attack defensive structures with confidence. He is fearless around the net, often driving hard to the paint despite his size and consistently winning body positioning against larger opponents. While his quick release and passing accuracy make him a dual threat in the offensive zone, Isogai’s lack of strength on his edges and stick prevents him from consistently maintaining possession in scrums and heavy traffic areas. Improving his physical strength and balance will be critical for his long-term success, especially as a smaller forward at the professional level. Role on Current Team Isogai plays a top-six role for Wenatchee, contributing heavily on both the power play (4:27 per game) and penalty kill (2:29 per game). He serves as a spark plug for his team, driving offense and disrupting opponents with his high-energy style. Averaging 20:19 of ice time per game, Isogai is trusted to contribute in all situations. Strengths Speed and Agility: Isogai’s quick feet, burst, and ability to maintain control at top speed make him a threat in transition. Hockey IQ and Playmaking: His ability to process plays, create space, and make passes at full speed demonstrates offensive awareness that translates to higher levels. Defensive Awareness: Particularly effective on the penalty kill, Isogai reads plays well, pressures pucks intelligently to his opponent’s backhand, and transitions quickly to offense. Fearlessness and Compete Level: Despite his size, Isogai consistently attacks the net, engages in puck battles, and positions himself effectively in high-traffic areas. Special Teams Versatility: Contributes effectively on both power play and penalty kill units, showcasing his adaptability and reliability. Weaknesses Size and Strength: At 5’9″, 175 lbs, Isogai struggles to consistently win puck battles (48%) and is often knocked off the puck in heavy traffic. This is a real concern playing against heavier stronger opponents at higher levels. Shot Blocking: His 1.89 blocked shots per game is too high for an undersized offensive forward. This is number that will limit power play opportunities and offensive zone face-offs on deeper more skilled teams at higher levels. Passing Consistency: While he completes 88% of his passes, professional standards demand 90% or higher, especially for a player expected to contribute offensively. Turnovers: His seven giveaways per game highlight a need for improved puck management. NCAA Benefits for Development The NCAA offers an ideal environment for Isogai to develop his game and address his physical and technical limitations: Strength and Conditioning: The collegiate schedule prioritizes off-ice strength training, allowing Isogai to build the strength, power and balance needed to win puck battles and maintain possession in tough areas. Skill Refinement: The higher practice-to-game ratio will help Isogai improve his passing consistency, puck security, and offensive precision. Tactical Growth: Competing against older, stronger players will force Isogai to adapt his game and develop patterns to overcome his size disadvantage. Controlled Development Timeline: The NCAA provides the time and structure necessary for Isogai to mature physically and mentally while continuing to build on his game. Projection Isogai projects as an energy-line forward with the potential to develop into a valuable penalty killer if he can improve his strength, balance and puck management. His speed, effort, and playmaking ability make him a dynamic presence, but his size and physical limitations need to be addressed for him to succeed at the professional level. Opting for the extended NCAA path will maximize his development timeline, giving him the tools and time to refine his game and prepare for the rigors of pro hockey.
Brayden Crampton (D, R, 6’0″, 175, Spokane Chiefs, 05/02/2004, Bowling Green)
Comments: Brayden Crampton is a steady, two-way defenseman who combines above average mobility, strong puck-moving abilities, and quick game processing. His ability to read the game and make smart decisions is a key factor in his success at both ends of the ice. Crampton’s skating allows him to cover ground efficiently, whether defending rushes or joining the offensive attack. He demonstrates strong situational awareness, knowing when to engage offensively and when to retreat to maintain defensive structure. Crampton’s physicality adds an additional dimension to his game. He is willing to step up in the neutral zone or along the boards to deliver timely hits, disrupting opposing attacks. His coaches trust him in all situations, as evidenced by his heavy ice time (25:21 per game) and key roles on both the power play (3:19 per game) and penalty kill (3:02 per game). Offensively, Crampton is a reliable distributor who completes 90% of his passes and demonstrates solid puck anticipation, winning 5.2 races for loose pucks per game. However, his 2.4 blocked shot attempts per game highlight a need to find shooting lanes more effectively to maximize his offensive contributions. Defensively, his ability to win 59% of his puck battles and generate 12 takeaways per game reflects his strong compete level and understanding of leverage. Role on Current Team Crampton is Spokane’s top-pairing defenseman, logging heavy minutes in all situations. His role includes quarterbacking the top power-play unit and anchoring the penalty kill. His versatility and steady presence make him a critical component of his team’s success. Strengths Skating and Mobility: Crampton moves fluidly across the ice, allowing him to maintain gaps defensively and transition the puck quickly up the ice. Puck Movement and Distribution: Completing 90% of his passes shows his ability to move the puck effectively and initiate offensive plays. Hockey IQ and Awareness: Demonstrates excellent situational awareness, knowing when to jump into the attack and when to prioritize defense. Physicality and Compete Level: His willingness to deliver open-ice hits and battle hard along the boards adds a physical edge to his game. Loose Puck Retrievals: His ability to win races for loose pucks (5.2 per game) highlights his anticipation and ability to maintain possession. Weaknesses Shooting Efficiency: With 2.4 blocked shot attempts per game, improving his ability to get pucks through traffic and onto the net will increase his value at higher levels. Turnovers: While his takeaway numbers are strong, six giveaways per game highlight areas for improvement in puck management under hard forechecking pressure. Strength and Size: At 6’0′, 175 lbs, Crampton has a solid frame but could benefit from added strength to enhance his ability to win battles against larger opponents. Offensive Upside: While reliable, his offensive game lacks the dynamic creativity to project as a primary driver of offense at higher levels. NCAA Benefits for Development The NCAA offers an ideal pathway for Crampton to address his weaknesses while continuing to refine his strengths: Strength and Conditioning: The collegiate schedule allows for focused off-ice training, enabling Crampton to add strength, explosiveness and weight, improving his physicality and ability to win puck battles. Skill Development: More practice time will help Crampton refine his shooting efficiency, puck management, and decision-making under pressure. Tactical Refinement: Facing older, stronger players will challenge him to adapt and sharpen his defensive skills against higher levels of competition. Time to Mature: The NCAA provides a structured environment that gives Crampton the opportunity to develop physically and mentally at a measured pace, ensuring readiness for professional hockey. Projection Crampton projects as a two-way depth defenseman at the professional level, with the potential to take on significant penalty-kill and secondary power-play responsibilities. His skating, puck movement, and hockey IQ provide a solid foundation, while his physicality and compete level add versatility to his game. By choosing the extended NCAA route, Crampton can refine his shooting, improve his puck management, and build the strength necessary to excel at the next level, maximizing his professional potential.
Rasmus Ekstrom (C, R, 6’0″, 190, Spokane Chiefs, 10/04/2004)
Comments: Rasmus Ekstrom is a versatile forward who primarily contributes as an offensive center. He shows a consistent effort level, keeping his feet moving through contact and demonstrating the ability to draw penalties by maintaining his work rate in tough situations and traffic. Ekstrom’s offensive game is highlighted by his ability to generate high shot volumes (4.6 shots on goal per game), but he lacks deception in his release, which results in a higher number of blocked shots (1.05 per game). He has the physical frame to be an effective two-way center, but his lack of physicality (0.45 body checks per game) and puck battle efficiency (48% win rate) tell us that improved strength and explosiveness will impact his overall game. While he is trusted on both the power play (2:53 per game) and penalty kill (1:24 per game), Ekstrom’s overall effectiveness in these roles is limited by suboptimal faceoff performance (41%) and a lack of anticipation in loose puck retrievals (1.05 per game). Defensively, he shows flashes of awareness, with 3.6 takeaways per game, but his 4.5 giveaways highlight a need for better puck management and decision-making under pressure. Role on Current Team Ekstrom plays as a steady reliable 200′ forward for Spokane, where he is relied upon for offensive contributions and secondary defensive support. His primary role on the power play showcases his offensive tools, while his penalty-kill usage reflects his need for growth in defensive responsibilities and details. Strengths Shot Volume: Ekstrom generates significant shot opportunities, consistently testing opposing goaltenders. Effort Through Contact: Keeps his feet moving and draws penalties, showing a willingness to battle through adversity. Size and Frame: At 6’0′, 190 lbs, Ekstrom has the physical attributes to be an effective two-way center with increased strength development. Takeaway Ability: His 3.6 takeaways per game indicate good hand-eye coordination and defensive awareness. Power Play Contributions: Plays a key role on the power play. Weaknesses Lack of Deception: Ekstrom’s offensive game is predictable, with a high number of blocked shots (1.05 per game) and an overreliance on straightforward, predictable shooting attempts. Faceoff Efficiency: Winning only 41% of his faceoffs limits his ability to control possession in key situations in both the offensive and defensive zones. Physicality: A low body-checking rate (0.45 per game) and mediocre puck battle win rate (48%) suggest a need to play with more physical engagement. Puck Anticipation: His loose puck retrieval rate (1.05 per game) is low for a player aspiring to a shutdown role, indicating room to improve his anticipation and positioning. Turnovers: With 4.5 giveaways per game, Ekstrom must improve his puck security, especially in high-pressure situations. NCAA Benefits for Development Choosing the NCAA route after playing in the CHL would provide Ekstrom with the tools and time to refine his game and address key weaknesses: Strength and Conditioning: The NCAA’s emphasis on off-ice training will help Ekstrom build the explosiveness and physicality needed to improve his puck battles and overall physical engagement. Skill Development: The additional practice time will allow him to work on adding deception to his shot, enhancing his faceoff technique, and improving his puck management. Tactical Refinement: Competing against older, stronger players in the NCAA will challenge Ekstrom to develop better puck anticipation and defensive positioning. Longer Development Timeline: The NCAA provides a structured environment that gives Ekstrom time to mature physically and mentally while continuing to refine his offensive and defensive skills. Projection Ekstrom projects as a depth forward at the professional level, with the potential to develop into an impactful role if he can add deception to his offensive game, improve his faceoff ability, and become more physical in his engagements. His shot generation and effort level provide a strong foundation, but addressing his predictability, puck anticipation, and turnover rate will be critical to his long-term success. The NCAA’s developmental structure offers Ekstrom an opportunity to make these adjustments and prepare for the rigors of professional hockey.
Shea Van Olm (LW, L, 6’1″, 200, Spokane Chiefs, 03/05/2004)
Comments: Shea Van Olm is a power forward who blends size, strength, and offensive instincts to make a consistent impact on the ice. His heavy shot, quick release, and ability to find soft spots in defensive coverage make him a dangerous scorer. Van Olm works hard in all areas of the ice, often outworking opponents to gain possession or create offensive opportunities. His physical play adds an edge to his game, as he willingly engages in contact, delivers hard hits, and protects his teammates when needed. Offensively, Van Olm excels at battling in tight areas, retrieving pucks, and creating space for himself and his teammates. He’s particularly effective in the offensive zone, where he uses his size and strength to protect the puck and attack the net with purpose. His ability to cycle the puck, play give-and-go hockey, and generate scoring chances around the crease underscores his offensive hockey IQ. However, his skating lacks explosiveness, limiting his ability to drive play through the neutral zone, and his puck management needs improvement to reduce turnovers (5.8 giveaways per game). Defensively, Van Olm is effective in limited roles, using his size and active stick to disrupt plays. While his battle win rate (49%) is slightly below expectations for a player of his size and style, his effort level and willingness to engage physically make him a reliable presence in his own end. Role on Current Team Van Olm plays a key role for Spokane, logging 18:59 per game and serving as a key piece on the power play (3:17 per game). While his penalty-kill usage is limited (1:09 per game), his physicality and hockey sense make him a trusted option in defensive situations. He is a go-to player in offensive scenarios and plays a pivotal role in driving his team’s attack. Strengths Physicality and Size: At 6’1″, 200 lbs, Van Olm is a powerful forward who uses his strength to protect the puck, win battles, and engage physically in all areas of the ice. Shooting Ability: His heavy shot, quick release, and knack for finding open ice make him a consistent scoring threat. Offensive Zone Play: Excels in tight areas, effectively cycles the puck, and creates chances through hard work and intelligent positioning. Compete Level: Van Olm consistently gives maximum effort, often outworking opponents to gain an edge. Team-First Mentality: Willing to stand up for teammates and play a physical game, adding a leadership dimension to his style. Weaknesses Skating and Transition Play: Lacks explosiveness in his stride, limiting his ability to drive play through the neutral zone and create separation. Puck Management: His 5.8 giveaways per game highlight a need to improve his decision-making and protect the puck more effectively. Passing Accuracy: Completing 87% of his passes is below the threshold for a player in an offensive role, and he must utilize his teammates more effectively to sustain possession. Battle Efficiency: While he engages physically, winning only 49% of his 50/50 puck battles suggests he needs to improve his technique, strength, balance and leverage in contested situations. Shot Selection: His 0.83 blocked shot attempts per game indicate a need for greater deception in his shooting to avoid predictable plays. NCAA Benefits for Development The NCAA offers an ideal developmental environment for Van Olm, allowing him to continue improving his skills and addressing key weaknesses: Strength and Conditioning: The collegiate schedule prioritizes off-ice training, which will help Van Olm improve his skating explosiveness, agility and overall mobility. Skill Development: Additional practice time will allow him to work on puck management, passing accuracy, and shot deception. Tactical Growth: Facing older, stronger players in the NCAA will challenge Van Olm to enhance his battle efficiency and decision-making in tight areas. Controlled Development Timeline: The NCAA provides the structure and time needed for Van Olm to mature both physically and mentally, ensuring he’s prepared for the professional level. Projection Van Olm projects as a power-forward-winger at the professional level, with the potential to contribute on both the power play and in 5-on-5 defensive roles. His size, physicality, and scoring instincts give him a strong foundation, but improvements in skating, puck management, and battle efficiency will be critical for his progression. The NCAA’s developmental advantages make it the ideal path for Van Olm to refine his game and maximize his potential as a professional hockey player.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images