Central Ontario Wolves Vs Hamilton Huskies, September 10th 2016

Central Ontario #14 FWD Evans, Kurtis – Evans was the most effective player on the ice, showing intriguing hockey sense, while flashing an impressive skill package. While Evans is still fairly raw in some aspects of this game, he showed a strong compete level, confidence in possession and intriguing physical attributes. Evans led the Wolves offensive attack, dictating the pace of play in possession. Evans effectively used his size and strength to win puck and board battles, while also driving through traffic with success. Evans was tough to contain off the rush as he used his size and puck protection skills to drive the net and create scoring opportunities. Evans was also a force on the forecheck as he showed a tenaciousness in puck pursuit, quality anticipation skills and a willingness to engage physically. Evans showed a reliability in his own zone and competed on the back check. Evans biggest issue was his shift to shift consistency as he was either the best player on the ice or ineffective.

Central Ontario #71 D Brown, Alec – Brown quietly had a strong game, showing a simplistic but effective style of play in his own zone. While Brown is another Wolves skater who is fairly raw, he did excel with his 1-on-1 play both in transition and in the defensive zone. Brown often took the body while separating the player from puck with an active stick. Brown showed impressive timing as he caught opposing skaters with their head cutting through the neutral zone on two occasions. Brown could do a better job holding the line as he did get backed off in transition which allowed the attacking forward easy entry to the offensive zone. Brown’s puck skills are still a work in progress however he is able to remain effective as he plays to his current skill set an quickly moves the puck opposed to doing to puck. Accuracy could improve on stretch pass.

Central Ontario #7 FWD Kimble, Cole – Kimble showed an effectiveness as an agitating, checking type forward. Kimble showed a tenaciousness in puck pursuit and was aggressive on the forecheck, finishing his checks. Kimble got to the dirty areas of the ice and was often effective, although a lack of strength did hinder him at times. Kimble’s compete level was intriguing as he battled hard on both sides of the puck. Kimble generated okay speed, however his stride his short and choppy which limits his explosiveness and overall speed. In possession Kimble was able to make simplistic plays, however he did show limited offensive creativity, displaying tunnel vision.

Huskies #96 FWD Thompson, Lucas – Thompson was able to create offensive opportunities on a nearly a shift to shift basis. Displaying intriguing puck skills and above average speed, Thompson was able to create space through the neutral zone and into the offensive zone, backing the opposing defender off with his speed. Thompson’s ability to chance direction and speed added an elusiveness to his game. Thompson showed intriguing creativity in the offensive zone, as he also displayed above average puck skills and deceptive vision although he would benefit from using his teammates better as he often was locked in on getting to a scoring areas and releasing a shot opposed to finding a teammate. Thompson is undersized and did display a tendency to over handle the puck at times. Showing a better compete on the back check and defensive side of the puck would enhance his effectiveness.

Huskies #65 FWD Papalia, Dominic – Papalia was able to make a consistent impact on both sides of the puck as he used his speed and competitiveness to be effective. Papalia hunted the puck offensively, routinely getting to pucks first and taking hits to make high percentage plays. Papalia showed an intriguing compete level, winning puck and board battles while back-checking with a purpose, breaking up scoring chances on multiple occasions. Papalia has good size and generates good speed, while flashing a deceptive skill package as he did display some creativity in the offensive zone. Papalia did have a tendency to turn his back to the play and his positional awareness could use work. Given Papalia’s size and strength, adding a physical element to his game would add intrigue.

Huskies #20 FWD Stock, Jordan – Stock showed quality two-way capabilities along with a strong compete level which allowed him to thrive in a checking role. Stock did flash the ability to be an effective complimentary winger to a skilled centre, however his biggest impact was made using his size and compete. Stock worked the cycle well, showing strong puck protection skills and the awareness when to drive the net off the cycle. Stock was also effective on the forecheck, engaging physically and forcing turnovers with a quick stick and heavy style of play. In possession Stock did display tunnel vision and lacked the awareness to recognize a developing scoring opportunity. Reliable defensively Stock was deployed on the penalty kill and crucial defensive situations. Despite good height, Stock could stand to use strength to his frame and become heavier on the puck.

Huskies #24 D Sheppard, Ben – Sheppard showed a intriguing, but raw two-way defensive game which allowed him to be one of the more effective defenders in the game. A good decision maker, Sheppard showed a willingness to make the simplistic play opposed to forcing more creative plays. While somewhat undersized, Sheppard did display a physical edge and made things tough on opposing players in front of the net. Sheppard also displayed deceptive strength for an undersized defenders as he’d battle much bigger forwards and come away with the puck or superior positioning. Sheppard thrived keeping his game simple, moving the puck quickly and to the easy outlet. He could improve his puck skills and refine his touch on stretch passes.