September 7,2012 Chilliwack Chiefs vs Penticton Vees

CHI #6 Eric Roberts A good skating defenseman who had an unnoticeable game tonight. Did not make a huge mistake, but did not do anything spectacular either. Roberts got better as the game went along, especially with his gap control and his ability to anticipate the play. He seemed to be chasing too much rather than contain opponents, especially around the boards and the corners. He is a little below average with the puck. He has an average shot and an average outlet pass. He needs to

improve on all facets of his game to have a chance of being a pro hockey player.

CHI#14 Austin Plevy Quick, grinding forward played a very good game for the Chiefs. Showed off a lot of energy all game long, and brought a nice 2 way game tonight. Plevy is very shifty around the boards, and possesses some nice speed to get away from defenders. He had an end to end rush, deked through a couple of defenders and drew a penalty at the last second. He then scored on the PP on a quick, low wrist shot off the half wall. Showed some grit all game long and was a pain to play against. He tried to land a hit whenever he could. He needs to get stronger on his skates, and contain opponents in the defensive zone instead of taking a run at them all the time. Could work on his offensive skills more as well. Plevy has committed to Merrimack.

CHI#28  Garrett Forster A small, 2 way forward who had an average game. Forster is not particularly fast or strong. His best skill is his vision. He made some very impressive plays in the offensive zone that created some good scoring chances for the Chiefs. He had a wonderful one timer opportunity, but fanned on it completely. Must be better in his own end, especially with his stick. He often fails to cover the correct passing lane, giving the other team some good options while he is on the ice. Forster must also be more willing to be hit and make some sacrifices for his team in front of the net. Has a tendency to get to the net, then slowly move to the side of the net for a scoring chance if possible.

PEN#8 Ryan Gropp(2015 NHL Entry Draft Eligible) A big speedy forward who seems to be a complete package. He is a very good skater given his size, and showed off some soft hands throughout the game. He is very good in the offensive zone, and displayed some nice vision too. Gropp must become more physical to take advantage of his size along the boards. He is very smart without the puck, and positions himself well to take away passing and shooting lanes. He needs to work on his finishing touch to pick up more points as the season goes along. he creates many opportunities, he just has a difficult time finishing them.

PEN#18 Cody Depourcq A small forward who got better as the game went along. Only stands 5’6, and his size was definitely an issue at the beginning of the game, but made a few adjustments and became more effective for his team. He used his feet more to try to fend off opponents, and made plays a second or two quicker. For a small player, his skating is quite awkward, and really needs to work on his strides and overall speed. Despite being so short, Depourcq goes into the corner and in front of the net without any fear, and competes extremely hard for pucks. He puts himself in good position often times without the puck, but still has some work to do defensively, particularly along the boards.

SCOUT’S NOTES: Penticton dominated the entire game, but did not make the most of their opportunities. I was quite impressed with Austin Plevy tonight. Really liked his approach to the game and how good his compete level was. Still has to polish up his overall game, but he still has time to develop. Ryan Gropp also caught my eye for his combination of size, speed and skill. Not many players can put those three things together at once. Needs to put on some strength and be able to play at a higher pace to be successful. Troy Stecher of Penticton also had a good game. Born in 1992, a good puck moving defenseman, but his skating is an issue. Not very big either to make up for it.

FINAL SCORE: 2-1 Penticton