I had a chance to watch this one last night. Even though it featured two teams heading in opposite directions (one up, one down), I figured that it'd be a good watch because of the quality of 2011 eligible talent playing.
But I was wrong. This one was pretty ugly. The Hounds were demolished by the Generals 6-1, who controlled the tempo of play (even if the Hounds outshot the Gennies) and capitalized on nearly every one of their scoring chances. It was just not a good game to assess any of the Hounds players because they were badly outplayed.
The one thing that always sticks out for me when I watch the Generals, is how balanced their scoring attack is. Every time I watch them, different players step up as the stand outs. This team is going to be damn good next year, as long as they can find a solution on defense and in net (with the pending graduations of players like de Haan, Di Salvo, Valentine, etc).
Player reports:
Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
#5 - Ryan Sproul (Draft eligible in 2011)
Perhaps the player I was most excited about watching, considering how well he's been producing lately. I saw him about a month ago, where he looked fantastic. Last night was a horror story though. I'd have to imagine that was probably the worst game he's played all year. He was on the ice for four of the Generals six goals, and definitely deserved his -4 rating. He hit rock bottom in the second period (the last of the four goals he was on the ice for) when he coughed up the puck in his own end on the powerplay and the Generals scored a shortie. He tried to carry it over from behind his net, and turned it over to Andy Andreoff who slid it past Perugini. While still on the powerplay, I guess interim Coach Dave Torrie wanted to show some confidence in his young blueliner, so Sproul went back out there. Except he then tried to pass the puck up the ice from behind his own net, but ended up giving it away to Nicklas Jensen...who was luckily offside. That was the last we saw of Sproul (save a few sporadic shifts) until late in the third. It was late in the third that we finally got to see that hard shot of his, where he rang one of the post with a boomer from the point. He has to take this performance as a learning piece and move on. Hopefully this doesn't ruin any of the confidence he's gotten from his strong production of late.
#6 - Colin Miller (Draft Eligible in 2011)
If Miller were on a stronger team, I think we'd be talking about him as a possible selection. I've been impressed with him this year and he's one of those quietly effective guys (similar to a Stuart Percy in Mississauga). He was one of the few Hounds who had a decent game (had a couple nice hits, was strong defensively), but wasn't flawless as he was responsible for the first period goal by Andy Andreoff. He tried to keep the puck in at the point, but was caught pinching and the Gens went back on a 2 on 1, which Andreoff scored on. When he keeps it simple, he's a very effective player.
#7 - Daniel Catenacci (Draft Eligible in 2011)
I'm a fan, but it wasn't a good game by the Cat. He was completely neutralized by the Generals defense and wasn't really able to get anything going. The one good moment he did have was the thunderous check on Daniel Maggio against the boards, which was impressive considering the size difference.
#17 - David Broll (Draft Eligible in 2011)
I thought he was probably the best of the Hounds draft eligibles on the night. His skating looks improved since the beginning of the season, which is big for the type of power forward game he brings. He actually showed some good hands and offensive creativity that I hadn't seen from him before. In the first period, he went inside and out on a Generals defender in the slot to create a scoring chance for a teammate. He was relatively effective on the forecheck too.
#19 - Brett Findlay (Draft Eligible in 2011)
I thought Findlay had a good first period, but disappeared after that. This was the first time I've seen him play center, but he was more noticeable down the middle than he was on the wing in my previous viewings. At this point, I'm not sure he's a serious candidate to get drafted without elite size, and any real distinguishable characteristics.
#27 - Nick Cousins (Draft Eligible in 2011)
The most admirable thing about Cousins was that he was one of the few players still going hard in the third period when the game was out of reach. Unfortunately, he just wasn't very effective on the night, save for a nice rush in the first where he used a burst of speed to the outside to get past the defender for a scoring chance. Truthfully, I'm not sure I have a handle on the type of player he'll be at the next level (considering his lack of size).
Oshawa Generals
#4 - Scott Valentine (Drafted by Anaheim)
Valentine had a great game. He still doesn't have a contract from the Ducks, but with the way he's played this season, I'd be surprised if he didn't get one. He'll have to refine his approach for the next level, but the skill set is there for a quality third pairing guy in the NHL. As par for the course, Valentine had a couple of huge checks on players crossing the blueline. Bringing the puck across the blueline along the boards is like a death sentence when Valentine is on the ice. He's learned to pick his spots better this year too, as he was previously run around looking for the big hit and could get a bit lost defensively. Offensively, he did a nice job bringing the puck up ice and has improved his breakout pass and his first few steps (although he's always been a strong skater).
#11 - Alain Berger (Overage free agent)
Berger has had a good season for the Generals. Perhaps not to the level that I expected, but with the balanced scoring attack Oshawa has been employing, being third in goals on the team and on pace for 30 on the season is still solid. Berger remains most effective on the powerplay (third in the league in powerplay goals), where he scored last night (one of two on the night). He's not the most gifted skater, but he plays the game hard, he goes hard to the net and he has good hands in close. Both of his goals on the night were of that ilk. As a big body in front of the net on the powerplay, I think there's a chance he gets a look from an NHL team for a contract this offseason.
#15 - Andy Andreoff (Draft eligible in 2011, but 1991 born)
Passed over in two drafts already, Andreoff has been one of the league's most improved players this season and has a serious shot of getting drafted this year. He has the size, skill, and intensity to get a look. I thought he was Oshawa's best player on the night. The first goal he scored was beautiful, as he stole the puck off Colin Miller at his own blueline, took it all the way to the net, toe dragged around a sliding Derek Hartwick and deposited it past Chris Perugini. The second goal was just as nice, as he came in short handed, stole the puck off Ryan Sproul, and slipped the puck through Perugini's fivehole on the backhand. He was physical, he showed skill and he's made great strides this year. I think he would make a quality late round selection by an NHL club this year.
#17 - Nicklas Jensen (Draft eligible in 2011)
Jensen had a good game, even if he didn't get on the scoresheet. He finished plus three, as part of the big Andreoff and Berger line. He's definitely at his best when he's got the puck on his stick, where he's very hard to stop. His play without the puck offensively is still inconsistent (at least IMO), where at times he's a factor on the forecheck or with the cycle along the boards, but other times he isn't nearly as aggressive. But being able to keep the motor running 24/7, should be able to come to him with greater experience. He was also solid on the PK last night, where he helped to keep the Hounds at 0 for 5.
#24 - Calvin de Haan (Drafted by the New York Islanders)
Even if some people have been disappointed slightly by his offensive production this season, he's really improved in his own end. That's not to say that he's ever been a poor defender, but he's taken his defensive game to the next level this season. The Hounds were just not able to do anything offensively when de Haan was on the ice. He anticipates direction so well and is a very strong lateral and backwards skater, that he's very tough to beat to the net. He's also added a physical element to his game this year and has become tough to win battles in the corner against. I'm not one for NHL comparisons, but de Haan really reminds me of now ex Leaf, Tomas Kaberle, in the way that he approaches things offensively and defensively.
#25 - Colin Suellentrop (Draft eligible in 2011)
There are a lot of quality defenseman available from the OHL this year, and Suellentrop is right in that mix. He was very good defensively on the night, and the Hounds just couldn't really get anything past him. With his size, above average skating ability, and physical willingness, I think he's definitely an NHL draft pick. The offensive game has improved as the season has gone on too, as he slowly increases his confidence in carrying the puck up ice and making good passes out of the zone (instead of chipping it out).
#27 - Christian Thomas (Drafted by the New York Rangers)
What a season Thomas has had for the Generals. He had another solid game on the night and has 10 goals in the month of February (in 8 games). Some people look at his size and question whether he can keep up his play at the next level, but I think he definitely can. He may be small, but he's very quick, he's aggressive and he's hard to knock off the puck. He also doesn't need much room to get his shot off. These are all critical qualities for smaller players to succeed at the next level IMO. He finished the game with a goal and an assist. The goal was off a cross crease pass by Lucas Lessio, which Thomas one timed to the back of the net. He was also fantastic on the penalty kill, much like the rest of his Oshawa teammates on the night.
#38 - Lucas Lessio (Draft eligible in 2011)
This was definitely one of the better games I've seen Lessio play this season. From what I've been hearing around the league, he seems to have really ironed out some of those consistency issues in the past few months and is playing harder every game. Right now, his game offensively still revolves around his speed. He's very quick (especially those first few steps) and he's aggressive in using his speed, either with the puck on his stick or in trying to beat defenders to a loose puck. He needs to work on improving his play around the boards and in using his teammates, but I still think he's got a lot of potential. He did make a very nice pass to Christian Thomas for his goal.
Showing posts with label Nick Cousins. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nick Cousins. Show all posts
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Friday, October 15, 2010
Game Report: Majors and Greyhounds from October 15
I was in the house for the Majors and Greyhounds game on Friday. It was a pretty sloppy game. The Majors were pretty undisciplined, taking 8 minor penalties. But when they weren't shorthanded, they dominated the pace of play.
The Majors got out to a 2-0 lead, only to surrender three straight goals to the Hounds. Down 3-2, the Majors got a game tying goal from Devante Smith Pelly with about 10 seconds left. Then they got a powerplay goal from Jordan Mayer, who stepped out of the box on a breakaway, as the game winner in overtime.
The Hounds are currently 8th in the Western Conference, with their inconsistent play to blame. Hopefully the addition of Chris Perugini in net can spark a better effort every night.
On to the player reports...
Mississauga Majors
#4 - Justin Shugg (Drafted by Carolina in 2010)
Shugg good game, was driving hard to the net and trying to make things happen. He also looked good on the PK (and got a ton of practice on the night too). Offensively, he had two nice passes off the rush, one to Brace for the 2nd goal of the game, second to Smith Pelly for the game tying goal.
#5 - Stuart Percy (Draft Eligible in 2011)
This was his first game back from an apparent neck injury. I thought Percy looked very solid at both ends of the ice. He was very active in bringing the puck up, although I would have liked to seen him more on the PP. He definitely looks bigger this year and was ready and willing to assert himself physically (had a couple nice hits). He did take a couple of stupid/lazy penalties though.
#23 - Devante Smith Pelly (Drafted by Anaheim in 2010)
I felt like he was a non factor until late in the third period, then he became really hard to handle down low and scored the game tying goal off the feed from Justin Shugg. Without his usual linemate Casey Cizikas (out with an undisclosed injury), Smith-Pelly didn't look to have his normal jump.
#24 - Gregg Sutch (Drafted by Buffalo in 2010)
I thought Sutch was the Majors best forward, even though he didn't hit the score sheet. He was a beast on the forecheck and on the PK. His skating looks improved (especially his first step), as he drove to the net with conviction. It really seems like it's only a matter of time until he breaks out...but then again I'm always saying that.
#27 - Mika Partanen (Draft Eligible in 2011)
Outside of a few shifts at the beginning of the game where he looked strong on the puck, I hardly noticed him.
#34 - JP Anderson (Signed by the San Jose Sharks)
Anderson really held the fort during the Hounds 8 PP chances. His ability to take away the bottom of the net remains his biggest strength. However he still gives up too many rebounds. The Hounds 3rd goal (by Vern Cooper) was as a result of a juicy rebound to slot. On the Hounds 2nd goal by Brett Thompson, Anderson clearly didn't play the angle right and Thompson put a well placed shot to the lower far side of the net. But it was a solid performance and Anderson made 22 saves for the win.
Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
#3 - Brandon Archibald (Drafted by Columbus in 2010)
I thought he looked good defensively and physically, his size, skating and physicality profiles him as a solid NHL defensive guy. Although he didn't look great on the PP, as he had some difficulty handling the puck. This might be an outlier though, as I felt like he handled himself quite well on the powerplay last year. One thing I was looking for was more of a step forward in a puck carrying role, considering Archibald is a quality skater. But that role was mostly handled by Curcuruto.
#7 - Daniel Catenacci (Draft Eligible in 2011)
He was probably the best player on the ice. Catenacci showcased tremendous speed, and really disrupts play at both ends of the ice. He also got under the skin of the Majors players (got Derek Shoenmakers VERY angry on one shift where he got his stick up a little high). I was especially impressed by his play in his own end. He has a really active stick and is constantly buzzing around trying to cause a turnover. He also seems pretty fearless and drives hard to the net, creating plays for his teammates. One of those drives started the play that ended up as Hounds first goal by Omelyaneko. Colour me very impressed.
#24 - Gianluca Curcuruto (Draft Eligible in 2012)
He looked really good for a 16 year old defenseman. Curcuruto was solid at both ends of the ice and was poised in the puck rush. He also did a really good job defensively off the rush, and seems to play angles well. The Majors had a couple of one on one opportunities against him and both times he negated the scoring chance by separating his man from the puck.
#25 - Brock Beukeboom (Drafted by Tampa Bay in 2010)
I didn't notice him at all really, is that a bad thing or a good thing?
#27 - Nick Cousins (Draft Eligible in 2011)
Cousins got better as the game went on. He displayed good speed, kind of a pest similarly to Catenacci. He's definitely not afraid to do the dirty work on a line and probably profiles as one of those pesky energy guys with hands.
The Majors got out to a 2-0 lead, only to surrender three straight goals to the Hounds. Down 3-2, the Majors got a game tying goal from Devante Smith Pelly with about 10 seconds left. Then they got a powerplay goal from Jordan Mayer, who stepped out of the box on a breakaway, as the game winner in overtime.
The Hounds are currently 8th in the Western Conference, with their inconsistent play to blame. Hopefully the addition of Chris Perugini in net can spark a better effort every night.
On to the player reports...
Mississauga Majors
#4 - Justin Shugg (Drafted by Carolina in 2010)
Shugg good game, was driving hard to the net and trying to make things happen. He also looked good on the PK (and got a ton of practice on the night too). Offensively, he had two nice passes off the rush, one to Brace for the 2nd goal of the game, second to Smith Pelly for the game tying goal.
#5 - Stuart Percy (Draft Eligible in 2011)
This was his first game back from an apparent neck injury. I thought Percy looked very solid at both ends of the ice. He was very active in bringing the puck up, although I would have liked to seen him more on the PP. He definitely looks bigger this year and was ready and willing to assert himself physically (had a couple nice hits). He did take a couple of stupid/lazy penalties though.
#23 - Devante Smith Pelly (Drafted by Anaheim in 2010)
I felt like he was a non factor until late in the third period, then he became really hard to handle down low and scored the game tying goal off the feed from Justin Shugg. Without his usual linemate Casey Cizikas (out with an undisclosed injury), Smith-Pelly didn't look to have his normal jump.
#24 - Gregg Sutch (Drafted by Buffalo in 2010)
I thought Sutch was the Majors best forward, even though he didn't hit the score sheet. He was a beast on the forecheck and on the PK. His skating looks improved (especially his first step), as he drove to the net with conviction. It really seems like it's only a matter of time until he breaks out...but then again I'm always saying that.
#27 - Mika Partanen (Draft Eligible in 2011)
Outside of a few shifts at the beginning of the game where he looked strong on the puck, I hardly noticed him.
#34 - JP Anderson (Signed by the San Jose Sharks)
Anderson really held the fort during the Hounds 8 PP chances. His ability to take away the bottom of the net remains his biggest strength. However he still gives up too many rebounds. The Hounds 3rd goal (by Vern Cooper) was as a result of a juicy rebound to slot. On the Hounds 2nd goal by Brett Thompson, Anderson clearly didn't play the angle right and Thompson put a well placed shot to the lower far side of the net. But it was a solid performance and Anderson made 22 saves for the win.
Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
#3 - Brandon Archibald (Drafted by Columbus in 2010)
I thought he looked good defensively and physically, his size, skating and physicality profiles him as a solid NHL defensive guy. Although he didn't look great on the PP, as he had some difficulty handling the puck. This might be an outlier though, as I felt like he handled himself quite well on the powerplay last year. One thing I was looking for was more of a step forward in a puck carrying role, considering Archibald is a quality skater. But that role was mostly handled by Curcuruto.
#7 - Daniel Catenacci (Draft Eligible in 2011)
He was probably the best player on the ice. Catenacci showcased tremendous speed, and really disrupts play at both ends of the ice. He also got under the skin of the Majors players (got Derek Shoenmakers VERY angry on one shift where he got his stick up a little high). I was especially impressed by his play in his own end. He has a really active stick and is constantly buzzing around trying to cause a turnover. He also seems pretty fearless and drives hard to the net, creating plays for his teammates. One of those drives started the play that ended up as Hounds first goal by Omelyaneko. Colour me very impressed.
#24 - Gianluca Curcuruto (Draft Eligible in 2012)
He looked really good for a 16 year old defenseman. Curcuruto was solid at both ends of the ice and was poised in the puck rush. He also did a really good job defensively off the rush, and seems to play angles well. The Majors had a couple of one on one opportunities against him and both times he negated the scoring chance by separating his man from the puck.
#25 - Brock Beukeboom (Drafted by Tampa Bay in 2010)
I didn't notice him at all really, is that a bad thing or a good thing?
#27 - Nick Cousins (Draft Eligible in 2011)
Cousins got better as the game went on. He displayed good speed, kind of a pest similarly to Catenacci. He's definitely not afraid to do the dirty work on a line and probably profiles as one of those pesky energy guys with hands.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Ryan Yessie's Thoughts on Sault Ste. Marie and Sarnia from November 21
Ryan was at the Sault Ste. Marie and Sarnia game on Saturday and has filed a report for us. The Hounds, thanks to solid goaltending from Robin Lehner, shutout the Sting 2-0. This handed Sarnia its 5th straight loss and a trip to the very bottom of the Western Conference standings.
The SOO
Daniel Catenacci - #7 - C - YOB: 1993 - 5‘10” - 170lbs.
NHL: Eligible in 2011
Report: Nov/21/09: Catenacci looked decent out there in this game. His skating is solid, he engages in battles for the pucks, and seems to be able to absorb a decent amount of punishment from bigger opponents. He certainly in no way stood out or take over even a few shifts as other 1st overall picks have done in the past. He will continue to be a good forward, but this seems to be a tribute to how weak the 2011 draft will be. Catenacci really didn’t have any standout flaws in his game, but none of his skills appeared to be standouts either. Combine that with his small stature, and Catenacci will be a decent prospect, and will be a 1st rounder in next year’s draft, but will not project to be more than a 2nd line forward.
(Cantenacci had 1G, +1, 2 PIM tonight)
Brett Thompson - #9 - C - YOB: 1991 - 5‘8” - 160lbs.
NHL: Eligible in 2010
Report: Nov/21/09: To be honest when I saw Thompson listed as 5’8” 160lb.I was surprised. He looked a lot bigger on the ice than that, and played a huge impact in this game. Thompson showed off great speed, and good shiftiness when coming up the ice with the puck. He made some very solid tape to tape passes. He banged in the puck in the crease for what turned out to be the winning goal, but what was more impressive was the way he set up a 2 on 1 goal for Catenacci drawing in the goaltender and the defenceman towards him then sending it over to Catenacci for the goal that put this one in the books. Thompson wasn’t someone I was expecting too much from, but he looked really good out there tonight, I was impressed.
(Thompson had 1G, 1A, +1 tonight)
James Livingston - #12 - RW - YOB: 1990 - 6‘1” - 210lbs.
NHL: 3rd Round - 70th Overall by St. Louis in 2008
Report: Nov/21/09: Livingston is someone who once again leaves me wanting to see more out of him. He didn’t look very different from last year. He threw some big hits, he only got one shot on net, which may be playing an impact on my opinion. His skating is not great but not bad either, average skater for his size. Livingston however appeared to show some leadership qualities at times, as well as being on the ice almost entirely for every penalty, which shows that at the NHL level even if he can’t become the power forward St. Louis thought he would when they picked him in the 3rd round, he can still be a special teams player, and is more than physical enough to fill a bottom 6 role. Livingston did have great positioning on defence tonight.
Nick Cousins - #27 - RW - YOB: 1993 - 5’9” - 155lbs.
NHL: Eligible in 2011
Report: Nov/21/09: Cousins looked pretty good out there tonight, displayed great speed, handled the puck well, and positioned well. He got caught a few times trying to do too much in the offensive zone, but has so much speed to his game he was able to make it back in his own zone. He played on a line with Livingston, so that shows the SOO has confidence in him going forward. He’s certainly a player to watch going into the 2011 NHL draft. He could turn out not far off of his teammate Catenacci in the draft.
Brandon Archibald - #3 - D - YOB: 1992 - 6‘3” - 200lbs.
NHL: Eligible in 2010
Report: Nov/21/09: Above all Archibald was the one I was most disappointed in tonight. He has great size, and although he did hit, he didn’t utilize his size nearly as well as he should be. His skating is very awkward and always looks like he’s got one broken foot he leans to one side, and really can’t generate speed. However backwards Archibald is very smooth, with good lateral movement, it was very odd, and I almost think he should skate backwards both directions because he was about as fast, and much more fluid going backwards as he was going forward. Archibald turned the puck over a little too many times for a potential prospect, and was just not at the level I expected him to be at after hearing so many great things to start the season.
(Archibald had 1A, +1 tonight)
Brock Beukeboom - #25 - D - YOB: 1992 - 6‘1” - 196lbs.
NHL: Eligible in 2010
Report: Nov/21/09: Before this game I had Archibald slightly past Beukeboom. That all changed tonight. Beukeboom played very good tonight for the SOO and was arguably their best defenceman. He plays a safe stay at home game, but seems to be a very good skater, always moving his feet, and really seems to build his game around protecting his own net. He had good body positioning on incoming forwards, and although I’d like him to hit a little more, he wasn’t bad in this regard either. Beukeboom will never put up a lot of points but seemed to hit his outlet passes fairly well. Beukeboom isn’t going to be a franchises key defenceman, but I could see him landing in a Steve Staios type role one day.
(Beukeboom had 2 PIM tonight)
Robin Lehner - #35 - G - YOB: 1991 - 6‘4” - 224lbs.
NHL: 2nd Round - 46th Overall by Ottawa in 2009
Report: Nov/21/09: Lehner played outstanding and earned the shutout tonight. Lehner’s reflexes are second to none, he really doesn’t come out of his crease enough which is really the only knock in his game, and at his size it doesn’t hurt his game as it would to other goaltenders. His reaction time, as well as his recovery ability are simply amazing. I was a little weary about him getting drafted so high, but after seeing him, he simply stole this game. If Sarnia had scored first this would have been a very different game. At one point during the tie game Lehner made a save and gave up a rebound and an open net, he quickly recovered and dove across the net and got enough to prevent the puck going in. Simply blown away by Lehner’s performance tonight.
(Lehner stopped all 25 shots for a shutout tonight)
Sarnia
Shayne Campbell - #30 - G - YOB: 1992 - 6‘2” - 175lbs.
NHL: Eligible in 2011
Report: Nov/21/09: Campbell played great in relief of Adam Courchaine who suffered an upper body injury. Letting in 6 goals over the course of the two games, many of those wouldn’t have been stopped by any goaltender in the league. Campbell continues to show great reflexes, and is starting to get quicker with his recovery. Because of his quickness he makes saves that other goaltenders at his general skill level wouldn’t make. Although there are those out there that feel Campbell isn’t capable of being a starting goaltender, he reminds me a lot of former goaltending prospect Parker Van Buskirk, however Parker’s development was largely ruined playing behind overagers, with the injury to Courchaine, Campbell will now get an opportunity to show that he can handle the starting job, when/if Courchaine does get traded. Campbell certainly made a big step in that direction with his performance this weekend.
(Campbell stopped 56 of 62 shots in 2 games this weekend)
Joe Rogalski - #74 - D - YOB: 1991 - 6‘2” - 185lbs.
NHL: Eligible in 2010
Report: Nov/21/09: As promised I was going to do a write up on Rogalski, so I did watch him closely this weekend to get a good look at how he has developed this season. Rogalski continues to rush the puck up the ice, but is very smart about moving the puck to his linemates at the right time. He appears to be the kind of player that doesn’t want to play selfish often passing instead of shooting on the power play. Skating wise Rogalski has it down in both directions he is an above average skater, and a very good one for a defenceman pushing 6’3”. Rogalski has a decent shot, but if he used it more often he might be more effective with it, which is something he should look to improve in. Also what needs improvement is Rogalski’s ability to add muscle. He’s shown a willingness to hit, but just simply isn’t as effective as he could be being only 185 and not looking a pound bigger. Rogalski is reliable in his own zone, probably not a guy you’d put on your PK in the NHL, but is someone who can do his job in his own zone. At the start of the year I said Chiarlitti had taken the edge over Rogalski as the top prospect out of Sarnia this year, recently Rogalski has re-claimed that title, and if he continues to improve may hear his name called in the 2nd/3rd round. There’s no question his strengths are skating, and his puck moving abilities, as well as his potentially imposing size at 6’2“-6’3”.
Thanks to Ryan Yessie for this report. Anyone else out there have comments on the Hounds or Sting?
The SOO
Daniel Catenacci - #7 - C - YOB: 1993 - 5‘10” - 170lbs.
NHL: Eligible in 2011
Report: Nov/21/09: Catenacci looked decent out there in this game. His skating is solid, he engages in battles for the pucks, and seems to be able to absorb a decent amount of punishment from bigger opponents. He certainly in no way stood out or take over even a few shifts as other 1st overall picks have done in the past. He will continue to be a good forward, but this seems to be a tribute to how weak the 2011 draft will be. Catenacci really didn’t have any standout flaws in his game, but none of his skills appeared to be standouts either. Combine that with his small stature, and Catenacci will be a decent prospect, and will be a 1st rounder in next year’s draft, but will not project to be more than a 2nd line forward.
(Cantenacci had 1G, +1, 2 PIM tonight)
Brett Thompson - #9 - C - YOB: 1991 - 5‘8” - 160lbs.
NHL: Eligible in 2010
Report: Nov/21/09: To be honest when I saw Thompson listed as 5’8” 160lb.I was surprised. He looked a lot bigger on the ice than that, and played a huge impact in this game. Thompson showed off great speed, and good shiftiness when coming up the ice with the puck. He made some very solid tape to tape passes. He banged in the puck in the crease for what turned out to be the winning goal, but what was more impressive was the way he set up a 2 on 1 goal for Catenacci drawing in the goaltender and the defenceman towards him then sending it over to Catenacci for the goal that put this one in the books. Thompson wasn’t someone I was expecting too much from, but he looked really good out there tonight, I was impressed.
(Thompson had 1G, 1A, +1 tonight)
James Livingston - #12 - RW - YOB: 1990 - 6‘1” - 210lbs.
NHL: 3rd Round - 70th Overall by St. Louis in 2008
Report: Nov/21/09: Livingston is someone who once again leaves me wanting to see more out of him. He didn’t look very different from last year. He threw some big hits, he only got one shot on net, which may be playing an impact on my opinion. His skating is not great but not bad either, average skater for his size. Livingston however appeared to show some leadership qualities at times, as well as being on the ice almost entirely for every penalty, which shows that at the NHL level even if he can’t become the power forward St. Louis thought he would when they picked him in the 3rd round, he can still be a special teams player, and is more than physical enough to fill a bottom 6 role. Livingston did have great positioning on defence tonight.
Nick Cousins - #27 - RW - YOB: 1993 - 5’9” - 155lbs.
NHL: Eligible in 2011
Report: Nov/21/09: Cousins looked pretty good out there tonight, displayed great speed, handled the puck well, and positioned well. He got caught a few times trying to do too much in the offensive zone, but has so much speed to his game he was able to make it back in his own zone. He played on a line with Livingston, so that shows the SOO has confidence in him going forward. He’s certainly a player to watch going into the 2011 NHL draft. He could turn out not far off of his teammate Catenacci in the draft.
Brandon Archibald - #3 - D - YOB: 1992 - 6‘3” - 200lbs.
NHL: Eligible in 2010
Report: Nov/21/09: Above all Archibald was the one I was most disappointed in tonight. He has great size, and although he did hit, he didn’t utilize his size nearly as well as he should be. His skating is very awkward and always looks like he’s got one broken foot he leans to one side, and really can’t generate speed. However backwards Archibald is very smooth, with good lateral movement, it was very odd, and I almost think he should skate backwards both directions because he was about as fast, and much more fluid going backwards as he was going forward. Archibald turned the puck over a little too many times for a potential prospect, and was just not at the level I expected him to be at after hearing so many great things to start the season.
(Archibald had 1A, +1 tonight)
Brock Beukeboom - #25 - D - YOB: 1992 - 6‘1” - 196lbs.
NHL: Eligible in 2010
Report: Nov/21/09: Before this game I had Archibald slightly past Beukeboom. That all changed tonight. Beukeboom played very good tonight for the SOO and was arguably their best defenceman. He plays a safe stay at home game, but seems to be a very good skater, always moving his feet, and really seems to build his game around protecting his own net. He had good body positioning on incoming forwards, and although I’d like him to hit a little more, he wasn’t bad in this regard either. Beukeboom will never put up a lot of points but seemed to hit his outlet passes fairly well. Beukeboom isn’t going to be a franchises key defenceman, but I could see him landing in a Steve Staios type role one day.
(Beukeboom had 2 PIM tonight)
Robin Lehner - #35 - G - YOB: 1991 - 6‘4” - 224lbs.
NHL: 2nd Round - 46th Overall by Ottawa in 2009
Report: Nov/21/09: Lehner played outstanding and earned the shutout tonight. Lehner’s reflexes are second to none, he really doesn’t come out of his crease enough which is really the only knock in his game, and at his size it doesn’t hurt his game as it would to other goaltenders. His reaction time, as well as his recovery ability are simply amazing. I was a little weary about him getting drafted so high, but after seeing him, he simply stole this game. If Sarnia had scored first this would have been a very different game. At one point during the tie game Lehner made a save and gave up a rebound and an open net, he quickly recovered and dove across the net and got enough to prevent the puck going in. Simply blown away by Lehner’s performance tonight.
(Lehner stopped all 25 shots for a shutout tonight)
Sarnia
Shayne Campbell - #30 - G - YOB: 1992 - 6‘2” - 175lbs.
NHL: Eligible in 2011
Report: Nov/21/09: Campbell played great in relief of Adam Courchaine who suffered an upper body injury. Letting in 6 goals over the course of the two games, many of those wouldn’t have been stopped by any goaltender in the league. Campbell continues to show great reflexes, and is starting to get quicker with his recovery. Because of his quickness he makes saves that other goaltenders at his general skill level wouldn’t make. Although there are those out there that feel Campbell isn’t capable of being a starting goaltender, he reminds me a lot of former goaltending prospect Parker Van Buskirk, however Parker’s development was largely ruined playing behind overagers, with the injury to Courchaine, Campbell will now get an opportunity to show that he can handle the starting job, when/if Courchaine does get traded. Campbell certainly made a big step in that direction with his performance this weekend.
(Campbell stopped 56 of 62 shots in 2 games this weekend)
Joe Rogalski - #74 - D - YOB: 1991 - 6‘2” - 185lbs.
NHL: Eligible in 2010
Report: Nov/21/09: As promised I was going to do a write up on Rogalski, so I did watch him closely this weekend to get a good look at how he has developed this season. Rogalski continues to rush the puck up the ice, but is very smart about moving the puck to his linemates at the right time. He appears to be the kind of player that doesn’t want to play selfish often passing instead of shooting on the power play. Skating wise Rogalski has it down in both directions he is an above average skater, and a very good one for a defenceman pushing 6’3”. Rogalski has a decent shot, but if he used it more often he might be more effective with it, which is something he should look to improve in. Also what needs improvement is Rogalski’s ability to add muscle. He’s shown a willingness to hit, but just simply isn’t as effective as he could be being only 185 and not looking a pound bigger. Rogalski is reliable in his own zone, probably not a guy you’d put on your PK in the NHL, but is someone who can do his job in his own zone. At the start of the year I said Chiarlitti had taken the edge over Rogalski as the top prospect out of Sarnia this year, recently Rogalski has re-claimed that title, and if he continues to improve may hear his name called in the 2nd/3rd round. There’s no question his strengths are skating, and his puck moving abilities, as well as his potentially imposing size at 6’2“-6’3”.
Thanks to Ryan Yessie for this report. Anyone else out there have comments on the Hounds or Sting?
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