By: Tyler Ballesteros-Willard

The CHL Top Prospects Event in Moncton was well represented by highly skilled draft eligible players that have truly risen to the occasion this season and did not disappoint in the game itself as well as the on-ice testing. The game was closely competitive, only a 3-1 score in which an empty net goal was scored.

In this article, we will be reviewing players from this event from all leagues and positions. From the QMJHL, Maxim Massé and Raoul Boilard have truly risen to the occasion physically and mentally. From the OHL, rising stars Liam Greentree, Beckett Sennecke, Sam Dickinson, Zayne Parekh, as well as Henry Mews have truly displayed their reasons why they deserve top be 1^st round draft picks. From the WHL, the formidable faces Tij Iginla, Berkly Catton, Charlie Elick, and many more from the CHL will be highlighted due to their impressive display.

Starting from the QMJHL, we have Chicoutimi star forward Maxim Massé. The goal scoring power-forward is on pace to have a 30-goal season while having a physical net-front presence. When it came to the on-ice testing, even though he may have not had the most outstanding performance, he truly displayed his acceleration in the 30M Forward Skate by earning himself 3^rd place with a time of 4.063 seconds. This test truly correlated to him having excellent long strides which created maximum acceleration. When it came to his performance for Team Red, he truly showed why he truly can be havoc in front of the net for Team White’s Carter George and Dawson Cowan. Even though he did not score, he truly showcased his lethal and heavy shot as he made the goaltenders make very difficult saves. What he will need to work on is his stickwork as he did take a tripping penalty in which that has been a major theme of his season. Even though there are some inconsistencies in his defensive game, NHL teams should not look away to what he brings offensively and physically.

When it comes to major risers from the QMJHL draft class, Raoul Boilard of Drakkar truly showcased an unforgettable performance in the Top Prospects Game and testing. Boilard had a point on all 3 goals for Team Red in which he scored a crucial game winning goal by crashing the net, as well as an empty net goal. His play truly showcased why he is seen to have high offensive IQ as he can cause havoc for any player in any situation. Even though he is not a big player, he is for sure one of the fistier players on the ice as he truly shows a desire to win as it was seen on one of his goals against Spokane Chiefs goaltender Dawson Cowan. What he will need to work on is to build more muscle so he can be more stable on his feet, which will help him improve his agility in the future.

Speaking of chaos, this translates to one of the goaltenders who faces it on a daily basis in the OHL. That is Owen Sound Attack goaltender Carter George. When it comes to really keeping his composure in chaotic moments, George shows great poise as he does not scramble all over the place, which for a goaltender is a very positive attribute. During his play, he stopped 10 of the 11 shots he faced in which the goal he gave up, was a very difficult one-timer from Ben Danford of Team Red. He displayed great flexibility and most importantly, he displayed great focus which he was not very distracted, even when there was a lot of traffic in front of him. When it comes to showing improvement, an aspect could be that he could improve his foot speed at getting to post to post in order to become stronger at stopping the very difficult cross crease shots.

One of the true bright spots of Team White from the OHL is Windsor Spitfires captain Liam Greentree. When it comes to having size and special puck skills, Liam truly showcased it throughout the season, as well as showcasing it in the Top Prospects Game. When it came to the reaction tests by selecting lanes in milliseconds, Liam earned himself 4^th place which is very impressive. This shows that he has excellent decision making and instant reaction time which truly shows in his timing at making big plays. When it comes to unique playstyles, for a bigger player, Greentree is one of the silkier and more creative players with the puck which makes it very challenging for the opponent due to his reach and active mind. Not to mention, Greentree was the one who scored for Team White due to his excellent release. If it was not for Liam Greentree, “Ordinary Day” would not have played during the prospects event. When it comes to signs of weakness, the main aspect that Liam will have to work on will be his agility and lateral movement in his skating. Yes, he is a bigger guy which is normal for a player like him to be slower at, but it is something that he can work on throughout the season to be even more effective.

Heading into one of the shining stars from the Western Hockey League is Team White MVP Tij Iginla. Unlike his father Jarome, Tij truly showcased his incredible skating ability. Even though may not have displayed it in the on-ice testing, Tij truly displayed it during practice which his smooth and fast transitioning abilities as well as his excellent speed while turning and doing his crossovers. Even though he may not have gotten a point in a very tightly defensive game, he absolutely generated quite the offense due to his excellent wrist shot from the top of the hashmarks. What makes him so dangerous as well as that with the combination of his amazing shot as well as his relatively fast hands, he truly displays his offensive awareness as he not only understands where the puck is going to be, but he understands how to make himself open quite often in spots where defenders aren’t keeping a close eye on. A weakness that could be worked on could be that he would need to gain some strength in order to enter the physicality level of his player type, as well as becoming a bit more active in the defensive end which he can play a bit too low, leaving the goaltender wide open.

Speaking of tightly defensive game, Sam Dickinson truly was the superstar defenseman of Team Red all around as the most important aspects needed from a defenseman, he displayed it consistently. A player at 6 foot 3, 200 pounds at 17 years old, he is considered to be one of the better skaters in this draft class at his size. When it came to the on-ice testing, Sam came 2^nd overall out of the 36 players who have completed the testing which truly displays his incredible skating ability in both directions. When it came to his game performance, he truly displayed his great passing ability as he connected many long stretch passes. When it came to gap control, he was probably the best defenseman in the whole game when it came to stopping the opposing rushes. His underrated shot was truly displayed as well as when he seemed like he was just feathering them for deflections, they had a lot of power to them. At the end of the day, what you gain in Sam Dickinson is a mega package who is truly versatile in all situations. The minor concern in which he will need to work on is getting rid of the puck quicker as he may hold the puck for a tad too long which causes turnovers.

Following up on the loaded defensive prospects on Team Red is Oshawa Generals’ blueline Ben Danford. When it came to sparking secondary offense, he absolutely lighted the lamp with his heavy one-timer that beat Carter George. When it came to the on-ice testing, he displayed great acceleration with and without the puck due to his excellent long strides. Even though many beat him in the agility category, he still displayed great transitioning and momentum. When it comes to demonstrating a complete 200ft game, Ben showed exactly how he can turn defense into offense as he displayed great stickwork and gap control. When Team White created their fast rushes, Ben did an excellent job at turning those rushes into pretzels. On the offensive side, Ben truly displayed his great positional awareness on the ice as he was excellent at providing support to his wingers so he could bump the puck more to either direction. When it comes to finding an aspect of him improving his game, even though his skating is at a high level, his lateral movement while stopping the rushes can get him at a misbalance. Otherwise, it would him getting stronger and wanting to throw more checks.

Transitioning back to Team White’s stars, captain Berkly Catton displayed an incredibly fast paced game at both ends of the ice. Berkly in the on-ice testing showed why he was one of the best at transitioning from forward to reverse and vice versa. This is because of his excellent footwork as well as his full intensity to perfect every stride. When it came to his on-ice performance, he was a major catalyst for Team White when it came to creating offense. He is one of the best at cycling the puck in the offensive zone due to his excellent offensive and positional awareness, but most importantly, this is where his skating was truly displayed. Even though his shot is very good, this wouldn’t be considered his WOW factor as he is truly known for his playmaking and puck handling abilities. Similar to Jack Hughes, the main aspect that he will need to improve in order to be that potential 1^st line centerman would absolutely build a lot of muscle in order to be stronger on the puck, but most importantly, for his checks to become effective. When it came to his defensive ability, even though he played the center position well defensively, he can improve his work on faceoffs and be willing to sacrifice a bit more by blocking shots.

Back to the blueliners, one who truly surprised many when it came to his physicality is Ottawa 67’s superstar defenseman Henry Mews. The hometown native truly displayed why he is considered to be one of the smoother skating offensive defensemen of this draft class. In the on-ice testing, Henry earned himself 1^st place in both transitioning drills as well as 3^rd in the weave agility test. While performing each test, he truly showcased in each crossover he made that there was not one stint that was choppy to the point where it resembled a synchronized orchestra. When it came to on-ice play, even though he did not display any flash to his game, he absolutely showed consistency with the puck due to his excellent offensive mind as well as his poise by keeping calm under pressure. When it came to his physicality, he is displaying that his work ethic by gaining more strength is paying off as he threw many effective checks, one of them open ice on Saginaw Spirit defenseman Zayne Parekh. When it comes to showing possible improvement in his game is that there are stills stints here and there that his gap control is miscalculated even though he has been improving it throughout the season.

Onto one of the steadier defenders on Team Red, a major surprise to many was the steady awareness of Charlie Elick of the Brandon Wheat Kings. When it came to the on-ice testing, Charlie Elick was in the top 5 in all skates when it came to completing all the tests. This truly showed that Charlie truly is consistent on his feet in all situations which allowed him to truly become diversified and more confident in his game. When it came to his in-game performance, there was nothing that really phased him due to his great poise and stickwork at diffusing any offensive situations, especially playing a crucial part on the penalty kill. This was also because of his great size as well which allowed him to have a better reach which it helps him with his gap control work. When it comes to finding any improvements, he can work on, the main aspect is his offense. That being his shot. Even though he has great shot power and understands how to use it, what is lacking is his intent to really shoot the puck as he is very much so a pass first player. This does not help him to a certain degree as forwards later will understand more and more about how Charlie plays the puck. When throwing more pucks to the net, he may become more unpredictable which will keep the opposition guessing.

Speaking of the term unpredictability, Oshawa Generals forward Beckett Sennecke on Team White truly displayed his silky hands and unique mind offensively. Flashing back to the on-ice testing, even though Beckett’s form may not be the best at all means, that did not stop him earning himself 4^th best overall out of the 36 skaters who completed the tests. Beckett truly displayed his fast times due to his incredible quick foot speed and edges. For someone who is 6’2, he skates like someone who is 5’10, which for this case is a very positive sign as he may use his size to his advantage in his career. Like Liam Greentree, Beckett may have the best puck skills out of the whole roster list in the top prospects game. During his on-ice performance, he earned himself one assist as he was playing on Greentree’s line. What is so unpredictable about Sennecke is how he uses his arsenal as what is truly unique is that he starts to really mix it up offensively when it comes to his pass/shot ratio which always creates unease for the opposing defenders. What he will need to work on is his strength overall, but most importantly, on his feet. This is because he lacks balance, especially after getting checked. When it comes to his defensive traits, he will need to play a bit higher up on the defensive to not leave the defense wide open and just walk the line with ease.

When it comes to the definition of hard work and displaying full intensity while skating, look no further than Carson Wetsch of the Calgary Hitmen on Team White. When it comes to pure skating, he earned himself 3^rd overall in the on-ice testing due to the combination of full extension as well as having incredibly quick feet. When it came to his in-game performance, Carson truly showcased his work ethic by displaying an incredible forecheck which created some turnovers from the opposition. His lightning speed is very difficult to defend off the rush for the opposition. The times he was able to shoot the puck, he made the goaltender try as hard as he could to make every save. When trying to find one word, the one word that would come to mind with Wetsch is pest. The true highlighting part of his game is his work ethic and conditioning. When it comes to weaknesses, the main aspect would be that sometimes, he can play a bit too high up which does not fully provide support to his teammates when it comes to making the breakout pass, otherwise minor inconsistencies such as having a larger desire to block shots can be improved if suggested to him.

Lastly, when it comes to defining the word electrifying back on the blueline, do not look passed rising star Zayne Parekh of the Saginaw Spirit. The Saginaw blueline truly displayed why he is considered to be one of the more hyperactive skating offensive defensemen of the 2024 draft class. In the on-ice testing, Zayne earned himself 1^st and 2^nd place in both backwards skating. While performing each test, there seemed to be no flaw in his ability to skate in reverse. In fact, his skating seems better when skating at an angle and in reverse instead of just going forward due to his incredible edgework and lateral movement. When it came to on-ice play, even though he did not post a point on the scoreboard, he absolutely displayed flash n dash. The way he was able to weave the puck through the neutral effortlessly is very satisfying due to his forward like hands. When it came to his physicality, this was a major weakness for Zayne as not only he seemed to not have any effective in his checks, but he can get rocked very easily. This is because of his lack in size. Not to mention, in the defensive end, even though he has a greatly active stick, what is not impressive is his lack of desire to play defense which could give hints to NHL teams that he may become one dimensional. Even in the defensive zone, he may start to become lanky at using his reach which allows the opposition to potentially create more space.

When it comes to having a bright young future, all the prospects who participated at the CHL Top Prospects game certainly have a bright future ahead of them as long as they work hard and have the discipline to work on their weaknesses in order to become NHL players one day.

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For more detailed information on the 2024 NHL Draft Class be sure to pick up your copy of the 2024 NHL Draft Preview Magazine.

https://draftprospectshockey.com/draftpro-order-your-2024-preview-magazine-today/

By DraftPro Staff

There was a palpable excitement in the air at the USA Hockey Arena when hundreds of NHL scouts, GM’s and other hockey ops personnel gathered back on Monday January 15 for the 2024 Chipotle All-American Game.

The rosters participating in this annual event were full of highly skilled, intriguing 2024 draft eligible as well as 2025 draft eligible prospects.

The split of the NTDP combining with other USHL top talents had scouts excited to see how these kids would play with peers they were not used to playing with on a regular basis. The game did not disappoint with team White coming out on top in overtime of team Blue by a score of 5-4.

Our scout Liam Staples was in attendance and submitted this report on who stood out to him.

January 15, 2024

USA Hockey Arena

L.Staples

#24 F Cole Eiserman, USA Blue (USNTDP), 6’0” 197, L. 29-08-2006

From early on into the contest, Eiserman was showing off his great speed, leading the rush and crashing hard to the net. He was noticeable on the ice every shift, trying to find open space so his linemate Trevor Connelly could feed him the puck. He was able to find quick chemistry playing alongside Connelly. Eiserman displayed his quick release by scoring the game-tying goal down low in the zone. It became evident that Eiserman knew the cameras were on him. He bobbled a few breakout passes and tried to make the fancy play when the smarter play was available. Early in the first period, he tried to skate through three opponents in the offensive zone, turning the puck over during the entry while he had a teammate available cross ice. The skill and speed were definitely evident in Eiserman’s game but he lacked certain elements, he needs improvement in using his teammates more and developing the habit of making correct choices with the puck, even if the play does not make the highlight reel.

#10 F James Hagens, USA White (USNTDP), 5’10” 168, L. 03-11-2006

As the potential number-one pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, Hagens had a terrific game displaying why he is the best player for his age group. Awarded Player of the Game with a multi-point effort, Hagens was the best player on the ice for every shift. He drove the play offensively for team White and scored a nice goal on a two-on-one short side. Hagens has a wide skating base making him more difficult to knock off the puck. His wide skating base allows him to match the pace of play very nicely. On the goal he scored off the rush, he had to beat his man to the net by accelerating hard and quickly slow his speed down to match the speed of his teammate in order to become a scoring option. Hagens overall skill, skating ability, and hockey IQ is next level. Be prepared to hear his name a lot in the future because he will be a top talent in the NHL very soon.

#23 D Cole Hutson, USA Blue (USNTDP), 5’10” 158, L. 28-06-2006

Much like his older brother Lane Hutson, a Montreal Canadiens prospect, Cole Hutson is a smooth-skating defenseman with strong foot speed. In the offensive zone, Cole can create passing lanes for his teammates through his great ability to walk the blue line with the puck as well as use a variety of head fakes to deceive his opponents to find an open passing or shooting lane. He was one of the highly notable top prospects to not record a point in the game. For a player standing under six feet, Hutson defends zone entries extremely well through his play with his stick as well as how he positions his body to separate his man from the puck. The question remains as to whether Hutson could grow into becoming a #1 type of defenseman in the NHL or will he develop into a top 4 type of defenseman.

#16 D Logan Hensler, USA White (USNTDP), 6’2” 197, R. 14-10-2006

Hensler is another name to familiarize yourself with because the hockey world will get used to hearing his name a lot next season, alongside teammate James Hagens, as a top prospect for the 2025 NHL Draft. Hensler is an outstanding skater through his ability to use his edgework to spin off opponents escaping pressure. Hensler displayed his ability to escape pressure by using his feet as well as his passing ability. Hensler did not record a point in the game however, his skating and IQ showed he has the tools to be a #1 type of defenceman at the NHL level. He can quarterback a powerplay through his strong lateral crossover ability and poise with the puck, he does not settle, he waits for shot lanes to open up before releasing a shot. Hensler is committed to the University of Wisconsin next season. The Badgers are receiving arguably the top defenseman in the 2025 NHL Draft.

#23 F John Mustard, USA White (Waterloo), 6’0” 185, L. 17-08-2006

Mustard may be a name that goes under the radar in regards to the American prospects pool in this years NHL Draft. Mustard caught the eye of scouts through his powerful skating ability & great speed with the puck. Mustard scored the overtime winning goal for Team White displaying his strength with the puck to keep possession & release a nice shot far side beating the goaltender. Mustard is committed to play at Providence College next season.

#19 F Lucas Van Vliet, USA Blue (USNTDP), 6’1 181, L. 10-01-2006

Lucas got the offence started for Team Blue by scoring the first goal of the hockey game. Van Vliet capitalized on the mistakes of his opponents, taking advantage of the time and space he was given, showing off his shot release beating the Team White goaltender from the faceoff dot. Lucas finished the night with one goal and one assist in the hockey game. Van Vliet was noticeable throughout the hockey game playing with speed and creating turnovers through his combination of stick play and excellent skating ability. Van Vliet is committed to play at Michigan State next season. It certainly helps scoring the first goal of the hockey game while your future college hockey coach, Adam Nightingale is in attendance. By the end of the game, Van Vliet was a player to keep an eye on moving forward.

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For more on the 2024 NHL Draft Class be sure to pick up a copy of the DraftPro 2024 NHL Draft Preview Magazine and be sure to come back to order your 2024 Draft Guide in June.

https://draftprospectshockey.com/draftpro-order-your-2024-preview-magazine-today/

By: Isaiah Bouchard

The 2024 World Juniors has come and gone, and team USA gets to walk away with gold. After an exciting tournament with many upset losses, surprising performances, and future stars taking the center stage, there is certainly a lot that we need to go over, so let’s not waste anytime. Starting with the last place team and moving on to the victorious team USA, let’s review the players who seized their moment at the 2024 World Juniors.

Team Norway. (0-4-1) Last Place Regulation.

After losing their 4 games, and a crushing overtime defeat against Germany in the regulation match, Norway will be demoted to Division 1 and be replaced by Kazakhstan next year. Since the 1980s Norway has never been able to remain in the top Division of the World Juniors, history repeats itself yet again as Norway has once again been regulated.

But is it all terrible news for team Norway? Not at all, there were a few bright spots for Norway in fact.

Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, RW, Mora IK (Hockeyallsvenskan), Right Hand, 6’1”, 198lbs. Born October 5^th, 2005.

Scoring 5 points and 3 goals to finish amongst the top of his team. MBN has proven he can still produce a respectable offense even when facing much better teams. Many already believe MBN had first round potential, and now he has solidified the confidence in many scouts eyes that he is a player to be taken seriously. Norway may not be the first country people think about when asked about future NHL stars, but every now and then an under the radar player such as MBN comes along, proving that Norway still has a lot to offer the hockey world.

“Brandsegg-Nygard is a robust and powerful winger who excels in physical play. His skating is characterized by effortless, long strides, contributing to his effectiveness in the 200-foot game. Notably, he displays persistence on the puck during backchecks and puck pursuits, utilizing his long reach to initiate contact on the puck carrier, leading to turnovers and intense pressure.” – DraftPro’s Steven Pratas.

Petter Vesterheim, F, Mora IK (Hockeyallsvenskan), Left Hand, 5’11”, 172lbs. Born September 30^th, 2004.

A quick mention should be given to Petter Vesterheim, MBN’s linemate both at the World Juniors and with Mora IK. Petter Vesterheim showed a lot of determination when facing stiff competition, and perhaps even proven he should be considered as a viable option on draft day. So far Vesterheim has gone unnoticed, and at 19 years old, his chances for being drafted are not certain. So if anyone needed this respectable performance with Norway, it was Petter Vesterheim. Here’s hoping that in the very least a camp invite is offered to Vesterheim.

Stian Solberg, D, Vålerenga (Norway), Left Hand, 6’2”, 192lbs. Born December 29^th, 2005.

Stian Solberg did all he could do on an outmatched Norway team, but there is a good chance this performance helped Solberg more than one may think on first perception. He carried Norway’s defense in a lot of ways, and despite all of this pressure on the 18-year-old, he still managed to grab two points with Norway. Coming from an often overlooked European region, it’s unlikely Solberg will be picked up early, but he proved that there is value in his old school defensive game. Here’s hoping a GM on draft day takes the gamble on the very underrated Stian Solberg.

Team Germany (2-3) Regulation Elimination.

Germany is a country that often faces ups and downs when it comes to the World Juniors. Being too good to be eliminated, but not good enough to make it far in the top division. This year, they narrowly missed out on the quarter finals and ended up in a real seat clencher against Norway, where they won in overtime. Germany’s highlight this year was their upset victory over Finland in the regulation round, showing that they can still provide some upset victories at the big World Juniors Stage.

Veit Oswald, LW, EHC München (DEL), Left Hand, 6’2”, 179lbs. Born August 31^st, 2004.

At 19 years old, Veit Oswald needed a good showing in order to get noticed by the World Junior Scouts. Despite having a good size and a DEL championship, Veit Oswald hasn’t been able to properly get himself over in the eyes of the scouts. With 5 points and 3 goals, including a pivotal 2 goal game against Finland, Veit Oswald had an overall excellent showing. Oswald continues to play well with equal competition, and is not too shabby playing with grown men in DEL. Perhaps this was the performance he needed to grab the attention of someone or anyone on draft day.

“He is a very effective forechecker who is aware of the passing options and consistently eliminates them with his reach. He’s a player who protects the puck effectively and can buy time and space for his team.” – DraftPro’s Andy Miller.

Phillip Sinn, D, RB Hockey Juniors (AlpsHL), Left Hand, 6’2”, 192lbs. Born January 13^th, 2004.

A quick mention should go to one of the most underrated defensemen in the World Juniors this year, one Phillip Sinn. 4 points and a goal on a struggling team Germany is pretty good showing for a player who struggles to get the attention needed to get properly considered by scouts. On top of this he has a solid size to him, which could push him over the edge as a potentially viable defensive prospect.

Julius Sumpf, C, Moncton Wild Cats (QMJHL), Left Hand, 6’2”, 185lbs. Born January 11^th, 2005.

One of team Germany’s youngest players, Sumpf had a respectable performance, scoring 3 points and a goal. Not as high as most other young players in the World Juniors, it is still worth a mentioning considering the team he played for. Since making the move to the QMJHL, Sumpf has proven he can hang with stiff competition and still produce good numbers. Now he proved that he can still produce offense even when completely outmatched. Without out a doubt his draft stock shot up candidly after this WC.

Paul Mayer, D, Adler Mannheim (DEL), Left Hand, 6’3”, 187lbs. Born September 25^th, 2005.

Mayer has built up a solid amount of attention heading into the World Juniors. He’s a big defensemen, has a high ceiling as a potential defensive defensemen or possibly even a two-way defensemen. Mayer may not have wow’d many on the scoresheet, but that isn’t his kind of game. Mayer has been praised numerous times for his shut-down style and his skills were fully displayed at the juniors. While this may not have been the outcome that Mayer wanted, it still felt right to give him a shout out.

Team Latvia (1-4) Quarter Finals Loss

Like Germany and Norway, Latvia has a rough history at the World Juniors. Stuck in the not good enough to challenge the big teams, too good to stay in Division 1 for more than a year or two. With a respectable performance against Slovakia and a strong win against Germany, Latvia still has a lot to be proud of this year. Their drafted players: Dans Locmelis and Sandis Vilmanis had a good year, showcasing that Latvia can still produce NHL worthy hockey players. But their young players were lacking in any real chance to showcase what they can properly do.

Peteris Bulans, D, Chicoutimi Saguenéens (QMJHL), Left Hand, 6’0”, 185lbs. Born March 8^th, 2005.

If any draft eligible player could be mentioned for team Latvia, it would be Peteris Bulans from the QMJHL. Bulans has a few good qualities, he was able to score 2 points for a team that was shutout more than once this year. And in the QMJHL, he has the potential to be an excellent playmaking defensemen. So while 2 points isn’t very eye grabbing, it’s at least something for the still young defensemen to build off of.

Eriks Mateiko, F, Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL), Left Hand, 6’4”, 201lbs. Born November 18^th, 2005.

While Mateiko did not have an eye-caching world juniors, he is sill a high-interest player coming into the tournament. While he did not make a strong case to be a top end draft pick, his big stature and great potential is too much to ignore. Mateiko could be an excellent late round pick for a team who want to take a gamble on a potential power forward in Mateiko. His QMJHL season is also going well, so there could potentially be a hidden diamond in the rough here with Eriks Mateiko.

Team Switzerland (1-3-1) Quarter Finals Loss

After going 1-3 in regulation, Switzerland was put in the unfortunate position to go up against the powerhouse team that was team Sweden in the quarter finals. It was not as one sided as many expected as Switzerland put up a good fight, forcing Sweden into overtime. But at the end of the day Sweden did win, and it was another lower-mid finish for Switzerland. But still, Switzerland has a plethora of young players to get excited about:

Jonas Taibal, F, EHC Winterthur (SL), Left Hand, 5’11”, 183lbs. Born August 19^th, 2004.

This is Taibal’s 3^rd World Juniors appearance, and his highest scoring appearance yet. Scoring 5 points in 5 games is a solid tournament for a player who has struggled to make any real convincing arguments to be drafted. Taibal continues to provide evidence that he is a competitive player who can produce results. So while his chances on being drafted are still small, his future as an undrafted free agent is still respectable, and a camp invite is likely in his future is a draft selection is not.

Gregory Weber, RW, Bern U20 (U20 Elit), Right Hand, 5’9”, 154lbs. Born January 7^th, 2004.

Similar to Taibal, Weber needed this good showing to get any sort of attention from scouts. In fact, much of what I said about Jonas Taibal can also be applied to Weber. They are both players who have struggled to get attention in their European leagues, though have proven time and again in these international tournaments that they can still play with the big boys. Only time will tell where these two will end up in the future. DraftPro’s long time scout Murray Caldwell was impressed with Weber’s performance at the WJs however, and had this to say:

“A small player with great wheels. He’s tenacious with good work ethic, creating turnovers on the backcheck. He has great balance when taking the body too. He often works the boards, coming out with the puck by using his sick rather than his body.”

Daniil Ustinkov, D, ZSC Lions (NL), Left Hand, 6’0”, 198lbs. Born August 26^th, 2006.

To many, Ustinkov properly stepped up for Switzerland as he managed to grab 2 assists after it was all said and done. There are still many who don’t know Ustinkov as a potential sleeper pick in the 2^nd/3^rd rounds. His solid size and underrated hockey IQ will go a long way in selling Ustinkov to many GMs on draft day.

“One thing that stood out about his game with the puck was that when he accelerates and plays with speed. Everything seems easier for him, though his timing is something he struggles with. It’s important for him to quickly get into the right rhythm and take up his responsibilities.” – DraftPro’s Dany Gelinas.

Leon Muggli, D, EV Zug (NL), Left Hand, 6’0”, 165lbs. Born July 9^th, 2006.

Switzerland greatly benefitted from having Muggli on their team. While Rodwin Dionicio was their main support on the blue line, Muggli played a pivotal role in easing the pressure off of Dionicio. If there is one word to sell you on Muggli, it is potential. His high ceiling as a potential elite puck moving defensemen should be everyone’s main takeaway on Leon Muggli.

“Léon was the Swiss team’s most-used defenseman, playing in all game situations (PP, PK). Technically solid in 1-on-1 battles, with good body position and stickchecking. On the other hand, he needs to be careful with his play with the puck, which can sometimes be too soft. It’s obvious that he can create play and carry it if need be though.” – DraftPro’s Dany Gelinas.

Simon Meier, F, Penticton Vees (BCHL), Left Hand, 5’10”, 161lbs. Born March 10^th, 2005.

While Meier only had 2 goals and 2 points this year, his point per game season so far in the BCHL should also be mentioned as a selling point. Simon Meier would have benefitted greatly if Switzerland was able to have a U19 team in the World Junior A Challenge from a month ago. But as of right now Meier will have to accept with what he was given. And he showcased a decent amount of offensive potential with team Switzerland’s U20 team.

“Meier capably leads the rush up the ice and is comfortable with the puck on his stick.  He has some skill and can dish the puck capably.  Meier is a player with some speed and skill and he has a good hockey IQ, but he is not the most patient player.” DraftPro’s Andy Miller.

Alessio Beglieri, G, Biel-Bienne U20 (U20 Elit), Left Hand, 5’11”, 174lbs. Born January 5^th, 2004.

One of the best goalies in the World Juniors this year if you factor in the team he was playing for, Beglieri should be proud that he kept his numbers solid throughout the tournament. The only reason Switzerland had as many close games as they did was because they had a red hot Beglieri in net. And if it wasn’t for the powerhouse that was the USA, who beat Switzerland 11-3, Beglieri’s numbers would be even better. He’s turned 20 since these World Juniors, and he’s under that coveted height of 6’2” that scouts expect from Goaltenders. Even if he remains undrafted, suspect a camp invite for this criminally underrated goaltender.

Team Canada (3-2) Quarter Finals Loss.

Yes, Canada is being mentioned this early. After a solid 3-1 regulation, Canada was upset by Czechia with mere seconds left in the third period. No doubt, hockey fans will be talking about this loss for a long time. What was the reason for Canada’s collapse? Likely a plethora of reasons, but certainly it’s not due to a lack of talent. Since Canada is, Canada, there isn’t many draft eligible prospects that could find a spot on the competitive U20 team. But let’s go over the ones that did make it in:

Macklin Celebrini, C, Boston University (NCAA), Left Hand, 6’0”, 190lbs. Born June 13^th, 2006.

One can’t help but almost feel disappointed with Macklin Celebrini and the rest of team Canada this year. Big names like Matthew Savoie, Connor Geekie, Brayden Yager, Nate Danielson and many more struggled to even make it to a point per game level. The second highest scoring player on team Canada was Brayden Yager, who scored 5 points. So depending on how you look at it, Celebrini’s 8 points are either a good thing or bad thing. 2024’s top prospect outscored all other players on team Canada, which is nice and all, but Celebrini couldn’t even crack the top 15 of players in the entire tournament. It’s still unlikely that this performance will hurt Celebrini’s chances of going first overall, but hockey fans can’t help but feel that they were sold a little short with team Canada this year. Still, Celebrini is insanely talented, and it’s nearly impossible NOT to talk about his exciting potential as an elite NHL forward. Here is just a small blurb of DraftPro’s Liam Staples, who was very impressed with Celebrini:

“The skating ability of Celebrini is magnificent, he has powerful strides that allow him to attack through the middle of the ice with ease. He played very confidently with the puck on his stick, yet he was even more aggressive to win the puck back when he lost it. The level of his hockey IQ allows him to read the situation on the ice providing him a step on his opponents before they can adjust.”

Mathis Rousseau, G, Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL), Left Hand, 5’11”, 172lbs. Born September 10^th, 2004.

While Canada was overall a disappointment this year the blame can not be put on the goaltending. Throughout Rousseau’s career he has never had a save percentage below a .900, and these World Juniors let him display his skills in net and prove that he can handle the pressure better than most goalies today. Going .912 in save percentage this year, and .924 for the Moosehead’s playoff run, Rousseau is a goalie worth considering come draft day. To handle oneself under pressure is one of the best traits for a goaltender, and Rousseau has it in spades.

“He holds his edges and is a patient goaltender. Rousseau is a goalie who tracks the puck extremely well and is well aware of where all the potential passes are. On top of this he has very good box control and excellent lateral movement. He moves well and is compact but doesn’t look small in the net.” – DraftPro’s Andy Miller.

Owen Allard, C, Soo Greyhounds (OHL), Left Hand, 6’2”, 201lbs. Born January 13^th, 2004.

Owen Allard only had 3 points this year, but that was still higher than Matthew Savoie, tied Connor Geekie, and was much higher than many other drafted players on team Canada got. Owen Allard proved that he can hang with the big names, even if the team is struggling to find any cohesion on the ice. Allard is a likely option to be picked, but it’s unlikely this performance demands a high selection.

“Allard is a quick player who makes good reads on the ice and finds the seams routinely. He can pass the puck through players or indirect and make it easy to receive. Allard is an effective player at supporting the rush on the weak side and reads the play well with whether to go to the net or stay in the middle” – DraftPro’s Andy Miller.

Team Slovakia (3-1-1) Quarter Finals Loss.

Team Slovakia seemed as if they were poised for a medal this year. But a tough OT loss to Finland stopped their journey early in the quarter finals. With a roster filled with drafted players, Slovakia’s efforts to build more hockey stars are starting bear fruit. Big names like Servac Petrovsky, Filip Mesar, Dalibor Dvorsky, and Maxim Strbak are proving to be high end players, so Slovakia’s run for a medal are by no means over. As on top of these drafted players, there were also a few names that emerged as potential future NHLers:

Luka Radivojevic, D, Örebro HK (J20 Nationell), Right Hand, 5’10”, 161lbs. Born January 3^rd, 2007.

Though Slovakia doesn’t have many 2024 draft eligible players this year, there is a 2025 eligible player that needs mentioning: Luka Radviojevic. At 17 years old Radviojevic is already playing in the U20 leagues, scoring a lot for an under-aged defensemen. This year at the World Juniors he proved that not only could he step up to the even stiffer competition, he can score points, including a goal. Without a doubt this is only the start for Luka Radviojevic, as it’s likely we are looking at a future first round pick in 2025. He’ll most certainly be returning to the World Juniors next year, where he could be challenging for the top defensemen in the whole tournament.

“He is like Letang with impressive speed. If he gets caught deep, he has the ability to come back and take away the rush. He consistently shoots the puck with authority and accuracy, looking for tips or deflections. Makes puck distribution look much too simple.” – DraftPro’s Murray Caldwell.

Team Finland (3-4) Semi Finals Loss.

It never feels good to get so far and to come back with nothing, this year, that was team Finland. After going 2-2 in regulation, Finland needed to dig deep against a very game team Slovakia in the quarter finals and pushed team USA to their limit as well, but sadly came up short against the best team in the tournament. Finally they came up short in a chaotic 8-5 game against Czechia. 4^th place is the position no one wants, but Finland has a lot of notable players to go through.

Jere Lassila, C, JYP (Liiga), Left Hand, 5’10”, 176lbs. Born March 8^th, 2004.

Playing amongst men in Liiga, Jere Lassila led team Finland in points this year. At 19 years old he is a bit old for the ideal top round draft pick, but without a doubt Jere Lassila proved his value at the World Juniors, scoring 8 points to put him on the upper echelon of players. Every year there is a player like Jere Lassila that proves initial impressions false. Lassila is a top end prospect that deserves a consideration at the draft this year.

“He is a confident player in the faceoff circle and wins many important draws.  He is more mature than most who is responsible and can find the lanes as an effective passer who can put the puck on the stick. Lassila is a clutch player and would be very helpful for some key minutes on a great team in the playoffs.” – DraftPro’s Andy Miller.

Konsta Helenius, F, Jukurit (Liiga), Right Hand, 5’11”, 181lbs. Born May 11^th, 2006.

Ranking in the upper half of the first round before this tournament, it’s unlikely Konsta Helenius will see a major change in his placement. Scoring 2 points is neither a disappointing nor a satisfying conclusion to Helenius’ World Juniors considering his age. His skill was on full display and even though he didn’t make the impact many would have hoped, he still blended in very well with all the other top tier athletes on team Finland.

“A very effort-driven, hard working, board-battling forward who can possess the pace of  a game on the wing. He does everything to get open and does a good job getting a quick shot on net.” DraftPro’s Joeseph Stanislau.

Jesse Pulkinen, D, JYP (Liiga), Left Hand, 6’6”, 216lbs. Born December 27^th, 2004.

One of the most impressive draft-eligible defensemen this year was Finland’s Jesse Pulkinen. The big defensemen has captured a lot of intention from scouts as he stepped up for team Finland, providing multiple offensive and defensive highlights. He scored 3 points this tournament and impressed many who were not initially convinced Pulkinen earned a position on Finland’s defensive roster.

“Despite occasional difficulties in corralling passes, he possesses relatively soft hands for a big man. His offensive instincts are growing, constantly utilizing his heavy shot. Pulkkinen’s offensive upside is evident in surprising the opposition with impressive rushes through the neutral zone, showcasing quick hands to navigate around or through bodies.” – DraftPro’s Steven Pratas

Tommi Männistö, RW, Michigan State University (NCAA), Left Hand, 6’0”, 194lbs. Born February 7^th, 2004.

A quick mention to Michigan State’s Tommi Männistö. He competed exceptionally well, easily keeping up with an already speedy team Finland. On top of that he scored 3 goals for Finland, supplying Finland with constant offensive pressure that helped the team tremendously. Männistö clearly displayed his impressive blend of goal scoring and skating ability.

“Männistö is a player who is not afraid to drive the center lane with the puck on his stick. He clearly wants to make a difference and often does.  Männistö needs talented players to be an effective player but he has a good skill set.  When he is with other talented players his game elevates and he can help support the play.  He always has his head up and is ready to intercept the puck and is patient to take all the ice that the defense will give him.” – DraftPro’s Andy Miller.

Emil Hemming, RW, TPS (Liiga), Right Hand, 6’2”, 194lbs. Born June 27^th, 2006.

Like Konsta Helenius, this was not an exceptionally good or bad showing for Emil Hemming. He proved he could keep up with his older teammates but didn’t quite grab the attention for himself. As of right now Emil Hemming is considered a late first rounder or early second rounder. He showed that he doesn’t necessarily have to hide in Konsta Helenius’ shadow, this could be spun into a positive for his future draft position.

“There’s potential for Emil to evolve into a dynamic power forward with numerous offensive attributes, but leveraging his raw strength more effectively in tough puck battles could significantly boost his draft stock. Seeing him play with more grit would enhance his overall game.” – DraftPro’s Steven Pratas.

Noa Vali, G, TPS (Liiga), Left Hand, 6’1”, 159lbs. Born April 19^th, 2005.

The 18-year-old goaltender may have only had 2 games this tournament but he proved why he could be a potential candidate for a late round goalie selection. He finished with a save percentage of .928, and a GAA of 1.94. This places him easily in the top 5 goalies for the tournament, though again he only had 2 games. Nonetheless this gives hope to fans of Noa Vali, and seeing how this is a slower draft year for goaltending, all hope is not loss for this especially underrated goalie.

Team Czechia (4-3-1) Bronze Medal.

No team has faced more ups and downs that team Czechia this year, from their gritty and well-earned wins over Canada and Finland to the crushing defeat to Sweden in the semi finals, no doubt the Czech fans had a lot of drama this year. Not only was team Czechia one of the most exciting teams to watch, but they also had many great showings from their drafted and undrafted players alike.

Matyas Melovsky, C, Baie-Commeau Drakkar (QMJHL), Right Hand, 6’0”, 183lbs. Born May 25^th, 2004.

With 11 points at the World Juniors, Matyas Melovsky has a strong argument as the best undrafted player in the entire tournament. 11 Points is enough to place him in the top 3 for all skaters, and amongst the highest for his entire team aside from Jiri Kulich. This couldn’t have gone better for Melovsky, as GMs will have to be willingly blind to overlook a performance such as this. Consider Melovsky officially on everyone’s radar as he made a strong argument to go in the top half of the draft.

Ondrej Becher, F, Prince George Cougars (WHL), Left Hand, 6’0”, 172lbs. Born February 22^nd, 2004.

Czechia was blessed this year as they have two excellent showings from their draft eligible roster. Ondrej Becher from the WHL got to showcase just why he should be considered a top-end draft pick. He’s on pace for a big break out season with the Cougars this year and was a top 5 player in the World Juniors this year. This blew many former draft picks out of the water and it’s likely no one suspected a showing such as this from Becher. A player with excellent offensive creativity and shooting power, Becher proved a lot of his initial doubters wrong this year at the World Juniors.

“Becher supports the puck well and can keep up with some higher end talent and be a key piece on a line.  He is a player who can elevate his game at times, and he can play with some speed and size.” – DraftPro’s Andy Miller.

Dominik Rymon, F, Everett Silvertips (WHL), Left Hand, 5’10”, 154lbs. Born May 29^th, 2004.

One should mention the Everett Silvertip’s Dominik Rymon. Rymon is in a similar situation to Ondrej Becher as he is a 19-year-old player who has gone mostly under the radar, on pace for an excellent WHL season after a strong World Juniors Performance. Rymon’s size may play against him, but he proved he can be a reliable force on the ice during high stakes games.

“He can drive the center lane or is comfortable going to the wall and being a physical player.  Rymon has great hands and is an offensively skilled player who can dictate the play as an older player in the tournament.  At times his decision making at the offensive blueline can be too risky and he can turnover the puck.” – DraftPro’s Andy Miller.

Tomas Galvas, D, Bílí Tygři Liberec (Czechia), Left Hand, 5’10”, 148lbs. Born February 11^th, 2006.

While the speedy and highly skilled Galvas was not on the opening roster for team Czechia, an unfortunate injury to Adam Jiricek left a space open for Tomas Galvas to fill in. The 17-year-old defensemen did not spoil his opportunity, giving Czechia some solid offense. His determination and excellent skating skills were on full display, Steven Pratas had to say on Galvas:

“Galvas possesses an extra step that allows him to create separation from the opposition, making his overall skating ability a significant strength. He demonstrates intelligence in his positional game, fearlessly jumping into offensive opportunities when they arise. His excellent vision up the middle of the ice and ability to anticipate pressure result in accurate passes to his defensive partner.”

Team Sweden (5-1-1) Silver Medal.

Sweden had another good showing this year as they settled on the silver medal after losing to team USA in the finals. You can’t really blame them, as it seems team USA could beat the San Jose Sharks let alone Sweden’s U20 team. Sweden only had three listed players that are eligible for the draft this year, but fans of the Vancouver Canucks should be excited for Jonathon Lekkerimaki who scored 10 points and 7 goals this year. Sabre’s prospect Noah Ostlund also finished with 10 points. And Sweden had 3 of the best defensemen in the whole tournament with Axel Sandin-Pekilla, Theo Lindstein, and Tom Willander.

Hugo Hävelid, G, Djurgårdens (Hockeyallsvenskan), Left Hand, 5’10”, 179lbs. Born January 1^st, 2004.

Sweden’s roster was filled mostly of drafted players, but there goalie Hugo Hävelid earned this placement on his team and did not squander his opportunity. Hävelid’s NHL path is going to be a rough and rocky road. Being only 5’10” puts a big ‘con’ on his player sheet in many scouts eyes, and whether justified or not, it’s a sad reality for many goaltenders. While his draft likeliness is low, there will almost certainly be a GM or two whose willing to invite Hävelid to a training camp, especially after his performance at this year’s World Juniors, where many would place him as the #2 goalie in the whole tournament.

Team USA (7-0) Gold Medal.

What else is there to say about team USA? It’s rare we see such a clear favourite at the World Juniors and this year the US did not disappoint. With big names such as Gabriel Perreault, Gavin Brindley, Will Smith, Ryan Leonard and so many more, it’s going to be a long time before we see a team USA at his caliber again. They earned their gold medal, as they dominated the tournament in nearly every category.

Zeev Buium, D, University of Denver (NCAA), Left Hand, 6’0”, 183lbs. Born December 7^th, 2005.

Like Sweden, team USA was filled with primarily drafted players. So there is really only one name to name, but he certainly earned it. Zeev Buium was without a doubt the best undrafted defensemen in the World Juniors and is certainly in the conversation for best defensemen overall in the tournament. This was huge for Buium, who, while making a strong argument for being a first round pick early in the year, has solidified his position and erased all doubt from skeptics. This goes double for Buium who had two staunch draft rivals in the World Juniors in Konsta Helenius and Emil Hemming. Buium was nearly a point per game defensemen, scoring goals, setting up plays, moving the puck, and doing everything a high-quality offensive defensemen should be doing in order to sell himself to the scouts. If anyone benefitted from the World Juniors this year, it was Zeev Buium.

“His hockey sense is outstanding, rarely making incorrect plays or executing poor passes. Excelling in breaking out of his zone, he is adept at making long, accurate stretch passes. His reads allow him to make timely decisions about whether to join the offensive play, a tactic he employs frequently, or to stay back and defend.” – DraftPro’s Steven Pratas.

For more 2024 NHL Draft content be sure to pick up your copy of the DraftPro 2024 NHL Draft Preview Magazine in either digital or physical copy available now.

https://draftprospectshockey.com/draftpro-order-your-2024-preview-magazine-today/

By DraftPro Staff

Each gameday DraftPro Scouts can be found in the corner seats of junior rinks watching the next wave of talent develop into potentially one day becoming the next Connor McDavid, Cale Makar, or Andrei Vasilevskiy.

At DraftPro we want to share some of those reports gathers from those views in this feature we call “From the Corner Seats”. For the first instalment we bring you game reports from earlier this fall.

October 13, 2023
Prince George Cougars 4 vs Kelowna Rockets 5 (WHL)
Prospera Place, Kelowna B.C.
DraftPro Scout: Matt Hnatiuk

11 F, Tij Iginla, Kelowna Rockets (WHL), 6’0″, 181, L, DOB 08.01.2006

Tij is a growing power forward who is starting to play more like his father. He has a powerful skating stride and stance and uses it well to propel himself around the ice. His pace is about average, but it’s his ability to turn his backside towards an opponent and make himself about 8 feet wide and protect the puck. This ability makes him very useful to maintain puck possession as well as create offense out of nothing. His ability to control zone exits and entries is directly tied to his ability to protect the puck. He has a near NHL level shot (again similar to his fathers) and he can get it away quickly. He plays a methodically thought out game and sees the ice well at both ends of the rink. Being an Iginla, there is no questioning his compete level, ever. The only thing I would like to see him develop and use more is the physical/aggressive side of his game. He can show flashes of it, but it is never consistent. As a player who can play in any situation, and be plugged into any position up front and perform as required, Tij should be looked at as a top player this season.

October 14, 2023
Rouyn-Noranda vs Cap Breton – QMJHL
Centre 200
DraftPro Scout: Samuel Laplant

3 D Tomas Lavoie, Cap Breton (QMJHL), 6’4”, 220, R, DOB 03.31.2006

An extremely reliable defenseman on both sides of the ice. His defensive game is excellent. He uses his long reach so well to block opponents’ passing lines. That’s one of the reasons he’s used on the power play kill. He’s rarely beaten 1-on-1 because of his stick work and positioning. He positions himself well to either block the opponent’s space with his stick or to just poke-check the opponent. In front of the net, Lavoie isn’t afraid to let his presence be known by pushing the opponent and sometimes even cross-checking them. It’s also quite rare for an opposing player to take advantage of a puck in front of the net. He’s very good at using his strength, his physical game and his stick to prevent them from making a play. When an opposing player gets too close to his goalie, he doesn’t hesitate to protect him and push him off. Lavoie already has the physique of an NHL player. He finishes his checks well and separates the player from the puck. He wins his battles along the boards where he uses his physical play or his stick to retrieve the puck. His passing game is what makes him reliable in his zone. His first pass is excellent and he always makes the simple play. He moves well with the puck to give himself a better passing line. His first 3-4 strides allow him to create a good distance between himself and a player trying to chase him into his own zone. This acceleration also allows him to support the attack and carry the puck into the offensive zone. His skating stroke is very interesting for his size. He handles the puck well, but he’s not considered a player with a lot of skill handling. He tries to make 1-on-1 moves but gets the puck taken away because his hands aren’t fast enough. His slapshot is powerful. Cap Breton uses it very often on the powerplay. He’s also very intelligent in his shot selection. He shoots when there’s traffic in front of the net or when a teammate is heading for the net to deflect. However, his wrist shot needs more precision. He often shoots over the net. Lavoie is very intelligent. His decisions are smart and that’s why he’s an extremely reliable player. He reminds me of Alex Pietriangelo, only faster. In my opinion, if he’s still available in the second half of the first round, I’d jump on him.

October 21, 2023
Torpedo Nizhny 4 vs Amur Khabarovsk 2
Trade Union Sports Palace
DraftPro Scout: Tyler Ballesteros-Willard

21 D, Anton Silayev, Russia (Torpedo, KHL), 6’7”, 207, L, DOB 04.11.2006

Anton Silayev is the definition of the future when it comes to big, strong and agile defensemen. He has such tremendous transitioning and edgework to the point where he looks like he is gliding on water. Anton Silayev is the definition of a smooth and patient defensive defenseman who has tremendous raw offensive upside. Yes he may not be the fastest skating defenseman on the ice as due to his size, he does not have the same quickness in feet, but the way he transitions, his lateral movement alone is equivalent to NHL worthy skating. When it comes to defining what raw means on his offensive upside, he is very opportunistic at shooting the puck from the point as each shot is a missile. The aspect that is raw is that he absolutely needs to refine his accuracy as many times he likes to shoot high during screens which goes over the goaltender. When discussing his puck handling abilities, he absolutely needs to work on his hand speed when deking as his moves can be telegraphed by the opponents. Not many can get the biscuit off of him due to his fantastic body positioning. When it comes to his passing, this is by far his best aspect of his puck skills as every pass comes flat and crisp, even with the high saucers from end to end. Even though he has such a big frame, it seems like he does not necessarily like to throw the body so much which there is some work needed at effectively throwing many checks to become NHL worthy. The highlighting aspect of Silayev’s game is absolutely the way he vision’s the game. It seems that every play, he understands the aspect of using proper stick work when stopping a pass, as well as him seemingly being in the perfect position in any situation which because of this, not many teams pass through him. With no mistake about it, Anton Silayev is the future of big and agile defensemen as he is a crucial candidate to be selected top 10 in the 2024 NHL draft similar to his counter part Dmitri Simashev.

October 27, 2023
Windsor Spitfires vs Sarnia Sting (OHL)
Budweiser Garden
DraftPro Scout: Zach Morris

66 RW Liam Greentree, Windsor (OHL), 6’2” 198lbs, L, DOB 01.01.2006

Greentree is the offensive powerhouse for the Spitfires and although he only record one primary assist, it was extremely evident. He was all over the ice controlling play and dominating possession in the offensive zone. His skating looked extremely smooth and was a key part of his game. He displayed excellent open face skating as well as edge work to get by defenders and keep them off of him. When leading the rush you could see his high level stickhandling ability on full display. He was deeking by opponents and moving his stick in a way that was very William Nylander esq. He has excellent scoring instincts and isn’t afraid to shoot. In tight he has great hands and a deadly backhand shot. One downside is he is sometimes hesitant to pass the puck and holds on too long trying to create a scoring chance. Instead he should look to reset and hope another opportunity will arise or just ensure the team keeps possession.

November 5th 2023
New Jersey 8 vs Nichols 5 (USHS-Prep)
Northtowns Center
DraftPro Scout: Steven Pratas

2 D Jack Sullivan, Nichols School (USHS-Prep), 6’1”, 174, L, DOB 03.24.2006

Jack plays an offensively active game as his shot gives him the ability to exploit the opposition when they’re out of position. He’s able to quickly turn his hips when receiving the puck on the point or from the top of the circle and release a missile toward the net. The power he produces is quite impressive as noted from his back leg being lifted into the air after his wind up. Sullivan is a true leader on the ice, he eats up most ice time on the team, plays in all situations, and heavily relied on to produce on the score sheet. He plays the same game despite the score and isn’t easily demotivated. Smooth skater, edgework from forward to backward starting is done in a split-second. He’s able to swiftly get into proper position after gliding into the play. Powerplay specialist, his playmaking ability really shows on the man advantage. Accurate passer through traffic and sticks. His neutral zone coverage and gap control is usually excellent, but his active stick often breaks up plays from occurring. Beating him on the inside is a challenging mission for forwards, he constantly has his eyes on their chest rather than the puck. Towering at 6’1”, Jack uses his body to hide the puck when being pressured and isn’t afraid to lay the body in the open ice. Sullivan oozes confidence with the puck even when heavily pursued, he often acts as if there’s no one around him. Plays a heavy game when taking opponents on-on-one, which can cause penalties. Excels at being the last line of defense as he understands when or not to pinch along the boards. His vision up the ice is very inconsistent as he doesn’t take advantage of the opposition’s long changes and tired players. Sullivan doesn’t make the correct passes to his wingers at times which causes him to turn back toward his goal ultimately causing turnovers. Urgency and awareness are a weakness, communication with his d-partner may be the culprit.

November 11th, 2023
Green Bay 5 v Lincoln 2 (USHL)
Resoch Center
DraftPro Scout: Andy Miller

2 Adam Kleber, D, Lincoln Stars (USHL), R, 6’4”, 210, DOB 3.24.2006

Kleber moves well for a big player. He is a defender who can jump up in the play and he is able to recover with some speed and get back in time often. Kleber is a very good player at boxing out at the net front. He makes excellent reads on the ice and often intercepts the pass to turn the puck out of the defensive zone. Kleber could improve his lateral movement, it looks laboured at times. He is a good defender who can gauge players speed and use effective gap control to limit their speed. Kleber has an ability to see the ice and retain that information when going into the corner to retrieve the puck and be able to initiate the breakout under pressure. He is miserable to play against when he is on the penalty kill, but needs to ensure he doesn’t run around for hits and focuses on protecting the net front. Kleber has a nice long reach and capably uses that to get in the passing lanes. He makes good passes and reads, but is not an elite passer. He is a player who consistently makes a good decision. Kleber can jump up into the play and has a shot that can be tough to stop. He can get his shot off quickly when needed. If things go well in his development he could be an Ian Cole/Ben Chiarot type defender in a few years, likely a solid second pair defenseman. He is worth a look in the late second or third round in the upcoming draft.

November 11, 2023
Calgary Hitmen vs Edmonton Oil Kings – WHL
Rogers Place
DraftPro Scout: Colin Johnson

26 D Carter Yakemchuk, Calgary Hitmen (WHL), 6’3’’, 194, R, DOB 2005.09.29

A better game than I’ve seen him play previously. He did less rushing of the puck and made more outlet passes to exit the zone. Unfortunately, he still has some major red flags in his game. Decision making is questionable as he makes low percentage attempts for plays and is making the extra move rather than passing the puck because he is looking to open up a lane for himself. He is a primarily shoot fist defenceman and isn’t looking to get his teammates involved. Lastly, he is a player that plays on the edge a lot causing him to take unnecessary bad penalties. These are significant question marks in his game that don’t seem to be fixing themselves and pose an issue to his transferability to the next level. The undisputed part about is that he is massively talented. Big body, strong and willing to be physical defensively. A good skater that uses footwork in the offensive zone and speed to exit and enter the zones. Most importantly is his shot. It is just an elite level shot that could score on NHL goalies right now. Both wrist shot and slap shot are powerful with deadly accuracy. He pinpoints exactly where he wants to put each shot and doesn’t normally miss his spot. If his game matures and he begins to use his teammates more he will be a top offensive defenceman from this draft. But due to his lack of awareness on defence, where he looks lost at occasionally, he doesn’t project out as a great two-way defender until his effort from the offensive end is transferred to the defensive end.

November 17, 2023
Fargo 4 USNTDP 5
USA Hockey Arena
DraftPro Scout: Liam Staples

23 D Cole Hutson, USNTDP, 5’10” 158 L. 28-06-2006

Cole is a smooth skating defenceman and similar to his brother Lane, Cole is also a pass first, puck moving defenceman. The first impression of Cole was noticing how well he plays defensively with his stick. Cole managed to time his challenge with his stick well and did not get burned by getting his timing wrong. Listed at 5’10” Cole is a smaller defenceman that relies on mobility and efficient puck moving. A common trend NHL teams are strongly taking into consideration when drafting a defenseman is the prospects height. The last five Stanley Cup Champions, St. Louis, Tampa Bay x2, Colorado and Vegas, all had defencemen on their playoff roster listed as six feet or taller, there are two exceptions to this trend with Samuel Girard and Cale Makar on Colorado listed as 5’10” and 5’11” respectfully, but every hockey fan would tell you, both are elite level defencemen and a very rare commodity to come by. A positive for Hutson is he will have several years for his body to develop and grow into a bigger and stronger frame although this trend is an important thought to consider. The trend is not saying to avoid drafting or never draft defenceman listed as under six feet, the trend is saying that NHL organizations that are successful in the playoffs winning the Stanley Cup have focused on building their blueline on defenceman that are tall and strong because they know they will be relied upon to take heavy damage and punishment during a Stanley Cup run. Defencemen that are smaller are more susceptible to injury from obtaining heavy punishing hits against larger forwards game in and game out for four rounds of the playoffs. Hutson is a skilled-puck moving defenceman, he has a good habit of checking his shoulder to observe the ice before skating in for a puck retrieval and showed he is capable of making breakout passes to teammates while under pressure from his opponent. An interesting note made about Hutson from his viewing against Fargo was his ability to draw in his opponent to then spin off of him to skate off in the other direction. This is a very effective maneuver for smaller players battling against larger opponents in the corner as it will allow the player to protect the puck better as well as create separation space from his opponent to skate into open ice. Hutson plays cool defensively and does not show a lot of panic to his game, he did make a few errors in the defensive zone leading to turnovers, if he can limit errors in the defensive zone, his stock will rise.

November 19, 2023
HC Plzen 4 vs Rytiri Kladno 2 (Tipsport Extraliga)
CEZ Stadium
DraftPro Scout: Brogan Houston

5, RD Adam Jiricek, HC Plzen (Tipsport Extraliga), 6’1”, 152, R, DOB 6.28.2006

As a 152-pound 17-year-old playing among fully grown men in the Czech Extraliga, Adam Jiricek holds his own. Once he grows a little more, he will dominate — and judging by the size of his older brother, David Jiricek, he could put on three inches and 50 pounds. Jiricek excels at both ends of the ice, although his statline doesn’t show it. In the offensive zone, he plays the quarterback position, and does quite well under pressure from the opposing team’s wingers. He makes lots of nifty passes around defenders in the offensive zone to set his teammates up. Think of Quinn Hughes in the offensive zone — that’s Adam Jiricek. In his own end, Jiricek is the most fearless shot blocker in his draft class. He’d much prefer to take a shot to the legs than have the puck stay in his zone for another second. His positioning on the penalty kill is also something to write home about. He covers two attackers at once, blocking them from passing to each other and shooting. If he can do this in the NHL, he will be very valuable. Jiricek’s first pass is also excellent. In one instance in Sunday’s game against Rytiri Kladno, Jiricek broke up a rush and immediately sprung a 50-foot pass off the boards to his teammate, who then had a one-on-one chance. Jiricek had several other notable first passes that could have turned into goals. At the moment, Jiricek has zero points through 16 games in the big league. Last year, however, he potted 12 goals and 29 points in 41 games at the U-20 level. As he grows and adjusts to the more rigourous style of play, his offensive game should improve to at least what it was last year. Jiricek has the chance to be a star defenseman in the NHL, although he will have to grow and develop more before that dream becomes a reality.

By Isaiah Bouchard

Throughout mid December, the World Junior A Challenge was held in Truro Nova Scotia, where five teams faced off in a competitive round robin tournament. This year we got to see two team Canadas, Canada East and Canada West. As well Team USA, Sweden, and Slovakia. While it may not get the same press as the big World Juniors coming at the end of the year, the A Challenge gives us a chance to see players that may not have what it takes to make the highly competitive U20 rosters. The A challenge is especially crucial for Canadian players playing in the Junior “A” leagues, who may not get the chance to shine in the bigger CHL leagues. Big names in this year’s draft such as Trevor Connelly and Alexander Zetterberg have a chance to truly shine as the stars of their teams. And we even get to see a bit of a glimpse into the 2025 draft class as well.

Tournament Recap

Dec 10^th saw Canada West lose 4-2 against Sweden, and Canada East win 7-2 against Slovakia. Dec 11^th saw USA defeat Slovakia 6-1, and Canada East defeat Canada West 5-2. The 12^th saw only one game, as Alexander Zetterberg faced off against Trevor Connelly in a high scoring affair, where the US won 7-4. Dec 13^th saw Canada West defeat Slovakia 7-3, and Canada East shutout Sweden 5-0. The red-hot team USA went up against Canada West on the 14^th, where USA won 5-1. Dec 15^th, the final night before the finals, saw Sweden beat Slovakia 6-2, and USA beat Canada East 7-2.

After the first 10 games, USA held a clear 4-0 lead, scoring 25 goals. Second place was team Canada East, with a record of 3-1, and 19 goals. Sweden ended their first 4 going 2-2 and 14 goals. Canada West finished 1-3 with 12 goals. And Slovakia finished last going 0-4 with 8 goals total.

The Semi Finals saw team USA (1^st) face team Canada West (4^th), where team Canada West upset the powerhouse Americans in a crushing 4-3 OT win. The US went to the bronze medal game, while Canada West went to the gold medal game. Canada East (2^nd) faced Sweden (3^rd) where Canada East barely managed to out score a very game team Sweden, winning 7-5. The Bronze medal game between team USA and team Sweden was another high scoring affair, where Sweden yet again scored 5 goals but could not get the win. USA won 8-5, securing the bronze medal. Finally it was Canada VS Canada for the gold which saw yet another surprising upset as the 1-3 Canada West beat team USA and team Canada East to win the gold medal. Team Canada West won 7-2 in the gold medal game.

So after an interesting ride for the A Challenge this year, who shined brightest?

Team Canada East, Silver Medal.

Trevor Hoskin, C, Cobourg Cougars (OJHL), Right Hand, 6’1”, 172 lbs. Born May 18^th, 2004.

Representing the OJHL and the Cobourg Cougars, Trevor Hoskin tied for first overall in points for the tournament. With 3 goals 8 assists and 11 points, Hoskin was a consistent player for team Canada East. And being the main offensive force on one of the best teams in the A Challenge looks good on the 19-year-olds career resume. Coming from the OJHL, Hoskin is going to need big moments in order to get noticed. One of the best players to come out of the A Challenge is certainly a place to start. On top of this, Hoskin has a great chance to make it to 100 points this year. If he can continue to play at the top of his game, Hoskin could find a spot in the draft this year. As he is now in the very least being talked about.

“Trevor possesses so much skill with the puck, he is a super competitive player who wants to win and has elite playmaking skills.” – DraftPro’s Carson Klein.

Dylan Edwards, F, Toronto Patriots (OJHL), Left Hand, 5’8”, 154 lbs. Born July 20^th, 2005.

Formerly apart of the Erie Otters, Dylan Edwards impressed many in this A Challenge with his 6 goals and 10 points. Like Hoskin, Edwards needed this big showing. His name is now in circulation, as it is hard to ignore the showing that Edwards had. While his time in the OJHL has been good, it is by no means attention grabbing. These 6 goals will certainly boost his stock on draft day.

“Plays hard on the puck and creates lots of chances to score with his powerful shot.” – DraftPro’s Carson Klein.

Andy Reist, F, Cobourg Cougars (OJHL), Left Hand, 6’0”, 174lbs. Born May 15^th, 2004.

Another OJHL rep, as well as Trevor Hoskin’s linemate, Andy Reist finished the A Challenge with 7 points and 4 goals. On top of this, Reist had an incredible game 1 against Slovakia, scoring three goals to help Canada win 7-2. He remained at a steady point per game for the rest of the tournament, showing he can stay at a competitive level night in and night out.

“His offensive instincts are extremely gifted. He becomes an automatic threat to create an opportunity for his team anytime he is in the offensive zone.” – DraftPro’s Carson Klein.

Etienne Lessard, D, Cornwall Colts (CCHL), Left Hand, 5’9”, 174 lbs. Born May 22^nd, 2004.

From the Cornwall Colts of the CCHL, Lessard was Team Canada East’s best defensemen. He shows great two-way capabilities, dishing out assists and playing smart on both ends. He’s already more than doubled last years point total in Cornwall, on pace for over 70 points in 48 games. His small stature is always going to be a question for scouts. But 6 points in 6 games playing against stiff competition is a good start to get Lessard noticed.

Dawson Labre, G, Smiths Falls Bears (CCHL), Left Hand, 6’3”, 181 lbs. Born June 22^nd, 2004.

From the Smiths Falls Bears, Dawson Labre led Canada East between the pipes. He was one of the few goalies of the entire tournament that finished their save percentage above a .900. Without a doubt the best goalie to come out of the A Challenge. With another slow draft year for goalies, this couldn’t have gone better for Dawson Labre. A strong performance now will certainly get scouts interested in the young Canadian goaltender.

Team Canada West, Gold Medal.

Jack Silverberg, F, Okotoks Oilers (AJHL), Right Hand, 5’9”, 165 lbs. Born December 1^st, 2004.

After scoring 3 goals and 6 points to end the tournament, Team Canada West displayed why Hockey is indeed a team sport. From the AJHL, which had 3 players picked last year in the draft, Silverberg is making a strong argument to be the best player out of the AJHL this year. He has potential to be a big goal scorer when his team needs him, which was on full display on his 2-goal game against Slovakia. His draft stock certainly improved after winning gold for team Canada West, something that the other AJHL drafted players from last year can not say.

Logan Sawyer, LW, Brooks Bandits (AJHL), Left Hand, 6’1”, 174 lbs. Born May 6^th, 2006.

From the AJHL’s Brooks Bandits, Logan Sawyer likely has the greatest chance of being drafted from team Canada West. While he and Jack Silverberg scored equal points in the tournament, Sawyer will likely look better coming out of the A Challenge due to being a year younger. On top of that he is looking on par with players such as Hudson Malinoski and Aiden Fink who were drafted from the AJHL last year. But he has a gold medal that they do not have.

“Sawyer uses his big frame and skating ability to drive through coverage and capably keeps control of the puck. He has excellent vision on the ice and reads plays consistently. On top of this he has an excellent release for his shot, making him a dangerous scoring threat as well. He has the potential to be a solid second line power forward who could become a Nick Schmaltz type NHLer if things go very well.” – DraftPro’s Andy Miller.

Matthew Van Blaricom, F, Humboldt Broncos (SJHL), Right Hand, 5’11”, 174 lbs. Born August 26^th, 2006.

With 4 goals and 5 points after its all said and done, Matthew Van Blaricom should certainly get noticed for leading team Canada West in goals. Currently sitting at nearly a goal per game for the Humboldt Broncos in the SJHL, Van Blaricom is immerging as a pretty underrated goal scorer. Being only 17 years old, Van Blaricom’s chances of being picked are starting to rise, his gold medal and goal scoring abilities will certainly build his reputation and lead to his name being tossed around come draft day.

Layne Loomer, F, Blackfald Bulldogs (AJHL), Right Hand, 5’11”, 170 lbs. Born July 17^th, 2005.

If one more nod had to go to any skater on the gold medal team, it would be Layne Loomer from the Blackfald Bulldogs. 3 goals and 2 assists are not too shabby for a team that did not have an easy time in the tournament by any means. Loomer looks like he is on pace for a solid season in the AJHL this year, and a gold medal at the A Challenge should go far in building his resume.

Erick Roest, G, Sherwood Park Crusaders (AJHL), Left Hand, 6’0”, 170 lbs. Born October 26^th, 2004.

Team Canada West’s goaltender, Erick Roest deserves a mention after his impressive showing in the semi finals and finals. His poise and clutch abilities were on full display for team Canada West’s final games and it is unlikely Canada West would win any gold without Roest between the pipes. He shows these same abilities in the AJHL playoffs as well. If any GM is looking for a sleeper pick in the later rounds, why not take a chance on a goalie that has proven he can handle the pressure?

Team Slovakia, 5^th place.

Daniel Jencko, C, Youngstown Phantoms (USHL), Left Hand, 6’0”, 181 lbs. Born January 9^th, 2005.

There is really only one player to mention on team Slovakia and that is Daniel Jencko. Despite only being 18 years old, Jencko is already a well travelled player. Having seasons in the Slovakia leagues, J20 Nationell, SHL, USHL, multiple international tournaments, and now the World Juniors A Challenge. Slovakia was outclassed in this tournament, but that didn’t stop Jencko from putting up a good fight with 4 points and 2 goals. Slovakia may have went 0-4, but Jencko was a positive that came out of the tournament for Slovakia. His solid skating and playmaking abilities were on full display, and he showcased his not-too-shabby shot as well. After being in, so far, 3 leagues this year, it will be hard to predict where, or if, Jencko will end up on draft day. But here’s hoping a GM will take a chance on this fiery Slovakian forward.

Adam Cedzo, F, HC Oceláři Třinac (Czechia), Right Hand, 5’10”, 157 lbs. Born February 23^rd, 2005.

A quick mention should go to Adam Cedzo from the Czechia League as well. He played well for a team that was often struggling and showcased a lot of high effort plays. He got 3 points for the tournament often being there for most of Slovakia’s big offensive and defensive plays. A solid and underrated player.

Team Sweden, 4^th place.

Alexander Zetterberg, C, Örebro HK J20 (J20 Nationell), Right Hand, 5’8” 159 lbs. Born April 27^th, 2006.

So far, the players mentioned were undoubtedly helped by their performances in the A Challenge, but as we look at Zetterberg, it’s not that simple. He did have a good showing, scoring 5 goals and 4 assists for 9 points to cap off the tournament. But no medals will certainly hurt his stock come draft day. His chances of making the U20 World Juniors team is small, so this was Zetterberg’s big chance to showcase his talents to the scouts watching. And in some ways, he certainly did. He finished in the top 5 for goal scorers at the end of it all, but that was not enough to place him in the top 5 for points overall. Still, he scored more points that any player on Team Canada West, so that has to mean something. Overall Zetterberg had a shaky tournament, with some ups and some downs. His amazing stick handling was on full display and he got to showcase his goal scoring ability.

“He is a game breaker who can have an off shift and then on one shift dominate and take the game over. Zetterberg is accurate and can get some power behind his shots. He has the ability to cover the opposition and can finish off the plays well. Zetterberg is likely going to develop into a second liner with some good offense.  He will likely be a mid-second round selection and great selection for any team in the upcoming draft.” DraftPro’s Andy Miller.

Lucas Pettersson, C, MoDo Hockey J20 (J20 Nationell), Left Hand, 5’11” 170 lbs. Born April 17^th, 2006.

One player that was undoubtedly helped on team Sweden, was one Lucas Pettersson. With 8 points to finish the tournament, Pettersson certainly brought some eyes on him as he displayed his good all-round game. He is a player suitable for the earlier rounds, possibly as high as the 3^rd or maybe even the 2^nd round. It depends on how the rest of his season goes of course, but now his name is out there, as player who can hang and even improve a clear high draft pick such as Alexander Zetterberg.

“Peterson is a quick skating forward.  He is a very strong skater and can use this to be an effective player on the power play.  Petterson sees lanes before they open up and is very aware. He has a high hockey IQ with great vision.  Petterson makes good decisions more often than not. Pettersson will be a third or fourth round selection, likely inside the top 100.  He could develop into a good two way forward who could develop into a Teurovinen or Eberle type forward.” – DraftPro’s Andy Miller.

 Anton Frondell, F, Djurgårdens IF J20 (J20 Nationell), Left Hand, 6’0”, 179 lbs. Born May 7^th, 2007.

Who could be one of the best players in the 2025 NHL draft, Anton Frondell shows a lot of promise at 16 years old. 7 points is not bad for a young man such as himself, which goes double considering all of team Sweden was underaged compared to the other teams. Frondell showcased excellent positioning and hockey IQ, playing on par with a lot of older guys pretty easily. He had 2 multipoint games and is already looking like he has a permanent spot in the U20 Nationell League at only 16 years old. Without out a doubt this is only the beginning for Anton Frondell.

“Frondell is a dynamic player who has a knack to finish plays off with his quick and deceptive release. Frondell is a player who elevates the skill of others on the ice with him and he is one of the youngest players in the tournament. Frondell is a player who will be one to watch for the 2025 draft and should be a top two round selection if he continues his development.” – DraftPro’s Andy Miller.

Victor Eklund, LW, Djurgårdens IF J20 (J20 Nationell), Right Hand, 5’10”, 152 lbs. October 3^rd, 2006.

Brother to the San Jose Sharks’ William Eklund, Victor showcased some promising glimpses of skill and potential. He has a good energy about him and can set up plays very well. Excellent passing overall helped Eklund get to 7 points with 6 assists. It’s not so certain that Victor will be on par with his brother William, but a good showing for team Sweden will help Eklund out come draft day. Like Anton Frondell, Eklund is playing comfortably in the U20 Nationell League, and with William Eklund already making strides in the NHL, don’t be surprised to hear Victor Eklund’s name called sooner rather than later.

Alfons Freij, D, Växjö Lakers HC J20 (J20 Nationell), Left Hand, 6’1”, 192 lbs. Born February 12^th, 2006.

Arguably the best defensemen from the entire tournament, Alfons Freij is making a strong case to go in the first round. He’s a great skater, an excellent passer and play reader, without a doubt Alfons Freij is an excellent offensive defensemen. A defensemen whose capable of scoring multiple goals a night, Alfons Freij has definitely captured the attention from scouts and GMs after his performance in the World Juniors A Challenge. A true testament to the tournaments growing relevance in recent years.

Team USA, Bronze Medal.

Trevor Connelly, F, Tri-City Storm (USHL), Left Hand, 6’1”, 161 lbs. Born February 28^th, 2006.

It’s hard to argue for anyone else having as much pressure as Connelly had when coming into this tournament. His placement on draft day is highly debated, and many are not sure if he is truly first round worthy. But after tying the lead for points in the tournament, scoring 6 goals including a 4-goal game against Sweden, Connelly’s stock has certainly improved. He shows that he can be a top guy, that he can take over a game, and that he can lead his team to win in big situations. While Erick Roest and the rest of Team Canada West upset the Americans in the semi finals, Connelly was a prime reason for his teams dominant win over Sweden. Overall it was a great tournament for Trevor Connelly and the results have certainly planted himself as a first rounder, maybe even a top ten draft pick.

“Connelly is a superb skater who is not afraid to drive the center lane with speed, with or without the puck. He is a game breaker who can elevate the game of all those around him. He is an electric player who is very exciting to watch. Connelly will develop into a first or second-line center and could develop into the range of a Matt Barzal type center.  He is a lock to be a first rounder and likely in the top half of the first round.” – DraftPro’s Andy Miller

Mac Swanson, F, Fargo Force (USHL), Left Hand, 5’7”, 157 lbs. Born January 10^th, 2006.

After tying Trevor Connelly and Trevor Hoskin for top point scorer, Mac Swanson has certainly put his name on the board. The 17-year-old now has two bronze medals and a solid season in the USHL to put on his resume. Swanson was likely going to be selected no matter what, but now the question as to where he places is starting to become clear. He seems destined for the first half of the draft after this performance. He showcased excellent playmaking skills, enough to give him three multipoint games. The future is looking up for this Alaskan born forward.

“Swanson is a smooth skater who has excellent edge control and balance, a truly dynamic forward who moves the puck well.  He could develop into a dynamic second line center who could be hard to cover at the NHL level due to his vision and high hockey IQ that he possesses.” – DraftPro’s Andy Miller

James Reeder, F, Dubuque Fighting Saints (USHL), Right Hand, 5’9”, 168 lbs. Born October 6^th, 2005.

For his draft year, Reeder did not perform to what he had hoped in the USHL. Now as an 18-year-old, he’s looking like a point per game player, but that is unlikely going to cut it as there are a plethora of 17-year-olds making similar strides. That is why Reeder needed this excellent performance at the A Challenge. Scoring 8 goals, making him the top goal scorer of the tournament, and 10 points, James Reeder may have just put himself on the map.

“Reeder is a quick skater and works to get to the inside.  He has the ability to receive passes at the net front and finish consistently. He is a player who has a great release that is hard to read.  Reeder goes to the net like Gallagher and is able to keep his hands open and available to finish off the play. Reeder has the ability to be a second liner if he can continue to finish plays off or a third liner with some offensive abilities.  If he develops to his maximum potential he could be a Ryan Johansen type player.” – DraftPro’s Andy Miller.

Joe Connor, C, Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL), Left Hand, 5’10”, 174 lbs. Born March 31^st, 2005.

The heart and soul of this team USA, Joe Connor displayed his excellent playmaking and hockey IQ all tournament long. Scoring 4 goals and 10 points, Joe Conner was the main reason why team USA had 4 10-point players. Not just through his goals and assists, but puck driving ability. Without a doubt one of the most underrated players to come out of the A Challenge, and he certainly deserves to have his name passed around the draft board.

https://draftprospectshockey.com/draftpro-order-your-2024-preview-magazine-today/

By DraftPro Staff

November and December were a very busy months in the world of hockey scouting with multiple U17, U18, and U20 events taking place all over the world. Our evaluators annually make these events must see as they are pinnacle to the big picture of each participating prospect as we get a true read on these young men before the big day in June. Add to that the publication of our annual Preview Magazine and things were pretty hectic in the Draft Prospects Hockey offices. To catch up we will be releasing some event reviews of the next few weeks and start us off with this three in one review of the 2023 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, the November U18 Five Nations, and the November U20 Five Nations events that all possessed multiple future undrafted NHL talent. Below is a review of who stood out from each event with notes from various scouts.

2023 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge

Charlottetown and Summerside, PEI

November 2-11, 2023

CANADA WHITE STANDOUTS

#20 Emile Guite, F, Canada White, 6’2”, 164, L, DOB 5.31.2007

Guite is a fast skating tall player.  If he bulks up he will be an immense player.  He has very slick hands and can stick handles in a phone booth.  Guite is a very offensive player with a high skill set.  He is a strong player with the puck on his stick and he finds the puck or it finds him.  Guite is a player who has first line offensive talent.  He is a player who works hard and wants to pick his team up after a bad play or goal against.  Guite is an effective passer who can initiate a breakout.  He is starting to show some defensive awareness and can backcheck hard and strip players of the puck.  Guite has the knowledge to predict where he needs to be to be an important part of the offense of his team.  He needs to mature more in his own end and learn how to fill in the gaps against high level players.  Guite needs to want the puck more when he needs to battle for it, he wants to score so much at times I wonder if he really wants to battle to get possession when he is first man in. He is an outstanding offensive player who can drive the play in the offensive zone confidently. Guite is a goal scorer and if he continues to fill the net could be a first rounder in 2025. – Andy Miller

#11 Matthew Schaefer, D, Canada White, 6’1”, 161, L, DOB 08.05.2007

Schaefer proved why he was named captain and is the number one defenseman of this team. He showed his skill in all facets of the game. His most important asset is his skating because of how good it is and the fact that it elevates all the other aspects of his game. His edge work and ability to open-face skate along the blue line are exceptional. It allows him to see the entire play and turn effortlessly. It also gives him the ability to walk the line and maintain space from the opposition. He has tremendous crossovers which give him great bursts of speed that allow him to lead the rush. In the offensive zone, he isn’t afraid to fire a wrist shot from the point. He has an accurate shot with a quick release that is on target. He uses his shot to create rebounds and scoring opportunities. He was the powerplay quarterback and that is where he was able to show off his full offensive skillset. He demonstrated great vision sending cross-ice passes and setting up scoring chances. Considering it was the team’s first game and they didn’t really practice makes it even more impressive. He has excellent stick handles as well which help him lead the rush. However, playing with Huang, the pair need to learn to lead the rush less or stay back when the other does. His backwards skating is also exceptional which helps him shut down the opposition’s attack earlier because he is able to switch to backwards earlier. His backwards skating is so good because of his crossover ability. He is a pest in the defensive zone and has a good poke check. He is constantly hounding opponents down and trying to lift their sticks to steal with puck away. He needs to reel in his aggression sometimes as it cost him when he took a sloppy cross-checking penalty. – Zach Morris

#1 Jack Ivankovic, G, Canada White, 5’11”, 170, L, DOB 5.22.2007

Ivankovic moves in and out of the post smoothly and covers up holes quickly.    His tracking is very strong and his work ethic seems very high.    Ivankovic has superb box control and almost never over plays the puck.  He has a very calming presence in the net and is developing his game as he gains experience.  Ivankovic has all the tools to be the next great Canadian goaltender for years to come with proper development.  He is a goaltender who knows where everyone is and he takes that information and uses it to predict where the puck could go and always knows exactly where he needs to be.  Ivnakovic’s rebound control is very consistent and he controls the puck and puts it to an area that his team can control it or he covers it.  He is a goaltender who likes to go out and play the puck and does so confidently. When Ivankovic makes a big save it is often not very exciting unlike most other goaltenders and that means he is in position and makes good reads. Ivankovic is so aware as he will clear pucks beside the net and get them out of the danger areas.   I hesitate to say this but Ivankovic is a good puck mover, who has strong box control and is very calm in the net , while elevating his game when it is more important he gives off the vibes of Carey Price.  It is very early to lock someone in as first but Ivankovic has an excellent chance of being the first goaltender selected in the 2025 draft as he could be a franchise goal. – Andy Miller

USA STANDOUTS

#50 Will Moore, F, USA, 6’2”, 160, L, DOB 03.24.2007

Moore had an unreal game for USA. He only finished with an assist although his skill was on full display. He did an excellent job forechecking and put a ton of pressure on the Czechia players in their defensive zone. He was able to force a couple of turnovers as a result. He did a good job pinning players along the boards and allowing for a teammate to come in and steal the puck. He is a great skater and that was on full display. He used his strength and speed to drive to the net. He had great crossovers and did a great job at turning. He was extremely shifty, this helped him maintain possession in the offensive zone. He did a great job utilizing this skill along the boards to shake off defenders. His shot has a quick release and is usually on target. He is a pass-first player and that was evident in this game. He has excellent vision and his passes are very accurate. He had an insane no-look backhand pass showing his creativity and skill. He demonstrated his defensive skills while on the penalty. He did a good job of maintaining position and not overcommitting. He has excellent stick lifts. Moore is a very complete player and when he isn’t impacting the score sheet he impacts the game in many other ways. – Zach Morris

#59 Charlie Trethewey, D, USA, 6’1, 190, R, DOB 08.02.2007

Charlie Trethewey is going to be a top prospect in the 2025 NHL Draft. He is a dynamic two-way defenseman. He exploded for 2 goals and 3 assists in this game. He shoots the puck well beyond his years. He scored from the top of the circles twice with hard and accurate shots. He has playmaking skills to complement his scoring ability. When he can’t beat the goalie cleanly, he finds sticks in front for deflections which resulted in a goal. He makes a great first pass and has a high-level hockey IQ. His defensive game is a bit more difficult to comment on as this entire game was played with special teams. However, he was being used in all situations and was effective on the penalty kill. He has a good stick to intercept passes. He is also impressive physically at 6’1 and 190 pounds. While not a punishing hitter, he separates his man from the puck and finishes the play. He is an average skater but I wouldn’t expect it to hold him back as an impact player at the next level. Overall, Trethewey checks a lot of boxes as an upcoming prospect and is an early first-round pick candidate. – Andreaus Kostopoulos

#38 LJ Mooney, F, USA, 5’6”, 145, R, DOB 3.8.2007

Mooney has an incredible shot with a deadly release.  He is a speedy forward who creates time and space on the ice.  Mooney goes into the corners and battles for the puck.  He is a player who works hard and leaves it all out on the ice.  Mooney is a player who has good hands and can stick handles in tight spaces and maintain control.  He is confident enough to go to the net front and knows how to protect the puck or remain open to receive the puck when doing so.  Mooney has an excellent shot and a very quick release the puck will be on his stick for only a moment.  He has a nasty edge to his play and really works players over in the corner.  Mooney has some of the Gallagher edge to his game. He has a good all-around game with some skill and a bit of a scoring touch.  Mooney will have a chance at being a third-round pick but likely fall to the fourth unless he scores more regularly. – Andy Miller

SWEDEN STANDOUTS

#14 Filip Ekberg, F, Sweden, 5’9” 163, L, DOB 04.14.2007

Ekberg is a very talented offensive player who was able to display his offensive skills during the game. He is a phenomenal skater and is extremely dynamic and fluid. He is very fast and has great crossovers which contribute to his speed. He has excellent edge work and open face skating which help him control possession in the offensive zone and skate around to create space. He has good stick handles, nothing to fancy but he has a nice toe drag. He scored an incredible goal skating around the offensive zone for a while then dished it off and got it back at the point and skated by multiple players down the left side to the goalie making a nice move to his backhand to score. He displayed his exceptional skating and stickhandling skills on the goal. He has good vision and makes some solid passes that are fairly accurate. His shot is nothing special but it does the job. Improving his accuracy would help him. The physical element of his game is practically non-existent but for a player his size that is not that surprising. He is still able to fend off hits well. He doesn’t do much defensively but he isn’t afraid to get in the shooting lane and block some shots. – Zach Morris

#5 Sascha Boumedienne, D, Sweden, 6’1”, 170, L, DOB 1.17.2007

Boumedienne plays the net front well and keeps the opposition to the outside.  He is a good skater with decent edge control.  Boumedienne skates well with the puck on his stick and walks the line well and protects the offensive blueline.  He sees the lanes and can make great passes on the tape or to an open area.  Boumedienne is excellent at looking at his options before receiving the puck but at times he mentally commits so much to an option that he can’t adjust after receiving the puck.  He is a player who works hard on the wall and seems to enjoy the physical side of the game and dishing out hits.  Boumedienne is good at clearing the puck from the net front.  His tracking of the puck could improve a bit as a defender. Boumedienne is an effective player and keeping players to the outside of the net.  He makes nice tight turns and uses them to out maneuver opponents with the puck on his stick.  Boumedienne has the ability to let a hard heavy shot off from the point that can beat a quality goaltender clean.  He has the ability to become a fairly big defenseman that is a good skater too and can be very versatile and work both sides of the puck.  Boumedienne has the complete package and could be an option in the first round if his offense is consistent. – Andy Miller

#16 Anton Frondell, F, Sweden, 6’0” 179, L, DOB 05.07.2007

Frondell is an excellent power forward and he was able to showcase that against Czechia. He made an impact with his physicality almost every shift he was on the ice. He threw out numerous big hits and even a couple of nice reverse hits. He is extremely strong with the puck when carrying it or driving to the net. He is also great along the boards and it is very hard to get the puck from him because he is rarely outmuscled. He is also an excellent forechecker and did a good job pinning opponents along the boards. He has solid skating and is pretty fast thanks to his long strides. His edge work is what stood out the most and was great. His shot is exceptional and he used it to score a great goal. It was a turn-around shot that was perfectly placed. His shot has a quick release and is accurate and powerful. He has a good snap shot as well and his one-timer is powerful but not really accurate. He did take a bad tripping penalty, it was completely unnecessary. He was being overly aggressive and not careful with his stick when attacking. He needs to be less aggressive and show more restraint defensively. He did a good job following players and was never really out of position. He used his long reach to get his stick in passing lanes. – Andy Miller

CZECHIA STANDOUTS

#17 F, Adam Benak, Czechia, 5’7, 157, L, DOB 04.10.2007

Adam Benak is a can’t miss player whenever he is on the ice. He is one of the fastest players I have ever seen at the junior level. He goes from a standstill to top speed in a hurry. His agility is also top tier. His skating style reminds me of Nathan MacKinnon, a pretty good player in the NHL. He is an offensive threat at all times. Once his team gets possession of the puck, he bolts at full speed to become a passing option. With the puck, he backs off defenders with speed. He shoots the puck hard for a small guy. His playmaking ability is even stronger than his scoring touch. His hockey IQ is extremely strong, as he always knows where the right spot is on the ice. The only question with Benak is his size. He is 5’7 and 157 pounds. For his sake, I hope he grows to be able to handle the physical demands of pro hockey. Benak is touted as a top prospect for the 2025 NHL draft, and for good reason. – Andreus Kostopoulos

#25 RW Matej Pekar, Czechia (2023 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge), 5’9” 146lbs, L, DOB 08.08.2007

Pekar was one of the best players on the ice for Czechia and Canada really felt his impact. He netted the second goal for Czechia which helped them get back into the game and eventually win it. He showed off his entire offensive skillset throughout the game. He was great at maintaining possession in the offensive zone and creating scoring chances. He has an excellent wrist shot with a really fast release and he didn’t hesitate to use it. He has great vision and made a few nice cross-ice passes that turned into quality scoring chances for his teammates. He is a great skater, with his primary skill being his edge work and open-face skating. In the offensive zone, he uses this to maintain possession and turn along the boards and in the open to keep defenders off of him. He is really strong along the boards as he was able to constantly outmuscle the Canadian players to get the puck off them. He has a great stick lift that he was able to use and snatch the puck away from them. He was an offensive juggernaut for Czechia but his defensive game should not be overlooked. He also did a great job keeping his composure multiple times when Canadian players took a run at him after the whistle. – Zach Morris

#16 F Adam Novotny, Czechia (2023 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge), 6’0” 174lbs, L, DOB 11.13.2007

Novotny was probably the best player for Czechia and that was obvious. He finished the game with a goal and an assist. He is an excellent skater, extremely fast, and has great crossovers, turns and edgework. He combines all these skills to blow by players when leading the rush and driving to the net. For his size, he leaves a lot on the table in terms of physicality. He could pin players along the boards and outmuscle them in front of either net, however, he does not. Adding a physical element to his game would help him a lot. His passes are excellent and extremely accurate. He has a wide range of passes but his cross-ice ones are the best in his arsenal. He made a good pass to the other side of the ice for an assist on the second goal. He did a good job getting it through multiple defenders’ sticks. He does a good job at making look like he’s going to shoot before ultimately passing. He had a bad turnover in the defensive zone holding on to the puck too long waiting to make the perfect pass. Sometimes he needs to dish it off and ensure the team maintains possession. He is an extremely fast skater who utilizes crossovers very well. He is a very aggressive player defensively and he was able to steal the puck with some nice stick lifts as a result. Being aggressive could cost him because he may overcommit to a player and then get beat and be out of position as a result. He has an excellent shot that is extremely powerful. He was able to score the goal off a long wrist shot. – Zach Morris

CANADA RED STANDOUTS

#9 LW Gavin Mckenna, Team Canada Red, Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL), 5’11”,165 , L, DOB 11.20.2007

An offensive forward with great vision and a very quick shot. His vision is extremely strong for his age. He’s excellent at finding his teammates in the offensive zone. If the shooting option isn’t there, he draws pressure towards himself to open up a passing option for his teammates. That’s one of the reasons he’s on the powerplay. However, his passes can be sloppy during zone exits or in the neutral zone. He also sometimes tries risky passes with soft jump passes, creating a giveaway. His shooting is extremely threatening. He’s quick and accurate. He likes to use defenders as screens when entering the zone and on the powerplay. His skating is good. His first three slides give him great acceleration. But I’d like to see him be a little more explosive in his play. Mckenna is sometimes soft and lacks dynamism when he doesn’t have the puck. His positioning when he doesn’t have the puck needs to be improved for him to be more effective defensively. He has a good reach, but if he put more intensity on the forecheck with his acceleration, he’d cause a lot of turnovers. He has good hands. He has the ability to defend against 2-3 players and then pass the puck to his teammates. However, I found he took too long shifts. He needs to be smarter about crossing the red line and dumping and changing. It’s quite impressive what he can already do at the age of 15. He’ll certainly have a lot of pressure on him with his exceptional WHL status. He still has plenty of time to develop, as he’s only eligible for the 2026 draft. – Samuel Laplante

#15 C Ryan Roobroeck, Team Canada Red, Niagara Ice Dogs (OHL), 6’02”,185 , L, DOB 09.25.2007

A goal scorer with a powerful, accurate shot. He already has a shot that could break through in the NHL. He likes to shoot from a good distance. With his good hands, he creates space for himself to shoot from. He’s also a skill player. He can be a threat in 1-on-1 situations, and he’s capable of taking on 2 players in the offensive zone. His skating is average. He can keep up with the speed of the game, but nothing more. He needs to work on his acceleration to be more of a threat in 1vs1. He’s also good on the forecheck. He has a long reach, which creates a lot of turnovers for his opponents. But if he had more speed, he’d be even more of a threat with his pressure. He positions himself well in the defensive zone to block shots and pass lines. His passing is good. In the offensive zone, he finds his teammates. But he has more of a shoot-first mentality. However, he’ll need to keep his head up when leaving the zone. He was caught making a pass in the middle without looking, which created a turnover and a scoring chance for the opposition. He’ll also have to make better decisions on his passing choices and keep things simple. As for his physical game, I was surprised that with his size, he didn’t hit at all. With his size, he has to hit and finish his checks to separate the player from the puck. Certainly, if he improves his explosiveness and intensity, it will improve his physical game. It’s clear that with his shooting and offensive skills he could develop into a top-six forward.  He’ll be eligible for the 2026 draft and still has plenty of time to develop. – Samuel Laplante

#7 Cole Reschny, F, Canada Red,  L, 5’9”, 161, DOB 4.6.2007

Reschny has elite level skill.  He is a speedy forward who can use his speed to separate himself from checkers.  Reschny is an offensive dynamo with a ton of skill and talent.  He has high end vision and sees the ice so well that he can find lanes that most don’t even think to look for.  Reschny finds the puck and open spaces on the ice.  He is a very good powerplay player as he is continuously moving and always dangerous.    Reschny can be knocked down and he continues on with the play and doesn’t give up.  He has an incredible ability to finish off plays.  Reschny has the ability to put the puck on a dime and lay it flat for the recipient.  He is an electric player who is a difference maker who will become an NHL regular and make an impact on his team.  Reschny will likely be a first round selection or early second rounder. – Andy Miller

FINLAND STANDOUTS

#3 Jesper Kotivarji, D, Finland, R, 5’11”, 157  DOB 7.24.2007

Kotivarji is a responsible defender who typically maintains good position.  He is a very good skater and is well balanced.  Kotivarji is an effective defender on the penalty kill as he boxes out well with his skating and balance.  He is a player who is well balanced and can throw good clean body checks that knock players off the puck.  Kotivarji is quick to clear loose pucks from the net front area.  He is a dynamic player who can quarterback a power play and direct the play in an effective manner.  Kotivarji is a player who sees the lanes before they are open and to match his great vision are great hands that let him thread the needle with the puck.  He has a very good point shot and gets it off quickly, even a good one timer and can put the puck through traffic and in the back of the net.  Kotivarji patrols the offensive blueline with confidence and smart decisions.  He reads the play very well and when the forwards drop low he moves in and is comfortable walking into a shot and driving it through the net.  Kotivarji reminds me of Kiviharju so he has a chance of being a top selection in the 2025 draft if he continues to develop. – Andy Miller

U18 Five Nations Tournament

Hämeenlinna, Finland

November 6-12, 2023

USA

#34, F, Cole Eiserman, USA (USNTDP, U18 USA), 6”, 195, L, DOB 08.29.2006

Cole Eiserman no doubt about is considered to be the Americans new prodigy for hockey. He is the definition of a marksman when he enters the circles in the offensive zone. Cole is an aware, pin-point accurate, power-forward like sniper who does not miss the net very often. His shot is electric similar to missiles that have one target locked on it, that being the net. His wrister from any area on the ice is what creates his biggest punch. What is astounding is that he can also charging towards the opposition to win puck battles. His offensive awareness is outstanding as he has a nose for the net. His hands are very smooth as he can pretty much deke through anyone. That being said even though he is a winger, he sometimes plays a little too high up which causes him to be out of position. He is a powerful skater as even though he may not be the fastest, his good lateral movement and strong balance allow him to power through the opposition. From a defensive point of view, even though he may not wow you by always sacrificing the body but is not a disappointment. At the end of the day, what it comes down to is his ability to accelerate quickly is what he needs to work on and when that is improved, there is no questions asked about him having the comparison of Ilya Kovalchuk. – Tyler Ballesteros-Willard

#10, F, James Hagens, Sweden (Orebro HK U20, U18 Sweden), 5’10”, 170, L, DOB 11.03.2006

James Hagens is the definition of the future for the Americans. Every time he is on the ice, he is a wizard with the biscuit. James is an agile, conscious playmaker who has the underrated ability of shooting the puck. His quick snapshot is what catches the goaltender off guard when it comes to shooting. The way he handles the puck, not only his hands are quick, but it does not come off his stick very often until he decides to pass it. When he is in playmaking mode, he looks like he enters the flow state which is his highest peak as he has the awareness of a falcon as he truly understands where his opponents are going to be. Where he showcases his skating is not through the quick agile turns, but it is the way he creates his speed while on the rush as he shows him always keeping his feet moving is what highlights his skating aspect. He will need to improve on his lateral movement if he wants to get quicker at the inside edgework. When it comes to his defensive game, there are some weaknesses of him not willing to sacrifice the body all of the time and not giving always defensive support as normally a center would. What he needs to work on is his physicality level, but there is a lot of time for that to happen. He needs to get stronger at fending checks but most importantly, having the desire to throw effective checks. When some of these inconsistencies are fixed, he will absolutely be competing for a top 5 pick who may resemble to a Jack Eichel of the future. – Tyler Ballesteros-Willard

#18 LW Kristian Epperson, USNTDP Juniors (U18 Five Nations), 5’11”, 183, L, DOB 05.16.2006

Epperson is a positionally solid 200-foot winger with good hockey instincts in and around the net. Does a great job of pressuring and creating havoc for the opposition d-men in his defensive zone with his aggressive approach. Tends to get his stick or body in shooting lanes to prevent pucks from reaching his goal. He’s a versatile forward that is capable of doing what is required from the coach due to his extended skill set. He doesn’t seem to possess a skill that is highly above the rest, but rather has a jack of all trades sort of game. Has the ability to be an impactful penalty killer as he is hungry to chip at loose pucks. Has shutdown role potential as he understands his strengths away from the puck. Plays an assertive game down low, being physical is part of his game as he has the frame to lean on his opposition. Generates a high amount of power in his quick release, able to finish in the slot. Decent skating ability as he has a powerful burst but is rarely shown more then once during a shift. A weakness of his game is doing too much with the puck, as well as holding onto it for too long along the boards when his teammates are severely open. He needs to be quicker at deciding when to dish the puck and to be more aware of the ice that he has to work it. Epperson has the right idea when he gains the puck in transition but his passing and decision-making execution is often poorly done. – Steven Pratas

#24 C Christian Humphreys, USNTDP Juniors (U18 Five Nations), 5’11”, 170, R, DOB 02.04.2006

Extremely quick and light on his feet, Humphreys is noticeable in all zones on the ice. His ability to create separation from his opponents is very impressive. Terrific puck and stick handling ability as he’s able to showcase soft hands even when he’s going at top speed. Protecting the puck along the boards and being able to break away from a defender due to his fast stop and starts is part of his game. Processes his surroundings in a blink of an eye when possessing the puck and can pick out his teammates crashing the net. Quick thinker and fast reaction time, seems to always do the correct play. Passes and hard and crisp, demonstrates tons of creativity when he gathers speed behind the net in the offensive zone as he skates toward the point. Continuously drives play when handling the puck, always looking to exploit open ice. Able to slow down play and wait for linemates to get into scoring areas around the net before dishing the puck. Constantly a threat near the net, he’s very elusive and can get into open areas. Gets to loose pucks quite easily, his acceleration is visibly a strength. Agile pivot ability, does a great job of always facing the puck carrier when looking to receive the puck. Not overly physical, but has decent size and frame as being listed at 5’11” and 170 pounds, he doesn’t get outworked in the corners. Has a tremendous shooting ability which is most evident on the powerplay, as he’s able to play along the point and the top of the circle to receive one timer passes. Has a proper shot selection and takes the shot if the opportunity presents itself. Defensively, he plays a very aggressive approach as he pressures his man. Backchecking and covering for his pinching d-man is part of his game which makes reliable. – Steven Pratas

#23, D, Cole Hutson, USA (USNTDP, U18 USA), 5’10”, 160, L, DOB 06.28.2006

Cole Hutson no question is the Americans best defender. Even though he still needs some small portions of improvement like his shot power, there are so many wonders that teams look for in a defenseman that Cole caries. The best example of that is, which is arguably his best attribute, is his understand of the game and his high hockey IQ. He reads the play like no other and even though he is sometimes smaller, he will use his smarts to his advantage. Whether it seems like there is an open lane for a forward, he seems to close that off in no time. Whether it is also gapping control defending the neutral zone, Cole does not let many pass by him very easily considering he has tremendous amounts of awareness when using his stick for poke checking or shot blocking. Even though he is only 160 lbs, what is key is that he is actually effective physically where has his brother Lane isn’t. In the offensive side, he understands what pass to make and when, whether it is a short pass or a long breakout pass, he gets the job done. Even though he does not have the strongest shot, he still has good enough accuracy, but he understands what position to be always in, even in the offensive zone. What is unique too is that as much he is a good passer, he is a better puck handler as he loves deking around the opponents to create space The last thing that needs to be mentioned, is his skating. Even though Axel has above average speed which is still considered good, it is his lateral movement and transitions that makes him one of the smoothest skaters of the 2024 NHL draft for defensemen which is truly key. He will still need to produce more muscle to become stronger and more effective physically, Cole Hutson is absolutely one of the better offensive defensemen in the 2024 draft class as he is compared to his brother Lane but stronger. – Tyler Ballesteros-Willard

SWEDEN

#26 C Alexander Zetterberg, Sweden (U18 Five Nations), 5’8”, 159, R, DOB 04.27.2006

Zetterberg may be an undersized center as being listed at 5’8” but has tremendous amounts of pure skill and is a high caliber skater. His low center of gravity helps with his nimble lateral movement which he uses at times to escape situations and to quickly change his body’s direction toward the goal. The puck sticks to his blade like glue when in possession has great control at corralling the puck down low as well. Able to make plays in tight areas due to his frame which results in constant pressure toward the goal. Zetterberg’s vision in the offensive zone is excellent, constantly looking for that pass in the high danger areas before dishing it to the point if it’s not available. This is a player who craves the puck, wanting to create chances and be a difference maker as noted by his stick taps. On the powerplay you can really see how powerful and quick his release is, constantly at the top of the circle and ready to fire a one-timer into the back of the net. His wrist shot is accurate, although the power isn’t fully developed, he can still wire it on target. Alexander’s scoring ability is very prevalent in his game, he seems to know where to be around the net to give himself the best chance of contributing to a goal. Often able to sneak behind defenders undetected whether it be on the rush through the neutral zone or in the offensive zone, the extra second or two is vital in keeping additional play opportunities alive. Defensively sound, he understands his responsibilities in his own end but is willing to leave the zone early if he anticipates a change in team possession. The biggest concern of Zetterberg’s current and future game is his overall strength and frame. It will be hard for him to establish open ice in the slot and be a net front presence without gaining more body mass. He can easily get outmuscled and outworked along the boards near the end of shifts. For being light on his feet, his balance is questionable at times as little contact can cause him to fall and lose positional ground. Receiving long passes directed at him sometimes go untouched, as he can’t make contact with his small reach and stick. Overall, Zetterberg is a very intriguing skilled forward that can do damage on the scoresheet with his offensive capabilities, he dominates the more he has the puck. – Steven Pratas

#11 F, Lucas Pettersson, Sweden (MoDo Hockey J20, Sweden U18), 5’11”, 170, L, DOB 05.17.2006

Lucas Pettersson is no doubt about it one of Sweden’s strongest and more versatile players who can do anything on the ice. Every time he is on the ice, he is a detective that is at the right place at the right time. He is a dynamic, strong, and reliable playmaking center who has a strong balance. He may not be the fastest skater on the ice, but what is key is that he uses his good agility along with his great hockey IQ to place himself in good positioning. His puck skills are at a good level has his hands are overall smooth but should use them a tad more often. His passing is very good as he is very crisp at making the short end passes and could even thread the needle through a crowd in surprising fashion. The aspect that his skating does need to improve is his quick feet so he can be a cannon out of the gate. His shot may not be the most powerful, but it is still quick enough and accurate to get the goaltender off guard with his quick release. The underrated aspect that actually showcases Lucas’ game is that as much he is an offensive player, he is great defensively. Not to mention, an underrated aspect of his game is his defensive awareness when defending rushes. As a center who stays in position while keeping his momentum, he is a good penalty killer. What it comes down to as an overall weakness is that he will need to improve on his faceoff skills. When it comes to physicality, he’s not the greatest but he is not the worst as he shrugs off checks easily. When discussing potential, he is on a very good path of becoming a 2nd line centerman who can be placed in any situation, similar to Barrett Hayton. – Tyler Ballesteros-Willard

#24 C Linus Eriksson, Sweden (U18 Five Nations), 6’0”, 185, L, DOB 03.23.2006

Watching him for the first time, it is very clear that Eriiksson is a highly intelligent center with and without the puck, his hockey IQ pulses through his play. His decision making and passing ability is what makes him so deadly with moving the puck up the ice. He shows tremendous levels of patience, mix that with his eyes constantly analyzing his surroundings and you will be an offensive playmaking threat. Excellent at controlling play, it seems the game slows down when he has possession. Eriksson constantly creates chances with his timing on passes down low and through high danger areas. He’s aware of where his teammates will be and can dish the puck with ease. Terrific skating ability that can keep up with just about anyone on the ice. Once he gets his crossovers going, there’s very little you can do if you aren’t already on him. Terrific at the face-off dot, has a good technique and extra effort that can win crucial draws. Two-way ability, he is constantly supporting the puck carrier in breakouts and through the neutral zone, rarely relying just on his defenseman to defend if it gets turned in transition. Getting back in play and being to point out to his d-men areas of the ice or opposition to cover is part of his game. It seems his communication is pretty solid as defensive coverage was spot on throughout the game. Would like to see Linus have a more shooters approach from the looks he had, as it is clear, he enjoys passing the puck around. Linus’s physicality or lack of could also be improved, such as being tenacious in the corners or in front of the net battling for inside position. – Steven Pratas

#18 F, Victor Eklund, Sweden (Djurgardens IF J20, Sweden U18), 5’10”, 150Ibs, R, DOB 10.03.2006

Victor Eklund is the definition of being electric and passion for the super Swedes. He has the work ethic of a racehorse who cannot be stopped. Victor Eklund is a rouged playmaking winger who definitely shows some grit to his game. Every time he has the puck, his hands may not be the fastest, but boy oh boy they act like immovable objects. His passing is adequate enough to make the right play, but it is not considered a wow factor of his game. Even though he’s not the fastest guy on the ice, he has certainly tremendous amounts of flexibility as he can get by his opponents due to his good lateral movement. Even though he is not known for shooting, he has an adequate toe drag release shot as he also does not really showcase his one timer ability. He has a very respective defensive game for a winger. Some minor inconsistencies he will have to work on is his positioning in the offensive zone as he will play all over the place like a centerman. Even though he is only 150 pounds, he may not throw many hits, but my oh my they can’t get the puck off him due to his strong stability on his skates. No doubt about it, Victor Eklund is already building his draft stock in the 2025 NHL draft to become a crucial top 6 forward. – Tyler Ballesteros-Willard

#4 D, Leo Sahlin Wallenius, Sweden (Vaxjo Lakers HC J20, Sweden U18), 6”, 175, L, DOB 04.10.2006

Leo Sahlin Wallenius is considered to be one of the more complete defensemen that Sweden has to offer. He is one of those defensemen that’s toolbox is like a swiss army knife with the more useful tools being in the defensive end. Sahlin Wallenius is a mobile two-way defenseman who shows tremendous responsibility when it comes to positioning. One of his strongest tools is that he has a very active but very reliable stick as he will put his opponents into pretzels. His best aspect is his awareness as he understands when to stay in position properly or when it’s time to check after his opponent to retrieve the puck back. Some small inconsistencies in that aspect are he mainly needs to improve his physicality standards of boxing out his opponents’ preventing screens in-front of the goaltender. Some aspects in his skating that are good is that he has very smooth back skating and he does not choke up a lot when he is skating reverse considering he mostly places himself in good positioning to block shots or intercept passes. His mix of smooth transitioning and calm skating allows him to get out of dangerous situations. What is important for him that he needs to work on his acceleration and footwork speed. Even though his deking abilities are not the smoothest, he does not lose the puck very often due to his strong puck control. His strongest offensive asset however is his passing. Whatever pass that needs to be completed, he can get the job done, even the very far breakout passes, he can get it very close but most of the time get it on the tape. Where he lacks in his offensive category is his shooting as he needs to be better at shooting from the point. – Tyler Ballesteros-Willard

#12 LW Melvin Fernstrom, Sweden (U18 Five Nations), 6’1”, 185, R, DOB 02.28.2006

Fernstrom plays an extremely assertive and aggressive game in the offensive end. Excels when the game gets chippy, thrives in a physical environment as he plays with an edge. He’s a strong winger, constantly being a pest near the goal. Crashing the net and looking for loose pucks is part of his power forward type of game. Outstanding nose for the net with and without the puck. Fernstrom floats into those open areas around the slot and is ready to release a quick shot. Scoring instincts are already there and can shoot the puck with little available space. He acknowledges where the high percentage shooting areas are and is able to get there without hesitation. Does a good job at winning puck battles and chipping at the opposition’s sticks. Board and corner play is terrific as he takes full advantage of his build to slow down and tire the opposition. The determination to win the puck is often seen but can be inconsistent especially at the end half of his shifts. While known for his physicality and scoring, Fernstrom does make smart passes and has decent awareness of his linemates positions in all three zones. The accuracy of passes going across the width of the ice in high danger areas could be improved. His skating stride is very generic but powerful. Once he gets those legs moving, he can easily cover the left side of the ice. Explosiveness may not fully be developed yet but overall his skating is nothing to fear. Defensively does a great job of having an active stick and directing play to the outside. He often gets a piece of a defensemen’s stick that causes them to panic leading to turnovers. His backchecking is apparent but lacks that second effort at times to stop the trailer from reaching the net or receiving the puck. – Steven Pratas

#20 D, Alfons Freij, Sweden (Vaxjo Lakers HC J20, Sweden U18), 6’1”, 190, L, DOB 02.12.2006

Alfons Freij is considered to be one of the more underrated defensemen that Sweden has to offer. He is one of those defensemen that’s defense is matched by his offense. Freij is a steady two-way defenseman who shows underrated offensive ability on the powerplay One of his strongest tools is that he has a very active but very reliable stick as he will put his opponents into pretzels. His best aspect is his awareness as he understands when to stay in position properly or when it’s time to check after his opponent to retrieve the puck back. Some small inconsistencies in that aspect are he mainly needs to improve his physicality standards of boxing out his opponents’ preventing screens in-front of the goaltender. Some aspects in his skating that are good is that he has very smooth back skating and he does not choke up a lot when he is skating reverse considering he mostly places himself in good positioning to block shots or intercept passes. His transitioning will need to be quicker in order to become a more effective skater. What is important for him that he needs to work on his acceleration and footwork speed. Even though his deking abilities are not the smoothest, he does not lose the puck very often due to his strong puck control and good patience. His strongest offensive asset however is his passing. Whatever pass that needs to be completed, he can get the job done, even the very far breakout passes, he can get it very close but most of the time get it on the tape. Where he lacks in his offensive category is his shooting as he needs to be better at shooting from the point. – Tyler Ballesteros-Willard

CZECHIA

#23 C Petr Sikora, Czechia (U18 Five Nations), 5’11”, 170, L, DOB 01.02.2006

Solid at the draw, Petr plays a smooth game up the middle of the ice. Extremely quick feet and is able to shift his positioning to get his body in the way of passing and shooting lanes, most evident on the penalty kill. Constantly has his head on a swivel looking to pick up the open man. Sikora has eyes for the net, after retrieving the puck along the boards he’s able to drive the puck to the net if he sees open ice. It is clear that Sikora is one of the top skilled guys on his team as he is constantly driving play and creating chances with his excellent timed passes. He is highly relied on to produce for Czechia as seen by the number of shifts and overall ice time he was given. Despite the score, I was very impressed by how consistent his play was throughout the game, he still maintained a high gas tank and willingness to compete. Sikora demands the puck which usually results in something positive occurring. He’s smart, he doesn’t usually force a play forward, rather retreats the puck back at the end of a shift which eliminates turnovers. His work ethic and determination are transparent, he expects himself to give it his all every shift and can be visibly annoyed if he misses a loose puck, as seen by him slashing the boards in frustration. He’s able to break up plays with his active stick and his forechecking effort. He excels at maintaining possession of the puck through center ice and picking out open wingers flying by. Petr has a sneaky quick release that can catch goaltenders off guard, he has good shooting instincts around the net. A weakness of his game is getting out muscled on the puck. Cheating in his own zone is often a problem as well, he tends to leave his defensive zone without the puck first or his team having full possession, rather hoping the puck gets to him. His balance is questionable at times as well, fighting for positioning in and around the net can sometimes cause him to stumble. Overall, Sikora is an intriguing centerman with positive offensive tools who is a valuable player for Czechia. – Steven Pratas

#20 LW Ondrej Kos, Czechia (U18 Five Nations), 6’1”, 148, L, DOB 03.07.2006

Kos is a powerful skilled winger with excellent mobility for his size. His acceleration and ability to jump into transition is impressive. Being listed at 6’1”, Ondrej uses his frame to his advantage to protect the puck and forcefully push the puck toward the net from the outside. Above average stick handling ability, able to maintain control of the puck at top speed. He’s able to make quick decision-making calls with the puck to create scoring opportunities, especially around the net. His passing ability is a strength of his, especially moving the puck into the neutral zone as his passes are done with a purpose. Soft hands in the slot, he dishes the puck in areas most players would shoot, fooling the goalie as seen by his assist in the 3rd. He’s not a selfish player, seems to have a pass first mentality rather than to shoot it. His long reach gives him the ability to cause chaos on the forecheck causing turnovers. Does an excellent job of tying up the defender to let his linemate come grab the puck. He’s a force down low, can quickly shift and turn his body in a drop of a dime and dish the puck for an open point shot. His second effort at the end of his shifts is what helps highlight his character, as seen from his diving backchecking play that almost poked the way away from a 2-on-1 rush in the 3rd period. Mind you, the score was already 6-2 for the USA and Ondrej was still determined to prevent any more goals from being scored. He’s a workhorse on both ends of the ice, has good 200-foot qualities for a winger. His size will only increase, as he is currently only 148 pounds, there’s tons of growth left for Kos. Overall, Kos has the necessary skill set and size an ideal winger should have, he definitely has some upside. – Steven Pratas

#10 D Adam Kral, Czechia (U18 Five Nations), 6’2”, 181, R, DOB 02.08.2006

Kral is a true defender at heart with glimpses of offensive ability. Excellent size and strength to be able contain the opposition top players. Skating is not an issue for Kral, he can transition from forward to backhand skating quickly to prevent rushes from ensuing. Although he can be caught flat footed at times, he relies on his body positioning to push the play to the outside. Lifts sticks and constantly gains inside position in the defensive zone. Decent at bringing the puck through the neutral zone but is sometimes too slow to pass the puck to his wingers as he opts to dump it in. Actively pinches to keep the puck in along the boards. Tends to do the safest play available with very little creativity or surprising plays in his arsenal. Plays in all situations, heavily dependable to be positively impactful on the ice. Struggles with turnovers, forecheckers can cause him to fumble the puck under pressure. His ability to corral the puck along the point needs work as well, he tends to panic when being pursued. – Steven Pratas

FINLAND

#24 C Joona Saarelainen, Finland (U18 Five Nations), 5’9”, 176, L, DOB 04.04.2006

Joona plays a relatively safe and productive game as a 200-foot centerman. He takes pride in being a reliable and defensively minded player who doesn’t take many risks with and without the puck. Joona’s hockey sense is on full display in his quick decision making and in-game reads in his own end. Picks his spot when to jump into the rush or when to stay back based on the number of players pursuing the play and stamina left in his shift. Saarelainen has a good habit of not over skating and gliding out of position to get to pucks and puck battles. His stops and starts is what stands out in his skating ability along with his above average footstep and edgework when turning suddenly. Glides extremely deep in his defensive end when his team is breaking out, always supporting the puck carrier in all three zones. This constantly makes him an available passing option up the middle of the ice. His active stick is phenomenal in his end, constantly swiping at the opposition’s stick causing turnovers. His competitive spirit allows him to continue to be ferocious on the puck even when his gas tank is near empty. His positional game is excellent, eliminates tons of plays from occurring through the middle of the ice and forces the puck to the outside. Getting to loose pucks is a strength of his as his small stature gives him additional agility other players lack. Fantastic at the faceoff circle, he tends to get really low to the ice giving him great leverage when the puck hits the ice. Joona moves the puck through the neutral zone with speed. His fast hands and stick handling allow him to quickly change his puck protection stance moving forward. Skates into open ice but lacks that on-ice vision through traffic. Has a hard time reading the play occasionally as he can’t see over or through the opposition. His shot and scoring instincts are not fully developed, he tends to have a pass first mentality even in danger areas. Other Weaknesses of Saarelainen’s game are on the physical side of the game. He gets outmuscled on the puck but has decent lower body strength to keep his balance. Surprisingly, Joona does throw his body around once a while and isn’t afraid to engage physicality along the boards or even open ice. Overall, he has great attributes a two-way centerman should have but is missing that offensive spark. – Steven Pratas

#28 LW Lauri Sinivuori, Finland (U18 Five Nations), 6’0”, 165, L, DOB 04.28.2006

The moment the game started it was clear that Sinivuori was engaged and ready to compete. His forechecking ability was on display the whole game as he was hungry to cause chaos in the o-zone. Excels at supporting puck battles along the wall as his work ethic is a strength of his. He can outmuscle opponents by lifting their sticks and get inside position of the puck relatively easily. Constantly finishing his check and leaning on the opposition, it’s evident physically is part of his game. Puck protection along his stick and feet are a strength, it’s hard for him to get pushed off the puck. Excellent net front presence who can screen the goalie in the correct area. Valuable on both special teams, Lauri demonstrates good anticipation and awareness of where he should be. His Long active stick pushes play on the outside during the penalty kill. Lauri does lots of the dirty work around the net to achieve possession of the puck, an underrated opponent of his game. This allows his line to keep constant pressure. Lauri is a type of player who would be beneficial on any line as he plays his game to his strengths and doesn’t try to overthink situations. He makes himself a passing option along the wing with his quick pivot and stick along the ice. Can make short accurate passes in danger areas as he has decent on-ice vision through the neutral and offensive zone. Sinivuori is a quick skater and has decent acceleration, he’s able to pressure defenders and shooting lanes when needed. On the power play he can rotate between being in front of the net and near a faceoff circle to let go of his release. Scoring goals is not his bread and butter but will continue to score rebound goals with his current positioning around the crease. – Steven Pratas

#29 RW Kasper Pikkarainen, Finland (U18 Five Nations), 6’3”, 194, R, DOB 08.07.2006 

Pikkarainen was quite noticeable the second I saw him step onto the ice. He already has NHL size as being 6’3” and almost 200 pounds which makes him very durable. He moves very well, able to swiftly crossover from a gliding position to get into the required area. His first few steps are surprisingly very fast which he uses to close time and space away from the opposition’s puck carrier. Kasper is very alert about his speed and can change trajectory in a drop of a dime. Dominates at winning puck battles and loose pucks with his frame. Impactful at being a net front presence, rarely can be fully contained with sheer strength. Can also tie up players down low to let his linemates come and grab the puck. Shot blocking and getting in the way of shooting lanes is part of his game as well. Does a good job of continuing the play in the offensive zone with short smart plays. The power he generates from his wrist shot is impressive as you can see his stick bend in full speed, he fully leans into it while the back of his leg springs into the air. His in-game reads in all three zones are what makes him effective at supporting the puck. Kasper doesn’t seem to have an eye for the net at times, he should be trying to force the play into the slot area with his power more. He generates scoring chances for himself and his linemates after cycling the puck. Taking two unnecessary tripping penalties in the 3rd period when his team was leading 1-0 foreshadowed his overall positive game. He needs to be cautious of how aggressively he swipes at pucks as his reach is longer than his average peer. His stick is a valuable tool for his defensive game but needs to be used with more coordination if he wants to be a reliable winger when his team needs his work ethic the most. Kasper has the makings of a player who has an increasing level of upside to his game. It’ll be interesting to see how progression is the rest of the year, he may be extra motivated to perform well as he was left off Finland’s Hlinka Gretzky roster a few months ago. – Steven Pratas

SWITZERLAND

#20 RW David Bosson, Switzerland (U18 Five Nations), 6’1”, 187, R, DOB 01.17.2006

Bosson plays a calm and more laid-back approach than the average winger would ideally play. Has a good frame and with size that allows him to hard on the puck. He tends to let his other forwards press the play forward while he supports as the 3rd forward. He played a rather defensive approach against the Americans, unsure if that was the game plan going into it or is how his game usually is. Constantly picking his own time when to use his skating ability as he tends to glide and stay in a certain area until play drastically moves. Very generic skating skills but makes up for its decent positioning in his own end. Careless at times with and without the puck, seems to be lacking a sense of urgency. Great communication on the ice as he directs his teammates with his stick to locations that need to be covered. Tends to have a good understanding of where his players and the opposition want to be and is able to get into those gaps to support. Didn’t have many offensive looks or continued pressure to really determine his playmaking ability. He did however have a few good short passes while he was pinned up against the boards. Corralling pucks and gaining control with pucks within grasp needs work, Bosson’s work ethic wasn’t fully shown throughout the game. Overall, there wasn’t that much that impressed me about David’s game against the Americans. He’s a solid player but lacks any eye-popping skills or abilities that makes him stand out. – Steven Pratas

#4 D Gian Meier, Switzerland (U18 Five Nations), 6’2”, 170, R, DOB 07.10.2006

Meier plays a steady game on the back end. He patrols the front of his net well, looking to use his size to push players away from the inside position. Although at times he puck watches at the end of his shifts which was apparent on the Americans 3rd goal, where the opposition net front presence quickly shifted a few feet away for a tap in. Good under pressure, makes the correct passes when he rings the puck around the boards. Plays 1-on-1 situations quite well, he knows when to slide on the ice to block passes directed toward the trailer crashing the net. Not overly physical but is effective at chipping away at pucks in the corners. Precise foot placement, he doesn’t over assert himself when moving around on the ice as he understands positioning. He has a long smooth stride but didn’t make many plays forward that would make him considered a puck moving defenseman. Efficient transition between forward and backwards skating, but his overall skating ability is nothing eye popping. While breaking out of his zone, his first pass is usually the most expected one. Rarely jumped into the play and wasn’t a constant threat along the point. Gian did however demonstrate his quick shooting ability when given the chance to release it on goal. Lacks offensive instincts but when he received a terrific pass at the top of the slot, the puck jumped over his stick. When defending in transition during odd man rushes, he wasn’t able to pick up the streaking winger on the far side driving the net, which resulted in another tap in goal against. He struggled all night with key split-second decision-making calls, finishing with a -3 rating. Meier has potential to play a shutdown role as he plays a stay-at-home type of game, just needs to work on his coverage when the puck is being passed on the width of the ice. – Steven Pratas

#18 C Robin Nico Antenen, Switzerland (U18 Five Nations), 6’1”, 190, L, DOB 05.21.2006

Leading the Swiss in forward ice time against the Americans, it’s evident that he’s a valuable player for the club for a good reason. Antenen is very dependable in all zones and possesses many attributes a well-rounded two-way forward should have. Played in all situations, Nico maintained a good work ethic despite the score getting carried away in the 3rd.Usually at the center position, Robin excelled at the wing in this game when it came to cycling the puck and getting in scoring areas when his linemates had the puck. He can maintain good defensive coverage and instantly push the puck forward in transition with pace. Skillful use of inside and outside edges, especially when he’s using his active stick to claw at the puck. Antenen can really fly down the ice and maintain a good speed and intensity throughout the game. Once he sees an opportunity to chase down the puck and get to it first, he explodes. Has a knack for breaking up plays on the forecheck and through the neutral zone. Once he has the puck in 1-on-1 situations he’s creative, as noted from his quick inside to outside stick handling movement which gave him a quality scoring chance. Terrific at give and goes along the boards as he opens himself up to be a passing option. His wrist shot is quick, produces good velocity and he isn’t afraid to let it rip ways out. They’re times in the game when Antenen should have distributed the puck to open ice or a teammate but decided to take on unfavorable matchups resulting in turnovers. It was difficult to analyze his offensive ability at times, as sustaining offensive pressure is difficult against the loaded Americans. He does, however, know how to be effective down low and around the net as his line had the most success creating scoring chances. – Steven Pratas

U20 Five Nations Tournament

Chomutov, Czech Republic

November 7-12, 2023

Switzerland U20

#3 Daniil Ustinkov, D, 6-0, 198, L, DOB 8.26.2006

Ustinkov has had a good draft season so far even though he has been moved from the NL to the SL to get more ice time. His play at this event while it did not overly impress it did not disappoint either. He did not get big minutes as we had hoped but did take a regular shift and saw some sporadic special teams play as well. His biggest impact was the transitioning of play from his own zone up to the attack. His offensive contributions were rather muted as he was playing with less skilled teammates and relied on the safe play rather then anything overly creative. His skating, a major asset, was on display in puck retrievals and in skating the puck out of his zone while a passing option presented itself. His passes were on point and even creative at times. His defensive play was solid as he supported his partner well, brought some physicality, and showed his typical poise in his own zone. – Dan Stewart

#22 RWR Gregory Weber 5.9 160 DOB 01.07.2004

Small player with great wheels…tenacious…a great work ethic…creates turnovers on the backcheck…then using his edges digs in & wheels north…strong deceptive wrist shot…great balance when slipping body checks…showing great versatility to move in & out of the play…working off the boards coming out with the puck by using his stick rather than his body. – Murray Caldwell

#12 CL Mattheo Reinhard 5.9 174 DOB 06.26.2004

Not sure why I have never heard of this player…has excellent speed & stick handling maneuvers…toe drags to elude a forecheck on the rush…deft hands…makes end to end rushes…skating is where he really shines…makes some really good turns while maintaining puck control…has elite puck distribution…unfortunately there is no one on his team that can think off the rush as good as he does…has very good vision to make timely passes through the seam. – Murray Caldwell

#18 RW/LW/L Julien Rod 5.10 181 DOB 11.22.2004

A versatile forward…a natural option when it comes to faceoffs from either side…quick hands allows him to go forward with the puck or back to the corner in the DZ…it is all about his hands…they are strong & soft…has good net front presence…drives to the net…backs off to get in a better shooting position or can sneak in behind the defender…shows great compete…work ethic…a take away is his foot speed in the neutral zone…yet when he is in the OZ he is a threat when shooting. – Murray Caldwell

Finland U20

#10 RDR Joona Vaisanen 6.0 176 DOB 07.29.2004

Strong offensive threat…stick handles with speed & control…likes to have the puck & keep control…this is one area where he really tries to split the opponents forward by using a slap pass & pushing them back when on the attack…this makes the opponent back up because they are unsure of his next move…he anticipates the opponent really well when in the OZ by moving with speed across the blue line…sending shots to the net with accuracy…I found when he is playing with players at this level he lacks confidence…way more confidence at the USHL level…he may not know how good he is yet? He seems to have the intangibles to be a great two-way Dman…his foot speed is as good as anyone at this level…he doesn’t let the opponent blow past him when he is in the defensive side… not afraid to block shots…great recognition of a threat & how to play it…strong board battles. This guy has the potential just not sure what is holding him back. – Murray Caldwell

#18 C/RW/R Konsta Helenius 5.11 181 DOB 05.11.2006

Here is feisty offensive player…I think he looks upon the opponent that there is no size differential…he has tremendous core strength & it is shown when he dishes out some excellent body checks to separate players from the puck…a fun guy to watch with great hockey sense & vision…the best part of his game is his IQ…a beautiful skater that looks almost delicate with his lightness on his feet a big improvement from last year…this guy possess a wrist shot that is hard to match in his age group…his shot all the makings of a Matthews…accurate…heavy…smart shooting locations…a pure first liner. – Murray Caldwell

#52 Topias Hynninen, C, 5-10, 170, L, DOB 12.19.2005

Hynninen was a surprise add to this roster for some but did not look out of place playing his complete game one bit. He lacks the high-end offensive skills of some of the other flashier players on the squad but his two-way play and dogged determination had him playing a regular shift as well as both special teams at times. A playmaker who handles the puck and moves well, he had a few very impressive offensive plays that had you think he could become an NHL top six forward but for sure his all-round 200-foot game looks like he has top nine potential worse case. Didn’t really standout at this event but that was a good thing overall as he also did not look like the play was over his head either. – Dan Stewart

#28 RWR Emil Hemming 6.2 194 DOB 06.27.2006

Best forward on either side of the ocean…extremely intelligent when it comes to playmaking…a natural puck distributor…has a set of hands not comparable to anyone at this age…tremendously gifted when it comes to not being impatient…he is so calm when in control of the puck…confidence written all over him with his body language…can shoot off his back foot with deadly accuracy…great edges that will turn a Dman inside out…from a toe drag to a flip of the puck and retrieval on the other side…to me he looks like a Mr. Magic with his puck skills…his skating is nothing to laugh at either…doesn’t show off his explosive speed until he has the puck then look out…best part he is a 2 way player this year…in one game while coming back to help his goalie he lifted the stick of the opponent taking away a scoring threat…back checks stripping players of the puck…not just creating a turnover it is what he does with the puck once he turns it over…you just don’t know if he is going to rush the puck or slow it down…he makes those decision so incredibly quick…it appears he sees everything around him…hard work ethic…drive…poise…anticipation…creative…competent… stamina of a camel…a very big motor… so much potential from his size to his readiness to play at the next level. – Murray Caldwell

Slovakia U20

#7 RDR Luca Radivojevic 5.10 161 DOB 01.03.2007 DE 2025

This player could be the best D-man to ever come out of Slovakia…has all the tools, superb skating ability…edges…powerful stride…produces max in speed in 3 strides…knows how to play the game away from the puck…using his superior hockey sense he knows when to turn to skate forward to shut down an attacker & not allowing a forward get around him…his leg strength comes into play when forcing the opponents to the wall…using his feet and stick he shuts down the cross seam passes by the opponent…fearless shot blocker…he has offensive awareness when to rush the puck & to lay off…he is like a Letang with impressive speed if he gets caught deep he has the ability to come back & take away the rush…consistently shooting the puck with authority & accuracy looking for tips or deflections…makes puck distribution look much to simple…doesn’t force the play through the middle often flipping the puck up out of danger or off the boards out of harm’s way. We should probably learn how to say his name. I think we will be saying it a lot soon. – Murray Caldwell

Czechia U20

#5 RD Adam Jiricek 6.2 168 DOB 06.28.2006

An impressive minute mucher…doesn’t waste energy while on the ice…makes only what matters most decisions…this comes from really understanding the game…mobile defender with elite skating in all aspects…vision…tremendous amount of stamina when defending…does not seem to tired…constant board battles…pinning opponents waiting for his teammates to come in & retrieve the puck…for not an overly tall person he has long reach & uses a long stick…the old stick really bends when he gets an opportunity show off his velocity on his slap shot…if it goes head high you might want to lay flat on the ice or at the very least duck…not a juggernaut offensive threat in most cases but probably one of the best defensive defenders in this years draft. – Murray Caldwell

#7 LD Tomas Cibulka 6.0 170 DOB 04.02.2004

Not sure why this guy isn’t on my radar in fact I thought he was drafted in his draft year…he does a lot really well…mobile Dman that has a great shot…an offensive machine…effortless skating…he finds lanes for skating out of coverage sometimes when double teamed…he can slam on the brakes draw the puck tight to his body while shielding the puck with his stick…then spin & carry the puck out of the zone…has great one on one defensive skills pushing the opponent outside…gap management is excellent…in some of the games he seems to rush the play & often not move the puck quickly enough for break out passes…that is a little disturbing…looking unsure of himself…yet he shows creativity at times when rushing through the neutral zone…sometimes flexing his body to go one way & goes the other. I will have to watch some of his QMJHL games & see what or why he isn’t performing like he did in his draft year. – Murray Caldwell

#79 Tomas Galvas, D, 5-10, 148, L, DOB 2.11.2006

If this kid was 6-3 he likely would be in the discussion for top blueliner in this years draft class, maybe even as one of the top overall picks, problem is he is generously listed 5-10 and only a buck fifty soaking wet. He was a big minute munching defender playing in all offensive situations at this event. He was able to show off his fluid and explosive skating ability, solid offensive creativity, and a deadly transition game. His play on the other side of the puck was just as strong as his feet allow him to keep up with any attacker and his work rate helped him win many battles that he had him no business winning at his size. – Dan Stewart

#18 LW/RW/L Matej Mastalirsky 6.1 170 DOB 07.10.2005

Another one that showed excellent potential in & out of the play…using his speed to force turnovers…agility to move around forwards & Dmen off a rush…nice balance on his skates…shows that he can stickhandle maintain control in small tight areas at times…has good awareness of what is happening around him…the anticipation seems to be there when it comes to knowing where to play away from the puck…doesn’t seem to mind a hard game…looks to be pretty solid overall…grit…determination…willingness to battle…strong shot…sensible plays…really good a receiving passes on the fly…a lot of these players show such good potential…some lack the hard work…others lack consistent play like in this case. – Murray Caldwell

#20 CR Matej Pribyl 6.3 207 DOB 05.27.2004

A big center that can really shoot the puck…off the rush he showed twice that he can let it rip…if they can set him up for a one timer he can really pound it…decent edge work…doesn’t get lost on the play…not the fastest skater yet he shows up at the right time…showed some good determination over the tournament…anticipates…created some nice turn overs on board battles…yet I found he lacked consistency…showed he had potential in a few games. – Murray Caldwell

#24 LW/RW Adam Zidlicky 6.0 170 DOB 01.28.2005

A gritty 2 way forward…intelligent player…excellent anticipation off the rush…the first thing I notice about this player is that he might be a very good Dman…it is his self awareness of how to execute on the play…he knows his strengths against certain players…knows how to defend by using his stick & body to read off the play…whereas on the OZ rush he knows that he can drive through a lot of defenders due to lower body strength…he has excellent speed not so much explosive but timely pushes to get past the defender by getting a step on them then releasing a heavy wrist shot…if he could just shoot with more accuracy…he misses the net way too often…he just wants to shoot with no regard for accuracy or even his teammates at times…this player has the potential with his hard work to get to the next level…I would like to see what he could do on a defensive pairing…he has a little bit of nasty in his play which could make him a very good F9. – Murray Caldwell

#6 Dominik Badinka, D, 6-3, 183, R DOB 11.27.2005

Badinka played a solid support role at this event logging regular minutes five on five. He showed well despite not starting the event overly strong in his own zone. His play with the puck was solid as he joined the rush and even hauled it up ice when the opportunity presented itself. The thing with Badinka is that he often will skate himself into dead-ends. He is best when he moves the puck with a skilled teammate as an obvious option and can attack using his strong skating ability. As the event moved along his defense tightened up and he seemed to gain confidence which helps his overall impact. Did not look out of place. – Dan Stewart

Sweden U20

#7 LD Hugo Fransson 6.0 180 DOB 08.03.2004

Just starting to really come into his own…maturing nicely into a defender for both sides of the puck…intelligent puck distribution…highly dangerous & accurate slap/wrist shot…this guy has a real cannon…mobile in all zones…exceptional lateral movement at the blue line to get to better shot positioning…his skating & puck handling can push opponents back when entering the oz…likes to work off of broken plays he is keen at getting to the puck before anyone else…high IQ allows him to make lanes instead of just passing the puck…on the defensive side he can cut off attackers by keeping them outside…then with body positioning actively strip them of the puck…he has not let up on his passion to play the game at high level he continues to develop in all aspects of the game. I feel he will be selected this year. – Murray Caldwell

#19 LWR Hugo Pettersson 6.0 185 DOB 05.01.2005

Not an elite player yet shows some excellent quality…skating is smooth & with a nice glide…strong & physical…using his strength on board battles…comes away more then not with the puck…a shoot first no nonsense style of player…creative…excellent puck distribution…tenacious puck retrieval…playmaking is amongst the best on his team. – Murray Caldwell

#14 RW/C/L Erik Pahlsson 6.1 183 DOB 04.09.2004

One of the best players consistently in this tournament for Sweden…2 way player tracks down the opponents with speed…uses his body to twist pucks out of the hands of the opponent…a shooter for the most part…he was all over the ice…all around the puck…he made one really nice move with a pass between his legs that resulted in a goal against Czechia…great hands in tight…wicked release that can fool you…he will look to pass & release a blistering wrist shot……he can absolutely corral hard passes…plays with speed & intensity almost every shift…has excellent vision & anticipation giving his teammates passing options…his style of play he does not take many penalties because he does not need to put his stick where it does not belong when checking or in the offensive zones…plays a disciplined style…I am actually not sure what I am missing why he has not been drafted…he shows amazing potential. – Murray Caldwell

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By: Andy Miller

Cole Eiserman could be the next American hockey superstar.

His dad played for UMass Lowell and his uncle was drafted by the Predators. Hockey is in his blood and he seems to have gotten all of their skill sets and more. He is from the hockey hotbed of Massachusetts and recently switched his commitment from Minnesota to be closer to home at BU.

He previously played at Shattuck-St. Mary with his friend Macklin Celibrini. At Shattuck-St.Mary he collected 154 points and 88 points in successive years. In 2022-2023 he spent most of the year with USNTDP U17 team and recorded 72 points in 42 games, including 43 goals. In 20 games with the U18 team he scored 26 goals and 32 points. He was electric most games in his DY-1 season and left fans and scouts on the edge of their seats waiting for what he would do next. Eiserman will be at BU with Celibrini next season and they will be one of the favorites to make the Frozen four in 2025. Celibrini and Eiserman have been reported in the media as being good friends and the two are likely to go 1-2 in the draft this June.

On the International scene he recorded 20 points in 7 games and as a 17-year-old at the U18s he recorded 11 points in 7 games. As an underaged player at the U18’s in April 2023 Eiserman was tied in the lead with 9 goals in 7 games and was electric for the American squad at the tournament.

This upcoming season with the USNTDP, Eiserman has the possibility of breaking records set by Cole Caufield (goals) and Gabe Perraeualt (points).

Eiserman is already off to a hot start again this season with the NTDP U18 squad and will be a joy to watch as this season moves along as he chases NTDP scoring records.

The question is why is Eiserman seen as a top prospect for the 2024 NHL Draft in June? Andy Miller with Draft Prospects Hockey breaks down Eiserman’s game as he tries to answers that question.

Skating

Cole Eiserman is a solid skater who is well balanced and has strong edge work.  He changes directions with speed and purpose. He has decent top end speed and tries to use that to create separation from checkers all over the ice.

In Clip 1, Eiserman picks up the puck in his zone and uses his skating ability, great edge control and utilizes excellent puck protection to lose checks through the neutral zone and into the offensive zone.  In this clip you see how he reads the play well and makes excellent decisions.  He is a very creative player who can drive the middle lane with confidence.

Offensive Vision & Awareness

Eiserman’s vision on the offensive side of the game is next level.  He sees options out there that most don’t.  He finds the puck or it finds him and he can create time and space to gain zone entries or to create chances if in the zone.  Eiserman constantly has his eyes scanning the ice so he is aware where everyone is and knows who is covered and who is open.

Eiserman’s awareness on the ice is exceptional and would in many other years have locked him in as first overall, but he is a lock for top 5.  He makes great reads with his IQ too, not only does he see what is happening but decides what to do quickly.  Eiserman seems to love pressure and being tested and rises to the challenge of the situation.  Offensively Eiserman makes great decisions almost all the time and defensively he does pretty well too.

In the below clip, Cole Eiserman, #34, absorbs the hit and capably makes a play with the puck to set up a shot from the point.  You then see him disengage and that allows him move to the high slot to be both an offensive option and capable of covering his defensive responsibilities too.

In the next clip, Cole Eiserman, #34, he reads the play well while in the slot in the defensive zone.  You can see him maintaining speed by circling in the zone and tracking the puck and all the players on the ice exceptionally well.  He outsmarts and out works three opponents to win the puck battle and start the breakout.  Eiserman then takes the bouncing puck up the wall and does not force the puck elsewhere, gains control and enters the zone with possession.  He creates a quality chance at the other end of the ice by driving the net.  Towards the end of the net front battle in the offensive zone he drifts out and picks up the loose puck and misses a quality chance.  He at times plays like a centre often to be found in the high slot.

Puck Retrieval & Work Ethic

Eiserman is very consistent on the offensive side of the puck and is driven to be a difference maker on that side of the puck.  He is incredibly competitive and appears to want to be the top player on the ice.  His defensive play is very good for someone with his skill set and age, as you can find him playing the 200 foot game often, but this could still improve over time.

Eiserman has a level of physicality to his game and uses it to protect the puck from defenders.  He frequently uses his frame to retrieve the puck in the corners.  He can throw his weight around and can take hits too. 

Eiserman is a good forechecker and does an effective job hunting down the puck.  He has a decent level of responsibility but he will have to grow into being a penalty killer at the top level of the game.  He has demonstrated the ability to backcheck with speed and purpose in many viewings.

In the below clip, Cole Eiserman gets to his net front and effectively reads the play and goes to the player at the back door and ties up his hands.  This is a player in a dangerous spot by keeping his feet moving and using his stick to tie up his opponent’s stick at the right time. 

In this next clip, Cole Eiserman is playing the high slot in the defensive zone and makes an excellent read on the defenders going D to D and picks off the puck with his quick first few strides and great hands.  Next he continues up ice after the interception and changes speeds effectively and makes great use of toe drags to buy time and space.  If he decided to lower his shoulder and drive the centre lane I wonder if he could have taken the puck in alone  behind the defender.  Here is where some extra power in his stride would give him the confidence to drive that lane a bit more.  He makes a good pass to his teammate that results in an opportunity at the net front.  Being a bit more selfish here might result in a higher quality chance.  He then follows the rebound to the corner and is first on the puck with ease and ensures they maintain possession and pressure in the offensive zone. 

Puck Control

Eiserman’s hands are exceptional with the puck on his stick as he is incredibly smooth with it.  He receives good accurate passes well and capably adjusts to poor passes that others would struggle to corral.

In the below clip, Cole Eiserman picks the puck up the wall just outside his defensive blueline, attracts attention and starts a rush that creates a quality chance.  At the end of the rush he goes to the net front but is off by a foot or so to be able to get a quality rebound chance and his body language here made him look like he was watching the play as opposed to being engaged..  You are also able to see Eiserman take a hard hit to gather the puck off the wall and corral it smoothly; he then rotates on his edges and demonstrates a very high end skill set.  Then he gets on his horse and hustles back and nullifies a quality chance with his skating and his body.  The check doesn’t look like much, but he has a lot of speed and to maintain edge control and throw your body weight in a different direction is something that demonstrates great skating, core strength and balance.  He could target the players hands or body a bit more to be more effective with the hit.  This is the type of clip that makes people discuss the potential for Cole Eiserman to go first overall, he plays the 200 foot game, much like a responsible centre, even though he is on the wing.

Shooting & Scoring

Eiserman’s scoring ability is elite.  His recent draftee rivals include Cole Caufield and Austin Matthews.  These are two elite NHL scorers and he has such a good release that he will certainly be among the top scorers in the NHL within a few years of being drafted.   Eiserman looks to shoot the puck and when he does it is at worst a great chance and very often, a goal.  He is a generational type scorer in the likes of Matthews and Caufield, when he is around the net it is regularly going to end up in it.  He averages about 8 shots a game and scores 1.2 goals a game, which means he has an above average shooting percentage for the NHL, but it is not out of the realm of reasonableness to eventually get to that level again at the NHL.

In this clip, shows Eiserman getting open and it shows his impressive release that is quick, accurate and lethal.  You can see how dangerous of a player he will be on the Powerplay, but also at even strength, as his shot could rival Caufield, Matthews, maybe even Ovechkin.

Puck Handling

Eiserman is an incredibly creative player who has magical hands with the puck on his stick.  His imagination on the ice and finds the openings and/or his teammates.  Eiserman’s creativity benefits from his ability to pass the puck on the tape is incredible.  His vision is exceptional and he sees what is going on before it happens.  Eiserman is not likely to be anywhere near leading his team in assists, but he still has the ability to make plays.

In this clip, Cole Eiserman receives the puck off a pass that is not on the tape and he adjusts well and maintains his speed.  As he gains the offensive blueline he decides to pull the puck behind him unaware of the backchecker whom he gives the puck to with this move.  This play shows his creativity, but how he at times can get too focused on what is in front of him and forget about who is behind him.

Areas of Improvement

In our last clip, Cole Eiserman, #34, makes an obviously scripted drop pass in the neutral zone that creates a turnover by dropping to the opposition.  He does keep his head up after the error and keeps engaged in the play with no obvious negative body language. He could have demonstrated a bit more drive after the turnover, but he responded reasonably well.  This shows while he is a very creative player even he can be lulled into routine.

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