DRAFT PROSPECTS HOCKEY

Category: Reports

  • Tobias Tomik Scouting Report

    Tobias Tomik: Vancouver Giants #13. Left shot left wing. 6.01/190

    Description: Offensive forward
    Strengths: Strong on his skates and difficult to knock off the puck. Competes hard along the boards and uses his body well to protect possession. Skates well with good speed and moves the puck quickly and accurately. Will finish checks when the opportunity presents itself. Shows solid overall offensive ability and can contribute consistently in the offensive zone.

    Opportunity: Would benefit from using a more active stick in the defensive zone and maintaining consistent foot movement away from the puck. Could become a more effective backchecker by keeping his feet moving and staying engaged through the full length of the ice.

    Projection: 3rd round, approximately 96th overall. Watch list.

    Skating: 7

    Puck Skills: 5

    IQ: 5

    Physical Play: 6

    D-zone: 6

  • Mathis Preston Scouting Report

    Mathis Preston: Vancouver Giants #96. Right shot right wing. 5’11/176lbs

    Description: Skilled forward

    Strengths: Highly effective at anticipating the flow of play and finding lanes to get pucks through traffic to the net. Possesses a quick, accurate release and shows strong competitiveness along the boards, frequently recovering pucks even after initially losing possession. Willingly absorbs contact to complete plays and quickly re-engages in the battle. Displays quick feet, good overall speed, and shifty puck-handling ability. Keeps his feet moving, stays involved in the play, and consistently finds soft areas of open ice. Contributes effectively on the power play.

    Opportunity: Defensive-zone awareness and puck management. Needs to reduce the number of no-look or blind passes under pressure in the defensive zone.

    Projection: 1st round, approximately 20th overall. Projects as a middle-six forward with power-play utility.

    Skating: 7

    Puck Skills: 7

    IQ: 6

    Physical Play: 5

    D-zone: 6

  • Liam & Markus Ruck Scouting Profiles

    Liam Ruck: Medicine Hat Tigers #12, February 21, 2008, right shot right wing. 6.00/176

    Description: Skilled forward

    Strengths: Explosive acceleration with very good quickness and top-end speed. Displays strong edge work that allows him to create separation and evade pressure. Moves the puck efficiently and excels in quick one-touch puck movements that keep plays flowing. Demonstrates exceptional vision and awareness, consistently finding teammates in scoring areas. High hockey IQ with strong offensive instincts. A dangerous weapon on the power play. Among the top 10% of goal scorers observed, with a proven ability to finish chances.

    Opportunity: Needs to continue adding strength and become more effective in physical situations.

    Projection: 2nd round — 37th overall  projection.

    Skating: 6

    Puck skills: 6

    IQ: 6

    Physical play: 4

    D-zone: 4

    Marcus Ruck: Medicine Hat Tigers #26. February 21, 2008, left shot centre, 6.00/168

    Description: Offensive forward

    Strengths: Smart offensive player with good hockey IQ and solid puck skills. Shows decent hands and strong playmaking ability, consistently finding teammates in scoring positions. Effective on both special teams, contributing on the power play while also being a reliable penalty killer. Moves quietly and effectively around the net to find open ice and scoring opportunities. Possesses a quick release and has been among the top 10% of goal scorers observed this season.

    Opportunity: Needs to continue improving his defensive zone play and overall consistency without the puck.

    Projection: 3rd round — 68th overall.

    Skating: 5

    Puck skills: 6

    IQ: 5

    Physical play: 5

    D-zone: 4

  • Weekly 2026 Draft Eligible Three Stars

    The season is in its final days for many prospects across the globe. Regular seasons are ending, and the playoffs are in sight. With the stakes rising, these players will have more eyes on them and more to prove as they try to solidify their draft positions. This week’s three stars feature a defenseman piling up points in the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), a 17-year-old defender playing pro hockey in his native country, and half of one of the top draft-eligible duos in junior hockey this season.

    Tommy Bleyl | RHD | Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL)

    American defenseman Tommy Bleyl has been a point-producing machine in his rookie season in the QMJHL. He leads the league in points (76) and assists (64) by a defenseman in 58 games played. His assist total is higher than Nashville Predators prospect Alex Huang’s 61 points, which is second in the league. Montreal Canadiens prospect Bryce Pickford and overaged defender Jonas Woo are the only rearguards with more points in Canadian junior hockey this season.

    It was a big week for the Schenectady, NY, native, who posted at least two points in all three games for the Wildcats as they came away with a trio of wins. He opened the week with a two-assist game in a 5-1 win over the Cape Breton Eagles. He followed it up with a pair of assists in a 4-1 victory against the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada. The Michigan State commit for the 2026-27 season polished off the week with his best offensive showing. The former Fairfield Ranger had five shots on goal, scoring once, and added two assists in a 6-3 win over the Saint John Seadogs.

    Adam Goljer | RHD | HK Dukla Trencin (Slovakia)

    17-year-old Adam Goljer got a taste of pro-level hockey last year in six games, but this year he’s been nearly full-time in the top flight of Slovakian hockey. Outside of a trip to the world juniors and four other international junior competition contests, the Trencin, Slovakia, native has played 43 games for his hometown team. He’s second in average ice time for defensemen on the team among regulars and is tied for first in points with 11 (four goals, seven assists).

    The 6-foot-3, 194-pound defender, who was drafted by the Kingston Frontenacs in the 2025 CHL Import Draft, had a slow start to the season offensively but is getting hot down the stretch. In his last ten games, Goljer has seven points (four goals, two assists). This week the 13th-ranked European skater by NHL Central Scouting had six points in a trio of U20 playoff games while registering 12 shots on goal.

    He opened with a lone assist in a 4-1 win. In game two of the playoff series, Goljer had five shots on goal and scored three times on the power play to help power his team to a 6-5 overtime win. Finally, he had a goal and an assist with four shots on goal in a 5-2 victory.

    Liam Ruck | RW | Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)

    Twins Liam and Markus Ruck have been terrorizing the Western Hockey League this season. The brothers born eight minutes apart have an identical league-leading 94 points. Liam has been the major beneficiary of Markus’ playmaking ability, piling up 39 goals, good for fourth in the WHL. The Okanagan Prep alumnus is the 40th-ranked skater in the Draft Prospects Hockey 2026 NHL Draft Rankings.

    Ruck continued his hot play this season with eight points (three goals, five assists) in four games this week. The Osoyoos, BC, native assisted on the first goal and then scored the second for Medicine Hat in the week’s opening game in an 11-2 wallop of the Regina Pats. He added a shorthanded marker and an even-strength goal in the third period as the Tigers ran away with the game.

    In the second game of the week, Ruck was helping his teammates find the back of the net with three helpers, including a perfectly set up power play goal in the first. Ruck only found the scoresheet once in the next two games, picking up an assist in the second period of the Tigers’ 8-4 win over the Red Deer Rebels.

  • Tyus Sparks Game Report Victoria (3) @ Seattle (4)


    Tyus Sparks    . #88 Spokane Chiefs. January 4, 2008. Right shot right wing. 5.11/182

    Description: Two-Way Offensive Forward.

    Strengths: Highly skilled puck distributor who moves the puck with pace and precision. Displays elite-level vision and passing ability, consistently delivering accurate feeds through traffic and onto the tape. Shows strong puck control and handling skills in tight areas. Defensively responsible, using an active stick to disrupt plays and quickly regain possession in the defensive zone. Applies consistent pressure with a high-tempo forecheck. A legitimate power-play threat, particularly from the faceoff circle where he is a one-time option.

    Opportunities: Needs to further develop his physical game to enhance effectiveness in contested areas. Adding strength and playing with more edge will improve puck battles, net-front presence, and overall durability.

    Projection: 147th overall selection.

    Skating 5

    Pucks kills 6

    IQ 6

    Physical play 3

    D-zone 6

  • Weekly Draft Eligible Three Stars: The Goalie Edition

    This week’s draft-eligible three stars is taking a different approach. The main focus has been on some of the top point getters among players trying to build up their stock for the 2026 NHL Draft, but this week it showcases three goaltenders. Leading the way is a Western Hockey League (WHL) puck stopper who posted back-to-back shutouts. Sticking in the WHL, an American keeper is leading the way for his club, only allowing two goals in a pair of games. Finally, another American in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) is proving to be a key piece for a strong contender.

    Parker Snell | Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL)

    Edmonton Oil Kings goalie Parker Snell is one of the top draft-eligible goalies in the WHL this season. Despite his save percentage of .886, which ranks eighth in the league among draft-eligible puck stoppers (min. 10 games), his three shutouts and 2.94 goals against average (GAA) are both second in the WHL with those same qualifiers.

    Snell is not a huge goalie at 6-foot-2 and 179 pounds but has a strong technical base that makes him an intriguing prospect. The St. Albert, AB, native was the 21st-ranked goalie out of 37 on the NHL Central Scouting Mid-Term Ranking of North American goalies. Snell played in a pair of WHL games last season and stopped all 54 shots, earning one shutout. This season, Snell has split the crease and played 27 games, amassing a 17-7-1 record.

    The Northern Alberta Xtreme product held down the fort for the Oil Kings on Friday night as they were outshot 34-23 by the Red Deer Rebels. He stopped every puck thrown at him in the contest, coming away with first-star honors in a 2-0 victory. Back at it on Saturday night, Snell had a quieter night with a 20-save shutout in a 6-0 blanking of the Lethbridge Hurricanes.

    Harrison Boettiger | Kelowna Rockets (WHL)

    Harrison Boettiger has taken on the starting job for the Kelowna Rockets in his first season in the WHL. The Wheat Ridge, Colorado, native is second among draft-eligible keepers who have played at least 10 games in wins (21) and fourth in save percentage (.904).

    The United States National Team Development Program (USNTDP) product was excellent in the first inaugural USNTDP vs. Canadian Hockey League (CHL) Prospect Challenge in November 2024. After the US was pounded 6-1 in the first game, with current Sarnia Sting goalie Patrick Quinlan struggling against the high-flying offense of Team CHL, Boettinger got the start in game two. He was sensational, with 35 saves and a .921 save percentage, and almost got the game to overtime but lost 3-2 with a last-minute goal by Calgary Flames prospect Cole Reschny.

    Boettiger, now a CHL goalie, suited up for the other side in the 2025 edition of the challenge. Unfortunately for him, fellow draft-eligible goalie Brady Knowling outdueled him, making 42 saves to win the game 4-2.

    The seventh-ranked stopper by NHL Central Scouting in its Mid-Term Rankings for North American goalies had a strong week for the Rockets. On Wednesday night, Boettiger made 25 saves in a 4-1 win over the Seattle Thunderbirds. He followed it up on Saturday, turning away all but one of the Wenatchee Wild’s 26 shots to help secure a 5-1 win.

    Ryder Fetterolf | Ottawa 67’s (OHL)

    Ryder Fetterolf is really making a name for himself this season as one of the top netminders in the OHL. He is second in the league in both save percentage (.922) and GAA (2.11) with 26 wins in 36 games.

    The Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania native ranked as the 16th goaltender on the NHL Central Scouting Mid-Term Rankings of North American goalies. He is committed to Penn State next season. Fetterolf was a star on the American prep school circuit, putting up a .940 save percentage with 49 wins in 61 games in his final season with the Gilmour Academy. He played in one game with the United States Hockey League’s Tri-City Storm that went very poorly, as he allowed six goals on 25 shots.

    The 18-year-old continued his hot play this week with a pair of stellar outings. On Thursday night, Fetterolf was beat twice in the first period but closed the door through the next two periods. He stopped all 10 shots as the 67’s coasted to an 8-2 win over the Saginaw Spirit. The Pittsburgh Penguins Elite program alumnus was the first star of the game Sunday afternoon. The 67’s built a 3-0 lead in the first period, and Fetterolf stopped all 28 shots by the Sarnia Sting as his club won 5-0.

  • Noah Kosick Game Report Portland vs Seattle

    Noah Kosick, Seattle #71, August 18, 2008, Left shot left wing, 5.11/170

    Description: Offensive forward

    Strengths: An adequate skater with good agility and mobility. Competes hard and displays strong anticipation, reading and developing plays effectively. Consistently drives the net, finds loose pucks, and finishes rebounds. Brings energy on the forecheck and applies steady pressure. Contributes to the power play unit.

    Opportunity: Needs to refine his skating stride to add more speed and overall explosiveness. Must become more reliable in the defensive zone. At times holds onto the puck too long and can force plays – would benefit from quicker puck decisions. Should add strength and engage more consistently in the physical aspects of the game to be harder to play against.

    Projection: 5th Round Selection

    Skating: 4

    Puck skills: 6

    IQ: 5

    Physical play: 3

    D-zone: 4

  • Ethan Czata Game Report Niagara Ice Dogs 1 VS Ottawa 67’s 7

     February 20th, 2026

    #12 F, Ethan Czata

    Team: Niagara Icedogs, OHL

    Height/Weight: 6’2”, 180Ibs

    Shoots: Left

    DOB May 29th,2007

    Overview:

    Ethan Czata is a highly intelligent, two-way forward who brings responsible defensive play, strong work ethic, and solid skating which can be slotted in any portion of the lineup. With a growing 6’1” frame and a maturing physical game, Czata has developed into a trusted player in all three zones. His greatest strength lies in his 200-foot awareness as he supports the puck well down low, wins faceoffs, and consistently provides reliable coverage in his own end. His defensive instincts and stick placement make him especially effective on the penalty kill and in defensive-zone faceoff situations. Offensively, Czata flashes good hands and smart movement, particularly in give-and-go scenarios and rush support. He’s an accurate passer and positions himself well, but can overthink plays in the offensive zone, occasionally limiting his effectiveness. His shot is mechanically sound but lacks both heaviness and consistency in accuracy, especially when pressured. While not overly physical, Czata shows a willingness to engage, throwing smart body checks and using his frame to create separation, though he can still be overpowered by larger opponents. 

    Player Projection

    Ceiling: Middle-6 Defensive Centerman

    Floor: Bottom-6 Two-way Centerman

    Special Teams: PK1 / Defensive Zone Specialist

    Production Outlook: 10-15 Goals, 30-35 Points

    Pick Range: 56th Overall

    Player Comp: Lars Eller

    Strengths:

    • Skating: Explosive and agile, able to shift momentum with quick bursts.
    • Defensive/Positional Awareness: Understands how to soundly play the center position. 
    • On-Ice Character: Willing to engage in any situation given and willing to sacrifice the body.

    Weaknesses:

    • Strength: Needs to add muscle to handle physical play better.
    • Shot Accuracy: Occasionally misses target and needs improvement in shot power, requiring minor adjustments.
    • Poise with the puck in the O-zone: Needs to develop a stronger consistency at being comfortable with the puck in pressure situations.

    In-game observations: 

    • At 0:59 of the 1st, although won the faceoff, Ottawa fought for puck back, Czata did the right thing charging the point and wanting to block a shot, he got unlucky as the puck that was shot deflected off of him and went in.
    • At 1:10 of the 1st, in his own zone, Czata was very proactive, was able to catch puck out of mid air, then settle it down and broke puck out crisply to Edgar.
    • At 18:12 of the 1st, on the PK, started chasing the play a bit too much instead of remaining composed and square, leaving Ruml wide open at the point… Led to Ottawa scoring on PP.
    • At 1:55 of the 2nd, although chased a bit, played relatively square in positioning, led to him intercepting a pass and clearing the puck, forcing the PP to end.
    • At 12:27 of the 2nd, did not have his head up when picking up the puck, meaning he wasn’t aware and he got levelled by a heavy hit, leading to him turning over the puck.
    • At 1:15 of the 3rd, he first blocked a shot and placed himself in a foot race. Although he lost the foot race due to lack of quickness in footwork, he ultimately won the puck battle as he outmuscled Bewick and then distributed it to a teammate wide open in the high slot.

    Skater Ratings:

    • Skating: 5.5
    • Puck Skill: 4.5
    • Scoring Ability: 4
    • Playmaking Ability: 5
    • Hockey Sense/IQ: 5
    • Character: 6
    • Physicality: 5
    • Defensive Play: 7

  • Weekly 2026 Draft Eligible Three Stars

    While most of the hockey world was locked on the Olympic tournament in Milan over the last couple of weeks, prospects across the globe continued to play games. In this week’s draft-eligible three stars, a prospective number one overall pick in 2026 shows why he still deserves the hype, a Russian winger makes his first appearance after a productive week, and a Czech winger reaches a big milestone as his strong season continues.

    Gavin McKenna | LW | Penn State (NCAA)

    Gavin McKenna may not have the firm grip on being the first overall pick in 2026 as it seemed to be prophesied, with challengers in Swedish forward Ivar Stenberg and Canadian NCAA defenseman Keaton Verhoeff, but the phenom is doing everything he can to remind people why he got that distinction in the first place.

    The former CHL Player of the Year was downright dominant this week in a pair of games against Ohio State, picking up 10 points (two goals, eight assists) in two games. The Whitehorse, YT, native had a night for the ages. With five primary assists, two secondary helpers, and a goal, McKenna set program records for most points and assists in a game. The former Medicine Hat Tiger is the first player to have eight or more points in a single game against another Division 1 program since Bob Joyce had nine points in a game on Jan 2, 1987.

    The number one overall ranked player on the Draft Prospect Hockey 2026 NHL Draft Rankings followed up his historic night with eight shots on goal in almost 27 and a half minutes of ice time. He sent a perfect backdoor slap pass for a helper on Penn State’s third goal in the comeback from down 4-2. The freshman made an Ohio State defender look silly before he sniped the overtime winner over the blocker to complete the rally.

    Oleg Kulebyakin | LW | Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL)

    Russian winger Oleg Kulebyakin leads the Halifax Mooseheads in points with 60 (26 goals, 34 assists) in 55 games and is fourth in league scoring among 2026 draft-eligible prospects. The St. Petersburg native is no stranger to North American hockey, having come to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights during the 2023-24 season and staying since.

    The University of Massachusetts commit for 2027-28 was the number 68 ranked skater on the NHL Central Scouting Mid-Term Ranking for North American skaters. The Lincoln Stars alumnus picked up at least a point in all four games this week for a total of nine points (three goals, six assists).

    After a pair of two-point outings to start the week, he notched one goal in a 7-4 loss to Drummondville before his signature game of the period. Kulebyakin was named the first star while registering four points (one goal, three assists) against the Rimouski Oceanic. After falling behind 1-0, the Mooseheads headed to the power play, where Kulebyakin set up the first of seven unanswered goals for the visitors. He set up a second power play marker in the third period. With 51 seconds left to go in the game, Kulebyakin found himself open in the slot and picked the corner with a wrist shot to make it 7-1.

    Adam Novotný | LW | Peterborough Petes (OHL)

    Czech winger Adam Novotný continues to impress in his first season of North American hockey. The slick shooter is third in the OHL among draft-eligible players in goals with 30, behind only Nikita Klepov (33) of the Saginaw Spirit and Ethan Belchetz (32) of the Windsor Spitfires. Novotný, who served as the captain for Team East, was sensational in January at the Connor McDavid OHL Top Prospects Game with a pair of goals.

    The Hradec Kralove, Czechia, native opened the week on Family Day with a goal and an assist to earn first-star honors in a 3-2 shootout win for the Petes over the Kitchener Rangers. He followed it up with a goal on a great individual effort to pot a goal with just under two minutes left in the contest against the North Bay Battalion to make it 5-4 in a game the Petes would ultimately fall in. The former Mountfield HK player added a goal and an assist in his team’s third contest of the week against the Brampton Steelheads.

    Novotný saved his best for last, helping the Petes in a big way to take down the Brantford Bulldogs on Sunday. Early in the first period, the 6-foot-1 winger swiped down a clearing attempt by the Bulldogs and stepped in to snipe a wrist shot off the bar and in to open the scoring. He continued to hound the Bulldogs all game with nine shots, but none was bigger than his overtime winner. With the Petes on the power play, Novotný took a pass before a couple of strides and picked his spot with a seeing-eye wrist shot over the glove of David Egorov.

  • Weekly 2026 Draft Eligible Three Stars

    The road towards the 2026 NHL draft continues to narrow as the season inches closer to the end. June will be here before we know it, and before that, prospects across the world will be proving they deserve to have their names called by an NHL team. This week’s three stars feature two Americans who powered their American Ontario Hockey League (OHL) team to a pair of wins this week and a Western Hockey League winger in the middle of a breakout.

    Egor Barabanov | C | Saginaw Spirit (OHL)

    Egor Barabanov is enjoying a banner rookie season in the OHL. The Anaheim, CA, native is third in league scoring with 72 points (25 goals, 47 assists), behind only teammate Nikita Klepov and New York Rangers prospect Nathan Aspinall. The 19-year-old, who spent part of four seasons in the United States Hockey League (USHL) with the Sioux Falls Stampede and the Madison Capitals, was the 39th-ranked North American skater by NHL Central Scouting on its Mid-Term Rankings.

    Barabanov opened the week with a two-goal game against the Flint Firebirds in a 5-4 win. He scored a power play goal in the second period to take a 3-2 lead. He doubled down in the third period, scoring his 23rd goal of the season to tie the game at 4.

    The 6-foot, 181-pound forward followed that up with a career-high six points (one goal, five assists) in an 11-3 drubbing of the Sarnia Sting. Barabanov had three assists in the first period as the Spirit jumped out to a 4-1 lead in the first period. He added a pair of helpers in the second before notching the 11th goal for his squad in the third.

    The Anaheim Junior Ducks product polished off the week with a goal and assist in a 4-2 loss to the Windsor Spitfires.

    Nikita Klepov | RW | Saginaw Spirit (OHL)

    The Saginaw Spirit has one of the most dominant duos of draft-eligible players between Nikita Kelpov and Barabanov. The American OHL rookies sit at numbers two and three in league scoring. Klepov was a first-round pick of the Spirit in the 2025 CHL Import Draft after scoring 31 points (12 goals, 19 assists) in 59 games with the Sioux City Musketeers in the USHL. The 6-foot, 181-pound winger is the 38th-ranked skater on Draft Prospect Hockey’s 2026 NHL Draft Prospect Rankings.

    The Deerfield Beach, FL, native began the week potting a goal and three assists as the Spirit knocked off its American rival, the Flint Firebirds, 5-4. Klepov was all over the scoresheet again with another four-point outing against the Sarnia Sting. He finished the weekend with a lone assist in Saginaw’s 4-2 loss to the Windsor Spitfires.

    Beckett Hamilton | RW | Red Deer Rebels (WHL)

    Red Deer Rebels winger Beckett Hamilton loves to shoot the puck. The Humboldt, SK, native is averaging a team-high seven shots per game with an average of 3.9 shots on goal per game. Hamilton is on the smaller side at 5-foot-11 and 172 pounds, but that nose for the net should get fans and scouts excited. The 17-year-old has blown by his rookie point totals. After posting 25 points (14 goals, 11 assists) in 67 games in 2024-25, Hamilton is already at 46 points (19 goals, 27 assists) in 52 games in 2025-26.

    Hamilton led all draft-eligible players this week in shots on goal with 24 in three games. He opened up with seven shots on goal while picking up an assist in a 6-3 loss to the Everett Silvertips. The 75th-ranked North American skater by NHL Central Scouting had a pair of goals and assists for four points, including a helper on the overtime winner, as the Rebels eked out a 5-4 overtime win against the Medicine Hat Tigers. He wrapped up the weekend registering 10 shots on goal but not picking up any points in a 4-3 overtime win against the Lethbridge Hurricanes.