DRAFT PROSPECTS HOCKEY

Tag: Noah Laus

  • Game Report – Soo Greyhounds 5 vs North Bay Battalion 4 – September 26th, 2026

    Game Report – Soo Greyhounds 5 vs North Bay Battalion 4 –
    September 26th, 2026

    Plenty of action in this game, North Bay started this one off with a goal midway through the 1st, with Ryan Kaczynski tying the game minutes later. Max Crete slapped a loose puck in to retake the lead for North Bay, the Greyhounds answered with two goals of their own, Cam Anderson’s first Career OHL goal, and Quinn McKenzie with a one timer from Laus to take the lead. The Battalion would tie it at 3, but the Soo would once again score back-to-back to make it a 5-3 game, with Brady Smith’s shorthanded goal being the dagger.

    Ryan Kaczynski – He has continued his incredible start to this season with yet another standout performance, scoring his 6th goal in 4 games, which currently leads the entire OHL. Aside from his scoring ability, his speed and agility have been extremely noticeable throughout the first four games, he has been able to blow wide on defenders, evade pressure in tight, and has not just found open lanes but created them.

    Noah Laus – Laus continues his hot streak, proving his electric start was no fluke. He, along with his line-mates, was dominant and very successful in all areas tonight. He has developed an outstanding shot this season, his ability to fire it from anywhere and pick his spots has been eye-opening. Tonight’s goal was from just above the slot, where he used a defender as a partial screen, and ripped It low glove. He was also relentless on the forecheck and caused a ton of problems for the Battalion. Laus, along with Kaczynski, are two names that could be flying up the Draft rankings very soon.

    Cam Warren – more of a quiet but effective night for Warren, did his job all game, was a dog on a bone on the forecheck and forced a few misplays, as well as being the instigator for a few scrums, his game picked up immensely in the 3rd, and all of his tools were on display. He is relentless on the puck, extremely twitchy and combines his skating and hands very well to throw off defenders; I saw multiple examples of that on the power play tonight.

    Alexander Karmanov – As expected, Karmanov had a very unique game, although I do think his skating is slowly improving. It is still a glaring weak part of his game, and it caused him some problems tonight.

    Lukas Moore – thought I should give Moore some praise in this one. I have noticed him in every game, but he really stood out to me tonight. He is a very intelligent hockey player. I am yet to see him out of position throughout the first 4 games, he doesn’t force anything, doesn’t overthink the game, just makes the play that’s needed. Moore disrupted multiple plays, closed gaps very quickly, and read plays before they even developed.

  • Game Report – Soo Greyhounds 5 vs Saginaw Spirit 4 – September 18th, 2026

    The Soo Greyhounds and Saginaw Spirit opened their seasons on Friday. The Hounds took an early 3-1 lead in the 1st. All 3 Soo goals were scored by 2025 OHL 7th Overall Pick Noah Laus. The second went scoreless, but the Spirit mounted a comeback and tied it at 3. Not long after the Hounds would respond with their 4th.

    With under 2 minutes left in regulation, Saginaw tied it again on Captain Dima Zhilkin’s 2nd of the game. That would force play beyond 60. Following an early Spirit slashing call, the Greyhounds’ new addition and son of former Soo Captain Trevor Daley Jr would rifle a shot short-side over Sokolov’s blocker for the overtime winner.

    Throughout the game, several players caught our eye.

    Trevor Daley Jr – Daley got better each period; he struggled early with the speed of the game, including the quick decisions and play, but Junior adapted fast and improved every shift. Later in the night, he started to really showcase his abilities, showing speed, hands in tight spaces, to cap off his night with the overtime winner as his first career OHL goal.

    Noah Laus – The second-year Hound was in the right spot at all times, always putting himself in a scoring position. He is a very cerebral and high hockey IQ player. That was not just evident with his natural Hat Trick in the first, but what he did to make them happen. Laus will be an underrated name to watch for this year’s draft.

    Dima Zhilkin – The Spirit Captain was quiet for a majority of the first half, however, after the slow start, he was able to showcase his elite skating ability and edgework, using his speed in all ends of the ice, disrupting multiple plays in his own end, which led to breakouts. Along with his two goals, it made for a solid night for the 2027 draftee.

    Levi Harper – Harper had an absolute roller coaster of a game, made multiple defensive errors, struggled to complete passes, and mishandled the puck, but was able to find ways to contribute offensively, a patient short pass to Wassilyn for the first goal, a quick pass to Zhilkin for a goal on the power play, and a long stretch pass to a wide-open Wassilyn, which created another Zhilkin goal to tie the game in the 3rd. Even with a 3-point night, this was not a game to remember on his part. If he can limit some of those lapses, the offense is there no doubt.

    Gordei Khotkov – Definitely a player to keep an eye on for the 2028 draft. Khotkov showed a ton of skill, even with his large 6’6 frame, scored a very nice goal and showed he can utilize his size well for his shot. If he improves his skating ability and agility, he may be a very sneaky prospect to watch over the years.

    Quinn McKenzie – McKenzie was a notable player that really stood out. The New Jersey Devils prospect, showing his speed and pace, are on a different level than most, if not everyone on the ice, and has outstanding puck control, especially at his 5’9, 175lb frame. He will be a leader for the Greyhounds and one of the main offensive contributors.