Salmon Arm vs. Wenatchee Wild
League: British Columbia Hockey League
Home team: Salmon Arm Silverbacks (3)
Visiting team: Wenatchee Wild (2)
Rink: Shaw Centre, Salmon Arm BC
Date: October 17th, 2017
Game Time: 7pm PT
Age Group: Junior A (1997-2001 birth year)
Introduction: The teams finished with even shots, but the score fell in favor of the home team. Salmon Arm scored two goals early for the lead, but Wenatchee came back with two answered midway through the third. Salmon Arm scored the game-winning goal with four minutes left in regulation, capitalizing off heavy forecheck pressure within Wenatchee’s zone.
Salmon Arm Silverbacks (BCHL)
Trevor Adams #23 (F, R, 5’9, 165lb, 1999)- Trevor is a fast-skating forward who can be used in many systems within the game. His constant movement in each zone earned him a lot of playing time. If left alone, Trevor can find the high area of the slot and capitalize on quickly released shots on net. He has a nice first step on the faceoff, which separates him from the group. Trevor has short strides but uses built-up speed to stay in motion. He is aggressive in 50-50 battles, even on the penalty kill, and is confident because of his athleticism. Trevor likes to stay in the middle of the ice and turn into the play with speed, which allows him to cause frequent turnovers and recover the puck. Grade: A
Austin Chorney #4 (D, R, 6’1, 215lb, 2000)- The Wild relied heavily on Austin for ice team, and even used him in a three-man penalty kill–especially impressive for a young 2000. Austin’s 6-foot-1 frame catches immediate attention, but he moves well with the play. He skates backwards with two hands on his stick too often, which hampers his ability to accelerate and defend. When on the blue line against opposing pressure, he needs to understand when to release his low hand. He stays close to play in the neutral zone which allows him to pick the puck up, but also allows him to easily be caught pinching. He keeps his body between the goalie and screen, and doesn’t have to work hard when moving traffic away. He gets low in defensive systems and pushes aggressively against opponents, creating turnovers. He has huge potential. Grade: B+
Grayson Constable #13 (F, R, 6’2, 195lb, 1998)- At 6-foot-2, Grayson has good size. He is fast on the backcheck, heavy on the forecheck and likes to circle in the zones to throw defenders off position. He can pivot with speed, which allows him to jump in for support or move the puck in the system. Grayson has a heavy shot with a quick release. He uses a strong, one-handed grasp in the neutral zone and cuts off passes with his speed and hockey IQ. He is a fun player to watch even when he doesn’t have the puck, which helped him earn the first star of the game. Grade: A-
Akito Hirose #11 (D, L, 6’0, 165lb, 1999)- Akito earned the second star of the game thanks to his work ethic. He battled well down low and stayed aware of player positioning. He plays aggressive but well-positioned defense and kept the play in front. Grade: B+
Hudson Schandor #19 (F, L, 5’9, 170lb, 2000)- Hudson centers Trevor Adams, and their styles compliment each other. Hudson battles well down low and can find Adams in front of the net frequently. He also battles well in the corner and is aware of other players on the ice. He is strong on the faceoff because he keeps his hands on each third of the stick and uses his dominant foot to lean into the draw. He earned the FortisBC Energy Player of the Game award. Grade: B+
Wenatchee Wild (BCHL)
Cooper Zech #7 (D, L, 5’9, 155lb, 1998)- Cooper is an offensive-minded defenseman who likes to step up in the rush and has 17 points in 13 games. Cooper controls the puck well. He is a small player, but he battles well and has a great first step out of the corner. In the offensive zone, his teammates feed him the puck when he’s open and he can capitalize on those opportunities. Grade: A College: Ferris State
Stanislav Demin #17 (D, L, 6’1, 185lb, 2000)- Slava may be young, but he earns a lot of playing time and even appears as the insurance player in several systems. He has a big, 6-foot-1 frame and uses it to his advantage by keeping attackers in front. He has a strong pivot that he uses to redirect the puck, which allows him to stay in position and protect the defensive zone. In the offensive zone, Slava has his head on target and a nice shot, but he would be more effective if he was patient with the puck and waited for his attackers to skate to better positions. Grade: A- College: Denver
Jasper Weatherby #14 (F, L, 6’3, 215lb, 1998)- Jasper is a fun forward to watch. He takes advantage of his 6-foot-3 frame by staying in front of the net and he leads his team with 10 goals in 13 games. He uses his size to stay strong on his stick during faceoffs, benefitting from high hand placement and heavy force on the puck. He makes smart decisions during offensive zone entries and usually dumps the puck in instead of dangling through players. He tends to get rid of the puck quickly and stays above the pace of play with contained speed. Jasper would be more effective if he battled down low and used his size to keep defenders away. Grade: A-
Brady Bjork #23 (F, L, 6’0, 172lb, 1999)- The brother of notable Notre Dame alumnus Anders Bjork, Brady is also on his way to the Fighting Irish. Brady keeps his feet close together to skate very quickly. He takes advantage of a forward stepping stride, relies on his edges and leans into every turn. But he tends to keep his stance straight with his feet close together when he has the puck, which makes him an easy target for defenders. Brady needs to find low-area strength when entering the slot so he can contain the puck and find better opporunities on net. If Brady is given the space, he will fly by his opponents. Grade: B+ College: Notre Dame
Jack Lippis #18 (F, R, 5’9, 155lb, 1999)- Jack is usually found around the net and is rarely contained near the crease. He scored a nice goal in this game with texbook camping and quick hand-eye coordination, which led to an excellent tip. He backchecks heavily in his own zone and is supportive in front of the net. He’s a hard-working athlete and fun to watch, but his small frame makes it hard for him to be a gritty forward. Grade: B
