League: British Columbia Hockey League
Home team: Cowichan Capitals (5)
Visiting team: Langley Rivermen (1)
Rink: Island Savings Centre
Date: December 2nd, 2017
Game Time: 7pm (PT)
Age Group: Junior A
Introduction: Cowichan secured a win on Saturday night at home due to an eventful second period. The Capitals capitalized on 3 goals within 3 minutes in the beginning of the second period to ensure a safe lead. Langley did not back down, as they fired off nearly 30 shots on net to still compete heavily throughout the game.
Cowichan Capitals (BCHL)
Tate Coughlin #11 (D, R, 6’2, 187lb, 1997) -It’s evident that this player competed in major junior hockey, as he is an incredible skater in the BCHL. He is at his own pace of play and definitely stands out. His size is also worth complementing as he applied tremendous force when lined up to body check. Players need to watch out for him in the corner. During the power play, he is positioned as the high man, and sometimes a low back door player because of how well he skates without the puck relative to it’s position. He is constantly asking for the puck and can fire a very heavy shot on net due to his height and long release. Very fun and active player to watch. Grade A
Azzaro Tinling #22 (F, R, 6’1, 195lb, 1999) -Azzaro is a tough player to keep track of because of how well he keeps in motion within the offensive zone. On the power play, he is positioned as a low half wall man that applies heavy pressure to the back door. When the goalie isn’t aware, he will move quickly to the open forgotten space and be a dangerous target. Nice skating forward that moves the puck well in each zone. Grade A-
David Laroche #9 (F, L, 5’9, 180lb, 1999) -Laroche may be a rookie to the Capitals this season, but he definitely plays at a high pace and is a nice young forward to have. He does find a lot of ice time with this team and seems to engage heavily into the play. He is very fast in the neutral zone and can apply pressure by positioning himself in the middle area between defenders. His contained speed helps him be aggressive throughout the game. In this game he scored a beautiful one timer while sitting back door on the goalie during a power play. He added a highlight reel goal to his career in this game. Grade A-
Marshall Skapski #17 (D, L, 5’10, 170lb, 1998) -Skapski is one of the better skating defensemen on his team. He does a really nice job with gap control when skating backwards and find himself in appropriate location to support his goalie in the defensive zone. He finds a lot of playing time because of how well he understands his position. Doesn’t stand out from a heavy shot or freak athleticism, but does a nice job taking care of the small components to the game to be a quality player. Grade B+
Ethan Scardina #7 (F, R, 5’10, 170lb, 2000) -Here is another tremendous skater on the ice. He is one of the younger players on the team, but finds a decent amount of ice time because of how well he moves up the ice. He can also carry the puck well and create space from pressure all while in control of the puck. He will develop nicely within the BCHL and gain the experience necessary for NCAA potential. Grade B+
Langley Rivermen (BCHL)
Alec Capstick #4 (D, L, 6’2, 185b, 1999) -A tall defender with long strides and decent skating ability is Alec Capstick. He is always engaged within the play and has nice pivotal skating motion in the offensive, or power play, to be utilized frequently in systems. His awareness helps him be open often. Sometimes he will jump forward and be the heavy man in a forecheck, but his recovery is great thanks to his speed and ability to find his position immediately. Down low, his upper body strength allows him to physically handle players off the puck, then gain ice with control. High potential to play in NCAA in near future. Grade A
Ethan Leyh #14 (F, L, 6’0, 175lb, 2001) -Not often do you find many 2001 birth years in the BCHL, but they are fun to watch and most likely high in athleticism. That’s the case here with Ethan Leyh. He’s a fantastic puck handler and strong on his stick under pressure. His agility helps him create space from defenders and contain puck control up the ice. He finds a healthy amount of time on ice and is utilized in many systems for his team. Ethan keeps up with the pace in the BCHL, and can stand out at times to show his remarkable hockey skills. Committed: Wisconsin Grade A-
Tanner Versluis #12 (F, R, 6’2, 190lb, 1999) -Tanner is a nice puck handling center that skates well constantly with the play. On the face off draw, he strikes in a downward motion that pokes at the puck, but with strength. He had nice composure around the net and constantly has his eye on the puck for any opportunity he can find. During the attack, his speed allows him to be a heavy second man in the zone for heavy net presence. He can also skate fast up the ice with the puck and show off great handling skills. Grade A-
Carter Stephenson #17 (D, R, 6’1, 195lb, 1998) -Carter is a really smart heads up player that knows when to back check heavy and ensure defensive zone control. He finds a lot of playing time for this team. His passing ability is smooth and seems to follow the play aggressively for any chance he can get as an outlet man. Needs to be careful of 2 on 1 plays and overcommitting to the first man. Grade B
Spencer Berry #7 (D, L, 6’2, 185lb, 1998) -Spencer is the defensive partner for Carter Stephenson, as they are both very comparable players. Great awareness and skating ability relative to the play is found with this defensive pairing. Spencer, however, had a very heavy shot and likes to call for the puck any chance he can get. Seems to have many shots on net from fast release shots at the point. In the defensive zone, he does have his feet too far spread apart when protecting the front of the net. This limits his mobility and does not allow him to move laterally if needed. Grade B
