Game: St. Michael’s Buzzers Vs. Toronto Patriots
League: OJHL
Date: January 27, 2018
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Description: The final score was 7-2 for the Toronto Patriots, and it was a well-deserved win as they controlled the majority of the play. Andrew Petrucci picked up another three points to add to his league-leading point totals. The players included in this report were born in the years from 1997-2001 and were the top performers in today’s game.
TORONTO PATRIOTS
Andrew Petrucci #21 (F, L, 6’1”, 201lbs, 1997)- Same as usual for Andrew in that he has the ability to control the play when he is on the ice. Once in control of the puck, he is extremely difficult to knock off of it. He skates with powerful strides helping him to accelerate to full speed in only a few steps. He has a very high hockey IQ helping him as a playmaker, and he shoots the puck hard with a quick release giving him the double-threat in the offensive zone. He had three points in this game, one goal and two assists. Grade: A+
Oliver Benwell #14 (F, L, 6’1”, 185lbs, 1998)- Oliver is a very smart player and can create offense with his ability to see the ice. He had two assists in this game and could have had more as his line seemed to play most of their game in the offensive end. He skates with above average straight-line speed and has a quick first few steps. He is strong on his stick and his edges making him difficult to knock off the puck. Oliver’s ability to change directions and accelerate quickly allows him to control the puck for longer periods of time when faced with pressure. Grade: A-
Michael Boushy #91 (F, R, 5’9”, 161lbs, 1999)- Michael is a very quick skater and can push the defenders back off the rush with his straight-line speed. His ability to control the puck while skating allows him to challenge opposing players 1-on-1, and he has the awareness on the ice to locate open teammates and execute on his passes. While not necessarily an aggressive player in the offensive zone, Michael is able to anticipate the play and force turnovers by being in the right place on the ice. His puck control helps him win the fifty-fifty battles for the loose pucks and his ability to accelerate allows him to put distance between him and the opposition quickly giving him more time with the puck. Michael finished the game with a goal and an assist. Grade: A-
Evan Benwell #19 (F, R, 6’0”, 170lbs, 2000)- Evan is a pass first type of player and in this game was able to display a high awareness on the ice, and showed an ability to create offense through his smarts and puck skills. He set-up several scoring chances throughout the game by being able to pick apart the defense and find the passing lanes. Evan is a smooth skater and has above average straight-line speed, but he could improve on his first few steps. He finished the game with one assist. Grade: B-
Nicholas Favaro #3 (D, R, 5’10”, 172lbs, 1998)- Nicholas played a strong game for his team in this game by making smart decisions and executing on his plays with the puck. He consistently made a strong first pass allowing his team to move up the ice quickly and when faced with no passing option, Nicholas showed off his ability to carry the puck up the ice. He is a smooth skater with a long stride and above average straight-line speed. Nicholas is patient with the puck and in this game didn’t try to force the play but rather let it come to him. His gap control was strong and his ability to skate allows him to challenge opposing players rather than giving them time and space with the puck. Nicholas scored two goals in this game. Grade: B-
ST. MICHAEL’S BUZZERS
Ty Jackson #20 (F, L, 5’7”, 148lbs, 2001)- While not large in size, Ty Jackson plays an aggressive game and shows no fear in going into the battles for the puck. His quickness and soft set of hands helps him win control of the loose-pucks more often than not and he never stops moving his feet which can lead to him drawing penalties on the other team. He has a high hockey IQ and sees the ice very well. Ty had one assist in this game but had a difficult time continuing to apply offensive pressure, as the Patriots were simply the better team on this night. Grade: B+
Dylan Jackson #21 (F, R, 5’9”, 157lbs, 2001)- Dylan and his brother are exciting players to watch on the ice. They work together very well and seem to know where one-another are on the ice at all times, much like the brothers in Vancouver. Dylan has a soft set of hands allowing him to control the puck with ease. He is very quick and can skate with above average straight-line speed. His ability to move laterally with the puck on his stick makes him a very difficult player to defend against through an aggressive manner. Dylan finished the game with one assist. Grade: B+
Cameron Searles #22 (F, L, 6’4”, 185lbs, 1998)- Cameron is a big kid and uses his size to his advantage to put separation on the opposition when he’s in control of the puck. He had 1 assist in this game that came after he shielded the puck from a defender and patiently held onto it until his teammate was in the right position for a cross-ice pass. He skates with average speed and is not overly quick, but his puck control and ability to challenge opposing players 1-on-1 buys him time and space on the ice. His ability to slow the game down when the puck is on his stick and a high hockey IQ allows him to drive a lot of the offense for his team. Grade: B
