This game is leading to Dach scoring the OT game winner.

Was able to catch the Kelowna at Seattle WHL game on Wednesday. Some notes:

Wednesday, 11/23/22
Kelowna at Seattle WHL game on Nov.23: This started as a bit of a sloppy game and was a bit slower than expected the first two periods. Seattle was called for several penalties in the 2nd period. The third was better played, faster and more wide open. Seattle led 3-2 after 2 and finished with an empty net goal.

Notes on players:

Colton Dach, LW, Kelowna - did not play. He was serving a one-game suspension for a check to the head, got a major and a game misconduct in his last game. Kelowna returns to Seattle in a few weeks, may get a look at him then.

Andrew Cristall, LW, Kelowna, 2023 eligible (Wiz rank #18) - Cristall is a small player at 5-10 and 165. He carries the puck easily in open ice, and is focused on moving it forward by passing. He had a nice no-look pass to spring a teammate for a breakaway. As you might expect, although he is very skilled, he can be bumped off the puck and has trouble passing in crowded areas. He will need to get stronger, and learn to protect the puck especially along the boards to enable clean passes. He played LW on a line with Gabriel Szturc (see below). He has a nice shot that he elevates easily; against a bigger team like Seattle he struggled a little to find space to shoot. Had 4 PIM (a roughing minor and a high-sticking minor). Cristall has been on a hot streak before this game and is 5th in the WHL in points: 15G, 20A, 35pts in 19 games.

Gabriel Szturc, C/LW, Kelowna, 2023 eligible (Wiz #162) - Szturc (pronounced like - Sturtz) played C on the same line with Cristall. He is always engaged in the play and tries to carry the puck in. He is average size (5-10, 176) and was somewhat limited by the larger Seattle team. He was rubbed out on the boards several times, but wasn't deterred. Had two assists on the night and was named 3rd star. Stood up for a teammate in a dust-up around the net. High motor and always around the puck; faceoff percentage 9/17. Shows potential as a bottom-6 guy in higher leagues as he is always active and involved. Right now he is doing lots of scoring. Stats: 8G, 21A for 29 points in 18 games.

Caden Price, LD, Kelowna, 2023 eligible (Wiz #21) - Price has good size at 6-1, 181 and uses his size to engage along the boards. Price seemed sluggish to start the game, nearly getting beaten a couple of times, but improved as the game went along. He appeared at RD also, and seemed comfortable on either side. Took a hooking minor and Seattle scored on the power play. Good in 3rd period, carried the puck out a couple of times, had a big hit along the boards for a turnover, and showed nice defense on the penalty kill. Talent showed through after a slow start. Stats: 2G, 10A for 12 points in 18 games.

Seattle players:

Kevin Korchinski - Again looked very polished and always where he is supposed to be. Had a couple of rushes showing ability to maneuver and carry up ice, then trigger the play in the offensive zone. Pinched more than in the game on 11/1, got some chances but did not end up out of position. Nice assist on the power play. One bad giveaway, did not result in a goal. Started on LD with Nolan Allan at RD, but they were separated early.

Nolan Allan - Was second star of the game but had no stat line. Was very good on defense; as expected, he engaged physically but also was very good with using the stick in the defensive zone, and broke up several plays. He is confident in roaming a bit from his defensive position to make a play. Early in the game he seemed hesitant on passing and clearing the puck, but was much improved by the 3rd, and got into the rush several times. He is still new to the team so hesitating in some situations could be expected. Started at RD first pairing with Korchinski, but moved to LD later, looked comfortable at both.

Gracyn Sawchyn, F/C, 2023 eligible (Wiz #135) - Sawchyn had been playing 2C for Seattle but was moved up to 1RW. Has recently had a hot streak for points, now at 5G, 14A, 19 points in 18 games. His game is still as noted previously, always involved and engages physically, but in this game he carried the puck more and had some good rushes. Two shots on goal, and only 5 faceoffs, winning two.

Scott Retzlaff, G, 2023 eligible (Wiz #62) - Ratzlaff is average size (6-1, 170) and is mostly quiet in net. He stays low, does not roam much, and seems to be able to stay compact and square with the shooter. On the first goal, he got off balance. The second goal was on a deflection. As the game opened up in the third period, he came out of net to play the puck a little more and was efficient, moving quickly and then getting back to the net. Handled a series of penalty kills well in the 2nd.

Nico Myatovich, RW, 2023 eligible (Wiz #89) - Watching all the other players above caused me to not follow Myatovich much during this game. He always seems to score in the games that I attend, in this game he got the assist on the empty net goal to finish the game. His size (6-2, 181) is noticeable on the ice, and he seems to have a nose for the net. 7G, 6A, 13 points in 18 games. Will try to follow more closely in a future game.

Tij Iginla, C, 2024 eligible - Again, was not able to watch Iginla closely. He had a primary assist on Seattle's third goal. On one rush, he showed impressively smooth skating, and was able to maneuver quickly, avoiding Kelowna players easily and getting deep into the offensive zone. Will try to follow more closely in a future game. As a young player, he is not getting into every game. Stats: 1G, 5A, 6 points in 11 games. See 10/15 notes for more on Iginla.
- totem

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Have been posting some long-winded notes entries from WHL games this year. I dumped them into a message board thread for my own reference.

https://www.hockeybuzz.co...read.php?thread_id=181442

Open thread for comments, other notes, etc. regarding prospects and draft eligible players.

This game is leading to Dach scoring the OT game winner.
- DarthKane

Gotta appreciate the starting line up in OT like yea we don't want the extra point, hahaha

Just can't get over how much Seth Jones sucks, hahaha

Dach still just doesn't want to shoot that puck

This game is leading to Dach scoring the OT game winner.
- DarthKane

Well, shootout. Of course.

Dach doing pretty well in Montreal. Not looking like a guy who should have been 3rd overall in the draft, but playing like a 1st round pick.

Was good to see Kane playing at bit more like you'd expect at times lately.

Are fans not allowed to boo an opposing player. Appears Dach was upset there was no video tribute for all his Hawk “highlights”?

That was fun didn't want that nasty extra point. Dach coming back to earth a bit but still ends up with the GW. Soderboom needs to work on his Shoot outs. Nobody on the Hawks Looked overly engaged and that's par for the course . Tank on

This game is leading to Dach scoring the OT game winner.
- DarthKane

He can never finish one on one with the goalie.

Kane will not be traded, then he'll walk as a UFA. ✅
Toews is traded for a 4th round pick ✅
AA is traded for a 5th round pick ✅
Domi is re-signed to a long-term contract ✅
The Hawks finish last but draft 3rd overall ✅
- DarthKane

Fill me in on why Kane isn't traded?
AA seems a speedy - exciting player that fits the future & why would we want a 5th in exchange for that skill set?

----------------------------
Have been posting some long-winded notes entries from WHL games this year. I dumped them into a message board thread for my own reference.

https://www.hockeybuzz.co...read.php?thread_id=181442

Open thread for comments, other notes, etc. regarding prospects and draft eligible players.
- totem

Fantastic work, Totem. Thanks for your very helpful effort!!

----------------------------
Have been posting some long-winded notes entries from WHL games this year. I dumped them into a message board thread for my own reference.

https://www.hockeybuzz.co...read.php?thread_id=181442

Open thread for comments, other notes, etc. regarding prospects and draft eligible players.
- totem

Thanks Totem, appreciate the updates.

Gotta appreciate the starting line up in OT like yea we don't want the extra point, hahaha
- BetweenTheDots

What was that all about? That had to be the least skilled threesome since they started the three on three OT concept. Are they making sure that Kane and Toews ask out?

What was that all about? That had to be the least skilled threesome since they started the three on three OT concept. Are they making sure that Kane and Toews ask out?
- Angotti

They did keep possession well to start OT.

Fill me in on why Kane isn't traded?
AA seems a speedy - exciting player that fits the future & why would we want a 5th in exchange for that skill set?
- Colbyboy

All legs and no hands or head

All legs and no hands or head
- 6628

With the moves he has put on this year, the no hands is way overblown IMO.

With the moves he has put on this year, the no hands is way overblown IMO.
- LAHawk

He has the brain of a mosquito, and yes, he has put on a couple of good moves this year, but I still question his hands LA. He’s playing on the first line with Kane and is producing 0.45 PPG.

With the moves he has put on this year, the no hands is way overblown IMO.
- LAHawk

He can't catch a pass worth a poop, fumbles the puck more than he catches it. I hope the other GM's have the same opinion of him that you do come trade deadline time.

He can't catch a pass worth a poop, fumbles the puck more than he catches it. I hope the other GM's have the same opinion of him that you do come trade deadline time.
- 6628

I agree with you about hockey brain. He is not the second coming of Mikita stick handling, but he is better than Kubalik (hockey brain included). Kubalik has the plus shot, everything else, would rather have AA out there, even if Kubalik ends up with 70 points..

In the grand scheme doesn’t matter, his Hawks career will be quicker than a bat of an eye anyway, my guess is a 3rd rounder.

Why would Kane want to go to the Ranger? Up 3 at home going into the third period against the Oilers and lose in regulation.

He doesn’t have to be traded to play for a team that gives up 4 unanswered goals to lose in regulation time.

Why would Kane want to go to the Ranger? Up 3 at home going into the third period against the Oilers and lose in regulation.

He doesn’t have to be traded to play for a team that gives up 4 unanswered goals to lose in regulation time.
- LAHawk

Just another Ek rumor meaning the chance of happening is close to nil.

Just another Ek rumor meaning the chance of happening is close to nil.
- boilermaker100

I think Kane going to the Rangers and I think he wants to maybe same kinda package like Giroux brought in 1st pick and top Porspect like Othmann that might be too rich maybe a lesser prospect like Lundkvist both are good. Maybe a couple wild cards like keeper Dylan Garand and giant Matthew Rempe. Or another big D Man like Matthew Roberson. In the end I think NYR is where Kane wants to go .Toews I am thinking Colorado and his stock is pointing Up And They meet in the final with the AVS repeating on OT winner by Toews