[Sandman]

Well, I taped today's U-18 game between Canada and Latvia-after destroying Sweden 12-1 yesterday, they had their hands full against plucky Latvia, winning 4-2. Mason MacTavish led the way with 2 goals, and an assist, while Guenther, Stankoven, and Bedard had 2 pts each. Few observations:

MacTavish:I don't usually like players who pile up goals in junior, with hardly any assists, because that type of player never makes it. I really like this kid though-he's listed at 6'2",207lbs, and is a real leader (team Canada Captain). His goal-scoring is what's talked about, but he also passes very well (great pass on Guenther's goal), is pretty owly, and uses his size well. His skating bothers me a bit though-not a bad top speed, but very cumbersome. Kinda got a Kerby Rychel flashback, but this kid might improve as he gets stronger and more NHL fit.

Logan Stankoven:Probably the best player for Canada today. He's tiny (5'8"), but he never takes a shift off, and battles everywhere on the ice. Very wide track skating, but extremely fast.

Olen Zellweger:I'm very impressed. He was the best D man today. He's listed at 5'10", but he's very good at both ends of the ice. Great passer, great skater, high IQ. Doesn't shy away from contact. Looks like Ryan Ellis, if he could skate.

Brandt Clarke: Love this kid. Smooth, calm, good everywhere.

Chase Stillman:Won't rack up a ton of points in this tourney, due to playing down the lineup, but lots to like here. He's listed at 6'1", skates very well, and has his father's (Cory) shot. Another player who likes to muck it up, and is pretty mean. The story with Chase is that he plays for the Sudbury Wolves, while his father is the coach. Coach Cory doesn't let the young guys play any special teams, but sonny Chase still managed to put up 34 pts in 58 games, to go with 63 PIMs last year in 19-20. Very impressive for his Draft minus 1 year.

Brennan Othmann:He's a 6 foot, LW who also jumped out at me. Goes to the dirty areas, and plays a power-forward style. His skating is a bit of a negative, according to some, but it looked just fine today. Has 64PIMs in 34 games in the Swiss league, so he's plenty nasty.

Francesco Pinelli:6'1"C who skates very well, seems to play a good 2 way game, and looks to be a great playmaker (other than an egregious giveaway in the second). Other than the top 3 of Guenther, Stankoven, and MacTavish, he impressed me most.

Guenther:Just as advertised. Fast, with size, and many offensive weapons.

The team was without Shane Wright, and Corson Cuelemans today for precautionary reasons unrelated to COVID. In summary, if the team is picking between 10-15, I would be happy with any of MacTavish, Othmann, Pinelli, or Stillman if we drafted a forward, although picking any of them at that spot would be controversial.