My son played against Cole in a tournament in Kindersley about 10 years ago. I remember Cole, not just because he was clearly skilled, but for how he played the game at such a young age.
There were two kids at that tournament, both from Sasky but on different teams, that were head and shoulders above the other kids, Cole and Player B. They both had the skill and speed to almost score at will against our Div 1 team from Calgary. The difference was in the use of their teammates.
When Player B touched the puck, the rest of his team became deflated: they knew he was going end to end solo. Cole was the exact opposite. When Cole got the puck, all his teammates elevated because they knew he'd give them the puck, even though most of them were destined for Div 8 beer league. Cole could read when his teammates were going to get checked or give it away. He'd swoop in a grab the puck, dish to someone else, repeat, until they finally put a play together to get a shot on net. He was in total control of the game the entire time he was on the ice, and dishing to everyone.
Cole and Player B finished with about the same points in the tourney, but it was sooo obvious which of the two you would want on your team. And now he is!
I have no idea what he'll turn into at the NHL level, but it makes sense that the guys at Upside rank him so highly on playmaking and hockey sense ability. If you like smart, unselfish, humble players who work hard, this is a good pick.
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