NCHC - New Hampshire vs. Colorado College Highlights - 10/19/18
That is the link to the highlights from UNH at CC, last night.
Gildon scores UNH's first goal on a wrist shot through a heavy screen. He does such a good job shooting the puck - his wrister is hard and accurate and he does a great job getting pucks through to the net. He creates so many chances with his shot even when he's not scoring on tips and rebounds.
He assists on UNH's second goal with a long pass from the far boards threaded through four players, including three opponents, for an easy tap in. Here's a better look at the pass with replay...
His second assist comes when he drops down the side boards, picks up the puck and cuts to the net to create a chance.
He also had an incredible play on the break out when his partner put a pass in his skates at the blue line. He collected it by kicking it out in front of him - it looked like he may have kicked it right to a forechecking forward for a break away, but in one motion he grabbed the puck with the heel of his stick and spun away hitting his stride immediately...
He would turn it over occasionally last year - sometimes thinking ahead without assuring he took care of the moment, but he has been so steady with the puck this year. Best player on the ice in all three games. Last night he earned first star of the game honors...
I don't want to over or undersell him with an NHL comp - I watch much more college hockey. At 6-3, with the vision, skating and hands he has I'd bet heavily on his future. If he can become more physical he definitely has the potential to be a top-pair defenseman and lead a potent PP...
As for college defenseman he is miles ahead of where TVR and Brett Pesce were at the same age for UNH and compares favorably to what I saw from Charlie McAvoy and Zachary Werenski - though both did a nice job continuing to develop on their way to - and in - the NHL. So don't hold me to that, haha.
I'd be very disappointed if he doesn't make the US WJC - and thought he should have made it last year. But USA hockey seems at times unwilling to forgive some of his turnovers at the NTDP level. As I said, considering late last season and early on this year he seems to have steadily out grown those issues...
I grew up in NH and now have DU season tickets. The thought of Gildon and Borgstrom on the same PP is tantalizing...
Glad to help.