NELLI REPORT, vol. I:
As I say every year, these are just my comments based on what I saw today, nothing more, nothing less:
Players not in attendance:
* Truscott
* Gilmartin
Players in attendance from the 2018 draft who played at least ONE regular season game this year:
* G. Keane; Roger; Panwar; Evangelista
All the others were draftees from 2018, 2019, plus invites.
GOLD 6 GREEN 3 [only two teams this year; played 3 20 minute periods]
Gold goals: Atwill (2), Panwar (2), Montes, Beljo
Green goals: Evangelista, Perry, White
Comments:
Most of you are probably wondering how our top prospects from the recent draft performed (Rolofs, Mailloux, McCue). Rolofs was virtually invisible today as was Mailloux. Neither played poorly by any means, but there was nothing to rave about. Rolofs is a good skater for a tall kid.
However, I was pleasantly surprised by Max McCue--good hands, works hard, and is feisty. One player who I really liked was Mark Estapa from Little Caesars--good skater, skilled forward, takes the body. Apparently he's committed to W. Michigan, but he made a good, first impression.
Connor Federkow, d-man, got under the skin of a few players; he has quite the temper; slashed G. Keane, and then at the beginning of the following period, right off the faceoff, Federkow fought Carson McMillan. McMillan pounded him.
Of the players who impressed from last year's draft (2018), it should come as no surprise that Panwar was the best forward on the ice. I wanted to see Evangelista work his butt off, but instead he was more interested in hotdogging it. Evangelista also took a highstick (or slash), and left the ice. He returned for the 3rd period. I'm looking for big things out of him this season, and I was a little disappointed by the (lack of a) work ethic. McGurn was arguably the second best forward this morning of the 2018 draft class. He protected the puck along the boards, had lots of puck possession, and distributed the puck well. G. Keane was the best d-man, followed by Ben Roger. Roger still needs to bulk up--go train with Gary Roberts this summer and take Evangelista with you. Roger has all the skill to be a good d-man in O. Avery Winslow was solid on D, and he should perhaps vie for a top 6 spot. It looked like Winslow was wearing a London Knights' helmet. I wonder if this is an indication that he will be signed soon?
I was joined by 'boknows', and we spoke with Dane Dowiak's father. Dowiak is from Pittsburgh (Penn State commit) and attended prep school in Connecticut. His team won the championship.
As for the goalies today (Willis, McCabe, Brochu: GOLD and Say, Smith, Beckford: GREEN), Willis was terrible, and I can't say that the others made any great saves. In other words, no goalie stood out to me.
Planning on going back tomorrow...