An opening weekend, 2 game series between Fort McMurray and Drayton Valley was a great first taste of AJHL action. Our notes below are directly from our scouts notebooks !
9.16.22 - Fort McMurray (6) vs Drayton Valley (4)
Down 4-2 in the third period, Fort McMurray finds 3 goals in final 10 min to steal with in home opener.
9.17.22 - Drayton Valley (2) vs Fort McMurray (1) OT
A tight game 2, scoreless through 2 periods. Drayton Valley finds way in OT
Scouting Notes
#35 Gabe Gratton - ‘03 Goaltender - Fort McMurray Oil Barons
Gratton started both games for Fort McMurray, stopping 24 of 28 Friday, and 25 of 27 Saturday. The 5’10 goaltender tracks the game extremely well with great skating and quick, patient feet. Struggled glove side on Friday but came up big in key moments, while having a more complete performance Saturday. Gratton’s keys are his tracking and skating ability. His body control is sound, and all movements are led from his head/eyes. The FortMcMurray native is coming off an impressive ‘21-22 season, posting a 2.42 GAA in both the regular season and playoffs.
#9 Austin Spiridakis - ‘02 Forward - Fort McMurray Oil Barons
The 5’10” righty had a smart goal Friday, arriving into slot late on 3 on 2, beating the goalie clean from between the circles. Spiridakis was impressive carrying puck through traffic, with ease at times. Plays at good pace and has the balance to be able to operate with the puck in any direction. Most importantly, Spiridakis had some key back checks to disrupt grade A chances, and gets down to block shots.
#11 Max McCoy - ‘02 Forward - Fort McMurray Oil Barons
The Oil Barons captain had himself a weekend, tallying 2 goals 1 assist. McCoy brings everything you’d expect from a captain, smart positioning, constantly engaged in play, attention to fine details etc. Creates chances with his positioning IQ, always ready to get to the dirty areas as he showed on his tip goal Friday night. The right handed center was quick with the puck, especially on the powerplay, and has no hesitation shooting.
#15 Connor Michaud - ‘02 Forward - Fort McMurray Oil Barons
Michaud opened the season with a 2 goal performance Friday night. The righty has a want to get to scoring areas, showing a great release and scoring instincts on first goal, while scoring later on the PP pouncing on a loose puck ready to shoot. The 6’2” center is supportive positionally throughout his shifts as well, rarely cheating plays.
#30 Michael D'Orazio - ‘04 Goaltender - Drayton Valley Thunder
D’Orazio struggled a bit in Friday's start, but was beat on some good plays, both mostly rebounds and secondary oppurtunies. The 6’5” goaltender has the frame, with long arms and body control in his movements. D’Orazio has the technique and battle to be affective in the AJHL, look for him to bounce back in his next start.
#37 Colin Reay - ‘05 Goaltender - Drayton Valley Thunder
Reay was solid in his start on saturday, seeming very comfortable in his crease movements, calm feet with hand positioning tighter to his body. The 5’11 goaltender was tough to beat on first shot chances, taking away a lot of net with smart crease positioning / aggression. The AJHL rookie will be one to watch for Junior and College coaches throughout the season.
#18 Kadyn Chabot - ‘02 Forward - Drayton Valley Thunder
Chabot finished with 3 goals and an assist over the weekend, coming up big in Saturday’s OT win to tie the game in the 3rd + make a smart play in OT to find the net drive to win the game. Pucks seem to find the lefty, always reading/reacting to be in spots for teammates or shutting lanes defensively. Chabot’s offensive instincts and puck control were on display during his goals, control pucks quickly and easily before getting them on net.
#17 Daniel Kernaghan - ‘02 Forward - Drayton Valley Thunder
Kernaghan is will be a prospect to watch for all scouts and coaches throughout the AJHL season. The lefty has a very complete game, all starting with a very efficient stride, quick feet and balance. Kernaghan showed patience on the wing, making quick breakout passes in a calm, controlled way. The Drayton Valley assistant captain has confidence and pace with the puck, showing the ability to snipe on 9/16, while being able to battle opponents on the net drive for his OT goal . Along with being a threat offensively, Kernaghan also showed attention to detail on defensive side, back checking with a purpose and remaining supportive before going on the attack.
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