GAME REPORT - EHL WALPOLE EXPRESS VS WESTERN MASS CHIEFS
1.16.21 - EHL Walpole Express (6) vs Western Mass Chiefs (4)
1.16.21 - EHL Walpole Express (6) vs Western Mass Chiefs (4)
This was the second game of the weekend between these two teams. Walpole was looking to earn some points after dropping the opening contest. Western Mass came out hard off the opening draw, amassing a three goal lead with goals by Matt Loftus ’00, Jason Gordon ’01, and Ben Meisinger ’00 within the first six minutes of the game. After Walpole settled in, they were able to score two goals in the first (Josh Grund ’01 and Max Burum ’01), added two in the second (Justin Sullivan ’00, and Matthew Talarico ’00), and two in the third (both by Zack Simon ’01) to earn the victory.
Scouting Notes
Zack Simon – ‘01 Forward – Walpole Express
Playmaking, creative forward who makes sharp, crisp passes. Despite his small frame, he uses his body well to protect the puck and maintain possession. He drives play on his line always looking to set up teammates for Grade A scoring chances. He moves to space well creating a strong option on the breakout and allowing him to smoothly transition the puck out of the defensive zone. He plays in all situations and is a scoring threat even on the penalty kill.
Matt Loftus – ‘00 Forward – Western Mass Chiefs
Power center who has the ability to find open space in the slot. Good hands in tight around the net. Dump and chase player. He is relied upon to run the top of the powerplay based on his heavy shot, but is more of a shooter than a facilitator. He is a decent skater, but could improve his speed.
Tod Philibert – ‘00 Defenseman – Walpole Express
Bigger defenseman with a wide skating base. He reads the play well to maintain pucks in the offensive zone. He will also activate into the rush with a quick release shot. He stoutly defends his blueline with his long stick, striking rapidly to limit carry-ins with possession. He tries to get off pucks quickly from the point or uses deception to create a shooting lane. He has some poise with the puck when breaking out or making outlet passes, consistently using his partner to alleviate strong side pressure.
Dominic Chirico – ‘01 Defenseman – Western Mass Chiefs
Steady defender with high hockey IQ. He makes good decisions on the point by not forcing shots. He is defensively responsible and limits odd man rushes, but needs to tighten his gaps. He is a solid penalty killer who constantly eliminates seam passes.
Ryland Dukes – ‘00 Forward – Walpole Express
Skilled forward who is an excellent passer. He moves the puck well to teammates in transition. He is poised with the puck demonstrating ability to slow down with possession to increase his option. He needs to improve his game defensively.
Justin Sullivan – ‘00 Forward – Walpole Express
Playmaking forward with good vision in the offensive zone. He frequently moves the pucks to the point in the offensive zone. He has a quick release shot in the Grade A areas. He is defensively responsible making sure to funnel back to third man high and backchecks hard. He is a good angler with good stick placement that keeps opponents to the outside, limits cross-ice passes, and finishes his checks.
Mason Palmer – ‘00 Goaltender – Walpole Express
Athletic butterfly style goalkeeper who limits rebounds against by smothering the puck in his bread basket. He will come out of his net to play the puck. He moves well from post to post allowing him to square up to most shooters. He could be a little more aggressive in coming out to challenge shooters.
Josh Grund – ‘01 Forward – Walpole Express
Smooth skating forward who moves the puck extremely well. Picks up speed in open ice with ability to skating around opposing forwards in the neutral zone. Creative passer with East-West vision. Pretty quick release on shot, but could improve pace. Needs to get better play away from puck. Doesn’t activate game until puck comes to him.