WEEKEND REPORT - USPHL PREMIER CHICAGO COUGARS VS DETROIT FIGHTING IRISH
11.6.20 - 11.7.20 Game & Scouting Reports
Chicago Cougars v. Detroit Fighting Irish Weekend Report
11/6 – Chicago (3) – Detroit (2) (OT)
11/7 – Chicago (3) – Detroit (2)
This was a tough weekend battle between two competitive, physical teams. The Cougars got the jump early, putting a lot of pucks on Detroit netminder Daniel McCarthy ’01 who made 48 saves to keep the Fighting Irish in this game. The teams traded chances and goals in the second period on Friday night. Detroit forward Clay Hightower ‘00 opened the scoring putting in a rebound shot, but Chicago responded halfway through the second period on a goal from TJ Haas ’03. Hightower struck again on a great individual effort to take back the lead for Detroit. A minute and a half later, the Cougars knotted the contest up for a second time when Jozek Martancik ’00 scored his 21st goal of the season on the powerplay off the rebound of a shot from Mason Perri ‘01. The teams battled in the third period, but neither could score to take the lead. In overtime, Kevin Johnston scored his 20th goal of the year firing the puck over McCarthy’s outstretched blocker to give the Cougars the valuable second point.
Chicago also took the victory on Saturday night in a more even contest. Detroit opened the scoring in the first minute of the game when Hightower fed Matthew Martin ‘00 for the goal. Chicago evened up the game at the eight minute mark of the first period on defenseman Adam Brimie’s unassisted score. During the second period, Chicago winger Kevin Uhlir ‘01 scored his third goal of the season to give the Cougars the advantage. The Fighting Irish powerplay worked the puck around from Hightower to Oliver Allen ‘02 to Bradley Scott ‘01 for the net front goal. Early in the third period, the Cougars took a one-goal lead that they would not relinquish when John Serbekian ‘00 scored on the powerplay from an assist from Brimie. The contest was relatively even in terms of shots and chances, but the Cougars were victorious, earning all four points from the weekend series.
Scouting Notes
Jozef Martancik – ‘00 Forward – Chicago Cougars
Powerful center with lethal shot. He is confident when possessing the puck with the ability to slow down the play to create passing options. He plays strong through the center of the ice. He defends well in his own zone and frequently wins battles below his own goal line. He needs to soften his hands when receiving distance passes.
Clay Hightower – ‘00 Forward – Detroit Fighting Irish
Speedy forward who can transition the puck up ice alone and create chances for himself. He has good hands around the net with the ability to deposit rebounds into the net. He is more than just an offensive threat; he has the ability to kill penalties and defends well in his own zone. He works very hard and does not take any shifts off.
Kevin Johnston – ‘01 Forward – Chicago Cougars
Skilled offensive player who serves as the play driver for his line. He has good vision and can find teammates in open space. He possesses a quick release shot with the ability to pick corners. He is a good forechecker and angler who can close down on opponents rapidly. Dominates the puck in offensive zone creating lots of scoring chances. He plays in all situations. Would like to see him improve his effort without the puck.
Adam Brimie – ‘00 Defenseman – Chicago Cougars
Two way defender who holds the point well and makes solid outlet passes. He can get pucks through to the net with good pace or to allow teammates to deflect it. He checks his shoulder well when retrieving pucks which allows him to use partner to alleviate pressure or quick up the boards. He keeps a short distance from the opponents which allows him to neutralize the rush attack.
Daniel McCarthy - ‘00 Goaltender – Detroit Fighting Irish
Acrobatic and mobile goaltender who moves extremely quickly from post to post. He displays a quick recovery and smothers up rebounds to limit second chances. He uses his blocker and stick to deflect pucks away from slot area. Although he is on the smaller side, he fights to create sightlines for himself and limits the visible net area. He was very impressive in both games this weekend.