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September 25, 2025 Windsor 4, Sudbury 0 — prospect notes
Windsor mostly controlled the play but Sudbury was only down 1-0 into the 3rd before giving up some late goals.
Ethan Belchetz Windsor Spitfires 30-Mar-08 6-5 227 LW (2026 eligible, Wiz #5)
Belchetz is a huge winger who is expected to go in the top 10 in the 2026 draft. What was on display tonight was his ability to skate and control the puck. He is fast for his size and has very good agility. He had several rushes carrying the puck in, and was also able to control possession in the offensive zone. Retained possession through checking attempts by the defense. Had several chances and ended up with one assist on the night. Size and agility show out and make clear why he will be a top pick. Will be interesting to watch as the season develops and the games get more physical. 56-17-21-38 last year in Windsor and is at a point-per-game pace early in the current season.Jean-Christoph Lemieux Windsor Spitfires 19-Jun-08 6-0 187 LC (2026 eligible, Wiz #80)
Mid-sized but thick center who is willing to go into the corners and behind the net to retrieve the puck in the offensive zone. Hit the post on one early rush and later dug out a puck in the corner and made a pass in front that resulted in a goal. Active and has good speed. 1 assist on the night. 46-9-10-19 last year for Windsor and 4 points in 3 games so far this year.Beksultan Makysh Windsor Spitfires 24-May-08 5-10 157 LW (2026 eligible)
Makysh (pronounced like ma-KEESH) is a small forward who showed impressive puck handling skills on several occasions in this game. Able to maneuver and control the puck in tight areas in the offensive zone. Used his speed to nearly get a breakaway. Ended with one assist. Not currently ranked but if he can continue to show offensive skill might move up and be picked in the 2026 draft. Will need to add size as he moves up to higher leagues. Over 2 ppg last year in 16U AAA and scored well in international play for Khazakstan. 4 points in 3 games so far this year.There was some buzz around a hit that Makysh took earlier in the week from London LD Maksim Sokolovskii (various spellings). Sokolovskii is a huge defenseman at 6-8, 225, and is eligible for the 2026 draft; apparently he looks for the big hit. Maybe someone to watch as the season goes on.
Caden Harvey Windsor Spitfires 13-Feb-08 6-1 181 RW (2026 eligible, Wiz #163)
Winger with good size who will go to the net and is also a good passer. Had a shot and 2 assists on the night. Agile and good on the puck carry. 95 pts in 53 games in 16U AAA last year. 5 assists in 3 games so far this season. Draft spot might depend on showing consistency through the season.Vladimir Provorov Sudbury Wolves 9-Feb-08 5-11 154 LW (2026 eligible)
Reedy center who was a big scorer in 16U AAA last year (80-37-97-134) and has an assist in 3 games this year. Was showing a responsible defensive game as Sudbury needed to keep the game close. Stays close to the net and is well positioned on defense. Showed some nice passing on offense. Moving to Ohio State for the 2027-28 season so has some time to bulk up and find his offensive game. Not ranked but if his offense begins to show then could get some consideration for the 2026 draft.2027 Eligibles:
John McLaughlin (C, Windsor, 5-9, 163) had two late goals and added an assist in this game, now 3 points in 3 games.Brayden Bennett (C, Sudbury, 5-11, 187) has some size and had several nice carries for zone entries and some good passes.
Luca Blonda (RD, Sudbury, 5-11, 174) played 65 games for Sudbury last year with 15 points.
Other:
Alex Pharand Sudbury RW was not signed by CHI but was in the TOR rookie camp.Notes log: https://hockeystew25.blogspot.com/
September 20, 2025 – Seattle 6, Tri-City 3 – notes
Matej Pekar Seattle Thunderbirds 8-Sep-07 5-10 165 LHRW (Undrafted 2025)
Pekar (pronounced like pay-kash) came over to Seattle last year and had 64-17-15-32; this year he has added a few pounds and in this game was aggressive in pushing the play and willing to go into the corners. He has excellent speed and stick handling, and is very agile in carrying the puck around defenders and into the attack zone. Had four assists on the night, a couple early due to a bad start for the Tri-City goalie. Was very energetic all game, and was instrumental in Seattle keeping up the pressure. Had a nice steal that turned into a shot, was very active in 4 on 4 play. Size will continue to be a concern as he moves to higher levels, but speed, agility, and skill could earn him a 2026 draft slot after being passed over last year. 3rd star of the game.Marek Sklenicka Seattle Thunderbirds 27-Aug-08 6-4 170 G (2026 Eligible)
Sklenicka is new to Seattle as he was selected in the international draft this summer. Earned the opening night start over more experienced goalies. Sklenicka is tall and remains upright until the puck comes down low. Somewhat rangy but is agile when going between up and down positions. He had a number of good saves (including a couple of breakaways), especially in the second period as Tri-City was pressing. First goal glove side over left shoulder. Another goal came on a low shot from Vanecek that leaked through; these are tough for a tall goalie. Third goal he was crashed into by an attacker but no penalty was called and goal was allowed. 2026 eligible but not currently ranked. He has a good base of size and skill to build on, and could merit draft consideration if he improves his focus and plays well. Was 15-2.18-0.928 in Czechia U20 last year.Cameron Kuzma Seattle Thunderbirds 17-Jul-08 6-3 198 LC (2026 Eligible)
Kuzma comes to Seattle from Regina where he had 46-4-14-18 last year. He is a sizable center and is very aggressive around the net and in the corners of the forecheck. Assisted with Pekar on the first two Seattle goals. Did not score the rest of the game but had constant pressure in the offensive zone all night. Aggressive on the power play. Won 11 of 17 faceoffs and was the game’s 2nd star.Gavin Garland Tri-City Americans 8-Feb-06 5-9 183 RW (Undrafted 2024, 2025)
Garland is small but plays bigger, has good speed and can get pucks to the net. Had 4 shots on the night. Has useful skills but will have to show scoring ability to get into higher leagues as he has been passed over in the last two drafts. Had 54-21-21-42 in Tri-City last year.Cruz Pavao Tri-City Americans 24-Aug-08 5-11 194 RW (2026 Eligible, Wiz #154)
Pavao is not tall but is thick and this does not slow him down; he has the speed and puck handling skills to trigger offensive rushes. Early in the game he beat the defenseman on a rush and drew a penalty. Later had a fast entry with impressive puck control. Had 2 assists in the game. Looks as if he will score some this year, and could move to the mid rounds in the 2026 draft. Had 63-10-15-25 in Tri-City last year.Jakub Vanecek Tri-City Americans 25-Feb-08 6-2 185 LD (2026 Eligible, Wiz #62)
Another big defenseman coming over this year from Czechia. Excellent agility and puck control for a big defender. Had a low hard shot for a goal and showed good movement in all zones. Early on had a bit of an awkward posession in the d-zone that ended in a Seattle goal. Improved on defense quickly as the game went on, and drew a penalty (but evened it out taking an embellishment call). Should improve quickly while adjusting to North America. Has all the traits to be an early pick in the 2026 draft. Was 31-0-4-4 in Czechia U20 last year, 7-1-3-4 in international play this year.Others
1st star of the game was Simon Lovsin of Seattle who had 2 goais and an assist. He was passed over in the 2025 draft after having 35 points in 64 games. Needs to score more and is off to a good start.C Brock England, a 2027 eligible, had 2 late goals for Seattle also.
LD Aiden Bouchard, also a 2027 eligible (not related to Evan Bouchard) was a high pick for Tri-City (WHL #3 overall) and played in the game but did not score.
Notes log at: https://hockeystew25.blogspot.com/
More long-winded prospect notes. WHL started tonight.
September 19, 2025 – Prince George 6, Portland 1
Jett Lajoie Prince George 5-Feb-07 5-11 178 RW (Undrafted 2025)
Lajoie started fast last year but his scoring faded later as older drafted players returned to the team, had 67-14-21-35 total and went undrafted. He has grown an inch or two and added several pounds since last year, and is now much more physical on the forecheck and around the net. Working hard down low to get possession and pass out front, stayed around the net. Good shot, scored two late goals in the game, several good passes in the game. Will need to stay physical and keep up scoring through the season to be selected in the mid to late rounds of the draft.Carson Carels Prince George 23-Jun-08 6-2 194 LD (2026 Eligible, Wiz #10)
Carels showed very well on both offense and defense. Physical on defense, had several hits and was able to transition easily to the offense. Knows when to join the rush and had several chances in front of the net. Effective on penalty kill and has a low hard shot that gets through on the power play. Has also grown some last year. Shows all the traits that have him in the top half of the first round for 2026.Arseni Anisimov Prince George 25-Nov-07 5-11 175 LD (2026 Eligible)
Anisimov had 58-2-10-12 at PG last year. He plays a competent all-around game but does not have an outstanding attribute like size or speed. Is always in the right plce and handles well on the power play. Picked up two assists on the night. Good stick handling in the offensive zone, and plays a good position game on defense. Drew a penalty when he was on the penalty kill. Will need to score some to get consideration for a mid-to-late 2026 pick.Will McLaughlin Portland 10-Mar-08 6-2 175 LD (2026 Eligible, Wiz #160)
This is a defender that has good positioning and stick use in the defensive zone. Is in the right place and contests well in front of the net. Drew a penalty and has a good shot that he can get through to the goal. Good size and uses it well; was 47-3-16-29 in the AJHL last year, and had 3 assists for Canada at the Hlinka-Gretzky tournament. Looks like a mid-round pick for 2026, could move up with some more scoring.Jordan Duguay Portland 16-Feb-08 5-11 175 LW (2026 Eligible, Wiz #203)
Duguay is not large but plays a physical game. Took a boarding penalty early, was engaged along the boards. Plays right wing on the power play. Will need to show some scoring to get draft consideration. Scored 68-11-21-32 for Portland last year.Ondrej Stebetak Portland 19-Jul-07 6-1 173 G (Undrafted 2025)
Stebetak went undrafted last year after having an 0.891 save percentage (47-3.72-0.891 for Portland). Was under fire early and often as Prince George dominated play for most of the game. Gave up 6 goals, two early ones were screened, two were very late in the game. Will need improvement to be considered for the 2026 draft.Peterborough 5, Brampton 3. Some prospect notes:
Adam Novotný Peterborough 13-Nov-07 6-1 198 LW (Wiz #8)
Has the size, speed and puck control that could land him in the top half of the first round. Very good control on rushes but a couple of times was directed to the edges. He is new to the league and will find ways to attack the net. Willing in the physical game. Plays the left side on the power play, has hard shot and good passing. Played all over last year in Czechia (different levels and international tournaments), being in one place all year should help.Colin Fitzgerald Peterborough 1-Apr-08 6-2 194 RC (Wiz #32)
Fitzgerald showed well-rounded play, good passing, and a nose for the net. Had chances several times on rushes, picked the top corner from the left side on the power play. Made some defensive plays as well. 1G, 1A in the game, 2nd star. Rated end of first round for the 2026 draft, could jump higher if able to score well. Was 48-12-16-28 with 45 PIM at Peterborough last year.Matej Stankoven Brampton 28-Feb-08 6-0 183 LC
Matej Stankoven is apparently a distant relative of Logan Stankoven per this article:
http://www.nhl.com/news/dallas-stars-logan-stankoven-family-cheering-from-slovakiaStankoven played top 6 center tonight for Brampton. Brampton is rebuilding this year as they have lost most of their top players, including Porter Martone. He has decent size and good energy, plays on the power play and shows a willingness to go to the front of the net. Drew a penalty on a rush where he got around the edge and attacked the net. Seems to have a good all-around game, and though not ranked now, could generate some draft interest if he is able to make the NA transition and score some. Could be a good bottom 6 energy line center with development. Does not look like a big scorer at this point. Was 29-15-13-28 in Slovakia U20 last year.
Injury updates. Brossoit looks like he is out for the year so probably will never play for CHI.
Good news, Spellacy and Pridham should be only out for a little while.
Ty Henry probably out for the season. Too bad because he has to be signed after this year or his rights are lost. Needed a good year at Erie to have a chance at a contract. CHI will probably have to look elsewhere for defense depth once the current logjam clears.
I’m liking this Russian goalie, Bereznoy. Mostly under control, knows where his net is and is square to the shooter.
Really good reactions. Likes to come out and play the puck which can be good or bad, but he has time to calibrate that in the AHL.
And as much as I initially didn’t like the Cumby pick, he held his own tonight. He is 20 yo already so maybe he stays in Rockford instead of returning to Seattle.
Was able to see the stream of the SHL game Lulea vs. Malmo on FloHockey today. Lulea won easily, 5-0. Some prospect notes:
William Håkansson Lulea, 8-Oct-07 6-4 207 LD (2026 Eligible, Wiz #15)
Hakansson’s size stands out and he fits the profile of the big, agile defenseman that we see more and more recently. Currently ranked mid-1st round for 2026. He is a smooth skater that makes good, accurate passes. Played conservatively as this is only his fourth game; was careful to stay back on defense and not jump into the rush too quickly. Had a turnover in front of his net on a back pass that maybe he wasn’t expecting. Good change of direction, acceleration and positioning. Hard to tell much from first game but looks as if he will improve quickly, development of his offense might determine his draft slot. Kind of resembles Radim Mrtka who went #12 to Colorado in 2025. 47-7-15-22 82 PIM last year in Sweden J20.Casper Juustovaara (Karlsson) Lulea, 25-Oct-07 5-8 168 C (2026 Eligible)
Juustovara is a smaller player but has the movement and energy that you are looking for. Pushed forward on offense and looked to receive passes down low. Had a shot block and was very disruptive on penalty kills, using stick to break up passes and clear the zone. Could get some late-round consideration in 2026 if he can generate some offense.
New to the SHL this year, 50-14-24-38 in J20 last year in Sweden J20.Isac Nilsson, Malmo 10-Apr-07 6-0 176 LW (Undrafted 2025)
Was opportunistic on offense and had a couple of chances including a breakaway. Dropped through the draft last year and would need a jump in scoring to get consideration in 2026.
New to league, 1 SHL game last year, had 43-11-19-30 in J20.Maybe something to watch in the OHL:
Vladimir Dravecky, 2026 eligible, 6-0 187 RD is rumored to be coming to Brantford. He is ranked early second where CHI will have some picks. CHI has a lot of young D right now, but that logjam will have to clear and it is a little thin behind them. Dravecky might be an option for refilling the D pipeline and the scouts will get to see him a lot if he is at Brantford. Dravecky was 37-6-10-16 last year in Sweden.
Thanks for this.
I’m just hoping for one “holy crap” surprise jump in skill level at this event.
Any more than that would be gravy.Guess the college guys are already on campus. Interested to see how Behm does; he’s got a lot of scoring touch but needs to be more engaged physically or he might fade to gray at higher levels.
