Rookie tournament in Buffalo: observations on 20 Canadian prospects

BUFFALO | Expectations are high for the next generation of Canadians. After years of scarcity, there is finally talent among the organization’s bank of prospects. Patience, a popular term within the team, will however remain a key in light of this rookie tournament in the city of Rasmus Dahlin.

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The CH won two of its three games in Buffalo, but no player completely defeated the competition. We would have liked to see dynamic defender Lane Hutson, but NCAA rules prevented him from participating in this tournament.

We offer you observations on 20 of the 27 CH players at this rookie camp in Buffalo.

Logan Mailloux

Mailloux had a false start against the Sabres, but he recovered well in his last two games.

“I hadn’t played in five or six months and I had to get rid of the nerves,” Mailloux said. I wore the Canadian uniform for the first time. I was nervous, but found my rhythm as the tournament progressed. »

David Reinbacher

At 18 years old and taking his first steps in North America, Reinbacher remains in apprenticeship mode. The fifth pick of the last draft offered an honest performance without being spectacular in his three games.

Sean Farrell

Farrell is one of the disappointments of the CH camp at this tournament. There is a big step between Harvard and the professional ranks. He has talent and offensive instincts, but he lacked fighting spirit.

Archive photo, Pierre-Paul Poulin

William Trudeau

To use the words of Jean-François Houle, Trudeau is the one who “ran the patent” on the blue line. Used in two of the three games, he was the most consistent defender. A very good tournament.

Owen Beck

Beck blocks shots and plays with heart. But he wasn’t as dominant as last year at the same rookie tournament.

Filip Mesar

Used in the center during the last two meetings, Mesar was more visible and more in control. The Slovak will have to gain time with the Laval Rocket.

Joshua Roy

Roy finds ways to stand out and generate scoring chances. He collected 4 points (2 goals, 2 assists) in 3 games.

Photo Martin Alarie

Miguel Tourigny

A favorite of this tournament. Tourigny counted on his speed, his offensive flair, but also his enthusiasm. Day and night with his participation last year. He spoke of his time in Slovakia last season as a very formative element in his development.

Xavier Simoneau

Simoneau was granted a leave for the last game. But he had already earned enough points. He always has the pedal to the floor.

Riley Rein

Kidney played better against the Senators with a goal, but in the other two games he remained invisible. Like Farrell, he often lacks intensity.

Jakub Dobes

A two-part start against the Sabres. The Czech played very well for the first 30 minutes before running out of energy.

Quentin Miller

Miller put in a very good performance against the Bruins, signing the victory. A calm goalkeeper for his young age at 18 years old.

Florian Xhekaj

He has Xhekaj in his nose. You can feel it right away, but in a winger role. He shook the cage of several players, notably in his second game against the Senators.

Jayden Struble

Absent against the Sabres, Struble showed good things for the next two games. The American brought a good dose of robustness to the blue line.

Archive photo, AFP

Emile Heineman

We expected more from the Swede, especially with his end of season last year with the Rocket. He played two fairly lukewarm matches.

Cedrick Guindon

The choice of 4^eof CH in 2022 scored his team’s only power play goal at this tournament. Guindon will return to the OHL in Owen Sound and will be a candidate for Canada’s junior team.