Zach Jarom: Game Notes: Hawks 1 Islanders 3

First!!!

"Back to Reality
As the injuries begin to pile up, the lack of depth is going to start to be really exposed. Losing Tyler Johnson has hurt this team more than expected as Coach Richardson hasn’t been able to find the right player to take his spot in the line up. Now losing Seth Jones, who takes up big minutes, and both Mrazek and Stalock, it's going to be gut check time for this team."

I was thinking the same thing. The team plays well, but with the loss of Johnson, Jones and two starting goalies (Soderblom has done a good job in his limited time), there's just not enough skill to win games.

That said, the Isles impressed me with their defense. They were always in the shooting lanes, protected the front of the net, smothered forwards entering the zone and broke up passes in the neutral zone.

i wonder what KD's plan for a third goalie was (is). Based on history, you just had to expect (plan for), that Mrazek/Stalock would be hurt for significant periods of time. or maybe this was his plan? Give Soderblom lots of minutes at Rockford, until he would get lots of minutes in on the job training for the Hawks?

Or as mentioned previously he makes a trade for an NHL/AHL tweener to bridge the gap between goalie injuires?

Aside from the opening night loss and last night's game due to the empty netter, Hawks have lost all their games by one goal I think.

As Darth mentioned in the last blog, they have many gritty forwards who really aren't goal scorer. Have to wonder if their style of play, coupled with the injuries and lack of depth, will cause burnout soon. For me it's hard to see them sustaining the.500 record going forward.

i wonder what KD's plan for a third goalie was (is). Based on history, you just had to expect (plan for), that Mrazek/Stalock would be hurt for significant periods of time. or maybe this was his plan? Give Soderblom lots of minutes at Rockford, until he would get lots of minutes in on the job training for the Hawks?

Or as mentioned previously he makes a trade for an NHL/AHL tweener to bridge the gap between goalie injuires?
- LAHawk

Jean Paul Berube and Garrett Sparks are still free agent unsigned goalies.

Edit- goalie Dylan Wells (who?) signed to an AHL contract.

Jean Paul Berube and Garrett Sparks are still free agent unsigned goalies.

Edit- goalie Dylan Wells (who?) signed to an AHL contract.
- boilermaker100

Isn't Stauber also hurt?

Maybe they will need to get Darling out of the broadcasts and into the net again.

Isn't Stauber also hurt?
- LAHawk

I think he left the Hogs last game with an injury. Don't know how serious it was. It may have been just precaution. He took a shot up high and the Hogs were up big so maybe they took him out to be safe.

I am really liking what I have seen from Soderblom so far. He looks more composed than last season. Makes sense since pucks were coming at him from different angle than he was used to in Sweden. He is tracking the puck calmly. He is one big dude, too. I didn't realize he is 6'5 or so.

Jean Paul Berube and Garrett Sparks are still free agent unsigned goalies.

Edit- goalie Dylan Wells (who?) signed to an AHL contract.
- boilermaker100

Now reported Wells is signed to a 2 way contract.

Friday - 10/15/22
Caught the SEA-EDM WHL game last night. Seattle dominated, 7-0, think the Oil Kings are rebuilding this year after winning the WHL last year.
Notes on Seattle players:

Kevin Korchinski was as advertised. Showed excellent stick handling at the point on the power play. Was judicious with pinching, did it just a few times. Always looking for good outlet pass. Nice clear shorthanded that led to a 2 on 1. 1 assist, 3 shots, +3. Only mistake, almost got beat around the edge just after the intial faceoff of the second period. Was able to use his length and skating to partially recover, goalie made the save.

Scott Retzlaff, G, 2023 eligible (Wiz rank #64) - Got the shutout, not challenged too much, had a couple of good stops, also stopped a penalty shot. Seems quiet and steady in goal, does not wander, good positioning.

Gracyn Sawchyn, F/C, 2023 eligible (Wiz #176) - Sawchyn is a little reedy at 5-11, 165, but is willing to mix it up and go into the corners for the puck. Good carry, good passing, can elevate shot, saw him once or twice in the DeBrincat spot ready for a one-timer. Has an aggressive faceoff approach and won several. Playing second line right now, has8 points in 6 games. Needs to get stronger but seems like he would be worth taking mid to late rounds.

Brayden Dube, F, 2023 eligible (not ranked) - Playing 4th line right now and did not get a lot of ice time. Did score late 3rd period with a nice shot on the power play. Is blocked a little bit because Seattle has a deep team. Probably not drafted this year, might be worth a look on a redraft later on.

Tij Iginla, F, 2024 eligible - Was the WHL first round pick for Seattle. Playing 3rd line and finding his way. Son of Jarome Iginla, does not have his Dad's size, right now is average size, 5-10, 160. Positions well, willing to engage for the puck, goes to the front of the net. Got his first WHL goal late in the 3rd on a power play. Should improve quickly as time goes on, has another year to establish his draft status.
- totem

Took the liberty of quoting myself re: WHL Seattle game notes from 2 weeks ago. Was able to catch another Seattle game last night against Prince George. PG has 2 prospects for the 2023 draft.

Tuesday - 11/1/22
Notes on SEA-Prince George WHL game on Nov.1. This was a chippy game dominated by Seattle who won 6-3. Notes on players:

Koehn Zeimmer, RW, Prince George, 2023 eligible (Wiz rank #33) - Zeimmer plays RW on the same line as C Riley Heidt (see below). On that line Zeimmer plays the Kane-type role, moving up the boards to receive the pass and carrying in or dumping in if blocked. He has some escapability, as he had a breakaway goal (mostly his work) and was 2nd star for the game. At 6-0, 201 he is thick but it does not appear to slow him down. Has a good sense for finding an open man on the move. He is not on the top line but with Heidt is key to the scoring line. Plays on the top power play but not the penalty kill as of yet. Defense is a work in progress but he has time for polishing as he will have two more years in WHL. Took several faceoffs and was 4/8 for the game. -- Name pronounced like (KO-en ZEE-mer) -- Stats: 13 games, 11 goals, 11 assists. 22 points

Riley Heidt, C, Prince George, 2023 eligible (Wiz rank #46) - Heidt plays C on the same line as RW Koehn Zeimmer (see above). On that line Heidt plays the Toews-type role, taking most faceoffs (7/13 on the night). He got a breakaway on a nice pass, did not score but drew a hooking penalty. Had an assist on a nice pass. At 5-11, 179 he will need to bulk up some without losing speed. As with Zeimmer, Heidt is key to the scoring line, plays on the top power play but not on the penalty kill, and defense is still developing. Note that Wiz has him at #46 but some other mock drafts have him top 20. Stats: 13 games, 6 goals, 10 assists, 16 points

Heidt and Zeimmer work well together, and their talent shows through but both will need development. From this one game small sample, I would say a second round ranking in 2023 draft seems about right for both.

Seattle players (see list above in previous post):

Kevin Korchinski - All the positives above (from 10/15) still apply. This is a very polished player, he seems to always be in the correct spot, and a key part of the play. Had 3 assists (all secondary) and 3 SOG. Stamina was noticeable, twice he finished a shift, Seattle took a penalty, and he was back out for most of the penalty kill. He is much further along than Jokiharju was at the same age (of course that is expected as he is a much higher pick). Shot more on the power play than last game, and was able to get shots through. Stats: 9 games, 1 goal, 15 assists, 16 points

Gracyn Sawchyn, F/C, 2023 eligible (Wiz #133) - Again above comments apply; this was a chippy game and he has no problems being in the mix. Faceoffs (6/11 last night) are still noticeable as well as passing (had primary assist on a nice pass in the slot) and 1 SOG. Seems like a good value in 5th round or so. Stats: 11 games, 3 goals, 11 assists, 14 points

Retzlaff and Iginla did not play, Dube had no stat line.

I don't know if it just me, but when I come back now I end up on that weekend blog, not chelatest one.
It has happened for days...

I don't know if it just me, but when I come back now I end up on that weekend blog, not chelatest one.
It has happened for days...
- wiz1901

Me too, have to go to bloggers pulldown and click on Zach to get the latest....

I am all for getting Darling out of the studio. But forget about putting him in net. I would take Scott Foster before him.

I am really liking what I have seen from Soderblom so far. He looks more composed than last season. Makes sense since pucks were coming at him from different angle than he was used to in Sweden. He is tracking the puck calmly. He is one big dude, too. I didn't realize he is 6'5 or so.
- Elbows15

They said 6’5” on the broadcast. But I think 6’3” on most other sites.

Took the liberty of quoting myself re: WHL Seattle game notes from 2 weeks ago. Was able to catch another Seattle game last night against Prince George. PG has 2 prospects for the 2023 draft.

Tuesday - 11/1/22
Notes on SEA-Prince George WHL game on Nov.1. This was a chippy game dominated by Seattle who won 6-3. Notes on players:

Koehn Zeimmer, RW, Prince George, 2023 eligible (Wiz rank #33) - Zeimmer plays RW on the same line as C Riley Heidt (see below). On that line Zeimmer plays the Kane-type role, moving up the boards to receive the pass and carrying in or dumping in if blocked. He has some escapability, as he had a breakaway goal (mostly his work) and was 2nd star for the game. At 6-0, 201 he is thick but it does not appear to slow him down. Has a good sense for finding an open man on the move. He is not on the top line but with Heidt is key to the scoring line. Plays on the top power play but not the penalty kill as of yet. Defense is a work in progress but he has time for polishing as he will have two more years in WHL. Took several faceoffs and was 4/8 for the game. -- Name pronounced like (KO-en ZEE-mer) -- Stats: 13 games, 11 goals, 11 assists. 22 points

Riley Heidt, C, Prince George, 2023 eligible (Wiz rank #46) - Heidt plays C on the same line as RW Koehn Zeimmer (see above). On that line Heidt plays the Toews-type role, taking most faceoffs (7/13 on the night). He got a breakaway on a nice pass, did not score but drew a hooking penalty. Had an assist on a nice pass. At 5-11, 179 he will need to bulk up some without losing speed. As with Zeimmer, Heidt is key to the scoring line, plays on the top power play but not on the penalty kill, and defense is still developing. Note that Wiz has him at #46 but some other mock drafts have him top 20. Stats: 13 games, 6 goals, 10 assists, 16 points

Heidt and Zeimmer work well together, and their talent shows through but both will need development. From this one game small sample, I would say a second round ranking in 2023 draft seems about right for both.

Seattle players (see list above in previous post):

Kevin Korchinski - All the positives above (from 10/15) still apply. This is a very polished player, he seems to always be in the correct spot, and a key part of the play. Had 3 assists (all secondary) and 3 SOG. Stamina was noticeable, twice he finished a shift, Seattle took a penalty, and he was back out for most of the penalty kill. He is much further along than Jokiharju was at the same age (of course that is expected as he is a much higher pick). Shot more on the power play than last game, and was able to get shots through. Stats: 9 games, 1 goal, 15 assists, 16 points

Gracyn Sawchyn, F/C, 2023 eligible (Wiz #133) - Again above comments apply; this was a chippy game and he has no problems being in the mix. Faceoffs (6/11 last night) are still noticeable as well as passing (had primary assist on a nice pass in the slot) and 1 SOG. Seems like a good value in 5th round or so. Stats: 11 games, 3 goals, 11 assists, 14 points

Retzlaff and Iginla did not play, Dube had no stat line.
- totem

I find your write ups very helpful. Thanks for taking the time to share what you see. ........ For the next few yrs as Hawk fans these prospects are worth getting to know.

Took the liberty of quoting myself re: WHL Seattle game notes from 2 weeks ago. Was able to catch another Seattle game last night against Prince George. PG has 2 prospects for the 2023 draft.

Tuesday - 11/1/22
Notes on SEA-Prince George WHL game on Nov.1. This was a chippy game dominated by Seattle who won 6-3. Notes on players:

Koehn Zeimmer, RW, Prince George, 2023 eligible (Wiz rank #33) - Zeimmer plays RW on the same line as C Riley Heidt (see below). On that line Zeimmer plays the Kane-type role, moving up the boards to receive the pass and carrying in or dumping in if blocked. He has some escapability, as he had a breakaway goal (mostly his work) and was 2nd star for the game. At 6-0, 201 he is thick but it does not appear to slow him down. Has a good sense for finding an open man on the move. He is not on the top line but with Heidt is key to the scoring line. Plays on the top power play but not the penalty kill as of yet. Defense is a work in progress but he has time for polishing as he will have two more years in WHL. Took several faceoffs and was 4/8 for the game. -- Name pronounced like (KO-en ZEE-mer) -- Stats: 13 games, 11 goals, 11 assists. 22 points

Riley Heidt, C, Prince George, 2023 eligible (Wiz rank #46) - Heidt plays C on the same line as RW Koehn Zeimmer (see above). On that line Heidt plays the Toews-type role, taking most faceoffs (7/13 on the night). He got a breakaway on a nice pass, did not score but drew a hooking penalty. Had an assist on a nice pass. At 5-11, 179 he will need to bulk up some without losing speed. As with Zeimmer, Heidt is key to the scoring line, plays on the top power play but not on the penalty kill, and defense is still developing. Note that Wiz has him at #46 but some other mock drafts have him top 20. Stats: 13 games, 6 goals, 10 assists, 16 points

Heidt and Zeimmer work well together, and their talent shows through but both will need development. From this one game small sample, I would say a second round ranking in 2023 draft seems about right for both.

Seattle players (see list above in previous post):

Kevin Korchinski - All the positives above (from 10/15) still apply. This is a very polished player, he seems to always be in the correct spot, and a key part of the play. Had 3 assists (all secondary) and 3 SOG. Stamina was noticeable, twice he finished a shift, Seattle took a penalty, and he was back out for most of the penalty kill. He is much further along than Jokiharju was at the same age (of course that is expected as he is a much higher pick). Shot more on the power play than last game, and was able to get shots through. Stats: 9 games, 1 goal, 15 assists, 16 points

Gracyn Sawchyn, F/C, 2023 eligible (Wiz #133) - Again above comments apply; this was a chippy game and he has no problems being in the mix. Faceoffs (6/11 last night) are still noticeable as well as passing (had primary assist on a nice pass in the slot) and 1 SOG. Seems like a good value in 5th round or so. Stats: 11 games, 3 goals, 11 assists, 14 points

Retzlaff and Iginla did not play, Dube had no stat line.
- totem

I find your write ups very helpful. Thanks for taking the time to share what you see. ........ For the next few yrs as Hawk fans these prospects are worth getting to know.

I am all for getting Darling out of the studio. But forget about putting him in net. I would take Scott Foster before him.
-Ztra

I have a slight suspicion that you are not alone with that thinking.

I find your write ups very helpful. Thanks for taking the time to share what you see. ........ For the next few yrs as Hawk fans these prospects are worth getting to know.
- Mr Ricochet

Thanks, glad it is of interest. It's good to be able to see some of these guys in person since there are so many upcoming picks.

Took the liberty of quoting myself re: WHL Seattle game notes from 2 weeks ago. Was able to catch another Seattle game last night against Prince George. PG has 2 prospects for the 2023 draft.

Tuesday - 11/1/22
Notes on SEA-Prince George WHL game on Nov.1. This was a chippy game dominated by Seattle who won 6-3. Notes on players:

Koehn Zeimmer, RW, Prince George, 2023 eligible (Wiz rank #33) - Zeimmer plays RW on the same line as C Riley Heidt (see below). On that line Zeimmer plays the Kane-type role, moving up the boards to receive the pass and carrying in or dumping in if blocked. He has some escapability, as he had a breakaway goal (mostly his work) and was 2nd star for the game. At 6-0, 201 he is thick but it does not appear to slow him down. Has a good sense for finding an open man on the move. He is not on the top line but with Heidt is key to the scoring line. Plays on the top power play but not the penalty kill as of yet. Defense is a work in progress but he has time for polishing as he will have two more years in WHL. Took several faceoffs and was 4/8 for the game. -- Name pronounced like (KO-en ZEE-mer) -- Stats: 13 games, 11 goals, 11 assists. 22 points

Riley Heidt, C, Prince George, 2023 eligible (Wiz rank #46) - Heidt plays C on the same line as RW Koehn Zeimmer (see above). On that line Heidt plays the Toews-type role, taking most faceoffs (7/13 on the night). He got a breakaway on a nice pass, did not score but drew a hooking penalty. Had an assist on a nice pass. At 5-11, 179 he will need to bulk up some without losing speed. As with Zeimmer, Heidt is key to the scoring line, plays on the top power play but not on the penalty kill, and defense is still developing. Note that Wiz has him at #46 but some other mock drafts have him top 20. Stats: 13 games, 6 goals, 10 assists, 16 points

Heidt and Zeimmer work well together, and their talent shows through but both will need development. From this one game small sample, I would say a second round ranking in 2023 draft seems about right for both.

Seattle players (see list above in previous post):

Kevin Korchinski - All the positives above (from 10/15) still apply. This is a very polished player, he seems to always be in the correct spot, and a key part of the play. Had 3 assists (all secondary) and 3 SOG. Stamina was noticeable, twice he finished a shift, Seattle took a penalty, and he was back out for most of the penalty kill. He is much further along than Jokiharju was at the same age (of course that is expected as he is a much higher pick). Shot more on the power play than last game, and was able to get shots through. Stats: 9 games, 1 goal, 15 assists, 16 points

Gracyn Sawchyn, F/C, 2023 eligible (Wiz #133) - Again above comments apply; this was a chippy game and he has no problems being in the mix. Faceoffs (6/11 last night) are still noticeable as well as passing (had primary assist on a nice pass in the slot) and 1 SOG. Seems like a good value in 5th round or so. Stats: 11 games, 3 goals, 11 assists, 14 points

Retzlaff and Iginla did not play, Dube had no stat line.
- totem

Thank you for this in-depth post. For those unable to see these prospects in person (or in many cases even on TV) it is an invaluable resource. Please do keep them coming and understand that many of us appreciate the hard work that went into this.