July 30, 2018 (KAMLOOPS, B.C., CANADA): United States White vs. Finland - World Junior Summer Showcase Exhibition Game
USA #10 LW Cole Coskey (2019**) - Just a bit average in all areas of the skating department, but had a really impactful game tonight thanks to his drive, determination and hustle. Won the majority of his short area races and one-on-one puck battles. Scored the game’s opening goal by going straight to the net. Played ferociously in all three zones. Loved his stick work and aggressiveness. Took a tripping penalty that was at least partially justified, as he was one of the last man back on a pending odd-man rush. Made the most of his limited minutes, as he played in a depth role and didn't see much time on special teams. Had one or two shifts that seemed really long-winded, but it's a minor complaint when all things are considered.
USA #19 LC Jack Hughes (2019) - One of the funnest players I've ever had the pleasure of scouting. Deceptively fast with separation abilities that he showed off several times tonight. The first word that comes to mind, though, is creative. A superb puck handler who dazzled almost every time he hit the ice. Capable of elite-level stick handling even when moving at top speed. Also able to puck handle his way out of a phone booth, as his escapability is some of the best I've ever seen from a seventeen-year old prospect. Didn't look like the sniper I've seen advertised elsewhere, but he can also shoot from anywhere, and I mean anywhere. He shot the puck on net tonight from such a tight space, creative spot and an awkward position that it made me feel like my eyes were playing tricks on me. Tried and succeeded in doing some things that no one should ever try, even in an exhibition game, like a Datsyukian puck flip self-pass over an opposing forward to escape pressure in his own zone. Puck skills are so out of this world that it must be easy to become over ambitious at times. Excellent in the faceoff circle too, tonight.
FIN #33 RW Kappo Kakko (2010) - Above average in the skating department. Didn't look like a terribly powerful or explosive skater tonight but has good agility and changes direction fairly easily. Strong crossover technique. Was a purely offensive threat tonight. Great at calming the puck, a very good receiver and playmaker. Had a couple flashes of excellence at even strength and played a bit on the powerplay where he was put on the point. It was there that his deficiencies were obvious. Well below average in terms of his defensive game tonight. Had a hard time reading the puck and was a clear liability on the point. Poor reads resulted in a couple of odd man rushes in the other direction. Lots of difficulty anticipating the play in his own zone at all times tonight. Might be tired from long travel and didn't have a ton of help from his teammates either. Looking forward to future viewings as he has the tools to do much more.
FIN #36 RD Anttoni Honka (2019) - Really led his team from behind tonight, as I thought he was one of Finland’s best players in a fairly lacklustre effort from the ol’ Blue and White. Extremely mobile and intelligent, as exhibited by several nice plays from the point, wherein he used his footwork to open shooting lanes and create deception. Doesn't rocket out of his zone or anything, but a very good skater and skilled puck rushing defenceman who looked really comfortable when he was leading the rush. Quarterbacked the power play and looked dangerous. Best play tonight came on the man advantage with a greasy slap pass play that precipitated a tic tac toe play and eventual goal. Was strong in his own zone, as well. Looked above average defensively in open space and along the wall. Another notable positive was his shot blocking ability and willingness to make sacrifices for his team. Highly mobile, intelligent, and dependable right handed defenceman with on-ice leadership abilities and decent size are difficult to find, so I wouldn't be surprised if this prospect keeps rising up the draft board as the 2019 season progresses.
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