Projection: Third Pair Shut Down

Tools: Physicality, Mobility

Development Opportunities: Defensive Details, Passing Decisions

Kanyo keeps things simple on the Barrie Colts blue line, bringing a steady and reliable presence night in and night out. He's strong and balanced on his feet, moves well in his 6'0 frame, and has the foundational skating tools to project to the OHL level. The selling point is on the defensive side of the puck, as John is always eager to engage and disrupt plays, more than willing to apply pressure to puck carriers and lean into the physical side of things to free up loose pucks.

As a whole I think Kanyo has been an adequate puck mover at the U16 level, but I see that as an area to develop. There are moments where he rushes his decisions under pressure, giving up possession when a quick shoulder check or extra second to scan would have opened up a better option. With less time and space against OHL level forecheckers, getting more comfortable in those moments will be key. There are a lot to tools to his game, and with some refining to his passing game I can easily see John developing into a capable depth defender who leans into the physical side of things to make an impact.

Kanyo’s physical tools were what caught my eye. He’s a sturdy defender who gets solid power in his strides, especially in his pivots and turns to maintain momentum while shifting direction. Similarly, he showed he could wire shots from the point, blasting a few with tons of power and scoring on one point shot. John was more than capable as a puck-mover, making solid decisions with the puck on his stick, but it was mainly the physical characteristics and the foundation they provide moving forward that stood out.