Aling is a forward with great vision and strong playmaking abilities that were able to really facilitate plays in transition for his team. His ability to seamlessly move pucks to his teammates and connect on tape-to-tape passes made him a reliable forward on entries into the offensive zone but also during breakout attempts, finding creative ways to get pucks past pressuring defenders and continue the flow of play. His creativity made him an unpredictable puck carrier in the offensive zone as well, using a mix of swift edgework and head fakes to quickly change his angles and fit passes through tight windows to set up scoring chances. Aling is just another example of how deep of a roster this Chicago team has, making them such an exciting team to continue to monitor throughout the season.

As the leading goal scorer for Team Black with 4 goals in four games, Aling was able to find success as a creative puck handler and accurate shooter both down the wing and along the perimeter of the offensive zone. His ability to control pucks on the outside of the zone and then find ways to get to the inside using quick adjustments of his hands and feet made him a difficult player to contain when everything was clicking for the Mission forward. I liked the confidence he showed as a puck carrier to challenge defenders head-on off the rush, not afraid to drive towards the slot and look to make a quick play with the puck whether that was using his accurate shot and quick release to pick his spot or using a deceptive drag-and-shoot technique to give himself the extra space to get the shot off and keep goaltenders guessing by changing the angle of his blade. His desire to have the puck on his stick and aggressive approach in transition made him a key contributor to this Team Black offence.

Talen Aling drove a high level of play for his squad with strong puck handling and some good vision, his ability to quickly move the puck from the perimeter of the ice and set up some strong chanecs towards the middle made him a dangerous set up man. His feet and hands were in sync and as he traversed the ice, showing a capability of handling the puck in tight to his feet and out away from his body, he could dodge and evade opponents along with get passes off from crafty areas to move the puck in transition and towards the middle of the ice. He set up Thaddeus McMahon for a great chance earlier in the game from the goal-line, slinging a pass over to McMahon as he crept into the slot from the left-side of the ice. His dynamism helped him get out of some tight binds as well, slipping out of checks as he was hard on his edges, staying strong on his feet and showing good balance in the process. Aling didn’t find himself on the scoresheet, but he set up some of the best chances for his team and showed some smooth skating to go with it.

Aling scored the lone goal to tie the game, but his presence was felt all over the ice. It started in his own end, where he consistently applied pressure and clogged up passing lanes with smart positioning. His goal came off a great play, after receiving a nice pass from a teammate, he used his speed down the wing to cut in closer and ripped a solid wrist shot past the goalie. For the rest of the game, he stayed relentless on the forecheck, winning puck battles and helping generate sustained offensive pressure for his team.

Scoring 1 goal in the match, Talen Aling did a nice job at being a reliable source of puck transporting for his team, with quick hands and strong processing, he was able to slow things down at times, slip around obstacles and gain the line with control. His goal came as a result of excellent power and speed, crossing the line with plenty of momentum and wiring a shot on goal, his shot found its way through the goaltender, giving the Mission a 4-2 lead. Working around the perimeter of the offensive zone he was very effective at pulling in pressure and moving the puck at the last second. As a whole, Aling did a nice job at driving play, both through his transition skill to gain the line with control, but along with his smart decision making, unselfish in his play, involving his linemates and making effective passes all around the offensive zone.

With a goal and two assists on the day, Talen was showing his ability to handle and make adjustments to his puck control while in motion through crossovers. He had a bit of swagger to him early on. His hustle and persistence I made note of when the game moved along too. He can collect and move pucks along the outside very quickly due to his control. He has able to be in on many plays due to his assertiveness.

Not only did he notch two goals in this one, but I thought Aling was his team’s most consistent and dangerous forward throughout. He was tough to contain along the perimeter thanks in part to his quick hands and agility. In one instance he was able to pull the puck through two defenders simultaneously to maintain possession and work himself into space in the offensive zone. In a different sequence he was able to shake a defender by banking the puck off the back of the net and make a quick cut the other way before executing a pass to the slot. Both his goals flashed his deceptive release and ability to beat a goaltender from distance, which made him a threat to score all over the offensive zone.