Scouting Report
EVALUATED 02/08/2023
Chase Allen
Regional Scout- USA
Our first player of the top-10 is Brandon Gorzynski of the Pittsburgh Pens Elite program and also WHL US Draft Pick of the Calgary Hitmen. A consistent theme regarding his game throughout the camp was his projectable and effective puck protection and puck management. At 6’1 and 170lbs he owns a sturdy frame that in combination with his fluid footwork and lower body strength was able to absorb plenty of physical contact, utilize his lengthy reach to keep the puck a-distant from opponents and ultimately create time and space by pulling in defenders. Some good speed combined with the aforementioned reach let him drive the crease well, making strong moves to the middle as he leaned on defenders and drove hard to the middle of the ice. Defensively he played a well-positioned game that put him in positions to intercept pucks and take away shooting lanes. Gorzynski really used his size perfectly, the individual skill isn’t quite elite, although his puck touches and work in tight spaces was much improved from what I previously remember, but the usage of a projectable frame with controlled and powerful skating allowed him to succeed in many different facets of play.
Game Reports
EVALUATED 11/07/2024 Chase Allen
Regional Scout- USA
A nice little rush player for Team Kelly, Brandon Gorzynski did a little bit of everything on the offensive side of the puck to create chances, move the puck, and create time and space. Early in the game on the forecheck he pinned a defender to the wall just inside the offensive blueline, dug the puck free, and funneled it down towards the crease to an open man to generate a brief 2-on-1. All possible due to the strength and speed Gorzynski owned to hunt down the puck carrier, trap them along the wall, and win the puck free. Some nice pop and explosiveness to his outside step, he got around defenders pretty well with speed, giving him enough ice to work with from the perimeter of the zone as he solidified offensive positioning for his team. Some nice hands and processing ability let him distribute the puck and react to aggressive defenders at good speeds, making him tough to check and strip of the puck as he seemed to have an escape plan at the ready if pressured and ran out of room.
Game Reports
EVALUATED 03/07/2024Noah Poirier
Regional Scout- USA
The Calgary Hitmen forward did a really solid job in finding open space early on in the game, getting rewarded with two quick goals back to back. He controlled the puck well along the boards, absorbing contact as he kept possession as long as he could. He showed glimpses of working the cycle but wasn’t afraid to explode to the middle if he had the chance. He created space by trailing the play as he let linemates gain the zone entry before making himself available for a drop pass where he could then send in a shot on goal hard and accurately.
Game Reports
EVALUATED 02/04/2024 Chase Allen
Regional Scout- USA
Brandon Gorzynski was an effective forechecking presence and off-puck player for the Pens. He repeatedly took intelligent paths to the puck, converging on the puck carrier and taking away their options with both speed and a looming stick threat. Knocking down breakout passes with good hand eye coordination; he was able to help hem the Mission in their zone and force a regroup on the breakout. He had a nice little chance of his own off the rush, he made a stride deke in motion to pull the puck on his backhand around a defender on 1-on-1 to swoop around the net and establish offensive zone presence for his team opposed to attempting a low danger shot or foolishly turning the puck over on an unnecessary deke.
Game Reports
EVALUATED 13/07/2023
Jordan Malette
Regional Scout- Ontario
Gorzynski was the focal point of so much of Columbia Blue's offence in their victory over Forest Green. He dominated along the perimeter of the offence zone, controlling the puck for long sequences and patiently seeking a path to a dangerous chance. Brandon thrived along the boards, frequently playing through contact, spinning off checks, and maintaining quality zone time for Columbia Blue. Through these sequences, Brandon connected on plenty of passes to the slot but also showed an eagerness to attack off the wall and drive the slot to create shooting lanes for himself. His ability to protect the puck in small areas, create space for himself, and drive dangerous shot attempts was impressive, and that toolkit will be very valuable for Brandon as he progresses to higher levels of hockey.
Game Reports
EVALUATED 11/07/2023
Joel Henderson
Director of Scouting
At 6’1, 170, I thought it was evident how much that extra bit of reach and aggression can create effective space when you’re driving into the slot or net front. Brandon was kicking pucks back to the net front for goals, battling through stick checks, poking pucks past defenders on the rush, driving the net heavy to feed passes to the slot, and following up chances with good pursuit. I liked when he tried to adjust a shot angle on the short side and pulled his stick in close. On the PP, he was determined to find positive momentum after curling from the halfwall as a shooter too. Even his defensive play was inspired by the length of his stride and his aggression to extend stick checks and lifts through the neutral zone. The forecheck was filled with supportive routes too. I thought those little details showed well for Brandon today.
Game Reports
EVALUATED 18/07/2022
Brayden Olafson
Regional Scout- Eastern Canada
Despite the best efforts of Shayne Gould, Gorzynski was able to gain the offensive zone around the perimeter using good skill and physicality. Asserting himself against the resistant Gould, I was quite impressed with Gorzynski's ability to strain and recover possession from his knees, before quickly getting back to his feet and using his inside edges to blast below the goal line and begin to set up an offensive zone cycle.
Player Card
- All Data is derived via 5v5 per 60 minutes rate displayed in percentile format.
- Data Courtesy of In Slat.
SIGNED:
Prince Albert Raiders
14/12/2025
TEAM PREDICTION
-
Arizona State
Confirmed
100%
TIMELINE
- 2025
14/12/2025
Brandon Gorzynski is traded to the Prince Albert Raiders
- 2025
07/08/2025
Brandon Gorzynski commits to Arizona State
- 2023
15/09/2023
Brandon Gorzynski signs with the Calgary Hitmen
