While he didn’t dominate the scoresheet much at this event, finishing with 1 goal in 4 games, I thought Kelly was still able to demonstrate a majority of the traits and capabilities that will make him an effective complimentary player at the next level. He’s very good at helping connect plays along in transition by pre-scanning prior to his puck touches which allows him to execute one touch feeds to streaking teammates in the neutral zone that helps facilitate controlled entries into the offensive zone. His size and intelligence allowed him to be an effective player off the cycle, shielding pucks from defenders before distributing to a linemate and attacking into space looking for a return pass. He also flashed some heady playmaking off the rush, keeping his head up as he attacked down the wing and connected on passes to trailing options up high.

Kelly was the ultimate facilitator in this game by making intelligent reads with the puck and flashing a strong passing acumen on a consistent basis. There were a handful of times where he demonstrated strong scanning habits prior to reception that allowed him to make quick one touch feeds in the neutral zone that lead to his linemates attacking the line with speed for a controlled entry. He made a couple of shrewd passes off the rush as well, often slowing things down upon entry and hitting trailing options that lead to dangerous rush chances. He scored the game winning goal in this one by working hard off the cycle, dishing down low then driving the net and snapping a quick one timer from the side of the net.