If Riley Patterson wasn’t already garnering attention, he will be now as he has transferred to the Mississauga Senators, likely the best team in the 2006 age group. He never takes his foot off the gas and knows how to put the puck in the back of the net. The pucks seem to come off his stick with a direct path to the back of the net. Playing with the talent on the Senators, this could be a big season for Patterson.

He possesses some good size and is more than willing to go into the corners and in front of the net. Patterson is really strong on his skates and tough to take the puck from. He excels while carrying the puck through the neutral zone and getting a clean entry into the offensive end. Reliable in his own end to pick up his man or apply pressure to the point-man. An impressive, well-rounded game that is conducive to success in the OHL. A top prospect for the draft.

Speed being the name of the game of this particular game, Riley Patterson kept up with the pace of play effortlessly and was great off the rush and in transition to offense. His positioning off the rush without the puck was excellent, drawing defenders towards him, opening up space for the puck carrier. His dips and drives to the net caused defenders to scramble and pay close attention to him to block any potential passes to him as he streaked towards the net looking for a tap-in. When in control of the puck Patterson made the safe play, deferring to his teammates along the cycle, as he navigated his way around the o-zone looking for open ice. Always available as a passing option and smart with the puck Patterson has the maturity in his game many OHL teams would look for.

On a line with his club teammates, Patterson leveraged the element of familiarity in this game to amplify his impact. At the center ice position Patterson provided reliable defensive support when his team was battling for possession in their own zone, and used an explosive stride to clear the zone efficiently after acquiring it. When his team owned possession of the puck, he gave the puck carrier room to breathe while seeking open ice. When the puck came to him he showed instant confidence, handling the puck with good posture and his head up. He has very good separation speed and frequently used deceptive lateral movement or crosscuts on the attack, giving himself space to release a powerful and accurate wrist shot.

On a line with his club teammates, Patterson leveraged the element of familiarity in this game to amplify his impact. At the center ice position Patterson provided reliable defensive support when his team was battling for possession in their own zone, and used an explosive stride to clear the zone efficiently after acquiring it. When his team owned possession of the puck, he gave the puck carrier room to breathe while seeking open ice. When the puck came to him he showed instant confidence, handling the puck with good posture and his head up. He has very good separation speed and frequently used deceptive lateral movement or crosscuts on the attack, giving himself space to release a powerful and accurate wrist shot.