Another event another strong performance from Carter Odell, who finished with 4 points in 5 games on the eventual championship team. He’s a hyper intelligent player with the puck, using a series of delays off the rush and give and go sequences which allows him and his line to play with pace and create scoring chances at a high rate. His off-puck intelligence is impressive as well, as he’s consistently able to work himself into the appropriate seams to make himself a passing option for his linemates and catch passes in stride. He’s a hard worker defensively too, particularly on the backcheck where he was able to nullify a handful of odd man rushes through sheer tenacity.

The combination of work ethic, tenacity and playmaking acumen that Odell displayed throughout the event was nothing short of impressive, culminating in him finishing for the tournament lead in scoring and earning himself a spot on the tournament all-star team. He was consistently winning races to loose pucks in the offensive, either to nullify icings or simply win back possession after a botched play which lead to lengthy zone pressure. His off-puck pursuit was relentless as well, consistently hounding opposing defenders and stealing pucks off them before connecting on quick centering feeds to dangerous areas in the slot. I loved how engaged he was in physical battles along the wall as well, either winning 1v1 battles for the puck against larger defenders or providing support to fish pucks out of scrums and keep cycle plays alive. I really appreciated his defensive work rate as well, as he was consistently engaged low in the defensive zone in order to support his defenders which helped facilitate clean exits out of the zone.

Odell’s camp was cut short due to injury but there is no doubt in my mind he was the most intelligent and tenacious player there. He was simply playing at a higher pace than almost every other player, utilizing his high-end speed and taking optimal routes to loose pucks in the offensive zone to maintain possession and spot open options quickly to create chances from prime scoring areas. He’s a highly cerebral off-puck player, consistently getting himself into great spots at just the right time in order to make himself a prime passing option or to pounce on loose pucks in tight. Odell was also highly impressive as a rush attacker with the puck on his stick, relying on his straight-line speed to overwhelms defenders by pushing them back on their heels, work his way around them and connect on quick centering feeds to the slot. His awareness in the offensive zone also allowed him to anticipate outlet passes and cut them off by jumping a lane before connecting on a centering feed to a teammate wasn’t event suspecting a pass. I know it’s still early in the process but Odell made a serious case to be my favorite prospect out of the province this year with his play here.