I thought Dade had a really good weekend. He already has the size, pacing, and wingspan to move up levels well. On a talented squad, he didn’t have to overplay or try to go end to end every shift. However, there were a couple moments like that after strong shot blocks in the defensive zone which sprung breakaways. He was really active on the PK, powered his way into scoring areas, and showed that style diversity of extending his reach and delivering lateral passes after freezing defenders, feathered into his natural inclination to catch and release. I was happy that he wasn’t trying to over handle pucks in the slot; a simple slingshot wrister worked just fine. I think he’s at his best when he keeps it simple and looks for shooting space in the slot. It showed off his size, reach, and competitive nature to drive play through the neutral zone into those areas.

The current leading scorer in the SAAHL U15 is also the leading scorer of his tournament after posting an eye-popping 15 points in 3 games, including 11 goals. At the top of this U15 season, there are a lot of players with ample finesse and puck skill in the CSSHL leagues. Dade brings that element of a power forward type to his finesse where he’s driving the net heavy from the exterior, can extend to his reach on the forehand with power and puck protection while still mentally considering that slip pass laterally off the rush. I’ve caught those glimpses of slick elevation in tight off the rush and little touch passes after zone entries as well. I’ve gotten to see Dade play in a few high-end tournaments before this season began and while I knew he would be a player certainly considered in the top 3 rounds of the WHL draft, he’s been delivering with a consistency that seemingly continues to get better and better. I’ve moved him up my tentative ranges since the summer for sure.

With others playing that finesse game, Dade stood out by playing that no nonsense power game by heavy bursts in straight lines and attacking the middle of the ice. He can dip lower on his release to step into the power of the motion and did so quite a few times in prime scoring areas. He’s aggressive through his crossovers in the neutral zone and was really tough to stop for the defenders. He’s constantly getting a half-step on players and that was enough to release with power. All of this will translate well up through U18 and U20.