Drew Bate showcased a lot of his dynamic dual threat offensive ability in this game, despite not factoring in on any goals. He uses his footspeed to drive into the offensive zone, weaving through traffic using his slippery hands to open lanes for a shot or pass to his teammates. In this game specifically, he took the brunt of Don Mills’ defensive effort, taking plenty of abuse to try and throw him off his game. Despite this, he was able to put his offensive game on display and get shots through traffic on goal.

Top line London centre Drew Bate showcased why he is arguably the Alliance’s top prospect heading into the OHL priority selection in June. He has high end speed that he uses to drive downhill into the offensive end with the puck on entries, putting opposing defenders on their heels before cutting in and firing a shot on goal. He is able to generate offence off the rush or off the cycle at a high end rate using his dual-threat scoring ability. Despite his smaller stature, Bate shows a lot of tenacity, willing to battle through checks and absorb contact, a skill that will serve him well as he moves up the ranks. In this game he hammered the nail in the coffin for Brantford by scoring the game winning 2-1 goal.

Drew Bate looked like a dynamic player in this game, driving his line and generating chances for him and his teammates. He is a lethal rush player who can carry the puck with his great footspeed and soft hands, he is a dual-threat offensive weapon who puts a lot of pucks on net. He did a fair amount of facilitating in this game too, attempting to get pucks to his teammates in scoring areas. He also showed a willingness to engage physically, playing through contact and getting involved along the boards. His play on the PK was impressive too, even generating a rush from a smart steal. He capped off the night with a one goal and one assist performance factoring on both London goals.

This was a sensational performance from the Jr. Knight, coming away with a whopping four goal performance. Bate was all over the offensive zone, always going, motoring to apply pressure and be at the heart of every o-zone sequence controlling the play. There was a good balance of controlling on the exterior and creating through a deceptive passing game and showing the ambition and desire to attack the middle lane. He’s certainly not the biggest guy on the ice, but he was relentless, playing effectively in small areas and never shying away from driving the scoring areas, scoring all four goals from in tight and around the net. Bate was just the heart and soul for the Knights in this game, bringing tons of energy and offensive skill, being their primary creator all match long. After the Silver Stick, Bate earned his way up my rankings with a solid bump and with more performances like this, I could see the case he can keep climbing up a few spots down the stretch.

Essentially right from puck drop, Drew Bate was one of the most dominant players on the ice. He was the key carrier on many rush attempts, moving the puck well in transition using his speed, crossovers and lateral movement. He was also highly motivated all game, digging in and being unafraid to use his stick to steal the puck numerous times through stick lifts and what seemed like sheer will. When he won the puck back, he was making things happen with it, either dishing smart passes to his teammate or positioning himself as a scoring threat, surveying the ice and trying to open lanes and routes. He scored two goals for his efforts, notching two assists as well.

When Drew Bate has the puck on his stick, he is looking to make things happen and that was clear in this game. He can accelerate at the drop of a dime and many times in this game, he would blow past players to open space and attempt to rush the puck himself. It felt like he was constantly in control of the pace of play when he had the puck, moving around the offensive zone with ease and creating offence. This was evident by him featuring on three goals, scoring one himself and assisting on two others.

It was a quieter game from Bate, but I still saw some flashes of his tools. When the puck was on his stick, you could see the handling and confidence to make plays. He executed a handful of slick evade moves that really caught my eye and highlighted how he can use his hands while in motion to skirt defenders. Drew scored the tying goal in the third period, capitalizing on a rebound at the side of the net.

I liked Bate's confidence and desire to play with control. He always seemed to slow things down, process his options, and look for ways to attack open gaps. Whether it was with an aggressive drive to the middle or slipping a puck through a seam to a teammate on the interior, this theme of calculating what play he should make and then executing was my main takeaway. He didn't land on the scoresheet, but I thought he was always controlling the play when he was on the ice and at the heart of Team Green's scoring chance creation.

Bate showcased a scoring touch, finishing twice across my views, once at the side of the net, potting a loose puck, and the second with some quick hands in tight to beat the goaltender. In general, I thought Drew just brought confidence and an ambition to try to attack and create offence. He had a few really nice sequences where he showed an eagerness to challenge defenders 1-on-1, beat them with a quick move, and attack the scoring areas. This ability to beat defenders with skill moves and finish in tight highlighted some notable offensive elements in his toolbox.