I think this was one of the best versions of Hayden that I’ve seen this year as he wasn’t afraid to use his skating in every way to gain advantages. I loved how he was creeping deeper in the zone when they had possession and showed his active and engaged mindset. Since he’s able to drive down deeper into the offensive zone, it gives him time to spot passes on 2on1 chances or find those interior or trailer passes. The key to everything is his skating basically. When he’s moving, he joins or leads the rush, shows off his smart timing to the passing, and breaks up plays defensively before they begin. I love the details to his play like timed stick lifts, activating into the cycle, and even his ability to lean into heavier hits along the boards when appropriate. If he’s moving his feet in all zones, he’s dangerous. If he’s playing it safe, then he’s losing out on what could make him a true difference maker. I got to see the difference maker in this event as he finished with 11 points in 6 games.

He was part of a powerhouse group in NAX 15 Prep last season and now has moved over to OHA Edmonton U15 Prep. I love how easy controlling the pace of play seems to be for him; sneaking in and making sure that all options are possible when it comes to closing gaps quickly or grabbing loose pucks. Early in the year, he seems to be focused on the fundamentals in my views, which lead to competent outlet passes up ice, transition spots on his own, and staying active in all three zones. His skating ability gives him an advantage over others as he can spin away from sensed pressure down low, slash into the inside in the offensive zone, and pinch early and easily to keep more plays alive. He’s showing himself to be one of the best puck transporters from the back end early on this year. With the lineup of OHA Edmonton, he has the opportunity to show he can be an incredible cog in a wheel or find space and freedom to try new things with other top talent around.

He didn’t have any points yet in the year coming into this game. He got his goal and an assist though as he was selectively involved through transition and cycle play. His skating is such that he can burst away from a player in open ice with ease when he wants to and almost scored the game winner in overtime by separating in the neutral zone to create an instant two on one. I think the details are all there too as he can shoot against the grain, try one timers, and use his skating to be aggressive with his stick in gaps. A lot of plays are at the very least consistently medium danger. He can find backdoor pass options and find holes to shoot through. The next step for him is to really establish longer carries and bury some of the chances he’s getting with added swagger and tenacity.