Since Kobe is such a strong two-way player and skater, he can find space on the outside to pass laterally when he needs to. There were lots of instances of backhanded saucer passes to the middle of the ice, pickpocketing players before showing incredible passes laterally, and use that space he makes to create. He showed me that he understands how to cycle well and keep plays alive off the boards as well as battling heavily for pucks in the defensive zone. Every team needs a Kobe Pellack or three in their roster. When he has spots challenged, he isn’t afraid to chip and chase to win that battle and can make these flick of the wrist stronger outlet passes up ice too. He had a strong event with 11 points in 6 games and was only two back from team lead.

Pellack had a monster tournament, leading all skaters with nine goals and 17 points, showing the kind of elite potential that is sure to see him right near the top of WHL draft boards next season. His hockey IQ both with and without the puck is exceptional. There is so much purposeful off-puck motion built into his game to get lost in the weeds and dart into dangerous areas unimpeded at the perfect moment. He’s the type of player that defences can game plan around and yet he will still find chance after chance with his ability to outthink coverage. He is similarly cerebral with possession, showing over the shoulder vision to turn board play into slot chances. On the rush, he attacks across lanes to draw the attention of multiple defenders before finding the open man with backdoor and across-the-grain passes. Beyond his advanced mental game, I think Pellack’s physical tools will translate seamlessly as well. He is in constant motion throughout a shift, showing balance on his feet through traffic, and an additional gear when he sniffs an opportunity. As he fills out, I think he will become even more difficult to push off the puck as he already leverages his frame well. I’m excited to see how he develops into next season as I really think the sky is the limit when it comes to his ceiling.

He ended up with two assists in this one but certainly could have gathered many more for his team. He’s a bigger player with a bigger frame and skates purposefully and aggressively. I found his tendency to look physical made him lose track of a puck in one possession while another one had him chasing a play heavy into the middle of the ice and not being afraid to cut off gaps. He got the puck out of the zone on his own and powered into the offensive zone at times too. It began with creating chances off that power and aggressive line and he was able to get some flick of the wrist shots on net in the slot. If you’re looking for someone to drive possession into the offensive zone.