Despite getting zero points credited, I thought Mathis was Rink K’s best forward in this game. He should have gotten a secondary assist off a faceoff win against Red Deer but that’s fine. His defensive game was solid; backchecking in the neutral zone, beating players to inside positioning, and giving second effort on plays with nice pokes. His fluid skating stride makes him able to separate and give himself lead chip passes around players into open space. From drop passes, slip passes, and a few heavy shot releases, Mathis was certainly giving you that two-way upside that I’ve seen in the past. He knows how to create a bit more space for his teammates but sometimes doesn’t take the burden of scoring on himself as much.

I have a lot of time for Paull as he plays a pro-style game even at this age and I think he’s instincts will serve him well as he moves forward. He finished with a goal and assist in this game and was really driving the bus from a possession standpoint for his line. Once the puck is on his stick, he’s a tough player to strip of possession as he uses his frame to protect the puck effectively and drives through contact with ease. He’s the kind of player who can beat you a myriad of ways; he has the skill to exploit defenders, the size and sandpaper to drive through contact, the vision to maximize open linemates, and a top notch shot capable of scoring from anywhere. He also brings a consistency from shift to shift and in all three zones that I really value.