I am a big fan of what Holmes brings to the table, pairing relentless work ethic with high end goalscoring instincts. He finished third in the tournament with 12 points in five games and earned a spot on the all-star team. He does everything for this SSAC team, attacking the game with pace, flying into loose puck battles with fearlessness, and generating most of their offensive opportunities. His work rate allows him to be the point of the spear in regaining possession while also serving as the puck dominant force on his line, creating chances around the net. Despite his limited size he thrives in contact and seems to relish chippy and physical affairs. I really appreciate his mentality, especially on a team where he is far and away their best player. I have never seen him show bouts of frustration despite how heavily he is keyed on by the opposition, and he is consistently vocal, gassing up teammates for smart plays on the bench. Beyond his character, Holmes goalscoring potential is very high. He’s constantly circling in and out of lanes to get lost in coverage, making himself available in dangerous areas with perfect timing. With possession he excels at keeping his feet moving while reading intentions, consistently asking new questions of the defensive structure that he can then exploit with his whippy and deceptive shot. He also uses his hands well to freeze goaltenders, dusting the pucks off just enough to disguise his release. Holmes will need to improve his slightly stiff and choppy stride to stay ahead of the curve as he progresses to higher levels but he’s a player I’m excited to follow.

Sawyer Holmes demonstrated his love for shooting the puck, scoring 6 highlight-reel goals this tournament for the Lions. He consistently found open space, particularly on the left side of the ice, where most of his success came from quick, hard shots. Holmes was excellent at getting goalies to drop and then elevating the puck over them. His most impressive goal came in game 5, where he worked the puck along the goal line, faked a wraparound, and, as the goalie went down, feathered it through a tiny opening by his head for a stunning finish. His ability to score from all areas of the ice made him a constant threat throughout the tournament.