I think Tristan is a good example of a player who hits all the checkmarks for continued growth up the next levels. He’s on the younger side of the draft, earlier in his physical development at 5’7 but has the quick footwork, lateral changes, shot IQ and patience on the exterior on the PP, and is often one of the biggest threats to score when OHA finds their chances. He currently leads OHA with 15 goals in league play and against the top level competition of this tournament, the pacing at this point limited his chances to score a bit. He was able to grab two assists against Fraser Valley.

The best forward for OHA was quite clearly Tristan for me. He’s tenacious, strong, and dedicated to finding ways to make the attack work. He can spin off your coverage on the halfwall, counteract your angles while attacking the neutral zone, and has the pacing and energy to push through layers of coverage despite not being the biggest player. There were changes of pace, quick crossovers, breakaways, and all the while still able to finish off offensive spots by elevating up top or moving well through his shot momentum. Tristan is a great example of a player who steps on the gas and simply finds ways to challenge defenders and push forward.

Hoko is an absolute bulldog on the ice and is quickly noticeable with his combination of skill and hustle. He’s not the tallest player but he’s stocky and has one of the strongest sticks I’ve seen at this age group. I’m not sure he lost a single stick battle all game and he is borderline impossible to strip of possession. Routinely in this game he was just willing his way through traffic. He’d look completely surrounded by bigger and stronger opponents and somehow he’d emerge on the other side with the puck still on his stick. His quick hands and puck control are the base he builds around but it’s his mindset and refusal to lose battles that separates him from his peers.

He started off the game with a quick turn and fire move which missed the net. It was his read on the situation to make that gamble though which I liked. He was able today to win puck races, bank pucks off the board, and create his own breakaway before elevating a puck up top with a chip shot for a beautiful goal. It was a really nice display of puck control at full tempo. On exits, he builds speed through crossovers decently well and is able to combine the little pace changes and rehandles due to pressure. They were nice examples of skill stacking.