Back at the rink bright and early….thanks to Google maps for navigating me around the massive traffic congestion on the QEW this morning. How do people do that on a daily basis? So wrong.
On the ice it was Blue vs. White again with invitee goaltenders Charlie Millen and Christopher Gibson in net for the first period. Again, not a lot of scoring but lots of smart defensive plays (code for “I am not making a mistake in this limited opportunity”). Invitee Matt Bellerive opened the scoring after some pressure and it’s 1-0 again for the Blue team. Matt played for Red Deer Rebels, he had 15 goals/36 pts and looks to be just starting to find his offensive flare. More hitting to close out the first, with Broll and Biggs doing the most of it.
Onto the second period, where the goalies were changed this time it was Garret Sparks vs. Antoine Bibeau. The game was tied 1-1 on a nice goal by Carter Verhaeghe (Waterdown Ontario Birthplace/Niagara Icedogs). Tyler Biggs helped make this goal possible with the entire line contributing to keeping the puck alive in the scoring zone (CORSI ratings to follow). Victor Loov was awarded a penalty shot, which is a replacement for serving penalty in these scrimmages. Loov faked a slapper and then beat Sparks to retake the lead 2-1 (sorry for the upside down video on twitter). Loov wasn’t shy about hitting anything that moved during the two days of Camp. I would suggest that he was one of the surprises today at the MCC.
Carter Verhaeghe tied the game back up at 2-2 with his second of the scrimmage. Game set and match after a bunch of shootout attempts.
There weren’t any names that stood out in Game #2 with the exception of Carter Verhaeghe and the improved play of Tyler Biggs. Not sure who talked to Tyler after the 1st scrimmage (probably nobody), but he was much better playing a physical game, working well with the puck and effectively killing PK minutes in the “overtime” frame.
I got to talk to a couple of “inside” people who asked not to be named regarding some of the young Leafs. First, the discussion of players who have impressed as of late. The name that was mentioned was Josh Leivo. He has Leafs brass VERY impressed with his skating improvements, size and ability to finish. Frederik Gauthier was the second name that was given to me and again, the Leafs are extremely excited to see how well he can progress. Watching him skate the last two days showed me he has speed, good on-ice awareness and he isn’t shy to go to the net.
It was great being down at the MCC again today and around Leafs hockey. Hope you enjoyed my two days of ramblings.
See you at the Rookie Camp.
