Scouting Report: Veccia Starts Playoffs Strong
By Matt Pepper
CK Hockey product Zander Veccia put the icing on the cake in the Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs opening game on Saturday in the Alliance Hockey Minor Midget ‘AAA’ playdowns.
Veccia scored two goals from his favourite spot (in front of the net) in a 7-0 route of the Lambton Jr. Sting to open the Playdowns for Elgin-Middlesex. His second goal saw a big assist from Brady Stonehouse who drove to the net and create space for Veccia to put the puck in the back of the net.
They, along with top prospects Owen Van Steensel and Hunter Haight wound up on the scoresheet and dominated much of this game.
Here are some of the top performers from this game:
#19 Hunter Haight, F, Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs – Elite forward who will be a top pick in this years OHL Draft, Haight has some of the best hands in his age group. Dangerous whenever he is on the ice with his speed, vision, and lethal shot. Scored one goal in this game off the rebound.
#14 Owen Van Steensel, F, Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs – Early goal off the breakaway saw Van Steensel blow this game wide open. The leagues leading scoring is a good combination of both skill and grit. Constant battle to remove the puck from this player.
#74 Zander Veccia, F, Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs – Veccia is a unique player in that he may not be elite in any one area, but is solid all around and has a work ethic that cannot be matched. Scored two goals from the doorstep in this game. Constantly puts himself in good positions on the ice and causes havoc in front of the net.
#17 Brady Stonehouse, F, Elgin – Middlesex Chiefs – Speed kills with Stonehouse and he is constantly creating space for his teammates with it. One of the best players in his age group for skating at high speeds with the puck and protecting it while taking it to the net. Excellent in his own end as his speed allows him to get back into the play to backcheck.
#24 Austin Harper, F, Lambton Jr. Sting – Best Lambton forward in his game. High skill level and Hockey IQ. Great passes who can seemingly hit teammates through traffic and can find a trailer with ease. Good wrist shot that is very accurate and on point.
#30 Ethan Everaert, G, Lambton Jr. Sting – Forget the score, Everaert was exceptional in this game. The former Chatham-Kent Cyclone faced a ton of rubber in this game and kept his team in this one until the Chiefs began to take over late in the second period. Plays a big game in net and covers angles well. Tough down low and saw the puck well through traffic. Work ethic was high from the opening whistle, until the final one.
Note: Game #2 saw the Sting end the Chiefs no loss season and even the series. Game #3 is goes Saturday in Komoka.
For Game#1 highlights, please see below: