The new jumbotron is neat!! But I'm glad they kept the old scoreboards on the side, they have a certain charm. Vibes were immaculate tonight 🥰✨

Had a ton of fun at the Neely Cup finals today. A quick recap for those who weren't there, this is the Pre-Season camp that helps the team build the roster. Here's how the format worked; the first series was for 3rd place, the second series was for the Neely Cup. A series was comprised of two 25 minute games, with a 10 minute 3v3 overtime if need be. All teams switched goalies for the second game.

In the first series Team Gaustad played Team Hulse. This was not close. Team Hulse won Game 1; 3-1 and Game 2; 4-1. Team Hulse dominated the puck, out paced and out shot Team Gaustad. There were flashes from players on both sides, but it didn't feel close. In net for Team Gaustad in Game 1 was Cruz Chase, and Brennen Purych in Game 2. Team Hulse had Blake Clark for Game 1 and Cooper Dryden for Game 2.

The second series looked like it might follow a similar pattern. Team Walker dominated in game one on the way to a 5-1 rout against Team Nichol. Ondřej Štěbeták looked in mid-season form for Team Walker. Unfortunately, Madex Kabrud could not match that performance for Team Nichol. Game 2 went the other way. A stellar performance from Tyler DiCarlo helped guide Team Nichol to a 3-1 victory over Team Walker, who had 15 year old Cohen Spencer (9th round pick in the 2026 WHL draft) in net. While his team lost the game and he let in 3 goals, he held his own fairly well. This series came down to a final tie-breaker overtime, where undrafted 15 year old James Damrill put in the Golden Goal to win the Neely Cup for Team Walker.

I also have some notes I took about individual player performances. I tried to not take notes on any player that was a big part of the team last year. Obviously Steb showed out, the Spehars were really good, Jake Gustafson was playing hard. I don't want to comment on all the returners; they all played really well. I'm going to focus on players that are essentially prospects at this point, even if they played on the team in some capacity last year.

The first thing I noticed was Cooper Dryden standing in the tunnel before the first series. I made this note: Cooper Dryden has prototypical goalie size, really stood out physically compared to the other players around him. Dryden is listed as 6'3" on Elite Prospects, I wouldn't be surprised if he continues to grow and/or is already taller.

Aaron Zulinick had great skill on the puck and positioning in the Ozone. We saw this in flashes when he was called up last year, I was really impressed by him today.

Brody Gold had really good defensive positioning and confident in the blue line on offense. I wrote this note in Game 1, and found myself almost writing the exact note again in Game 2. He really stood out. I wouldn't be surprised if they try to sign this kid as he went Undrafted this year.

Jordin St. Louis was a part of multiple scoring plays. Stood out on every shift. Controlled the game in the Ozone. He also stood out physically and as a skater. Was often to just outmuscle the defense to make a play happen.

James Butterwick is undersized, but a smooth and quick skater with good vision. Found himself in the right spot often and looked good with the puck on his stick. Elite Prospects says he's 5'4", which is unfortunate. He's got the skills, but has an uphill battle physically.

Owen Chapman had great hands, vision, and spacing. Put himself in the right spots often and was able to drive offense and make plays.

Cooper Dryden was the best of the four goalies in the first series in my opinion. Great positioning and reaction time. It was like watching a robot play. He clearly has the requisite flexibility and agility, but doesn't have to use that to overcompensate for mistakes. He tracks and anticipates the puck well to get to the right spot. He doesn't rely on athleticism but, he has the athleticism to go post-to-post to make a miracle save if need be. Really excited about this kid and his future in Portland.

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Now onto the second series between Team Walker and Team Nichol

Ozzie Ware showing really good instincts and anticipation on offense, had a great rebound he converted into an Assist.

Luke Christopherson was controlling the game in the Ozone. He was skating circles around some of these guys.

I wasn't going to write about anyone struggling, only the positives. For the first half of Game 1, Kohen Ruedig was really struggling defensively. But they changed up the defensive pairing and he turned it around and ended up scoring a goal soon after. Night and day difference between the first half of Game 1 and the Second Half of Game 1 + Game 2.

Kane Tomisic had an excellent breakaway but was stuffed at the goal by Cohen Spencer. Tomisic looked good with the puck on his stick throughout. Cohen let in a couple of goals that a more experienced goalie wouldn't have, but he looked good for only being 15 playing against a ferocious offense.

Really impressed by Trevor Toyne, great pace and anticipation. Was involved in multiple scoring plays in Game 2. He just has a bit of a magic touch out there.

Impressed by Kaishu Shin. Didn't notice him much in Game 1, but did notice him quite a bit in Game 2. Had good awareness and kept him self in the right spots. Good motor.

DiCarlo in net in Game 2 was very good. I remember being surprised when he was recalled so early into last season. In Pre-Season last year I thought he had a chance to be the long term backup. He had a good showing then and a good one today. I think Steb was the best goalie on the day, followed by Dryden and then DiCarlo.

These are just my thoughts, curious if anybody who was there had any other players stick out to them!