Vancouver Canucks Young Stars Tournament Recap
By Ben Dooley
Vancouver Canucks vs. Winnipeg Jets
In game one, the only player I was really left wanting more from was Cole Cassels. I’d hoped I would see Cassels shut down Jesse Puljujarvi like he had done to Connor McDavid in the OHL championship. However, that didn’t happen and it’s understandable why it didn’t. Cassels is just returning from an injury and Puljujarvi is a truly elite talent.
However, in Game 2, Cassels had a much better game factoring in on special teams and scoring a buzzer beater with just 0.3 seconds left on the clock and finishing with three shots on goal.
After a good showing in game one from Roy, it was another invitee who shone in game two as Danny Moynihan had a solid game with a goal and solid play at both ends of the ice.
On defense, Troy Stecher had another solid game and continued to build upon what he did in Game 1. The Canucks could have something really good with him and I’m certainly looking forward to seeing if he can compete for a spot on the main roster.
Juolevi was noticeable in this game and it wasn’t good. He didn’t necessarily have a bad game, but he was on the ice for both Jets goals and was directly responsible for their first goal, giving up a breakaway to Michael Spacek on a power play. However, he did start the play on Cassels’ buzzer beater with a long stretch pass to Michael Carcone who got the puck over to Cassels for the goal.
Michael Garteig got the call between the pipes and was solid, making 13 saves in the first period alone, despite two goals on bad giveaways. I want to see more than just one game from Garteig before I say too much but it looks like he has the potential to blossom in to a decent NHL goalie.