2014 NHL Draft: Riley Stadel impresses early but cools on stacked Kelowna

Andy Levangie — Fri, 14 Feb 2014 20:55:03 +0000

The Kelowna Rockets are dominating the WHL with a nine point lead over any other team, boasting only eight losses on the season (57-45-8-0-4) and the second most goals scored (246). Riley Stadel was turning heads early in the season with a hot start on this impressive roster. He jumped to attention with 23 points in first 27 games (27-10-13-23). He has since been mired in a 22 game goal-less drought (22-0-6-6) and is currently third in defence scoring on the team after Madison Bowey (57-15-34-49) and Damon Severson (50-12-36-48).

An uneven performance for Stadel so far this season, but the commitment and jump in his game was noticeable in the early season offensive surprise. Displaying upside after scoring only two goals in the previous season (49-2-9-11) he scored a hat trick on October 17^th, giving him seven goals in the first seven games. While he has tallied only three time since, it did bring him increased scouting notice, and despite the prolonged scoring slump remains an interesting draft prospect for the mid rounds. This is a deep team and defence to stand out on at any time. It is worth watching how he adjusts his game as the season progresses.

Andy Levangie provides a detailed scouting report on Stadel:

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Photo by Marissa Baecker, courtesy of the WHL

Riley Stadel (2014), LD, Kelowna Rockets

Plays a strong offensive game with above average instincts for scoring, reading defence and in turn creating opportunities .. undersized by WHL defensemen standards, Stadel is not shy to throw his weight around, initiate contact in the difficult areas of the ice and stand up for teammates .. a highlight of his game is his skating ability .. quick acceleration and an efficient stride make him stand out on the ice, often seen as the first defensemen working the puck out of his own zone and joining the forwards in the rush .. becoming an asset on zone entries, gaining the blueline and setting up Kelowna’s strong cycle game .. speed allowing him to recover quickly and roam a little more than your typical defensemen .. acceleration in first 3-4 steps is evident and often sends defenders back on their heals .. moves well laterally utilizing east-west skating while defending the net, working the offensive blueline and transitioning through the neutral zone .. multi-directional skating with efficient footwork allows for good puck protection, the ability to elude checkers and major contact while staying out of vulnerable positions .. demonstrates an above average hockey IQ, with the speed to skate all over the ice, looking for a multitude of options, sending a breakout pass or an efficient short chip to a teammate .. chooses offensive pinches at opportune times and knows when to stay back and defend .. doesn’t telegraph his play and make it easy for defenders to read .. lack of strength can become an issue in the defensive zone when playing against larger opponents, getting leaned on and pushed out of position .. always battles opposition regardless of size .. intelligent work with stick, picks pockets and creates opportune turnover .. defensive position is sound, doesn’t chase the puck too much, but high compete level .. highlight of offensive game is a hard slap shot and the quickness of his wind up and release .. displays a knack for getting pucks on net and changes the angle of his shot to avoid being blocked .. earning his minutes on a defensively deep Rockets team, with opportunities on the powerplay and penalty kill.

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Kelowna Rockets: Mitchell Wheaton

Andy Levangie — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 16:48:23 +0000

Andy Levangie, who goes by @AndyLevang on twitter is settled in Kelowna, BC. He’s been watching the Kelowna Rockets and where defenseman Mitchell Wheaton caught his eye. He put together some notes and has this neat little write up for Rockets blueliner.

Kelowna Rockets – WHL

Height/Weight: 6’5 225

DOB: Feb 6^th, 1995

Shoots: Left

Mitchell Wheaton (LD) - Well established on the Kelowna Rockets blueline playing in most situations, Not much power play ... Making the most of opportunity early in his first WHL campaign and NHL draft year… Size can’t be taught and Wheaton has begun to use his to erase top competition, when his head is in the game stick is active, clogs lanes and closes gaps very well… At 6’5, 225 lbs Wheaton towers over most with good timing and “head on the swivel” awareness, ability to lean on opposing forwards and keep them to the outside is an asset, must continue to gain comfort at the WHL level and show a little more snarl to go with his size…. Not blistering but solid speed, Wheaton’s stride is smooth and efficient going both forward and backwards, first steps and overall top speed need work, but quality of stride shows potential for skating to improve. Not a high scoring D-man but can get a shot through to the net, doesn’t gamble but carries the puck well and makes good first pass, a true stay-at-home presence.

Rockets – McKeen's Hockey

2014 NHL Draft: Riley Stadel impresses early but cools on stacked Kelowna

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Riley Stadel (2014), LD, Kelowna Rockets

Kelowna Rockets: Mitchell Wheaton