Saarela is an above-average skater and uses a very upward stance for most the time. His first few steps are not the most explosive and he doesn’t have blazing speed, but I don’t think that the skating holding him back. Saarela is usually regarded as a smart player and plays on both special teams, but I have started to question how good his offensive instincts are. His hands are also above-average, as he is able to pull off good dekes from the time to time but also lost the puck a couple of times in critical situations. I’m not sure if he was frustrated, but he played more physically than I’ve seen him play before and actually made a few nice hits. – Lassi Alanen, Finn Prospects

Quite well thought of, but projects as a long developmental center when still needs time to strengthen his overall game. Thought of as a gifted guy with smart instincts, with good energy and stick skills, but that might be a premature assessment. At the Five Nations Under-18 his zone entries were thwarted on zone entires with puck losses. Was given first line responsibilities but neglected his defensive end responsibilities after he was stifled on the attack. Took a needless kneeing penalty against Russia a got a one game suspension. All this doesn’t close the book on him, just points to a need for more maturity in his on ice demeanor and in his game and skill development. – Bill Placzek, Draft Site 

Second year eligible player who surprisingly was not selected last year. “The most impressive Czech player in the Five Nations U-18. a year ago. He is an explosive skater who needed time to adjust to the new surroundings of an experienced Waterloo USHL club. Works hard to use his speed to separate, find seams, and forecheck. His shot is coming along and is a dangerous player when on the ice in short-handed situations. Committed to the University of Connecticut.” – Bill Placzek, Draft Site 

The centreman led his team this season with his hands and vision of the ice. Even through the special defensive attention he received every game there was a lot of space for him to operate in due to the nature of the competition he played against. He had no trouble recognizing where that space was and making the defence pay for their lapses. As defenders closed on him, he could dangle through them, protect the puck with his sturdy frame, create room for himself, get his head up, and find scoring plays.

Farinacci was levels above his peers, and his offensive tools allowed him to dominate. In a single game, you could fill a highlight reel with his plays. – David St. Louis, Habs Eyes On The Prize

A big right shot centre who passes the puck quick and effectively, uses his size to protect pucks and wins the battles along the boards. One of the best passers in high school as he puts but touch and zip on them. A really good skater for a large kid; he needs to work on his first step quickness, but once he is moving straight ahead, he is barreling freight coming down the track. Long term developmental project who needs to get first step quicker, and add sixty minute a compete level. Committed to Harvard University. – Bill Placzek, Draft Site

Ciccolini is an offensively gifted player who can play both the wing and center. He has good size at 6’ and very good speed – both in first steps and top speed – with a deceptive separation gear. He’s an extremely good stickhandler and seemingly has the puck on a string whenever he’s in possession. He has the ability to make things happen at top speed.

Ciccolini also has very good vision and hockey sense. He sees plays developing and has an uncanny ability to slow the play down and wait for opportunities to open up. Perhaps his greatest offensive weapon is his shot which borders on elite. He gets the puck off his stick quickly and accurately and often times catches goaltenders by surprise. – Dominic Tiano, OHL Writers

Under six foot thick winger who has offensive skills and good speed. Some perceive him as more of a scorer based on his shot and offensive gifts but also creativity and excellent unselfish passing skills. Plays with intensity when on the offense but also needs to play stronger without the puck and in his own end. – Bill Placzek, Draft Site