This would have come out as an immediate reaction article were it not for the fact that, as someone who is very irrationally attached to a certain team on Vancouver Island despite being from Massachusetts, I was a bit too jacked up to focus after this result. The saving grace, though, is that I have received voluntary assistance from Philadelphia Flyers blogger Derek Dunn of The Liberty Yell to further dissect the individual performances of some of the big name prospects in this matchup, as he took it upon himself to watch this game on VOD based off of how I described its absolutely thrilling nature and excellent usage of high-end talent. If you appreciate Dunn’s analysis, I highly recommend following him on Twitter/X at the handle @SuitableAlias. You will find plentiful comedic gimmicks on his page, but plenty of insight, as well.

The 2024–25 Canadian Hockey League season, including and especially the WHL (which was underrepresented at the tournament in question), has managed to still be quite intriguing even during a time that the World Junior Championships have left teams’ rosters operating at less than full strength. The trade market has been quite fascinating to watch, as teams are either unloading in the interest of rebuilding or shoring up their roster in hopes of going on runs and taking the next steps. The Victoria Royals were in the latter category, as, while impressive this season thanks in no small part to blue chips C Cole Reschny (2025 NHL Draft) and D Keaton Verhoeff (2026 NHL Draft) taking massive leaps forward in their development (along with continued impressive work from veteran top pairing Justin Kipkie and Nate Misskey, respective properties of Utah Hockey Club and the San Jose Sharks), the need for goal scoring options on the wings remained prominent even considering the team’s strong form. Rookie general manager Jake Heisinger served as a closer that would make Alec Baldwin’s character in Glengarry Glen Ross proud in the first couple of days of the 2025 calendar year to address this issue. On New Year’s Day, it was announced that, in correspondence with their trade partner’s continued teardown, the Royals had received 20-year-old winger Kenta Isogai and a 2027 conditional fourth round selection in exchange for the rights to non-roster players (both 2007s) F Morgan Hackman and D Nick Koering (both in the BCHL currently and committed to NCAA D1 programs), along with a 2025 second round pick, a 2027 third rounder, and a 2028 fifth round pick. Since first arriving after a respectable stint with the USHL’s Youngstown Phantoms (with whom he won the Clark Cup in 2022–23), Isogai has been a potent offensive force in the Dub, with 126 points in 92 games played to his name with Wenatchee. Prior to the deal, the Nagano, Japan native had 15 goals and 23 assists in 38 games played and was therefore an obvious, immediate asset to the Victoria forward group. The next day, it was confirmed that the Royals were not done, as they had landed another immensely talented winger. LW Brandon Lisowsky (2022 Toronto Maple Leafs seventh round selection, left unsigned) was coming their way from Eastern Conference juggernauts the Saskatoon Blades, along with a fifth round pick in 2028, in exchange for fellow overage winger Tanner Scott and two picks (second rounders in 2025 and 2028). This was a difficult transaction from an emotional standpoint on both ends, as both players involved were long-time fixtures that were among the best to put on their respective clubs’ uniforms. However, Saskatoon needed to make this transaction due to a dearth of draft stock due to their long-lasting “win now” mentality, and Victoria were looking to make the next step while already on good form. It was perhaps, to you Boston sports fans reading, somewhat analogous to the Nomar Garciaparra or Marcus Smart deals – but hey, we know what came after both of those.

These two trades served as an immediate upgrade to their top six. Just looking at it on a game sheet inspires confidence. That’s a combined 81 points added to the 1RW and 2LW spots. There could be no greater first test of the efficacy of this new look group, however, then their debut together. With no opportunity to figure out the new working parts or develop chemistry together, the new look Victoria Royals would be visited by the WHL’s overwhelming first place team, the Everett Silvertips, for the first game of a home-and-home. This Everett squad boasts a terrific defensive core including 3 blueliners with NHL rights, including Tarin Smith (Anaheim Ducks), Kaden Hammell (Seattle Kraken), and Eric Jamieson (Calgary Flames), and of course the most recent exceptional player status recipient in the form of Landon DuPont (2027 NHL Entry Draft) – with these players accounting for their top four. This core is great at their jobs and have no trouble producing and facilitating offense from the rear, which is a process further helped by a strong forward group which includes but is not limited to 1C Tyler MacKenzie, “Swiss Army Knife” forward Carter Bear (2025 NHL Entry Draft), and two more versatile presences by way of imports Dominik Rymon and Julius Miettinen (Seattle Kraken). The lattermost was not dressed for this game due to WJC commitments, but the group that was put out was still one that left Victoria’s work cut out for them. Is it any wonder that this Silvertips team has a loss total in the single digits so far this season?

Now that I have set the table, though, it is time to get into the meat and potatoes and start chowing down on some actual action. The top six for Victoria looked better right out of the gate by utilizing and managing space better than ever, which was particularly visible on transition plays. The defensemen for both squads also made some marks in the beginning of the proceedings. While DuPont did not register a ton of puck touches, he did produce an early high danger look by getting a puck to the slot but Victoria G Jayden Kraus was able to shut the door on the ensuing attempt. This was one of only two moments of puck play that DuPont had that really registered with me in the first two periods, alongside him rimming a puck around in the OZ, which didn’t amount to anything and eventually gave way to Victoria successfully conducting a zone exit. Another play that stands out in memory was one wherein Verhoeff’s defensive partner Cosmo Wilson (a WHL champion with the Moose Jaw Warriors last season who was acquired in August via trade) poke-checked the puck from a high danger spot after Verhoeff was stripped of it. Isogai then nearly set up Reschny for a quasi-breakaway on a good stretch pass but the latter couldn’t quite corral it. In subsequent developments, Nolan Stewart elevated a backhander pretty well but was denied with the glove, and Verhoeff nearly found a teammate on the doorstep with a pass from Gretzky’s office (or Michkov’s, in the environment of the current NHL) but the intended recipient was tied up. The Royals subsequently were awarded a power play, as Everett RW Jesse Heslop was assessed a double minor for high sticking Misskey. I was curious to see what they could do with this much time having open space, as the Reschny/Isogai combo looked pretty lethal using space to conduct zone entires and generate looks on an earlier 4v4 yielded by D Seth Fryer and Bear being called for tripping just 19 seconds apart. However, it would be winger Brayden Boehm opening the scoring in this matchup, as he hit a top shelf laser from a difficult angle through a fair amount of traffic 55 seconds into the double minor to open the game’s scoring with assists credited to winger Reggie Newman and Misskey. This would be the period’s only goal, as Victoria seemed to dictate possession and pace. Shots were 15-8 in favor of Victoria in the opening stanza. A major observation was that Isogai’s shot mechanics, technique, and selection were all exceptional and it was particularly noteworthy when using his one-timer. He ended his first period of Royals hockey with 4 SOGs. Lisowsky also had some usage by way of applying defensive pressure on Everett puck carriers. Clearly, this new engine was running well.

In the middle frame, no goals were scored but some noteworthy plays occurred nevertheless. Isogai proved terrific yet again at managing space, whether it be along the wall (such as receiving a pass in tight with the boards and having to make a quick pivot that amounted to a 3/4 circle to reposition himself, but doing it seamlessly) and Cosmo Wilson made yet another terrific, high pressure play as he stole another puck in the slot and that same puck touch turned into a breakout pass that landed perfectly on Reschny’s stick blade. This was a nice contrast to Newman having then recently blocked a shot and having to limp off the ice in a scene that may remind Flyers fans of many Nick Seeler shifts, but fortunately, he was able to do so quickly as Everett wasn’t able to sustain much pressure. Lisowsky saw some intriguing usage while running point at times and facilitating offense from the back-end while serving as a great support player/trailer for transitions/rushes (in fact, he seemingly got most involved when receiving drop passes), but Victoria were not able to solve Everett G Jesse Sanche. While LW Teydon Trembecky was serving a minor for interference, Reschny and Isogai led a shorthanded rush, got some pucks on net, and during that same possession, the line drew a hooking penalty to negate the Everett PP and eventually make one of their own in an outstanding shift. Before the period ended, we had one more terrific highlight wherein Verhoeff carried out a Bobby Orr-esque play, conducting a controlled entry with great pace and nearly beat Sanche through his five-hole, with Sanche seemingly unaware that he stopped it initially. Shots were 11-11 in the second frame, but it did not appear as though Everett had a lot of good looks, with Victoria seemingly having an advantage over the offensive powerhouse. I especially appreciated Lisowsky’s off-puck work, which saw him, as noted, do quite well as a 1v1 and, to borrow some basketball terminology, “help defender.”

A great offensive possession by Victoria early saw Loponen and Lisowsky apply pressure in close. The sequence ended when Lisowsky tried to beat Sanche with a no-look, between the legs backhander in one of the game’s most memorable plays, but he was not quite able to angle the shot in a manner that could find twine. However, Carter Bear would score his 25th goal of the season on an easy finish on the backdoor after receiving the puck from a shot attempt by DuPont that went off the end boards (Rymon being credited for the secondary helper), with Everett therefore tying it up on the PP yielded by D Seth Fryer’s interference penalty. Neither team was able to take the lead before regulation ended and the game went to the extra frame.

Both teams exchanged some looks and some odd-man rushes. One that stands out in memory was an instance wherein DuPont lost his footing, therefore enabling Reschny to get a good chance. However, the game would end in dramatic fashion that involved what three-on-three OT is all about: Making quick transition plays, controlling possession, and getting pucks on net. The two newcomers and the standout rookie D-man would serve as the heroes. Lisowsky carried out a controlled exit then found Isogai on the 2-on-1. Isogai was stopped on his initial shot but the puck found Verhoeff inside the circle. Verhoeff then connected with Isogai on a centering pass, with the latter firing again and once more being stopped by Sanche. However, Verhoeff exhibited his exceptional IQ and spacial awareness to conduct a wrap around off the puck to be present right on the door step and slid home the loose puck that had slipped behind Sanche as the netminder was not able to make a clean stop on Isogai’s shot. This could not have been scripted any better.

I will now give the floor to Derek to provide him with a space to give his two cents on the game and its standout performances and biggest names, as seen through his eyes:

Landon DuPont:

A double-underaged phenom who has generated a bevy of headlines centered around his ungodly point totals and unique skating ability, Landon was simultaneously different and almost better than advertised for me. 

One might think he’s a player of anomalous skill level, but I don’t really see that. Rather, I see one of the most smothering forces I’ve ever seen from a junior player. He’s something of a supercharged Tanner Molendyk. 

He uses his skating to be omnipresent on the ice. There isn’t a play he can’t breakup nor a puck that he can’t win. He performs miracles as it relates to creating loose pucks, and turning play in the opposite direction. 

He’s a strong outlet passer, usually able to find his forwards up-ice with crisp passes that are able to be easily received. That combined with his legs creates a uniquely efficient transition force. 

He’s a strong shooter, too. When I say he isn’t a player with next-level skill, the thing to stress here is that he doesn’t have to be. As far as the other team is concerned, playing a shift against Landon DuPont is akin to an EMP going off in the middle of the game. All power is shut off, except what he generates. 

I would be surprised if I went back and found a single strong chance that Victoria generated with him on the ice, and there were really only a couple of close calls. 

He looks like the next Gustav Forsling right now, and that’s assuming he doesn’t grow more than that from here. He is different than marketed, but no less sublime than the hype implies. 

Cole Reschny:

Cole Reschny is the kind of player whose skill level is almost inseparable from his motor. Most of his displays of skill are not the dazzling open-ice displays that are typically associated with the term. It’s not to say that he’s incapable of a skilled play in open ice, but rather that he’s designed a game that almost makes such displays irrelevant. 

Reschny is a puck-thief of the highest order. He’s someone who doesn’t just generate loose pucks, but rather, a slew of clean turnovers that lead to a fast break going the other way. His skating is talked about a lot as a limiting factor, but I don’t think it limits him in the game that he seeks to play. He’s a disruptor of the highest order. His disruptions come almost entirely because of his extremely cerebral positioning and next-level stick work to strip opponents clean. The only time he needs to worry about skating is when he’s executing a 2 on 1 that he created for himself. 

There’s a sort of Mark Stone process behind how he plays the game. Clean steals and impossible battle wins followed by the vision to create a fast break. A simple examination of a height/weight chart would tell you that he lacks Stone’s size, but it doesn’t tell you that he has an exceptionally strong base for his size. His core strength is excellent, and he simply doesn’t get knocked over or even moved by anything less than a battering ram coming in his direction. 

His skating is better than given credit for, which allows him to play that Stone-like game without his predecessor’s size. He’s just quick enough to do things like get first touch of a puck on the wall against Landon DuPont, and strip the exceptional defenseman cleanly on a couple of occasions. 

Mark Stone is perhaps the greatest ever practitioner of the style Reschny emulates, so it remains to be seen if Cole can have similar impact. But he’s a worthy practitioner, and an all-around excellent player. 

Keaton Verhoeff:

This isn’t the first time I’ve seen Verhoeff, but the novelty still hasn’t worn off. Simply put, the skill that he possesses is not normal for a defenseman. It’s really not that normal for a forward. Like DuPont, the peripherals around him are deceiving. Despite his size, he’s not a bully on the ice. Nor is he someone who would receive particularly high marks for his athleticism. 

But his brain and his hands work better than his peers, and it’s really just that simple. His every puck touch is layered in deception. He constantly works to create additional space from his perch at the point with feints, and even creates lanes for himself to activate down the wall. He was the most threatening player 1-on-1 in the game, which is remarkable for an underaged defenseman. 

He’s turnover-prone, and highly experimental. He’s constantly looking to push the limits. Some of his turnovers are really the product of a player whose peers aren’t always ready for the skill he brings, and some are just because he attempts plays that were too ambitious. 

It’s annoying to watch, but for a defenseman who isn’t eligible for the draft until 2026, it’s more of a nitpick than a substantial problem. 

He’s going to be a puck wizard and offensively tilted number 1 defenseman in the NHL, by all indications. And his size, as well as his brain, leads him to perfectly acceptable defensive acumen. 

Carter Bear:

One of the more highly anticipated draft eligibles for 2025, Carter Bear was a disappointment up until the time he really wasn’t against Victoria. For the first half of the game, he was a player who struggled to disrupt much of anything on the forecheck despite trying really hard to do so. He was consistently out-of-sync with his linemates. On the rare occasions that he touched the puck with any kind of space to maneuver, he tunnel visioned and produced either a negative or neutral play. It was ugly. 

And then something clicked. He showed signs of life in the latter half of the second period, but his awakening truly happened in the third. He forced overtime with a goal. A fortuitous carom off the wall led to the puck on Bear’s stick with net to shoot at, but he had the skill to finish the play after receiving the puck on his backhand with a defender breathing down his neck. It was impressive. 

And it was the culmination of a lot of positive shifts before that. He’s a highly skilled player who primarily wants to score, but he has legitimate playmaking ability. There’s elements of Seth Jarvis and Brandon Hagel in his game. He thrives under contact, and he thrives all the same when he has space with the puck. 

He’s going to make whatever team drafts him very happy for a long time, even when he decides to hibernate for half of the game. 

He’s well worth the top-5 considerations he’s been getting.

Miscellaneous thoughts from Derek that he and I discussed:

In 5-on-5 situations, Kenta Isogai makes sense as someone making the slot passes. However, on PP1, it would make sense for head coach James Patrick and co. to have Reschny as the primary playmaker and have Isogai use his Howitzer of a shot more liberally as we saw in the early phases of the game. Verhoeff also needs considerably more power play usage. He destroys penalty killing units every time he is out there. Him being a permanent fixture on PP1 makes all the sense in the world. We shall see what changes are employed in the long run with this new group.

By the way, the second game of the home-and-home is tonight at 9:05 EST/6:05 PST. I am willing to bet this will be another barnburner. Amongst all the great games coming up in the immediate future across multiple leagues, this is possibly the one I am most excited for after how exhilarating the first matchup was.