🏒 The Power of the Eye Test

Live Scouting Notes – October 30, 2025: Peterborough Petes vs. London Knights

“The absolutely best evaluation of a prospect is watching them in a live game.”
— Knighter

Introduction

Analytics, rankings, and reports all have their place, but nothing replaces the eye test. I have deep respect for hockey scouts and their ability to evaluate prospects night after night in cold rinks across Canada.

Last night, I watched the Peterborough Petes host the London Knights in OHL action. London rolled to a convincing 6–1 win, and it was a valuable opportunity to see 11 prospects—some I’ve tracked for over ten games—compete head-to-head.

I brought along my Central Scouting (CSR) rankings by category, using them as a reference point to compare my live observations against how players are currently rated. One live game doesn’t tell a full story—scouts know evaluations need multiple viewings—but certain patterns are becoming clear.

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Game Context

• League: OHL

• Date: October 30, 2025

• Result: London Knights 6 – Peterborough Petes 1

• Venue: Peterborough Memorial Centre

• Prospects Evaluated: 11 (CSR A–C and unranked)

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Prospect Evaluations

Colin Fitzgerald (F, Petes – CSR B)

I’ve now seen Fitzgerald more than ten times, and despite his size and solid skating, I continue to find him over-rated. His effort level fluctuates, and last night his defensive play was particularly substandard. When engaged, he looks the part; too often, he fades into the background.

Blake Gowan (D, Petes – Unranked)

Big, strong, and steady. Gowan played relatively well in a losing cause, registering four shots on goal and moving the puck effectively in transition. He’s not on the CSR list—but should be. I’d place him on the Watch (W) list at minimum.

Adam Levac (F, Petes – CSR C)

One of the few Petes who showed life. Scored the team’s only goal, added four shots, and brought grit to his game. His C ranking feels appropriate based on consistency and compete level.

Adam Novotny (F, Petes – CSR A)

Novotny played reasonably well in a difficult matchup. His A status remains justified, but like many top-end players on struggling teams, he needs stronger linemates to fully display his offensive upside.

Yanis Lutz (F, Petes – 2026 eligible)

Leon Kolarik (F, Petes – 2026 eligible)

Both were invisible last night. It’s worth noting Peterborough’s three import players—including Lutz and Kolarik—are all 2026 Draft eligibles, an interesting parallel to Victoriaville in the QMJHL, which also has three rated imports.

Jaxon Cover (F, Knights – CSR B)

Played to his B ranking—solid, responsible, great skater, and gets better every game he plays.

Braidy Wassilyn (F, Knights – CSR B)

Much like Cover, Wassilyn performed to expectations. Two assists and worked effectively off the puck and contributed to offensive zone pressure.

Logan Hawery (F, Knights – CSR Watch)

One of the night’s best. Hawery consistently plays above his Watch status—a three-zone player with excellent passing vision and an NHL-caliber shot. A fantastic primary assist on a Knight’s goal. Expect him to rise in future rankings.

Caleb Mitchell (D, Knights – Unranked)

Should absolutely be on the Watch list. Showed great mobility, strong defensive reads, and contributed offensively. Earned one of the three stars of the game. This was a breakout performance.

Maksim Sokolowskii (D, Petes – CSR C)

Was a healthy scratch, so no evaluation this game.

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Knighter’s Take

One live viewing doesn’t define a player, but patterns emerge when you combine repetition and observation. The eye test captures something analytics never can—the subtleties of effort, confidence, and composure when the puck isn’t on a player’s stick.

Scouting is about balance: watching, noting, and cross-checking over time. Last night reaffirmed my belief that live games remain the cornerstone of proper evaluation. Every shift tells a story—if you’re paying attention.