Forwards
A
Jay O’Brien (R, 6’0”, 175lbs, Cape Cod Whalers, Late ’99)- Most NHL teams were on hand throughout the week to watch Jay O’Brien and gauge just how high up the draft boards he belongs. He opted out of going to the USHL after the season, so this was one of the best chances to see him before the draft and there were several scouting directors in attendance along with the regional scouts. O’Brien didn’t disappoint; he led the tournament in points with 11 in 6 games and was dominant offensively throughout. He’s a polished skater who can pull away from opponents in the neutral zone, he has a rocket release and can shoot to score in stride and with defenders in his face. His stickhandling and creativity with the puck is rare and he’s able to make a lot of opponents miss. Nobody in the tournament could match his skill set and he always had the puck on his stick and was a legit scoring threat every time he was on the ice. Dynamic, skilled, sharp shooting forward who will join Providence next season and should make an immediate impact as a top six forward. (6-5-11, 6GP) College: Providence
Grant Silianoff (L, 5’11”, 170lbs, Shattuck St. Mary’s, ’01)- Silianoff, the former first overall pick in Phase I USHL Draft, was excellent here. A pure goal scorer with a versatile scoring ability; he can score in tight off dekes, he can blast them by the goalie on one-timers and from the top of the circles with power or he can pick corners and get pucks off his blade instantly. One of the areas that make him so effective and was certainly on display here is that he reads the goalie, he finds the openings and snaps them off without hesitation. Grant has elite hockey sense, he can see whole sheet, he makes smart, mature decisions with the puck and has the poise and skill to wait for the right play. He thinks the game, he is patient and has impressive vision. What we liked about his game here was that he can run a power play and the next shift lead the penalty kill or block a shot or chip a pass to space on the breakout for his teammate to skate into. He does a lot for his team in all three zones. The one knock on Silianoff has been his skating and while there is still ways to go there, he’s gotten stronger and has a more balanced stride which has helped. The Notre Dame commit will likely be in Cedar Rapids next season and looks primed to take the next step in his game. (5-2-7, 4GP) College: Notre Dame
Shane Pinto (R, 6’2”, 185lbs, Selects Academy, Late ’00)- Pinto has an expansive skill set and showed it all here. He’s got size which he can play a power game and will himself to the net or he can use his speed and athleticism to create off transitions and off the rush. He got in on the forecheck and force the play, he finished checks and he caused turnovers in the opponents end which led to scoring chances. Pinto was constantly around the puck, he used his reach and his speed and his skill to create offense and was able to use his quick release to beat goalies cleanly. He handles really well for his size and he can read a play and find his teammates through traffic with a crisp, accurate, tape to tape pass. The late ’00 was Selects best player throughout the tournament and was a major reason they won the championship with his 2 goals and 2 assists in the 5-2 win over Cape Cod. A likely NHL Draft pick in 2019. (5-4-9, 6GP) College: North Dakota
Jackson Pierson (L, 5’9”, 170lbs, Culver Academy, ’99)- Pierson is one of the fastest skaters in the tournament; he can turn on a dime, he can pull away from defenders in any zone either from quick bursts or straight-line speed and he’s got exceptional pace to his game. He thinks it quick, he moves it quick and he can process the game and make plays at full speed. He had a few nice spin moves down in the corners to create separation and has an elusive stick that he can isolate defenders 1v1 and get around them (sometimes with ease). He has improved his lower body strength and balance and was better here in traffic than when we saw him earlier in the year. Our only knock here would be that the did try and do too much and has a bad habit of constantly going 1v1 on defenders instead of pulling up and looking for passing lanes or easier lanes to the net. His speed and skill are headed to Durham, NH next year where he should flourish on the Olympic sheet after he adapts to the college game. (3-2-5, 4GP) College: UNH
A-
Jack O’Leary (R, 5’7”, 155lbs, PAL Jr. Islanders, ’00)- O’Leary has the most explosive first step of anyone in the tournament and can separate from defenders with ease. He is not only quick, shifty and agile but he has impressive straight-line speed for a player his size and can fly through the neutral zone. Defenders who try to gap up on him get burned and the ones who play him loose, he has the ability to stop on a dime or cut in on them and get to the net. He’s known more for his playmaking ability than as a scorer but he has a rocket release and suprising power of his snap shot and wrist shot. He’ll head to the BCHL next season which suits his game well as an open ice, creative, speedy forward with great pace to his game and hockey sense. (1-1-2, 4GP) College: Cornell
Ryan Drkulec (L, 6’4”, 175lbs, Shattuck St. Mary’s, Late ’00)- Drkulec is a tall, multi-purpose forward who has really found his stride this season. He’s got great size, long reach and soft set of hands to make quick passes or deflect pucks or get his stick on pucks around the net for rebounds. He’s still growing into his massive frame but his puck protection skills and ability to shield defenders from the puck make him tough to defend against. He played hard here, he went to the net, he was physical in the corners and he won a high percentage of 50/50 pucks. His skating is improving and he’s carrying the puck with more confidence instead of being a get it and move it type forward. One of the most coveted uncommitted prospects in the tournament and should have his pick of schools. (2-2-4, 4GP)
Aidan McDonough (L, 6’1”, 190lbs, Cape Cod Whalers, Late ’99)- McDonough is a big, physical, power forward with a heavy shot and ability to score from beyond the circles. He throws his weight around in the corners, comes out with the puck and is tough to defend against down low in the zone. He’s strong, he’s tough and he plays with a mean streak, especially in the offensive zone. His skating is not where it needs to be as his boots are a bit heavy and lack an explosive first step; but he is able to hold off opponents with his reach and balance and gets off checks well. He finished the tournament second in points with 10 in 6 games and was a force along the wall and driving wide on defenders. (3-7-10, 6GP) College: Northeastern
Andrew Stoneman (L, 6’1”, 175lbs, Shattuck St. Mary’s, ’00)- Stoneman is a good-sized, athletic forward who has really come on in the past few months. He’s improved his skating and is able to beat defenders wide with speed and he’s gotten more comfortable with the puck. He plays hard, he goes to the dirty areas and has both a sturdy stick and soft hands (rare combination) to score around net front. What stood out here was his puck control and carrying ability and his heads up, savvy instincts. For a big guy he makes a lot of plays; some with his feet, some with his hands and some with his sense and vision. Another SSM prospect who is ready for the next level in junior hockey. (4-3-7, 4GP) College: St. Lawrence
Vilho Saariluoma (L, 6’3”, 190lbs, Eastern Mass Senators, ’99)- Saariluoma is a player who is recently decommitted from Union and committed to Bentley and had a lot of USHL eyes on him here. He’s tall, highly athletic, has great stick skills and can skate well for his size. He has the right amount of touch on his passes and he can read the play and know where the soft areas are on the ice. He played a possession style, always seemed to have the puck on his stick and used his soft hands and reach to make plays. He registered 7 points in 5 games but created a lot more chances than that. The knock was that he lacks a snarl and grit component to his game which doesn’t bode well for junior hockey. He purposefully lost races to pucks when he had a step on the defender and he doesn’t attack the net or play hard in the corners. A high upside with his size, skating and skill combination but needs more bite to his overall game. (2-5-7, 5GP) College: Bentley
Patrick Schmiedlin (L, 5’11”, 165lbs, Culver Academy, ’02)- Schmiedlin has exceptional speed and maturity for his age and plays a detailed, balanced overall game. He can fly up ice with the puck, he delivers tape to tape passes at full speed and he has the stickhandling and creativity to beat defenders 1v1 in open ice. He’s been more detailed in his approach from what we saw earlier in the season; he’s supporting pucks, he’s playing better in his own end and he’s much quicker in his progression and thought process. What he’s really figuring out is how to play to his strengths which he did here; he has a powerful release and got his shots off in stride, in traffic and from all over the offensive zone. He was able to break free from scrums along the wall and get to the net and he was also able to create off the rush on odd-man rushes and showed both finishing and set up ability. An all-around talent with an impressive showing for an ’02 playing U18 competition. (2-2-4, 4GP)
Joe Winkelmann (L, 5’11”, 170lbs, CarShield AAA, ’00)- Winkelmann is a skilled, puck possession style forward who created a lot of offense for CarShield. He has a smooth, poised stick and carries the puck with his head up looking for passing or shooting lanes. The best part of his game here was his hockey sense and awareness to read the play, find the soft spots and put pucks on his teammates sticks in prime scoring areas. He has signed a tender with Austin Bruins in the NAHL next year after leading CarShield’s offense this season. (3-3-6, 5GP)
Matt Holmes (L, 6’3”, 205lbs, Mid Fairfield Rangers, ’99)- Holmes is a player who has really developed over the past two seasons at Salisbury School and showed well in front of many USHL/NAHL/BCHL scouts in attendance. He has impressive size, skating ability and athleticism. The knock on him is that he doesn’t play to his size and is in and out intensity wise; but here he played hard, he used his reach and strength to his advantage and created a lot of offense. He has impressive speed and fluid stride that he uses to beat defenders wide, he doesn’t hesitate to shoot when he has a lane and will go to the net. He isn’t a dangler and didn’t have a ton of possession time but he’s got great touch around the net and can find the soft spots away from the puck to put himself in the right positions to score. (4-3-7, 3GP) College: Merrimack
B+
Ryan Sullivan (R, 5’10”, 180lbs, Selects Academy, ’00)- Sullivan made the move from a talented U16 Honeybaked squad to Selects Academy where his game has really blossomed. He’s a good-sized, smooth skating, athletic forward with polished stick skill and the ability to make plays with pace. He was aggressive in the offensive zone taking pucks to the net and he was skilled on rushes threading passing across the slot to his teammates. He has a quick, accurate release and wills himself into high percentage scoring areas. He was used on both special teams units and showed both the speed and the sense to make plays in all three zones. A prospect on the rise to keep an eye on. (4-2-6, 6GP) College: UMass Amherst
Dylan Pitera (L, 6’1”, 165lbs, Culver Academy, ’99)- A pure goal scorer with a tall, athletic frame and hungry stick around the net. He shoots the puck in stride with his head up reading the goalie and putting the puck where the holes are. He’s more of a finisher than a playmaker but he has the ability to do both and his willingness to drive the net and go hard into the corners makes him dangerous in the offensive zone. He has a detailed approach; he disguises his release point, he protects in small areas and needs very little space to get a shot off. He was relentless here, attacked the net whenever he found a lane and created a lot of scoring chances for himself and his linemates. Pitera isn’t known for his speed but his stride is getting better and better as he fills out and adds more lower body strength. (2-3-5, 4GP) College: Bentley
Corey Clifton (L, 5’9”, 180lbs, NJ Avalanche, ’99)- Corey is the youngest of the Clifton brothers and will be following in their footsteps at Quinnipiac. The Muskegon draft pick is a highly intelligent and instinctual playmaker who can see the whole ice and utilize his teammates. He reads the play, he has the poise and the skill to put the puck where he wants on the ice and can slow the game down. He has a quick first step and sturdy, balanced edges which allow him to go into the dirty areas and come out with the puck. He can play an energy, 200ft role or he can open up the ice and play a tactful skill game. He played up some in the USHL and will likely head there next season. (0-2-2, 4GP) College: Quinnipiac
Michael Outzen (R, 5’10”, 175lbs, Eastern Mass Senators, ’99)- Outzen was a really pleasant surprise for us here. He is coming off a solid season at Cushing but seems to have taken his game to another level here. He’s sharper in his puck movements, he’s faster in his footwork and he’s shooting to score instead of to put it on net. In one game, he scored a hat trick and all different ways; one was off a rebound, another was a catch and shoot quick stick play and the last one was coming down off the rush with speed cutting across the top of the circles and shooting across the body. He’s strong, he competes for loose pucks, he has the lower body strength and quickness to get to the net and isn’t easy to knock off his line. He was constantly involved as a two-way presence and caught a lot of junior hockey scouts’ attention. The Colorado native is poised for a strong junior hockey career. (6-3-9, 5GP)
Kevin Wall (R, 6’0”, 180lbs, Yale Jr. Bulldogs, ’00)- Wall can help a team win in a lot of ways. He can score goals as evidenced by the 3 he had in 5 games, but he is also reliable defensively, he was excellent on the penalty kill clearing pucks and blocking shots and he is tough along the wall. He doesn’t give up on the puck, he wins a high percentage of 50/50 battles and plays a direct, to the net game. He’s not a burner but he has a strong, balanced stride and is tough to knock off the puck. He was likely Yale’s best overall forward because of his complete, 200 ft game. He’s one of the more junior ready players in the tournament. (3-2-5, 4GP) College: Merrimack
Kyle Haskins (L, 5’11” 190lbs, Selects Academy, ’00)- Haskins played on Selects top line throughout the weekend and was used in nearly every role. He was the first guy on the ice to kill off a 5v3 penalty kill, he was on the first line and first line power play and he did everything in between. He plays a hard game; he’s strong on pucks, he wins battles all over the ice, he drives the net and is tough to knock off the puck. In the defensive zone, he plays the position well, he takes the body and can clear pucks out of the zone when they need to. Offensively he played to his strengths; he went wide on defenders, shot the puck hard and used his smooth, strong hands to get around defenders 1v1. An all-purpose, well rounded prospect who gets better every viewing. (2-1-3, 6GP) College: Michigan State
Matt Guerra (R, 5’9”, 160lbs, Eastern Mass Senators, ’99)- Guerra is another Cushing forward who had a strong showing here in front of many junior organizations. He’s undersized but plays fast; he’s balanced and has a sandpaper to his game that makes him tough to matchup against. He’s slippery in traffic, he’s agile on his feet, he can find the open guy and move it quickly and has a hard one-timer on the power play. His first step and ability to stop and start allowed him to create separation and use that space to make plays. He’s more of a passer than a shooter and has excellent vision and touch on his passes. He likes to draw defenders towards him on the perimeter and then feed passes to the slot. A strong showing that he can play at the next level with his speed, skill and grit. (1-7-8, 5GP) College: Bentley
Ryan Doolin (R, 6’3”, 210lbs, Mid Fairfield Rangers, ’99)- Doolin looks bigger and stronger everytime we see him and it was no different here. He doesn’t play with as much edge as you’d want to see from a power forward but he’s got a lot more skill then most his size. He’s got a fluid stride and smooth hands which goes well with his strong frame and allows him to get pucks into scoring areas with regularity as he did here. He looked hungrier here to score then when we saw him earlier in the season and was a little harder on the puck in tough areas; but he needs to get a step quicker and play with a little more physicality and grit. A high upside player who is ready for the next level in juniors. (3-3-6, 3GP) College: Harvard
Adam Robbins (R, 5’10”, 160lbs, NJ Avalanche, ’00)- Robbins is slick handed, savvy playmaker with a quick, hard release and excellent vision. He plays the middle man on the power play where he is best used and can make quick decisions to pass or shoot and find open lanes instinctually. He has a deceptively powerful shot and can get it off quickly, but his hockey sense and awareness are likely his best attributes. He is quick, clever and can make opponents miss. He plays a balanced game, competes at both ends, can factor in the game on both special teams units and is harder to play against then he gets credit for given his size. He’s a player that his linemates appreciate because he can get them the puck and plays a detailed game. (1-1-2, 4GP) College: Princeton
Charles Shaffer (R, 5’11”, 175lbs, Mid Fairfield Rangers, ’00)- Shaffer is quick, high motor forward who brings a rare combination of intensity with poise. He plays hard, he goes after loose pucks without hesitation, he battles all over the ice but once he gets possession the game slows down for him and he can pick apart a defense with his passing ability and quick feet. He has improved his ability to get away from going 1v1 all the time and finding open ice and distributing the puck around the offensive zone. He’s a high energy defender and penalty killer as well and doesn’t quit on the play or cheat his responsibilities. He has plenty of stick skills and shifty moves but he’s playing a more mature game and not exposing the puck as much. He draws opponents towards him which opens up passing lanes. Smart, skilled and crafty with the puck but relentless without it. An underrated D1 prospect who brought it here each game. (1-6-7, 3GP)
Connor Merrill (R, 5’8”, 150lbs, Culver Academy, ’99) Merrill was a small, quick playmaker last year but he’s taken his game to another level this season. He’s more elusive with the puck, he can create space with his quickness and explosive step in any direction and he’s able to handle the puck and make plays at full speed. He’s crafty with the puck, he can find the holes in the defense and has a quick stick and swift passing ability to put pucks on his teammates sticks in scoring areas. He had the puck on his stick a lot here; he escaped pressure well with spin moves and quick jukes and he threaded some excellent passes through the slot on the power play. We would have liked to see him go to the net as he was a bit perimeter here but he’s plenty gritty enough from what we saw in the corners and in his own end. A D1 prospect who will be coveted by junior teams this offseason. (0-2-2, 4GP)
Ian Murphy (R, 5’11”, 175lbs, Cape Cod Whalers, ’99)- Murphy played the style that has led to a strong season at Dexter, he was fast, he was purposeful, he was strong on the puck and challenged goalies with his shot. He was able to beat defenders with his feet to the outside on rushes and used that time and space to get shots off or feed his teammates coming down the middle of the ice. His compete away from the puck was strong, he fought to get into scoring areas and wasn’t afraid to take a hit to make a play. He has great burst and can get the puck from the corners or the wall to the net front in only a few strides and shoots to score with his head up surveying the goaltender and using his hard, accurate release. He was formerly committed to Williams but will explore his options at the D1 level. (2-2-4, 6 GP)
John Kaljian (L, 6’2”, 205lbs, Belle Tire, Late ’99)- Kaljian is a strong skating power forward with deceptive foot speed and a heavy shot. He is not just a north-south presence, he had several zone entries where he pulled up and hit the late trailer or cut in on defenders at the top of the circles to get a shot off. He is a shoot first style forward but he has good vision and made several brilliant passes to set up his teammates in the offensive zone. Raw but has a nice upside and will play for Brookings next season in the NAHL. (1-0-1, 3GP)
Cam Gendron (R, 6’2”, 175lbs, Eastern Mass Senators, ’99)- Gendron is a player who has been on the radar for a few seasons after playing on a line with BU commit and NHL Draft prospect Jake Wise at Central Catholic and then moving onto the prep ranks where he’s become one of the leagues leading point producers. He’s tall, athletic, smooth skater with soft hands and offensive instincts. He uses his size, speed and reach to separate from opponents in the neutral zone and can fire the puck with power and accuracy. He only had one goal here but he likes to shoot the puck and he created several of his assists off shots. What stood out here, particularly in the playoff games, was his versatility and compete level as you could see he really wanted to win and was doing whatever he could to accomplish that. He went into the tough areas and dug out the loose puck, he took hits around the net and kept his stick on the ice and body in position to score and he finished his checks and played physical in his own end. He has an expansive skill set that once he learns how to harness and use to his advantage could lead to a very high upside. (1-6-7, 5GP)
Brett Willits (L, 5’10”, 180lbs, Mid Fairfield Rangers, ’99)- Willits continues to prove he has a scoring touch as he netted 4 in 3 games here. He has soft hands, can stickhandle in and out of traffic and has a quick shot. He played with good speed and energy, he made a lot of plays in the transition game and showed a nifty stick in tight on the goalie. He is actually very effective in small areas and can get out of scrums with possession and win pucks along the wall. An underrated prospect who should have plenty of options at the junior level next season. (4-1-5, 3GP)
Christian LeSueur (R, 5’10”, 175lbs, Mid Fairfield Rangers, ’99)- LeSueur had a strong tournament; he’s hard on the puck, he shoots it with power and purpose and he has the hands and the edges to get around opponents in any situation. He can grind it out in the corners and cut to the net, he can use his puck protection and shooting ability to go wide and shoot from the outside or he can score off the catch and shoot getting behind defenders in the slot. A hard worker who plays a focused, skilled, two-way direct game that will translate at the next level. (1-3-4, 3GP) College: Dartmouth
B
Stepan Pokorny (L, 5’11”, 185lbs, Tampa Scorpions, ’00)- Pokorny is the Scorpions best player and you can tell right away. He quarterbacks their power play from the point, he has swift and fluid stickhandling, he’s a smooth, athletic skater and he is strong and balanced. He can beat you in a lot of different ways as he not only has a slippery stick, but he can outmuscle opponents down low in the zone, he can spin off checks and get to soft spots and he can protect the puck as well as anyone along the wall. He has a lot of confidence in his puck handling which is jusitified but he did overexpose it too much at times which led to turnovers. He was particularly effective on the power play where he walks the blue line, always has his head up surveying the ice and has a rocket release where he can score from the top circles. He only had one assist in their three games but he had a lot of possession time and played a skilled, poised game with the size and athleticism to play at the next level. (0-1-1, 3GP)
Oliver MacDonald (L, 5’10”, 160lbs, NJ Avalanche, Late ’00)- MacDonald is a player who was been building a nice resume this past season with Jersey Avalanche proving to be a fast, skilled playmaker with a potent release. He scored in tight on a rebound, he scored short side on a power play with a snipe and has good sense of where to be away from the puck. He’s smart, heady and has an excellent stick where he can breakdown defenders 1v1 and create odd man rushes with his passing ability. He continues to gain confidence, show more poise with the puck and find open ice to create scoring chances. Has a nice upside. (3-2-5, 4GP)
Ryan Black (L, 6’1”, 185lbs, Eastern Mass Senators, ’99)- Black is a gifted athlete with a lot of tools. He has a long, smooth stride which allows him to carry the puck effectively and buy time for his poise, vision and hockey sense to create scoring chances. He caught a pass here and in one motion received the puck and fired it instantly which is rare at this level. What stands out is his hockey sense; he really knows where everyone is on the ice and utilizes his teammates to their full potential. He has the dual ability to create both off the rush and in-zone as he was able to pull off defenders in the corners and behind the net and go to the scoring areas either with a pass or skating himself. (2-5-7, 5GP) College: Babson
Jake Veilleux (R, 6’0”, 200lbs, Selects Academy, ’00)- Veilleux is a smooth skating forward who has gotten bigger and stronger this season. He’s skilled with the puck, carries it will end to end and has the skating ability and athleticism to beat defenders 1v1. He uses his size to his advantage and while he isn’t a big body checker, he plays a solid two-way game; he competes for pucks in his own end and has a strong stick in traffic. Overall an emerging D1 prospect who keeps getting better and was at the top of his game here. (2-3-5, 6GP)
Nick Stapleton (L, 5’8”, 155lbs, Culver Academy, ’00)- Stapleton is a skilled, possession style forward with speed and energy. He was all over the ice and always around the puck throughout the weekend and when he had a chance to score he bore down and finished, ending the week with a team high 4 goals in 4 games. He’s smart away from the puck in getting himself into good spots and he’s clever with the puck with the ability to read the play, know where pressure is coming from and move the puck to safe areas. He stepped up his game here and should be working his way onto some NCAA radars with performances like this. (4-0-4, 4GP)
Tristan Amonte (R, 5’10”, 165lbs, Cape Cod Whalers, ’00)- Amonte is a highly competitive, fearless puck pursuer who brings energy, enthusiasm and hustle to every shift. Once he gets possession he’s crafty with the puck, he makes quick and subtle stick moves that buys him time and space and he can find his teammates or get off a quick shot. What separates Tristan from his opponents is that while he doesn’t have the physical strength to win puck battles along the wall, he just outworks his opponents and comes out of a lot of scrums with possession. A two-way, versatile, underrated forward who will only improve as he grows into his body. (2-2-4, 6GP)
Jake Hewitt (R, 5’8”, 150lbs, Eastern Mass Senators, ’02)- Hewitt is an exciting prospect who plays the game with a great combination of skill, grit and energy. His feet are always in motion, he’s always looking to make a play and never stops in pursuing a puck. He plays to the whistle, he finishes his checks and goes into corners without any fear or hesitation. He’s a smooth skater but also powerful and balanced; he can buy time and space with his stickhandling and edge work and he carries the puck with his head up accessing the play and the situation. What is particularly encouraging for the ’02 who was playing up, is when he lost the puck he’d fight to get it back. He’s sometimes playing the game too fast where his mind hasn’t caught up to his feet or his hands but his energy and compete level to go with his skills point to an exciting upside. (0-0-0, 5GP)
Jacques Bouquot (L, 6’2”, 170lbs, Yale Jr. Bulldogs, ’00)- Bouquot is a tall, rangy forward with good puck touch and deceptive vision. He made some really smart passes on the power play, showed he can step into the puck and fire it when he has a lane and has good strength along the walls. He didn’t take over games but he played the role of a skilled power forward, he was hard on the puck down low in the zone, protected it well and made clever passes. He could play with a little more jam and a little more pace, but he’s got a nice upside with his size and skill set. (1-0-1, 4GP) College: Boston College
Niklas Norman (L, 5’10”, 160lbs, Shattuck St. Mary’s, ’01)- Norman had a quiet showing here but had spurts where he excelled. He’s a smart, understated player with a clever stick and a quick release. He can find his teammates through a crowd and has the strength and balance to make plays in traffic. The best part of his game here was his hockey sense and decision making; he knows where to be on the ice, he knows where he’s going with the puck before he gets it and makes 3v2s and 2v1s out of 1v1s and 2v2s. He needs to get more aggressive and improve his speed to be more effective at his size, but his IQ and witty stick skills are noticeable. (0-1-1, 4GP) College: Minnesota
Nicholas Seitz (L, 6’0”, 165lbs, PAL Jr. Islanders, ’00)- Seitz didn’t wow on the stat sheet but he was consistently involved in the play and seemed to be everywhere on the ice. He’s gotten a bit bigger and has a fluid, athletic stride that he uses to his full advantage to separate and buy time and space. He is interesting in that he works relentlessly to get the puck but once he has possession is more controlled and tactful. He has good sense, he had a lot of possession time and led several rushes up the ice and has the sense and skill to create offense. He’ll head to the BCHL next season with Alberni. (0-1-1, 4GP) College: Princeton
Anthony Mastromonica (L, 6’3”, 195lbs, Selects Academy, ’00)- Mastromonica is an intruiging prospect as he stands out immediately with his size and ability to cover the whole sheet. He has a long stride, underrated athleticism and soft hands and touch on the puck. He’s raw and isn’t as effective once the pace picks up and he’s under pressure but he showed glimpses in space of skill and sense. He has an up and down the wall power game and is able to protect the puck down low and along the boards. His physical game was inconsistent but when he brought it, it was impressive and he uses his length and reach very well. His best hockey is ahead of him and with his size and skill there is an exciting upside but he’ll need more time to develop his game and learn to play with his feet moving and making quicker decisions. (1-1-2, GP)
Tyler Williams (L, 5’8”, 165lbs, Belle Tire, ’00)- Williams was the spark plug for Belle Tire at this tournament playing with great pace, energy and fearlessness. He is the first guy in the zone on the forecheck, he mixes it up in the corners with much bigger defenseman and has the quickness and shifty footwork to gets out of scrums with possession. He has quick hands and can breakdown opponents in open ice to beat them inside or outside and get shots off in traffic. A quality junior hockey prospect as he can play a bottom six energy role with his speed and grit or a top six skill roll with his hands, agility and creativity. (1-4-5, 3GP)
Joey Musa (L, 5’9”, 160lbs, Mid Fairfield Rangers, ’00)- Musa is so elusive and slippery that he’s nearly impossible to defend against in open ice. He bobs and weaves through traffic, the puck seems to stick to his blade and he’s able to process the game and make plays with great pace. He’s crafty and evasive with the puck on his stick and has such quick hands that he’s able to undress defenders 1v1. He was highly effective here and while his stats were good, he (and more often his teammates) left plenty of goals on the ice. (1-3-4, 3GP) College: Dartmouth
Luke Mountain (R, 6’2”, 190lbs, Shattuck St. Mary’s, ’00)- Mountain is a big, strong, two-way forward who can make plays at both ends and has a detailed approach. His skating ability and stickhandling are underrated as he gets up and down the ice well and has good skill. His best attributes here were his strength, particularly down low in the offensive zone, and his shot. He plays a physical brand of hockey in his own end and away from the puck and he’s tough to knock off his line or take the puck away from. Luke was focused here on getting to the net and putting himself in high percentage areas which is where he plays his best hockey. A bit of a late bloomer but really starting to find his stride and develop as a prospect. D1 upside. (2-2-4, 4GP)
Peter Morgan (R, 5’7”, 150lbs, Tampa Scorpions, ’00)- Morgan is small in stature but makes up for it with his speed, quickness, agility and acceleration. He is a pure skater with an explosive first step with the ability to separate both in small areas and in open ice. He was everywhere and always found the puck. Making plays whether it was quick juke move on a breakout play or making opponents miss through the neutral zone or flying wide on a defender on a zone entry and cutting in for a shot. He could flat out fly here and really knew how to use it with change of speed, quick side steps and burst in and around defenders. Everything he does he does at full speed and with great pace and he is able to maneuver through traffic and has the quickness and elusiveness to make plays in small areas. He scored a brilliant goal in tight on the goalie showing his quick stick on a backhand deke with almost no room to handle. A really impressive showing for him here. As his hands and mind catch up to his feet he can be an exciting prospect at the next level. (1-0-1, 3GP)
Alex Dipaolo (L, 6’0”, 180lbs, Yale Jr. Bulldogs, ’00)- DiPaolo is a good-sized, versatile forward who bring some power to his game, brings some finesse and has some grit as well. He’s tough to defend below the dots with his reach, puck protection and strength and his hands are underrated. He has good tight in tight, especially around the net and can finish. He can elevate the puck over the pad with little to no room and he was able to hold off defenders and slide pucks across the slot as well. He struggled with consistency here as he would be a major factor for several shifts and then disappear for several shifts, but when he’s on he’s a lot to handle. (2-2-4, 4GP) College: UMass Amherst
Cooper Fensterstock (R, 6’0”, 180lbs, NJ Avalanche, Late ’00)- Cooper has great burst combined with vision and polished passing ability. He can read the play, he can find the lanes and moves it quickly and accurately. He brings a great work ethic each and every shift, he pressures defenders with his speed and energy and can pull away from opponents in open ice. The undrafted prospect in the USHL the past two years opened some eyes this season leading the team in points and showing a skilled and creative dimension to his game particularly as a goal scorer. (0-2-2, 4GP)
Reilly Moran (R, 5’11”, 160, Cape Cod Whalers, ’00)- Moran plays a high-pace style where everything he does he does at full speed. He is fast, his feet are always moving but he’s able to process the game and slow it down in his head. He is a crafty playmaker who is always looking to make a play and proved dangerous in the transition game here. His speed and quick hands in tight areas were his most obvious traits here. He needs to get stronger on his stick and continue to develop his two-way game. (0-2-2, 6GP) College: Army
Connor Caponi (R, 5’9”, 180lbs, Culver Academy, ’00)- Caponi is strong, stocky, compact and hard to play against down low in the offensive zone with his combination of lower body strength, balance and some skill. He’s got strong edges, works hard in all three zones and packs a punch when he delivers a check. He isn’t shy about going to the net front and keeping his stick on the ice for rebounds and he plays with an edge along the boards. He could benefit at times slowing down and reading the play instead of always being on the go, but to his credit that’s his approach, he does it well and is a pest to play against. (1-1-2, 4GP) College: Yale
B-
Cole Edgerton (L, 5’10”, 155lbs, NJ Avalanche, ’99)- Edgerton is a skilled puck possession forward with a balanced stride and deceptive grit. He can go into corner, dig out pucks and get to the net. What makes him a unique prospect is that he can beat defenders in a variety of ways; he has the stick skills, he has the skating ability and he has a knack around the scoring areas to get his stick on pucks, read goalies and get shots off quickly. He doesn’t have ideal size but he can go into the corners, spin off checks and make plays in tight areas and in open ice. (2-1-3, 4GP)
Eric Brown (L, 5’9”, 150lbs, Carshield AAA, ’00)- Brown is small but savvy, he surveys the ice, finds open ice and can exploit defenders with his passing ability. He has quick feet and quick hands with the ability to side step opponents and make plays in tight areas; but it’s his quick decision making with the puck and instinctual play that separates him from others. Excellent vision, poise with the puck and crafty playmaking ability to create offense everytime he’s in the offensive zone. He’s signed with Topeka next season in the NAHL but will need to add strength to have success at that level. (2-4-6, 5GP)
Jerry Harding (R, 6’0”, 185lbs, Cape Cod Whalers, ’99)- A rugged, hard-hitting, in your face forechecker who plays tough and always takes the body. He isn’t as skilled as some of his linemates, but he knows his game and plays to his strengths. He opened up ice for his linemates with his physicality and he pressured opposing defenseman which led to turnovers and scoring chances. He needs to get quicker in his decision making and pace of play, but is more than ready to be a physical, hard-to-play-against forward at the next level. (0-1-1, 6GP) College: Providence
Cole Kodsi (L, 6’0”, 185lbs, NJ Avalanche, ’00)- Kodsi had a solid showing here but wasn’t his best. He’s got imposing size and a rocket shot that he put off a cross bar in the slot. He needs to improve his pace as some of these games got to be north-south and up and down and he wasn’t at his best. He was best getting pucks in deep, outmuscling defenders below the dots and getting into scoring areas to let his powerful shot go. Has a nice upside as a goal scoring power forward with a physical component and some edge to his game. (0-2-2, 4GP) College: Michigan State
Shea Courtmanche (L, 5’10”, 180lbs, Yale Jr. Bulldogs, ’99)- Courtmanche is a three-zone, responsible, honest forward who does all the little things and plays a detailed game. He’s always on the defensive side of the puck, he supports his linemates on the breakout, he gets open and knows where to be away from the puck. He’s strong on his skates and on his stick, he snaps passes off instinctually and can process the game with pace. He’s not easy to play against because he has a strong core and low center which makes him difficult to get a body on and he can operate in small spaces and in traffic areas. His game is smart and understated and he showed the versatility here to play up and down the roster at the next level. (0-2-2, 4GP) College: Dartmouth
Logan Harris (R, 6’5”, 205lbs, Anaheim Jr. Ducks, ’00)- Harris has imposing size and can get around the ice well for his build. He was disruptive in the defensive zone; he used his reach to block shots and force passes. He has deceptive vision and was able to make smart, simple plays with the puck down low in the offensive zone to create scoring chances for himself and his teammates. He’ll head to the BCHL next season to play for Trail Smoke Eaters where he can play up and down the roster. (0-3-3, 3GP)
Jordan Tonelli (L, 6’0”, 175lbs, Yale Jr. Bulldogs, ’00)- Tonelli is not a flashy, finesse forward but he has a crafty stick and knows when to make a move or when to dish. He is strong on the puck, he protected it well along the boards and behind the net and was not stranger to getting to the net. He plays a well-rounded game, he is tough, he’s skilled and he’s got great sense and instincts. His game should translate well at the next level and once he improves his footwork he has a bright future as a versatile, multi-purpose forward. (0-1-1, 4GP) College: Brown
Matt McGrath (R, 5’8”, 160lbs, Eastern Mass Senators, ’99)- McGrath is a speedy, high energy, nifty playmaker. He used his high motor and grit to win races to pucks or corner battles and he was relentless on the forecheck. He excelled at both special team’s units pressing the pace, using his speed on the perimeter and is able to make quick, instinctual decisions with the puck. (1-1-2, 5GP)
Jake Vaughn (R, 6’5”, 205lbs, Shattuck St. Mary’s, Late ’99)- Vaughn is a really tall, thin, long reach prospect with deceptively soft hands. He is raw, as anyone his size and age would be, but he’s all over the ice, he plays with some bite and drives wide on defenders. He protects the puck well, he can shield it with his reach and his body positioning and is tough to defend below the dots. As he fills into his frame, he’ll improve his mobility, but his stick skills are better than he gets credit for and has a great upside as a late bloomer. (1-0-1, 4GP)
Jacob Schnapp (L, 6’0”, 215lbs, Tampa Scorpions, ’00)- A smooth skating, highly athletic forward with nifty hands and puck carrying ability. He can get his shot off quickly and stride and gets nice power on it. He wasn’t able to find the stat sheet here, but he has a rare combination of strength and skating ability. He can skate through checks, he can win battles along the boards and he has a fluid, balanced stride complimented with nimble stick skill. A rare combo forward who has an intriguing upside at the next level. (0-0-0, 3GP)
Otto Thiele (R, 5’11”, 165lbs, Carshield AAA, ’99)- Thiele is a crafty, slick handed playmaker with poise and vision. He was always around the puck and found the soft spots in the offensive zone. On the power play he was able to bait opponents towards him and pass the puck skillfully and accurately to his teammates. Otto is also tough to defend in small areas like the corners or behind the net because he can spin off checks and has the quickness to walk defenders out of the corners. He has a quick stick and touch in tight and was able to put up 3 goals and 2 assists in 5 games. (3-2-5, 5GP)
Jack Nisbet (R, 5’11”, 175lbs, Cape Cod Whalers, ’99)- Nisbet is a speedy, shifty forward who is light on his feet and is able to maneuver through traffic areas with the puck. He’s nifty with the puck, he finds open ice well without having to slow down and is particularly effective in the transition game where he puts a lot of pressure on opposing defenders trying to gap up on him. He not only can attack them wide with speed but he can turn on a dime, cut inside and get a quick shot off. He plays with pace and with energy and is always a threat in open ice. (1-0-1, 6GP) College: Babson
Albert Washco (R, 5’9”, 160lbs, Yale Jr. Bulldogs, ’99)- Wascho is a quick, creative, energy and skill combo forward who never stops going. He was quieter here than we saw him during the regular season but was still a factor in the transition game and making passes through the slot on the rush. He has great awareness and does a nice job curling back to open ice when he sees he’s outnumbered, delaying and hitting the trailers with the pass. He’s unafraid, he’s instinctual and he’s got excellent 1v1 skill to get around the defenseman. He’s committed to Bowdoin where he should be able to make an immediate impact at that level. (0-0-0, 4GP) College: Bowdoin
Henri Schreifels (L, 6’0”, 195lbs, Anaheim Jr. Ducks, ’00)- Schreifels has an intruiging skill set, he has the size and the strength to win puck battles and play with some power and he’s got the speed and some skill to play an open-ice game. He had a lot of puck possession time here, created plays both down low in the zone and off the rush and displayed good touch and awareness around the net. He’ll play for Penticton next season in the BCHL. (1-1-2, 3GP)
Andrew DeCarlo (L, 6’0”, 190lbs, Selects Academy, ’00)- DeCarlo may not have been an offensive catalyst for the team but he was effective in other ways. He pushed the pace and showed good speed and strong edges and he was the first guy in on the forecheck finishing his checks and forcing the play. He was first to puck and did a nice job breaking pucks out of his end and gaining the zone and getting shots to the net. He made a few subtle puck plays here but overall his play was most effective away from the puck. (0-0-0, 6GP)
Christian Brune (L, 6’1”, 185lbs, Shattuck St. Mary’s, ’99)- Brune had a nice showing here using his long, fluid stride to get up ice and beat opponents with his speed and reach. He has a soft set of hands which is rare for his size and he is able to carry the puck, keep his head up and find passing lanes. He played hard here away from the puck, finishing checks and getting his stick in lanes on the forecheck. He’s a tough matchup because he has the versatility to play a power game and a skill game and mixes them up depending on the situation. Intruiging prospect who has come a long way in the past two years and is continuing to trend upwards. Watch for his name to be called in the USHL Draft. (0-1-1, 4GP)
Matthew Minerva (L, 6’0”, 185lbs, PAL Jr. Islanders, ’99)- Minerva is a big bodied power forward who plays with an edge. He was physical, he threw his weight around finishing checks on the forecheck and was a heavy presence in front of the net. He’s productive, direct and hard to play against. His skating will need to improve, particularly his first few steps, in order to reach his potential at the next level but he did a lot here to catch junior scouts eyes. Raw but has a high upside once he adds more polish and mobility. (2-1-3, 3GP)
Colton Sipperley (L, 5’8”, 165lbs, Tampa Scorpions, Late ’01)- A late ’01 playing up with older players and didn’t at all look out of place. He plays a skilled and fast game and always seemed to have the puck on his stick. When he found some space, he can accelerate, pull away from opponents and make plays in open ice. He’s shifty, fast and can make opponents miss. Someone to watch as he develops as his skating ability sets him apart and could be a nice sleeper pick in upcoming junior hockey drafts. (0-0-0, 3GP)
Michael Carso (R, 5’11”, 160lbs, Chicago Mission, ’00)- Carso is a tall, thin prospect who is a bit of a project at this point but has solid potential. He has a fluid stride, athleticism and puck carrying ability which stand out and smooth release that he gets off in stride. As he gets stronger he’ll be more effective in crowded areas and be able to skate through checks and get to the net easier. His best hockey is ahead of him as his hands catch up to his feet and irons out his overall game. (1-2-3, 3GP)
Jared Westcott (L, 6’1”, 170lbs, Carshield AAA, ’99)- A tall, athletic forward with a nice combination of skating ability, hard shot and swift passing. He is a bit on the raw side and has a wide stride, but he gets around the sheet and gets to the right areas. While he showed he can score goals, he also made several nice passes on the rush but his teammates didn’t finish. He’ll need to get stronger in order to have success at the next level and improve his body language, but he has a nice upside with his size and athleticism. He will play for Lone Star in the NAHL next season. (3-0-3, 5GP)
Jesse Lowell (R, 5’11”, 190lbs, Chicago Mission, ’00)- Lowell is a strong, sturdy power forward who protects the puck well using his body positioning and reach. He is tough to play against and even tougher to knock off the puck. He plays a direct, physical game, finishes his checks, blocks shots and doesn’t shy away from the dirty areas. His first few steps need improvement but he has good puck control and can carry it and shield it from defenders and get pucks to the net. He has improved his possession time and appeared more comfortable playing with the puck on his stick here. (0-0-0, 3GP)
Jack Luca (L, 5’9”, 155lbs, Cape Cod Whalers, ’00)- Luca may not have found the stat sheet here this week, but he was buzzing all week. He has a quick first step, a crisp accurate passer and the ability to pull away from defenders. Away from the puck, he hustles after every loose puck, he wins races to pucks and uses his speed and quickness to his advantage. He had solid possession time here and created more offense then it looks from the stat line. (0-0-0, 6GP)
Phillip Vanderlaat (L, 5’7”, 150lbs, Tampa Scorpions, ’00)- Vanderlaat came to Nationals after a strong showing at Beantown earlier in the year. He’s a crafty, high pace playmaker who has both the speed and the stickhandling to create a lot of scoring opportunities on the rush. He picked off passes in the neutral zone and caused turnovers on the forecheck with his speed and quickness and in a few strides was in alone on the goalie or on an odd man rush. He struggled to finish off rushes but created a lot. He’s savvy and showed great instincts when going 1v1 as he would take the bigger, heavier defenders wide and cut in on the small, quicker defenders to get to the net. He should get some attention at the junior level next year despite his size. (0-1-1, 3GP)
Mark Amatetti (L, 5’9”, 165lbs, Yale Jr. Bulldogs, ’99)- Amatetti is an exciting prospect because he plays with such enthusiasm and energy. He flys around the ice and has great speed and quickness. He plays with pace, he can give and receive passes at full speed and he never stops his feet. His constant pressure on opposing defenders led to turnovers here and he had the shiftiness and elusive stickwork in tight areas to get out of jams and make plays to the net. He’s undersized but he’s got the creativity and burst to get away with it. (1-0-1, 4GP)
Sean McAvoy (L, 5’9”, 165lbs, Mid Fairfield Rangers, ’00)- McAvoy may not have produced a ton of points but he was all over the ice. He works hard both with and away from the puck; he gets in on the forecheck and disrupts the breakout and he’s a tenacious penalty killer. He is crafty with the puck, he sees the ice well and can make precision passes through traffic on the rush which is very difficult. He’s a pass first type who makes everyone around him better and will be a leader for Deerfield next season. (1-0-1, 3GP)
Jacob Wiethaupt (R, 6’0”, 165lbs, Carshield AAA, 4-0-4, 6GP)- The CarShield captain played in every role for his team and did all the little things to help them win. He killed penalties, he supported the puck down low in his zone, he tied up on draws and he blocked shots. He is strong on his stick and on his skates allowing him to win 50/50 pucks and have a strong net front presence at both ends of the ice. He was able to get his stick-on rebounds and bang home pucks in tight around the net and has deceptive puck touch which led to 4 goals. He’s balanced, strong on the puck and has the skill to finish off plays. (4-0-4, 5GP)
Scott Osani (R, 5’9”, 180lbs, NJ Avalanche, ’99)- Osani has great lower body strength and is strong on his edges and balanced in his stride. He can go into scrums and throw his weight around to win the puck and create some separation between opponents. He isn’t a burner in the speed department but once his feet are under him he’s very hard to stop or to move from the net front. He was able to rack up 5 assists in 4 games and while his play was mostly subtle, he is smart and aware of where everyone is on the ice. A prospect who is on the uptick with a strong performance here. (1-5-6, 4GP)
Michael Leva (L, 5’7”, 160lbs, PAL Jr. Islanders, ’00)- Leva is a short but quick and stocky forward who is hard to defend in tight areas. He scored a brilliant goal here where he deked a defenseman at the offensive blue line and went in alone on the goalie and scored on a quick deke and quick shot. He always had his feet moving, was a pest on the forecheck and showed well on the power play and penalty kill. (1-0-0, 3GP)
C+
Will Stromp (L, 5’10”, 170lbs, Dallas Stars, ’99)- Stromp has a rare combination of being strong on his skates and balanced while having light, elusive hands and the ability to dangle around defenders. He made a lot of slick stick moves, showed off his quick release snap shot and maneuvered efficiently away from the puck. He has 11 NAHL games under his belt and looks ready for the next level. (1-0-1, 3GP)
Jacob Eckerle (R, 5’11”, 165lbs, Culver Academy, ’00)- Eckerle brings a gritty, high pace, energy role to the lineup and plays it very well. He is the first attacker on the forecheck, he finishes his checks and never stops his feet. He goes hard to the net and into the corners and doesn’t hesitate to take a hit to make a play or to sacrifice his body to get a puck out of his end. He isn’t flashy and doesn’t have a ton of possession time, but he plays a winning, selfless brand of hockey that you can win with. He’s been undrafted in the USHL the past two years but could hear his name this time around. (0-1-1, 4GP)
Tyler Cooper (R, 5’11”, 175lbs, Shattuck St. Mary’s, ’00)- Cooper is a good-sized, speedy forward with some skill and some grit. He got in one forechecks, he got his stick in lanes to block passes and he took the right pursuit angles. In the neutral zone he can change direction quickly and has a good acceleration. He didn’t have a ton of possession time but when he makes a pass he works to get open again. He was aggressive in the offensive zone going to the net with the puck. A bit under the radar but worth keeping tabs on as there are a lot of tools to build upon. (2-0-2, 4GP)
Will Dineen (L, 5’9”, 160lbs, Chicago Mission, Late ’00)- Dineen is a fluid, balanced skater who can get around the ice and processes the game with pace. He showed a clever stick and was able to slip in behind defenders away from the puck which led to quality scoring chances. He was more of a passer than a shooter here, but we liked his aggressiveness in puck pursuits and his ability to win races to pucks. (1-2-3, 3GP)
James Fisher Shea (L, 5’9”, 155lbs, Culver Academy, ’00)- Shea is a quick, speedy forward who is tough to handle in open ice with his footwork and quick stick. He doesn’t have great size, but he gets off checks well and is always in the right place at the right time. He does a nice job presenting a target with his stick and is ready to move it or shoot it when he gets it. He generates good power on his snap shot without much windup and he’s able to get it off with opponents in his face. (1-1-2, 4GP)
Nick Siffringer (L, 5’11”, 185lbs, NJ Avalanche, ’00)- Siffringer has really developed this past season and become a more well-rounded, complete prospect instead of simply a work-horse energy player. He has good speed, shifty footwork in tight areas and the ability to get power on his shot with very little wind up. He brings a consistent work ethic and has a direct and purposeful approach. He played a lot of different roles and was a key penalty killer for them in tight games. A hard to play against, team player who does a lot of the work to allow his teammates to get open and make plays. (2-1-3, 4GP)
Anthony Bernardo (R, 5’10”, 165lbs, PAL Jr. Islanders, Late ’00)- Bernardo is a fast, high pace, energy forward who kept catching our attention throughout the tournament. He has handles the puck and makes swift passes with pace and does everything at full speed. He’s also got some grit and bite to his game in the corners and around the net where he’s hard to get from. He didn’t finish off rushes here and was held to only one assist, but he does a lot of the work to get the puck up the ice and into scoring areas. A perfect match for a goal scorer. (0-1-1, 3GP)
Riley Brennan (L, 5’9”, 155lbs, Yale Jr. Bulldogs, ’00)- Brennan is a slippery, agile skater who can weave in and out of traffic and make crafty plays with his stick. He’s smooth and can handle the puck and make crisp, accurate passes at full speed. We’d like to see him play a little more aggressive as he was perimeter here and didn’t get to the net, but he’s a talented undersized prospect with nice footwork. (0-1-1, 4GP)
Samuel LaFrance (6’0”, 175lbs, Tampa Scorpions, ’00)- LaFrance is a good-sized speedy prospect who plays a solid two-way game. He is the first guy in on the forecheck; he wins races all over the ice and he competes for every loose puck. He didn’t create much here offensively but he led several rushes up the ice and fed the slot with tape to tape passes of the rush. (0-0-0, 3GP)
Ethan Harrison (5’11”, 160lbs, Dallas Stars, Late ’00)- Harrison had a productive week netting 3 goals in 3 games. He has a tall, athletic frame, is light on his feet and accelerates well. His stride is fluid but will benefit from added strength that will bring power and balance. He has solid puck control, even under pressure and in traffic, and he’s able to get shots off quickly and accurately. A late ‘00 who is someone to follow as he’ll get better and better as he grows into his frame. (3-0-3, 3GP)
Sam Watson (R, 6’0”, 175lbs, Carshield AAA, ’00)- Watson is a tall, strong, fairly mobile emerging power forward who goes hard to the net. He wins a high percentage of battles along the boards and is able to get from the wall to the net with his reach and strength. He wasn’t able to produce much here but he had plenty of opportunities. His stride and his puck skills are on the raw side, but he has good frame, athleticism and solid potential at the next level. (0-0-0, 5GP)
Tyler Rollwagen (L, 5’10”, 170lbs, Shattuck St. Mary’s, ’01)- Rollwagen is a younger guy on an older team so he wasn’t used as an offensive catalyst but he was solid in his role. He has a quick stick and has the ability to extend plays, find the passing lanes and deliver pucks to his teammates. His vision is excellent and while he can be a bit perimeter at times; he’s able to draw opponents towards him and move the puck to empty spaces. His awareness and ability read the situation and think the game are beyond his years. A D1 prospect who will only improve as he gets more experience and climbs the depth chart next year. (0-0-0, 4GP)
Leevi Selanne (R, Anaheim Jr. Ducks, ’00)- The son of longtime NHLer Teemu Selanne, Leevi is a tough competitor. He is strong on his skates, plays hard along the wall and can make a play in traffic while getting hit. His motor and his physicality were on display throughout the tournament and he played his role well. He has better hands than he gets credit for but was more of a north-south, power forward presence in this tournament. (1-1-2, 3GP)
Devin Moran (L, 5’9”, 155lbs, Eastern Mass Senators, ’00)- Moran is a quick, shifty, elusive winger who gets up the ice quickly and can make decisions and either shoot it or find a passing lane while he’s going top speed. He is a pest on the forecheck and on the penalty kill, he stops on the puck and he doesn’t cheat his defensive responsibilities despite his size. He was a bit overshadowed on a talented Winchendon team this season, but he’ll be the go-to-guy next season and is more than up to the task. (0-1-1, 5GP)
Anthony Bilka (L, 5’11”, 170lbs, Dallas Stars, ’99)- Bilka is a slick handed forward who played a skilled, puck possession style game here. He went end to end several times and dangled defenders through the neutral zone. He’s athletic, he plays instinctually which allows him to go into crowded areas and just make split second decisions with the puck. He scored a pair of goals here and showed a quick stick in tight and an accurate release. (2-0-2, 3GP)
Tyler Sedlak (R, 5’9”, 170lbs, NJ Avalanche, Late ’00)- Sedlak is a great team first player who sacrafices his body to get pucks out of the zone and plays a fearless style. He’s not the biggest guy on the ice but he makes up for it with his work ethic and tenacious approach. He holds his own in the corner because his quickness and spin moves and he actually does a great job protecting the puck in small areas. He has a quick stick and can get around opponents on the rush but is more of a pace and energy guy with secondary scoring potential. (1-0-1, 4GP)
Riley Mays (5’10”, 175lbs, Dallas Stars, ’00)- Mays is strong on his stick and on his skates, he goes to the dirty areas and has some touch around the net. He saw time on both the power play and penalty kill and he was solid at both ends of the ice. An honest player who does the little things, supports the puck, plays hard and has enough skill to make plays. (0-2-2, 3GP)
Thomas Finck (L, 5’7”, 155lbs, NJ Avalanche, ’99)- Finck is a quick, shifty, elusive speedster who is tough to get a body on because he’s always moving. He has quick hands and a quick release and doesn’t hesitate when he has a shooting lane. He needs to get a bit stronger and play a more balanced game but love his energy and compete level. He doesn’t shy away from 50/50 battles and plays all out aggressive every shift. (0-1-1, 4GP)
John Jaworski (R, 5’10”, 160lbs, Sioux Falls Stampede, ’00)- Jaworski is an intelligent hockey player with the vision and awareness to breakdown defenses and skate the puck to open ice or make passes to his teammates in scoring areas. He has slick hands and the ability to beat defenders 1v1 in small areas. His team didn’t have a ton of opportunities here but he was able to create plays out of nothing and showed a high motor and work ethic to win races to pucks and force the play on the forecheck. He’s tendered with the Northeast Generals but he’ll need to get stronger on his skates and on his stick at that level. (1-0-1, 3GP)
C
Michael Conlin (R, 5’9”, 170lbs, NJ Avalanche, ’99)- A second year U18 player for the Avalanche who is short but strong and stocky and plays hard. He scored a nice goal coming down on the rush, cutting in on the defender and snapping off a power snap shot into the net. He is direct, he competes for his ice and showed an ability to take a hit and keep on going with the puck. (2-1-3, 4GP)
Luke House (R, 6’3”, 190lbs, Chicago Mission, ’00)- House is a big, raw forward who showed enough here to point at an intriguing upside. He wasn’t overly physical but he’s got long reach and was excellent below the dots protecting the puck and making moves towards the net. He isn’t flashy and his stride is a bit unconventional, but he gets to the right areas, has his stick on the ice and is always ready to receive a pass and get a shot off. He needs to commit himself to playing either a more powerful, physical game or improve his skills and be a point producer, but he’s kind of in between at this point. Something there for sure and someone to keep an eye on going forward. (1-1-2, 3GP)
Brandon Connett (L, 5’10”, 200lbs, Sioux Falls Stampede, Late ’99)- Connett is a strong, thick power forward with great touch his passes and sturdy edges. He’s difficult to knock off the puck around the net and wins a high percentage of corner battles. He’s tough, he’s compact and he can get to the net and make plays. We’d like to see him shoot the puck more as he tends to dish when he has a lane but he’s got nice vision and created several scoring chances for his linemates. (0-0-0, 3GP)
Quinn Shay (R, 5’7”, 155lbs, Chicago Mission, ’00)- Shay is a small but strong, buzz saw prospect with great speed and hustle. He pushed the pace, pressured opposing defenders in all three zones and was a disruptor on the forecheck and on the penalty kill. He didn’t get a ton of chances here but he showed a quick release on his shot and slippery stick around the net. (1-1-2, 3GP)
Jacob Cordas (R, 6’1”, 185lbs, Anaheim Jr. Ducks, ’00) Cordas is a big, strong, physical presence who threw his body around here and brought and edge to the team. He has to develop the rest of his offensive skills, but he’s hard to play against, he opens up ice for his teammates and wares down opposing defenders in the corners. (0-0-0, 3GP)
Grant Burkhard (L, 5’9”, 150lbs, Belle Tire, ’00)- Burkhard showed quick feet and an elusive stick here at Nationals but was a bit perimeter at times and didn’t get himself into the scoring areas. He has the stickhandling and the explosive first step to beat defenders 1v1 and can make a tape to tape pass at full speed even under duress or through traffic. (1-1-2, 3GP)
Nathan Hodges (R, 6’0”, 185lbs, Belle Tire, ’99)- Hodges is a strong, balanced skater who is tough to play against, particularly down low in the offensive zone where he can get off checks and has the footwork to make a step to the net and get the shot off. He scored a nice goal on a breakaway here with a nice deke and release but he also showed a willingness and awareness in the defensive zone to keep pucks away from the scoring areas. (1-1-2, 3GP)
Brendan Westbrook (L, 6’0”, 175lbs, Sioux Falls Stampede, ’99)- Westbrook is a good-sized, athletic skater with speed and hustle. He did a nice job carrying the puck through the neutral zone, gaining the offensive blue and making a play on the rush. He does a lot of little things well like presenting a target, getting his stick in passing lanes in his own zone and angling opponents on the forecheck to force the ma certain way. (1-1-2, 3GP)
Jon Olson (R, 5’8”, 155lbs, PAL Jr. Islanders, ’99)- Olson is small but strong, he plays with pace and energy and displayed good speed on the forecheck. He did more here away from the puck than with it, but his speed and work ethic were on full display. Someone we’ll be watching next season. (0-1-1, 3GP)
Justin Renzi (L, 5’10”, 180lbs, Belle Tire, ’99)- Renzi played an honest, balanced game where he got to the right areas, finished checks, blocked shots and made smart passes in all three zone. Someone to keep an eye on as he can win battles for pucks and is strong on his stick in crowded areas. (0-2-2, 3GP)
Defense
A
Jack Rathbone (L, 5’11”, 180lbs, Cape Cod Whalers, ’99)- If there were an MVP award at this tournament, Jack Rathbone would be the winner. He was dominant game after game with the ability to rush the puck at will and create offense from the backend. He is a brilliant skater, he can fly up the wall, he has slick hands and offensive creativity and creates a ton of plays off the rush. His puck control and ability to see the play and make passes or deke defenders without losing a step is rare and is what makes him an NHL draft pick. He has a rocket slap shot from the point and a powerful one timer on the power play. He had an impressive 6 goals in 6 games and several were highlight reels where he picked corners and just took the game over. When his team was down late in games he would just take the puck and go and was able to single-handedly skate the puck through opponents end to end and either score or set up his teammate Jay O’Brien. Highly skilled, highly athletic offensive minded defenseman who will go right to Harvard next year bypassing the junior route. He showed the entire package here to be able to run their power play next season. He does need to get stronger and improve his defensive zone positioning and structure because right now he just plays on instinct and runs around. (6-3-9, 6GP) College: Harvard
Peter Diliberatore (L, 6’0”, 165lbs, Yale Jr. Bulldogs, ’00)- While Rathbone was the top defenseman here, Diliberatore isn’t far off. He isn’t as polished and isn’t as flashy, but his skating ability is elite and he can make every play on the ice. He hit stretch passes, he won races to nearly every puck, he’s instinctual and makes instant decisions with the puck, he handles well both under pressure and at full speed and he has a hard shot. He can blast it from the point and has a quick, effortless release. What really stood out here were his transitions; he is able to pivot, move forward to backward and side to side with ease and has excellent command defensively knowing where everyone is and where the threats are. He can get on his opponents in a few strides, he is highly athletic and uses his stick as well as any defenseman here to break up plays. He needs to get stronger and simplify some of his game as he tried to do too much, but he’s a gifted prospect with pro potential. With his size, skating ability and skill he’ll head directly from Salisbury to Quinnipiac and should hear his name called this summer at the NHL Draft. (2-2-4, 4GP) College: Quinnipiac
Dominic Vidoli (L, 6’1”, 175lbs, Culver Academy, ’99)- Vidoli has really come on this season and did a bit of everything here. He’s got the size, skating ability and athleticism. He can play honest, reliable defensive hockey and he can carry the puck end to end, join the rush as a fourth forward and quarterback a power play. His versatility and size make him a rare prospect with the ability to play multiple roles in a lineup. He logged heavy minutes here, particularly in tight games and showed the ability to run the power play breakout, to quarterback it in zone as well as play on the penalty kill and pick up sticks and block shots and clear pucks. He managed the game really well, he was poised, he was confident both with and without the puck and could slow the game down and dictate the pace from the backend. He wasn’t overly physical in his end but played the body, he won most puck battles in the corners and behind the net and is actually very quick at moving the puck on the breakout. Exciting upside for this prospect who is, at times, dominant at this level. (2-7-9, 4GP) College: Boston University
Nolan McElhaney (R, 6’3”, 180lbs, Eastern Mass Senators, ’99)- McElhaney is a prospect who is tall, thin and mobile. He scored two goals here by getting the puck along the offensive blue line, walking to the middle of the ice and sneaking a quick release wrister through traffic and in. He has excellent command of the puck with soft hands and poise and he can make any play on the ice. He can run the power play from the point and on the breakout; he can defend odd man rushes with his reach and skating ability and he can carry the puck end to end with ease. He has long, athletic stride which only take him a few strides to be halfway up the ice and he has nice touch on his passes. He does need to get stronger and play a tougher brand of hockey in order to reach his full potential, but he had NHL scouts watching him as an overager possibility and the upside is unquestionable. (3-1-4, 5GP) College: New Hampshire
A-
Zac Jones (L, 5’9”, 165lbs, Selects Academy, Late ’00)- Jones, one of the top defenders in the tournament actually started the tournament pretty quiet and understated which isn’t his game. He played responsibly defensively, he moved the puck quickly and efficiently and was more of a game manager than a game breaker. However, as Selects got themselves into the playoff rounds, Jones’ skill took over and he was rushing up ice with the puck and playing a highly skilled and sophisticated offensive game. He has the skating ability in his quickness, shifty footwork and pure speed to beat opponents all over the ice with his feet alone but when you combine that with his stickhandling and nifty moves he’s hard to defend against. In his own end he knows he has size limitations so he is very aware, he reads the play and jumps passes and picks them off with regularity. He has an active stick, he pokes the puck off sticks and does a nice job checking the hands along the wall instead of the body to take away the puck. Highly skilled offensive minded defenseman with exciting tools who should have plenty of suitors at the USHL level. (0-3-3, 6GP) College: UMass Amherst
Andrew Lucas (R, 6’1”, 170lbs, Yale Jr. Bulldogs, ’99)- Lucas is a smooth, polished skating defenseman with a versatile and expansive skill set. He can jump up and join the attack and play possession game or he can sit back and distribute and create opportunities for his teammates off the pass. His mobility allows him to play well-rounded defensive game where he plays the body, uses his stick to break up passes and gets on his man quickly. He has great instincts and can read a play and move to the high threat areas and smother any offensive chance there. On puck retrievals he’s able to win the race to the puck and turn up ice quickly to either make a quick pass or skate it out of the zone. He showed impressive composure with a forechecker on his hip and was able to keep his eyes up the ice for passing lanes. At the end of the Selects Academy first round playoff matchup he really took the game into his own hands and carried the puck end to end, made some moves in the neutral zone to break free and gained the offensive zone to set up a play. He is a leader, he supports his defensive partner and plays the game the right way. A talented prospect who has a lot of potential because of his combination of size, skating ability and athleticism. (0-1-1, 4GP) College: Vermont
Jayson Dobay (L, 5’11”, 165lbs, Cape Cod Whalers, ’99)- Dobay caught a lot of people’s attention here with his skating ability and powerful slap shot. He showed great skill on the power play in carrying it up ice using his speed and puck handling ability and worked it around the offensive zone well. He has a powerful slap shot and one timer and he is tougher than he gets credit for. He was solid in the defensive end picking up sticks and moving bodies in front of his net and was particularly effective on the breakout where he won races too pucks, turned up ice quickly and moved the puck. A talented prospect who can play a lot of different roles at the next level. (1-2-3, 6GP)
Jack Lagerstrom (R, 6’2”, 200lbs, Shattuck St. Mary’s, ’00)- Lagerstrom is a multi-faceted complete defenseman who brings a lot to the table. He was our #4 ranked uncommitted prospect in Minnesota before committing to Cornell. He had a strong showing here; he is tall, strong, physical and skilled. He ran their powerplay, he was tough around his net and along the walls and made smart decisions with and without the puck. He knows where to position himself to cut down angles and break up plays and he doesn’t run around recklessly in his own end. He has a firm, accurate first pass and can stretch the ice from his own end and extend plays with the pass. Jack has a heavy shot from the point and can get it through with his quick delivery and heads up play. (1-1-2, 4GP) College: Cornell
Spencer Cox (L, 6’0”, 165lbs, Culver Academy, ’01)- Cox has always been a skilled, two-way, multi-purpose defenseman but his game has really matured in the past year. He’s playing a more physical, more harder to play against style and picking his spots. He has better sense of when to rush, when to dish and when to try and make the home run pass. He hasn’t lost his aggressiveness but is making higher percentage decisions which is what you want to see. He has a powerful shot from the point and can make opponents miss carry the puck. He has great footwork along the offensive blue line and is able to handle the puck with his head up looking for passing and shooting lanes to the net. A skilled defender with plenty of edge to his game and becoming more and more well-rounded and harder to play against. (1-2-3, 4GP) College: Miami Ohio
Brock Paul (R, 6’3”, 195lbs, Culver Academy, Late ’99)- Brock was all over the stat sheet here using his powerful slap shot and working the puck around the offensive zone from the blue line, particularly on the power play. However, while his passing ability and vision stood out, it was his improved skating and defensive play that impressed us. He has always had a wide stride but he’s been athletic and now he’s starting to elongate the stride and getting more power off his pushes. He’s got deceptively soft hands for someone his size and he can use his reach and poise to create time and space for himself to wait for the right pass. He took more chances here then we typically see but he was calculated and sprung a lot of odd man rushes out of his own end. He’s bigger, he’s stronger and he’s more refined than he was earlier in the year which points to an exciting upside and he should hear his name called in the USHL this upcoming month. (2-7-9, 4GP) College: Dartmouth
Conner Hutchison (L, 5’11”, 180lbs, Selects Academy, ’00)- Hutchison is a smooth, balanced, strong skating defenseman with slick hands and poise with the puck. He likes to jump up into the offense and join the rush and doesn’t hesitate to skate the puck out of his end if there isn’t a passing lane. The puck sticks to his blade, he makes forecheckers miss and takes over on the power play with heads up, precision passing and getting pucks through from the point. He’s known more for what he does with the puck, but he’s gotten stronger in his own end, he plays with some jam around the net and steps up on opponents in the neutral zone showing his confidence. He’s ready for the next level. (0-2-2, 6GP) College: Vermont
B+
Mason Lohrei (R, 6’2”, 170lbs, Culver Academy, ’01)- Lohrei is a high potential prospect who is tall, thin and athletic. He has a wide stride but as he gets stronger and develops more lower body and core strength that should come along. He handles the puck well, even under pressure situations and make clean, accurate outlet passes. He has a long stick and uses it well as he had several poke checks here that knocked pucks right off sticks and he uses it to block passing lanes and force opponents to low scoring areas. He has some physicality to his game but not enough, but again as he gets stronger that’ll come as well. We liked his instincts with the puck as he makes the right read and has the touch on his passes to put it anywhere on the ice. He saw power play time here and has really improved offensively getting pucks on the net and making quicker decisions. He’s still a bit raw but for an ’01 with his size and expansive skill set he’ll be coveted in the USHL draft. (2-2-4, 4GP) College: Ohio State
Alex Murray (R, 6’0”, 180lbs, Selects Academy, ’00)- Murray is a good-sized, athletic, two-way, smooth skating defenseman who can play any role on the team. He impressed with his feet here as he can turn up ice and separate with only a few strides and has a long, smooth stride. He led several end to end rushes and was a one man breakout. Not only did he have a lot of possession time but he was able to get around opponents in the neutral zone while at full speed like they were cones in a drill and carried the puck with poise and control. Defensively, his skating ability and agility allow him to play tight on his opponents and not give up much space. He took the body when he needed to, he stripped pucks off sticks and he did an excellent job defending 1v1s on the rush. A complete player who will only get better as he gets more experience. Undrafted in the USHL and uncommitted but that should change as he turned some heads here. (1-1-2, 6GP)
Gabe Blanchard (L, 6’0”, 185lbs, Mid Fairfield Rangers, ’00)- Blanchard was listed on Central Scouting this season and remains uncommitted so there is plenty of interest in the Trinity Pawling standout. He’s a very sound defensive prospect who plays physical, who knows where to be on the ice and how to read a rush and zone entry situation and he has natural instincts. He doesn’t always get the credit he deserves because he stops plays before they can start defensively as he takes away time and space so well that it looks like forwards are turning it over when really, he’s the force behind it. He’s tough and likes to throw his weight around but does it in a calculated approach where he’s rugged in the corners and around the net but doesn’t go chasing opponents all over the offensive zone or step up in the neutral zone to get burned. He is confident in his skating and plays a tight defensive game, gaps up leaving little space for his opponents and has an active stick. He made some plays at the point, moved the puck firmly and on target and has a big shot. Gabe was more of a defensive factor here and was quiet on the other end. (0-1-1, 3GP)
Jackson LaCombe (L, 6’0”, 170lbs, Shattuck St. Mary’s, ’01)- LaCombe is the youngest defenseman on Shattuck but he doesn’t play like it. He’s a calm, poised, puck moving defenseman with agile feet and smooth hands. He’s light on his feet which allows him to move well laterally and stay tight on his man but he’s not strong enough to physically knock them off pucks yet. He defends well with his stick and positioning, he angles well and he is aware of where he is and where the opponent is at all times by keeping his head up and on a swivel. His best attribute here was his hockey sense as he makes good reads, he has the vision to find his teammate through a crowd and is always on the defensive side of the puck. A late blooming D1 prospect who was a nice late round pick by Chicago last season in the USHL Futures Draft after playing on the midget team. (0-2-2, 4GP)
CJ McGee (L, 6’0”, 180lbs, NJ Avalanche, ’99)- McGee had a really strong tournament start to finish. A polished skater with four-way mobility, quickness in small, crowded areas and the ability to escape forecheck pressure with possession. He is a crisp, accurate passer and he gets shots through to the net from the point. His skating allows him to buy more time and space and has the poise the puck to wait for the play to develop in front of him. He was a standout on the power play from carrying the puck up ice to managing the puck on the breakout to facilitating the offense in zone and moving the puck to the right areas. His defensive game is strong; he reads the play well, he gets himself in to good positions to break up plays and take away options and his athleticism allows him to take chances and be aggressive. Undrafted in the USHL and uncommitted, but both could change in the near future. (3-3-6, 4GP)
Nolan Barrett (R, 6’1”, 180lbs, Selects Academy, ’00)- Barrett is an intriguing prospect because he has a lot of raw tools. He has great size and athleticism but is still quite a bit raw. He has impressive jump and acceleration for his size and a long, fluid stride that allows him to get to dump-ins quickly and carry the puck end to end or join rushes up ice. With the puck he makes some questionable decisions and tries to do too much, but he has the stickhandling and the passing ability to get pucks out of his zone and to create offense from the backend. Defensively, he uses his reach and strength to keep opponents away from the slot area but he has a tendency to chase the puck on the strong side and gets caught watching the puck on the weak side. Raw but love his upside. (1-1-2, 6GP)
Nicolas Petruolo (R, 5’11”, 175lbs, NJ Avalanche, ’00)- Petruolo is another defenseman here that is on NHL Central Scouting and got some eyes throughout the week. He’s a skilled puck carrier, has size and athleticism and excellent vision. He made great decisions with the puck in all three zones, he played with tempo and finesse and wasn’t afraid to throw his body around in the tough areas. He got to pucks quickly on retrievals and moved it up ice instantly before the forecheckers could get on him. He is undrafted in the USHL but should hear his name called early this time around. (1-2-3, 4GP) College: Union
John Murray (L, 5’10”, 170lbs, Cape Cod Whalers, ’00)- Murray had a strong tournament here especially at the offensive end. He carries the puck effortlessly, he has soft hands, good puck control and swift passing ability. He was on a talented team so he didn’t have to do too much and could manage the game, move pucks to the soft areas and quarterback the breakout and zone entries. Defensively, he’s got some burst and can close the gap and cut down opponent’s time and space. With that being said he can over extend and get himself out of position. An underrated D1 prospect with solid upside as a two-way defenseman. (0-5-5, 6GP)
James Walton (R, 5’11”, 175lbs, NJ Avalanche, ’00)- Walton is a good-sized, highly athletic and mobile defenseman who is smooth, balanced and light on his feet. He can win races to pucks, he can hold the offensive blue line and he makes swift passes on tape. He had several rushes up ice with the puck going end to end and showed the ability to side step and evade pressure and then dish the puck on target at full speed. He oozes potential and will only get better as he gets stronger and adds a physical element to his game. Walton is able to gap up tight on his opponent and take away time and space in a smothering style because of his agility, speed and overall skating ability. He had a lot of eyes on him here as an undrafted prospect in the USHL who will have plenty of options next season at the next level. (0-0-0, 4GP) College: Princeton
B
Nicholas Hale (L, 5’9”, 160lbs, Yale Jr. Bulldogs, ’99)- Hale was held out for a game here so only saw in limited action but when he was on the ice he brought his typical smart and skilled approach. He sees the next level and can deliver a quick, accurate pass through the neutral zone. He has poise and composure while carrying the puck which allows him to wait for the right lane and let the play develop ahead of him. He’s really improved on his maturity and knowing when to join the rush and when to make the simple pass and doesn’t push the envelope like he once did. His decision making was excellent, his skating is quick and agile and he’s got elusive stick skills to make forecheckers miss and dance his way through the neutral zone on rushes. (0-2-2, 3GP) College: Holy Cross
Phip Waugh (L, 6’4”, 210lbs, Mid Fairfield Rangers, ’00)- Waugh stands out right away with his imposing size and strength. He is a raw skater and puck handler, but able to cover a lot of ice and made simple first, accurate passes and was a presence in front of the net. He has a long reach, a heavy shot from the point and plays a sturdy, physical defensive minded game. Waugh made firm, tape to tape first passes and didn’t try to overhandle or overthink it. He was mean when he needed to be but showed more discipline then we have seen before. A high potential prospect. (0-2-2, 3GP) College: Vermont
Patrick Keegan (L, 6’2”, 210lbs, Eastern Mass Senators, Late ’00)- Big, strong, rugged defenseman who loves to play physical. He made some mistakes here, he turned pucks over, missed on some passes, shot into some shin pads and miscalculated the gap but he brings it every shift and is willing to make opponents pay in the slot area. He is tough to play against 1v1 because of his size and strength but he’s also a smooth, balanced skater who can challenge opponents at the blue line and be able to get back and recover. He has an intensity about him around the net and in the corners which scouts love to see and doesn’t quit on the play. He needs to gain more composure with the puck, particular with forecheck pressure and make smarter decisions. He has a rocket shot but only got it off once in the games we saw. (0-0-0, 5GP) College: Wisconsin
Cameron Cervone (R, 6’1”, 185lbs, Belle Tire, ’99)- Cervone is a well-rounded, versatile defenseman who did a bit of everything here. He ran the power play, he cleared pucks out and got infront of the shots on he penalty kill; he moved the puck cleanly out of his end and kept pucks in the offensive blue line. He’s a quality skater who can play tight coverage with his transitions and pivots and will play the body when he needs to but doesn’t loose sight of the puck. He has size and athleticism and will only get better as he gets bigger and tougher to play against. A high ceiling who is ready for junior hockey and should hear his name called at the USHL Phase II draft. (1-0-1, 3GP)
Vinny Prospal (L, 6’1”, 200lbs, Tampa Scorpions, ’00)- Prospal got tossed from one of the games early so we only saw him play parts of two games but there is a lot to like. He has great size and strength, he makes a hard, tape to tape first pass and plays with jam. His feet are raw but they are coming together and he is able to get on his opponents and either deliver a check or knock the puck away. He did a nice job holding his position, not chasing and keeping his net front clear for his goalie. He’s signed a tender with Brookings in the NAHL next season and should also garner some USHL Draft attention as he has a nice potential. (0-0-0, 3GP)
Ryan Carmichael (R, 6’2”, 185lbs, Mid Fairfield Rangers, ’99)- Carmichael is a tall, athletic, two-way defenseman who carried the puck effortlessly and moved it tactfully in all three zones. He can go end to end when he sees a lane but was more of a distributor here and getting the puck up to his forwards. He managed the puck well on the power play, knew when to shoot and when to dish and showed both hockey sense and puck skill. A talented prospect who was instant impact potential at the college level. (0-1-1, 3GP) College: Middlebury
Drew Cooper (L, 6’1”, 180lbs, Belle Tire, ’00)- Cooper is a skilled, offensive minded defenseman with four-way mobility and athleticism. He did a lot well here but his best attribute was his ability to manage the game, slow it down and dictate the pace. He’s confident with the puck on his stick, he can rush it up ice or make a quick pass on the tape. He was decisive with the puck, particularly on the powerplay, and looked like fourth forward on the ice at times. He’s gotten a bit bigger and strong since his U16 days with Honeybaked and has a really smooth release on his shot where the puck is off his blade instantly and effortlessly. He should be a USHL Phase II pick this year after being passed up the previous two seasons. (3-1-4, 3gp)
Ryan Fischer (R, 5’11’, 160lbs, Anaheim Jr. Ducks, ’00)- Fischer is good-sized, mobile, athletic, two-way defenseman with agile feet and a nimble stick. He moves swiftly across the offensive blue line, he quarterbacks the umbrella powerplay and can stretch the ice with his passing ability and vision. While he didn’t produce any offense, he led several rushes up the ice and displayed a hard, low shot that he got through traffic and on net. He was most impressive on the breakout where he was able to evade forecheckers with quick hands and feet and had the poise and patience under pressure to find passing lanes. An under the radar potential D1 prospect who should hear his name called in the upcoming USHL draft. (0-0-0, 3GP)
Andrew Wisniewski (L, 6’1”, 190lbs, Culver Academy, ’00)- Wisniewski is an underrated prospect on a talented blue line for Culver. He is more simple and understated then many of his skilled teammates, but he’s equally effective. He has the size and strength to knock opponents off pucks, he uses his reach well to knock pucks off stick and break up plays and he is smart in his body positioning. He knows when to step up and take the body and when to angle toward the wall and he doesn’t force plays he lets it come to him. He makes a firm, accurate first pass and has a smooth delivery. We’d like to see him play more on the power play and get a better sense of his skill set but he was mostly used in penalty kill situations and 5v5. Solid prospect who is going to get better and better. (0-0-0, 4GP)
Gunnar Stadem (L, 5’10”, 175lbs, Carshield AAA, Late ’99)- Stadem is a skilled, agile defenseman with nifty footwork and hockey sense. He handles the puck with poise and confidence and can make any pass on the ice. He escapes pressure on the forecheck, he can dodge forecheckers with quick jukes and find his teammates on the go and get them the puck. He’s smart, he’s crafty with the puck on his stick and can break up plays with his stick and anticipation. He ran the powerplay both on the breakout and along the offensive blue line and was able to stretch out the penalty kill with precision passing and drawing defenders towards him with his composed puck possession skill. (1-2-3, 5GP)
B-
Ian Schumacher (L, 6’0”, 170lbs, Shattuck St. Mary’s, ’00)- Schumacher has always been a crafty game manager who knows when to make his move. One shift here he got to a dump in, moved up ice and snapped the puck off to his teammates quickly and a few shifts later on the same play he looked the pass off, skated it up ice through the neutral zone, gained the blue line and hit a late trailer. He has the poise and the skill to be offensive and he has the patience and the vision to be a puck mover. Defensively he’s the smothering type given his mobility and he uses his stick well to get in passing lanes and force opponents a certain way. He needs to get stronger and add a physical element to his game, but he’s overall a well-rounded prospect. (0-1-1, 4GP)
Tyler Lyewski (L, 6’0”, 190lbs, Tampa Scorpions, ’00)- Lyewski wasn’t as effective here as when we last saw him at Beantown, but he’s got a plethora of tools to work with. He has the size and athleticism to be a factor at both ends of the ice, he can rush the puck end to end which he did often and he has a balanced stride. He handles the puck under duress and doesn’t throw it away when pressured. He was confident carrying through the neutral zone and was able to draw opponents and then dish to the open space. Defensively he was tough to play against because of his size and physicality; he has some bite to his game particularly in the scoring areas. He is not afraid to step up at the defensive blue line to stop zone entries and he was aggressive holding pucks in and taking the body at the offense blue line. (1-1-2, 3GP)
Nathan Mutschelknaus (L, 6’0”, 185lbs, Sioux Falls Stampede, ’00)- Mutschelknaus is a good-sized, skilled defenseman who can handle the puck at full speed and deliver tape to tape passes in stride. He quarterbacked Sioux Falls’ power play and showed poise and a swift stick. He threaded some slick passes backdoor on the power play and he was able to walk the blue line and extend passing and shooting lanes. He’s mobile, he’s clever and he made a lot of plays here. (2-2-4, 3GP)
Adam Groat (R, 6’0”, 180lbs, Belle Tire, ’99)- Groat is in his first year of Midget AAA after being a standout in Michigan HS hockey and showed well here. He lacks the polish and decisiveness of more experienced players but he brings some raw tools to bare. He’s got size and reach, he delivers a crisp first pass, he plays the body in all three zones and moved the puck efficiently on the powerplay. There is a lot to like in his game and could be a sleeper in a junior program next season. (0-1-1, 3GP)
Nick Dineen (L, 6’1”, 185lbs, Selects Academy, Late ’00)- Dineen has gotten bigger and stronger this past season with Selects and is playing a harder game. He likes to step up and play a physical game and challenge opponents at the blue lines and he keeps his stick on the ice and blocking passing lanes. He isn’t someone who is making big hits all over the ice; but he plays the body, angles forwards to the boards and seals them off. He gets on his man quickly behind the net and either pins them or rubs them out and takes the puck. In the offensive zone he did a nice job getting shots low and on net for second chance opportunities and was also able to add a few assists by getting up ice and making swift first passes to create odd man rushes. (0-3-3, 6GP)
Liam Donelan (R, 6’2”, 185lbs, PAL Jr. Islanders, ’00)- Donelan had the puck on his stick a lot for a defenseman and saw a lot of ice time. He’s a strong, balanced, fluid skater who can absorb hits and make passes with opponents on him and in his face. He carries the puck with poise and purpose and is both a shooting and passing threat once he gains the offensive zone. Defensively he is a quality backward skater who is mobile enough to stay on his man and strong enough to keep them from cutting in on him or driving the net. He has a long stick and uses it well to keep opponents off balance and knock pucks off their sticks. A strong two-way presence who had a nice showing here. (1-2-3, 3GP)
Logan Martinson (L, 6’1”, 175lbs, Dallas Stars, ’00)- Martinson got on our radar last year at Nationals and has continuously gotten better. He is a tall, long, athletic defender with reach and athlecism. He’s mobile, he can connect on passes in stride and he plays a reliable defensive zone game. He keeps his head on a swivel, he manages the net front by picking up sticks and moving bodies and has a great stick defensively to break up passes and pick off passes. He didn’t do a ton offensively but he moves the puck well out of his own end and keeps it simple and safe. He will head to the BCHL next season where he has the upside to get bigger and stronger and take his game to another level. (0-1-1, 3GP)
Jordan Strand (R, 6’0”, 195lbs, Sioux Falls Stampede, ’99)- Strand is new to Neutral Zone; a strong, versatile, big framed defenseman who has both a power and skill game. He moves the puck well on the power play and has a heavy shot from the point. He had several nice stretch passes through the neutral zone carrying it out of his end and he is able to see the second level and get pucks to his teammates in stride. He is strong and physical in the dirty areas and wins a lot of puck battles behind the net and in the corners. He is tendered with Coulee Region Chill next season and from what we saw this week he looks ready for the next level. (0-2-2, 3GP)
William Spitzer (L, 5’7”, 150lbs, Chicago Mission, ’00)- Spitzer is an undersized, quick, agile defenseman who is excellent on puck retrievals and can stretch the ice with his passing ability. He has a quick, nimble stick, he can escape pressure behind his net on the breakout and move the puck cleanly up ice. What was best about his game here was his ability to carry the puck at full speed while keeping his head up and when a lane opened the puck was off his stick. He’s also sneaky on the power play and can fit passes into tight windows. The next level could be an adjustment given his size but he has the footwork an the puck skill to play juniors next season. (1-1-2, 3GP)
Cade Roberts (L, 6’1”, 195lbs, Carshield AAA, ’99)- Roberts is a strong, balanced, physical defenseman with size and brute strength. He stepped up on the blue lines, he separated opponents from the puck with body checks and stick checks and he was rugged in the slot area. He finished checks in his own end, he pinned opponents to the wall and had a mean streak approach to 1v1 situations. While he was more of a physical presence here, he showed the ability to handle the puck on the rush and make a crisp, tape to tape first pass. (0-2-2, 5GP)
Blake Howard (L, 6’3”, 215lbs, Anaheim Jr. Ducks, ’99)- A big-bodied, heavy style defenseman who is tough to play against. He is strong and powerful in front of his net and in the corners moving bodies and he holds the offensive blue line well. He doesn’t overextend or try to do too much and plays within himself. He plays a physical brand of hockey and uses his size to his advantage. Not overly dynamic with the puck but knew his limitations and made simple passes out of his end. He started the season off in the NCDC before moving back to Anaheim, but he is ready for the next level. (0-0-0, 3GP)
Christopher Mott (R, 5’10”, 165lbs, PAL Jr. Islanders, ’99)- Mott is a smooth, puck mover with poise and vision. He can evade forecheckers and move the puck swiftly and accurately. Defensively he uses his mobility and athleticism to his advantage to play tight defensive coverage and take away opponent’s options. He wasn’t very physical here but used his stick well, angled opponents to the wall and rubbed them out along the boards. He has a fluid, athletic stride and smooth hands which allows him to take it end to end and make plays on the rush. (1-0-1, 3GP)
C+
Romeo Torain (L, 5’9”, 155lbs, PAL Jr. Islanders, ’00)- Torain is a smooth skating, puck possession style defenseman who has poise and skill with the puck. He likes to join the rush and comes off the offensive blue line well for catch and shoot opportunities. He showed poise under pressure on the breakout and was able to side step forecheckers and keep his eyes up ice to deliver passes. He doesn’t have ideal size for the position but he plays a smothering defensive style where he’s all over his opponents, he has a good stick and natural instincts. An underrated prospect who is worth a look. (1-0-1, 3GP)
Wyatt Palmer (R, 6’1”, 205lbs, Shattuck St. Mary’s, ’00)- Palmer is a solid late bloomer prospect who has been at Shattuck for four seasons and just this year got off the midget team to make the prep squad. He has size, strength and plays a powerful game down low in his own end. He clears out in front of his net, he knocks opponents off pucks in the corners and he does a nice job on pinches at the offensive blue line. He has a hard shot and is better with the puck than he gets credit for, especially in the offensive zone moving the puck around and snapping shots to the goal. A strong season for Wyatt capped off by a nice showing here which should grab some attention and put him on the map with junior and college teams. (1-0-1, 4GP)
MacCullum Brown (L, 5’10”, 175lbs, Tampa Scorpions, ’00)- Brown is new to Neutral Zone and was hard to catch because the program had him listed as #4 but he was really wearing #44. He is a quick, mobile defender who gets up ice quickly and shows poise and finesse with the puck. He reads the play well, he supports his defensive partner and is able to manage his gaps and keep the opponent in front of him at all times. An under the radar prospect to keep an eye on. (0-2-2, 3GP)
Jacob Schleinz (R, 6’0”, 176lbs, Chicago Mission, ’00)- Schleinz is a defenseman who commands the puck and did a nice job on jumping up into the attack and making plays offensively on the rush. He has a smooth, albeit short, stride and can either make a quick pass on the breakout or take it end to end by himself. He has a hard-low shot that he gets on net and creates second chance opportunities and he isn’t afraid to pinch to keep a puck in or finish a check. Aggressive but calculated here but showed he can make plays at both ends and has a nice upside. Someone to keep an eye on as he brings size and skill to the position. (1-0-1, 3GP)
Trevor Spence (R, 5’9”, 160lbs, Cape Cod Whalers, ’00)- Spence came to the tournament after a strong season with Nobles leading their blue line. He isn’t as offensive as some of the players on his team but he is quick to puck retrievals, makes an accurate first pass and has good speed in all directions. He does a nice job defending 1v1s and against the rush where he is able to gap up in the neutral zone and stay within a sticks length of his opponents to force them to low percentage shooting areas. (0-0-0, 6GP) College: Tufts
Brendan O’Donnell (R, 6’0”, 180lbs, Eastern Mass Senators, ’01)- O’Donnell was solid in this tournament as an honest, well positioned, mobile defenseman. He’s an ’01 playing up and didn’t look out of place with his size and athleticism and he made the safe play with the puck. He plays within himself, he knows his strengths and is very effective away from the puck in picking up sticks, keeping his head on swivel for backdoor and getting in the way to block shots and intercept passes. As he gets older and more experience and time with the puck he should round out into a more complete prospect. We like his potential and has built a solid foundation this season at Cushing. (0-0-0, 5GP)
Thomas Craft (R, 6’5”, 220lbs, Mid Fairfield Rangers, ’99)- Craft is an instant eye catcher at 6’5” and a big strong competitor around the net front and along the boards. He isn’t polished and his puck handling is pretty raw as he blindly threw pucks up the boards on the breakout and missed on passes in the neutral zone but he does have a long reach and is very difficult to play against 1v1. He looked more physically engaged here then when we last saw him and she scored an excellent power one-timer from the point. A patient coach could get a sleeper with Craft, but there are holes to fill in his overall game. (1-0-1, 3GP)
Brennan McDonnell (R, 5’10”, 180lbs, Tampa Scorpions, ’00)- McDonnell is a skilled, savvy, puck moving defenseman with soft hands and vision. He logs a lot of minutes and he’s able to spin off forecheckers and find open ice to make plays in all three zones. His defensive game is smart and controlled; he knows when to step up and when to angle opponents and he sizes up his opponents instantly and knows when to use his body and when to use his stick. He did force a few passes and he did struggle with consistency but he showed enough talent and enough passing ability to really catch our eye. (0-0-0, 3GP)
Brett Tierney (L, 5’10”, 165lbs, Chicago Mission, Late ’99)- Tierney is a mobile, puck moving defenseman with a strong core and solid defensive coverage. He is used in every situation for Chicago and does a nice job on the breakout getting pucks up to his forwards and skating it out when there isn’t a lane. He made several nice feeds on the powerplay down low to his forwards but they couldn’t get much going offensively as a team. (0-0-0, 3GP)
Kyle Miller (L, 5’10”, 165lbs, Yale Jr. Bulldogs, ’99)- Miller is a solid defender who is underrated because of his simple, honest game but he is a great teammate. He is strong skater, he skates almost as well backward as he does forward and can pivot and gap up in the neutral zone. He doesn’t give up the blue lines easily and is sturdy in his own end, especially around the net. He is mature, he’s direct and he doesn’t force bad passes or skate into trouble areas. He sees the ice, he skates to space and he makes the safe pass. He’s the type of player who you can put in any situation, who can play a lot of minutes and can be depended on to do the right thing. Understated but highly effective. College: Manhattanville
Michael Costello (L, 6’1”, 170lbs, PAL Jr. Islanders, Late ’99)- Costello had a quiet showing here but that is not always a bad thing for a defenseman, especially with his simple, understated style of play. He doesn’t linger with the puck; if there is a lane he moves it quickly and makes the smart play. He has gotten stronger this season which allows him to play with more power in his own end around the wall and in front of the net. He’s aware, he sees the ice both offensively and defensively and gets himself in the right areas to disrupt. (0-0-0, 3GP)
Austin Cleveland (L, 5’11”, 175lbs, Carshield AAA, Late ’00)- Cleveland is a sturdy defenseman with size, strength and toughness. He’s not quick but he’s mobile, he can cover the ice, he plays the body and is tough to get around 1v1. He packs a punch in front of the net and along the boards and has a heavy shot from the point. (0-2-2. 4GP)
Caleb Cordas (R, 6’0”, 155lbs, Anaheim Jr. Ducks, ’02)- Cordas would be young on a U16 let alone a U18 but he’s playing up a level with his older brother. He is tall and thin but moves well, made quick passes on the breakout and was solid defensively with his stick and body positioning. As he grows into his frame and gets more acclimated to older, faster, stronger players, he has a bright future. (0-0-0, 3GP)
TJ Pratt (R, 5’11”, 170lbs, PAL Jr. Islanders, Late ’00)- Pratt caught our eye here with some size, some grit and solid defensive zone play. He keeps his head on a swivel, he picks up his coverage around the net and he uses his reach to poke check pucks off sticks. He has a physical element to his game and is tough in the corners and in front of his net. He finishes his hits and he is tough to beat 1v1. (0-0-0, 3GP)
Goaltenders
B+
Grant Adams (6’2”, 185lbs, Culver Academy, Late ’00)- The late ’00 is a tall, technical goalie with good footwork and body positioning. He covers a lot of net, he plays his angles well and shut out 54 of 59 shots on the week. He is still a bit raw in some of his movements but he is always in position to make the save, he makes it look easy and doesn’t over commit to the puck carrier. He can track the puck well, gets in front of it and gets up and down quickly and effortlessly. A high potential prospect who will only get better as he irons out his kinks. College: St. Lawrence
B
Kyle McClellan (6’0”, 170lbs, Carshield AAA, ’99)- McClellan led CarShields to the semi finals and was both consistent and composed in net even when the team was under pressure. He has good size and technique, he can move swiftly to the puck and get in front of it. He holds the post, he has balance, sets his feet and makes the first save without giving up many second chance opportunities.
Hunter Lopatin (5’10”, 165lbs, Belle Tire, ’00)- Lopatin is a quick, aggressive goaltender who plays beyond the paint, challenges shooters and pounces on loose pucks. He moves well post to post, he has quick reflexes and does a nice job staying square to the shooter and plays well positionally. He really caught our eye in the game against Tampa Scorpions where he had a 49 save shutout. He showed great work ethic and compete. Hes undersized but makes up for it with his footwork and technique.
Tate Brandon (5’10”, 180lbs, NJ Avalanche, ’00)- Brandon had a really strong showing here kicking out 102 of 108 shots and leading his team to the playoffs where he kept the Jersey Avs in the game against Cape Cod. He has quick feet and is tough to beat down low. He’s aggressive but doesn’t get out of position and he can get out of his net and play the puck. He was quick and calm under duress and tough to beat down low.
B-
Brandon Bedient (6’2”, 180lbs, Anaheim Jr. Ducks, ’99)- Bedient is a tall, athletic, rangy netminder with a quick glove hand and solid positioning. He’s quick on his feet for his size and had an excellent game against Shattuck where stopped over 50 shots and was under fire all game with second and third chance opportunities. He as composure, he recovers well after the first save and doesn’t give up on a shot.
Matt Lane (6’1”, 165lbs, Cape Cod Whalers, ’00)- Lane led Cape Cod to the finals and had a strong weekend starting in all 5 games and logging a .930 SV%.He has size, he moves well and can stretch out to make a big save. He reads the play, he has quick reaction time and did a nice job controlling rebounds. Efficient, poised and confident.
Matt Sankner (5’10”, 170lbs, Selects Academy, ’00)- Sanker had a solid showing here never allowing more than 2 goals against in all of his starts and led Selects to the championship. He plays within himself, he has good awareness and poise in the net and doesn’t overplay the puck. He did a nice job through the playoffs seeing pucks through traffic, making the first save and getting back in position to make the next one. A smart goalie with vision and quickness who made a lot of big, timely saves to win games.
Alex Wisco (5’11”, 180lbs, Culver Academy, ’99)- Wisco has been a goalie for Culver the past three seasons and looked solid here. He is a balanced, well-positioned goalie who challenges shooters, plays a shot blocking style. He had a strong opening game against Tampa kicking out 24 of 26 shots including several point blank chances and did a nice job covering up the puck in the crease. He was solid in the Eastern Mass game showing improved flexibility and quickness this season and showed a quick glove. He has solid potential at the next level.
Dan DaChille (5’10”, 165lbs, Yale Jr. Bulldogs, ’00)- DaChille was one of the hardest working goalies here facing 140 shots and stopping 129. He moves quick, sees the ice and can read the play to get himself in position to make the save. He was confident, came out to play pucks and did a nice job controlling his rebounds and keeping puck in front of him. He’s a solid puck tracker and moves with the play. Someone to keep an eye on.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling / Hickling Images