Neutral Zone was in attendance at the NYSAHA Spring Selection Camp from May 9-11 to view the 15s, 16s, and 17s. Each player has been given a grade based solely on their performance at this event.
15U Division
Blue
Thomas Anstett #16 (F, Buffalo Jr. Sabres U14, 01/01/2010) – Anstett is a smart two-way, left-shot forward. He has good balance and agility in his stride that he uses on the forecheck and for puck possession to elude defenders. He played a solid all-around game as he has good puck skills and awareness on both sides of the puck. He set up a nice goal vs. Team Green off the rush as he quickly slashed to an opening in the slot, firing a shot that was deflected by #19 Fitzsimmons for the goal. Anstett shows mature qualities in his game. Grade: B
Jake Conroy #12 (F, Long Island Gulls U14, 05/26/2010) – Conroy was not rewarded on the scoresheet like in past viewings at the NYS Tourney and Northeast Pack Showcases, although he was still playing his effective style. He is smart as he reads plays well with and without the puck. He will effectively angle out opponents and uses his active stick to create turnovers and then quickly attack on the transition for offense. He has some underrated quickness in his steps, which allows Conroy to cut and slash by defenders. Grade: B
Levi Konopa #8 (D, L, 5’10”, 154, Buffalo Jr. Sabres U14, 05/03/2010) – Konopa is a decent-sized, left-handed defenseman who likes to play a physical, shut-down style. At the NYS Evaluation Camp, he played mistake-free hockey as he showed good defensive positioning with his stick and body, actively breaking up plays. He also supported his partner well as a passing option, made good puck decisions from the back end, and kept pucks in the offensive zone. Konopa is a solid, steady two-way blue liner. Grade: B
Dylan Rothstein #17 (F, R, 5’7″, 130, Taft School, 07/06/2010) – Rothstein was one of the more consistently effective forwards at the NYS Evaluation Camp. He was around the puck, reading plays quickly, and made smart decisions when moving the puck. He showed good offensive instincts and puck skills in tight areas. He had soft first touches and could separate with possession. Rothstein showed confidence after playing a season in the New England Prep League with the Taft School against older competition. Grade: B+
Gold
Jonathan Hart #5 (D, R, 5’7″, 141, Buffalo Jr. Sabres U14, 02/09/2010) – Hart is an agile, active, right-handed defenseman who was displaying his mobility and puck-handling skills. He was very good at pulling pucks off the boards and using his feet at the point to get pucks to the net. He scored a goal vs. Team Red as he faked and pumped a quick snapshot to the net for the goal. Hart was quickly moving pucks in transition and active in the offensive zone as he possessed the puck to find open teammates. His game was noticeable each shift. Grade: B+
Nicholas Lawniczak #17 (F, L, 5’9″, 161, Buffalo Jr. Sabres U14, 02/23/2010) – Lawniczak is a decent-sized, left-shot forward with a good competitive level each shift. He used his stride to be effective in all three zones as he pressured on the forecheck and battled for pucks on the backcheck. He showed his ability to drive the play as he attacked the zone. He made a nice backhand pass vs. Team Red as he went wide around the defenders and found #20 Turkowitz at the net for the goal. Grade: B
Jack Murphy #7 (D, Buffalo Jr. Sabres U14, 01/01/2010) – Murphy is a slight-framed, left-handed defenseman who showed a good two-way style. He was displaying his mobility and puck-handling skills in retrieval to escape pressure and make a good outlet pass. He also was not afraid to join the rush and be active on the point to open up passing and shooting lanes. Grade: B
Miles Siegel #22 (F, Long Island Gulls U14, 10/09/2010) – Siegel is an undersized, right-shot forward who played the role of the playmaker. He showed good offensive instincts; on one play against Team Red, he slipped a pass right off the face-off in the offensive zone to #20 Turkowitz for the goal. Late on the same shift, he displayed his puck skills in tight areas and then passed to #18 Conklin for the goal. Despite his smaller size, Siegel showed a good competitive level as he consistently battled for pucks and put himself in good areas to receive pucks. Siegel showed good offensive know-how and skill sets. Grade: B
David Turkowitz #20 (F, L, NJ Avalanche U14, 09/27/2010) – Turkowitz is an average-size, left-shot forward who took advantage of his scoring opportunities in a game vs. Team Red. On a set play with #22 Siegel, he wisely went to the net off an offensive zone face-off win for the back-door tap-in goal. Later in the game, he found the back of the net again off #17 Lawniczak’s pass at the net for a quick re-direct goal. Turkowitz did not show flashy play; instead, he showed good awareness and instincts and properly had his stick on the ice to finish plays. Grade: B
Green
Liam Koch #18 (F, L, 6’0″, 168, Pittsburgh Penguins Elite U14, 11/24/2010) – Koch is a bigger, stronger, left-shot forward with some physical edge and power to his game. At this point, his foot speed could use some improvement as he lacks speed and agility. He used his strength on a few shifts to drive the puck to the net. He scored a goal going to the dirty area as he picked up a rebound goal off a point shot vs. Team Blue in front of the net. Grade: B
Tyler Laduca #15 (F, Buffalo Jr. Sabres U14, 01/01/2010) – Ludaca is a smaller-framed, left-shot forward who was using good energy and quickness on puck pursuit. Despite being undersized, he fights off checks with his balanced stride and is willing to take the puck to the net. He was not lighting the scoresheet up at the NYS Evaluation Camp, although he gave an honest effort on both sides of the puck each shift. Grade: B
Merick Meacham #12 (F, St. Lawrence Steel U14, 01/01/2010) – Meacham was an unknown for the most part coming into camp after playing at the Tier 2 level with the St. Lawrence Steel U15 program. The left-shot forward showed good puck skills, skating, and shot. He scored a nice goal vs. Team Blue off the rush as he displayed his speed to gain momentum and separation through the neutral zone, then cut across the slot and wired a quick wrister glove side for the goal. There are some intriguing qualities to Meacham’s game and he’s a player to monitor for the upcoming season. He is also a late ’10-birthdate. Grade: B
Jackson Murphy #19 (F, R, Mid-Fairfield Rangers U14, 01/01/2010) – Murphy is a right-shot forward who played a decent all-around game at the NYS Evaluation Camp. He did not show high-end puck skills, although he gave a solid effort each shift on the forecheck and backcheck. He displayed some foot speed at the end of the game vs. Team Blue as he won a puck race against a better opposing defenseman to score an empty-net goal and secure the win. Grade: B-
Leo Parini #10 (F, R, 6’4″, 205, Buffalo Jr. Sabres U14, 07/02/2010) – Parini is a bigger, right-handed forward out of the Buffalo Jr. Sabres program who uses his reach and shot to create scoring chances. At the NYS Evaluation Camp, he was fairly quiet offensively as he lacked the physical brand and played more conservatively instead of initiating the play. Parini was around the play and puck inconsistently, which may hinder his selection for the USA Hockey PDC. Grade: B-
Max Parmerter #17 (F, L, CP Dynamo 14U, 05/11/2010) – Parmerter is an average-size, left-shot forward with good offensive instincts and puck skills. He was not flashy, although he made a balanced array of plays with his passing and shooting. He showed the ability to be a playmaker and also some finishing touch. He slipped a goal in off the rush from a tough angle, recognizing the goalie was slightly off his mark against Team Blue. Grade: B-
Evan Vukelic #20 (F, L, 5’7″, 150, Shattuck St. Mary’s U14, 03/01/2010) – Vukelic is a player who left the Buffalo Jr. Sabres program for the highly regarded Shattuck St. Mary’s School in Minnesota this past season. There were shifts when he displayed some quickness and puck skills, though overall he was a non-factor on many shifts. He was very quiet offensively, and it’s possible the thought of looking ahead was too early, as his effort and performance did not warrant a USA Hockey PDC invite. I will keep a closer eye on Vukelic’s game in the upcoming U15 season. Grade: B-
Jaden Wang #4 (D, L, 5’10”, 145, Long Island Gulls U14, 02/07/2010) – Wang joined the LI Gulls program this past season after playing with the North Jersey Avs. He is a lankier, left-shot defenseman with some athleticism. He plays a two-way game as he uses his stick and body to negate the rushes of the opponent and also displays some offensive thinking in spots. He made a nice end-to-end rush vs. Team Blue, showing his mobility and puck-handling skills by maneuvering through and around defenders for a high-end scoring chance. Grade: B
Dawson Wilbur #6 (D, L, Syracuse Nationals U14, 01/01/2010) – Wilbur is a taller, lankier, left-handed defenseman. He used his reach to his advantage at times in all three zones to break up plays. He kept his game relatively simple by moving pucks up to the forwards or chipping pucks out under pressure. His stride is decent, although he lacks true power, agility, and balance; at times, his lateral movements were exposed by quicker forwards. Grade: B-
Red
Devon Beck #10 (F, R, Mid-Fairfield Rangers U14, 01/01/2010) – Beck is a right-shot forward who was noticeable at the NYS Evaluation Camp for ’10-birthdates. He has decent size, stride, and puck skills, which allowed him to generate offense. He found the ability to make shooting and passing lanes as he constantly challenged goalies with his shot. Beck showed good awareness and offensive instincts. Grade: B
Kellen Paetsch #7 (D, R, 6’1″, 155, Bishop Kearney Selects U14, 12/11/2010) – Paetsch is a taller, lanky, right-handed defenseman who normally plays in the season with BK Selects U14 and plays a more steady, simple game. In a game against Team Gold, he pushed up and was very active in the offensive zone. It could have been that his team was down several goals, or he is starting to develop an offensive side. He potted a nice goal off the rush in the second half as he attacked the zone and zipped a hard snapshot from the dot, cleanly beating the goalie. Later, he again pressed into the zone and received a #18 Wilford pass all alone in the slot, although he was stopped. It will be interesting to see Paetsch’s development path, as here he looked to earn a spot in the USA Hockey PDC. Grade: B
Nash Wilford #18 (F, L, 5’5″, 141, Buffalo Jr. Sabres U14, 02/27/2010) – Wilford is a skilled left-shot playmaker. He possesses excellent vision and offensive awareness, which enables him to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. With good poise in puck possession, Wilford consistently finds openings and makes smart decisions to exploit them. He scored two goals vs. Team Gold, helping a comeback effort as he went to the net, popped in a rebound, then again went hard to the net for a re-direct off #3 Shunk’s pass at the post. He also set up #7 Paetsch late in the game for a golden scoring chance with a slick pass from the wall. His balanced stride allows him to control the puck effectively, but he compensates by focusing on his passing options rather than relying solely on speed. This clever approach allows him to succeed as a playmaker even without exceptional quickness. Grade: B+
16U Division
Green
Kage Flory #2 (D, R, 5’8″, 167, Detroit Little Caesars U15, 08/31/2009) – Flory is a very agile, two-way defenseman with excellent stick-handling abilities and mobility. He excels at both ends of the ice, using his feet to defend well in 1v1 situations and creating scoring opportunities on the attack. Flory’s puck decision-making is sound, and he often plays the role of a puck mover from the back end, finding seams and openings to pass or shoot. His ability to control the game and push the pace makes him a valuable asset to his team. Flory uses his skating and vision to become a playmaker from the back end. With Little Caesars U15, he played a bit more conservatively, and it will be interesting to see the path he takes in the coming seasons. Grade: B
Andrew Tyrna #6 (D, L, 5’6″, 133, Buffalo Jr. Sabres U15, 09/18/2009) – Tyrna is an undersized, agile, mobile, puck-moving, left-handed defenseman. He quickly retrieved pucks and used his feet and hands to maneuver away from pressure to initiate the breakout. He also was not afraid to join the rush at times and again used his skating ability at the offensive blue line to find shooting lanes. Grade: B
Orange
James Barbieri #3 (D, L, 5’10”, 165, PAL Jr. Islanders U15, 08/13/2009) – Barbieri is an average-sized, left-handed defenseman with good mobility and puck-handling skills. He played a solid two-way style and was not afraid to jump up on plays and join the rush to help create offense. He was not overly physical on the defensive side, although he used his skating to quickly retrieve pucks, initiate the breakout with his feet, or make a good first pass. Grade: B-
Matthew Bispo #10 (F, R, 6’1″, 170, Wilkes-Barre Scranton Knights U15, 04/28/2009) – Bispo is a good-sized, right-shot forward who likes to pressure opposing defensemen with stick checks and physical play. Against Team Purple, he created a takeaway in the neutral zone that led to a breakaway opportunity. He battled for pucks along the wall and in front of the net. He scored a goal as he curled high in the offensive zone; his seeing-eye shot from the outside tickled the twine. Bispo does not possess high-end puck skills or progressive offensive thinking, yet he plays the role of a strong, two-way, complimentary player. Grade: B-
Asher DePierro #4 (D, L, 5’11”, 165, PAL Jr. Islanders U15, 01/01/2009) – DePierro is a left-shot, puck-moving defenseman. While he was not highly offensive, he was effective from the back end, defending the rush with his body and stick positioning and then transitioning the puck up to the forwards. He made good puck decisions and was a solid two-way defender. DePierro was very aggressive on the penalty kill, taking away time and space from opposing forwards with a good recovery back into position. He also made a nice stretch pass vs. Team Purple, which led to a good scoring chance. Grade: B
Broderick Ferguson #5 (D, L, 6’0″, 183, Buffalo Jr. Sabres U16, 01/30/2009) – Ferguson is a bigger, stronger, left-shot defenseman who played a solid overall game. His mobility and puck-handling skills are adequate, which allows him to retrieve pucks and initiate breakout passes. He also defends well enough using his longer reach and physical play to angle and pin opponents. He can also zip shots to the net from the point, which he did against Team Purple, as a hard wrist shot found the back of the net, beating the goalie over the blocker. There is potential in Ferguson’s game for the higher levels. Grade: B
Norman Greene #14 (F, R, 6’0″, 182, Buffalo Jr. Sabres U15, 02/02/2009) – Greene was quiet offensively at the NYS ’09-birthdate Evaluation Camp. He appeared to be more focused on the defensive side of the puck, in positioning, stick, and body checks, along with sound penalty killing. On one shift while a man down, he executed a great defensive zone face-off, managing to shoot the puck the length of the ice from the dot. Greene normally shows more in puck possession by creating opportunities; thus, getting a USA Hockey PDC invite might be a stretch solely based on this evaluation. Grade: B
Ryan Kaczynski #16 (F, L, 6’1″, 184, Soo Greyhounds, 07/08/2009) – Kaczynski came into the NYS District Evaluation Camp wearing some Soo Greyhounds (OHL) gear, as he displayed his abilities in glimpses. There is no question he has the frame, skating, puck skills, and offensive instincts for the higher levels, although it has always been a question of consistency and dedicated effort on both sides of the puck. He showed his strength in puck possession, fighting off checks, and his ability to be dangerous with his speed and strength, even on the penalty kill. He even made a good backcheck, checking #21 Wang, negating a scoring chance. Kaczynski shows the ability to turn it on and off and is a talent who will most likely have an opportunity at the USA Hockey PDC in June. Grade: B
Matthew Koch #6 (D, L, 6’0″, 183, Avon Old Farms, 01/30/2009) – Koch is a decent-sized, left-handed defenseman. While he was not highly offensive, he played a solid two-way game. He showed his mobility and puck-handling skills and made good puck decisions on breakout options and when to use his own feet. He was smart in re-groups and knowing his passing or shooting options in the offensive zone. Koch was not exactly flashy or overly impressive; he just made sound decisions and played mistake-free hockey with and without the puck. Grade: B
Ryan Kozara #7 (D, L, 6’1″, 153, Bishop Kearney Selects U16, 04/07/2009) – Kozara is a mobile, left-handed defenseman who excels at puck-handling from the back end. He demonstrates a strong ability to create scoring chances through his aggressive play style and quick thinking in the offensive zone. His size and agility allow him to effectively defend against opponents, using his feet and active stick to pressure and angle them out of position. Kozara does not receive the exposure playing for the Rochester Jr. Amerks as some other organizations in New York, although he is a player to watch in his development with his size, skating, and puck-moving abilities. While he was a bit overwhelmed at Select 15s last summer, he should earn another spot at the USA Hockey PDC. Grade: B
Maksim Morgoslepov #17 (F, L, 6’0″, 175, Avon Old Farms, 01/21/2009) – Morgoslepov is a decent-sized, left-shot forward who made a favorable impression with and without the puck at the NYS District Evaluation Camp. He is a good blend of size, strength, and skill. He showed his ability to generate speed off the rush, driving the puck to the net for scoring chances. He was often around the puck, using his body to physically knock opponents off puck possession with good, controlled aggression. He showed his ability to fend off checks around the net and use his vision to set up scoring chances. Grade: B+
Dominic Slevin #19 (F, L, 5’2″, 114, Long Island Gulls U14, 04/24/2009) – Slevin is an undersized, left-handed forward with quick hands and feet. While normally not an offensive driver for the BK Selects U15 team, he was displaying his speed and quickness in possession. He showed his puck skills and offensive thinking by attacking in the zone 1v1 and finding lanes to cut the puck to the net for scoring opportunities. Grade: B
William Soffer #20 (F, R, 5’10”, 173, NJ Avalanche U16, 04/20/2009) – Soffer is an average-size, right-shot forward with a good, smart all-around game and some sneaky offensive skills. He possesses good puck skills, which allowed him to beat defenders in tight areas, in the corners, and along the wall. He made a good move vs. Team Purple to avoid contact and then fed #5 Ferguson at the point, which led to a goal. Soffer also found open ice to receive passes and displayed his accurate shot. While Soffer was not a dominant force, he showed his skills in spots. Grade: B
Purple
Michael Bonkov #2 (D, L, 5’10”, 161, Bishop Kearney Selects U16, 11/17/2009) – Bonkov was displaying his solid two-way style at the NYS Evaluation Camp. He kept his game steady at both ends by defending well with his positioning and defensive awareness, and then also on the offensive side by initiating plays and scoring chances. In a game vs. Team Orange, he created a turnover in the neutral zone, quickly transitioned by starting the rush, gaining zone entry, and scoring a short-side snapshot. Grade: B+
Nicholas Branda #3 (D, R, 5’10”, 165, PAL Jr. Islanders U15, 04/07/2009) – Branda is an average-size, right-handed defenseman who played a solid two-way game. He has good mobility and makes good puck decisions after puck retrieval. He showed a good blend of defensive awareness, using his body and stick positioning to break up plays and also displayed offensive abilities. He showed some scoring touch vs. Team Orange as he followed up the #14 Fattey play at the net, popping home a rebound goal. He then scored another goal in the slot, receiving #18 Petrov’s pass and beating the goalie with a quick wrist shot over the right pad for the tally. Grade: B
Owen Karpoich #5 (D, PAL Jr. Islanders U15, 01/01/2009) – Karpoich is a left-handed defenseman who showed good mobility and puck-handling skills. He kept his game relatively simple, although he took smart lines to retrieve pucks and opted well in passing or skating decisions. While he was not overly offensive, he defended well and initiated quick transitions. Grade: B
Robert Matson #17 (F, R, 5’8″, 145, Bishop Kearney Selects U16, 03/10/2009) – Matson is a player who possesses exceptional skill sets, enabling him to dominate puck possession and create scoring opportunities throughout the game. He consistently demonstrates his ability to build speed and deceive defenders, often finding openings for shots on goal or making pinpoint passes to teammates. With excellent vision and playmaking instincts, he sees the ice and makes plays that leave opponents struggling to keep up. There was one shift vs. Team Orange where he wheeled around the offensive zone, displaying a 10-2 stride while in puck possession for a minute. While Matson was not lighting up the scoreboard, his skill sets and offensive thinking were evident. Grade: B
Jacob Tucznio #20 (F, R, 5’9″, 144, Westchester Express U16, 01/01/2009) – Tucznio is a decent-sized, right-shot forward who led Westchester U15 offense this past season and picked up right where he left off at the NYS Evaluation Camp. He was a constant scoring threat. He was using his straight-line speed to accelerate past defenders to create scoring chances in breakaways or driving wide to the net. He scored a nice goal vs. Team Orange with a quick-release shot from the circle over the goalie’s glove. He also showed some sneaky skills away from the puck in creating turnovers with stick checks. He was using his reach, puck skills, and vision to beat defenders, showcasing playmaking skills. Tucznio was putting in a good effort to be selected for the USA Hockey PDC. Grade: B+
Bradley Whang #21 (F, R, 5’8″, 169, Shattuck St. Mary’s U16, 05/06/2009) – Whang is an undersized, right-shot forward who displayed his offensive instincts and skill sets in spurts. He can generate speed and had a clean breakaway vs. Team Orange until #16 Kaczynski caught him from behind to negate the effort as the net was dislodged. His crafty ways were evident, although not consistent. He did score a goal in tight after receiving a pass from #12 Ellis at the net and quickly made a forehand-backhand move to beat the goalie for the goal. Grade: B
White
Christopher Chun #2 (D, R, 5’8″, 136, Long Island Gulls U15, 01/14/2009) – Chun is a smaller, right-shot defenseman who has also previously played forward. He was using his agility, mobility, and puck-handling skills to navigate around opposing pressure to initiate the breakout with a pass or using his feet to transport the puck. Chun played the role of a solid puck-moving blue liner. Grade: B
Jonah Cichocki #12 (F, R, 5’9″, 165, Buffalo Jr. Sabres U15, 02/10/2009) – Cichocki is an average-size, right-shot forward who was disruptive to opponents on the forecheck and also used his speed in possession to create offense off the rush. While he normally utilizes his shot release to score goals, he showed his hand-eye coordination in a game by tipping a shot from the outside and then quickly following up his rebound for the goal. I’m not sure there was enough of a consistent threat to earn an invite to the USA Hockey PDC. Grade: B-
Liam Collins #14 (F, R, Westchester Express U15, 06/30/2009) – Collins was a leading offensive threat for the Westchester Express U15 team this past season, and at the NYS Evaluation Camp, he took advantage of his scoring opportunities against Team Green. He smartly went to the right places for the two goals he scored. The first was a tap-in at the net off #16 Datlo’s pass from a turnover, and then he picked up a rebound from #18 Gallagher and #21 Ula’s possession and shot-pass. The lanky, right-shot forward showed good offensive awareness. Grade: B
Cole Connolly #15 (F, R, 6’1″, 161, Buffalo Jr. Sabres U15, 09/30/2009) – Connolly showed fairly well at the NYS Evaluation Camp. He displayed his two-way game, using his longer reach to create turnovers that transitioned into scoring chances. He possesses good puck skills, vision, and playmaking abilities. He was effective on the forecheck and was not afraid to throw his body around to gain puck possession. Connolly can play various roles, and while he is not a primary scoring threat, he nicely takes on a complementary role. Grade: B
Damon Datlo #16 (F, L, 6’0″, 170, PAL Jr. Islanders U15, 04/24/2009) – Datlo is a lanky, left-handed forward who smartly anticipates plays to create turnovers and takeaways that lead to scoring chances and goals. Against Team Green, he used his stick well in the pass lane to intercept a pass and then fed #14 Collins for an easy tap-in goal at the post. He played the role of a playmaker as he used his vision and passing abilities to create offense. Grade: B
Louis Gugliuzza #19 (F, L, 5’11”, 194, Pittsburgh Penguins Elite U16, 12/26/2009) – Gugliuzza is an intriguing player, as he possesses good size, strength, and skating ability, along with a hard and accurate shot. There are times when he shines, as he can wind it up to create offense with his power and shooting abilities, but then he will go dormant for shifts. He scored an empty-net goal vs. Team Green to secure a 4-0 win. Grade: B
Michael Kachaev #20 (F, L, 6’0″, 205, Rockets Hockey Club U15, 02/03/2009) – Kachaev is a strong-framed, left-shot forward with a balanced stride who used his strength and power to generate plays off the rush. He is a player who makes his home below the dots in the offensive zone. He will battle for pucks along the boards, in the corners, and will place his body in net-front presence for screens and rebounds around the net. He made a nice play protecting the puck with his frame and strength and then found #15 Connolly for a golden scoring chance vs. Team Green. He is a player to monitor, even if he did not receive an invite to the USA Hockey PDC. Grade: B
Patrik Ula #21 (F, L, 5’9″, 173, NJ Avalanche U15, 11/28/2009) – Ula is a skilled forward with exceptional puck control and deceptive movement. He utilizes his quick hands and clever footwork to create opportunities, often beating defenders with precision dekes and fakes. His vision and passing range allow him to set up teammates for scoring chances. Ula’s speed and agility also enable him to generate momentum in transition, as seen when he zipped a long pass to a teammate on a breakaway. His exceptional skill set makes him a creative threat on the ice. He constantly was playing with pace and also added some edge to his game. He was slippery with the puck, showing his vision and high offensive thinking. He should be an easy pick for the committee, earning an invite to the USA Hockey PDC. Grade: A-
Benjamin Zwillinger #7 (D, R, 6’0″, 180, NJ Avalanche U15, 01/30/2009) – Zwillinger is a decent-sized, right-handed defenseman who showed fairly well at the NYS Evaluation Camp. While he is not a player with a flashy style, he plays a very dependable two-way style. He smartly plays defense, using good gaps, angles, and his body to negate rushes. Offensively, he was good on the blue line by using his feet to open up shooting lanes to get the puck to the net. Grade: B
17U Division
Grey
Maddox Boyle #10 (RW, R, 6’4″, 195, Kent School, 03/01/2008, Colgate) – Boyle is a bigger, right-shot forward who uses his reach and size to his advantage in puck possession. He did not make an overly impressive performance at the NYS Evaluation Camp for the ’08-birthdates. He did manage to score a goal vs. Team Red as he found open ice in the slot and received #20 Rothstein’s pass from below the goal line, beating the goalie on a quick shot that might also have been deflected. Grade: B-
Ben Bristol-Murray #11 (F, R, 5’9″, 161, Buffalo Jr. Sabres U15, 01/07/2008) – Bristol-Murray is a right-shot forward who showed a good competitive level more so here at the NYS Evaluation Camp than in comparison to the regular season with the Buffalo Jr. Sabres. He showed some chemistry with his Jr. Sabres teammate #12 Brown as they connected on a goal off the rush; Bristol-Murray re-directed the pass at the far post for the goal. He would later pot another goal vs. Team Red as he took advantage of a turnover in the offensive zone, and he simply shot from the off-side circle over the far pad for the goal. Grade: B
Jake Brown #12 (F, L, 5’8″, 155, Buffalo Jr. Sabres U16, 02/06/2008) – Brown was playing his typical game by creating offensive opportunities with his speed through the neutral and offensive zones. He often uses his deceptive quickness to exploit defenders to open up lanes to the net and pass options to teammates. He scored a tap-in goal off a turnover in the offensive zone as #21 Strzelecki slipped an easy pass over to Brown for the goal. Later in the game vs. Team Red, he used his skating ability to gain space and sent a pass to #11 Bristol-Murray at the net for the goal. Brown was noticeable and should be a good candidate for the National Camp in Amherst, NY. Grade: B+
Reid Crossman #14 (F, R, 5’8″, 160, Cleveland Barons U16, 05/16/2008) – Crossman is still a bit undersized, although the right-shot forward looked like he gained some speed in his stride, which he displayed off the rush. He showed some decent puck skills and creativity in shifts, although he would not be categorized with high-end stick skills. He made a nice stretch pass vs. Team Red from deep in the defensive zone to a wide-open #15 Dossier for a breakaway goal. Crossman showed flashes of being a factor, though not consistently. Grade: B
Michael Dossier #15 (F, Rochester Jr. Americans U15, 01/01/2008) – Dossier is an undersized, left-shot forward who looked a bit out of his league at the NYS District Evaluation Camp. He was not readily noticeable on shifts, although he did execute on the breakaway against Team Red, receiving the #14 Crossman stretch pass from the defensive zone and potting the goal with a shot over the left pad. Grade: B-
Jason Rothstein #20 (C, L, 5’9″, 154, Taft School, 01/19/2008, Harvard) – Rothstein is an average-sized, left-shot forward who played with smarts, vision, and skill. He thinks the game well with the puck on his stick, as he can find open teammates off the rush, cycle, or when slowing the game down with a curl back away from pressure. He made a nice pass after escaping from the defender behind the net and finding #10 Boyle in the slot area from below the goal line for a goal vs. Team Red. He also showed the ability to use his speed to drive the puck wide to the net to create a high-end scoring chance. Rothstein showed well at the NYS Evaluation Camp, as he limited turnovers and showed playmaking ability. Grade: B+
Genc Ula #5 (D, L, 6’0″, 197, Peterborough Petes, 10/26/2008) – Ula was a player who looked like he had played 56 games in the OHL, as his performance was more mature and confident than the competition. The left-handed defenseman showed his mobility, puck-handling abilities, and physical brand. There were several shifts where he was not afraid to engage in contact, as he gapped up well in the neutral zone and defensive zone blue line. He scored a nice goal vs. Team Red, picking up the puck off a broken play down his off-side, entering the offensive zone, and then snapping a quick, hard, accurate shot from the circle to the far side over the goalie’s pad. There were a couple of shifts Ula started drifting outside the dots away from the puck as the play developed, yet it seemed more a reflection of his confidence and the environment of a free-wheeling tryout game. Although Ula performed well, he should be an easy pick for the USA Hockey ’08-birthdate National Player Development Camp in Amherst, NY, in July. He should also have eyes on his game for the 2026 NHL Draft with his size, skating, physical play, and two-way style. Grade: A-
Navy
Maxwell Ackley #2 (D, L, 5’6″, 154, Nichols School U16, 01/08/2008) – Ackley is a smooth-skating, left-shot defenseman who was good at using his fluid feet and hands to initiate the breakout and re-groups in the neutral zone on transition. The blue liner used his mobility and puck handling to retrieve pucks and move the puck quickly. He made good puck decisions and kept his game fairly simple in puck transporting or passing. Grade: B
Christopher Baird-Gajdos #3 (D, L, 6’2″, 183, Salisbury School, 01/25/2008) – Baird-Gajdos used his mobility and puck-handling skills to retrieve pucks, elude pressure, and initiate the breakout pass as a puck-moving defenseman. He kept his game relatively simple and steady. He was not overly a factor offensively and played positionally well defensively. He showed good hand-eye coordination in a game as he whacked the puck out of mid-air as the puck rolled off the goalie’s shoulder, saving a possible goal. Grade: B
Max Colosimo #12 (F, L, 5’7″, 157, Nichols School U16, 02/11/2008) – Colosimo is an effective player possessing high hockey intelligence and vision. While he is still on the undersized, he makes smart puck decisions and reads. The left-shot forward made plays off the rush, using his exceptional passing skills to slip sauce or slide pucks to teammates for scoring chances. In a game vs. Team Grey, he set up a teammate for a 1-timer opportunity on the tape for a high-end scoring chance. He played a steady two-way style. He scored the late tying goal in the side slot off #5 Mazzella’s pass as he received the puck, quickly pivoted, and fired a forehand shot in one motion, beating the goalie late over the far pad in a 6v5 situation. Colosimo should challenge for a spot at the USA Hockey PDC even though he is not a regular name for the ’08-birthdates. Grade: B+
Kevin Lysohir #17 (F, L, 5’8″, 174, Long Island Gulls U16, 01/01/2008, Quinnipiac) – Lysohir was very active, showing his speed and skill frequently. He was around the puck and going into attack mode in possession. He was displaying his shifty ways off the rush as he was cutting and slashing through defenders. He also showed good effort on the forecheck, pressuring opposing defenders. Lysohir was challenging the goalies as well with his deceptive shot release. There were times Lysohir was able to get his shot off in very little space. While he has not gained size over recent years, he still plays an effective game with his speed, anticipation, and skill sets. Grade: B+
Jack Mazzella #5 (D, L, 5’10”, 157, NJ Avalanche U16, 03/21/2008) – Mazzella played an effective, consistent two-way game. He was very involved offensively in puck possession, getting the puck to the net or finding an open teammate. He scored a nice power-play goal against Team Teal, showcasing his mobility and puck handling by backpedaling at the offensive blue line and then quickly firing a wrist shot over the glove for the goal. He was defending well in his positioning and gaps as well. He then made another heads-up play with an extra attacker late in the game as he received a cross-ice pass with seconds remaining, faked a shot, then quickly zipped a pass through a seam back across the slot to #12 Colosimo for a primary assist on the tying goal. Mazzella was noticeable on each shift and should have earned a spot at the USA Hockey PDC. Grade: B+
Eli Morrison #18 (F, R, Jersey Hitmen U16, 08/01/2008) – Morrison is an undersized, right-handed forward who showed well offensively with his puck skills and instincts. He was able to display his quick hands and feet in tight areas to make plays. He also smartly went to the right places to receive the puck. He excelled at moving the puck efficiently and finding open spaces to be a constant offensive threat. Morrison possesses some sneaky stick skills and offensive instincts. Grade: B
Ryan Murphy #19 (F, R, 5’7″, 154, NJ Avalanche U16, 05/23/2008) – Murphy is a smaller, right-shot forward who showed his game in glimpses. There were shifts when he displayed his puck skills to maneuver around defenders, along with his strong balance and edges. He was able to battle through checks and slip into open spots to create scoring chances. Murphy just lacked a consistent presence at the NYS Evaluation Camp. Grade: B
Matthew Portz #20 (F, R, 5’7″, 150, Long Island Gulls U16, 08/24/2008, Sacred Heart) – Portz is normally a driving factor with the LI Gulls as he typically uses his speed and offensive instincts to create scoring chances. Although at the NYS Evaluation Camp, he was very quiet offensively. Against Team Teal, there were a few shifts off the rush by Portz, yet nothing amounted to any scoring chance, and he was held off the scoresheet. Grade: B-
Charlie Puglisi #21 (F, R, 5’7″, 130, Long Island Gulls U15, 04/16/2008) – Puglisi has shown some physical growth in his frame. He was displaying his stride and speed to create scoring chances. He was also showing his puck skills off the rush as he was driving wide around defenders or slipping through holes to the net for opportunities. While Puglisi was not lighting up the scoresheet, he was involved offensively consistently. Grade: B
Red
Tucker Lyndaker #15 (F, R, 6’0″, 170, Nichols School, 05/29/2008, Vermont) – Lyndaker is a bigger, right-shot power forward who possesses the size, although he lacks the separation speed, higher-end puck skills, and offensive instincts. There were a few shifts whereby he muscled his way to the net and battled for puck possession, although his performance lacked the level of play for a USA Hockey PDC selection. Grade: B-
Tyler Newton #17 (F, L, 5’7″, 150, Buffalo Jr. Sabres U16, 01/21/2008) – Newton is a slight-framed, quick, and skilled left-shot forward. He was noticeable in shifts, and while he lacks strength and muscle, he excels with his smarts and skating. He made a good play vs. Team Grey, fighting off a check along the wall as he kept his feet moving and was able to open up a shooting lane, which created a rebound goal for #20 Schlechtweg. Grade: B-
Anthony Pedalino #4 (D, L, 5’10”, 186, Long Island Gulls U16, 04/29/2008, UMass Lowell) – Pedalino is a left-shot defenseman with good mobility and puck-handling skills. He was good at retrieving pucks, making a good outlet pass on the breakout, supporting his partner, and getting pucks to the net. He stayed out of trouble, making good puck decisions and defending with good gaps and positioning. He scored a one-timer goal from the point vs. Team Grey as the puck found its way through traffic over the goalie’s blocker. Grade: B
Joseph Salandra #19 (F, R, 5’10”, 185, Brunswick School, 02/15/2008, Harvard) – Salandra showed his creative offensive abilities in spurts. He smartly created scoring chances with his vision and puck skills, although vs. Team Grey he was a little snake-bitten as he was denied on a couple of 2-on-1 opportunities; one with #20 Schlechtweg looked to be a sure goal. He also showed his quick hands and feet, dipping around and through defenders, only to snap a shot off the crossbar. Salandra should earn a USA Hockey PDC selection, also based off his past performances. Grade: B
Will Schlechtweg #20 (F, L, 6’1″, 168, Kent School, 04/16/2008) – Despite not having an overly productive season at Kent School, Schlechtweg showed his power-forward style and was creating scoring chances. The big left-handed forward was using his body and long reach to win puck battles along the boards and in open ice. He created a nice turnover on the forecheck vs. Team Grey, which led to the setup of a scoring chance. He did score an early goal, going to the net hard and picking up #17 Newton’s shot from the outside, potting the rebound home. He also displayed good straight-line speed with the puck, challenging defenders off the rush as he got defenders back on their heels with his bigger body barreling down the wing. Grade: B+
Teal
Joseph Banas #11 (F, R, 5’4″, 132, Salisbury School, 03/31/2008) – Banas is an undersized, right-shot forward who plays with pace as he tries to create offense off the rush. While he was not dominant, he had success vs. Team Navy as he scored a goal on a well-placed snapshot from the top of the circle just inside the far post. He would also score later in the game after good pressure with #21 Tserlin, as he created a turnover in the corner and then cut to the net, slipping in a backhand goal five-hole. Grade: B
Luke Bell #12 (F, R, 6’1″, 181, Nichols School U16, 01/08/2008) – Bell is a bigger, right-shot forward with decent straight-line speed, although he lacks agility, balance, and strong edge work. He was good at battling for pucks along the walls and in corners and showed decent puck skills for his bigger size and reach. He showed some power and knack around the net at times, although he was not impressive enough to receive an invite to the USA Hockey PDC. Grade: B-
Nathan DeSanto #16 (F, R, 5’3″, 126, South Kent School 16U AAA, 08/04/2008) – DeSanto is an undersized, right-shot forward who showed some offensive flashes in spurts. He possesses a good stride with speed, which he used to challenge defenders off the rush. He showed a good knack, especially in the OT frame, for using his quick hands and stick checks to cause turnovers. DeSanto just lacked a consistent impression. Grade: B-
Sean Felker #5 (D, L, 5’7″, 145, PAL Jr. Islanders U16, 02/22/2008) – Felker is an average-size, left-shot defenseman who played a steady, physical game from the back end. He played a shutdown game, reading plays well and effectively angling out opponents on each shift. He showed good gaps along with stick and body positioning. He was not involved too much offensively, although he was solid in puck retrievals and breakouts. Grade: B
Dominick Mack #6 (D, L, 5’11”, 185, Long Island Gulls U16, 01/12/2008) – Mack is the definition of a steady, true two-way defender. He is a player who can play in any situation on both sides of the puck. While his game does not come with a flashy style, he is very effective in all three zones. He initiated good breakouts and puck decisions and was not afraid to join the rush as well. On the defensive side, he is always smart with his positioning, active stick, and effort. Mack also knows how to angle out and play the body effectively. He is a player who should be given an opportunity at the USA Hockey PDC. Grade: B+
Ryan Tserlin #21 (F, L, 5’7″, 146, Rockets Hockey Club U16, 01/25/2008, Lindenwood) – Tserlin thinks the game well, as he will execute deceptive passing options like indirect passes off boards, soft passes into open ice, or finding the slim opening through defenders’ legs. While he was not a constant factor at the NYS Evaluation Camp, he created turnovers that led to scoring chances and used his vision off the rush to set up teammates. Grade: B
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling