| Alex Bump | Omaha Lancers | USHL | L | LW | 6’0″ | 194 | Vermont | 2023 | Prior Lake, MN | 2003 | 2021-2022: B- |
Bump is a solidly built left winger who showed the ability to protect the puck while cycling as well as the hockey IQ to change speeds manipulating the gap into his favor while on a line rush. One of the first things we noticed was his willingness to work away from the puck to create space. He did not just float around looking for passes. He sprinted to areas which created better passing lanes for his linemates and open ice for the pass receiver. Bump handled indirect passes cleanly and showed the ability to make on the tape backhand passes. He finished the game with 5 grade “A” scoring chances and 2 goals. His first goal game on an odd man rush where as the puck carrier he looked to his right and fired a bullet 16″ off the short side post. On his second goal he showed the awareness of a goal scorer where after a 2on2 line rush he stopped hard on the back door as his linemate carried the puck behind the net. This allowed him to get lost in coverage and fire home a one-timer from the top of the crease. Bump processes the game like a goal scorer and certainly has the ability to find the quiet area for open shots.
| Tucker Shedd | Omaha Lancers | USHL | L | D | 6’0″ | 181 | Michigan State | 2022 | Holt, MI | 2004 | Not yet rated |
Shedd is a stocky slightly undersized left shot defenseman who showed the ability to end the cycle quickly in his corner or below the goal line and a real willingness to clear shooting lanes in front of his net. While defending in the neutral zone he played with a tight gap, an active stick that led to turnovers and as well as the ability to retreat very quickly from a stand still. We also loved his willingness to sacrifice his body by getting big low to block shots, especially while dropping to his knee to block a one-timer at the end of the second period. We feel his strength and willingness to defend with purpose are a real asset to his overall game. We did notice a few poor indirect passes below his goal line that led to extended time in his defensive zone, but we feel this is a skill that he can continue developing. Shedd played top 4 minutes for the Lancers and although he did not see any power play minutes, he was second on the team in penalty kill minutes.
| Riley Rosenthal | Omaha Lancers | USHL | R | D | 6’3″ | 209 | Uncomm. | Coral Springs, FL | 2003 | Not yet rated |
The December 2003 is a 6’3″ 210 pound right shot defenseman who is in his second season in the USHL. He played a simple game and stayed out of trouble. Although he was credited with six turnovers in the game we have zero issues with it as his turnovers came after recognizing he had had no other options and used the boards to alleviate pressure. We would much rather see a player recognize trouble instead of creating it trying to do too much. Rosenthal played with a tight gap through the neutral zone and his stick placement forced poor passes and dump-ins. As a big righty scouts will always be drawn to watching him and we feel that with continued off-ice commitment to quickness that he is a player who will gain interest as he matures.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images