Played on Oct 27, 2022
United States Hockey League
Game Played in USA Hockey Arena
Scout: Ben Marshall
General Game Notes: With the exception of Youngstown’s good start in the second period, Team USA was in total control of this one from the start. The NTDP’s skillful and high pace of play was unmatched by the Phantoms in this contest.
| Trey Augustine | NTDP U18 | USHL | L | G | 6’1″ | 179 | Michigan State | 2023 | South Lyon, MI | 2005 | 2022-2023: C |
Game Rating:
A-
Comments: Deserves an accolade with the way he was able to swat away pucks in a crucial time. The score noted how good he played late in the game but it didn’t account for the saves that were shown. He’s a goalie that will challenge the play and force a shooter to make a decision. This is actually something that’s hard for a lot of shooters who want to get their shot off in tight. He has the athleticism to stop close range shots and recover to stop top of crease opportunities.
| Will Smith | NTDP U18 | USHL | R | C | 6’0″ | 172 | Boston College | 2023 | Lexington, MA | 2005 | 2022-2023: A |
Game Rating:
A-
Comments: I swear every shift this kid took he had a shot on net. He likes to shoot but he gets quality shots off and doesn’t just shoot from anywhere. Clearly one of the best parts of his game is how skilled he is in small areas, he has the ability to make the smallest area large with his quick stick handling and decision making. He has a wicked release of a shot and is why he is one of the leaders on his team in scoring, both goals and assists.
| Brady Cleveland | NTDP U18 | USHL | L | D | 6’4″ | 201 | Wisconsin | 2023 | Wausau, WI | 2005 | 2022-2023: B- |
Game Rating:
B+
Comments: This kids two way game is clearly on display every time he takes a rush into his own zone. He does a good job at being a defenseman that controls his gaps early and either tries to force a dump at the red line or plays the body to eliminate the player. In such an offensive minded team, players like Cleveland can get lost with how they play. Being physical and being able to handle the puck and make plays is a part of todays game.
| Ryan Fine | NTDP U18 | USHL | R | F | 5’8″ | 155 | Harvard | 2023 | Center Moriches, NY | 2005 | 2022-2023: C |
Game Rating:
A-
Comments: As the hero for tonight and scoring the game winning goal early in the third period Fine worked himself into having one of the better games shown on the ice. He’s sturdy on his skates that makes him hard to play against and doesn’t have the best jump out of a stance, but he makes up for this with his ability to read plays. Showed his IQ on the game winning goal, reading out the defensive coverage. Fines abilities to create holes for himself by deceptive stick handling and patience with the puck, is how so many scoring chances start with him.
| Oliver Moore | NTDP U18 | USHL | L | C | 5’11” | 188 | Minnesota | 2023 | Mounds View, MN | 2005 | 2022-2023: A |
Game Rating:
A-
Comments: His skating is what stands out the most when you watch Moore with and without the puck. His has the hockey player stride that looks effortless at top speed and can get that way quickly. His hands move with his feet and the duo of those things combined make him one of the more lethal players on the ice. One of the ways he makes him self stand out is how close he can get to opponents before he makes a move on them. He will enter wide on a defenseman and create a gap by cutting to the middle of the ice forcing the defender to enter his space or his teammates. He does this in tight too with speed and right before he gets it hell slip by.
| Will Vote | NTDP U18 | USHL | R | D | 5’8″ | 155 | Boston College | 2023 | Arlington, MA | 2005 | 2022-2023: C |
Game Rating:
A-
Comments: One of the more committed players on his team, he take the shot when he sees it and doesn’t hesitate. Scored a nice goal on the power play this way being a shooter, some players want to pass up the opportunity for the fancy back door pass, not Vote. One aspect about Votes game that really was highlighted was his ability to create trap passes in the offensive zone. He was able to get his teammates the puck when you think they’re not open but they are. He compresses the coverage and opponents to him which opens his teammates up for scoring chances.
| William Whitelaw | Youngstown Phantoms | USHL | R | C | 5’9″ | 173 | Wisconsin | 2023 | Rosemount, MN | 2005 | 2022-2023: A- |
Game Rating:
A-
Comments: This guy has a unique package of being an undersized powerful forward with a ton of skill. He’s plays the game with an edge and at a high pace. To sum up his game in one play, he will win a 50/50 puck battle in the corner, take it to the net and if there’s space, make a play at the goalie, if no space, he will jam the puck home with a little extra flare at the end. One thing he does really well is finish. Whether that is him finishing his play at the net, finishing his checks on the fore check, or finish a back check by creating a turnover or driving a guy into the boards. He’s a fun player to watch and compete.
| Hunter Bischoff | Youngstown Phantoms | USHL | R | F | 6’1″ | 181 | Augustana | 2022 | Cohasset, MN | 2003 | 2022-2023: C |
Game Rating:
B
Comments: Bischoff made himself noticeable today with grit and determination on the puck. He has that hunt mentality that is hard to teach. One specific play that stood out is him getting on the forecheck, crunching his guy into the wall, and getting back to create a turnover just as the other team was entering their offensive blue line. He’s the type of player, or at least in tonight’s game, that you want on the ice when it matters because you know what you will get, a blocked shot, finished body, or at the least an attempt at the net ending in a battle near the paint.
| Andrew Strathmann | Youngstown Phantoms | USHL | L | D | 5’11” | 175 | North Dakota | 2023 | Beach Park, IL | 2005 | 2022-2023: A- |
Game Rating:
B+
Comments: As an offensive defenseman, Strathmann does a good job at moving the puck to teammates with time and space. He goes back hard and with his smooth skating ability, he’s rarely second on the puck. He gets his head up and attacks space when he sees it, moves it when there’s an opening, trapping multiple fore checkers in the process. In the offensive zone, he’s mobile and has a quick release from the blue line. One thing he does really well at the point is showing poise with the puck, he’s not afraid to throw a couple head and shoulder fakes into his shot to help create deception and a better shot lane.
| Matthew Perkins | Youngstown Phantoms | USHL | L | C | 5’11” | 156 | Minnesota Duluth | 2023 | Balgonie, SK | 2004 | 2022-2023: C+2021-2022: C+ |
Game Rating:
A-
Comments: Playmaker identity when he has the puck. He will extend his possession in the offensive zone with cutbacks and make opponents chase him all over the ice. This opens up the coverage for him to find teammates and trap opponents. He does a good job at leading teammates when he passes it to them, giving them time and space to make their own play. With this type of play style, he is extremely diligent on the power play. In zone is great and he moves the puck around well, but its on entries is where he can really show what he does. Its hard under pressure to make plays but he’s not afraid to cut to the middle or find that cross ice seam pass that really opens up the ice and allows his team to set up.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images