Max Zimmer – McKeen's Hockey

Dropping the puck on the 2018-19 NCAA season – Part 2 – Hockey East, NCHC, Big 10

Ryan Wagman — Wed, 24 Oct 2018 17:54:50 +0000

In yesterday’s look at the NCAA season that is slowly cracking open. We touched upon the Atlantic 10, WCHA, and ECAC conferences. While national champions have come from the latter two conferences in recent years, there is no doubting that the strength of the collegiate game lies in the three conferences discussed here.

Hockey East

While some of the more well-known traditional powerhouses are based in the northeast, the vaunted Hockey east conference had a down year last season and seem to be in line for a repeat (in relative terms) this year. There are teams that were also-rans last year and who will likely continue to be league doormats this year. Chief among those is Vermont. Outside of leading scorer, who left school early to sign an ELC with Tampa, the majority of last year’s roster has returned, but the roster was not a strong one. There are three players who have been drafted by NHL clubs on the roster, but none has yet made a strong case that they are worthy of high-level professional careers after leaving the Catamounts. If there is a player to watch, it is junior captain Matt Alvaro, the leading returning scorer. Despite their conference schedule opener, in which they shut out Boston University by a 4-0 total, Merrimack will be in tough to be a factor as the year draws out. Defenseman Jonathan Kovacevic, a Winnipeg draft pick, plays a strong two-way game, but each of the top four point getters from last year have moved on and the team will need younger players to step up and contribute in ways they never have. The early season results are promising, but it is far too early to assume the growth is real. That said, netminder Craig Pantano was strong in partial duty last year and may be the type of unsung hero the Warriors need to stay competitive. New Hampshire used to be a staple at the NCAA conference, but they have been on the outside looking in for each of the last five years. Unlike the other bottom feeding systems, the Wildcats have a few impressive players available to them. Sharks’ pick Mike Robinson barely played last year as a freshman, but he seems to have a grip on the job early on and has performed well so far. Athletic Panthers’ prospect Max Gildon leads the blueline, and senior captain Marcus Vela (San Jose) is the center-piece of the offensive attack. Joining the attack will be veterans Ara Nazarian, Liam Blackburn, and Charlie Kelleher.

In the next rung of teams in Hockey East, we can look at UConn. Still a relative neophyte to the upper rungs, the Huskies are only in their fifth season in the conference, after migrating from the Atlantic. They are an interesting team in that the majority of their players of note are European-raised players, including their top two netminders, Adam Huska (NYR) and Tomas Vomacka (Nsh), blueliner Philip Nyberg (Buf), and forwards Ruslan Iskhakov (NYI) and Jachym Kondelik (Nsh). A few scoring forwards of note who have not been drafted include a pair of juniors in big Benjamin Freeman and Alexandre Payusov. A seeming concussion sustained by Iskhakov in the season’s second game could be a big setback to the team if he is unable to recover in a speedy fashion. The Maine Black Bears were seemingly ready to get back on the upswing, if not quite reach the heights that the program has in the past thirty years, which has seen them crowned NCAA champs twice, and reach seven other Frozen Fours. Unfortunately, days before the opening game, defender Patrick Holway, a Detroit pick, left the team due to unstated personal issues. In his absence, the team will lean more heavily on senior Rob Michel, the team captain, and sophomore Brady Keeper, both of whom have two-way bonafides. Up front, the team will rely on Detroit pick Chase Pearson to generate offense, and he will be joined by freshman Jacob Schmidt-Svejstrup, one of the top scorers in the USHL last year. More than anything, though, Maine’s hopes will rest on the crease work on Boston pick Jeremy Swayman, who was stellar as a freshman, earning Hockey East All-Rookie team honors and playing for Team USA in the WJC. He needs to be at least as good again for the school to have designs on a Tournament berth.

Next up are a couple of Massachusetts schools in UMass and UMass-Lowell. The UMass-Lowell River Hawks have been a solid contender ever since Norm Bazin took over the head coaching duties of a floundering program in 2011-12. They rarely get the press they deserve as they tend to lack in high profile, drafted players. With only four drafted players at present – only one of whom was taken before the sixth round, expect the team to be a sleeper again. Most of their top scorers return, led by Kenneth Hausinger, Ryan Dmowski, and Ryan Lohin (TB). The team has seen more turnover at the blueline, but Croix Evingson (Wpg) is slated to take a step forward, while Detroit pick Seth Barton has gotten his collegiate career off to a good start. Swedish puck mover Mattias Goransson could also garner NHL looks. Also, while Christoffer Hernberg had the lion’s share of the goaltending workload last year, Rangers pick Tyler Wall seems to have the coaches’ trust this time around. UMass Amherst does not have the recent success of Lowell to look back to, but they do have one of the top prospects in the collegiate game on the roster in Cale Makar (Col). The talented blueliner was strong last year, both as a freshman for the Minutemen as well as for Team Canada in the WJC, and should be even better this year, in what is likely his final season on campus. He is joined on the blueline by Mario Ferraro (SJ) and Marc Del Gaizo, both skilled puck movers. The forwards are less imposing as a group, but most of the big producers return from last year, led by Mitchell Chaffee, John Leonard (SJ), and Oliver Chau, who has missed the start of the season due to illness. A couple of exciting freshmen in Bobby Trivigno and Anthony Del Gaizo (Marc’s older brother), coming off strong USHL campaigns, make the team more of a scoring threat. Incumbent starting netminder Matt Murray returns, and he will be challenged by Finnish freshman Filip Lindberg.

Staying in the state of Massachusetts, powerhouses BC and BU have both gotten off to lousy starts to their respective seasons, but both have far too much talent up and down the roster not to expect brighter days ahead. Boston College may have the most deserved pessimism among the two, having scored only five goals in their first three games. Toronto pick Joseph Woll has as much talent as any collegiate netminder and he should keep the Eagles in most games, but he will need help. The most likely offensive presence is in the form of freshman Oliver Wahlstrom, a top draft pick of the Islanders and a pure sniper if such a beast exists. Another freshman with the burden of great expectations is Minnesota pick Jack McBain. Among returning forwards, Logan Hutsko (Fla), David Cotton (Car) and Graham McPhee (Edm) are the most consistent offensive threats. The talented and undersized Jacob Tortora could also take a step forward. The blueline lacks a true dynamic two-way threat, but Michael Karow (Ari) and Casey Fitzgerald (Buf) can both hold their own and Michael Kim is a good college player. Boston University also has a star between the pipes in Jake Oettinger, a former Dallas first rounder, who has been inconsistent, but with high end flashes in his collegiate career. The Terriers are deepest along the blueline, with five drafted players, all of whom deserve their high press. They are led by co-captain Dante Fabbro (Nsh), and supplemented by skill in David Farrance (Nsh) and Chad Krys (Chi), and more defensively centered defensemen, such as Cam Crotty (Ari) and Kasper Kotkansalo (Det). Up front, there are former first rounders including Shane Bowers (Col) and Joel Farabee (Phi) and later picks who are almost as talented in Patrick Harper (Nsh) and Jake Wise (Chi). Co-Captain Bobo Carpenter, a senior, has long been rumored to be a free agent contract beneficiary after graduation. While they have not done so yet, this team is chock full of players who can beat you on any given night.

Although Northeastern will no longer be able to rely on NCAA superstars Dylan Sikura or Adam Gaudette, they are still loaded with talent up and down the lineup and feature a stud netminder in Cayden Primeau (Mtl). An offensively inclined team, the attack includes assistance from the blueline in the form of Jeremy Davies (NJ), Ryan Shea (Chi), Eric Williams, and freshman Jordan Harris (Mtl). Even absent Gaudette and Sikura, the Huskies feature freshman Tyler Madden (Vancouver) and Matt Filipe (Car) up front, in addition to proven producers including Zach Solow, Brandon Hawkins, Grant Jozefek, and many more. In a conference full of outstanding goaltenders, it should be no surprise that our top ranked team, Providence, has one of their own in Hayden Hawkey (Edm), who is more than just a fantastic hockey name. Like with Northeastern, the Friars get a lot of offense from the blueline, led in their case by Jacob Bryson (Buf), Ben Mirageas (NYI) and Spenser Young. The Friars can also roll three solid scoring lines if everyone performs up to expectations. Philadelphia first rounder Jay O’Brien has been slow to start, but he should acclimate from the prep ranks to Hockey East in short order to take a place of prominence alongside player including Kasper Bjorkqvist (Pit), Brandon Duhaime (Min), Jack Dugan (Veg), Josh Wilkins, and Scott Conway. Any of the last four teams mentioned could feasibly end the year as Hockey East champions and pose legitimate title hopes. But if the last two seasons are any indication, they will have to prove they can hang with the titans from the Midwest.

National Collegiate Hockey Conference

For each of the past three seasons, when it came time to crown a national champion, the last team standing was a member of the NCHC conference. To give an idea at the depth of strength in this conference, the threepeat of sorts was accomplished by three different schools. One of those schools was not Miami University, although RedHawks were a finalist in 2009, their best ever finish. After three losing seasons, for them to threaten the powerhouses atop the conference once league play begins would be a shocker. Florida prospect Karch Bachman, one of the speedier players in the college ranks, may finally be ready to be a legitimate offensive contributor if his first few games are an indication. The team has some talent from the blueline as well, namely Grant Hutton, who is expected to have a few NHL options to choose from at the end of his senior season, and freshman Derek Daschke. The top new recruit though, and Miami’s big hope for the future, is Johnny Gruden, a top line player with the USNTDP last year and a fourth round pick by Ottawa. The team has a number of other solid players dotting the roster, but lacks much in the way of dynamic skill. A team with more higher end talent on the roster but a less cohesive team game is Nebraska-Omaha. Up front, there are offensively inclined forwards sch as Frederik Olofsson (Chicago), Steven Spinner (Washington) and Zach Jordan (watch out for this guy). Colorado pick Tyler Weiss should also be fun to watch, as he was often pigeon-holed into a bottom six role last year in the USNTDP, but his inherent skills suggest a higher ceiling. Pittsburgh draft pick Ryan Jones and Arizona pick Dean Stewart lead the blueline. Incumbent netminder Evan Weninger returns, but his position is not entrenched and Philadelphia prospect Matej Tomek will challenge after leaving North Dakota, where he never got a chance to play.

At this point, Western Michigan is probably also an underdog. Flyers’ prospect Wade Allison has dynamic scoring potential, and is one of, if not my absolute favorite player to watch in the college game, but he has not played since last January due to a lower body injury, and there are only rumors about the imminence of his eventual return. In his absence, St. Louis pick Hugh McGing will play a prominent role in the attack along with free agent Dawson DiPietro and Vegas pick Paul Cotter. Senior Colt Conrad is also auditioning for an NHL contract, after scoring at a point per game pace last year. From the blueline, the player to watch is Mattias Samuelsson, recently a second round pick of Buffalo’s. As he is more of a defensive defenseman, watch for smaller Cam Lee to add to the offense from behind. The squad will need more steadiness in net than they have received of late to launch a strong challenge for postseason play. Colorado College is a team on the rise, but it may be a year too soon to put them near the top. After four seasons with no more than eight victories, they took off with 15 wins last year, and should breach a .500 record this year with continued development from some of their key contributors. Netminder Alex Leclerc is too small to garner NHL interest, but is a very good collegiate goalie. Up front, Florida pick Chris Wilkie is ready to contribute after sitting out last season as a transfer. He joins a quarter of talented upperclassmen in Nicholas Halloran, Mason Bergh, Trey Bradley, and Westin Michaud. I also have my eyes on freshmen Benjamin Copeland and Erik Middendorf, both of whom were overlooked at the draft last year after strong seasons in the USHL. Although the forwards drive the Tigers’ attack, the defensive corps is not without talent, particularly in the forms of Kristian Blumenschein, and Benjamin Israel.

Three years removed from a championship, the North Dakota team that takes the ice today bears little resemblance to the title team. The only players of note with ties to the title are Dallas pick Rhett Gardner, a beefy two-way forward, and Hayden Shaw, a smaller, reliable and non-flashy defender. Hope and indeed expectations for continued contention is drawn from the Fighting Hawks’ recent recruiting classes. The blueline is receiving a talent injection from freshmen Jacob Bernard-Docker and Jonny Tychonick, who were ironically both drafted early by Ottawa last June. They join Colton Poolman, whose game is very reminiscent of brother Tucker’s. Versatile forward Grant Mismash, a Nashville pick, is expected to take his game up a notch up front. The team also needs to figure out which of Adam Scheel or Peter Thome (Clb) will take over as the starter from the departed Cam Johnson. Denver has more connections to their recent title, but now that Dylan Gambrell and Henrik Borgstrom have both turned pro, the core has changed. The team still has the makings of a contender though, with dynamic defender Ian Mitchell (Chi) set to be the main attraction. He is joined by a couple of freshmen blueliners of whom greatness is expected in Slava Demin (Veg) and Sean Comrie. Up front, the team will have to take a committee approach to scoring, as there is skill, but little of it is truly high end. There is a trio of drafted freshmen who could be better than anticipated in Cole Guttman (TB), Mathias Emilio Pettersen (Cgy), and Brett Stapley (Mtl). They join big game hero Jarid Lukosevicius. As with North Dakota, the Pioneers have to answers questions in net, as heralded recruit Filip Larsson is out indefinitely and Devin Cooley, who has taken the reins to start the season, is largely unproven.

The best hope for a fourth different NCHC championship in four seasons is St. Cloud State, which was actually the top ranked team in the country heading into the playoffs last year. There are teams in this conference with more NHL-bound talent than at St. Cloud State, but the Huskies do not lack in that regards either, while they fill in at the edges with a high caliber of support player. Former Montreal first rounder Ryan Poehling is ready to take the next step offensively and breach one point per game. Helping him to fill the nets are Patrick Newell, Robby Jackson, Blake Lizotte, and Easton Brodzinski. The blueline is similarly deep and skilled, led by tiny Jack Ahcan, Nick Perbix (TB), Jon Lizotte (no relation to Blake) and Jimmy Schuldt, who surprised many by ignoring the lure of the NHL after his junior season. Finally, in net, the team is equally comfortable going with David Hrenak (LA) or Jeffrey Smith, both of whom have displayed the ability to stop pucks at an above average rate in the NCAA. Of course, the NCHC could easily claim another title from a repeat champion. Last year’s champions, Minnesota-Duluth, were not expected to make a strong push, as they had a very young roster and were widely thought to be a season or two way from their “window”. Amazingly, only three of their top ten scorers from last year are gone. The blueline returns three sophomores who both spent time on the American WJC squad in Scott Perunovich (StL), Mikey Anderson (LA), and Dylan Samberg (Wpg). Netminder Hunter Shepard is still anonymous, despite his workhorse status on last year’s title run. Up front, former Dallas first rounder Riley Tufte is overdue to breakthrough, as he has been slowly refining his game to the point where he is nearly unstoppable down low. Helping out with the attack will be Peter Krieger, Nick Swaney (Min), and freshman Noah Cates (Phi). This year’s Bulldogs may be even better than last year’s champs.

Big 10

While last season saw the NCHC claim the crown for the third year in a row, it should not be forgotten that each of the other three teams in the Frozen Four came out of the Big 10. Of course, Michigan State was not one of those teams. The Spartans are now 11 years removed from their most recent title. They should see their wins total grow for the third year running, but are still not quite a challenger. They return nine of their top ten scorers from last year and Taro Hirose, Mitch Lewandowski, and Patrick Khodorenko are expected to lead the team once again. As promising as that trio is, it is unclear where the secondary scoring will come from. Starting netminder John Lethemon is good enough to keep MSU in games, but should not be expected to steal too many. After the Spartans, any team could reasonably reach the NCAA tournament, but some are less likely than others. Next up would probably have to be Penn State. It is easy to forget that the Nittany Lions have only been back in the NCAA for six seasons. Most of their top scorers from last year are returning, but the talent level is still something short of dynamic. Chicago pick Evan Barratt could be ready for the next step and Colorado pick Denis Smirnov is probably the most talented of the bunch. Upperclassmen Chase Berger, Brandon Biro, and Nathan Sucese are auditioning for NHL scouts and are productive, if not necessarily exciting players. The blueline is a relative weakspot, led as it is by Cole Hults (LA) and Kris Myllari. In net, Peyton Jones has had a nice career thus far, but it is unclear that he can be anything more than adequate at this level.

Since a pair of Frozen Four appearances earlier in the decade, Minnesota has been a bit of a hit-or-miss team. Last year saw a bit of both, but without second leading scorer Casey Mittelstadt on the team, the Golden Gophers could struggle once again to get back to the top. As always, they are exceptional recruiters, with this year’s star freshmen including Blake McLaughlin (Ana), Sampo Ranta (Col), and the draft eligible blueliner Benjamin Brinkman. Some of the returning players who could be critical include forwards Rem Pitlick (Nsh), Scott Reedy (SJ), Thomas Novak (Nsh), Brent Gates (Ana), and Tyler Sheehy along with blueliners Clayton Phillips (Pit), Ryan Zuhlsdorf (TB), and Tyler Nanne (NYR). In the early going it seems that last year’s backup netminder, Mat Robson, has surpassed former starter Eric Schierhorn. If Robson can maintain his performance over the full season such as he has in a part time role, the Gophers could be better than expected. The talent is here, but it needs to come together. Put anther way, Minnesota’s talent with Penn State’s structure could be a front runner. Wisconsin won 20 games in 2016-17 after combining for 12 victories in the two seasons prior, eliciting visions of grandeur. Unfortunately, the team sunk back down to 14 wins last year, prompting a rethink of the team’s standing. The Badgers are a team whose strength is on the blueline with five drafted players – all underclassmen - taking charge. Returning from last year are the physical Tyler Inamoto (Fla), the quiet puck mover Josh Ess (Chi), and offensively inclined puck rusher Wyatt Kalynuk (Phi). Joining them this season are a pair of USNTDP grads in checker Ty Emberson (Ari) and the dynamic K’Andre Miller (NYR), who has superstar potential. Veteran Peter Tischke rounds out the blueline corps. Up front, Wisconsin is not as exciting, but Sean Dhooghe, among the smallest high level players I have ever watched is a joy. Linus Weissbach (Buf) and Max Zimmer (Car) look like they will contribute and I have reasonably optimistic expectations of Tarek Baker as well. Like much of the conference, the Badgers are unsettled in net.

Notre Dame has been to the Frozen Four for both of the last two seasons, but the graduation of Jake Evans, the school’s number three scorer since the turn of the century, will have an impact. That said, the Fighting Irish are constantly restocking, so the team should be a strong competitor once more. Cale Morris was exception in net last year, winning the Mike Richter Award as the top goalie in the nation and will still be very good even if he takes a step back. Big Andrew Peeke (Clb) and mobile Matthew Hellickson (NJ) make a strong start to the blueline while veteran Bobby Nardella along with new recruit Spencer Stastney (Nsh) look like a good second pairing with two way capability. The top players up front include Callahan Burke, Cam Morrison (Col), and Dylan Malmquist. Even big Joe Wegwerth can overcome his stiff hands by being a tank in the opposing crease. Freshmen Jacob Pivonka (NYI), Graham Slaggert, and Alex Steeves could also go a long way to giving the Irish attack the needed depth to succeed. Ohio State does not have the flashy names that dot the rosters of most of the rest of the Big 10, but they have talent up and down the team and can win in many ways. They seem to be using a rotation in net, with both incumbent starter Sean Romeo and the younger Tommy Nappier in line to play a good amount. None of their key blueliners have been drafted, but any of Wyatt Ege, Grant Gabriele, Matt Miller, Gordi Myer, or Sasha Larocque can hurt you. There is a smattering of NHL interest up front, such as power forward Dakota Joshua (Tor), playmaker Carson Meyer (Clb) who transferred from Miami, smaller dynamo Mason Jobst and Hobey Baker candidate Tanner Taczynski (Phi). I could go on, but that might be enough to get back to the Frozen Four.

As good as Notre Dame and Ohio State are, not to mention Wisconsin, Minnesota, or Penn State, if the Michigan Wolverines get even halfway decent work in net, they could be the best team in the country. Quinn Hughes was a top ten pick last year by Vancouver and is as dynamic as blueliners get. This will be his last tune-up before moving to the NHL. First line center Josh Norris had a fine freshman season and then was one of the main pieces moving from San Jose to Ottawa in the Erik Karlsson trade. Will Lockwood (Van) is healthy again and provides an agitating, skilled presence. The Pastujov brothers, Nick (NYI) and Michael, provide strength and skill up front. Minnesota pick Nicholas Boka is a talented puck mover from the blueliner who can get the puck moving in the right direction when Hughes is catching his breath. Luke Martin (Car) and Joseph Cecconi (Dal) has shutdown qualities. Brendan Warren (Phi) can contribute offense while playing the tough minutes up front. Moving down the lineup there are other surprises in store as well. Ohio State may be a safer bet, but Michigan has the best chance among any team in the nation, to dominate any given night.

NHL Draft Review and Grades: Carolina Hurricanes

Grant McCagg — Tue, 28 Jun 2016 12:40:57 +0000

Jake Bean of the Calgary Hitmen was selected by the Carolina Hurricanes in the first round of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft in Buffalo, NY on Friday June 24, 2016. Photo by Aaron Bell/CHL Images

Carolina went many years without a legitimate top two defenceman… now they have an embarrassment of young riches with the addition of Jake Bean. Three years from now the Canes may have the best young defence corps in the league, especially if Bean continues his rapid improvement and develops into an NHL powerplay quarterback as many expect. A need to add size and skill to the wing was addressed in spades with the selection of Julien Gauthier, and given his physical attributes and later birthday it would not be surprising if he makes the team and contributes right away in a top-nine role.

RND	PICK	RNK	PLAYER	POS	CTY	HT/WT	TEAM
1	13	10	Jake Bean	D	CAN	6-0/175	Calgary (WHL)
1	21	20	Julien Gauthier	RW	CAN	6-3/225	Val d'Or (QMJHL)
2	43	81	Janne Kuokkanen	C	FIN	6-1/175	Karpat Oulu (Fin)
3	67	53	Matt Filipe	LW	USA	6-1/200	Cedar Rapids (USHL)
3	74	57	Hudson Elynuik	C	CAN	6-5/200	Spokane (WHL)
3	75	NR	Jack LaFontaine	G	CAN	6-3/195	Janesville (NAHL)
4	104	109	Max Zimmer	LW	USA	6-0/185	Chicago (USHL)
5	134	NR	Jeremy Helvig	G	CAN	6-3/195	Kingston (OHL)
6	164	NR	Noah Carroll	D	CAN	6-1/175	Guelph (OHL)

Julien Gauthier of the Val-d'Or Foreurs was selected by the Carolina Hurricanes in the first round of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft in Buffalo, NY on Friday June 24, 2016. Photo by Aaron Bell/CHL Images

Janne Juokkanen’s draft stock rose after the U-18’s, but grabbing him at 43 over a host of other players who outperformed him all season seemed like a stretch. Matt Filipe has the size/strength/skating to crack the NHL If he can play with more consistency, as does 6-5 center Hudson Elyniuk, one of the draft’s wildcards who was underscouted playing on a Western US team with no other prospects and dealing with injury woes the past two seasons. Jack Lafontaine was expected to get drafted, but 75^th overall was a lot higher than many scouts ranked him. Max Zimmer had a terrific WJAC in December…unfortunately, his play leveled off the second half of the season and his draft stock waned...there is skill there, however, and a good shot.

Jeremy Helvig at the 2016 NHL Draft in Buffalo, NY on Saturday June 25, 2016. Photo by Aaron Bell/CHL Images

Jeremy Helvig won the starter’s job on a first-place team in Kingston and then proceeded to implode in the playoffs. Noah Carroll was worth a look in the sixth round…no flashiness to his game, but a steady defender.

Grade – A: with one top ten, two top 20, four top 50, and six top 110 picks, the Canes earned one of the draft’s best grades.

USHL Prospect Watch: Below Peeke performance, Gosiewski potential hidden gem

Iain Morrell — Sun, 07 Feb 2016 08:24:22 +0000

The cream didn't really rise to the top at the recent USHL/NHL Top Prospects Game.

With scouts from all 30 NHL clubs in attendance, this event was a prime opportunity for the top 40 USHL prospects to showcase their talents.

Andrew Peeke of the Green Bay Gamblers entered the game as the top-rated player according to Central Scouting mid-term rankings for the 2016 NHL Draft

Ranked 50th among North American skaters, the Parkland, Florida native was decent enough for Team West who dropped a 6-2 decision to Team East, although the game was closer than the score indicated.

However, Peeke didn't hit it out the park in this game - and nor did the next three highest-rated skaters - Cameron Morrison (59th), Matt Filipe (64th), and Max Zimmer (66th).

Here are a few observations on some of the key participants:

Ross Colton (2014-16), LW, Cedar Rapids (USHL)

Stole the show and Team MVP honours with a five-point effort including the event's first-ever hat trick. The 1996-born winger has emerged as one of the top USHL scorers in his second season - and may have opened eyes on the pro front with this performance. A skilled and industrious winger with excellent strength for his size, the Robbinsville, New Jersey native had the engines roaring from the opening shift. Opportunistic, hard-working, not overly big but drove to the net with determination and showed a nose for getting into open lanes and using his quick, compact shooting release. Skating is decent - moves well laterally, stride is somewhat stiff and truncated but compensates with a high work rate which he sustains through plays. Produced the game's best individual moment on Team East's third goal - cutting in from the boards off a faceoff and squeezing through two checkers and unleashing a wicked wristshot top corner - while falling. The University of Vermont can look forward to getting a possible impact freshman next fall. Late bloomer has already been passed over in two drafts.

Matt Filipe (2016), RW, Cedar Rapids (USHL)

Took awhile for Filipe to get the engines warmed up in what was a quiet performance on the whole. Nevertheless, he did show a couple of flashes and likely emerged as the prospect with the most upside potential in this game. Flashed his elite straight-away speed midway through the second - racing down left wing, fighting off a physical challenge to cut around defender and sweep across the face of the goal - but can't tuck it in. Launched another strong rush in third - shouldering past Michael Boyle and carrying puck around the net before finding William Knierem with a nice cross-seam feed. Boasts impressive combination of strength and balance while moving and has some jam to his game. Can be a going concern when his feet are engaged away from the puck, however his intensity tends to go in and out. His effort level was spotty here.

Matt Gosiewski (2016), C, Cedar Rapids (USHL)

If one player might be the proverbial 'diamond in the rough'.... Blessed with a massive and rangy frame, soft hands for a big man, and a methodical approach to the game, Gosiewski has the tools to develop into a stout shutdown center. He already demonstrates sound defensive and positional sense - always in good spots behind the puck and mopping up defensively. He's also a smart and patient playmaker - aided by good in-close puckhandling skills - and has a quick shooting release. Skating needs to get stronger - sluggish in startup with short, choppy footwork, and limited stride length which hampers top speed. He does move well though on turns and pivots - and once in motion. The big concern though is overall intensity and grit. There's just not enough fire and brimstone in his game - as he rarely imposes his size in a physical sense. A native of Wilton, Connecticut with Polish lineage - watch for him to take a leap next season.

Cameron Morrison (2016), LW, Youngstown (USHL)

Never a good thing when you have to look for a player but Morrison was pretty much a non-factor in this game. It wasn't that he was invisible either as he put forth a decent effort, demonstrated strong stick work and effectiveness along the boards. Nearly banged home an in-tight rebound - his specialty - in the third period - and did score a late inconsequential goal. Has to really work in order to generate propulsion as his skating mechanics and body positioning - hunches forward too much - impacts power and speed. Laboured with the skating most of the night. The choppy ice surface didn't help and it got gradually worse. Have seen better energy from him in USHL play. A potential bottom-six winger at the pro level. The skating threw up red flags though.

Andrew Peeke (2016), D, Green Bay (USHL)

Gradually settled in after a rough opening shift that saw him defend a 2-on-1 poorly contributing to a quick opening goal. A large-bodied defender who competes well and can play a physical game. Moves comfortably for his size - turns, pivots and transitions are fluid - but appeared sluggish, heavy-footed - notably in startup and acceleration. Needs to work on first-step quickness and overall speed. Displays decent puckhandling skills along with poise - made an astute play on Team West's first goal - navigating puck into offensive zone and finding streaking winger down left side. Shaky defensively at times though - gets drawn out of position engaging puckcarriers off the rush and on down-low plays - and was steps behind his checks getting back to the net. Doesn't shine in any one area - upside may be limited.

Max Zimmer (2016), LW, Chicago (USHL)

The Medina, Minnesota native did not do himself many favours with this performance - looked far more effective at the World Junior A Challenge in December when he led the USA Selects with five goals and eight points. His compete level wasn't as high here as he mainly hovered around the perimeter and in conservative positions. Did show solid structure defensively - responsible plays - backing up his linemates. More in the mid-size range and not a physical presence, Zimmer attracts with his skating ability - smooth and graceful on his edges and packing strong acceleration and top speed. He can also carry the puck - but couldn't get in sync offensively and didn't create much in this contest.

Scouting USA: Andrew Peeke, Max Zimmer, William Knierem, Tanner Laczynski

David Burstyn — Sat, 09 Jan 2016 01:49:10 +0000

The World Junior A Challenge proved a valuable showcase for the three youngest players on Team USA.

Andrew Peeke, Max Zimmer, and William Knierem all enhanced their stock with impressive performances.

With just four first-time, draft-eligible players on the roster - Grant Jozefek being the other - Team USA appeared headed for a fourth straight title at the World Junior A Challenge before Russia rallied from behind to take the semi final.

The Americans rebounded and easily disposed of Canada East in the bronze medal game. It was their third bronze medal to go along with six gold medals since this tournament’s inception in 2006. Only once have the U.S. failed to earn a medal - that being in the inaugural year.

WHITBY, - Dec 18, 2015 - Game #12 - Bronze Medal Game, Team Canada East vs. United States at the 2015 World Junior A Challenge at the Iroquois Park Recreation Complex, ON. Andrew Peeke #9 of Team United States shoots the puck during the third period.
(Photo: Shawn Muir / OJHL Images)

Andrew Peeke (2016), D, Green Bay USHL

Becoming a fixture for Team USA international teams having suited up for both the Ivan Hlinka tournament and World Junior A Challenge .. played in a top four rotation and saw plenty of ice time and penalty-killing duties .. known more for his defensive acumen having earned 2014-15 ‘Defensive Player of the Year’ honours for the Selects Hockey Academy (USPHL) U18 Program .. relied upon heavily for his size and ability to suffocate the opposition .. got caught running around at times as he showed a lack of structure in his overall defensive game .. his puck skills and play with the puck were sloppy as he often looked uncomfortable handling the puck .. could execute a first pass with success, however struggled when pressured to make a play .. his skating looked worse than it did at the USHL Top Prospects Game .. overall footwork and skating mechanics showed a lumbering quality and a lack of a separation gear .. his first step seemed laboured which could be related to the fact that he appears to be carrying too much weight - has a thick lower body .. has impressed handling the rigours of the USHL while putting up healthy point totals .. his game should continue to develop at Notre Dame .. ultimately, will need to focus on playing to his strengths as a shutdown player at the pro level.

WELLINGTON, - Dec 11, 2015 - Exhibition Game 2- Team USA vs Team Canada East at the 2015 World Junior A Challenge at the Wellington District Community Centre, ON. Colton Point #1 of Team Canada East battles for control with Max Zimmer #6 of Team United States during the first period.
(Photo: Andy Corneau / OJHL Images)

Max Zimmer (2016), LW, Chicago USHL

Enjoyed an outstanding WJAC with a tournament-leading five goals to earn a berth on the Tournament All-Star Team .. finished second in overall scoring with eight points (5-5-3-8) - recording a point in every game .. situated on the third line, Zimmer often played on the top power play and was able to create with open ice due to his speed .. his first few steps are somewhat awkward in appearance, however, once he gets going, he has very good speed which he is able to maintain .. possesses a fast top gear and handles the puck well with speed .. gained the zone himself by driving defensemen out wide and circling behind the net to make a strong centering feed .. likes to draw guys out of position .. not against shooting with the room he opens up for himself - did not hesitate to get a shot on goal .. really dangerous around the goal especially from the side of the net - likes to get in tight and challenge defenseman in front of the goal .. he competes effectively but isn't much of a physical aggressor - does not run over guys .. a high energy player who constantly stays in motion .. only average in size at 6-0, 185 pounds - and will benefit from getting stronger and thicker .. his play without the puck needs to be more consistent .. he did a good job in close games, though did not exhibit that same type of urgency when Team USA was in command .. committed to play at the University of Wisconsin.

WELLINGTON, - Dec 11, 2015 - Exhibition Game 2- Team USA vs Team Canada East at the 2015 World Junior A Challenge at the Wellington District Community Centre, ON. William Knierem #24 of Team United States skates up the ice during the third period.
(Photo: Andy Corneau / OJHL Images)

William Knierem (2016), RW, Dubuque USHL

Produced more than admirably considering he received only limited ice time and was the team's designated 13th forward .. somewhat surprising considering that he wore a letter for Team USA at the Ivan Hlinka .. certainly made the best of his limited role and rotating centermen .. an extremely smart offensive player with strong game-reading abilities .. makes subtle plays to advance the puck and has a quick wrist shot that he gets off in a hurry .. gets his big frame into high traffic areas and is almost impossible to remove at 6-3 and 210 pounds .. struggles with his boots however, as he has difficulty turning and getting out of the gate .. will have to work on his footspeed and overall quickness as he rarely wins the loose-puck races .. demonstrates the ability to stay involved in the play due to his keen anticipation - which aids in being a point producer - posted 5-1-3-4 totals .. would greatly benefit from learning to use his size advantage more - and in the context of being nastier and more aggressive as he is an honest player and not a dirty one.

COBOURG, - Dec 15, 2015 - Game #5 - Canada West vs the United States at the 2015 World Junior A Challenge at the Cobourg Community Centre, ON. Tanner Laczynski #10 of Team United States passes the puck during the first period.(Photo: Tim Bates / OJHL Images)

Tanner Laczynski (2015), RW, Chicago USHL

Among the USHL scoring leaders in his second season with the Chicago Steel and first as an assistant captain .. in his second year of draft eligibility having been bypassed in the 2015 NHL draft .. managed to put on 30 pounds over the past two seasons and has added another two inches in height .. now stands a solid 6-1 and 200 pounds - and has a towering disposition on the ice and can be intimidating especially when barrelling down the wing .. possesses good hands .. registered 5-0-3-3 totals for the tournament on the second line primarily with Rem Pitlick and Liam Pecararo .. his skating is truncated - not the fleetest of foot yet still managed to get by .. uses his size to battle his way into better scoring positions .. named Best Forward at the 2015 Junior Club World Cup last August .. has a presence and should be able to develop at Ohio State University - a team that needs offence.

SCOUTING CANADA WEST: TYSON JOST, DANTE FABBRO, MATTHEW MURRAY

SCOUTING CANADA WEST: DENNIS CHOLOWSKI, BRINSON PASICHNUK, CALE MAKAR

SCOUTING RUSSIA: MIKHAIL BERDIN, VLADISLAV SUKHACHEV, ILYA KARPUKHIN, ALEXANDER YAKOVENKO, NIKITA MAKEYEV

SCOUTING RUSSIA: GERMAN RUBTSOV, ARTUR KAYUMOV, ARTEM IVANYUZHENKOV, VLACHESLAV SHEVCHENKO

SCOUTING RUSSIA: MIKHAIL MALTSEV, KIRILL SLEPETS, NIKOLAI KOVALENKO, MIKHAIL MESHCHERYAKOV, GEORGY IVANOV

SCOUTING USA: ANDREW PEEKE, MAX ZIMMER, WILLIAM KNIEREM, TANNER LACZYNSKI

SCOUTING CANADA EAST: BRETT MURRAY, OWEN GRANT, COLTON POINT, MATTHEW CAIRNS, ECOUARD MICHAUD, DEREK TOPATIGH

SCOUTING CZECH REPUBLIC: LUKAS DOUDERA, MILAN DAVIDEK, JAKUB SIROTA, KRISTIAN REICHEL, PAVEL KOUSAL

SCOUTING SWITZERLAND: LIVIO STADLER, LEE ROBERTS, MARCO MIRANDA, TOBIAS GEISSER

2015 World Junior A Challenge Scouting Reports

McKeen's Hockey — Fri, 01 Jan 2016 16:59:54 +0000

The American reign is over at the World Junior A Challenge.

Winners the three previous years, Team USA finished with a bronze medal at this year's event held in Cobourg and Whitby, Ontario.

Since the tournament's inception in 2006, only two teams have won a gold medal, that being Team USA and Team Canada West, with the Americans now holding a 6-to-4 edge in titles. The U.S. have medaled every year except at the inaugural event in `06.

Silver-medal winners in 2013 and 2014, Canada West reclaimed the crown led by Spruce Grove (AJHL) goaltender Matthew Murray and a pair of probable first-round NHL draft picks in Tyson Jost and Dante Fabbro.

Jost fired the winning goal and was named Tournament MVP, while Murray turned in a goaltending gem in the final to guide Canada West to a 2-1 victory.

Team Russia took home silver backstopped by the goaltending tandem of Mikhail Berdin and Vladislav Sukhachev.

Berdin earned a spot on the Tournament All-Star Team, as did forward German Rubtsov, another likely first-round pick in the 2016 NHL draft.

There were some other intriguing draft-eligible players on display at the tournie as well including Max Zimmer of Team USA, who boosted his stock with a strong showing.

U.S. Teammate William Knierem also impressed the scouts - making surprising contributions given his rather limited role on the team, starting the tournie as the 13th forward.

Follow the links below as we will be publishing over 35 in-depth player scouting reports from the 2015 World Junior A Challenge - exclusive to subscribers of McKeen's Hockey.

SCOUTING CANADA WEST: TYSON JOST, DANTE FABBRO, MATTHEW MURRAY

SCOUTING CANADA WEST: DENNIS CHOLOWSKI, BRINSON PASICHNUK, CALE MAKAR

NEXT: TEAM RUSSIA