USNTDP – McKeen's Hockey

Wheeler’s Top 60 Prospects for the 2016 NHL Draft by League (November)

Scott Wheeler — Mon, 02 Nov 2015 13:00:18 +0000

Each season, I release three instalments of my rankings of the top 60 prospects for the NHL draft.

This year, these rankings will be divided by league and produced in November, February, and May, and available online at McKeen’s for the second time.

My top 60 is not to be confused with the official McKeen's Hockey top 30, which is published throughout the draft season.

Note on the rankings: The following rankings are compiled through extensive coverage and viewings of Ottawa 67's and Gatineau Olympiques home games, which provide the chance to watch and follow a hundred or-so draft eligible players in the OHL and QMJHL who make up the majority of the top end of the draft class. For prospects from the NCAA, USHL, NTDP and abroad, I make sure I have several viewings before the first publication of these rankings in November. These viewings are cumulative from this year and last (while scouting the previous class). Events viewed beyond the CHL include the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament, World Junior Development Camps, the Subway Super Series, U17s, U18s, club play internationally, marquee U.S. events, college tournaments, and a heavy focus on a select few European players in SHL and Swe. Jr. games.

November’s Top 60 Prospects for the 2015 NHL Draft by League (overall ranking in brackets)

Ontario Hockey League (OHL)

Jakob Chychrun, Sarnia, D (#2)
Matthew Tkachuk, London, LW (#4)
Alex Nylander, Mississauga, LW (#6)
Olli Juolevi, London, D, (#10)
Alex DeBrincat, Erie, RW (#18)
Dmitri Sokolov, Sudbury, C (#20)
Michael McLeod, Mississauga, C (#23)
Logan Brown, Windsor, C (#24)
Mikhail Sergachev, Windsor, D (#26)
Max Jones, London, LW (#27)
William Bitten, Flint, C, (#28)
Sean Day, Mississauga, D (#31)
Adam Mascherin, Kitchener, C/LW (#35)
Victor Mete, London, D (#39)
Dante Salituro, Ottawa, C (#49)
Taylor Raddysh, Erie, RW (#50)
Kyle Maksimovich, Erie, LW (#51)
Travis Barron, Ottawa, LW (#58)
Nathan Bastian, Mississauga, C (#59)
Markus Niemelainen, Saginaw, D (#60)

Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL)

Pierre-Luc Dubois, Cape Breton, LW/C (#9)
Vitali Abramov, Gatineau, RW (#15)
Julien Gauthier, Val-d’Or, RW (#16)
Samuel Girard, Shawinigan, D (#21)
Luke Green, Saint John, D (#32)
Maxime Fortier, Halifax, RW/C (#36)
Frederic Allard, Chicoutimi, D (#37)
Pascal Laberge, Victoriaville, C (#42)
Matthew Boucher, Quebec, LW (#43)
Otto Somppi, Halifax, C (#45)
Brandon Gignac, Shawinigan, C (#48)

Western Hockey League (WHL)

Tyler Benson, Vancouver, LW (#12)
Sam Steel, Regina, C (#14)
Jake Bean, Calgary, D (#19)
Kale Clague, Brandon, D (#22)
Dillon Dube, Kelowna, C (#29)
Simon Stransky, Prince Albert, LW (#33)
Brett Howden, Moose Jaw, C (#38)
Max Lajoie, Swift Current, D (#41)
Libor Hajek, Saskatoon, D (#44)
Vojtech Budik, Prince Albert, D (#52)
Zach Sawchenko, Moose Jaw, G (#56)
Lucas Johansen, Kelowna, D (#57)

United States (NCAA, USHL, NTDP)

Kieffer Bellows, NTDP, C, (#8)
Clayton Keller, NTDP, C (#13)
Charlie McAvoy, Boston University, D (#17)
Chad Krys, NTDP, D (#25)
Luke Kunin, Wisconsin, C (#46)
Adam Fox, NTDP, D (#53)

Sweden (SHL, Swe. Jr.)

Carl Grundstrom, MODO, LW (#30)
Rasmus Asplund, Farjestad, C/LW (#40)
Sebastian Aho, Skelleftea, D (#47)
David Bernhardt, Djurgardens, D (#54)
Jonathan Dahlen, Timra, C/LW (#55)

Finland (Liiga)

Jesse Puljujarvi, Karpat, RW (#3)
Patrik Laine, Tappara, RW (#5)

British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL)

Dante Fabbro, Penticton, D (#7)
Tyson Jost, Penticton, RW (#11)

Switzerland (NLA)

Auston Matthews, Zurich, C (#1)

Russia (MHL, U18)

German Rubtsov, Russia U18, C (#34)

Just missed: Evan Fitzpatrick, Givani Smith, Otto Makinen, Beck Malenstyn.

Jack Roslovic, USNTDP – Ohio native shines in international play

McKeen's Hockey — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 15:43:34 +0000

The Columbus native is the first player from Central Ohio to suit up for the USNDTP. Roslovic started skating with the top line in November (Matthew Tkachuk, LW and Auston Matthews, C) and has thrived due to his smart play with the puck. He looked absolutely dominant at the U18 Four Nations tournament in November where he recorded four goals in four games (3-4-4-8. ). After a quiet start at the Five Nations tournament in February he progressively improved with each game to tie for the team scoring lead (3-2-4-6). Roslovic continued his strong international play in the recent US gold medal victory at the U18 World Junior tournament finishing sixth in scoring (7-6-5-11) - highlighted by opening the scoring against the Finns in the gold medal game in the third period. His success internationally along with a solid showing in 18 games versus collegiate competition (18-3-7-10) demonstrates his ability to get it done against older players as well as elite talent within his peer group. He is currently ranked #30th on the most recent McKeen's NHL Draft Rankings.

Here is a scouting report from David Burstyn and Iain Morrell:

________________________________________________________________________

Photo by Tom Sorensen

Jack Roslovic (2015), RW, USNTDP

A clever winger who gets into good shooting lanes but often looks to pass first as he understands that he will get it back .. superb pivoting and transitions while moving that supports his body positioning to receive passes.. shifty and crafty puckhandler sees openings and makes sharp passes through a maze of players .. extremely adept at creating puck movement with his stickhandling - and then deftly dishing off a play on his backhand .. great outside speed as he is a gifted skater, whose appearance is slightly awkward with unique skating mechanics and foundation .. legs are bowed and elastic, feet flay like pinball flippers .. yet he manages to reach top levels of quickness especially out of the gate .. chips pucks in deep .. uses his speed on the forecheck to play a dump and chase type of game which results in timely possession down low .. possesses good hand/eye coordination in close .. when he is dialled in and willing to take a hit to make a play is when he is most dangerous – needs to be involved as the knock on him at times is that he is not an overly courageous player .. plays within his role and is smart and skilled enough to play with talented line mates .. committed to Miami for next season.

2015 NHL Draft: Colin White USNTDP – Season interrupted

McKeen's Hockey — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 13:03:45 +0000

Colin White came into the season with high expectations after an impressive debut for USNTDP. Instead he has endured a year interrupted by injury missing five games with mono and a further seven with a wrist injury. Centering the second line behind Auston Matthews he has seen a step back in offensive production from his rookie season, never quite getting back on track from the time missed. After posting well over a point a game in 13-14 (47-33-30-63) he is just below that this season (51-19-30-49). Flanked by Brendan Warren on his left and Christian Fischer on his right, his offensive upside has seen limited opportunity behind the scoring exploits of 2016 draft eligible front-liners, Matthews and Matthew Tkachuk. An assistant captain on the US squad along with tournament scoring leader Matthews facing the Canada in the Semi-Finals for the U18 World Championships he has contributed 5 points (5-2-3-5) to this point.

Photo by Tom Sorensen, courtesy of the USNTDP

Strong two-way play and natural instincts, he remains projected to go in the middle of the first round (#19 on McKeen’s March ranking) despite a lower profile this season. David Burstyn provides a scouting report on White:

Colin White (2015), C, USNTDP

Cerebral two-way forward who offers a complementary skill set backed with slick passing skills and a better than average shot .. works hard to get pucks into play and is always looking to create .. competes in all areas of the ice and is not afraid to go into traffic to get a shot off .. great on the cycle , stays low to the ice and works tirelessly along the wall .. always in and around the puck .. good individual skills as his hands operate quickly and he can stick handle by the opposition .. strong offensive zone awareness and the ability to gain the zone .. competent on draws and relied upon heavily in defensive zone to win possession .. strength lies in ability to read the play without the puck as he makes himself serviceable by angle checking and taking away passing lanes .. decent offensive productionaverages close to a point a game but will benefit by playing with better line mates who can fulfill the plays that he helps to create.

US National team developing impressive talents for 2016 draft

Sean LaFortune — Tue, 24 Feb 2015 20:08:03 +0000

In a short time period, the US-NTDP has earned a strong reputation for developing some elite prospects. Established in 1996, the program has graduated skaters such as Patrick Kane, Erik Johnson, Phil Kessel and Cam Fowler, representing their country internationally while developing their skills. The 2014/2015 U17 program has some impressive talents, here is some notes on ones that were on display this past weekend in Ann Arbour.

Clayton Keller (2016), F, 5'9, 165 lbs

Photo byTom Sorensen

High skill forward who has all the tools to be an offensive leader at the next level. Offensive leader of the 2015 US-NTDP, leading the team in scoring, the offensive flows through him. A Draft pick of the Windsor Spitfires who has committed

to play for Boston University for 2016, following in the footsteps of 2015 NHL Draft prospect Jack Eichel. A natural flow to his game, he controls the puck almost autonomous to the rest of his body. Plays a speedy, uptempo style, darting skater and clever play maker. Loves to be a difference maker and can break a game open with his razor sharp instincts and dynamic first step burst. Quick and sly with a gift for disguising intentions and making plays out of nothing. Elite weapon is a dynamic snapshot with an unpredictable release point. Soft, skilled hands, can paralyze opponents with his 1 on 1 moves. Continues to add bulk and mass to a slightly undersized frame, adding power and strength to his game. Lacks a natural mean streak, can shift to an outside threat when the going gets tough. Doesn't appear to be as energetic with his three zone play, as he can lack commitment to the defensive size of his game. Has all the tools to be one of the top offensive threats in the 1998 birth year and a top prospect for the 2016 NHL Draft if he continues on his current levels of projection.

Chad Krys (2016), D, USNTDP, 5'11, 182 lbs

Photo by Tom Sorensen

A skilled and creative puckmover with gifted vision and high intelligence. A New Jersey native and draft pick of the Moncton Wildcats of the QMJHL. Assertive, take-charge type who displays a calm nature to his game. Elusive thanks to fast and deceptive skating, plus an ability to think the game steps ahead. Skilled and mobile, a natural moving with the puck. Slick on his edges boasting exceptional lateral quickness and agility. Excels as a transition threat, displaying good skill and tempo on outlets, equally adept at skating the puck into open ice or stretching the ice. Confidently joins the attack, provides support for forwards. A true powerplay quarterback, smartly walks the line, head up and assessing, creating space and passing lanes. Increasingly assertive as a physical presence along the boards, yet not as diligent patrolling the crease, can be passive in net front battles. Gradually adding muscle to a lean frame and learning to use his skating to sustain a positional edge defending 1-on-1. Suffers lags in intensity and can be too accommodating to opposition forwards. Has yet to commit to an NCAA program, however he is expected to do so soon. May look to follow in the footsteps of Zach Werenski and Noah Hanifin by playing in the NCAA as a 17 year old Draft eligible skater.

Nick Pastujov (2016), F, USNTDP, 6'0", 195 lbs

Instinctive, finely skilled sniper with a terrific shooting release. A Florida native who moved to Detroit to face a higher level of competition. A standout in the recent World U17 Challenge. A graduate of the HoneyBaked U16 program, where he skated with brother Michael, a top prospect for the 2015 OHL Draft. Dangerous and slippery in one-on-one situations and in transition. A gifted passer and sneaky puck carrier, able to impact the game offensively in many ways. Patient and unpredictable, masterful at finding passing seams. An assertive shooter, gets the puck to high percentage scoring areas and flashes an ability to finish plays. Does not rush delivery, shot is hard, accurate and deceptive. Increasingly more

comfortable in traffic, aided by gains in overall strength and skating. Can struggle with consistency, looks like a star one game and struggles to make an impact another. Still somewhat one dimensional, doesn't track back into coverage and can fail to support defenders. Drafted by the Saginaw Spirit of the OHL, he is expected to play with the U18 program next year before heading to Michigan for 2016.

Max Jones (2016), F, USNTDP, 6'2", 189 lbs

A high-compete level winger with an elite snapshot. One of the top performers at the 2014 World U17 Challenge, where he was named to the tournament All Star team. An instinctive player who brings a unique blend of skill, determination and toughness. Unusually calm in possession, can dangle due to soft hands.Intentions are masked due to excellent body language and overall presence. Stays in constant motion, has a knack for getting to loose pucks, powered by impressive anticipation. Fiery and competitive, extremely difficult to play against, specifically in puck battles. An elite shooter, finds ways to put the puck on net, taking advantage of a hard, accurate snap shot, one that he can get off quickly and in stride. Can go overboard, doesn't always know when to pull back, can take some undisciplined penalties. Can struggle with tunnel vision when in possession at times, fails to make the proper assessment, holding onto the puck for a bit too long. Making more astute reads of the ice in possession will be a key. Must continue to develop a more well-rounded two way game, keeping his feet moving in the defensive zone and injecting himself into the defensive zone with passion. Projects as a skilled finisher who plays a mean, uncompromising game at the next level. A 1st round draft selection of the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League in 2014, he has yet to commit to either the OHL or NCAA.

Jeremy Bracco paving his own path to NHL

Scott Wheeler — Thu, 22 Jan 2015 00:32:55 +0000

Hockey has always been a family affair for the Bracco’s.

At Christmas this year, brothers Mike and Jon Bracco pulled out some old photos of themselves playing against each other. Each had played NCAA hockey as goaltenders, each had won one game a piece against one another.

For Mike, it would have been easy to coach his son Jeremy through minor hockey as a goalie. Instead he insisted otherwise, despite the goalie equipment and memories that line the family’s home and stories.

Now 17 years old, Jeremy is paving his own path to college hockey and beyond, slotted to attend Boston College (BC) next fall and an expected top draft pick in this year’s NHL Draft.

“You know what, my dad said he wouldn’t let me [play goalie] so I don’t think I asked,” Jeremy said in an interview Tuesday evening.

Photo By Tom Sorensen, Courtesy of the USNTDP

Ever since, he hasn’t looked back, joining USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program (USNTDP) last year, where he has since played on both the national under-17 (U17) and under-18 (U18) teams, scoring at well over a point per game in various competitions and leagues.

For a young man on the fast track to the NHL, schooling remains a top priority though.

“The NHL is the end goal for me, every player wants to have a 20-year career and be in the Hall of Fame,” he said. “But you have to complete school and you need a backup plan after hockey so that’s definitely a big thing for me too.”

Boston College emerged as his choice after giving consideration to Harvard University and Boston University (BU).

His choice, he said, has created a friendly rivalry of sorts between fellow American-born prospects.

Jeremy currently plays on a line with Colin White, a future teammate with Boston College and Jordan Greenway, a future adversary committed to BU. In this year’s All-American Prospects Game, he also played on a line with current BU forward and top-ranked 2015 draft prospect Jack Eichel.

“It was pretty funny how two BC guys on one line now and I was playing on the BU line in the prospects game,” Jeremy said.

It was the All-American Prospects Game where the diminutive 5’9” forward exploded for two goals, including a breakaway tally, with the hockey world watching.

Still though, it wasn’t the highlight of his career to date.

“Everyone wants to play well in high stakes like that with everyone watching but a career highlight for me is definitely winning the U17s last year,” he said of his 11 points in six games performance on route to a gold medal.

On the day NHL Central Scouting released their midterm rankings, with Bracco ranked at 36 among North American skaters, he said they don’t change anything.

“I mean, 36, 2, 7 or 10, you always want to be better and get higher and beat the next guy in front of you or the next five guys in front of you,” he said, adding that every player should have a chip on their shoulder to push them to be better.

“The end goal is to play in the NHL and rankings really don’t matter for that,” he said.

Still, Jeremy said he recognizes that as a smaller player it’s up to him to prove he can play against bigger competition. He said he believes he’s done that this year.

His size isn’t the only challenge he’s had to overcome either. After being one of the last cuts from the U.S. World Junior Team this year, Jeremy has tried to turn a negative into a positive.

Jeremy points to positive feedback from coaches Don Granato, Mark Osiecki and Kevin Patrick as well as general manager Jim Johannson as helping him become a better player.

“They were telling me ‘you made it a real tough decision’ and I don’t think people thought I would get an opportunity.”

Jeremy also credits Buffalo Sabres prospect J.T. Compher, who was his roommate during the camp, for his advice.

“He just tried to help me to never be satisfied and always keep my head up no matter what happens,” he said. “I mean, getting invited as a younger player is a tremendous honour, it was a great experience.”

Moving forward, Jeremy has his eyes set on a U18 gold medal.

“The main thing that we’ve been preaching for two years now here, for myself personally and for the team is winning that U18 gold medal,” he said. “We were fortunate enough to be undefeated last year internationally and we’re going to hope to keep that going.”

Alex Tuch blazing his own trail

McKeen's Staff — Thu, 19 Jun 2014 11:35:21 +0000

It's hard to miss the imposing frame of Alex Tuch on the ice.

Of course, playing on a line with one of hockey's next great superstars in Jack Eichel will get you noticed. But Tuch is more than merely riding shotgun alongside Eichel and potential first round pick Sonny Milano on the United States National Team Development Program.

Tuch is that intriguing blend of size at 6-foot-3, 215 pounds and skill with the offensive instincts and soft hands to convert on his opportunities. His natural scoring touch and playmaking abilities will be his two biggest calling cards on draft day.

Although work remains in his skating and defensive awareness, Tuch's size and offence will be appealing for a team projecting his future role in the NHL. If he can add a more physical dimension, his versatility and value to his NHL team will be huge.

Tuch is committed to Boston College in the fall.

Alex Tuch (2014), RW

Brought a decorated resume to the program after destroying the EMJHL Jr. B in 2011-12 scoring 101 points as a double under-ager (15) to lead the league in scoring .. first line right winger for the program has profited by playing with Eichel and Milano to form one of the deadliest lines in the entire USHL .. a finesse power forward who uses his hands more so than his size to rack up points .. possesses a subtle yet deadly quality inside the offensive zone and is extremely effective in close .. does the most damage within five feet of the goal, getting the puck to the net .. slick hands and unrivalled strength on his skates .. equal parts passer and shooter, Tuch is an instinctive offensive player who wants the puck and makes hard plays .. skating is a work in progress, first step needs refinement but he has a thick elongated stride .. defensive assignments can be missed as he gets caught behind plays and will need to move his feet quicker in the neutral zone at the next level .. would benefit from growing his physical involvement and adding bite to his game.

2014 NHL Draft: More than meets the eye to USNTDP defenders Ryan Collins, Johnathan MacLeod

David Burstyn — Sun, 30 Mar 2014 13:19:59 +0000

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder for a collection of USNTDP defenders whose projections surpass their current contributions.

Ryan Collins is filling out the type of frame NHL scouts tend to covet. His growth spurt came in bulk this season, and the more defensively-conscious defenceman is an intriguing prospect, but with offensive limitations to his game.

The numbers don’t tell the entire story where Johnathan MacLeod is concerned. The product of Dracut, Mass. has shown glimpses of an offensive game that could one day come together. The two-way defenceman comes with his share of warts, but boasts potential to develop into a better pro than a junior.

Nathan Billitier compensates for his lack in size with a two-way game that should see him succeed at Notre Dame next season. His future in pro hockey is less certain.

Photo by Tom Sorenson

Ryan Collins (2014), D
Added 25 pounds of weight to his burgeoning frame and is the biggest player on the team at 6’5, 205 .. still developing he can be awkward, as his feet and hands do not always work in concert with one another .. raw puck skills prone to panic under pressure and throws it up the middle rather than using the boards to make a play .. average mobility, speed and lateral quickness -- uses wingspan and long reach to defend .. doesn’t stand up guys at the line but will hit back if pressured and loses the puck .. needs to move his feet in the defensive zone to support his defensive partner better .. must learn take a hit to advance a play .. less is best when it comes to handling the puck -- can make a decent first pass but gets into trouble when he hangs onto the puck too long .. weak slap shot not a PP weapon .. promising prospects needs to fill out and show more confidence in all facets of his game; committed to Minnesota.

Photo by Tom Sorenson

Johnathan MacLeod (2014), D
Committed to Boston University, McLeod is an interesting mix of offensive ability and defensive prowess despite not posting solid numbers since joining the program; only 2 goals through two seasons and 92 games of play .. knock-kneed but displays solid acceleration and power behind stride .. garners good speed within a few steps and explodes up the ice .. limited in terms of reverse movement, struggles to defend as a result as he can be exposed .. shows modest agility as he can spin off guys with half curls, yet still needs to work on his overall fluidity .. defensive zone awareness is a work in progress .. a good option on the PP due to his cannon of a point shot .. posesses many available tools and is an intriguing prospect at this point.

Nathan Billitier (2014), D
Growth has stalled since joining the program last year and continues to need to add weight .. committed to Notre Dame .. plays a staunch defensive game as he compensates for his lack of size with solid positioning .. strong decision-making with the puck as he rarely gets into trouble .. swift and calculated in terms of his first pass out of the zone, will take an extra step or curl back if an option does not present itself .. solid skater in all directions, good use of his edges and knows how to defend as a result .. puck skills are mature, handling it well and playing on both special teams .. falls into the ‘too small’ category but has very good skills and will benefit from four years of College to develop his game.

2014 NHL Draft: Jack Glover, work in progress, leads US U-18 Defence

David Burstyn — Wed, 19 Feb 2014 14:00:11 +0000

The season started promisingly for the Golden Valley, Minnesota native being selected for the 2013 USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game in September. While currently leading the USA NTDP U-18 team in defense scoring (56-6-14-20), it was largely built on a productive start (16-2-9-11) and has since had only three assists in 23 games (23-0-3-3), including the recent Five Nations tournament. Team USA captured their first title at the tournament since 2011 with a perfect record (4-0-0-0). Glover contributed one assist, and while he has not stood out in the same fashion on the international stage as last season, he remains an important piece of the American national U-18 team.

Currently the fourth ranked USA U-18 NTDP player by Central Scouting in their Mid-Term rankings, 27^th overall amongst North American skaters, and the sixth ranked defenseman (first among US skaters). The spotlight was on him entering the season and will remain for the rest of the year. The opportunity is there for Glover following an interesting career to date. He is a raw project at this point, as are many defenceman of size leading up to the NHL Draft.

McKeen's Hockey Director of Scouting, David Burstyn, provides a game report for Glover

Photo by Tom Sorensen

Jack Glover (2014), D, USNTDP
Led all defenseman last year in goals (6) and played in all 56 games for the Program in 2012-13 .. dominant at last year’s U17 World Challenge but mediocre in this season's international tournaments, both the U18 Four Nations (3-0-0-0) followed by the U18 Five nations (4-0-1-1) .. possesses mammoth size but not an overly physical player .. surrenders too much gap in defensive zone and needs to swallow up ice and apply a physical dimension to be more difficult to play against .. decent feet and mobility, excels when moving straight ahead .. fumbles the puck at times when forced to make quick cuts and turns .. requires time to make a play with the puck due to inconsistent skills .. shows good vision at times. but not with consistency, and can be guilty of throwing the puck away .. prefers to log the puck up ice rather than making a first pass .. takes wrong side of puck carrier in defensive situations and is easily beaten by smaller players along the boards .. adequate on the power play, as he can make a pass, but lacking a blistering point shot .. poorly timed pinches are notable both with the man advantage and in five on five situations .. big and raw, he has shown a dynamic to his game in the past, but has failed to live up to expectations .. falling in-between at this point as he has not manufactured offence nor defended with authority.

More than meets the eye from Team USA

David Burstyn — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 18:40:50 +0000

The United States National Team Development Program will begin its defence of four-consecutive under-18 world championship gold medals.

Keaton Thompson will begin the tournament needing a big performance to salvage a season’s worth of poor showings. The defender appears to have peaked after slipping into a comfort zone which produced little growth in his game.

Michael McCarron is trending upwards. The hulking 6’5 forward is an immovable object in front of the opposition’s goal and is showing the type of improvements and progression in his game scouts like to see.

John Hayden scored some big goals for his team throughout the season and brings a lunch-pail mentality on every shift. Meanwhile, newcomer Tommy Vannelli brings depth and a responsible, two-way game to Team USA.

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Keaton Thompson (D, 2013), USA

Courtesy of the US National Team Development Program

Has shown limited improvement since the onset of the season .. looks very attractive on the ice thanks in part to a smooth and silky skating style .. tends to play the game at a single pace and hasn’t learned to push the envelope this year, both from a physical and offensive perspective .. easy to play against defensively in large part due to his unwillingness to take a hit .. maintains a good gap and uses his stick well but is often the second man in and hopes to create the illusion that he wants the puck .. will step into a guy on occasion but isn’t naturally aggressive .. needs to follow through on plays as he can get caught up ice and his rushes usually fizzle before an offensive opportunity is created .. offensive totals this season have been less than impressive .. hasn’t elevated his play in several key tournaments .. needs to rebound at the U18 World Championships to salvage his draft stock as a top ’90-born prospect.

Michael McCarron (W, 2013), USA

Courtesy of U.S. National Team Development Program

Arguably the most improved player at the program since the beginning of the season .. McCarron’s foot speed and skating mechanics have shown some polish, however, upgrades to his fluidity and agility are a must moving forward .. glide helps him gain the zone and stay involved in plays due to his somewhat wonky turning .. makes good use of his size by attacking the net and staying in the slot .. unmoveable in front once he plants his feet .. his shot release has gotten quicker as he has been able to settle down pucks with more regularity .. goes to the net looking for more garbage goals off rebounds .. shown more creativity with the puck and is capable of generating plays not just on the cycle but in open-ice .. playing harder in all three zones and finishes his hits with regularity .. most physically-developed and imposing on the team, standing at 6’5 .. also racked up the most PIM on the team .. has time to develop and grow into his expansive frame .. has a lot to gain from a good showing at the U18 World Championships as he will be under the microscope to see how he performs against other country’s elite players .. his style compares favourably to Mike Rupp.

John Hayden (W, 2013), USA

Courtesy of the US National Team Development Program

Perennial hard worker continues to flourish in a multitude of roles on the team, including providing timely scoring (4 GWG) while also adding a layer of physical play that keeps the opposition honest .. not opposed to engaging in a fight and actively seeks it out on the ice .. always comes to the aid of his players and is involved in scrums .. hand skills and creativity surprise; at times, he can make skilled plays that often catch his line-mates by surprise .. not a stranger to traffic areas .. willingly takes a hit as he bangs and crashes at rebounds in front with little fear of the punishment he will receive .. choppy skater .. has a powerful thrust to his game but his lateral quickness and overall agility is quite sloppy and needs refinement .. plays a hard-nose, character game and is highly-adaptable to most game situations .. may struggle on the big ice at the U18 World Championships, however, his determination will always keep him involved in the play.

Tommy Vannelli (D, 2013), USA

Joined the program after his Minnesota High School season concluded in Minnetonka .. has been a pleasant shot in the arm for Team USA, giving the back-end depth .. plays a diligent and responsible two-way game .. is more conservative in terms of his offensive rushes at the USHL level, but plays with a quiet confidence and is able to execute plays .. sly in the offensive zone .. he can side-step players to gain more positional advantage inside the zone .. skating has a deceptive quality to it as he generates good speed but is not a burner .. his lateral movement and pivots need some work as he can get turned around at times when defending out wide .. his firm positioning and game-reading ability always allow him to slow down a player .. would benefit from playing with more sandpaper .. has yet to adopt a physical approach and tends to lean on players .. should thrive with Team USA at the U18 World Championships due to his smarts and ability to make plays in all three zones.