Vlad Dzurilla U18 Tournament Recap

Posted on February 14, 2011 by Chris Peters

Editorial note: The recap of the 2011 Under-18 Five Nations Cup, in which the U.S. National Under-18 Team played, will be out Tuesday afternoon as part of the American Prospect Update.

Every February, the U.S. National Under-17 Team from the National Team Development Program heads to Slovakia to compete in the Vlad Dzurilla Under-18 Tournament. The U17s play against opponents that are a year older. The opposing countries, Germany, Switzerland and particularly Slovakia will have teams with the vast majority of their best under-18 players available to them.

Danton Cole’s team of 1994 birth years went into Slovakia and just dominated the competition. The U.S. opened with a 5-1 over Switzerland, and followed that up with a 5-1 victory over Germany. Team USA then closed out the event by downing host Slovakia, 2-1.

Winning the tournament is not unprecedented. In fact, the 1992s, 91s and 90s all won the tournament in their U17 seasons, but none of those groups ever won all three games while doing it. So it’s quite the accomplishment for this squad to win the tournament with a perfect record.

After the jump, a look at the statistical standouts from the Vlad Dzurilla, as well as a deeper look at the U.S. National Under-17 Team’s incredible season so far.

Continue reading →

Posted in American Prospects, Junior Hockey, NTDP, U.S. National Teams | Comments Off on Vlad Dzurilla U18 Tournament Recap

Some Weekend Reading/Viewing Materials

Posted on February 11, 2011 by Chris Peters

Hey folks, it’s cold outside. These winter weekends can be pretty dull, am I right? So your friendly neighborhood blogger over here at The United States of Hockey wants to pull you out of the winter doldrums. I’ve seen several interesting stories over this week from around the country that I felt should be shared. So grab a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, cozy up to your computer screen and enjoy some light weekend reading.

Continue reading →

Posted in American Prospects, Blog News, Grow the Game, Junior Hockey, NCAA, NTDP, U.S. National Teams, Youth Hockey | Comments Off on Some Weekend Reading/Viewing Materials

American Prospect Update – Five Nations Report

Posted on February 10, 2011 by Chris Peters

As you might have seen yesterday, there is a big international tournament going on over in the Czech Republic featuring many 2011 NHL Draft eligible players. Outside of the World U18 Championship, the Under-18 Five Nations might be the next most important scouting event in international hockey (including the Ivan Hlinka). Today’s post takes a look at which U.S. players (not named Biggs, Miller or Grimaldi) fans should be keeping a close eye on throughout this tournament.

The Five Nations features the best players from Finland, the Czech Republic, Russia, Sweden and the United States. It is a great preview for the  Under-18 World Championship which takes place in Germany this April.

The U.S. has already played two of the top teams at the event in Sweden and Russia and soundly defeated both. On Wednesday, Team USA earned a 6-2 win over Sweden and earlier today trounced Russia 10-4 (which included a five-goal second period for the U.S.).

Not surprisingly, Rocco Grimaldi has been leading the offensive charge, but today’s match-up against Russia was a good one for a number of American 2011 Draft eligibles.

Grimaldi has five goals and two assists through the first two games to lead Team USA with seven points. In six games against international opponents this year, the diminutive forward has 16 points (not a typo). He’s posted nine goals and collected seven assists against fellow 1993-born players. I’d say that’s pretty dominant.

However, it is important to note the players that perhaps the likes of Grimaldi, Tyler Biggs, J.T. Miller and John Gibson tend to overshadow at the NTDP. There’s a lot of growing talent on this U.S. roster and some are making their presence known at the Five Nations.

Coming up after the jump, a look at some of the U.S. players to watch the rest of this week at the 2011 Under-18 Five Nations Cup. Continue reading →

Posted in American Prospects, Junior Hockey, NCAA, NHL Draft, NTDP, U.S. National Teams | Comments Off on American Prospect Update – Five Nations Report

United States of Hockey Links

Posted on February 9, 2011 by Chris Peters

It’s Wednesday and there’s a lot going on in hockey right now, so it’s probably a good time to get you caught up on some of the links from around the United States of Hockey.

— When it comes to marketing the game of ice hockey, television deals may be the most important. Getting the NHL in as many homes as possible is the goal. A lot of people want the NHL to get back on ESPN in some way, but it appears that the newly merged NBC and Comcast (owner of VERSUS) aren’t going to let that happen. Stu Hackel at SI.com has a lot of great info on this topic and why its probably a good thing that VERSUS will retain the NHL.

— Friend of the blog Chris Dilks, editor of the Western College Hockey Blog, has an outstanding list of the top 50 NHL prospects playing in the WCHA and CCHA. There is an abundance of talent throughout college hockey, but Chris pegs down the names you should absolutely know from out west.

— There are a pair of international tournaments involving young hockey prospects kicking off this week in Europe.

The 2011 Under-18 Five Nations Cup is began today in Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic and features the United States, Czech Republic Finland, Russia and Sweden. Outside of the World Under-18 Championship, the Five Nations is perhaps the most important international scouting event for the NHL Draft. It features the very best Under-18 players from the strongest European countries, as well as a good portion of the top Americans. For a translated live blog, here’s your go-to for the Five Nations. Scroll down and find the “Five Tournament” link. The translations are sometimes funny, but you get the idea at least. I will also provide updates when possible on Twitter.

FYI: The U.S. beat Sweden in the tournament opener today, 6-2. Rocco Grimaldi netted a hat trick and added an assist. Reid Boucher had three helpers, while Robbie Russo had two. Other U.S. goals were scored by Adam Reid, Blake Pietila and J.T. Miller… All 2011 Draft eligibles.

Over in neighboring Slovakia, the U.S. National Under-17 Team will take on older opponents at the 2011 Vlad Dzurilla Under-18 Tournament, which begins Feb. 11. The 1994-born Americans will take on 1993’s from Switzerland, Germany and Slovakia. I believe, when the tournament starts, you will be follow along with live stats here.

For both of those tournaments, its probably best to follow along on the NTDP’s site and also its blog for game recaps.

— It’s always good to get a status update on the goings on in the USHL from its commissioner. Skip Prince talks about big attendance numbers, expansion and other aspirations for the league in this audio interview.

— USAHockeyMagazine.com is a great place to check out interesting features that you often won’t find anywhere else. Harry Thompson, the managing editor for the magazine, has a great piece on Jack Campbell with good quotes from the tender himself and Keith Allain, his WJC head coach and a former goalie.

— Sticking with the USAH Magazine, there’s an informative Q&A session with Prince and College Hockey, Inc.’s Paul Kelly. It covers everything from the battle with the CHL to building bridges with other American junior leagues to the different development paths for the elite American player. Very interesting read.

— The International Ice Hockey Federation has announced a worldwide campaign to get more children involved in ice hockey. While the U.S. and Canada continue to grow the game, the smaller nations need help recruiting players. The IIHF’s assistance will provide good marketing materials and a consistent message. This should be great for the development of the game outside of North America.

— USA Hockey’s Hockey Weekend Across America begins on Friday, Feb. 18. I’ll have a few HWAA-related pieces coming out over the course of that weekend. For those unfamiliar with the HWAA festivities: Friday is Wear Your Jersey Day, Saturday is Bring a Friend to the Rink Day, and Sunday is Celebrate Local Hockey Heroes day. This year has the added bonus of NBC promoting Sunday, Feb. 20 as Hockey Day in America. Should be great exposure for the game.

Head on over to the United States of Hockey Facebook page and share your plans for Hockey Weekend Across America in the discussion section.

Coming up tomorrow, I’ll have more news, notes and links on American hockey prospects.

Posted in American Prospects, Grow the Game, Junior Hockey, NTDP, U.S. National Teams, Youth Hockey | Comments Off on United States of Hockey Links

American Prospect Update: NCAA Draft Eligibles, Q&A with Chase Balisy

Posted on February 8, 2011 by Chris Peters

This year, there are a number of 1992 birth dates still eligible for the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. That means we should see a fair number of players already in NCAA institutions have their names called on draft day. Because there are often less draft-eligibles playing college hockey right now, they don’t always get the same attention as their fellow prospects in the Junior A and Major Junior ranks. I think it’s time we change that a bit.

You’ve heard about guys like Jamie Oleksiak, Adam Clendening and Matthew Nieto, all potential first or second rounders out of the NCAA, but what about some of the guys that are even further below the radar?

One of those guys is Chase Balisy, a native of Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif., currently playing for one of college hockey’s biggest surprises this year, Western Michigan University, led by first-year head coach Jeff Blashill. Balisy is in his second year of draft eligibility after getting passed over last season.

He’s not the most fleet of foot and doesn’t possess great strength, but he thinks the game as well as anyone. He has an ability to make plays and make his teammates look good. He did it plenty in two years at the National Team Development Program, playing with a lot of talented players that were selected within the first two rounds last season. Perhaps he was overshadowed a bit.

He’s no lock to be selected this year, but is a player that I think any team would be wise to spend a pick on in the later rounds. He’ll only continue to develop and get stronger under the leadership of Blashill and his offensive output this year is going to be hard to overlook. Balisy’s 27 points (11g-16a) in 30 games lead WMU, which cracked the Top 15 on the USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine Men’s College Hockey Poll for the first time in 10 years.

I chatted with Balisy about his standout season, getting passed over last year and his hopes for the remainder of the 2010-11 campaign.

After the jump, my Q&A with Chase Balisy and a look at other “under-the-radar” draft eligibles from the NCAA.

Continue reading →

Posted in American Prospects, NCAA, NHL Draft, NTDP | 2 Comments

More American Prospect News and Links

Posted on February 3, 2011 by Chris Peters

With Tuesday’s Q & A with Rocco Grimaldi taking up plenty of space, I left out our links and commentary for other prospects. I couldn’t just let you get out of the week without more prospect news. In fact, we’re going to double up our prospect coverage every week from here on out. Tuesdays and Thursdays will always give you the most up-to-date news and notes on American hockey prospects.

Photo by Holly Gunning

First things first, the latest must-read prospect report comes from the venerable Kevin Allen of USA Today. He’s got a list of his Top-15 U.S.-born draft prospects, complete with quotes from NTDP head coach Ron Rolston and USA Hockey exec Jim Johannson. It’s a solid list with good analysis. Tyler Biggs is tops once again and his head coach had this to say to Allen:

Rolston said coaches asked [Biggs] to curtail his fighting “because he’s one of our better players and we don’t want him the box all night for seven to 10 minutes.”

I’m guessing NHL teams are going to drool over a kid that has to be told “tone down the fighting, you’re too good. We need you on the ice.”

Eleven of the 15 players, including the top five, on Allen’s list have ties to the National Team Development Program, which makes sense because Allen is a native of Southeast Michigan, so he’s in touch with plenty of the USA Hockey folks. Side Note: Philippe Hudon, who is on the list, is not American. He’s a native of Quebec, but he is playing American prep school hockey at Choate-Rosemary Hall. Still, it’s a great list for you prospect junkies.

After the jump: News and links for Chase Balisy, Jamie Oleksiak, J.T. Miller, John Gibson, Colin Jacobs and Scott Mayfield.  Continue reading →

Posted in American Prospects, Junior Hockey, NCAA, NHL Draft, NTDP | Comments Off on More American Prospect News and Links

Weekly American Prospect Update: Q & A with Rocco Grimaldi (USNTDP)

Posted on February 1, 2011 by Chris Peters

Every Tuesday, we update you on some of the top American prospects eligible for the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.

One of the most intriguing players in this year’s NHL Draft is a young man by the name of Rocco Grimaldi. Perhaps you’ve heard of him? I may have mentioned him once or twice on this blog before.

Grimaldi is intriguing mainly because he appears to have the makings of an offensive dynamo, but concerns about his size (currently listed at 5’6″, 161) have dogged him his whole life. Despite the small stature, Grimaldi has produced where ever he’s been. He’s been playing against older kids since he started playing the game. But can he continue that in the NHL someday?

The diminutive forward has been an offensive leader at USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program over the last two years. Last season, he played with the U.S. National Under-17 Team before receiving a February call-up to a stacked Under-18 squad full of future first-rounders.

This year, Grimaldi leads the Team USA in every offensive category with 22 goals, 20 assists, 44 points, nine power-play markers, two short-handed goals and three game-winners. He accounts for nearly 16% of his team’s offensive output.

What the scouts are saying:
NHL Central Scouting Mid-Term: 25
International Scouting Services: 25 (as of Jan. 17)
TSN’s Bob McKenzie’s Mid-Term: 31

Grimaldi and his U.S. National Under-18 Team will be headed to the Czech Republic for the 2011 Under-18 Five Nations Cup. The tournament runs from Feb. 7-13 and is usually a must see for NHL foreign scouts. The U18s also will look to defend their gold medal come April, when they head to Germany for the 2011 IIHF World Under-18 Championship, which serves as the last chance for NTDP and European players to improve their draft stock.

I chatted with Grimaldi Monday night about his Draft hopes, his strengths, getting cut from the U.S. National Junior Team and what he has to say to those who doubt him. You might be surprised by some of his answers. Continue reading →

Posted in American Prospects, Junior Hockey, NCAA, NHL Draft | 5 Comments

Should USA Hockey Ban Body Checking in Pee Wees?

Posted on January 28, 2011 by Chris Peters

After reading USA Hockey’s press release recapping its Winter Meetings, something caught my eye:

In regard to rule changes, much conversation took place about the proposed modification that would prohibit body checking in games for youth hockey players until they reach the Bantam level (13-14 year-olds). The current rule allows checking in games at the Pee Wee level (11-12 year-olds).

“This is a proposal that has significant support and we look forward to continued dialogue throughout the country on this and all proposed rule changes,” said DeGregorio. “In the end, we need to do what is best for the kids who play the game.”

Having previously worked at USA Hockey, I’ve known about this debate for some time and its one that has really interested me.

Delaying body checking has plenty of advantages and disadvantages, as all things do. There are plenty of concerns of having 11- and 12-year-olds banging into each other at a decent rate of speed. Safety is always going to be a big part of the discussion, there’s no secret there, but there is so much more to it.

After the jump, a look at more of the reasoning behind the potential rule change. Continue reading →

Posted in Grow the Game, Youth Hockey | 29 Comments

Like The United States of Hockey on Facebook

Posted on January 25, 2011 by Chris Peters

The United States of Hockey is now on Facebook.

Head on over there, check out the new page and make sure to “Like” it. Please share it with your friends, as well.

Every time we have a new post on this site, it’ll be linked on Facebook, so its a great way to keep track of updates on the blog and engage with myself and other readers.

Feel free to upload relevant photos, comment on blog posts or just spout your own commentary on the new Facebook page. You can also check out the discussions page, where I’ll post questions and topics for debate from time to time.

I’m always interested in what readers want to learn more about, so please feel free to use the Facebook page as a chance to let me know what you’re thinking. Is there a player, team or event you want to see covered? I’d appreciate hearing from you.

Thanks to all of those who have shared their ideas and opinions so far, and as always, thanks for reading.

Posted in Blog News | Comments Off on Like The United States of Hockey on Facebook

Tuesday American Prospect Update

Posted on January 25, 2011 by Chris Peters

Starting today, every Tuesday we’ll have a weekly American Prospect Update featuring evaluations, commentary, links and Q & A’s with 2011 Draft Eligible prospects. Our first Q & A will be coming up next week. So for now, enjoy the inaugural edition of the Tuesday American Prospect Update.

As we enter the second half of the hockey season for pretty much every developmental league, the NHL Draft is looming in the background for every eligible prospect.

There have been tons of mock drafts, rankings from all angles and more prospect features throughout the year. There is a demand to know more about the future of hockey and plenty of outlets are filling that need.

The 2011 Draft Class has often been thought of as one of the weaker in recent memory, due to the lack of a super-star, sure-fire number one pick. Additionally, it looks like the draft class really thins out at the bottom, making late round picks all the more difficult to make.

That’s why this year’s draft could be so intriguing. In lean years like this one, teams have to do a lot more homework and make extremely careful selections early and try to find those value picks late, like usual. This year, both will be hard to do.

There are a lot of projects in this draft, which I always enjoy to see. Many of these players still need a lot of work, but there are teams that love that. The chance to mold a player who has tools he hasn’t even tapped yet is equal parts scary and exciting. I think that’s why this year’s draft is going to be a lot of fun to watch. It’s near unpredictable, which is why you won’t see any mock drafts on this blog. Instead, I’ll just try and arm you with a knowledge of these players as best I can.

Coming up after the jump, thoughts on Rocco Grimaldi, Jamie Oleksiak, John Gibson, Shane Prince and Adam Clendening.

Continue reading →

Posted in American Prospects, Junior Hockey, NCAA, NHL Draft, NTDP | 1 Comment