In just its second year of the event, the USHL/NHL Top Prospects Game has already developed into a cant-miss event for the scouting community.
Played in Muskegon, MI. Wednesday, scouts got a glimpse of 40 of the best the league has to offer the 2013 NHL Draft.
Waterloo Blackhawks goaltender Eamon McAdam earned MVP honours, leading Team West to a 2-1 victory over Team East, but it was the scouting community that came away the big winners in the event.
That includes five of Future Considerations’ talent evaluators in attendance and watching live on FastHockey, who filed notes on the USHL’s scouting extravaganza this season.
Goaltenders
Eamon McAdam – Waterloo Black Hawks
“Had a great night. Very athletic goaltender that is positionally sound and showed the ability to make desperation saves including one unbelievable goal-line glove stop. Communicates well with his teammates, barking commands and warnings to help.”
-Future Considerations scout Josh Deitell
“McAdam was the top goalie in the game. He was not tested that much, but he was spectacular when he did see shots. He is good positionally and fundamentally sound. His vision and tracking of the puck is great. I really like his athleticism and reflexes. His athleticism was key in one of the better saves I have seen in a while when he dove across the crease to rob a player on the doorstep with his glove.”
-Future Considerations Eastern US scout Colin Mayberry
Cal Petersen – Waterloo Black Hawks
“Peterson is a very nice goalie prospect and had a good game, but I think he was unfortunately overshadowed by his Waterloo teammate. He is not a flashy goalie, which is a good thing when talking about goalies. He is big and uses his size well. He takes away a lot of the net. It seems like it would take great puck movement and making him move laterally for other teams to beat him. He is also good positionally.”
-Future Considerations Eastern US scout Colin Mayberry
Defensemen
Ian McCoshen – Waterloo Black Hawks
“Made some nice outlet passes, got shots on net, threw some big hits, and roughed it up, so there was a lot to like about him, but his decision making under pressure got him in trouble a couple times.”
-Future Considerations scout Josh Deitell
“A good sized defenseman that moves well, good balance, and strong legs. The problem? For a potential top 60 pick, he wasn’t very dominant in any area. While reliable defensively, he showed very little offensive upside, as he played simple on the back end, but did not display elite agility, quickness, or vision. He got in the way of opposing rushing forwards, but rarely showed the grit and passion you want from a 6-3 defenseman.”
-Future Considerations Western Canadian scout Dan Chan
“He was my favorite defenseman in the game. He appears to be a very well-rounded defenseman who can skate well, moves the puck well – especially by making a good first pass. He is also solid and reliable in the defensive zone.”
-Future Considerations Eastern US scout Colin Mayberry
Rinat Valiev – Indiana Ice
“Looks like he’s adjusted well to the USHL; made good decisions and played with poise. Moved the puck with crisp, clean passes. Skating still lacks a dynamic quality. Will sneak into the slot or creep down low in the offensive zone for scoring chances.”
-Future Considerations Minnesota scout Dan Shrader
“I really did not notice Valiev that much during the game. One thing I did notice when he wasn’t invisible was that he is solid in his own zone. He has a good stick and either eliminates passing lanes or deflects passes out of harm’s way due to his active stick.”
-Future Considerations Eastern US scout Colin Mayberry
Forwards
Taylor Cammarata – Waterloo Black Hawks
“Gets knocked because of his size a lot but I think he’s way too skilled not to have success as a professional. So shifty and unpredictable. Creates space for himself with deceptive stickhandling, keeps his hands and feet churning with the puck. Keeps his head up and always looks to make plays. Made some outstanding passes tonight. Didn’t get the chance to show off his shot tonight but he was in good spots for one-timers on a frequent basis.”
– Future Considerations scout Josh Deitell
“Very nifty and very active. Great puckhandler and great feel for the puck. Quick feet, and very agile. Can enter the zone quickly, then pull up to create space for him and to let the play open up. I can see why he is leading the USHL because he has very good offensive hockey sense, able to create time and space for himself, which he needs to do because of his small frame. The problem is if he isn’t producing offensively, he is quite an insignificant factor during the game.”
-Future Considerations Western Canadian scout Dan Chan
“Cammarata was my favorite forward in the game. He had really good speed and agility. I really liked his offensive instincts and creativity. He has a nice shot, pretty accurate and solid velocity. His hands and his passing may be his best assets. He sees the ice well and makes real good passes. He makes great decisions with the puck and thinks the game real well.”
-Future Considerations Eastern US scout Colin Mayberry
Luke Johnson – Lincoln Stars
“Skilled player but had trouble fighting through checks. Nice that he defended his teammate by picking a fight with the larger and stronger Michael Downing, but bugged me that he refused to take off his lid and fought with a visor on.”
-Future Considerations scout Josh Deitell
Jake Guentzel – Sioux City Musketeers
“His hockey sense really shined- assisted on the first goal of the game by getting himself open and then finding the open man cross-crease. Lack of size is the issue, but he’s got the smarts.”
-Future Considerations Minnesota scout Dan Shrader
Drew Melanson – Omaha Lancers
“Melanson is a gritty, role playing forward. He has a nice edge to his game and that style compliments him as a third line forward. He is a real hard worker, especially down low and in the dirty areas of the ice. He got an assist due to his hard work along the boards. His style and tenacity also makes him a strong forechecker.” Said Mayberry.
– Future Considerations Eastern US scout Colin Mayberry
Jason Cotton – Tri City Storm
“Cotton played real well on a checking-type role during the game. That role complements his game real well. He is quick, gritty and enjoys mucking in the dirty areas of the ice. He is not highly skilled offensively, but he will get points by playing his game. He works hard, has a good hockey sense and is willing to go to the front of the net. He got a goal by working to get open in the slot and burying a shot.”
– Future Considerations Eastern US scout Colin Mayberry