With eight practices and exhibition games against Russia and Switzerland providing evaluation for general manager Jim Johannson and head coach Dean Blais, USA Hockey’s announcement of their 22 man roster offered few surprises.
Draft eligibles add intrigue to World Juniors
While the rest of us break out the eggnog during the festive season, 10 nations will be competing in the World Junior Championship.
Quick Hits: Koules bulking up
It wasn’t too long ago that the knock against USNTDP sniper, Miles Koules, was his size. Over the past two summers the son of former Tampa Bay Lightning owner Oren Koules, has spent his time hard at work with fitness guru, Matt Nichol. Miles currently clocks in at five-foot-11 and 190-pounds.
Matheson’s journey the path less taken
You wouldn’t know it to look at him, but there’s something distinctly different about defenseman Michael Matheson.
Gibson de-committs to Michigan
For the second time in as many years, the University of Michigan has lost a premier netminder.
Miller shocked by Rangers selection
Cheers from section 118 filled the Xcel Energy Center after Aaron Boogaard, on behalf of the New York Rangers, announced J.T. Miller’s name as their first round pick in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.
Draft Dilemma: Goalies in the top-30
Last year saw Jack Campbell go 11th overall and Mark Visentin go 27th.
Over/Under: Gibson outside the first round
It’ll be a lonely June 24th for John Gibson if Twitter is right.
Surprises in St. Paul
Kirill Kabanov falling to late in the third round. The Carolina Hurricanes selected Jeff Skinner seventh overall. Cam Fowler and Brandon Gormley falling to 12th and 13th respectively.
Gibson, teammates impress at U18’s
The 2011 IIHF U18 World Hockey Championship finished up recently in Germany with Americans claiming their third consecutive gold after beating Sweden in a thrilling overtime final.
Draft eligibles hope for U18 boost
From Dan Stewart: Every year NHL scouts flock to the IIHF World Under-18 Hockey Championship in an effort to get one last viewing of some high-end potential draft picks before meeting them face-to-face at the NHL scouting Combine come June. Those high-end prospects will be counted on to lead their respective squads and in reality only a bad showing could … Read More
Biggs, Grimaldi lead USA into U18
2011 NHL Entry Draft prospects Rocco Grimaldi and Tyler Biggs are set to lead Team USA at the World Under-18 Championship in Germany.
American draft eligibles shine at U18 Five Nations
Its feeling a lot like tournament season. And the season has been kicked off by the Under-18 Five Nations Tournament in the Czech Republic. The tournament is a tune-up for draft prospects to show their wares before the IIHF World U18 Championships in April.
RNH retains top spot in February ranking
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is still top dog. For a second consecutive month, the Red Deer Rebels centre has landed a top Future Considerations’ ranking for the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.