Draft Update: USA Review
Another impressive U-18 tournament for the US kids .. many of the players have been together all season, which made them more prepared than the Canadians .. Phil Kessel was the second best forward in the tournament; after Evgeni Malkin .. Coach John Hayes implemented a stern sense of discipline in the team which played an efficient all-around style .. had a potential tying goal called off with seconds remaining in the third period of the final, as the Russian net was knocked off its moorings.
Key Player notes:
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This tournament should have been an eye opener for NHL scouts .. extremely agile; combines great size with agility and terrific positioning .. some problems with rebound control were evident .. noticeable improvement on his glove hand .. impressively quick legs .. started all games for the US; winning all but the final.
U18 WC Totals (6GP, 5-1-0, 1.71, 1 SO, .929)
Nate Hagemo, D
Captain led by example .. stood out among a highly structuralized blueline .. a solid passer; quick and on the mark .. effective at the physical aspects of the game .. possesses a hard, low wrist shot from the point .. slapper is crisp with a quick release .. great leader; vocal and never took a shift off.
U18 WC Totals (6-2-1-3-8 +3)
Phil Kessel, C
The most entertaining player in the tournament .. not a traditional puck carrier; he glides on the ice, as if he’s on his own planet .. swiftly mobile, with and without the puck .. always keeps his feet moving .. soft hands; scoring touch is second nature .. did not hesitate once in front of the net .. brilliant stick handler with elite vision .. a few shortcomings related to his physical game, which is expected.
U18 WC Totals (6-7-3-10-6 +3)
Bryan Lerg, C
Cool-headed centerman .. smart and crafty .. always knows what to do in every situation; an excellent playmaker .. very good vision; anticipated his linemates’ location ahead of time on numerous plays .. a solid puck carrier; has strong legs .. physically mature, despite underwhelming size .. takes care of defensive duties effectively .. above-average hands.
U18 WC Totals (6-2-6-8-2 +2)
Nathan Davis, LW
Energetic team player .. excellent checker; upbeat and finishing his hits .. gritty; clears space for his teammates and creates offensively due to his fearlessness .. excellent work ethic; was a perfect linemate for Phil Kessel .. always sticks his head in traffic and will battle brazenly for loose pucks .. made a lot of plays that ultimately did not show up on the scoreboard.
U18 WC Totals (6-1-1-2-2 0)