JR HS: USHL Draft Review

USHL Draft Review (posted 7.18.06)

by Max Giese

Kyle Okposo (NYI), 7th overall

Okposo has dominated everywhere he has gone. He was a scoring machine while playing for Shattuck, he was a force in every international tournament with U.S.A., and was the backbone game breaking threat for the USHL champions in Des'Moines. Went in the top 10 as expected to a team that is attempting to rebuild around players like him. With the selection of Okposo, the Islanders added another bullish winger with tremendous speed and grit to go along with Sean Bergenheim and Petteri Nokelainen. A consistent player who impresses you every time you see him. Okposo was dominant all season, came through with an awe-inspiring display at the all-star game, and carried the offensive load for the Buccaneers all playoffs long landing him the MVP award for the playoffs. Ultra competitive with a hard wrist shot, Okposo fits into Ted Nolan's style perfectly and has been compared to Jarome Iginla for his skill set and brash style of play. Already in marvelous physical condition, Okposo will be asked to improve on his play making ability when he will go to the University of Minnesota next fall.

Trevor Lewis (LA), 17th overall

Los Angeles acquired the 17th overall selection to pick Trevor along with Patrick O'Sullivan for Pavol Demitra on a draft day trade. Was a late riser and has been labeled as the next Rod Brind'Amour by the media. While we don't agree with such lofty of praise, Lewis does bring plenty to the table. A crafty centerman with impressive speed and hockey sense, Lewis will ultimately be a two-way center. Much like his teammate Okposo, Lewis has a fine finishing touch and is a threat to score from all areas. While not being the strongest in stature, Lewis is effective at getting to the outside then driving hard to the net where he can finish. Although Lewis makes mature decisions with the pucks and distributes well, he will need to work on his ability to be more creative moving puck and will be asked to add bulk to his lanky frame. Passed up in the 2005 draft, Lewis benefited from being one of the eldest players in the USHL seeing his point totals rise from 22 points in his rookie campaign, to 75 points for his sophomore season. Trevor's next stop is playing for the University of Michigan next fall.

Carl Sneep (Pit), 32nd overall

The Penguins took a defenseman with all the tools to develop into a top four defenseman, but one who well also need time and patience to develop. Sneep played for Lincoln at the tail end of the regular season after completing his high school season and was their go to defenseman in the playoffs. Sneep has tremendous size and knows how to use it in all facets of the game. Can land devastating open ice hits along with being a dominant crease clearer in front of his own net. For his size, Sneep is one of the better skaters available in the draft; he possesses a strong stride that is fairly powerful. Sneep will need to show he can be an effective puck moving defenseman at the next level but his shot is not in question as he can let go an absolute rocket. Has a full ride to Boston College waiting for him next fall.

Andreas Nodl (Phi), 39th overall

Philadelphia vowed to acquire more players with skill then just brute physicality heading into the 2006 draft. They accomplished that with the 39th overall selection of Andreas Nodl. Like the 17th overall selection Trevor Lewis, Nodl was a player who slipped through the cracks and went unselected in the 2005 draft. Born in Austria, Nodl was a late bloomer and came on in his sophomore season with the Stampede to finish second in the USHL in goals. The St. Cloud State recruit possesses game breaking qualities and will be asked to perform an offensive role. Has a sleek long stride that produces powerful bursts of speed to the outside. Has a stealthy, quick release that fools goaltenders before beating them with a hard and accurate shot. Has the ability to create but often tries to beat the defenseman one on one. Has always been a me first player, but played a team game in the playoffs and was the main reason the Stampede went to the Clarkson Cup. Most effective with open ice on the power play as he tends to be neutralized with physical play. Will need a few seasons in college before turning pro and was taken a bit higher than expected.

Jeff Petry (Edm), 45th overall

Not the sexist pick by Edmonton in the mid-second round, but one that ultimately could prove to be a very good choice. With their core of defenseman beginning to disintegrate due to free agency and trade requests, the Oilers need to begin to rebuild on the back end. Jeff Petry fits bill well, he has a large frame to bulk into, possesses the mobility to handle the pro game along with the defensive sense to maintain position, and on top of that he distributes the puck soundly without making errant passes. Shows a little bit of everything and will just need to continue a steady developmental pace over the upcoming years. Will return to Des'Moines next year as he continues to wager his NCAA options.

Eric Gryba (Ott), 68th overall

Ottawa got good value in selecting Gryba with an early third round pick. Physically Gryba is very imposing; standing at 6-3 215 he already has the height and possesses frightening strength. He uses that strength to be an intimidating physical presence from the back end, he has a mean streak, and loves to land the big hit punishes his man in front of his own crease. Scouts believe there is some offensive upside hidden as well, for his size Gryba is very sturdy on his skates and has a powerful stride. While he needs to improve on his decision making and his hands could be softer. Eric will attend Boston University next fall.

Ryan Turek (StL), 94th overall

St. Louis will have to decide whether they want Ryan to play defense or offense as he played both roles admirably for the Omaha Lancers last season. Turek is a tenacious player who is a physical presence on the forecheck while playing up front, or in the corners and in front of his own net while playing defense. He has some offensive ability with a quick release that produces a hard wrist shot that is accurate in tight, and Turek is a fine skater with deceptive change of gears that allows him to get to the outside on defenders. Feelings are mixed as whether or not he should play defense or offense. Will attend Michigan State next fall.

Derrick LaPoint (Fla), 116th overall

Will play in the USHL for the 06-07 season with the Green Bay Gamblers who selected him 6th overall in the USHL draft. LaPoint also has a full ride to North Dakota where he will play for a few years before getting a look by the Florida Panthers. Has a Chris Pronger like ability to perform at full ability without having to put forth much effort. Only took three shifts off for the entire game when his high school team was playing at the state tournament. LaPoint has a very tall albeit lanky frame that he will need to add strength too. Uses his long legs to have a long stride with impressive mobility. LaPoint also has an engulfing wingspan that along with his near flawless defensive positioning makes him difficult to beat. Has a quick release from the point with an accurate shot, along with the ability to make mature decisions distributing the puck from the back end. LaPoint has tremendous upside in all facets of the game and was a stout selection by the Panthers this late.

Shane Sims (NYI), 126th overall

The New York Islanders went back to Des'Moines to grab its seventh overall selection's teammate, defenseman Shane Sims. While he went unranked by CSS and other ranking services, McKeen's stood by Shane and had him ranked in the same range that the Islanders decided to select him in. Sims is committed to Ohio State University but will be playing next season back in Des'Moines where he will challenge for the best defenseman in the league title. The kind of player who does everything well but nothing great, Sims is very well rounded and simply makes strong play after strong play. Two-way defenseman with the ability to control the game at either end of the rink. Sim's offensive exploits include his cannon slap shot that is a huge weapon on the power play; also, Sims shows the poise and vision to make the right pass while moving the puck. Defensively he shows a physical edge and shows solid gap control and positioning. Shane isn't an elite skater but he is mobile in all directions. Consistent and hard working expect Sims to be a possible gem from the 2006 class.

Alex Kangas (Atl), 135th overall

The Sioux Falls Stampede platooned their two goaltenders, both whom happened to be eligible for the draft. In case of NHL potential, the scouts agreed that Kangas was the better of the two and was drafted accordingly. Kangas' USHL rights were traded and he will play for the Indiana Ice next year before moving onto the University of Minnesota in 07-08 where he will compete with Jeff Frazee for the starting spot. A mechanically sound butterfly goalie who anticipates the game well and needs to move very little to be effective. Likes to challenge the shooter when the opportunity presents itself and likes to go down nearly every shot. Solid athleticism as well, shows good reflexes down low, however he needs to work on his gloves as he can be exposed top shelf. Has good lateral mobility, fine rebound control, and has the dexterity to get ready for the second shot. Atlanta drafted a fine prospect with plenty of room for growth and they have up to five more years before they need to sign him.

Brent Gwidt (Wsh), 157th overall

Gwidt was drafted in the sixth round by Washington but was also drafted in the first round by the Indiana Ice and that's where he will play next fall. He is uncommitted for college but is rumored to be close to signing a letter of intent with the Wisconsin Badgers. Gwidt dominated the Wisconsin High School hockey scene while playing for Lakeland, but also shined with his before and after team, Team Wisconsin, and was put forth an impressive showing at the Chicago Showcase. Gwidt models his game after Vincent Lecavalier and the two have similar styles of play. Gwidt has a massive reach with soft hands and likes to use that to dangle around defenders one on one. For his size Gwidt also possesses a powerful first step and has a deceptive burst to the outside, his lateral cuts are also dangerous. His most dangerous asset though his rocket wrist shot, while the release could be quicker, his shot is powerful with solid accuracy. While he did score 41 goals last year, he only had 23 assist, Gwidt has been labeled as a selfish player, and often tries to do it all on his own. At times, he can be a one-man highlight real going down the ice but at the next level, he will need to use his line mates more. In addition, Gwidt needs to use his size more, while he's very strong down low on the cycle in the corners; he needs to be more willing to use that to his advantage.

Jay Barriball (SJ), 203rd overall

Barriball came to the Sioux Falls late in the season after putting up 66 points in 20 games with his local high school team. A small player in stature at 5'9 155, Barriball plays bigger than his size. Not a physical player but Jay is fearless about taking the puck to the net, he likes to hang around traffic and is willing to do the dirty work down low. His best assets are his mind for the game and his speed. Barriball does everything at top speed and uses his powerful, shifty skating stride to be a dangerous player every time he touches the puck. A responsible player in all zones, Barriball knows where to be and what to do in all situations. A strong finisher and playmaker, Barriball has fine offensive upside but is also committed to his own end. Has a full ride waiting for him at the University of Minnesota, but whether or not he plays there next year depends on whether or not Phil Kessel goes pro or stays in school. If Kessel stays, Barriball will be back with the Sioux Falls stampede next season.