NCAA: Captain Nick at Knights

George Roll and his staff have recruited a bevy of NHL prospects, which in turn are spearheading the Clarkson program toward a national championship. The Knights entered the season with a top-10 ranking and should once again represent the EACHL at the NCAA tournament. McKeen's correspondent Max Giese reviews several Knights including team captain Nick Dodge.

Steve Zalewski (SJ), C/LW, Clarkson Knights

The alternate captain turned down a contract offer over the summer from San Jose to return for his senior year .. never going to be an explosive skater but his top gear looks improved, as his stride is stronger to compliment his fluid and sturdy feet .. shot is now harder and released more quickly but most of his goals are scored by going hard to the net .. gritty, abrasive, and aggravating, he plays with some jam displaying a mean streak .. possesses a strong physique .. forechecks hard and owns relentless puck pursuit .. demonstrates a mature two-way game, as he's a good penalty killer, blocks shots well, and is an asset in the faceoff circle .. utilized on the first penalty kill and powerplay units .. moves to the left wing on the powerplay .. does not possess sexy speed or skill but does all the little things .. will be signed after this season and his future is that of a role player.

Nick Dodge (Car), C, Clarkson Knights

The senior captain is a true leader and a great college player that could turn into a rare, late gem for Carolina .. small but strong and competitive on the puck, as he never quits on a play .. agile and quick skater always buzzing around the puck thanks to his impeccable anticipation and hockey sense .. possesses smooth hands with a quick release and a nose for being in the right place at the right time around the net .. gutsy, likes to attack the defense and in the process, draw the opposition to him before dishing off a pass to an open linemate .. creative and willing to try new things .. plays in all situations including the penalty kill and demonstrates an endearing effort on the backcheck .. one of the more underrated prospects and is the type of player that is a pleasure to coach.

Bryan Rufenach (Det), D, Clarkson Knights

A freshman, this offensive defenseman looks like he is playing pond hockey .. receiving a lot of icetime on the powerplay where his hand skill, quick one timer, and intrinsic offensive timing are fully displayed .. all-access skater with fluid feet and the ability to find another gear when he needs too .. needs to improve his top-end speed, as he is susceptible to being beaten by speed off the rush and losing long distance foot races .. can skate the puck up the ice on his own, as he eludes the forecheck well and is good one-on-one in the open ice .. wild defensively, as he pursues the puck aggressively at all times and can even be found forechecking .. intriguing potential but is need of refinement.

Grant Clitsome (CBJ), D, Clarkson Knights

Senior alternate captain is good at everything but does not have any one stand out quality .. works the point well, moves the puck effectively and does not hesitate to utilize his shot, which is quick but inaccurate .. receives key minutes on the powerplay .. displays soft hands, as he makes the opposition miss as he skates the puck up the ice .. shields the puck well .. sneaky fast, demonstrates a long stride with adequate speed and fine agility .. sees the ice well and makes smart passes .. demonstrates a mature understanding for gap control .. not a big player but he is deceptively strong and has a knack for corking a man with a stiff jolt if he catches them with their head down.

Shea Guthrie (NYI), F, Clarkson Knights

The once highly hyped recruit continues to disappoint in his junior season as his development has flat lined .. possesses slick hands but he over handles the puck .. possesses quick and nimble feet but lacks a powerful top gear .. diminutive, light as a feather and is knocked-off his bearings too easily .. despite being greasy in the corners, he lacks courage and mostly sticks to the perimeter .. displays sharp vision and can move the puck creatively if given time and space .. his poor defensive commitment and lazy backcheck is concerning .. not skilled enough to be a top-line guy in the NHL and continues to refuse to transform his game into a checker.

Tyrell Mason (NYI), D, Clarkson Knights

Steady stay-at-home defenseman with healthy mobility and size .. a good skater with fluid feet and a purposeful stride that produces a fine top gear .. appears to be more assertive skating the puck up the ice and joining the rush this season .. not a natural puck-moving defenseman, as he struggles to identify the open man but he's useful on the point, as he possesses a heavy and low shot and holds the zone well .. needs to show more urgency while breaking the puck out and be more fluent making the first pass .. smart and reliable defensively .. harnesses his mobility and long reach to be effective containing his man .. uses his strength to be an adequate one-on-one defender .. has few weaknesses but may lack the elite traits to make the NHL.

David Leggio (UFA), G, Clarkson Knights

Former walk on is entering his senior year coming off winning the Ken Dryden award last year for being named the EACHL's goaltender of the year .. economical goaltender with airtight mechanics .. butterfly goaltender that takes away the lower half of the net first .. owns a compact stance and uniform butterfly with smooth lateral movement from both sides .. demonstrates minimal movements and does not give the shooter many holes to look at .. possesses good dexterity and a quick glove hand .. deflects pucks to the corners well .. does not challenge aggressively and tends to position himself far back in the crease .. receiving NHL attention and multiple teams could court once he graduates this season.

Matt Generous (Buf), D, St. Lawrence

Aggressive and imposing defenseman with good size .. possesses a tall and athletically built frame .. a lively skater with a long and powerful stride .. his first step swallows up a lot of ice as it produces terrific thrust .. aggressively pinches down low to hold the zone and possesses a booming slapshot .. guilty of coughing up the puck, as vision and decision making with the puck are questionable .. fearsome presence around his net .. difficult to beat one-on-one, as his mobility gives him good range and he owns the size to take out his man.