U17 WHC: Atlantic Sinks Ontario

The defending champions from Ontario finished a disappointing fourth, losing 5-4 in the bronze-medal game to the biggest surprises at this year's Under-17 World Hockey Challenge, Team Atlantic. Led by the outstanding play of James Sheppard, Team Atlantic won their first-ever medal in the 13-year history of the event. We have notes on the top performers from both teams including Sheppard and Ontario's Jordan Staal.

Jordan Staal (2006), C, Ontario

One of the Staal brothers that carries on the family with pride .. power forward .. knows how to crisply put the puck on a teammate's stick .. very heavy wrist shot .. extremely mobile .. didn't always hold up the opposing center enough off the draw .. comes back all the way to support the defense .. made an impressive play in his own zone when he bulled over the puckcarrier .. will pay the price in front of the net .. dished out a headman pass to create a scoring opportunity .. uses his large wingspan to create turnovers .. on the ice late in the game when his team needs a goal .. made a beautiful backhand pass after stickhandling through traffic .. as a Team Ontario official correctly pointed out in their game against the USA when they came back from a large deficit, "Staal put the team on his back in the third period" .. U-17 totals (6-3-4-7-4).

Matthew Kang (2007), LW, Ontario

Fluid skating winger with terrific acceleration .. stays alert .. uses the boards to move the puck if passing lanes are closed off .. gets pressure on the puckcarrier .. sliced through traffic and got free in the slot and blasted a slap shot just wide .. U-17 totals (6-0-0-0-0).

Matthew Corrente (2006), D, Ontario

Mobile blueliner .. played on both special teams .. pinched in from the point .. needs to get his shot away quicker .. dished out a perfect pass through traffic .. allowed his man to get the blade of his stick on a shot to deflect it in .. passes crisply and on the tape .. jumped up at center ice and threw a solid bodycheck .. very good acceleration .. worked the puckcarrier over pretty had in the corner and was able to clear the zone .. communicates with his linemates .. U-17 totals (6-0-0-0-19).

Matthew Halischuk (2006), RW, Ontario

Effortless skater .. slap shot almost explodes off his stick .. has the ability to take the pass at full speed .. drove hard to the net .. took the faceoff on the PK and not only won it, but was able to clear the zone .. with his team desperately needing a change while killing a penalty, he was only able to clear the puck to center ice which didn't allow for a change and as a result they were eventually scored on .. dropped down to block a shot .. U-17 totals (6-0-1-1-2).

Ryan McDonough (2006), C, Ontario

Mighty mite center wore the C for Team Ontario .. quick release, with a dangerous wrist shot .. slick hands really allow him to find the holes in the goalies positioning .. excellent hand-eye coordination as he proved as he kicked the puck up to his stick without breaking stride .. will go to the net and setup shop .. moves well in traffic .. plays on the powerplay .. backed up a pinching defenseman .. got his stick on a shot and deflected it high .. has very good mobility and acceleration .. U-17 totals (6-5-6-11-2).

Andrew Bodnarchuk (2006), D, Atlantic

Slick skating blueliner .. wears an A .. extremely mobile .. made sure to get his point shot through traffic, which created a quality scoring chance off a rebound .. has the ability to make checkers miss as he goes end-to-end .. effectively took the man behind the net .. is "game" in his own zone, however, he must get stronger in order to successfully handle the larger forwards in the dirty areas .. his hands are improving, but they haven't quite caught up to his feet .. plays on the PK, although his defensive coverage is average at best .. will pinch in when the opportunity presents itself .. U-17 totals (6-0-2-2-8).

James Sheppard (2006), LW, Atlantic

Silky smooth Team Atlantic captain played with the poise and vision that belies his youth .. wears the C .. great pursuit of the puck .. uses his tremendous wingspan to close the passing lanes .. slick skater .. after creating a turnover near the blueline, Sheppard made a beautiful touch pass to a wide open linemate for the opening goal of the game .. delivered a solid open-ice hit .. blasted a bad angle wrist shot that led to a scoring opportunity .. had the innate ability to get open .. amazing stickhandler and passer with the vision to take advantage of those skills .. very opportunistic forcing turnovers .. the play rarely dies with him .. strong on the puck .. very mobile, with terrific acceleration .. has the strength to fend off checkers .. finishes his checks .. draws a lot of penalties due to his strength and the fact that he keeps his feet moving on contact .. hands are soft as he proved undressing a goaltender in close .. U-17 totals (6-6-4-10-6).

Blake Gallagher (2006), F, Atlantic

Pint-sized, but elusive skating forward .. excellent effort to keep his feet moving .. stickhandled through a crowd and got to the net and although he wasn't able to score himself, the puck was easily banged home by a linemate .. got open in the slot and rifled a wrister home .. terrific offensive awareness .. splendid hand-eye coordination .. supports the puckcarrier .. very dangerous when given any space .. sliced through the opposition's defense and had the goalie leaning the wrong way as he picked the far corner .. selected player of the game during the tournament .. U-17 totals (6-7-1-8-2).