USA Select 17: Adams Apple

In our continuing look at Team Red we begin our review of their forwards highlighted by Adam Houli of New Jersey who is eligible for the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. We also have notes on Andrew Irving of Virginia, Joseph Harren of Minnesota and Garrett Roe of Virginia.

Andrew Irving (2006), F

Had 22 points (6-16-22) in 23 games for Hotchkiss School last season .. not overly big at 5'8"-175lbs., but does have some power behind his wrist shot .. blessed with above average acceleration and mobility .. has the ability to place his shot on target and without losing any steam even if he fades out the other way .. displays good hand-eye coordination .. wore #8 .. USA Select 17 totals (6, 0-2-2-2).

Adam Houli (2006), F

Chipped in with 39 points (23-16-39) in 24 games for The Gunnery last year .. has a knack for finding the holes in the defensive coverage .. must be more diligent about not leading a teammate in to taking a big hit due to a suicide pass .. his speed got him open chances on occasion, but lacked the necessary finishing skills .. stickhandles well and can go from his forehand to his backhand smoothly and then get a quality shot away .. had a penalty shot at the tourney, but lost the handle .. wore #9 .. USA Select 17 totals (6, 0-0-0-0).

Joseph Harren (2006), F

Produced 34 points (13-21-34) in 26 games for Warroad High School .. will take punishment to get to the scoring areas .. needs to improve his strength to be more effective in the dirty areas .. due to his aforementioned lack of strength he lost more than his fair share of battles for loose pucks .. good overall speed and acceleration, but not enough to make up for his lack of strength .. wore #11 .. USA Select 17 totals (6, 3-1-4-2).

Garrett Roe (2006), F

Scored six times and added 15 helpers in 49 games for coach Dean Grillo's Indiana Ice last season .. has some issues skating backwards .. did a nice job tying up the opposing center off of the draw .. will get his nose dirty digging for pucks .. did a pretty decent job fending off a checker .. can really lower his center of gravity when he cuts back .. generally retrieves the passes that are in his feet .. has a tricky little stutter step that can throw the netminder's timing off .. can be a bit of an agitator .. wore #12 .. USA Select 17 totals (6, 1-6-7-6).