USA Select 17: Cool Hand Luke

We finish up our look at Team Gold. Today we take our second of a two-part overview of their forwards led by Luke Popko of Skillman, New Jersey. We also have notes on Ben Ryan of Michigan, Eric Bennett & Joe Colaianni of New York, Justin Giles of Oklahoma and the fairly impressive Donnie Hallmark of California.

Ben Ryan (2007), F

Not eligible until 2007 and it shows at times as he isn't always as aggressive as he needs to be .. allows himself to be tied up too easily .. doesn't have much pop on his wrist shot .. works hard along the wall and in front of the net .. has good acceleration and terrific top end speed .. handles the puck well at top speed .. will need to improve his vision because he didn't always take advantage of his linemates .. he has some touch around the net as he proved when he scored a beautiful shorthanded goal late in the game to give his team the lead – dekeing the netminder down and then backhanding a shot top shelf .. wore #14 .. USA Select 17 totals (6, 2-2-4-2).

Eric Bennett (2006), F

Played for Williamsville North High School last season .. saw time on a line with Charles Brocket and Justin Giles at the Festival .. played the right side and displayed a good work ethic, especially in traffic and along the boards .. has a solid frame .. just like his offensive stats, his skating didn't stand out .. wore #16 .. USA Select 17 totals (6, 0-1-1-6).

Justin Giles (2006), F

Pint-sized forward was pretty effective using his exceptional quickness highlighted by his mobility and acceleration .. centered a line of Charles Brocket and Eric Bennett .. as earlier noted he's very undersized, however he will drive to the net and take the punishment that comes .. will need to improve his strength, because he's not very strong on his skates .. wore #17 .. USA Select 17 totals (6, 0-2-2-4).

Joe Colaianni (2006), F

New York native takes the pass cleanly at top speed .. doesn't shy away from going in to traffic .. has nice size, although has room on his frame to add some more muscle .. not an elite stickhandler by any means .. one of the rare forwards to be blanked at the Festival .. wore #18 .. USA Select 17 totals (6, 0-0-0-0).

Donnie Hallmark (2007), F

California might not be known for producing a ton of quality hockey players, however this tournament proved that might perception should be about to change as Hallmark is yet another one of the quality players produced by that State .. his wrist shot has a bit of sting to it .. blessed with good size and looks solid on his skates .. closes the passing lanes on the penalty-kill .. has the strength and technique to finish his checks cleanly, but forcefully .. handles the puck well with the odd miscue .. wore #19 .. USA Select 17 totals (6, 3-3-6-2).

Luke Popko (2006), F

A veteran of the National Team Develop Program isn't blessed with elite offensive upside .. played the left side, sometimes on a line with Ben Ryan .. can be guilty of hanging on to the puck too long at times .. comes back well to support the defense .. a very smart hockey player that plays hard in every zone .. uses his speed to get good pursuit of the puckcarrier .. has splendid hand-eye coordination and is always a threat to pick off passes that get a bit too close .. likel.. wore #20 .. USA Select 17 totals (6, 2-2-4-0).