USA Select 17: Ellis Island

In our continuing review at Team Purple's forwards we highlight David Ellis of Indiana who is eligible for the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. We also have notes on Jerry Freismuth of Michigan, Addison DeBoer of Minnesota and Austin Mayer of Rhode Island.

Jerry Freismuth (2007), F

Racked up 69 points (32-37-69) in 43 games playing for Grosse Pointe Bulldogs last season .. gets a pretty decent jump from his first few steps and is overall fairly mobile .. shows a willingness to come all the way back to help out the defense .. drives hard to the net and keeps his feet moving on contact .. a bit on the small side at 5'9" and 160lbs., but with time to grow .. displayed tenacity on the backcheck that bordered on being a slashing clinic .. needs to work on his passing accuracy and keeping his head up skating near traffic .. saw time on a line with Kyle Reeds and David Ellis during the tournament in St. Cloud, Minnesota .. wore #12 .. USA Select 17 totals (6, 2-2-4-0).

David Ellis (2006), F

Chipped in with 47 points (30-17-47) in 57 games for Indianapolis Checkers .. doesn't hesitate to park himself in front of the net and take punishment .. has good size (6'1"-190lbs.) and generally takes advantage of it .. gets some power behind his shot .. often displayed his strength with an ability to fight through checks .. won't shy away from dropping down to block a shot, although his technique could use a bit of work .. played on a line with Kyle Reeds and Jerry Freismuth .. wore #14 .. USA Select 17 totals (6, 3-6-9-0).

Addison DeBoer (2006), F

Produced 56 points (19-37-56) in only 27 games for Spring Lake Park High School last campaign .. thanks to terrific mobility he is a very elusive skater even with the puck .. has a heavy wrist shot .. has an active stick on the forecheck and is generally conscientious away from the puck, although at times could display a bit more urgency to get back in the play .. saw some time with Nick Klenow and Broc Little .. wore #15 .. USA Select 17 totals (6, 1-1-2-4).

Austin Mayer (2006), F

In 48 games for Walpole Jr. Stars, Mayer had 52 points (21-31-52) .. has surprising jump and mobility .. looks taller than his 5'11" listing, at any rate size shouldn't be an issue if he continues to get stronger .. has enough speed to seem elusive and beat a check .. closes the gap quickly on the forecheck .. has some grit to his game and will generally finish his checks .. wore #16 .. USA Select 17 totals (6, 2-3-5-6).