USA Select 17: Geoffrions No Dud

In our continuing look at players that took part at the USA Hockey Select 17 Festival we look at four more forwards from Team Black. Today we look at Blake Geoffrion who as the name suggests is the grandson of one of the most dangerous scorers of the six team era, Bernie "Boom-Boom" Geoffrion. We also have notes on Chris Dufault of Massachusetts, Tony Romano of New York and last but not least, Jacob Kratz of Pennsylvania.

Blake Geoffrion (2006), F

Famous bloodlines are not the reason that scouts are salivating over the veteran of the NTDP-17 .. has a physical presence and the ability to set the tempo for his entire team with a bone-crunching hit along the boards on the first shift .. unfortunately, Geoffrion is not consistent using his elite size and strength on every shift and has been known to take shifts off as he proved when he was no better than his teammates that came out flat in the first period and were down by six .. powerful snap shot that can overpower some goalies .. at this time he isn't as good as the sum of his parts, but watch out if and when he puts it all together as he has first round upside .. wore #10 .. USA Select 17 totals (6, 3-5-8-6).

Chris Dufault (2006), F

Pint-sized Shrewsbury, Massachusetts product will be plying his trade for the Walpole Jr. Stars in the upcoming season .. a hard worker even after first contact .. takes and gives the pass cleanly .. played on a line with Jon Sicsik and Jacob Kratz at the Select 17 Festival .. likes to close the passing lanes when forechecking .. defensively conscientious and is especially cognizant of picking up the trailing forward .. strong on his skates and does a pretty decent job protecting the puck when it's on his stick .. not surprisingly given his 5'7" frame that he isn't much of a force in the physical department .. wore #14 .. USA Select 17 totals (6, 1-2-3-0).

Tony Romano (2006), F

Speedy Smithtown, New York native displayed his showcased his elite mobility and acceleration while in St. Cloud .. is a nice skater to watch due to the smoothness of his stride .. opponents must be wary with the puck as Romano has the ability to make a quick transition off of a turnover using his speed .. displays a willingness to drive to the net and take a hit to make a play .. has the hands to tip the puck past a goalie in close .. wore #15 .. USA Select 17 totals (6, 4-3-7-4).

Jacob Kratz (2006), F

Another forward that has to be hoping for a bit of a growth spurt before the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, because the Pennsylvania born Kratz is barely 5'7", however at 170lbs. he is filled out relative to his height .. a competent passer, especially effective at the crisp, short passes on the tape .. gets in quickly on the forecheck .. will go to the danger areas and take a hit to make a play .. works hard on the back check and comes back to support the defense .. will back up a defender that has pinched in, but he must be careful to not leave before the defenseman is back like he did at least once costing Team Black a breakaway against .. played on a line with Jon Sicsik and Chris Dufault in St. Cloud .. wore #16 .. USA Select 17 totals (6, 2-1-3-2).