USA Select 17: High Marks For Marcou

In our continuing review at Team Red's forwards we highlight James Marcou of New York who is eligible for the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. We also have notes on Ryan Santana of California and Luke Salazar of Colorado.

Ryan Santana (2007), F

Had 61 points (28-33-61) in 48 games for the LA Selects last season .. once he gets moving he can really fly, however he can look a bit awkward in his first few steps .. takes the pass easily at top speed .. while killing penalties he puts pressure on the pointman, allowing the player little time or space to make a play .. the more you see of him the more you begin to appreciate the effortlessness in which he skates .. given his size (6'1"-190lbs.) and skill he is definitely a player to watch for 2007 .. wore #14 .. USA Select 17 totals (6, 2-4-6-0).

Luke Salazar (2007), F

Scored 35 times and added 24 helpers in 59 games for Hyland Hills .. sometimes he is a bit off the mark with his passes, especially if hurried, but does have maturing vision .. lacks the size and strength to fend off bigger players .. his skating doesn't stand out, although it is probably above average and when combined with his overall lack of strength he is fairly ineffective in traffic .. has an accurate wrist shot .. at 5'7"-145lbs. size has to be an issue, yet he is does have an extra year to add some beef .. wore #15 .. USA Select 17 totals (6, 2-1-3-2).

James Marcou (2006), F

Last season he racked up 61 points (27-34-61) in 35 games for the NY Bobcats .. has started to become a quality playmaker and puts most of his passes crisply on the tape .. very mobile in traffic, but still lacks the extra gear that would back defenders off .. is becoming more instinctual at knowing where to go and when to get there to support the puckcarrier .. displays soft hands with the puck in traffic .. boasts an improving wrist shot .. doesn't shy away from getting his nose dirty in the defensive end .. plays bigger than his 5'7"-145lbs. frame .. still needs to work on getting his shots away quicker, but has shown significant growth in his game since the World Hockey Challenge in Lethbridge earlier this year .. wore #16 .. USA Select 17 totals (6, 3-7-10-0).