USA Select 17: Lyles Matson Sparkle

In our continuing look at Team Grey we begin our review of their forwards highlighted by Milton Lyles of Florida and Taylor Matson, neither of whom are eligible for the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. We also have notes on Matt McCollem of Massachusetts, Paul Thompson of New Hampshire, Mike Borisenok of New York and Justin Brossman from Colorado.

Matt McCollem (2006), F

Massachusetts native will once again be playing for Belmont Hill School and under the tutelage of coach Ken Martin .. displayed a fairly high panic threshold .. uses his body effectively and will take or give a hit to make a play .. has enough size (6'0"-185lbs.) to finish his checks solidly .. gets in quickly on the forecheck and cuts down time and space of the puckcarrier .. accepts the pass smoothly .. gets good wood on his shots and has an effortless release .. wore #8 .. USA Select 17 totals (6, 1-3-4-2).

Paul Thompson (2007), F

Played for Pinkerton Academy last year and produced 47 points (25-22-47) in 21 games .. blessed with size a solid 6'0"-200lbs. frame, although doesn't always take advantage of it .. needs to play with more desire away from the puck .. smooth skater with pretty good vision .. is able to lead the intended target with a hard pass and generally on the tape .. would like to see him use his accurate more as he showed in practice that he can pick the corners .. has some upside as well as time to develop .. wore #9 .. USA Select 17 totals (6, 0-3-3-4).

Mike Borisenok (2006), F

Undersized, but speedy center pocketed 25 goals and 20 assists in 24 games last season for Albany Academy .. has some issues with the more physical aspects of the game .. displays soft hands and vision in traffic, with the ability to slice through defenses .. skates with an effortlessness that disguises his splendid acceleration .. displayed an ability to redirect shots better than many of his age group .. wore #10 .. USA Select 17 totals (6, 2-1-3-0).

Justin Brossman (2006), F

Racked up 41 points (18-23-41) in 68 games for Shattuck-St. Mary's last year .. doesn't hit with authority, although does a nice job of using his body along the boards to slow an opponent's progress .. displays some creativity with the puck .. his skating is fine, it just isn't overly noticeable .. seems to lack the extra gear that will allow him to get by a defender on the outside .. has good hand-eye coordination .. saw time on a line with Tony Mosey and Ryan Kretzer at the Festival .. wore #11 .. USA Select 17 totals (6, 4-1-5-4).

Milton Lyles (2007), F

Deerfield Academy veteran is blessed with a blazing wrist shot .. an effortless skater with elite quickness, especially with regards to his mobility and acceleration .. was too passive on the point man .. gets in quickly on the forecheck .. will need to improve his strength .. has the top end speed to beat a defender on the outside .. lacks some touch with the puck at times, but generally is a very solid passer .. displays very good anticipation .. definitely has upside and with work will be a player to watch for in 2007 .. wore #12 .. USA Select 17 totals (6, 0-3-3-6).

Taylor Matson (2007), F

Had 60 points (30-30-60) in 32 games for Academy of Holy Angels in 04-5 .. just missed being eligible for the 2006 NHL Entry Draft .. plays with fire and can really close the gap on the puckcarrier when he uses his blend of terrific speed, mobility and acceleration .. finishes most of his checks with gusto .. works hard with or without the puck .. doesn't hesitate to drive to the net or in to traffic as he isn't afraid to take a hit to make a play .. wore #14 .. USA Select 17 totals (6, 1-0-1-2).