USA Select 17: Making Plans For Nigel

Team White finished in fourth place in the National Division at the USA Hockey Select 17 Festival with a record of 2 wins, 3 losses and 1 tie. We take a look at their defense and Nigel Williams of Illinois who is eligible for the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. We also have notes on Alex Stuart of Minnesota, Tim Okicki of Ohio, Daniel Sidle of Pennsylvania, Shane Sims of New York and Elias Grossman of Alaska.

Alex Stuart (2006), D

Had 28 points (5-23-28) in 68 games last campaign for the Shattuck-St. Mary's .. used his splendid backward skating ability to recover whenever he got caught up in the play .. fairly solid on his skates given his average size (5'10"-170lbs.) .. uses his body to buy his defensive partner time .. wore #2 .. USA Select 17 totals (6, 0-5-5-6).

Tim Okicki (2006), D

Produced 17 points (1-16-17) in 41 games last season for the Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks .. takes the man well on the one-on-one .. can elude the forecheck and lead the rush .. heady player who does little things like drag his man in off side to kill rushes .. wore #3 .. USA Select 17 totals (6, 0-0-0-2).

Nigel Williams (2006), D

Scored 32 points (14-18-32) in 60 games for Team Illinois .. blessed with terrific size at 6'4" and 220lbs. .. displays nice quickness, and has the ability to slip through traffic and gain the offensive zone .. communicates effectively with his defensive partner .. boasts good vision and the willingness to try for the home run pass if the opportunity presents itself .. extremely competent in his defensive coverage, especially in taking away time and space as well as closing passing lanes .. wore #4 .. USA Select 17 totals (6, 1-2-3-6).

Daniel Sidle (2006), D

Chipped in with 27 points (9-18-27) in 59 games for the Pittsburgh Viper Stars .. sometimes can be caught following the puck instead of taking the man .. uses his stick well to close down passing lanes .. will have to improve his strength and mobility to take away the outside threat because he can at times have trouble keeping up with speedier puckcarriers .. good skater, but nothing stands out .. wore #5 .. USA Select 17 totals (6, 1-0-1-4).

Shane Sims (2006), D

Racked up 40 points (14-26-40) in 43 games last year for the Buffalo Lightning .. boasts a heavy slap shot that really flies off of his stick .. needs to use his speed more to open up shooting lanes so that he might take more advantage of his slick shooting skills .. wore #6 .. USA Select 17 totals (6, 1-2-3-2).

Elias Grossman (2006), D

Had 1 point (0-1-1) in 54 games for the Seattle Thunderbirds of the Western Hockey League .. generally takes out his man effectively along the boards .. partnered with Nigel Williams on occasion at the Festival .. skates well enough given his 6'3"-205lbs. frame .. has the size and strength to force and keep the puckcarrier to the outside .. strong on the puck .. lacks much in the way of and offensive awareness at this point and remains strictly a defensive defenseman .. wore #7 .. USA Select 17 totals (6, 0-0-0-2).