USA Select 17: Pietila Proves Worth

In our final look at Team White's forwards we highlight Aaron Pietila of Michigan who is eligible for the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. We also have notes on P.J. Tatum of Texas, Mike Seidel of Illinois, Trey Milstead of Pennsylvania and Kyle Bailey of Alaska.

Aaron Pietila (2006), F

Produced 36 points (19-17-36) in 61 games for Honeybaked .. tended to shy away from the body .. blessed with very good overall speed and has the ability to beat a defender using a combination of slick moves and quick cuts .. didn't look out of place on a line with Chris Atkinson and Tyler Ruegsegger line much of the time at the Festival .. closes the gaps quickly on the forecheck .. has the finishing skills to make a team pay for allowing him too much time and space, especially in the slot .. wore #14 .. USA Select 17 totals (6, 4-3-7-6).

PJ Tatum (2007), F

Racked up 90 points (46-44-90) in 58 games for the Alliance Bulldogs .. displays good puck pursuit while killing penalties or on the forecheck .. not very big at 5'9" and 160lbs., but knows how to use his body effectively to protect the puck .. must improve his strength as he tends to get knocked around a bit too easily .. not bad technique in the face-off circle .. wore #15 .. USA Select 17 totals (6, 1-0-1-0).

Mike Seidel (2006), F

Had 61 points (33-28-61) in 58 games last campaign for the Chicago Chill .. boasts good puck pursuit .. will take a hit to make a play .. has nice energy and uses his blazing speed to not only create turnovers, but to get back quickly to help out defensively with coverage .. lacks some imagination in the offensive zone at this level .. wore #16 .. USA Select 17 totals (6, 1-3-4-12).

Trey Milstead (2007), F

Scored 15 times and added 35 helpers in 60 games for the Philadelphia Jr. Flyers .. plays smaller than his 5'11"-175lbs. listing .. moves well and closes down time and space at the point .. his skating doesn't stand out positively or negatively for that matter, however given that he's not eligible for the NHL Entry Draft until 2007 he does have some time on his side .. wore #17 .. USA Select 17 totals (6, 1-0-1-0).

Kyle Bailey (2006), F

Produced 46 points (20-26-46) in 40 games last year for the Alaska All-Stars .. although not the prettiest skater to watch, he is surprisingly quick on his feet .. shows no hesitation to drive to the net and will take a hit to make a play .. wore #19 .. USA Select 17 totals (6, 0-2-2-2).