USA Select 17: Schneider House Rules

Team White finished in fourth place in the National Division at the USA In our continuing look at Team White we begin our review of their forwards highlighted by Cory Schneider of New York who is eligible for the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. We also have notes on Brian Gibbons of Maryland, Ben Smith of Connecticut, Zach Welding of North Dakota and Matt Rhone of Massachusetts.

Brian Gibbons (2007), F

Had 56 points (29-27-56) in 52 games last campaign for the Tri-City Eagles .. displays the ability to elude the check in traffic .. maturing face-off skills .. his skating is still a work in progress as it can appear a bit slushy on occasion .. takes the pass cleanly at top speed .. didn't look out of place at the Festival, but also didn't stand out either .. wore #8 .. USA Select 17 totals (6, 0-0-0-4).

Cory Schneider (2006), F

Chipped in with 35 points (9-26-35) in 26 games last season for Milton Academy .. supports the puck carrier well .. is an elusive stickhandler who has the outside speed to beat the defender wide .. has good vision and the touch to be able to dish out a nice leading pass to a linemate .. displays a goal scorer's patience in close .. uses his speed and mobility to put pressure on the forecheck .. can pick the corners .. wore #9 .. USA Select 17 totals (6, 3-1-4-0).

Ben Smith (2006), F

Racked up 74 points (30-44-74) in 57 games last season for Boston Junior Bruins .. makes the high percentage play even late in the shift like making sure the puck is dumped in deep to facilitate a line change .. boasts good energy and is in fine shape, almost seeming to get faster as the game went along .. wore #10 .. USA Select 17 totals (6, 2-1-3-2).

Zach Welding (2007), F

Scored 15 times and added 14 assists for 29 points in 23 games for Jamestown High School .. needs to maintain position when he pursues the puck .. sometimes can be guilty of trying to over handle the puck .. has the speed and mobility to elude a checker .. displays maturing vision and as he gets stronger should be a player to keep an eye on for 2007 .. wore #11 .. USA Select 17 totals (6, 0-5-5-2).

Matt Rhone (2006), F

In 29 games for Noble & Greenough, Rhone had 20 points (11-9-20) .. comes back effectively on defense to take away the time and space of the trailing forward .. needs to improve his strength on the puck in order to not get tied up as easily .. has an innate ability of being in the right place at the right time and would be much more dangerous offensively if he had a better touch around the net .. wore #12 .. USA Select 17 totals (6, 1-2-3-0).