USA Select 17: Simpson, Sears Shooters

Today we take a look at the look at the goalies that backstopped Team Green and Team Grey during the USA Hockey Select 17 Festival. Arguably the best goalie on either team was Team Grey's Ryan Simpson of New Hampshire. He had a solid 0.919 save percentage and 2.33 goals against average. We also have notes on John Brown of New York, Sean Deichert of North Dakota and Raphael Williams from Washington D.C..

John Brown (2006), G, Team Green

His record with the Buffalo Regals last season was nothing short of tremendous with only one loss in 19 games and a splendid 1.80 GAA .. did a horrible job handling the puck out of his net, although his gaffs never seemed to cost the team .. was effective at keeping the puck in front and keeping himself square to the shooter .. unquestionably outperformed his netminding partner in St. Cloud .. wore #1 .. USA Select 17 totals (Sv% 0.896, GAA 3.33).

Sean Deichert (2006), G, Team Green

Had a wonderful record last year with Fargo South High School posting impressive number in every conceivable category including a 0.940 Sv%, 1.10 GAA and 14 wins out of 16 games .. needs work in many areas as he just didn't look good on many of the goals he gave up as an example, he didn't hug the post and was beaten on the short side .. has nice size, although he could likely add some beef to his slender frame .. it was very apparent that he was a bit out of his element at the Festival and will need a lot of work to make it the next level .. wore #30 .. USA Select 17 totals (Sv% 0.851, GAA 5.00).

Raphael Williams (2007), G, Team Grey

Will be returning to play for coach Kosak at Hotchkiss School .. must learn to use his size, 6'1"-175lbs., to greater benefit and not play so small in the net .. needs to work on controlling the puck better, especially in regards to steering rebounds out of the danger area .. has trouble with traffic and looks a bit fragile .. at his best using when taking advantage of his above average agility .. showed terrific lateral movement when moving across to stay square to a shooter in tight .. doesn't look ready to make the step up to the next level, at least at this point .. wore #1 .. USA Select 17 totals (Sv% 0.839, GAA 4.67).

Ryan Simpson (2006), G, Team Grey

Played for New Hampshire Jr. Monarchs last season recording 17 wins and suffering only four defeats in 23 games .. terrific size at 6'2"-185lbs. .. displays confidence and doesn't panic .. needs to work harder or at least smarter on controlling his rebounds, especially where he directs the puck afterwards .. blessed with a nice glove hand as he was able on more than a few occasions to flash the leather to take away a scoring opportunity .. has a tendency of not covering the upper half of the net and setting up down low way too early .. must work on hugging the post and not cheating as he got caught on the short side a few times .. has potential, but will need to be more committed to the mental part of the game .. wore #30 .. USA Select 17 totals (Sv% 0.919, GAA 2.33).