USA Select 17: Team Grey

Matthew White (2010), C, Des Moines Buccaneers

A gritty two-way center that provides the all-important size down the middle .. a wide-based, upright skater with swift acceleration for a big man .. although his stride is a bit short, his foot speed is fine and his skating has come a long way since last year where it is now a strength of his game .. an astute offensive player that manufactures nice plays both with or without the puck .. a fine set-up man that displays above-average vision and instincts with the puck .. displays an enticing power game with the ability to shield the puck well while driving the net and he can hit like a Mack-truck .. a naturally competitive player with a healthy mean streak, White is the type of center that can also be lined up against the opposition's top offensive threats to shut them down .. a pro-style centerman that has enjoyed exponential growth in his game over the summer and NHL teams can't even touch him for another year.

Josh Birkholz (2009), LW, Fargo Force

A robust and fast goal scoring winger .. blessed with coast-to-coast type wheels and a spellbinding top gear stimulated by his powerful stride .. his long strides eat up the ice, as he simply flies past opponents with his commanding drives down the wing .. does however need to develop his lower gears and improve on his passing game .. driving the net with unrelenting vigor, Birkholz is a like a torpedo that can't be dislodged from its target when he identifies an open lane to the net .. he's not the tallest player, but he's well constructed with good strength .. owns a great motor and his inner drive is endearing, as he often simply out-competes opponents for the puck .. tough and abrasive with a physical streak .. still needs to refine his defensive positioning .. a Minnesota Gophers recruit that will be a sought after prospect for this years draft.

Joe Rogalski (2010), D, Sarnia Sting

A raw but hard-working defenseman that displays a burning desire to improve .. his first step and acceleration are adequate, however he needs to continue to work on his mobility by bending his knees and extending through his stride more .. a fairly composed player that doesn't force things with the puck, but he needs to work on his shot and his lack of finesse prohibits him from becoming an influential offensive threat .. gives a great effort every shift although he does over extend himself defensively at times and loses positioning in the process .. not overly mean, but he's tough with a long reach and a projectable frame .. displays flashes of hidden upside, but he needs to refine his net coverage and improve on his defense reads .. a character player that too often is up-and-down shift-to-shift, as he needs to refine the pitfalls out of his game to truly blossom.

Jason Nash (2009), D, Tri-City Americans

A rangy puck-moving defenseman that especially shines in possession, but also works hard on his defensive craft .. a fine skater with a nice looking stride that is reliant on quick and short steps .. a fairly skillful offensive player that effectively manufactures scoring opportunities from the point and invigorates the rush with crisp passes from his own zone .. displaying good poise and patience with the puck, Nash distributes the puck maturely, as he doesn't fool around and assertively gets the puck up ice quickly .. not a pillar of strength defensively, although he does utilize his impressive anticipatory skills to close gaps proactively .. not overpowering physically, Nash can play tough in front of his own net and displays a projectable frame to bulk-up into .. his defensive positioning is solid and added muscle mass should help round out his defensive play .. a capable prospect worth monitoring.

Joe Zarbo (2009), LW, Tri City Storm

A strapping power forward with good finishing skills .. an adequate skater that is strong on his feet, however he lacks the dynamic speed to surge past multiple opponents and become a zone-to-zone offensive threat .. a skilled puck carrier that is powerful in possession with a heavy shot .. can burry his chances, but he we will need to upgrade his vision as he dead ends himself with the puck at times .. his influential size and strength allow him to dictate one-on-one confrontations, but it's his inner drive and the fact that he never quits on a play that distinguishes him .. an effective defender when he sets his mind to it, Zarbo is an intriguing draft eligible prospect worth watching.

Kenny Ryan (2009), C, USNTDP

An offensive forward that goes full-throttle every shift .. a strong skater with a good motor and the ability to execute at full speed, Ryan is most effective with the puck when he has a full head of steam .. displays the intrinsic offensive instincts and hand-skill to emerge as a consistent scoring threat .. disguises his intentions well, but his vision is just average and he is guilty of attempting too many low percentage plays at times .. an effective player when he engages physically thanks to his thick build and core body strength .. owns a non-stop motor and his defensive marking skills are ship making him useful without the puck on his blade .. committed to Boston College, Ryan is draft eligible prospect worthy of note.

Garrett Peterson (2009), LW, Lincoln

Quick and skilled with some elusive one-on-one moves .. has the speed to explode through openings and is an above-average play maker with good peripheral vision .. despite his lack of size, Peterson isn't afraid of physical contact and displays some sand paper to his game while landing some deceptively strong body-checks .. lacks consistency and must improve on his defensive play.

Michael Conderman (2009), LW, Cushing Academy

Small but feisty with some skill, Conderman's lack of size and consistency ultimately limits his ability to emerge as a consistent force .. displays good speed and quickness with the ability to score some pretty goals thanks to his accurate shot and slick moves around the goal .. his passes often don't connect and his offensive repertoire is often only displayed in flashes .. a spunky player that goes 100 mph into traffic with no hesitation and finishes his checks .. does an adequate job in his own-end, but he is guilty of sacrificing defensive responsibilities in attempts to fuel an offensive rush.