USA Select 17: Team Maroon

Sam Calabrese (2009), D, USNTDP

A small but skillful defenseman that plays an up-tempo game .. a phenomenal skater with graceful mobility in all-directions that possesses swift acceleration and the ability to turn on a time .. a stout defender in the open ice thanks to his elite lateral mobility, as opponents seemingly can't get around him .. his excellent feet also provide him with sparkling recovery speed which helps mask his partner's and his own mistakes .. displays splendid offensive tools and he loves to play on his toes while being proactive jumping into the rush .. creative in possession with an accurate passing game and excellent in close puck control .. thrives in his ability to manufacture offense while playing a high-tempo brand of hockey .. the drawback is that he is small and while he doesn't hesitate to take the body, he's reliant on his crafty positioning and superb mobility to defend .. displays an active stick defensively which allows him to tie up his man effectively, however his lack of size often leaves him boxed out near his own net .. despite his size he should be a sought after prospect at this years draft because of his skill.

John Ramage (2009), D, USNTDP

A savvy two-way defenseman that makes up for his below-average mobility with a brilliant mind for the game .. while his skating isn't a liability his feet are a bit heavy .. doesn't panic when pressured and he makes an accurate first pass .. displays impressive vision and decision making with the puck on the point .. his slap shot is a cannon and he intuitively utilizes fake shots to freeze opponents causing further lanes to open .. pinches appropriately and possesses some deceptively smooth puck handling moves along with slippery escape ability .. likes to play a high pressure style of defense, as he likes to defend on his toes rather than his heels .. maintains tight gaps without getting caught chasing around .. does a solid job physically although he needs to improve on his ability to defend against speed in the open ice .. a smart defenseman with a well-rounded game that should attract attention from NHL scouts this year with the National Development Program.

Sam Alfieri (2009), LW, Shattuck St-Mary's

A savvy and skilled offensive forward that needs to play with more passion away from the puck .. his skating technique is fine, but speed is not his game and he rather exude his patience with the puck and slow the game down while in possession .. blessed with soft hands and splendid creativity with the puck .. more of a play maker than a finisher with good on-ice vision and a skilled passing game .. his strong offensive instincts allow him to often be in the right place at the right time to enjoy a scoring opportunity, however he struggles to finish because his shot lacks accuracy despite its fine velocity .. still lazy on defense and is guilty of making slow defensive reads that often leave him flat-footed in his own end.

Dan Furlong (2009), D, Undecided

A raw but capable puck-rushing defenseman that has a thirst to make things happen every shift .. owning an influential first step and a deceptive glide to his skating, Furlong is a fluid but not powerful skater that finds ways to slither past opponents when carrying the puck up ice .. skates well with the puck and is proactive in carrying it ice on his own .. displays skilled hands with the ability to handle the puck well with his arms fully extended making him effective at shielding the puck and difficult to dislodge off of it .. an instinctive puck carrier that jumps into open seems well and is a adequate puck distributor with a shot that gets through, but lacks velocity .. seemingly is a better skater with the puck than without it and is guilty of making poor defensive reads .. will step up looking for the open-ice hit, but this leaves him prone to overextending himself at times and overall his defensive play needs work .. lacks prototypical size and must improve on his defensive play.

David Valek (2009), RW/C, USNTDP

A hard-working power forward that lacks high-end offensive skills and fluid mobility .. burdened with sluggish acceleration and heavy feet .. possessing overpowering size and strength, Valek is a force a long the wall and is a real bull in traffic areas .. owns a good motor and work-rate, as most of his success is predicated on his size .. robotic yet knowledgeable with the puck, Valek owns a decent shot and distributes the puck effectively when set-up plays are identified .. a bottom-six type forward.

Brad Smith (2009), C, Green Bay Gamblers

A power-play specialist that must improve on his five-on-five play .. mobile and skilled with exceptional patience on the puck, as he simply can wait and wait for openings to develop when in possession .. displays resourcefulness in congested areas along with strong wrists that aide in his puck protection .. can be a selfish player at times and is guilty of committing stupid decisions with the puck at times .. he's not a team guy and he must improve his all-around game.

Christopher Crane (2010), RW, Undecided

Has some ability, but is too one-dimensional .. adequate skater when heading north, although he needs work on his agility and begin to use stops and starts away from the puck instead of wide turns .. sees the ice well and can distribute the puck effectively around the net .. can finish with his quick release and accurate shot .. plays with intensity and connects on his hits with some jam .. needs to improve his defensive play as he's prone to just running around like a chicken with its head cut off in his own zone.