USA Select 17: Toby Tantalizes

Team Red finished in first place in the American Division at the USA Hockey Select 17 Festival with a record of 5 wins, 0 losses and 1 tie. We take a look at their defense and highlight Toby Heaslip of Florida who is eligible for the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. We also have notes on Christopher Smith of Ohio, Ben Youds of Minnesota, Kyle Elmblad of Michigan, Joseph Sova of Illinois and Michael Matczak of New Jersey.

Christopher Smith (2007), D

Chipped in with 30 points (10-20-30) in 40 games for St. Edward High School last season .. does a fairly solid job closing the gaps on the puck carrier and limits time and space .. very good overall speed and mobility .. not overly large at 5'10"-160lbs., but plays the body effectively .. displays poise and leadership under pressure .. looked solid playing the odd man rush .. looks like he has a shot that he if he continues to develop could become an asset at the next level .. wore #2 .. USA Select 17 totals (6, 0-1-1-2).

Ben Youds (2006), D

Racked up 36 points (12-24-36) in 24 games for Maple Grove High School .. has some power behind his wrist shot .. at times can appear a bit sluggish or lazy on his skates, although he did pick up the pace and displayed a combination of terrific overall speed and acceleration .. did a nice job marking his man .. displays some poise with the puck .. has nice vision and can break a forward free with a crisp headman pass .. wore #3 .. USA Select 17 totals (6, 2-3-5-4).

Toby Heaslip (2006), D

Produced 70 points (24-46-70) in 73 games for Team Illinois last year .. does a solid job picking up his man and staying with him .. has very good mobility and is strong on his skates .. boasts some zip to his wrist shot .. moves the puck crisply and generally on the tape, although he does still send the odd errant pass .. has elite overall speed and will join the rush when the opportunity presents itself .. must be more careful about leaving his position too early looking to create offense, especially when he should be focused on defensive coverage .. regularly pinches, in fact it is more of a surprise when he doesn't .. has a nice touch around the net as he proved on his lone goal of the tourney when he backhanded a beautiful shot upstairs .. wore #4 .. USA Select 17 totals (6, 1-2-3-4).

Kyle Elmblad (2006), D

In 57 games for Ojibwa Eagles, he had 23 points (5-18-23) .. has some difficulty keeping up with speedier forwards when he's skating backwards and thus has trouble with puckcarriers beating him on the outside .. his lack of mobility gets exposed against the rush, especially one-on-one .. effective in the dirty areas and is developing a bit of a presence in his own zone .. wore #5 .. USA Select 17 totals (6, 0-1-1-2).

Joseph Sova (2006), D

Played last season for Chicago Mission and is likely headed to Waterloo Blackhawks this year .. quite tall at 6'3" and although he is 180lbs., he likely could add some muscle .. uses his amazing wingspan and solid positioning to keep players to the outside .. has some upside to his game and could be heard from down the road .. has to protect the puck better, especially in his own zone .. must also pick his spots when pinching up .. wore #6 .. USA Select 17 totals (6, 2-4-6-2).

Michael Matczak (2006), D

Scored five times and added five assists in 29 games for Milton Academy last campaign .. very mobile .. dishes out nice, clean breakout passes .. reasonably tall (5'10"), but lanky and will need to add some beef to his 170 lbs. frame .. is effective at keeping the puckcarrier to the outside .. moves the puck well and generally on the tape .. wore #7 .. USA Select 17 totals (6, 1-1-2-0).