USA Select 17: Year of the Wooster

In our continuing look at Team Royal we begin our review of their forwards highlighted by Michigan's Matthew Wooster who is eligible for the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. We also have notes on Billy Crinnion of New York, Max Pacioretty of Connecticut and Gerald Raymond of Pennsylvania.

Billy Crinnion (2006), F

Produced 38 points (15-23-38) in 54 games for NY Apple Core Jr. B last season .. solid on his skates, but lacks the extra gear to back off the defensive coverage .. will finish his checks .. kind of a choppy skater .. has a bit of sandpaper to his game .. his array of shots doesn't dazzle and neither does the velocity of any particular one .. wore #8 .. USA Select 17 totals (6, 1-3-4-2).

Max Pacioretty (2007), F

Had 19 points (5-13-18) in 23 games for coach Dan Murphy's Taft School .. very speedy .. has a heavy wrist shot .. uses his excellent overall speed and mobility to get loose .. boasts elusive moves and is developing an ability to be hard to hit dead on .. already has excellent size at 6'2"-185lbs. .. wore #9 .. USA Select 17 totals (6, 0-3-3-6).

Gerald Raymond (2006), F

Chipped in with 51 points (27-24-51) in 75 games for the Pittsburgh Hornets .. can beat a defender on the outside and then drive to the net .. uses his body well to shield the puck .. cuts down the passing lane at the point using his quickness .. fairly effective stickhandler in traffic .. needs to be more attentive in the defensive zone to his check .. wore #10 .. USA Select 17 totals (6, 0-2-2-4).

Matthew Wooster (2006), F

Racked up 72 points (27-45-72) in 64 games for Compuware .. blessed with tremendous acceleration and mobility .. looks for the holes in the defensive coverage .. works hard away from the puck and comes back to support the defense .. closes the gap on the forecheck using his explosive speed .. only 155lbs. on his 5'10" frame so there is room for him to add some muscle .. wore #11 .. USA Select 17 totals (6, 0-0-0-0).