USHL: Cullen All Scouts

Indiana Ice winger Patrick Cullen, who played for the Washington Jr. Nationals prior to the 2007-08 season, was considered a mid-round draft prospect early last fall. Even though Cullen has fallen off the radar since then, his commitment to Division I Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) this fall should act as another quality stepping stone for displaying his talent. McKeen's correspondent Kevin Hopson provides the following report on Cullen.

Patrick Cullen C/LW, Indiana Ice

Versatile winger who can work in both ends .. deceptively quick, as he can lull opponents to sleep away from the play and then turn on the afterburners once he is in possession of the puck .. owns an active stick, which allows him to operate in traffic and get quick shots on goal .. can also outmaneuver opponents and beat them with a combination of speed and stickhandling .. quality puckmover in transition, as he can hit the opponent's blueline with ease and then penetrate .. carries an attitude on the ice, which is evident in his willingness to initiate contact (finish checks) and scuffle after the whistle .. sees time on the PK given his ability to eat up space in the middle and force opponents toward the boards, where he prefers to pursue the puck .. can also contribute on the man advantage as a fourth forward, as he plays an adequate two-way game. Season stats: 58-8-18-26, 52 PIM, plus-9