USHL: Stepan Into the Spotlight

With potential first round pick John Carlson getting most of the attention this year and three of his teammates among the league's scoring leaders last season, Indiana Ice winger Stepan Novotny (pictured) has been playing in the shadows. However, because he is draft-eligible in 2009, Novotny will now be stepping into the spotlight. McKeen's correspondent Kevin Hopson provides an update on the Czech-born prospect.

Stepan Novotny (2009), RW, Indiana Ice

Novotny is a skillful winger with an NHL-type build (6-1, 190) .. quality skater who does an effective job of turning and accelerating once he has the puck .. also possesses the necessary lateral movement to weave his way up ice and outmaneuver defenders as he makes a bid for the opponent's blueline .. does not own an extremely quick stick but has sufficient hands, which allow him to deke opponents in 1-on-1 situations and also make a solid pass in transition .. displays reliable puck-protection skills and is capable of creating time and space with the rubber .. though not a penalty killer, Novotny utilizes his frame well in the defensive end, where he is an adequate worker .. for example, in addition to stick-checking, he will push opponents off the puck and also block shots .. Novotny's quickness and willingness to work along the boards make him an efficient forechecker as well .. positions himself opportunistically in the attacking zone and can contribute on the man advantage.