USNTDP: O Brother, Where Art Thou

Nick Shore, the younger brother of NHL draft prospect Drew Shore, is following in his brother's footsteps with the U.S. National Team Development Program. Meanwhile, Austin Czarnik, the cousin of former USNTDP player Robbie Czarnik, is doing the same. McKeen's correspondent Kevin Hopson files the following report on Shore and Czarnik, both of whom are members of this year's U-17 team.

Nick Shore (2011), C, USNTDP U-17

Though Nick has yet to make a college commitment, he is expected to follow his older brother to the University of Denver .. he is also considering major-junior hockey, as the Kelowna Rockets (WHL) own his draft rights .. in the meantime, Nick seems to be picking up where his brother left off .. both play a very similar "power forward" type of game and also possess many of the same talents .. loves to operate below the hash marks .. also, does not shy away from contact and will wrestle along the boards in pursuit of the puck .. sees the ice well and consistently connects on passes given his quality distribution skills .. looks to pass first and shoot second, making him a dangerous set-up man .. effective contributor on the powerplay, as he can anchor himself along the half-wall and dispense the puck to the point or the net with great accuracy.

Austin Czarnik (2011), F, USNTDP U-17

Austin has already committed to Michigan State for 2011 .. his cousin Robbie, a member of last year's U-18 team and a recent draft pick of the Los Angeles Kings, is starting his college career at Michigan this fall .. as a result, the two could battle each other three years from now .. during this past summer's Select 16 Camp, Austin led all scorers with seven goals and two assists in five games .. this is not a surprise given his pliable hands .. for example, he is capable of maneuvering the puck in tight spaces and maintaining possession under duress .. furthermore, his on-ice vision and soft, precise passing game means he can either ignite the breakout or finish in transition .. also boasts an effective wristshot.

Heading North for the Winter?

Jeremy Morin, a member of the USNTDP U-18 team and one of the top prospects for next spring's NHL Entry Draft, could be heading to Canada next season. The Kitchener Rangers hold his draft rights and since Morin has yet to make a college commitment, there is speculation that he could eventually make the jump to the OHL. Meanwhile, U.S. Select U-18 member Beau Schmitz is already playing north of the border for the Plymouth Whalers of the OHL

Scouting Notes

Jeremy Morin (2009), F, USNTDP U-18

Swift skater who can carry the puck from one end of the ice to the other .. dangerous in 1-on-1 situations given his ability to undress defenders and find the sweet spot on net .. shows astute vision and patience with the puck, as he can hold the rubber until he finds a seam in the zone or shoot if no other option exists .. possesses an effective backhand, which he utilizes well on the cycle .. an agile forward with flexible hands and an active stick .. these qualities allow him to create time and space with the puck .. sees time on special teams, as his offensive skill-set proves to be valuable on the man advantage .. also, his aggressive forechecking helps disrupt the opponent's attack on the penalty kill.

Beau Schmitz (2009), D, U.S. Select U-18/Plymouth Whalers

Productive skater who plays exceptional 1-on-1 defense .. does a quality job of staying with his man, particularly down low .. however, Schmitz can take this too literally at times, as he will play the body even when his opponent is away from the puck .. this leads to occasional obstruction penalties .. reliable in his own end, as he tends to make clean and safe passes when trying to clear the puck .. can also deliver lengthy and accurate wing-to-wing passes .. boasts a solid slapshot and is a contributor on special teams.