USNTDP U-18: A Shore Thing

American Drew Shore (pictured) is one of the top prospects for next year's NHL Entry Draft. The 17-year-old Colorado native, who has verbally committed to the University of Denver for 2009, is coming off a year in which he tallied 38 points in 54 games for the U.S. Under-17 team. McKeen's correspondent Kevin Hopson files the following report on Shore, as well as several other members of this year's U-18 team.

Drew Shore (2009), F, U.S. NTDP U-18

Average skater, as he does not own a fluid stride and has to work for everything .. however, he displays good hustle and will work in all three zones .. NHL-type (6-2, 190) build (6-2, 190), with power forward potential, as he likes to work down low .. can win draws but needs to be more successful in the circle .. greatest asset is his size .. utilizes his frame to battle along the boards and shovel the puck out of high-traffic areas .. his long reach is especially useful .. solid on the puck and possesses astute vision .. quality distribution skills, as he can make short, precise passes in transition and also find the seams in the offensive zone .. this makes him a regular contributor on the man advantage .. can also kill penalties given his defensive awareness.

Sam Calabrese (2009), D, U.S. NTDP U-18

5-foot-10, 170-pound d-man shows flexibility on the ice, as he can play both defense and forward .. possesses solid wheels and owns an active stick, making him an effective puckmover.

Nick Mattson (2010), D, U.S. NTDP U-18

At 6-foot and 175 pounds, Mattson has grown one inch and put on 20 pounds over the past year .. will have even more time to develop given his late birth date .. shows the ability to transition and rush the ice .. possesses a quality distribution game, making him a capable PP quarterback.

Kevin Lynch (2009), F, U.S. NTDP U-18

The 6-foot-1, 190-pound forward is a speedy skater who can elude opponents and move the puck with his quality stickhandling skills.

A.J. Treais (2009), F, U.S. NTDP U-18

5-foot-8 , 150-pound forward is a swift skater who possesses the agility and stickhandling prowess to make opponents miss.