USNTDP-U18 Team: My Cousin Vinny

Though Danny Kristo is considered the top-rated draft-eligible prospect in the U.S. National Team Development Program, there are a few others to keep an eye on, including winger Vinny Saponari. McKeen's correspondent Kevin Hopson provides an update on Saponari, as well as teammates Justin Florek and David Warsofsky.

Vinny Saponari (2008), F, USNTDP-U18

A decent skater who lacks the necessary gear to blow by opponents, though he helps make up for this deficiency with his gifted puckmoving abilities .. owns an active stick and incredibly flexible hands, which – together – can make defenders miss .. crafty with the puck and can hold on to the rubber for lengthy periods of time .. also possesses a sneaky and precise passing game .. for example, he can pick up speed coming out of his own end, giving the impression that he is going to rush the ice .. however, he will sometimes dish the puck right before hitting full stride, reeling opponents in and causing them to over commit in the process .. enjoys astute vision on the ice, as he can find teammates in transition and even send a wing-to-wing pass across the mouth of the goal .. works most efficiently around the half boards and down low .. a special teams player who logs icetime on both the man advantage and PK .. though a respectable defender, his stickhandling expertise and aggressive nature on the forecheck are what hold value during penalty kills.

Justin Florek (2008), F, USNTDP-U18

A gangly winger who could improve his game by adding lower-body strength .. lacks a quick first step and has a difficult time cutting and turning .. however, he does show reasonable straight-ahead speed once he gets going, especially for a player of his stature .. stronger on the puck than one would think, as his enormous reach allows him to cradle the rubber and keep it a safe distance from opponents .. defensively, he uses this range to swat loose pucks out of dangerous areas and to clog up passing lanes .. also possesses above-average hands, which give him the capability to beat defenders 1-on-1, though he needs to become more consistent at this .. owns a big, winding slapshot .. this is fine when he has the time and room to set up but he needs to develop a more compact swing when working in tight spaces .. even though Florek is not a natural defender by any means, he can utilize his large frame to hold opponents along the boards on the backcheck .. will also take a knee to block shots.

David Warsofsky (2008), D, USNTDP-U18

A mobile, puckmoving defenseman who can work in all three zones .. displays proper positioning on defense, as he does an effective job of cutting down angles and getting in the shooting lanes .. not afraid to initiate contact and get in the face of opponents .. utilizes the boards well, particularly in pressure situations .. plays a clean game for the most part, as he makes safe and precise passes in his own end .. has the capacity to skate the puck out of trouble as well .. can be dangerous in transition, as he possesses the gentle hands and smart vision to make a quality outlet pass .. also capable of keeping the puck and leading the rush himself .. does not look to shoot from the point that often, as he prefers to utilize his productive passing game to set up teammates .. however, he will pinch at times, as he loves to crash the net and be on the receiving end of a one-timer .. because of his puckmoving abilities, he sees regular time on the man advantage.