Wisconsin Prep Hockey: The McLaughlin Group

Shayne McLaughlin's Eau Claire Memorial team won the Wisconsin Prep Hockey Championship in early March with a 3-1 victory over Madison Edgewood, capping a perfect season (26-0) for the Old Abes. McKeen's correspondent Kevin Hopson takes a look at McLaughlin, along with Madison Edgewood players Gage Maurer and Tyler Sorensen.

Shayne McLaughlin (2010), F/D, Eau Claire Memorial

On the USHL radar as a 1992 draft prospect .. well-built and powerful winger .. consistent at getting the rubber from point A to point B but is not an exceptional puckhandler .. also needs to get stronger on his feet .. his size is what attracts the scouts, as he has a physical presence around the net and can use his frame to dig pucks out of the corners .. special teams player who can contribute on both the PP and PK .. this is not a surprise, as he has experience playing on the blueline as well .. his flexibility, with regard to playing different positions, certainly holds value .. can make a quality tape-to-tape pass in transition and has the ability to break up plays in his own end .. a solid two-way player who has the potential to improve his game.

Gage Maurer (2010), F, Madison Edgewood

On the USHL radar as a 1992 draft prospect .. a gritty defensive forward who does not stand out when watching him .. however, he can make some nifty short passes in transition and also possesses effective back-checking abilities.. capable of throwing the body and laboring along the boards in pursuit of the puck .. not particularly strong on the rubber but he can move the puck efficiently with his succinct passing game .. average skater who shows decent straight-ahead speed when he hits full stride.

Tyler Sorensen (2008), D, Madison Edgewood

Named First Team All-State and First Team All-Tournament .. will also be a member of Team Wisconsin in the Chicago Showcase later this month .. overlooked by many scouts because of his size but the talent is there .. swift and agile skater who moves just as well in reverse .. quality puckhandler, as he can weave his way up the ice .. can outmaneuver opponents with the stick or use his racing wheels to dump and chase .. likes to lead the rush and can setup the powerplay given his ability to gain the opponent's blueline .. owns a strong slapshot and an accurate wrister .. posseses a solid passing game, as he can make tape-to-tape passes out of his own end, as well as in neutral ice .. can utilize his speed and physical play on defense to close the gaps and disrupt opponents .. uses the boards well and can skate out of trouble when necessary .. sees time on the PK, in addition to the man advantage.