Might be a day late with this post, but hopefully not a dollar short….
While success for most teams over the course of a season means a combination of size and speed, in a two week tournament like the World Junior Championships the real key to success is versatility closely followed by instant chemistry and that's what USA Hockey will be looking for during Selection Camp next weekend.
Leading the way we have four returnees… Nick Bjugstad (19, Minnesota, FLA) who leads the NCAA in scoring and will be a major cog in Team USA's offensive attack. He's starting to fill out his lanky frame and is much stronger than last year, which means he can protect the puck better, maintain possession and therefore has more opportunities to showcase his offensive talents.
Charlie Coyle (19, Boston University, MIN) is your prototypical power forward who is effective at both ends of the ice. He goes to the dirty areas and gets the goals. Emerson Etem (19, Medicine Hat, ANA) is averaging nearly two points a game this season with 28 goals and 30 assists so far this year in 31 games. He's an all around player…he can make plays, score and throw the body around.
Jason Zucker (19, Denver, MIN) has been my odds on favorite to be captain of this team for the past year. As good as he is at hockey (20 points in 14 games played thus far this year) and coming through for his team in the clutch, he's an even better leader. A true character guy.
There is no doubt in my mind that these four will be heading to Edmonton. Now, who will be joining them?
Let's start our speculation with the small and speedy guys…
TJ Tynan (19, Notre Dame, CBJ) is as creative as they come and I was surprised when his fast start in South Bend didn't earn him an invite to this camp last year. His strong play throughout the rest of the season earned him an invite to the Evaluation Camp this summer and he didn't disappoint. I'd be stunned if he doesn't make this team.
Shane Prince (19, Ottawa, OTT) absolutely lit it up last year and is on pace to surpass his point totals from last year. He wasn't as impressive during the evaluation camp as I was expecting, but there were moments when saw what all the scouts had been raving about. His ability to do what he does best on a consistent basis and in a more physical atmosphere will be his biggest obstacle in making this team.
Austin Czarnik (19, Miami, Draft Eligible) is a product of the NTDP and due to his late birthday (he actually doesn't turn 19 until next week) he spent an extra year in the USHL before heading to Oxford. If his quick start for the RedHawks is any indication, it seems to have served him well. I'd best describe his play as slippery as he has a knack for evading defenders with his speed and making them pay on the scoreboard. Despite his smaller stature he's one of the stronger guys I've seen along the boards. Could be a nice versatile addition to this roster.
Kyle Rau (19, Minnesota, FLA) is right behind teammate Nick Bjugstad in goals scored for the Gophers this year and leads the country in rookie scoring. I wouldn't say he's been a surprise, but I'm not sure anyone expected him to have as much success just two months into his college career. I'm very eager to see how he fairs at selection camp.
John Gaudreau (18, Boston College, CGY) might look like he's 12, but he plays with the poise of a seasoned vet. Much like Czarnik, Gaudreau is a slippery little sucker. Some of the moves he pulls, especially when protecting the puck, are mind boggling. He so fast and creative and the fact that he plays at BC on the same line as fellow invitee Bill Arnold could work in both of their favors. His biggest challenge will be proving that he can hold his own against the big boys.
Moving on to the mucker and grinders…. Every team needs guys who can flat out shut down the opposition, but in tournaments like this those guys also need to contribute offensively and, this year, USA Hockey has a nice selection to chose from to fill this role.
JT Miller (18, Plymouth, NYR) has 36 points in 29 games for the Whalers and I'm willing to bet most of his 25 assists came from digging the puck out of the corner because that's what he does best. He wins puck battles all day every day and gets the puck on net or to someone in a position to score. In my mind, he's on this team.
Brandon Saad (19, Saginaw, CHI) declined his invitation to the evaluation camp over the summer and has seen limited action due to a shoulder injury, but after his brief stint with the Blackhawks at the start of the season, there's no doubting his ability to contribute to this team. He returned to the lineup this week, so barring any lingering effects from his injury, I don't see why he wouldn't make this team.
Connor Brickley (19, Vermont, FLA) while the Catamounts rely on him to put points on the board, he is also a huge pain in the rear to go up against in the corners and along the boards. He plays a brand of hockey that is full throttle and in your face. His biggest question mark is if he can play that way for a full 60 every night.
Josh Archibald (19, Nebraska-Omaha, PIT) is a curious invite since he doesn't come with much fanfare, but he does play for head coach Dean Blais at UNO who therefore knows exactly what he's getting - a strong two-way player who plays the body and has an offensive upside. I would expect him to play his heart out.
In the I Like to Score Goals Department we have Kenny Agostino (19, Yale, PIT) who was one of, if not the, most impressive forward at the evaluation camp in August. He just always seemed to be in the right place at the right time and it wasn't a coincidence. The guy works his butt off to be in a position to make a difference in the game. He'd be on my team.
Bill Arnold (19, Boston College, CGY) is one point away from surpassing his point totals from last season in half as many games so far this season and is playing on one of BC's most effective lines with Chris Kreider and fellow camp invitee John Gaudreau. He knows how to battle, he knows how to make plays and he knows how to score.
Brian Ferlin (19, Cornell, BOS) is another point per game player who had a solid showing at the evaluation camp in Lake Placid and might actually fit more in the mucker and grinder category, but it's his willingness to play the body that drives his offense.
Finally, Austin Watson (19, Peterborough, NSH) is an offensive dynamo for the Petes, but unless he's become more willing to get his nose dirty, I don't see how he earns a spot on this team. Versatility is not his strong suit.
To summarize, as of right now, my forwards would be:
Bjugstad, Etem, Coyle, Zucker, Tynan, Czarnik, Gaudreau, Miller, Saad, Brickley, Archibald, Agostino and Arnold
Team USA's Selection Camp starts next Saturday in Camrose, AB.
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Julie
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