While we didn’t get a chance to see Logan Hensler compete in the USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program Evaluation Camp, we did get to see eight Minnesota products compete with other top 2006 prospects from around the country. The Minnesota boys played extremely well and were a fine representation of our state. Here are some notes on the Minnesota players.
John Whipple was one of the top stories of the NTDP Camp has he showed moments where he was unstoppable. Great skater with a nice burst and a lot of energy generated from his edges. Whipple has a great shot, with many different varieties and angles. Played physical and was fantastic along the boards.
Brendan McMorrow had a good NTDP Camp as he created a lot of scoring chances and displayed his excellent skating skills. Very mobile with quick stops and starts. Was constantly involved in the play and made his linemates better.
Brodie Ziemer was allover the scoring sheet at the NTDP Camp, but the aspect of his game that I was pleased with the most was the pressure he was applying defensively. Ziemer is so skilled offensively and seeing him play a commanding 200-foot-game was nice. Ziemer has put up 98 points in 53 games for Shattuck’s 15o team.
Ben Miller finished the camp off well with a goal and assist performance. Created space for himself by playing physical while also dazzling with some nice maneuvering and barreling his way through defenders.
Will Skahan is everything you want in defenseman at this age. Played extremely well at the camp in both zones. He looks the part to wear the USA Sweater and he plays the part to wear the USA Sweater.
Max Plante showed some of that Plante family puck skills, especially on a shootout goal on Monday. Used his body well to open up to receive passes and made excellent choices of when to press the play and drive to the net or when to chip it in and the gain zone.
It seems Max Kleber played a ton of minutes during the camp, or maybe it’s that he’s so noticeable due to his size and on-ice presence. Most of the games during the camp were low scoring affairs due to exceptional defense for this 2006 class, and Kleber showed he belonged.
Sam Laurila went from playing in the Bantam AA Championship on Sunday in Baudette, MN to playing in the NTDP Camp on Monday in Plymouth, MI. Laurila played a sturdy defensive game, while gaining zones and limiting space for opposing forwards.