USA Hockey just officially announced 7 more commitments for next year's NTDP squad. Here's an updated tally of known commitments:
Forwards (x10):
F - Jack Eichel (Boston Jr. Bruins Jr. B)
F - Jared Fiegl (Colorado Rampage Midget Minor)
F - Ryan Hitchcock (NJ Rockets Jr. B)
F - Dylan Larkin (Belle Tire Midget Minor)
F - Ryan MacInnis (St. Louis Blues Midget Minor)
F - Nick Magyar (Cleveland Barons Midget Minor)
F - Sonny Milano (Cleveland Barons Midget Minor)
F - Nolan Stevens (LA Jr. Kings Midget Minor)
F - Alex Tuch (Syracuse Stars Jr. B)
F - Chris Wilkie (Omaha Lancers Midget Minor)
Defenseman (x6):
D - Louis Belpedio (Culver Academy)
D - Nathan Billitier (Rochester Stars Jr. A)
D - Ryan Bliss (St. Pauls School)
D - Jack Glover (Benilde-St. Margaret's)
D - John MacLeod (Kimball Union Academy)
D - Josh Wesley (Carolina Hurricanes Midget Minor)
Only 2 of the newest official signers (Wilkie, Belpedio) were unknown prior to this release.
Nick Magyar, Nolan Stevens, and John MacLeod have been reported as commits but probably haven't officially turned in their paperwork yet. You'd think if Magyar was having second thoughts he would have already been selected by an OHL team he wanted to play for in today's draft. Also, it's quite possible those reports were false but typically the news on the NTDP commits is pretty firm.
According to the release, the team plans on taking 12 forwards, 8 defensemen, and 2 goalies. That mean they officially still have 4 forward spots, 3 d-men spots, and 2 goalie spots open (2, 2, and 2 respectively if you count the unofficial.)
__________________ "I have been complimented many times and they always embarrass me; I always feel that they have not said enough." - Mark Twain.
You'd think if Magyar was having second thoughts he would have already been selected by an OHL team he wanted to play for in today's draft. Also, it's quite possible those reports were false but typically the news on the NTDP commits is pretty firm.
Magyar was drafted by Kitchener and they do have a track record of getting their picks to reports. I would also think the Rangers would be one of his favored teams.
He very well could but he's currently playing out of Michigan if I'm not mistaken and played/grew up in Great Britain. His father & brother are definitely Canadian citizens so I would be shocked if he wasn't too.
He very well could but he's currently playing out of Michigan if I'm not mistaken and played/grew up in Great Britain. His father & brother are definitely Canadian citizens so I would be shocked if he wasn't too.
Having a Canadian parent automatically confirms citizenship.
He may or may not have British citizenship. British citizenship isn't conferred by birth but only if the parent is a resident of Britain. If either of his parents were residents, then obviously he is a citizen.
I guess his mother or father would also need to have American citizenship somehow for him to be an American citizen.
Having a Canadian parent automatically confirms citizenship.
He may or may not have British citizenship. British citizenship isn't conferred by birth but only if the parent is a resident of Britain. If either of his parents were residents, then obviously he is a citizen.
I guess his mother or father would also need to have American citizenship somehow for him to be an American citizen.
Well Fred Perlini spent 10 seasons playing professionally in Great Britain, including the first 2 years of Brendan's life. The article in the post above you says Brendan lived there until the age of 11. Brendan's uncle is Kevin Conway, another Sault Ste. Marie native who played professionally in Great Britain for a long time and even represented Great Britain on 4 different occasions. Kevin Conway's son is Scott Conway, a 16 year old kid playing for Victory Honda U18 and was recently named to the Great Britain U18 team (He didn't play for unknown reasons right now). According to eliteprospects.com all 4 of these guys are listed as Canadian/British citizens.
Very, very top end player. Portland is doing good at stealing all these American players.
ladies and gentlemen, please meet the next Hugh Jessiman!!
hey, might as well aim low with our expectations, that way if he doesnt make it we didnt put him expectations on him..
in all seriousness, great for the kid, and like I stated awhile back, more and more Minnesota kids will be entering the WHL, whether WesternCollegeHockey likes it or not...
To be honest he seems like a project based on what I've read about him. Lots of upside but could be the next Isak Quakenbush. I'd prefer to see players like this stick around at a lower level another year or two rather than jumping right into the CHL. I can't stand seeing these 16 year old kids signed into the league only to end up getting cut a few years later when they don't develop well. It happens far too often.
While it's a compliment to see such a desire for players such as MNHSer's. By having a mass exodus, it weakens the league as developmental tool. Long term, I believe it would be detrimental. Although having said that, if players are leaving the HS teams the teams/league should look at improving itself.
To be honest he seems like a project based on what I've read about him.
Honestly, they are all projects at this age of development....Bittner is a high-end player. He performed very well during the NTDP camp (was an offensive force) and certainly made his mark in the MNHS ranks (15 goals in 20 games) as a freshman...he's ready for the next step.
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in all seriousness, great for the kid, and like I stated awhile back, more and more Minnesota kids will be entering the WHL, whether WesternCollegeHockey likes it or not...
It certainly is beginning to seem that way...and I suspect Chris Dilks (of WesternCollegeHockey) is none to pleased.
in all seriousness, great for the kid, and like I stated awhile back, more and more Minnesota kids will be entering the WHL, whether WesternCollegeHockey likes it or not...
Just like the system imploded when John Stampohar and Joey Frazer left for the WHL. The only difference is that Frazer was actually able to get an NCAA scholarship, even if he wasn't able to get into college, whereas these kids couldn't.
It's a great deal for Portland. They get some high potential kids with very low risk. Odds are one works out and becomes a nice player, and the others can be shipped off to some backwater Canadian ****hole for draft picks like most Americans that go to the WHL.
It's disappointing that Minnesota is basically turning into California where kids that can't get NCAA/USHL interest at that age feel they have to go with Plan B, but that's the result of a pretty mismanaged system.
Just like the system imploded when John Stampohar and Joey Frazer left for the WHL. The only difference is that Frazer was actually able to get an NCAA scholarship, even if he wasn't able to get into college, whereas these kids couldn't.
It's a great deal for Portland. They get some high potential kids with very low risk. Odds are one works out and becomes a nice player, and the others can be shipped off to some backwater Canadian ****hole for draft picks like most Americans that go to the WHL.
It's disappointing that Minnesota is basically turning into California where kids that can't get NCAA/USHL interest at that age feel they have to go with Plan B, but that's the result of a pretty mismanaged system.
I read a press release from the Cleveland Barons website that Magyar is playing for their U 18 Midget Majors next year. No USNTDP for Magyar by the looks of it.
While it's a compliment to see such a desire for players such as MNHSer's. By having a mass exodus, it weakens the league as developmental tool. Long term, I believe it would be detrimental. Although having said that, if players are leaving the HS teams the teams/league should look at improving itself.
I don't know about the whole mass exodus thing. Bittner played for Crookston, a tiny little town with very little hockey relevance within the MN high school league. Never seen the kid play, but if you want to develop at all as a player, its best to get out of single A, or at least onto a ranked one. His dad(or uncle maybe?) was the coach and I'm sure transferring to a different school just wouldn't be considered a viable option. I don't see how this is a league problem and not just personal circumstances where playing for your tiny hometown won't advance your hockey career.
Just looking at his points and Crookston's ridiculously weak schedule though I have to ask why people think he is noteworthy? Just size? He was middle of the road point wise on a team that didn't win a single game in one of the weaker sections in the state, 15 goals and 5 coming in a game against a team not from MN. Not trying to diminish him as a player but if anyone can describe him more and why he is coveted, I would appreciate it.
Last edited by Ovechkid08: 04-13-2012 at 10:39 PM.
I read a press release from the Cleveland Barons website that Magyar is playing for their U 18 Midget Majors next year. No USNTDP for Magyar by the looks of it.
It wouldn't surprise me that he returns (him and Siebenaler both), but I don't see a link anywhere on the site. I know he was being considered for the final forward spot, but I didn't think he'd make it.
