Anyhow, Julie over at HockeyBuzz has been covering the US Junior Team camp, where Matteau, Boucher and Pietila have been participating. Sounds like Matteau's scored more than a few goals, but haven't heard much about Reid or Blake.
Chris Peters at United States of Hockey had this to say about Pietila and Boucher after the game against Sweden.
Quote:
Blake Pietila — Playing in more of a checking-line, penalty-killing role, Pietila showed some of the ways he might be able to find a spot on Team USA’s fourth line. In addition to his terrific PK skills, Pietila notched a pair of assists, including a really nice feed on Gostisbehere’s second power-play goal. Pietila is a strong forward who plays the body and has also shown some really improved skating. He gets up and down the ice efficiently and always seems to know where he’s supposed to be.
Quote:
Reid Boucher — He wasn’t always effective today, but I think his playing with Galchenyuk had a lot to do with the Habs pick having more success. Boucher showed off improved skating and even got involved physically, delivering one of the biggest hits of the game in the first period. He was buzzing a bit offensively, but didn’t factor on the score sheet. He should see action against Finland on Saturday and will need to be a little more productive. Boucher makes the team if he shows he can score consistently like he did at the U18 Worlds two years ago (8 G in 6 GP).
Blake Pietila — If the U.S. wants to have a shutdown line in Ufa, I think Pietila made a great case for why he should be on it in this camp. Relentless on the puck, he just never quits on a play. He’s showing much better speed than I remember out of him and has played the body. He’s a guy that wants to take the puck from you, and wants to do something with it when he gets it. Pietila has some offensive ability too, even if he lacks a that little bit of finish. No matter what, I think he has positioned himself well for a roster spot.
Daly has quit Hockey to focus on school and i dont know much about Faust
Faust hasn't had a chance to play a significant role with Wisconsin through two years at the program, but with some key graduations on the blueline, he should get an opportunity to play more this fall. He's a little under-sized, however he's quick and a good puck mover. Could be in line for a bit of a breakout in his junior year.
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"I couldn't care less about the team struggling"....A very drunk Joe Namath
2011-12: The start of a new making the playoffs streak!
Don't know if this was posted anywhere else, but Alex Kerfoot has committed to Harvard for the 2013-14 season. He'll play this year again with the Coquitlam Express of the BCHL.
In case you guys haven't checked out Coming Down the Pipe, it's a great prospect blog/podcast done by a couple radio guys out of Edmonton. While they can't help but have the coverage lean towards the Oilers/WHL, they usually do a nice job covering prospects from everywhere.
Seems like a repeat of last year's Future Watch rankings with Matteau inserted at #2. As I understand it, the teams themselves provide THN with a top 10 ranking. It's not unusual for a team to rank (or not rank) somebody if only for the PR.
Stefan Matteau - 2 assists, E, 7 PIM (goalie interference, fight), 0 shots, won 1 of 3 draws, 1 hit in Blainville-Boisbriand's 6-4 loss at Gatineau
*fought Jordan Kennedy at 12:26 of 3rd period with team trailing, 5-4.
Stefan Matteau - 1 assist (PP), E, 2 PIM (goalie interference), 2 shots, won 1 of 1 draw in Blainville-Boisbriand's 6-2 win vs. Sherbrooke
*BLB outshot Sherbrooke, 40-17
Ryan Yessie @RyanHPscout
1st of 3 scrimmages done for Sarnia before I leave town for 3 days. I will be compiling a camp review for HockeyProspect upon completion
Ryan Yessie @RyanHPscout
NJD Reid Boucher has gained strength, and battled hard. PHX Connor Murphy has improved his skating, but really needs to be more physical.
