On Saturdays, College Hockey Prospective is pleased to welcome voices, on a rotating basis, from around the world of college hockey on topics that have caught their attention. Matt Mackinder comments today on USA Hockey’s recent announcement of an US-based prospects game.

By Matt Mackinder, CHP Columnist    April 28, 2012

While I applaud USA Hockey’s recent announcement of the All-American Prospects Game scheduled for this September that will showcase top 2013 NHL draft-eligible players, I believe USA Hockey is about 15 years too late with this event.
 
The Canadian Hockey League has staged a top prospects game since 1992.
 
I realize that USA Hockey is just trying to keep up with the Joneses, so to speak, but in my opinion, this event, scheduled for Buffalo of all places, is a sorry attempt to try and gain ground in the ongoing and never-ending “CHL vs. NCAA war.”
 
The USHL tried this concept in Muskegon back in January and there were definitely NHL scouts present and a grand total of two media members, myself included. As for fans, well, there were some for sure, but more empty seats than anything.
 
It was a great game and the players went all out, but it’s the old adage that if a tree falls in a forest and no one is around, does it still make noise?
 
Still, USA Hockey will try and get fans, media and scouts to Buffalo this fall to see American-born prospects. It’s a good idea, don’t get me wrong, but if all the pundits out there and all the true fans of college hockey don’t see this as nothing more than a ploy to try and even out the odds with the CHL top prospect game, then the Kool-Aid must have gone sour or something.
 
I’m as big a fan of USA Hockey and seeing kids get drafted and play college hockey. Seriously, I am. I just feel that if USA Hockey was serious about promoting the game to a country that knows very little about hockey in general, this game should have been created at least 10-15 years ago. At least.
 
Are there some high-end NHL prospects from the United States? You bet your butt. And will they all be in Buffalo? Probably. Will this game get more attention, press and notoriety than the ill-fated attempt in Muskegon? I would think so.
 
That said, if this is truly an “all-American” prospects game, why won’t U.S.-born players in the CHL be participating? Probably for the same reason that CHL kids are few and far between on World Junior teams and World Championship teams. It’s all about shoving NCAA hockey down our throats and dumping on the CHL, in my opinion.
 
Then again, who have been the World Junior heroes the two times the USA won the World Junior championship? Let’s see, that would be OHL star Patrick O’Sullivan in 2004 and another OHL kid, John Carlson, in 2010, along with Jack Campbell, who played two years in the OHL.
 
Hmmm….
 
In any event, my hope is that this All-American Prospects Game is a hit and takes off and maybe rotates around the country like the CHL game.
 
I only wish I was writing this column in 1998 and not 2012.
 
See you in Buffalo!

Matt Mackinder has been in the journalism biz for 15 years and has contributed to such publications as Michigan Hockey Magazine, Rubber Hockey Magazine, Red Line Report, USCHO.com, MichiganCollegeHockey.com and Sports Review Magazine. Matt lives in the Flint, Mich., area with his wife, Stephanie, sons, Ethan and Wyatt, daughter, Madelyn, and dogs, Eddie and Max.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE         Release from USA Hockey

Sunday, April 22, 2012 
 
U.S. Men’s National Under-18 Team Wins the Gold Medal at the 2012 IIHF
Men’s World Under-18 Championship with 7-0 Win Over Sweden

Team USA Captures Fourth Straight Gold Medal
 

BRNO, Czech Republic – The U.S. Men’s National Under-18 Team defeated Sweden, 7-0, here this evening to win the gold medal at the 2012 International Ice Hockey Federation Men’s World Under-18 Championship. Nicolas Kerdiles (Irvine, Calif.) had two goals and three assists, and Collin Olson (Apple Valley, Minn.) stopped all 27 shots he faced, as Team USA captured its fourth straight gold medal in the tournament.

“I’m very proud of how our players conducted themselves throughout this tournament,” said Danton Cole, head coach of the U.S. Men’s National Under-18 Team. “We worked hard, played a very disciplined game and never let up. These players deserve to call themselves champions.”

The U.S. scored first at 18:45 of the opening period when Thomas Di Pauli (Woodridge, Ill.) jammed the puck past Swedish netminder Oscar Dansk. Ryan Hartman (West Dundee, Ill.) and Andrew Copp (Ann Arbor, Mich.) collected assists on the goal. Team USA led Sweden, 1-0, heading into the first intermission.

Daniel O’Regan (Needham, Mass.) doubled the U.S. advantage at 8:26 of the second stanza when he deked and scored on Dansk after a turnover by Sweden.  J.T. Compher (Northbrook, Ill.) added to the Team USA lead on a wristshot from the left faceoff circle. Kerdiles and Seth Jones (Plano, Texas) assisted on the tally.

Skating four-on-four, Kerdiles sank his own rebound at 17:48 off the leg pad of Marcus Hogberg, who replaced Dansk in goal for Sweden. Olson made 10 saves in the frame to keep Sweden off the board and Team USA went into the second intermission with a 4-0 lead.

The U.S. continued to pressure Sweden’s defense and notched a goal 18 seconds into the third period when Hartman snuck the puck under the crossbar on the backhand. Kerdiles and O’Regan picked up the assists. Connor Carrick (Orland Park, Ill.) gave Team USA a six-goal cushion when he wristed a shot from inside the blue line past Hogberg. Kerdiles earned the lone assist and capped the game with his second tally of the evening, securing the gold medal for the U.S.

NOTES: For the complete U.S. roster, click here … Collin Olson was named Team USA’s Player of the Game and also received the directorate award as the tournament’s best goaltender … Olson, Seth Jones and Matthew Lane (Rochester, N.Y.) were named Team USA’s best three players … Team USA outshot Sweden, 45-27 … The U.S. has captured a record nine consecutive medals at the IIHF Men’s World Under-18 Championship, including four gold medals in a row (2009-12), back-to-back gold medals in 2005-06, two silver medals (2004, 2007) and one bronze (2008). Team USA also captured the gold medal in 2002 … Team USA’s 10 overall medals are most ever at the IIHF Men’s World Under-18 Championship … For additional coverage, visit USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program Facebook page … A full recap of Team USA at the 2012 IIHF Men’s World Under-18 Championship, including game recaps, photos and videos, can be found on USAHockey.com … The U.S. Mens National Under-17 and Under-18 Teams train with The Hockey IntelliGym, a revolutionary software program that trains hockey sense. To learn more, visit USAHockeyIntelliGym.com.

GAME SUMMARY
Scoring By Period
SWE0 – 0 -0 -0
USA1 – 3 -3 -7

 
 
First Period – Scoring: 1, USA, Di Pauli (Copp, Hartman), 18:45. Penalties: USA, Compher (slashing), 10:32; USA, Hartman (tripping), 16:35.

Second Period – Scoring: 2, USA, O’Regan (unassisted), 8:26; 3, USA, Compher (Kerdiles, Jones), 12:47; 4, USA, Kerdiles (unassisted), 17:48. Penalties: USA, Skjei (holding), 16:38; SWE, de la Rose (tripping), 16:42.

Third Period – Scoring: 5, USA, Hartman (Kerdiles, O’Regan), 0:18; 6, USA, Carrick (Kerdiles), 7:53; 7, USA, Kerdiles (Osterberg), 19:44. Penalties: USA, Trouba (holding), 9:18.
 

On Saturdays, College Hockey Prospective is pleased to welcome voices, on a rotating basis, from around the world of college hockey on topics that have caught their attention. 

NCAA Should Open Its Doors To Former CHL Players

U.S. Men’s National Under-18 Team Edges Canada, 2-1, in Semifinal
of 2012 IIHF Men’s World Under-18 Championship

Team USA Will Attempt to Capture Fourth Straight Gold Medal on Sunday
 

BRNO, Czech Republic – Kyle Osterberg (Lakeville, Minn.) tallied the game-winning goal in the third period, as the U.S. Men’s National Under-18 Team edged Canada, 2-1, here tonight at Kajot Arena in the semifinals at the 2012 International Ice Hockey Federation Men’s World Under-18 Championship.

Seth Jones (Plano, Texas) also collected two assists in the victory, which sends the U.S. to the gold-medal game Sunday (April 22) against Sweden at 10 a.m. EDT at Kajot Arena. The game will be streamed live on FASTHockey.com.

Team USA will look to capture its fourth straight gold medal after garnering three straight world titles from 2009-11.

“We worked extremely hard tonight against a talented Canadian team,” said Danton Cole, head coach of the U.S. Men’s National Under-18 Team. “It will be a tough battle against Sweden, but we’ll go out there and play our style and skate hard until the final whistle.”

J.T. Compher (Northbrook, Ill.) opened scoring at 10:36 of the first period, when his shot from the right side of the net snuck past Canadian goaltender Matt Murray. Matthew Lane (Rochester, N.Y.) and Jones collected assists on the play. Canada evened the score, 1-1, off a redirected shot at 15:23 and the score remained tied heading into the first intermission.

The U.S. outshot its opponent, 10-5, in the second stanza, but was unable to net the go-ahead goal. Brady Skjei (Lakeville, Minn.) and Frankie Vatrano (East Longmeadow, Mass.) each rang pucks off the crossbar in the frame, but the score remained knotted, 1-1, after two periods of action.

Osterberg netted a wrap-around goal after a shot by Jones went wide of the net at 6:26 of the final frame that held as the game winner for Team USA. Collin Olson (Apple Valley, Minn.) turned aside all 10 Canadian shots in the third and 21 total in the win for the U.S., while Murray turned aside 23 shots for Canada in the loss.

NOTES: Matthew Lane was named Team USA’s Player of the Game … Team USA outshot Canada, 27-22 … The U.S. enters the tournament having captured a record eight consecutive medals, including back-to-back gold medals in 2005-06, three straight gold medals from 2009-11, two silver medals (2004, 2007) and one bronze medal (2008). Team USA’s six gold medals are the most of any country in IIHF Men’s World Under-18 Championship history (event began in 1999). Team USA earned its first gold medal in 2002 … The U.S. is in Group A with Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark and Finland. Group B consists of Germany, Latvia, Russia, Sweden and Switzerland … Follow @USAHockeyScores on Twitter for live scoring updates during the tournament. Scores will be designated with #U18MWC … For additional coverage, visit USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program Facebook page … More information about the 2011 IIHF World Men’s U18 Championship can be found here … The U.S. Mens National Under-17 and Under-18 Teams train with The Hockey IntelliGym, a revolutionary software program that trains hockey sense. To learn more, visit USAHockeyIntelliGym.com.

GAME SUMMARY
Scoring By Period
USA1 – 0 -1 -2
CAN1 – 0 -0 -1

 
First Period – Scoring: 1, USA, Compher (Lane, Jones), 10:36; 2, CAN, Smith (Severson), 15:23. Penalties: CAN, Shinkaruk (boarding), 3:29; USA, Skjei (delay-of-game), 18:50.

Second Period – Scoring: None. Penalties: CAN, Winther (hooking), 5:12; CAN, Pelech (delay-of-game), 15:36; CAN, Girard (tripping), 18:00.

Third Period – Scoring: 3, USA, Osterberg (Jones), 6:26. Penalties: USA, Hartman (interference), 13:23; USA, Trouba (slashing), 20:00; CAN, Winther (roughing), 20:00.
Power Play: USA 0-4; CAN 0-2
Penalties: USA 3-6; CAN 5-10

College Hockey Prospective presents here the next five prospects in our countdown of the Top 60 college prospects for this June’s NHL Draft including a pair of Shattuck products. 

40.  Alex Kile     6-0 195   LW   Green Bay (USHL)   committed to Michigan

          Fitting right in, posting solid numbers as a key performer for a top-notch team in Green Bay.

39.   Vincent Hinostroza   5-10 170   RW    Waterloo (USHL)    committed to Notre Dame

           Decent skills across the board will develop on the defensive end under Jeff Jackson’s tutelage.

38.   Kevin Duane   6-4 214   RW   Brunswick Prep (HS-CT)   committed to Boston University  

           Prototypical power forward prospect likely to further develop with a year in the USHL.

37.   Teddy Blueger   6-0 170   C   Shattuck St. Mary’s (HS-MN)   committed to Minnesota St.

           Latvian native honing his hockey (and lacrosse) skills at Shattuck.

36.   John Draeger   D   6-2 185     Shattuck St. Mary’s (HS-MN)  committed to Michigan St.

           Another piece to the high quality program Tom Anastos is assembling in East Lansing.

CHP Top 60: Prospects 60 to 56

CHP Top 60: Prospects 55 to 51

CHP Top 60:  Prospects 50 to 46

CHP Top 60:  Prospects 45 to 41

USA Hockey Announces Creation of All-American Prospects Game
First-Ever Event Set for Sept. 29 at First Niagara Center in Buffalo, New York
 
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – USA Hockey announced today it will stage the first-ever All-American Prospects Game on Sept. 29, 2012, at First Niagara Center in Buffalo, New York.

The All-American Prospects Game will include 40 of the top American-born prospects eligible for the 2013 National Hockey League Entry Draft.

“It’s a concept we’ve been talking about for a couple of years and we’re excited to bring it to life in partnership with the Buffalo Sabres,” said Dave Ogrean, executive director of USA Hockey. “The talent level on the First Niagara Center ice on Sept. 29 will be exceptional. We view this game as an opportunity to gain additional exposure for hockey and help influence growth of the sport through showcasing the future stars of the game.”

“We’re extremely pleased to have this inaugural event come to Buffalo,” said Ted Black, president of the Buffalo Sabres. “We have a tremendous working relationship with USA Hockey and I know our fans will embrace the All-American Prospects Game.”
USA Hockey expects to announce the players selected to compete in the game in late June or early July.

“Players will come from junior hockey and college hockey, as well as the high school and prep school ranks,” said Jim Johannson, assistant executive director of hockey operations for USA Hockey. “We’ll be in contact with NHL Central Scouting as we build the final list of players invited to compete in this inaugural event.”

Johannson noted more information will be forthcoming, including how the teams will be divided and who will coach the teams.

Ticket information is expected to be released in May.

NOTES: Of the first 40 Americans selected in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, 17 came from the United States Hockey League; seven were from U.S. high/prep schools; six played U.S. college hockey; six came from the Ontario Hockey League; four played in the Western Hockey League; and one competed in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League … Under the current structure, players born between Jan. 1, 1993 and Sept. 14, 1995, will be eligible to be selected in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Jake Wesolek (jakew@usahockey.org)

Sunday, April 15, 2012 
 
U.S. Men’s National Under-18 Team Bests Denmark, 4-0,
in Third Game of 2012 IIHF Men’s World Under-18 Championship

Rutledge Makes 17 Saves in Shutout; Compher and Lane Record Two Point Nights
 

BRNO, Czech Republic – Jared Rutledge (Chicago, Ill.) made 17 saves to earn the shutout and J.T. Compher (Northbrook, Ill./0-2) and Matthew Lane (Rochester, N.Y./1-1) each recorded two points, as the U.S. Men’s National Under-18 Team bested Denmark, 4-0, here tonight at Kajot Arena in its third game at the 2012 International Ice Hockey Federation Men’s World Under-18 Championship. With the victory, Team USA improved to 3-0-0-0 (W-OTW-OTL-L) and is yet to surrender a goal in the tournament.

“This was a hard fought matchup,” said Danton Cole, head coach of the U.S. Men’s National Under-18 Team. “We must continue to play on both ends of the ice to maintain our success.”

Team USA scored first on a Lane tally at 1:53 in the opening frame. Brady Skjei (Lakeville, Minn.) and Compher assisted on the goal. The U.S. put 12 shots on net in the period, while holding Denmark to eight.

Seth Jones (Plano, Texas) doubled the U.S. lead 45 seconds into the second stanza when he launched a slapshot from just inside the blue line. The power-play tally was assisted by Nicolas Kerdiles (Irvine, Calif.) and Jacob Trouba (Rochester, Mich.). A rebound goal by Frankie Vatrano (East Longmeadow, Mass.) put Team USA up, 3-0, at 6:07. Compher and Lane collected assists on the score.

Quentin Shore (Denver, Colo.) added a goal at 14:28 of the third period to seal the U.S. victory. Connor Carrick (Orland Park, Ill.) registered the lone assist on the marker. The U.S. held Denmark to just two shots in the final frame and Rutledge turned both aside, making 17 total saves in the win. Denmark’s George Sorensen stopped 53 shots in the loss.

The U.S. Men’s National Under-18 Team wraps up preliminary-round action on Tuesday (April 17) against Canada at 8 p.m. local time (2 p.m. EDT), at Kajot Arena. The game will be streamed live on FASTHockey.com.

NOTES:  Matthew Lane was named Team USA’s Player of the Game … Team USA outshot Denmark, 57-17 … The U.S. went 1-for-4 on the power play, while Denmark went 0-for-2 … Team USA has shutout its opponents in the first three games of the tournament, outscoring its opposition, 13-0 … The U.S. enters the tournament having captured a record eight consecutive medals, including back-to-back gold medals in 2005-06, three straight gold medals from 2009-11, two silver medals (2004, 2007) and one bronze medal (2008). Team USA’s six gold medals are the most of any country in IIHF Men’s World Under-18 Championship history (event began in 1999). Team USA earned its first gold medal in 2002 … The U.S. is in Group A with Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark and Finland. Group B consists of Germany, Latvia, Russia, Sweden and Switzerland … Follow @USAHockeyScores on Twitter for live scoring updates during the tournament. Scores will be designated with #U18MWC … For additional coverage, visit USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program Facebook page … More information about the 2011 IIHF World Men’s U18 Championship can be found here … The U.S. Mens National Under-17 and Under-18 Teams train with The Hockey IntelliGym, a revolutionary software program that trains hockey sense. To learn more, visit USAHockeyIntelliGym.com.

GAME SUMMARY
Scoring By Period
DEN     0 – 0 -0 -0
USA     1 – 2 -1 -4

 
 
First Period – Scoring: 1, USA, Lane (Skjei, Compher), 1:53. Penalties: DEN, Povlsen (elbowing), 9:57; USA, Trouba (interference), 17:37; DEN, Lindhoj (boarding), 20:00.

Second Period – Scoring: 2, USA, Jones (Kerdiles, Trouba), 0:45, (pp); 3, USA, Vatrano (Compher, Lane), 6:07. Penalties: None.

Third Period – Scoring: 4, USA, Shore (Carrick), 14:28. Penalties: USA, Hartman (checking-to-head), 5:50; USA, Hartman (misconduct), 5:50; DEN, Lauridsen (holding), 9:41; DEN, Eller (high-sticking), 12:09.
Shots by Period     1   2   3    Total
DEN                        8   7    2     17
USA                       12 26  19    57
     

Power Play: DEN 0-2; USA 1-4
Penalties: DEN 4-8; USA 3-14
 
Team USA 2012 IIHF Men’s World Under-18 Championship Schedule
April 12-22 • Breclav/Brno/Znojmo, Czech Republic

Date                                OpponentTime (Local/EDT)                     Live Webcast

Mon., April 9                  Sweden (exhibition)  L, 2-3
Thu., April 12                 Finland  W, 4-0                                           FASTHockey.com
Sat., April 14                   Czech Republic     W, 5-0                          FASTHockey.com
Sun., April 15                  Denmark     W, 4-0                                    FASTHockey.com
Tue., April 17                  Canada     8 p.m./2 p.m.                            FASTHockey.com
Thu., April 19                  Quarterfinals    TBD
Fri., April 20                    Semifinals     TBD
Sun., April 22                  Bronze-Medal Game        12 p.m./6 a.m.
Sun., April 22                  Gold-Medal Game             4 p.m./10 a.m.

by Bob Miller  CHP Managing Editor   April 15, 2012

Thoughts on a Sunday morning with coffee in hand.

There’s no end to this!!!  Overheard in the hallway in the establishment where I put in my time at my “day job”:

Bob’s Executive Director:  You really must be glad college hockey season is finally over, Bob!

‘CHP Bob’:  Yeah, I guess so.  It’s a really long season, starting with practices and games in late September and literally going non-stop through the Frozen Four in April!  But, there really is no off-season for college hockey recruiting and analysis of college hockey prospects for the NHL draft!

The decision to finally initiate this website came with the knowledge that it was going to be a year-round pursuit.  Sounding like the refrain of a bad comedian on stage, “we’ll be here all week!”, actually all summer, bringing you continuing coverage of the NHL Draft, college hockey recruiting and every other subject that strikes our fancy.

                                                       *********************************************

In a piece that’s received far greater coverage than I could possible give it here, letsplayhockey.com reported on Thursday that a record number of former U.S. college players, 300 to be exact, appeared in the NHL during the 2011-2012 season.  That’s nearly a 40% increase over the 216 former college players ten years prior in the  2001-2002 season.

Nobody who has followed the college game will be the least bit surprised at this increase.  I’m probably preaching to the choir here, but the higher level of skill is obvious to those of us who have populated the rinks on a regular basis.  At least part of this phenomenon is related to the increase in players from non-traditional hockey states like California or Texas, to name just two of the many now represented. That wider territorial input has broadened the base of college hockey.

I have argued in the past that college hockey is a geographically niche sport and I still believe it to be true.  However, even with the more frequent early departures of college players to the professional ranks, the level of play hasn’t suffered if you use the ever-increasing numbers of “graduates” of the college game plying their trade in the NHL as a basis for that argument.

And while we’re at it, let me chime in here to say “more power to them” to those who decide it’s time to pursue their dream of playing pro hockey even though they may have college eligibility left. 

I’m happy to simply wait and see who is willing to pull on the sweater of their school to entertain us and play for the name on the front of that sweater.

                                                 **********************************************

I would be remiss here if I didn’t offer congratulations to Boston College and their fans for last weekend’s victorious result at the end of a very high quality season. Following up a solid regular season with a perfect NCAA playoff effort proves that this year’s champion was no fluke.

The run of success by the Golden Eagles over the past  five years is truly impressive, especially when you consider they’ve achieved so much in a one-game knockout tournament format that demands clutch performances start to finish.  After titles in 2008 and 2010, who is willing to bet against the boys from BC in the even numbered year of 2014 in Philly?  Well done, Jerry York! 

Saturday, April 14, 2012 
 

U.S. Men’s National Under-18 Team Defeats Czech Republic, 5-0,
in Second Game of 2012 IIHF Men’s World Under-18 Championship

 Olson Makes 17 Saves in Shutout; Jones Records Three Points

BRECLAV, Czech Republic – Collin Olson (Apple Valley, Minn.) made 17 saves to earn his second straight shutout and Seth Jones (Plano, Texas) recorded three points (1-2), as the U.S. Men’s National Under-18 Team defeated the Czech Republic, 5-0, here this afternoon at Alcaplast Arena in its second game at the 2012 International Ice Hockey Federation Men’s World Under-18 Championship. With the win, Team USA’s overall record improved to 2-0-0-0 (W-OTW-OTL-L).

“Overall, it was a good, strong effort by the team,” said Danton Cole, head coach of the U.S. Men’s National Under-18 Team. “We played a pretty clean game defensively, limiting their chances.”

Team USA opened the scoring at 13:16 of the first period when Daniel O’Regan (Needham, Mass.) pounced on a loose puck to create a two-on-one break. O’Regan skated to the left of the netminder and found a streaking Nicolas Kerdiles (Irvine, Calif.) on the opposite side with a wide open net. Kerdiles potted the goal to give the U.S. a 1-0 lead heading into the first intermission.

Jacob Trouba (Rochester, Mich.) doubled the lead for Team USA on the power play when he blasted a shot from just inside the blue line. Jones and Kerdiles assisted on the tally.

Trouba and Ryan Hartman (West Dundee, Ill.) cycled the puck back and forth on the next power play and found Jones open to the left of the goal. Jones ripped a one-timer into the net to give Team USA a 3-0 lead.

Before time expired on the frame, Quentin Shore (Denver, Colo.) put the U.S. up by four goals at 18:31. Riley Barber (Livonia, Mich.) and Anthony Louis (Winfield, Ill.) registered assists on the play.

Team USA took a 5-0 lead at 9:58 of the final frame when Hartman split the Czech defense and beat netminder Marek Langhammer. Jones collected the lone assist on the goal. Olson made nine saves in the stanza to preserve the shutout, while Langhammer and Patrik Polivka combined to stop 32 shots for the Czech Republic in the loss.

The U.S. Men’s National Under-18 Team continues tournament play on Sunday (April 15) against Denmark at 6 p.m. local time (12 p.m. EDT), at Kajot Arena. The game will be streamed live on FASTHockey.com.

NOTES: For the complete U.S. roster, click here … Seth Jones was named Team USA’s Player of the Game … Team USA outshot the Czech Republic, 37-17 … The U.S. went 2-for-4 on the power play, while the Czech Republic went 0-for-1 … The U.S. enters the tournament having captured a record eight consecutive medals, including back-to-back gold medals in 2005-06, three straight gold medals from 2009-11, two silver medals (2004, 2007) and one bronze medal (2008). Team USA’s six gold medals are the most of any country in IIHF Men’s World Under-18 Championship history (event began in 1999). Team USA earned its first gold medal in 2002 … The U.S. is in Group A with Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark and Finland. Group B consists of Germany, Latvia, Russia, Sweden and Switzerland … Follow @USAHockeyScores on Twitter for live scoring updates during the tournament. Scores will be designated with #U18MWC … For additional coverage, visit USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program Facebook page … More information about the 2011 IIHF World Men’s U18 Championship can be found here … The U.S. Mens National Under-17 and Under-18 Teams train with The Hockey IntelliGym, a revolutionary software program that trains hockey sense. To learn more, visit USAHockeyIntelliGym.com.

GAME SUMMARY
Scoring By Period
USA  1 – 3 -1 -5
CZE  0 – 0 -0 -0

 
 
First Period – Scoring: 1, USA, Kerdiles (O’Regan), 13:16. Penalties: CZE, Houfek (interference), 18:13.

Second Period – Scoring: 2, USA, Trouba (Jones, Kerdiles), 9:18, (pp); 3, USA, Jones (Hartman, Trouba), 12:33, (pp); 4, USA, Shore (Barber, Louis), 18:31. Penalties: CZE, Volek (kneeing), 8:02; CZE, Behal (holding), 11:34; USA, Louis (hooking), 13:56; CZE, Slovacek (checking-from-behind), 19:47; CZE, Slovacek (game-misconduct), 19:47.

Third Period – Scoring: 5, USA, Hartman (Jones), 9:58. Penalties: None.
Shots by Period    1   2   3   Total
                USA      15 14   8      37
                CZE        2    6   9      17

Power Play: USA 2-4; CZE 0-1
Penalties: USA 1-2; CZE 5-31
 
Team USA 2012 IIHF Men’s World Under-18 Championship Schedule

April 12-22 • Breclav/Brno/Znojmo, Czech Republic

Date                  Opponent        Time (Local/EDT)                Live Webcast
Mon., April 9    Sweden (exhibition)L, 2-3
Thu., April 12   FinlandW, 4-0FASTHockey.com
Sat., April 14     Czech RepublicW, 5-0FASTHockey.com
Sun., April 15    Denmark        6 p.m./12 p.m.                     FASTHockey.com
Tue., April 17    Canada           8 p.m./2 p.m.                        FASTHockey.com
Thu., April 19    Quarterfinals      TBD
Fri., April 20      Semifinals           TBD
Sun., April 22     Bronze-Medal Game   12 p.m./6 a.m.
Sun., April 22     Gold-Medal Game        4 p.m./10 a.m.

On Saturdays, College Hockey Prospective is pleased to welcome voices, on a rotating basis, from around the world of college hockey on topics that have caught their attention.  Back with his second offering is Eric Donnellan of The Beanpot Forum with a piece on UMass Lowell goaltender Doug Carr.

The Doug Carr Story

By Eric Donnellan, CHP Columnist    April 14, 2012

Although the distance between the South Shore town of Hanover, MA and the city of Lowell only
measures 58 miles, current UMass Lowell goaltender and Hanover native, Doug Carr’s journey to
Hockey East fame wasn’t as seamless and direct as you might imagine. If you ask any of the faithful River
Hawk supporters, you’ll bet that Carr’s arrival on campus was without a doubt, worth the wait. The
sophomore netminder is fresh off an impressive 22 win season in which he backstopped the rejuvenated
2011-2012 UMass Lowell hockey program to a third place finish in Hockey East and their first NCAA
appearance since 1996.

o

                                                                                            Photo Credit – UMass Lowell Athletics

Carr’s circuitous route to UMass Lowell took the 2012 2nd Team All Hockey East goaltender from his
origins on Massachusetts’ hockey rich South Shore to the Central Junior A Hockey League in Ontario,
Canada. The journey also included stops at the famed Boston College High School and legendary Mass
schoolboy coach, Jim Sylvia’s Hanover High School (public) program along the way.

Impressionable years on the South Shore

Inherent in the DNA of virtually every single Massachusetts youth hockey player, including a younger
Doug Carr, is the yearning desire to one day be fortunate enough to don the uniform of one of the
storied Hockey East programs that grace the region. From the cranberry bogs to the local hockey rinks
that densely populate the hockey crazed South Shore community, every young skater aspires to be the
next Tony Amonte (Hingham, MA) who led the BU Terriers all the way to the 1991 NCAA title game
before embarking on a 15 year NHL career.

Doug Carr was cut from the same ilk and in his impressionable younger days, it was a family friend by
the name of Tom Noble, BU goaltender (1995 NCAA Champion) and Chicago Blackhawks draft pick,
whom Carr points to as his idol and inspiration growing up in Hanover, Massachusetts.

In my recent interview with the well spoken, affable -Doug Carr – he talked more about the impression
Noble had on him as a youth.

“Tom Noble went to Catholic Memorial High School (West Roxbury, MA) but him and his family were
from my hometown (Hanover).” said Carr “When BU won the national title in 1995, I was able to join
Noble and his family in the BU locker room for the celebration with guys like (Chris) Drury and (Mike)
Grier – which was unbelievable.”

This indelible experience gave Carr his first taste of the frenzied attention that is bestowed upon a home
grown Massachusetts’ hockey talent – where the hockey elite are looked upon as deities rather than
just ‘ordinary’ hockey players. The desire to play in Hockey East, for a New England youth, is probably
most analogous to a young Texas boy’s dream of sprinting onto Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin
proudly displaying the famed orange and white Longhorn uniform. This deep rooted desire is what
drives every talented youth hockey skater in New England as they transition from pee wees, bantams
and on up through the ranks.

High School Years

Doug’s nomadic journey began when he was recruited to play for perennial Catholic Conference

powerhouse, Boston College High School in his freshman season; although his tenure at the jesuit
catholic prep school would be short lived. Familial ties would sway Carr back to the comforts of the
South Shore when his older brother, Greg, took over the helm as coach of the Bridgewater (MA) Bandits
(Empire Junior Hockey League) following Doug’s freshman year at BC High. Doug decided to transfer
back to Hanover to attend high school and play under his brother’s watch for the Bandits where he
started in goal for two seasons; while concurrently attending Hanover High School for his sophomore
and junior years.

For most young hockey players, the transition to junior hockey typically spells the end of one’s high
school career. But Doug Carr is not your ‘typical’ hockey player and when an opportunity presents itself,
the ambitious netminder seizes it. As fate would have it, Jim Sylvia’s Hanover High (public) program had
garnered so much attention because of its dominance at the D3 level that it began to repatriate some of
the local kids who had, for a time, matriculated out of Hanover to enroll at some of the eminent private
schools. As a result, Sylvia welcomed back Hanover natives, F- Ryan Connors, D- Brian Hickey and Evan
Reilly from elite private school programs with welcoming arms to start the 2007 season. The astute Carr,
in seeing what the Indians were putting together for his final year of eligibility, decided to lace ‘em up
for Hanover High School’s 2007 ‘Super’ team in search of a much heralded state title.

As if joining such a talented group wasn’t incentive enough for Carr, he also saw a unique and timely
opportunity to achieve something both of his older brothers had – a state championship. Greg was a
center on the Indians 1997 title squad, while Ryan was a defenseman on the 2001 championship team.

I asked Carr about his time spent under former Hanover High School coach, Jim Sylvia (retired in 2011
after 36 great years) and asked how he would compare Sylvia’s mentoring and coaching philosophy with
that of future HEA 2012 coach of the year, Norm Bazin’s (UMass-Lowell):

“Obviously, X’s and O’s are completely different at the high school and college level,” surmised Carr “but
in terms of traits of a team, both (Bazin and Sylvia) are very similar. They both preach hard work and the
idea that one guy is not above the team. Their coaching styles are both predicated on a defense first,
hard working (blue collar) approach.”

As many expected, the 2007 Hanover High Hockey team lived up to their press clippings and pre season
hype as they won the Massachusetts D2 Championship. There is, however, one caveat that seemingly
sets Doug apart from his two older brothers and allows the younger brother to claim Carr family
bragging rights. Doug is the only household member to win a D2 title because hid elder siblings claimed
D3 crowns in ’97 and ’01 (Hanover transitioned out of the D3 South Shore League into D2 Hockey); and
for those who don’t follow Mass high school hockey, there is a disparate talent difference between D2
and D3 – which makes Doug’s State title even that much more impressive.

                                                                                        Photo Credit – UMass Lowell Athletics

A Change of scenery for Carr

Upon graduating from Hanover High School in 2007, Carr’s hockey journey was far from over, although
his next two stops would not take him far from his Massachusetts roots. Carr was, in effect, at a
crossroads in life as are all high school graduates who are suddenly tasked with choosing their career

path and ultimate lot in life. The well rounded Carr had to determine whether or not his talent inside
the classroom (named a 2011 HEA All Academic Team Member) would provide a more viable long term
option; or whether to stay the course and pursue his childhood dream of earning a scholarship to one of
the famed Hockey East programs.

Chaz Scoggins of the Lowell Sun asked Carr about this critical period in his life, in a recent interview:

“Coming out of high school I could have gone to a (Division III) NESCAC school: Middlebury, Bowdoin, Hobart — all academically challenging schools,” he said. “But at the end of the day I wanted to play hockey at the highest level I could.”

The ever determined Carr, decided that he was no yet willing to forego his dreams of elite college
hockey and decided to enrich his talents in the EJHL. He played for the Valley Junior Warriors in ’07-’08
and put together a 10-12-1 record with a 3.08 GAA combined with a 91.1% save percentage. The EJHL’s
South Shore Kings would be Carr’s home for the ’08-’09 season that yielded an 11-12-1 record and a
3.74 GAA with a 90% percentage; but still NO HOCKEY EAST SCHOLARSHIP OFFER!

With the ultimate dream of a Hockey East still at the forefront of his mind, Carr decided that a change
of scenery would be his best option. Once again, familial intervention would fortuitously intervene as a
good friend of older brother Ryan, named Jeremy Leroux talked to Doug about the great CJHL program
based out of Cornwall, Ontario. Leroux preached about the level of talent in the CJHL and felt it would
perhaps be the best option to prepare the netminder for top notch college hockey.

Carr spoke with the Standard Freeholder several years back and lauded the professionalism of the CJHL:

“I was looking for a change of scenery, having played in Boston my whole life,” said Carr, who two years
ago was a member of the Eastern Junior Hockey League franchise Valley Jr. Warriors.

“The (EJHL is) a good league,” Carr said, “but it’s much more professional up here, it’s a whole different
atmosphere.”

Doug headed off to Ontario as the starting goaltender for the Cornwall Colts to begin the 2009/2010
season. He has been a winner at all levels and his tenure in the CJHL was no different. In what could be
described as one of his most prodigious achievements to date, Carr guided Cornwall all the way to the
CJHL semi-finals and earned league MVP honors (27-6-1, 2.50 GAA). More importantly, he finally earned
the attention of the Hockey East scouts who came a calling upon his success in Canada.

I asked Carr about his captivating pre- Hockey East travels, to try and discern which season and overall
experience was the most rewarding to him.

“It is tough to go against 2007 Hanover High State Championship year, “acknowledged Carr “To be
able to say that all three of us (he along with brothers, Greg and Ryan) won State titles is certainly an
amazing feeling.”

“But, my time spent in Canada gave me my Hockey East scholarship, which as a kid growing up in
Massachusetts, was something I always dreamed of.”

The ‘decision’

Doug Carr’s perseverance and his ultimate decision to leave the comfortable confines of the Boston area
for Cornwall, Ontario would prove to be a prudent decision and a turning point in his hockey career.

It’s ironic that the South Shore native would have to travel a considerable 367 miles from Hanover to
Cornwall to invoke substantive interest from the Hockey East schools – all located in Carr’s hometown
backyard; but such is life in the amateur hockey realm.

It was midway through his impressive inaugural stint with the Cornwall Colts that Hockey East coaches
began calling. Now that the proverbial floodgates were opened, Carr now had to discern which spot
would be in his best interest. As a highly recruited goaltender, one’s ultimate commitment is for the
most part predicated on the availability of an open position. Much like being a catcher in baseball or a
QB in football, there is only 1 slot on the roster which makes things quite a bit more challenging.

“Being a goalie, it’s tough to get a spot anywhere in the league, so I had no preconceived notions where
I wanted to be” Carr told the Lowell Sun back in January.

In addition to positional availability, Carr also unequivocally informed me that his college decision would
be predicated on “going where you’re wanted.” Words that were instilled in the young Carr by veteran
NHL forward and BU alum, Shawn McEachern (Waltham, MA) who was spearheading the recruiting
efforts (along with then goalie coach, Ed Walsh), for UMass – Lowell where he was, at the time, an
assistant coach.

Carr narrowed his college choices down to two schools, the flagship UMass – Amherst and UMass –
Lowell and on two consecutive Saturdays in November of 2009 he made official visits to each campus.
Carr and his family had an extensive and enjoyable visit to Amherst that included a few general
meetings, a tour of the vast campus and hockey facilities as well as a night out with the team.

The very next weekend, the elated Carr family travelled to the Lowell campus in what would prove to
be a monumental visit that would change the course of the Hanover native’s young career. Carr met
with McEachern, Walsh as well as then coach Blaise McDonald (ironically now an assistant at UMass
Amherst) and came away impressed to say the least.

“The facilities at Lowell (Tsongas Center) were unbelievable,” Carr told me “They (the staff) really made
me feel wanted.”

Lowell’s fervent pursuit of Carr wasn’t just based on the campus visit.

“I can remember getting a call from McEachern the evening of my set visit to Clarkson” added Carr. He
was inquiring about Carr’s thoughts and intentions towards the prominent ECAC University which, again,
proved the level of commitment UMass-Lowell had in its efforts to lure him to campus.

In addition to the state of the art facilities at Lowell, they also had a vacant position between the pipes
that would be available the following fall for Carr to step right in. If Carr were to choose Amherst, he
would be forced to play behind senior netminder and team captain, Paul Dainton – which proved to be
the paramount factor in his “tough decision.”

Amazingly, Carr committed to Lowell “on the spot” during his November visit because, according to
Carr, “the nets were wide open in Lowell.” The Hanover native’s years of blood, sweat and tears had finally paid off and Carr had his ticket to Hockey East booked.

A program on the rise; a dream realized

Carr’s transient amateur hockey career is nontraditional even by 2012 standards but would’ve been an
unheard of process 10-15 years ago. The player development model and journey from youth programs
to NCAA Division 1 hockey has become seemingly more nebulous and convoluted in the past decade
or so. Twenty years ago, a talented college hockey prospect had a few simple choices to make upon
entering high school. For some of the top echelon, precocious talent, the typical route was through
either one of the private Catholic Conference powerhouse programs – namely Catholic Memorial (ala
Ted Donato and Chris Nilan) or via the Independent Prep School programs like Thayer Academy (ala
Tony Amonte and Jeremy Roenick).

For UMass – Lowell and personally for the nomadic Doug Carr, the path from Hanover to Hockey East
was indeed challenging, but in the end all well worth it. Carr, along with several other youngsters,
including HEA Rookie of the Year, Scott Wilson (Oakville, ONT) and first year coach, Norm Bazin have
helped change the cult of personality within the River Hawk organization. The dramatic worst to almost
first turnaround saw Lowell improve from a paltry 5 wins in 2010-2011 to 20 plus in the 2011-2012
season. If the talented goalie’s successful history at previous levels is any indication, then expect big
things from Doug Carr and the maturing Lowell squad in 2012-2013….just another stop on Doug Carr’s
path to greatness!!

Eric Donnellan, born and raised in the Boston area, is an avid college hockey fan-atic who was fortunate enough to attend virtually every Beanpot Tournament at the Old Boston Gaahden as a youngster in the 80’s and 90’s.  A graduate of UMass- Amherst, I currently focus my attention on Hockey East via my blog The Beanpot Forum. Please follow me on Twitter @Beanpot_Forum.