ONE ON ONE

One on One 

with

Sylvania Northview #25

DALTON CARTER

Well here it is folks.  I am going One on One with Sylvania Northview's #25, Dalton Carter.  

Dalton pictured here with Northview goalie Austin Gryca.

Numerated question by the author, John Holt.  

1. What do you like most about being a hockey player?

Dalton- My favorite thing about being a hockey player is going on the ice and not thinking about a thing and only focusing on the game.

2. What is your pregame ritual?

Dalton- my pre game ritual consists of me getting to the rink an hour and a half before and then getting my workout clothes on then stretching, i get half dressed then tape my stick, then just listen to music and focus on what i have to do. 

3. What is the first thing you do if you have a good shift? Bad shift?

Dalton- if i have a good shift, the first thing i do is let my line mates know it was a good shift and to keep it up. if i have a bad shift, the first thing i do is keep my head up and let my line mates know what we need to do to improve for the next shift.

4. Describe your recent NAHL experience with the Amarillo Bulls? 

Dalton - My recent experience with the Amarillo Bulls was outstanding, it gave me a chance to show the coaches what i have and also to compete with players of the next level.

 Dalton Carter (right) pictured here with Nolan Culver(left)

4b. Did they have any advice for you?

Dalton - they gave me tons of advice on how to improve my game but the most important thing i took from it is, i need to work on my foot speed.

5. What are your favorite subjects? List 2 and explain why you enjoy them.

Dalton- My 2 favorite subjects in school are Math and Chemistry. The reason i like them is because they both involve working out problems to receive your answer.

6. What do you aspire to become as a professional person. Hockey, no hockey please.

Dalton- It is my dream to become a professional hockey player. with that said, if that doesn't work out, I would like to be a pharmacist or an accountant.

7. What is your current GPA, are you taking any honors courses, doing an volunteer work?

Dalton-my current GPA is a 3.11. i am in an organization called BPA which is Business Professionals of America.

8. Assuming you were fortunate enough to earn a college hockey scholarship, and then able to pick which school. Who would be on your top 5. 

Dalton-  Miami, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Wisconsin

 

Why?

Dalton -These would be my top 5 because they are also very good educationally.

9. Do you have a game system? 

What is it, what are your 3 favorite games?

Dalton- I do have a game system, a xbox 360. My 3 favorite games are NHL 12, FIFA 12, and Call of Duty MW3.

10. What is your favorite movie?

Dalton-Law Abiding Citizen.

11. Favorite book?

Dalton-Searching for Bobby Orr

12. What do you most enjoy doing with your friends?

Dalton-Sitting around and hanging out watching sports. 

and finally
13. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Dalton- I see myself playing Division 1 college hockey.
Scouting Ohio High School Hockey
scoutingohiohighschoolhockey.blogspot.com

I would like to thank Dalton for his time in giving this first One On One with me.  We would also like to thank him and every Ohio High School Hockey player, and parent for their time and commitment to the sport, and betterment of Ohio High School hockey.   Living as closely as we do MI and the numerous options for AAA, in both Ohio and Michigan is high.   The lure for Ohio's elite prospects is high.  Yet the benefits of strong pier system, outstanding coaching and facilities is becoming more and more the tipping point for the High Schools retaining these top prospects, and Ohio once again gaining the much do notice for being the hockey the hot bed, she was in the recent past. 

Best of luck this season Dalton

 
 
 
 
    

Sylvania Northview wins Padua Tournement (edited data at conclusion)

What a weekend.  To kick things off on Thursday St. Ignatius was taken to over time, by St. Ed's.  Ignatius, the best and deepest team in the state, and state history won that contest 4-3.
Then on Friday evening.  The Sylvania Northview Wildcats, who are seemingly putting the best team they have had in some time on the ice as well, stumbled?

Entering the Padua tournament at Hoover Arena, the Wildcats tie Lake Catholic 3-3.  Now don't get me wrong Lake is a good team, and consistently so every year.  But Lake was handily beaten by St. Ignatius 7-2 this year and again by 4-2 by University School.  So if a Sylvania squad is be considered a contender, we should assume they win, and show dominance in the process.  They just did not deliver.  In consistency, has been the undoing of the Wildcats for decades.  Both under head coach of record Cooper, and now Jones. Who's Wildcats came out two years ago in his second year as at the controls in the state championship against St. Ignatius were just dominated.

Well this veteran Jones team rebounded.  Taking on tournament host Padua, Saturday morning.  It was a pleasure to be on hand Saturday for all the games.  The Sylvania squad took the ice, and command of the game all three periods.  Wining the game 6-0.

That evening contest  with Ed's would look to be a real test.  Especially when you consider Eds only dressed what looked to be their 3rd and 4th lines for their game against Findlay to end the morning.  Which Ed's won 6-1.

Eds and Sylvania battled the whole game.  I was very impressed by how the officials had charge of the games, and let the boys play.  Sure there were hits with high hands and elbows that were not called, some interference calls not made, but this was all both ways.  A very balanced game by my count and with only two officials on the ice the games were well called as expected.

Now it is my belief, that in first period as my notes read. We may have, potentially seen a Ohio High School first, or as the case may be the first to be reported, in an in game situation.  I will examine my footage of the game, and make some calculations, but I believe that those in attendance saw if not triple digit slap shot, darn near.  This shot came in the first period during the Sylvania power play around 6 min 30 sec remaining in the period.  Sylvania's Dalton Carter #25 got all of a one timer that lazed off the post.  This on the heels of another good hard snap shot,t hat had done the same.  Carter is well known in the state, and is currently being observed by Jr hockey teams and his exceptional shot is no secret.  At any rate if it was not, it was sure close, and was just darn memorable.  Yet there is good reason why he hit the post, it was all a solid Eds goalie was giving him.  Which in turn lead to St. Ed's drawing first blood near the end of the first.

This game was very even.  Eds dominating the physical game, and Sylvania looking more skillful to this point.  These thoughts did however fluctuate, as Eds skills and Sylvania's physicality seemed to ebb and flow like the ocean tides.  At 3:53 to go in the first St Eds players: Norton, Greenacker, Price, Zirneskie and Glover found the twine, striking first blood.  The start of the Second was marked by a Sylvania penalty and an Eds PP goal.  Where it seems the Trio of Crosby, King and Barthalamew where those forwards on the attack.  So there we were early in the 2nd session with the Eagles in a commanding lead 2-0 over the Wildcats.

The Wildcats would however bounce back and score 3 unanswered goals to end a very exciting 2nd period.  For Eagles fans this seemed to bring to life flash backs of Thursdays battle with St. Ignatius.  Again Wildcats, only this time they were Northview Cats.  Mimicking that Thursday game right down to the Eagles pulling their tender and applying a full 6 man attack.  This time however the Cats, Northview cats that is, took the puck drove home an empty net goal to end the contest at 4-2.  What we take away from this contest is what we have always known.  That being when two exceptional teams take the ice, we will be fully entertained for at least 3 periods of play.
Sylvania moved in to their Sunday morning game against University school.  Where the game was a stalemate at the end of 2 periods, but both team having earned enough tournament points, to land them in the championship game.  The teams elected to call the game a draw, and retire to their locker rooms and make ready for the final game.

Now this final game featuring University School and Sylvania Northview likely saw nuance adjustments to game plans, in addition to the goalie changes.  As every team in Padua was working a tandem that was in full rotation, game to game. The final put University School Sr goalie #1 Sam Althans against Sylvania Sr. #30 Austin Gryca.  The final sees something happen.  Not being on hand I will speculate that either or both of the following happens as so ofter does in the "big game".  University surrenders 5 goals in the first period of play.  Pulling Althans and putting in Andrew Mergerian, who surrenders only one goal in 4 periods against Northview (combining game 1 and the final).  U.S. may have just caved under the pressure.  Northview reportedly dominated all three zones, and seemed to reach a new level of ability, not seen any Northview team since the Hirschfeld days.

End of the day, while some what telling.  This is one tournament, on the leading edge of mid-season.  How many times has a Sylvania team looked good mid season, only to choke come playoffs, or peak to early.  How many times has the mid season King of Cleveland not made states either after a dominate season.  Who els is equally frustrated that state still doesn't offer a Varsity A division and B each with their own state titles, and for not taking the best four teams from each district, and having them all play a play off for the state title, ensuring the top two teams in the state meet in the final game.  The only thing we know for sure at this juncture, is that the only way Sylvania, and Ignatius meet, is in the Championship final.  For that to happen perfection needs remain the constant for both squads, where Ignatius has yet face any number of teams in Cleveland that can put them in their grave, and Sylvania faces the same in Toledo.  Enjoy the season, this is a good one.

***I would like to add here, that on January 1st the Scouting Ohio High School Hockey blog will be releasing a public look at the individual player rankings, and reports of the States elite prospects.  These are the same reports as seen by Jr teams in the USA and Canada.  The blog is also adding a new feature, where we will be publishing 1 on 1 interviews with the states elite prospects, and coaches.  Those requested for interview will be receiving or will have received emails over the next several weeks.  They will posted in the order they are returned.
Please note in the above where refernce to the Dalton Carter slap shot is made.   When viewing the footage on the big screen the following determinations have concluded.  
1. The player is not #25 Dalton Carter, but #21 Brady Storer of Sylvania Northview 2. The shot originates from inside the top of the circle 33' feet from the net. 3.  The shot takes 7.5 film frames to reach the post on camera set at 30frames per/second for an elapsed time of .25 seconds 4. The math
(d/5280)/(T/3600)=mph   where d is distance in feet and T is time in seconds
(33/5280)/(.25/3600)
(.00625)/(.0000694)
=90.05 MPH
still moving, nice shot Brady Storer.

St. Ed's battles, but Ignatius remains unbeaten

The Final, 4 goals for Ignatius, 3 for Ed's. 
The Wildcats were nearly upended in this rivalry contest.  A contest which perpetuates the question.  Can any team in Ohio beat St. Ignatius?   Eds had 18 shots on goal.  The most any team has mounted against this Wildcats squad.  3 found the twine.  Wildcats overtime game winer came off the tape of M. Abood, other goals were tallied by L. Geither, H.Smith and C. Riemenschneider.  The Widcats are now 12-0 with 76 goals for and 14 against.

Rocky River upended Shaker in shoot- out final of 5-4.  What is key is the goal-tending for Rocky River.  The dark horse as it may be.   Peppered with 51 shots Jake Nicholson stooped 47.  He cant win games on his own and once this Rocky River team kicks in to high gear, and players start taking some of the shots to their own bodies, the Pirates just could emerge on top.

Frey comits to NAHL South, AMARILLO BULLS

Last years State Champions Toledo St. Francis had some great talent.   Many of those players competed on Team Toledo as well.  The Midget AA 18u National runner up Team ( a team that had  battled Team Cleveland, for 5, 15 min OT sessions. In that record setting semi final contest, which is available for viewing in the www.fasthockey.com archives and for any fan of hockey, is a must see).
Many of those players moved on.  Bryce Connor is playing ACHA D2 Club hockey for Bowling Green State University and having a good season.  Torchia, Oplinger and Frey are all are on the roster with midget major AAA Bell Tire this year.  Torchia is playing his same physical two way game, Oblinger a smart game, and Frey is playing a good defensive game from the blue line.  While maintaining his offensive threat  as points leader, true to the Frey form we have all loved watching.

Frey has signed a letter of Tender for the Amarillo Bulls NAHL South Division.  Committing him to play for them and no other NAHL club.  This tender is prior to the NAHL draft that will be held this spring. Many will remember that last season Nolan Culver, Sylvania Northview and Team Toledo teammate of Frey, was also tendered by Amarillo.  Culver later walked on to the Youngstown Phantom's  team last spring.  Culver was only recently traded back to Amarillo from the Phantoms.  Culver and Frey who first played together in Squirts and from then on more or less at every level are to be reunited in 2012.  Both are very excited about the opportunity to play together again, an opurtunity which grows more and more dificult as players matriculate.

The Amarillo Bulls are currently 23w 3L and 4 OTL and in first place in the NAHL South Division.   Amarillo is a heavy favorite for this years Robertson Cup (the NAHL Championship) and contended  for that title last year, in only their inaugural season.  The Bulls head coach Dennis Williams, is a well recognized figure in Ohio hockey.  Williams is a former BGSU Falcon Icer, who also served as an assistant and as the interim head coach.  It is no mistake Williams is drawing in top Ohio HS talent. Ohio is again developing some great talent and reemerging as a bit of a hotbed.   Coach Williams familiarity with the area is only further complemented by his assistant Rocky Russo who hails from Youngstown Ohio.  Russo served as a coach with the Phantoms in both their NAHL and USHL years as well with the storied St. Louis NAHL program where he was an integral part of winning NAHL championships with both St. Louis and Youngstown.  You may never have considered Ohio to be in the backyard of Amarillo TX, but it is solidly. 

Congratulations to Connor Frey as he works his path and dream to play NCAA D1 hockey.

When Culver and Frey were taking part in this past springs EJHL showcase. They were afforded the rare invitation to visit  Aggains Arena .  This rare opportunity to be shown and allowed to examine one of the best, most storied programs in all of college hockey. The Boston University Terrier's.

Nolan Culver left, Connor Frey right.  

 Nolan Culver left, Kathy Brown center, Connor Frey right

 Connor Frey 2010-2011 18u Midget Minor AA Nationals

Any questions as to who the BEST team in Ohio is?

Are there?  It truly is unquestionable who the best team in the state is.  Who the best team of all time will be known as, yes all time, surpassing even the BGHS power house days.  I would say its the Wildcats, but that would make some of my readers think of the Sylvania Northview Wildcats.  Sorry, good as they are folks.  Your boys based on their efforts to this point and I will include all other "front runners" when I say they lack the speed, skill, determination, discipline and pure athleticism to be part of this conversation.

Cleveland St. Ignatius is KING.  

Housing one recognized NHL prospect in 1993 birth Patric Spellacy.  The formidable, Spellacy towers over his opposition at 6'4" and a solid 210lbs still manning up hefty frame.  The young-man is extremly well balanced for his size.  Nearly impossible to dislodge puck, far more difficult in fact than former Ohio Team USA member Kevin Irwin (Cleveland Barrons AAA, now residing the the USHL DesMoines and property of the Ohio State University NCAA D1).  What makes this beast even more potent is his elusiveness and crafty hands. His shots come from every where, hard on the ice, lasing for the corners and tight holes, with a quick release that is baffling some rather sound goalies.  But Cleveland St. Ignatius is not a one man show.  Spellacy is neither Captain, or Alternate.  Look at this roster which contains 6 other Jr prospects:
Players:                              #           Class Year
Abood, Michael “A”         9              SR
Avdey, Mike                    20              JR
Brogan, Danny                19             SO
DeVilliers, Jacques           23            SR
Fricker, Bobby                 31             SR
Geither, Liam “A”           12             SR
Kovesdy, Matt                 30             SR
Malone, Joey                   15             JR
McNulty, Alex                  2             JR
McQuinn, Miles “C”       17             JR
Riemenschneider, Colton “A”    21       SR
Rimpf, Nick                   14                    JR
Schultz, Beck                 10               SO
Shockley, Zak                24                 SR
Smith, Harry                  3                  SO
Smith, Will “C”              16              SR
Spellacy, Paddy               8                SR
Steed, Andrew                 7                SR
Walsh, Eamonn              4                SR
Wiegandt, Jack            11                 FR
Wolf, Taylor              22                  SR
Zickes, Paul                5                     SR
by class  FR-1, So-3, JR-5, SR-13

Head Coach O’Rourke is looking internally for the level of competition needed to keep his Wildcats sharp.  He does not see any team in the state being able to match their abilities as a team, or individually.  He sees his group with no weakness, and he is right.  Case and point would be 5 shut out wins thus far by goalie Matt Kovesdy.  Who is well on his way for a state shut out title ( which stands at 14).  When you have a goalie as exceptional as Kovesdy you play him in every contest, Kovesdy has surrendered 7 goals in ten contests, a .7 Goal against average. 

Yet it doesn't start and stop with goal tending.  No one can get to him.  DeVilliers, Malone, McNulty, Rimpf, Shockley, Smith, and Steed are keeping teams well outside prime shooting lanes, providing little space and even less time to take shots and establish pressure. Should you get out of your defensive and near theirs your psychically punished, just beaten to a pulp.  The Defense for St. Ignatius starts and ends in their offensive zone,  a full 140 feet away from their goalie.  On this trajectory St. Ignatius will only surrender 18 more goals for the season. Having  surrendered only 25 total as they make their victory laps in Nation Wide Arena, with the State Championship trophy over their heads.
 
Get out see history in the making.  St. Ignatius will play St. Edward the 15th prior to leaving Ohio and the USA in search of competition in Canada.  I do not see them have any trouble with either St. Eds or the Canadians Dec 19th -20th .  The 2011-2012 state championship game on March 11, (which sadly those semi final games will still not feature the best 4 teams in the state, only the best team from each District),  will be all about which team gets to say they took the ice against Cleveland St. Ignatius, on that historic day.

The Ohio High School hockey report, as of Dec 7 2011

Examining North West Ohio's Red Division threw the first weekend in December.  Our teams are
Bowling Green, Findlay, Saint John's, Saint Francis and Sylvania Northview.
Our current league standings are
1. Sylvania Northview  2 w 0L 0T for 6 league Points, 8 Goals for, 2 against
2. Findlay HS 2 W 0L 0T for 6 league Points, 6 Goals for and 2 against
3. A tie between defending State Champions St. Francis and St. Johns who each have played only One league game to this point.  St. Francis 0W-1L 0T 0 league points 0 goals for and 3 against
St. Johns is 0W 1L 0T with 0 League Points, 1 goal For and 3 against
4. Bowling Green resides in last place.  0W 2L 0T with 3 goals for and 8 against

Down in the Capital Hockey Conference in Columbus we are seeing Dublin Coffman, Upper Arlington and Olentangy Liberty standing out.  Upper has very good size and better skill than in the past, and while in the White division, I see them going deep this year.  Olentangy has a solid goaltender tandem, and good play in front of them.  In the Red Division, WHile Liberty has yet to play a game  those current rankings are
Dublin Jerome and Coffman Tied for first each with a 1-0-0 record, followed by Cincinnati Moeller and St. Charles each having played 2 games and going 1-1-0. 
It is my beliefe that overall this will be a better than expected year for Capital Confernce

In Cleveland we have the same near usual unpredictable mess.  Which is a good thing.  The only difference this year that Cleveland St. Ignatius is truly the front runner.  The size, speed, skill and depth of this group is the best they have ever had, or at the very least in the past 8 years.  It would is easy to pin them for another State Championship.  That said, this is Cleveland.  It is way to early, far to many rivalry games to play, and a Conference titles to battle for this year.  Speaking of which High School hockey fans should be sure to make out and down to Progressive Field.  The outdoor sheet will be getting played in by numerous  HS contest, as well as other events.  All leading up to the University of Michigan Vs. Ohio State game.  It is or should be of no surprise to Cleveland HS hockey fans that this event is staged in Cleveland.  With St. Ignatius, St. Ed's, Padua, and Rocky River all having talent on the radar's of these and other NCAA programs.  This CCHA Battle may well be one that mirrors the CCHA Championship and with 9 of the 11 CCHA schools in the top 20, it just might a preview of the NCAA Championship.

The Strongest Team in Ohio is likely Cleveland St. Ignatius.  The Top 6 teams in the state, are Cleveland St Ignatius, Cleveland St. Edwards, Rocky River, Toledo St Johns, Sylvania Northview and Shaker Heights, as I see it here in early December.  I will try to maintain a top 6 with each installment this season.

As a final note we know the State is efforting and has voted to make some changes to the state Championships, in various sports.  Some serious competitive balance issues have yet to be addressed in Ice hockey. 

1.  There is more clear than clouded line between the the most competitive programs and those less competitive.  As a result there should be an establishment of 2 levels, and 2 Championship titles.  Each season we see the blow out games in the playoffs.  These games are in actually unsafe.  You would no sooner place a High School team on the ice with a top Jr team or NCAA team and anticipate a win, and while that is an equal assessment of the discrepancy of play it is very different. Add in the level of frustration for those players and its just a recipe for disaster.

2. That playoffs be established where the Top Four teams from each Conference advance.  Conference Champion earns home ice, and plays host to one team from each of the remaining 3 divisions in random draw.  This 4 region play off (sweet sixteen) would then be a round robin.  This round robin now is a direct reflection of the best teams from each district, each with representation in each region ensuring the best 4 teams advance to the Championship. 

3. The Championship should then be address as well.  Nationwide is a great venue.  Do not get me wrong.  But it is not appropriate for these games.  It would be far better to play these games in barns that are better suited for the scale of the event.  As examples, Goggin arena, BGSU, Covelli center, Huntington arena and other sub 9k seat facilities( 9k is still on the large end).  A loud venue, is an exciting venue.  Further the rotation takes advantage of all the state has to offer the hockey fan as well.

Are the above perfect?  I doubt it, but they are fair foundation to begin the conversation.

The puck has droped. So what does the season look like?

The Puck has Dropped

what does the 2011-2012 season look like?

Here we are heading in to December and we have had a small taste of Ohio High School hockey.  While regular season league play begins this week,  many top schools have meet in either preseason or season kick off tournaments.  So what are we seeing this year?

Out of  the Capital Hockey Conference.  We see Upper Arlington with what has to be their best team in years, poised to likely win the white division, and I proclaim contend at the end with Dublin Coffman as the best team in the Capital conference.

In the Greater Cleveland Hockey league

I anticipate Rocky River again becoming a key player.  As contentious they were in the 80's over the next few years.  I just see a resurgence in this program moving forward. 

As for the North division.  We will agian see this being a year of keen competitiveness.  Yet when the smoke clears I see Saint Ignatius emerging as the top team. Not by leaps and bounds mind you, but that smallest of margins that routinely separates these teams.  St. Ignatius just maintains that edge. St. Eds can never be counted out in the battle for Cleveland and I will be watching closely the entire season.

In the NHC.  

It will be a as a above a highly contested year.  Do not expect to see St. Francis repeat as a State Champions.  This year looks to be a battle between Toledo St. Johns and Sylvania Northview.  Bowling Green, Findlay and St Francis should all be right there as well, but none are strong the top two.  Clearly a timely hot streak by a solid goaltender (Nate Gay) could launch BGHS to district playoff game.  Where as for the Findlay Trojans competitiveness and out right grit can be their catalyst.  But for the top two.  Toledo St. Johns is fielding their best team in 6 years.  Highly capable, and well coached this disciplined will battle in all three zones and fight to control the pace of every game.  The best team in the NHC top to bottom is Sylvania Northview.  This is easily the best team to every emerge from the club.  Mike Jones team has the most speed, skill and determination they have ever had.  Add in 4 lines.  Yes 4 lines that are all equally capable.  Exceeding in fact, last years lines in speed, talent and all abilities across the board.  The icing on the Northview cake, is the best goal-tending tandem in school history. This is Coach Jones 5th season with the Wildcats, and having developed the best team in school history its now or never for a state title.  Thursdays game which is prelude to the likely district and league championships between Toledo St. Johns and Sylvania Northview.  Will be a battle of St. Johns trying to contain Northview's high octane offense(averaging over 5.5 goals a game) and trying to penetrate a strong defense and even more stingy goal tending ( allowing only 1.7 goals per/game).  St Johns offense is averaging 2.37 goals per/game and surrendering 3 goals per/game.

Past player updates:

Nolan Culver traded from Youngstown USHL to Amarilo Bulls NAHL -1 game +2

Ryan LaPlante to report New England Huskies 

Jordan Jones Joined the Metro Jets

Alden Hirschfeld Miami University averaging .6 points pergame for the Red Hawks

Matt Wurst has 5 points coming as assists on 20 shots, as well as 40 pim in 23 games

2011-2012 Ohio HS scouting reports to begin posting in  December

Tryout season has come again to North West Ohio.

It seems  for a brief moment every year.  In that time between the explosive, vibrant colors of fall and first bite of bitter cold, time stands still.  Passing ever so slowly for the young men and women who have spent the past 8 months conditioning and working harder than ever for these few days.  These few days called tryouts.  For the Sylvania Northview Wildcats those days begin bright and early on the 4th of November at 0530 where the prospects step on the ice for the first time to strut their stuff.  They will return to the ice again at 1630.  On the 5th of November they will take the ice at 1800.  The 6th at 0700 followed by at 10k run at 0900.
The Toledo day school, St. Johns team takes the ice at 1930 on November 4th, again on November 5th at 1930.

Then as best as I can tell with numbers being  low, and with the decision of Ben Torchia to chase a Jr hockey dream with Tier I AAA Bell Tire. Toledo day school, St. Francis  are not conducting formal tryouts this season.   Bowling Green High School Bobcats look to take their first steps on Tuesday November 1st at 17:15 on the BGSU main sheet of ice, then on 2nd at 1630, and the 3rd at 1700.


November 11th at 7pm Sylvania Northview is playing a home against an unknown team.  On the 12th at 11 am Sylvanai Northview is hosting Upper Arlington.
Toledo day school St. Johns plays Cleveland day University school at 11am nov 19th.
Sylvania Northviews Cold Turkey spotlight games!
Starting NOV 25th
630pm Findlay HS plays Gilmour day school
830 pm Saint Francis day school play Sylvania Northview
November 26th the action is in full stride.
Findlay  and Northview play at 11 am
Saint Francis and Gilmour play at 1pm
Gilmour and Northview play at 6pm
Saint Francis and Findlay play at 8pm
Sunday has 3rd and 4th place at 930 am
and the Championship at 1130 am

ON Dec 9th we see a return of League play with a day school contest of Saint Francis and St. Johns

In other news at the State level it seems some movement is taking shape to modernize High School hockey.  This is not happening at a break-neck speed mind you.  "Next, by a unanimous vote, the Board passed a motion to cap the total number of regular season games permitted in hockey at 35 starting with the 2012-13 season."   It would have been nice to also read that the state would be divided in to two competitive, and separate divisions.  Each with its own Championship.  Further hearing the state do away with pre-post hockey and implementing a longer season, where teams could pick up and play "prepost" as the same teams that play High School season would have been outstanding.  Yet, no movement on that regard.

Past player updates
Alden Hirschfeld, Miami University, NCAA D1- Sylvania Northview

Nolan Culver, Youngstown Phantoms, USHL- Sylvania Northview

Jordan Jones, Boston Jr Black Hawks IJHL Super Elite A- Sylvania Northview

Jackson Steltmann, North Iowa Bulls, NA3HL- St. Johns

Matthew Wurst, Kalamazoo NAHL- St. Johns

Ben Torchia, Bell Tire AAA- St. Francis

Nathan Oblinger, Bell Tire AAA- St. Francis
Connor Frey, Bell Tire AAA- St. Francis
Layne Martin, Bell Tire AAA- Findlay High School

USHL Phantoms, a bright future

I had the good fortune to see the Phantoms in both contest this past weekend.  Taking the ice against a loaded and well prepared Team USA, and a developing Jacks group.  Well like most all of the teams the Phantoms are facing a lot of "new".  Team USA is not, and playing that way, so I'm not going to tell you what you know already about the 18 u team.
Starting on the bench for the Phantoms, Noreen was always a good LT on the bench under Carr.  I have to say, however;  there looks to be a new charge in the air. A positive charge.  Noreen is intense.  In a way that the boys look to, and  identify with, fueling them.  Smiles, head pats, and serious intent-full instruction are the order of the day culminating with selfless execution on the ice.  This Phantoms team may lack on paper a lot of the skill they had last season.  Yet the early look says they will  be the best USHL team YT has ever put on the ice. Better bench leadership? Better locker room leadership? Better team chemistry than they have  had since the NAHL Cup win? May be all three, but at the end of the day this Phantoms team will compete in all three zones, ever period, every shift.

In goal, the big, square O'Connor and the smaller, athletic Romeo goalies are up to the task. O'Connor had the start against USA. Had three bad goals beat him high, which for his size and style is unacceptable.  I will give a pass at this early juncture considering that even though his d core is vet, there are  some of the getting to know you breakdowns in d pairings and how those were overcome the next night at Muskegon, O'Connor gets a pass in my book. Romeo played an utterly kick ass game against Muskegon.   Kid plays like other smaller athletic goalies and has good angles and save selections, determination and sound economy of motion, a stark contrast in look from the big quite footed O'Connor. 

The D stand outs for the Phantoms are Liss, Gunn and Bradley. The other 3 of the 4 that I liked who played the best were Renouf, Lowney and Stevens. Each playing very good games, and communication was very good in the various pairings. Phantoms will remain defensively strong, and remain so again in part to the pure number of solid two way players who are forwards.  As for Young I am not saying he is bad, or suspect in any way, just the others seem to be at that slight level above which will leave Noreen and company making a hard decision by the first.

Where the offense is considered I like the composition of this Phantoms roster, which again will leave the staff with a couple sleepless nights in making that determination.  But here are my thoughts heading in to the Fall Classic.  I am loving this great blending of small, fast east coast type forwards, and slightly bigger yet equally fast WCHA, CCHA forwards. My favorite fast East coast types start with BC comitted player Cangelosi who honest to god, looks like a second line Eagle right now, just needs the reps to be #1. Belonger, Ambrosia, Gacek, Annas, Culver, Gibson compose what I call the remainder of this group.   They play a smart, fast paced game, with grit and determination every shift. The next groupl of CCHA, WCHA forwards starts with Conte, a physical, tough, in your face guy who is a driver, Collins a just an in your face and head guy who will go anywhere, and man he has a pair of hands that make you shake your head, kid has really hit his stride, and needs to play for a Miami or Mi. Sweetman, Zehnal, Margonari,Stenglein, shiring , Dahl and Kortinsky Round out the forwards in this group.  Anticipate these Phantoms scoring more than in past seasons.

Now out in Sioux Falls, for the USHL fall classic, the Phantoms will be showing their stuff and finalizing their roster.  The level of competition among these clubs, who's players represent what amounts the top 1% of all players in their age groups, is fast, and intense.   Game action can now be followed for home viewers on www.fasthockey.com at the low price of roughly 8 bucks a game.

Sylvania Northview Hockey News

Recently several players tested their mustard at selection camps and showcases.  It is time briefly update the out comes of those events.
Austin Gryca, goalie for the Wildcat's did a bang up job at the Port Huron Falcons selection camp.  He left the even ranking in the top of all players at camp in off ice testing and on the ice he left with top 1/4 of goalies present low GAA of 2.45.  Gryca is getting noticed and was seen at the event by Scouts ranging from NHL to AAA 18U clubs.  Deriving much positive feedback to the Port Huron staff, as well general buzz by those in attendance.  A solid performance, that was consistant with quality athletic play Gryca fans have come to appreciate.
Drew Crandal performed equally well in front of an equally diverse croud of talent prospectors, all but larger in the EJHL summer showcase.  Drew suited up and played for the New Hampshire Monarchs where he established himself as Top Tier player.  Elite Prospects player profile Drew Crandal is a site that identifies prospects on a global level.  Drews games for the Monarchs are available on FAST HOCKEY  under the show tab go to On-Demand, under the next filter select  league select EJHL summer showcase A division, Drew's first game was July 23 at 4pm EST, Bay state 1 vs Monarchs white.  Drew is 14 yellow., in every game for the Monarchs White
Dalton Carter had a great trip to the Amarillo Bulls selection camp.  He performed well and left little doubt he will be playing at that level with sustained hard work this season.

Jordan Jones, a NV alumni who played much of last season with the NAEHL Toledo Cherokee on the Blue line has headed east.  He is now Playing for the IJHL Boston Jr Bulldogs. 

Culver Reports to Phantoms

Nolan Culver has faced some interesting times.  His trip to the combine, being Tendered by the Amarillo Bulls, making the 23 man roster for the Youngstown Phantoms and add in talks with D1 Colleges coupled with plans for those visits after the season begins.  Add in the intense conditioning regimen and your pretty busy.   Yet, just when the road was looking "simple" a curve comes at him.  Head Coach Curtis Carr, accepted the assistant coaching position with Merrimack college.  A great move for Carr, a great program.   The next few days for Culver, were interesting as the wait began with who would be the next head coach.
Step in assistant coach Noreen.  At 28 years old he will be the youngest coach the Phantoms have ever had and I believe the youngest USHL coach.  This move of elevating from with in for the Phantoms has been the norm, Carr was the last assistant promoted, and Mainhardt before him.  For the players, at this late date in the Coaching carousel, the move provides familiarity.  Nolan was called by coach Noreen and Culver was simply told nothing has changed, report for camp on Aug 30th ready to work hard starting the 31st.
The USHL Fall clasic begins on Sept 21st in Sioux City Iowa.  For Culver and the Phantoms the sechedualed games are as follows: Game 1 Sept 22nd vs Cedar Rapids @4pm CT, Game 2 Sept 23 vs Sioux Falls@ 6pm CT and Sept 24th vs Lincoln at 7pm CT.
Following the Fall Classic the Phantoms open regular season play just North of Culver's home town of Sylvania Ohio, in Ann Arbor MI.  The Phantoms will be playing Team USA Sept 30th at 7pm EST.
 PHANTOMS WEB SITE

Austin Gryca to battle at Port Huron

 Picture from the Sylvania Northview Hockey Website.

Wildcats goal tender Austin Gryca is on a mission to fully establish himself as one of the elite.  At the conclusion of the Wildcats season Gryca proceeded north to Michigan, to test his skills at the Port Huron Falcons NAHL pre-draft tryouts.  He emerged from that experience with a solid invitiation to the Port Huron 2011-2012 selection camp.  That event is being conducted this weekend and head Coach Bill Warren is excited about the depth at the goaltender position.

In the draft the Falcons made a trade with the Amarillo Bulls so that Port Huron could acquire the 3rd overall selection.  With that selection the Falcons choose Honey Baked stand out Max Milosek.  Milosek went 11-1-4 with Honeybaked recording a 2.41 Goals against average.  Making him one of the most competitive goalies in AAA.

Gryca emerged from the predraft with high praises, well earned.  He was in the top 1% for physical conditioning, a statistic that every Northview fan can be proud of, and should know well. Every Northview player that has attended a Jr's try out camp, where physical testing was conducted, has been either the top rated or among the top rated in physical condiditoning.  A fact that has been well noted among Division 1, 3 and Jr's coaches and staff.  Its a tribute to work ethic, dedication and the health of the program.  Gryca was no acception and the staff were equally astonished with his game play.  Clearly indicated by his invitation to return, comments made and reenforced by being told he was in the top 2 at this camp, competing against other Jr and AAA veterans.

This week Austin is training hard and sharpening his skills with intensive on and off ice sessions.  Austin is training with Jeff Lerg-image rights Detroit News

Jeff seen here wearing the C for Michigan State is one of only a select few goalies at any level to ever be a captain.  Jeff made 3996 saves in his four career for the Spartans, many of them done with pure athleticism, earning a four average saver percentage of .921 and one National Championship in 2007 Defeating Boston College 3-1 where all three goals for the Spartans came in the 3rd period, where the Spartans will still out shot.  Its no mistake that Gryca is training with Lerg.  Both share many similar attributes from size to style of play, and attitude.  

For Gryca his debut to the world of Jr hockey and that eliet level of competition has fueled his fire, and shown the another piece of the JR hockey and College world that there is much to be had in the way of prospects from North West Ohio, again.

The Port Huron Falcons selection is open to the public and free of charge.  The camp is being held July 29th-31st at Hazel Park Ice Arena at 1555 East Woodward Heights Blvd., Hazel Park.

Drew Crandall Competes in EJHL summer showcase

Pictured above is #14 Yellow Drew Crandall.  The Sylvania Northview High School forward only recently closed out his sophomore season, with the Wild Cat's.  Receiving an invitation to compete with one of the top teams in the EJHL ( Eastern Junior Hockey League), the New Hampshire Jr Monarchs.  Truth be told since 2002 the Monarchs have won 6 Titles with two sets of back to back championships.  The New Hampshire Monarchs are noted for their annual placement of players in Division 1 NCAA hockey.  Team like Boston University, Boston College, North Eastern, Maine, and University of New Hampshire and any combination of Atlantic, ECAC schools are common place.  Drew was playing this weekend with a proverbially who's who, of who's to come in college hockey, ranging in age from 17-20.  In front of a vast majority of Atlantic, ECAC and Hockey East Divison 1 coaches, and 25+ Division 3 schools.
Drew is one of those players with the gift, and is up for the challenge.  He is relentless at both ends of the ice, posses the speed, hands and vision, to not only compete at these elite levels, but to excel.  Drew plays a complete game and is fearless.  His success this weekend as well as at previous events, and those to come over the summer are preparing him for a very challenging season of High School Hockey, and aiding him in making future plans.
Head coach Mike Jones of the Wild Cats, is going to continue developing eliet players, and challanging each and every boy to not only the best hockey player he can be, but student.  His methodologies and formulas are proving out.  It's not just where you play hockey that counts in development, it is who you play for, and what kind of development plan is in place that matters most.  Players learn the most, in practice.  Player grow physically from highly advanced modern conditioning programs.  Players thrive in a culture based upon support, success and camaraderie, while maintain great social lives and being surrounded by friends, family and fans. This is Northview Hockey, this is Northwest Ohio High School Hockey.
Drews games can be viewed on www.fasthockey.com by looking in the archive section for the EJHL Summer showcase.  Drew played for the Monarchs White team in the A division, jersey color is Yellow in each game, and he wore the #14. 
For information on Northview Hockey, and becoming a Northview Wildcat please visit
http://www.northviewhockey.com/
This weekend NorthWest Ohio Teams will be playing in a tournament at Tamoshanter in Sylvania Ohio, the games kick off Friday night at 4pm, with a Northview and St. Johns match up at 830pm

Sylvania Northview HS players and North West Red Division players gaining traction in the JR world

Aside from the rise of Culver (93) and his hard work and opportunity now with the USHL Youngstown Phantoms for the 2011-2012 season.  There are several others working hard in the offseason, gaining attention and lassoing their own stars.
Goalie Austin Gryca is off to the NAHL Port Huron Falcons main camp at the end of July.  While a recent head line reads "Tyler Last deserves shot to compete for spot on Falcons"  the stark reality here is that Bill Warren the Falcons head coach is quoted as stating numerous times that he want a young goalie to back up his starter, some one to develop along the season, who is capable of playing numerous games, but not shouldering the load this season.  Austin Gryca a 94 goalie out of Sylvania Northview HS came out of the predraft camp as a top ranked prospect.  One of the top goalies, but also in the top percent of all at camp in physical testing.  Being a 94 and backing up a 91 would give the Falcons exactly what they are looking for, in a fully capable strong, net-minder.  This again is just another piece of testimony for the progressive development taking place at Sylvaina Northview.

Dalton Carter, the utility man is capitalizing on growing NAHL, EJHL, OJHL, BCHL and budding USHL interest.  Dalton will be showcasing his abilities in front of numerous EJHL coachs, D3 and D1 scouts when takes part in the Hockey Night Boston major division tournament in last half of July.  Dalton has been a player who stand on the blue, or work from the wing, and has good centering abilities as well.  He is most noted for his thunderous, laser accurate slap shots from point working on the power play, in conjuntion with his good size, and growing frame the boy is a protypical CCHA, WCHA player, who would aslo be a good fit in larger Hockey East teams like Northeasters and UNH's.
There is a lot of development to take place between now then.  The foundations are in place and were well noted by coaches Dennis Williams and Rocky Russo of the Amarilo Bulls, which is why Dalton is joining them to compete for a place on the 2011-2012 Bulls roster at the end of July.

Drew Crandall whats not to like?  The Toledo Cherokee third round draft pick 40th overall,  is a Quick, fast, tenacious, relentless, two way player, battler where all these adjectives can well be used to begin any description of what this young man brings to game every shift.  What do I like about Drew?  I like that he skates a fearless game.  He goes in to the hard places and wins battles when needed, but more often than not, at this point, he is there  first.  He could develop in to an all around star, following the off ice conditioning and training that is available to all Northview hockey players.  Drew has a good shot, his release I feel could be quicker, espically considering his shots come from prime shooting zones. Drew's passes are crisping up.  Drew has learned patience. He is using his high sustained speed to open up and stretch things out creating space for play-making, which a year ago he would rush, now he is allowing them to develop.
Drew is going be skating with a year in and out top ranked EJHL club in the summer showcase A division.  Playing with and against numerous Top 10 NCAA programs committed players at the end of July, in front of those programs very coaches, he is going to turn heads.  Entering his only his Junior  year, I feel that Drew can develop under coach Jones in to another USHL prospect.

I will have introductory posts / updates on: Reid Mankowski,  Zach Felzer, Tyler Dewitt, Kyler Omey, Nate Gay, and Brint Easton in the next edition.

Lets take a moment here and analyze prospect projection.  Just because some guy, or scout blowviates that this player is this or that at these early ages doesn't mean dinky do.  It merely means that if the players development trend continues to track on this trajectory that he is a prospect.  How do prospects develop?  Big question, with numerous formulas, all player specific, and position.  Basics are skating, shot, hands, hockey sense, mental  and physical.  Now the player must also have the desire.  Generally speaking for most this is where it can and does end, any number of reasons.  For some its that Jr. hockey is a business.  Mom and Dad dont have a say anymore.  Kids get traded and cut.  This is not as prominent in the EJHL where it is pay to play, but still happens.  So while son X may go to team Y, he may well go to teams A, B, C at any time for any number of reasons.  Then you have for most this will be their first time being away from home.  A support structure that the player has grown up with is now gone, this anxiety for both parent and player often kills the dream.  Then before you even reach that point a player maybe just burned out.  Take the average AAA player.  he has been spending on average 2-3 hours a day in his car driving to and from practices, add in the exorbitant number of games in the AAA season and length of season and you have another reason.  Then add in all that drive time equates to less study time, less time being young and experiencing a childhood and you now have a new reason.  As well as less time for physical conditioning.Girls- no explanation needed here. 
Lets look at Sylvania Northview.  They have year round conditioning program, available to all players.  Current and incoming.  Players are encouraged to go out and aided in gaining exposure to Jr level play.  Serving two functions.  Exposure for both player and Jr leagues, too each other, and where you need to be in your development to be in consideration for that level.  The Coaching philosophy of developing whole boys.  From the class room to society, the student comes first.  Extend that to a practice to game ratio that is less taxing on the growing maturing bodies, that is instruction heavy.  Then add in every player starts the year on the same footing.  No promises of position or special teams, each gets what he earns, and needs for development.  Again add in a coaching staff with ties to scouts, programs and coaches at every level and you've created a plan for progression beyond High School.
ON the players part he/she must still do their part.  Nothing again is given to anyone, the player needs to have the desire and work ethic both on and off the ice do progress.  Being the best Ohio High School hockey player, is like being the toughest kid in 2nd grade.  Your one of 150.  The USHL for example posses the top 1% of talent for any given birth year.  In every league they want the best.  The best is a lot of work.  A lot independent work.  While your team may require one hour on the bike, you had best put in two.  Minimum requirements are just that, minimums.  So in stead of picking up your golf bag and walking around chasing a ball for 3-4 hours, consider  getting on the bike on the highest setting for an hour, then doing squats, lunges, hill sprints and 1000 sit ups.  Get on the bike after the game and take long cold showers.  Then get your school work done, visit your friends and have fun with your family.

Phantoms USHL, Roster thoughts

With Nolan Culver, of Sylvania Northviews drive in the hockey world, a big second step has been taken.  When the Phantoms publish their 25 man Roster July 1st it will look much like this:
Mike Ambrosia 5/25/92 f
Conor Brown 4/2/92 f
Stephan Collins 8/10/91 f
Mike Szmatula 8/10/92 F
Ryan Lowney 1/4/94 D
Justin Stevens 11/24/91 D
Austin Cangelosi 5/8/92 C
Greg Gibson 1/31/91 C
Jt Stenglein 7/11/93
Sam Annas C
Michael Gunn 5/11/92 D
Ty Loney 3/1/92 F
Alexander Taulien 8/23/92 D
Daniel Renouf 6/1/94 D
Jordan Young 5/12/92 DShane Shiring 11/3/92 F
Dylan Margonari 2/7/92 F
Alex Gacek 4/6/93 C
Alex Dahl 2/27/93 C
Nolan Culver 7/14/93 C
Todd Koritzinsky 9/1/93 F
Ryan Belonger 5/5/92 F
PAtrick Conte 3/1/91 F
MAthew O'Connor 2/14/92 G
Sean Romeo 11/7/94 G


Nolan Culver is from what I have seen in research, the first Ohio HS player to make this leep.  In so doing he should be laying the foundation for others to follow.  We all know their are great players found in all levels and leagues.  The problems for scouts are, 1.  They just dont have the budget to hit every league, and 2. by not watching every league how can they attempt to project how each player will project to the a next level.

If the state listened to parents and coaches.  Adopting a modern, competitive approach to High School Athletics. specifically hockey in this case, Ohio would have far more athletes advancing, on an annual bases.  The talent is here, the odd systems in place directing HS hockey, added by league structures and a championship that make no competitive sense, have it hog tied.

Ohio's Top players Mid Season Rankings part 1

Ohio's top Prospects by position
Goalies
1.  Josh Potts, St Ignatius.  His outstanding positional play and consistency in play have moved him to the number 1 slot.  Having the lowest GAA in the state does not hurt either, and that GAA is earned as well, his D is letting shots get to him, Josh is just always in position to make the saves and steers rebounds or just smothers them.

2.  Nate Gay, BGHS.  His size, and great positioning lead me to believe that Nate Gay could well be on his way to becoming a Conner Knapp type goalie.  While his bobcats are an over all relatively weak team by Ohio Standards, and by 7 time State Champions BG's standards as well.  This is good for Gay, lots of shots, averaging near 39 faced an outing I believe. Young Mr. Gay could very easily find himself shouldering his bobcats in an end of the year run, and a potential out of nowhere"upset win" of the NW Ohio Red Division.  For Goalies life is trial by fire, and for Gay he is getting his, and more often than not being a hot goalie on an average team serves only make the tender better.

3.  Austin Gryca, Sylvania Northview.  Fell to third for one reason and one reason only.  He lapsed in to his first slump.  Gryca came on the scene following an exceptional tender in Craig Trego.  Austin came in and wowed everyone.  Sure he was a bit raw, and undisciplined, but what could expect from a kid who had only been between the pipes for two season prior.  He had his angles, a sweet true hybrid style coupled with a " I ll get what ever I can in front of the puck" attitude.  He earned the starting spot over a veteran back up, and took his team all the way to the state finals in his second season.  He is now back on his angles and squared up and moving with the vigor I have missed.  Being coach ny Jeremy Schneider has not hurt either.  Jeremy takes his goalies through advanced JrA type work outs each practice pushing, teaching and enforcing all the good habits of top goalies.  Gryca now has much more polished pro hybrid style.  His lateral down mobility and crab are near text book, and when he uses them in games very fluid, and not as mechanical as you see in so many "camp" goalies. Gryca's got a bit of an edge to him and that suits his winning attitude.  His current GAA is 3.08, from this point I would anticipate seeing that shift to a more .997 to 1.2

Forwards.
1. Nolan Culver, Sylvania Northview.  Culver's the whole package, speed, vision, strong on the puck, gritty, a play maker and point tallier.   I am not making any claims that are not those all ready written in journals.  His stride is not silky smooth, but he is with out question fast, and agile and his hands keep pace.   He has pro level vision and a hard shot and  an outstanding back hand, both which are surgically accurate.  His passes hard, and crisp.  So what exactly are "they" saying about Culver?
" No question he has great speed and ability to move the puck, but what I like most is his acceleration and booming shot"USHL scout "This kid is going to be a play-maker at every level" NAHL scout " I love the kids on ice leadership" , " A great prospect with a game that is tailored for the pro’s.  Ohio may well have its second hobby baker winner, if the WHL doesn't sweep him up first"  NCAA Hockey East scout. "He handles the puck very well in all 3 zones, and is always making smart plays, add in that extra gear and his an ideal impact player" BCHL scout "He has the puck skills, hockey sense, physicality, and the physical frame to go all the way for a  long, long time."

2.  Paddy Spellacy, St. Ignatius.  Spellacy's got speed and the sense and drive to score.  His shot, and shooting ability are pro-style and tailored.   His down side is that he tries to do it all and doesn't see the ice or developing plays.  Oftentimes hes using the big dog, when he should pass. ITs an easily altered and coach able situation, that for now is working, it will not however work at the next level.  He plays a high energy game, and is above the competition.  I would however not be surprised nor would it be a stretch of the imagination to see Paddy leaving St. Ignatius after this season for Jr pursuits in the Tier I or II program.  Young Paddy has his own following of highly interested parties, the only question is will he go or will he stay.

3.  Ben Torchia, St. Francis Toledo.  Torchia is a fast physical player.  He is just naturally strong and I believe that more time on the weights would make him an honest beast of a player.  Again we have an aggressive forward who finds the net and with his hard hitting fore-check he brings the pain to anyone and everyone who goes for the puck.  A fast, smart high energy player, who never fails to finish his checks.  Torchia was tagged in 2009 as a top USA born OHL prospect, he has now added the rest of the JR world to that list.  One can only wonder this Golfer, yes, Golfer will do? 
What are they saying about Ben?  "He is willing to do anything to make a play" , "He brings energy and a relentless fore check every game" " He has a very good skill set, and with some focused off ice physical training he could easily develop and reach a very high level."

4.  Aaron Both, Sylvania Northview.  Aaron is the guy you need one of for every line.  He plays his wing role like a text book.  Never out of position, but never lacking enough creativity to get in space and finish offensively.  He doesnt play risk free hockey, but more of a if your giving it, Im taking it style.  This likely accounts to why tallies so many points each year.  He is big, strong and again like Ben will develop to reach his physical potential at the next level.  Aaron is strong fast, smooth skater with an accurate, sniping slap shot.  Aaron is rock solid Tier II guy who will develop well and either land in Teir I, or the NCAA in short order.  what is being said about Aaron?  "I noticed him right away.  He is big, has smooth long stride, good hands and a big shot"

That concludes this first installment.  I will be adding defensive players and more forwards in coming weeks and talking about some of the teams as well.  The objective here is get a listing of the top players.  This list is not complete, as I see it positions 4-7(to be posted) are basically interchangeable, as are 8-10.  Some names will be left off, I just can not rank all the boys, and that is the purpose.  The purpose is to identify the top talent and track that talent and maintain a top talent list for public viewing.