ANDOVER, Mass. — The U.S. National Team Development Program Under-18 team was in Massachusetts over the weekend to play exhibition games against Hockey East opponents, the roster chock full of 2004-born players who are expected to be selected at the 2022 NHL Entry Draft in early July. Team USA beat Boston University on Friday but lost the Sunday matchup at Lawler Rink to Merrimack College by an 8-2 score.
Although top center Logan Cooley didn’t make the trip in order to attend Team USA’s World Junior Championship camp, the NTDP 18 squad still boasted a lot of future pro talent, including St. Sebastian’s star Michael Callow (South Boston, Mass.), who wore No. 24 and was in the lineup against the Warriors.
USA fell behind early, with Alex Jefferies (Lunenburg, Mass.) scoring the game’s first goal off the rush 89 seconds in, and Merrimack never looking back after that, jumping out to a 4-0 lead halfway through the second period. The NTDP made things interesting with two quick goals by defensemen Lane Hutson and Ryan Chesley to make it 4-2. Merrimack took a 5-2 lead into the final frame and closed it out with three more tallies in the blowout.
It was a tough day for UNH recruit Tyler Muszelik, who was beaten cleanly on multiple shots and appeared to have trouble tracking pucks here, finishing with six goals allowed on 32 shots. With Dylan Silverstein back in Michigan for WJC camp, Colin Winn (Westford, Mass.) of the Boston Junior Bruins (UPHL NCDC) backed up Muszelik. Winn played 3:20 of the final period, facing 2 shots and giving up a goal.
Here are some observations of the four (minus Winn, who didn't play enough for a fair assessment) New Englanders on the NTDP roster, plus we rank the top performances of other Team USA players in a tough game from their perspective.
New England natives
Brady Berard (East Greenwich, R.I.)
C, 2/26/04, left shot, 6-0/179
NCAA commit: Providence
Skated hard and made some effort plays, finishing hits. He can skate and plays an intelligent two-way game. The offense has not come on as hoped, but he plays with grit and jam, a disruptive presence on the forecheck and a good penalty killer. You know what you’re going to get with the younger Berard. It’s not easy to embrace a supporting role after being the captain and driver at Mount Saint Charles (15s) before the NTDP, but he was industrious and involved here in a forgettable game for his club.
Charlie Leddy (Fairfield, Conn.)
D, 1/11/04, right shot, 6-1/175
NCAA commit: Boston College
Like many of his teammates on the wrong side of an 8-2 score, there weren’t a lot of highlights. On the plus side, he’s tall, rangy and has the physical tools to be a pro defender. He was also victimized (-3) by some less-than-stellar goaltending, but at times you can’t help but wonder if he has the pace and urgency in his game to make the most of his natural abilities.
Kaden Muir (Manchester, N.H.)
D, 5/9/04, right shot, 6-1/186
NCAA commit: Northeastern
Kept it simple and hit his outlets, but got flagged for a couple of penalties as well. Muir brings good size, reach and a defense-first style to the mix. He was one of the last remaining uncommitted players on Team USA, recently securing his spot with the Huskies. He plays an honest game, taking the body and using his stick to disrupt rushes. It’s not flashy, but he finished the game without a minus, which is saying something.
Michael Callow (South Boston, Mass.)
LW, 1/15/04, right shot, 6-4/195
NCAA commit: Harvard
He slotted in on the left side of USA’s fourth line with Berard and Jonah Aegerter. He didn’t see a lot of regular shifts but initially used his size and speed to make a positive impact on adrenaline. He kept his shifts short, getting off the ice pretty quickly and not establishing much rhythm or continuity. As the game went on, he was less noticeable, as he didn’t have a lot of clean puck touches or time to establish himself in the offensive zone. This game didn’t do much to move the needle for him in terms of the draft, but the experience of playing college opponents wearing the USA jersey should help him as he returns to the prep schedule and a hot start for St. Sebastian’s.
Impact players for Team USA
Forwards
Cutter Gauthier
C, 1/19/04, left shot, 6-3/189
NCAA commit: Boston College
Tall power center moved up to USA’s first line with Cooley out of the lineup. The Scottsdale, Ariz. native can really move up and down the sheet and played with pace and physicality. He had several quality scoring chances, hitting the post or getting denied with a big save. He’s been productive this season and plays a disruptive, heavy game. Showed an impressive small area burst of speed to loose pucks and was able to create separation in open ice. Has all the makings of a solid pro pivot with upside eventually.
Isaac Howard
LW, 3/30/04, left shot, 5-10/182
NCAA commit: Minnesota-Duluth
The former Shattuck-St. Mary’s star’s calling card is his speed and hands, and both were on display here. He made a nice pass on USA’s first goal and picked off a clearing attempt to get a helper on the second tally as well. Howard showed off his ability to back defenses up with his top gear and superb east-west agility to disrupt gaps. He’s an explosive and dangerous winger who sees the ice and supports the puck well. His average size won’t scare off NHL teams because he’s so talented and checks off everything else needed in large amounts without a big stature. He plays a big game.
Frank Nazar III
C, 1/14/04, right shot, 5-11/175
NCAA commit: Michigan
So skilled and creative- even though this wasn’t a highlight game for the Mount Clemens, Mich. product, he still showed why he’s a sure bet to be a first-round selection in July. He wants the puck on his stick and plays an uptempo game when he has it. There are times when he tries to push the envelope and will turn pucks over rather than make the higher percentage decisions, but you can live with that because he’ll go and get it back. He’s a prime example of a forward who can be so dynamic and innovative that you don’t want to stifle his best assets by putting him in a box. He can certainly work on his details, but when you talk about a high, high ceiling at the NHL level, Nazar has it.
Cole Spicer
C, 6/13/04, left shot, 5-11/174
NCAA commit: North Dakota
Plays bigger than his listed size and has a high motor. He stood out in this game more than some of the more skilled/high-end USA teammates because he consistently attacked the middle of the ice and played hard over all 200 feet of the ice. Whether bringing energy and a disruptive presence in the offensive zone or tracking back with effort into his own end to support the defense, he’s been able to establish himself as a reliable two-way center this season and will appeal to NHL clubs for his work ethic and versatility. He’ll be a major fan favorite at North Dakota, playing in front of his hometown crowd in Grand Forks, a perfect fit for the style of hockey UND plays.
Jimmy Snuggerud
RW, 6/1/04, right shot, 6-2/186
NCAA commit: Minnesota
The skating isn’t elite, but his hands and hockey sense sure are. While this wasn’t a great game to measure the USA forwards by, the son of former NHLer Dave Snuggerud brought his usual slick moves and registered a secondary assist on Lane Hutson’s power-play marker. He has good size and if he can improve his first couple of steps and small area burst, he’ll continue to climb on NHL draft boards because he’s such a consistent scorer at this level and his natural knack will translate at the next level and likely beyond.
Defensemen
Lane Hutson
D, 2/14/04, left shot, 5-8/148
NCAA commit: Boston University
Undersized, but looks to be another in a long line of smaller defenders who have starred on Comm. Ave. He was USA’s top player, scoring a power play goal in the second period on a scorching one-timer from the top of the circle, and creating problems for the Merrimack defense every time he had the puck on his stick. When defending, he was smart and didn’t try to take on Merrimack players 1-on-1, but angled and forced them wide, or used an active stick to disrupt their rushes. He’s the key cog offensively for USA’s attack from the back end and did not disappoint here. It might not be enough for him to be drafted in the top-32 selections, but Hutson will be drafted and could be a future star for the team that believes in him.
Ryan Chesley
D, 2/27/04, right shot, 6-0/195
NCAA commit: Minnesota
USA’s most projectable pro defenseman hasn’t had the anticipated offensive impact this season, but scored his second goal of the year with a quick shot that beat Hugo Ollas top shelf. It was an impressive display of power and balance, as Chesley looked to be backing up as he released the puck, placing it right under the crossbar. The native of Mahtomedi (Maht-Oh-Mee-Die), Minn. Has the size, skating/range and instincts to be a top-20 pick and while he might not have the big upside of others who have come out of the Program before him, looked the part here.
Seamus Casey
D, 1/8/04, right shot, 5-10/162
NCAA commit: Michigan
This wasn’t Casey’s best viewing, though he’s been outstanding in other games watched. He had some good puck touches, but finished the game with a -2 rating and 5 shots on net. He’s aggressive and crafty; likes to join the attack. Like Hutson, he may not possess ideal NHL size, but has the athleticism and skill to be more than the sum of his parts and a driver from the blue line one day.
