Team USA bounced back from their 4-1 loss to Sweden with an 8-3 come from behind win over Finland to close out their annual evaluation camp in Lake Placid.
Austin Watson (Peterborough/NSH) had some good fortune come his way after a sub-par performance earlier in the week and notched two goals on the night ending camp on a highnote. Kyle Palmieri (ANA) also scored twice with Chris Kreider (Boston College/NYR), Nick Bjugstad (Minnesota/FLA), Zach Budish (Minnesota/NSH) and Jeremy Morin (Kitchener/CHI) each getting one of their own.
In all, it was a pretty successful camp, but now the hard part...trimming the roster to 22.
Based on what I saw
at camp, here's my list and why I like them:
In goal...
Jack Campbell (Windsor/DAL) - This one's a no brainer. He was the back up last year as a 17-year-old and was solid when called upon. I loved watching him in the NTDP and how he would be aggressive and attack the puck, but that's also what made me wish I could tether him to the net so he wouldn't get caught out of position so much. Fortunately, he's worked on that and is more selective over which shots he wants to attack and which shots he lets come to him. I'm very excited to see how he will develop in Windsor.
Andy Iles (Cornell/UFA) - I liked what I saw from him. He's on the smaller side at 5'8'' but like I said earlier in camp, his reflexes are spot on...it's like he's got extra arms and legs! He's very agile and extremely patient in his decision making.
On the blueline...
Justin Faulk (UM-Duluth/CAR) - He's physical, moves the puck well and works the point like a pro on the power play.
Derek Forbort (North Dakota/LAK) - another physical player who moves the puck well and works the point like a pro on the power play, plus he's like a goliath on the blueline and stands up just about everyone who tries to get past him.
Brian Dumoulin (Boston College/CAR) - In short, he doesn't take any crap and plays likea beast. He's in your face physical and makes you work for every inch of ice. If you want it, you've got to earn it and it won't be easy.
John Ramage (Wisconsin/CGY) - While he's got some grit, he's known for his speed and transition game and moves the puck up the ice faster than you can blink.
Those are the guys I think are in for sure with Philip Samuelsson (Boston College/PIT) and Adam Clendening (Boston University/Draft Eligible 2011) in the hunt for the final two spots with Jon Merrill (Michigan/NJD) as the seventh defenseman. Also, you can't forget Cam Fowler (ANA) and Nick Leddy (CHI) should their teams give them permission to participate.
Down the middle...
Brock Nelson (North Dakota/NYI) - I'm not sure this guy knows how to go at any other speed than full throttle. Whatever he's doing on the ice, he's fully committed to it and I'm a big fan of guys who consistently put forth that type of effort. He's full of spit and vinegar and is always looking to get the puck on net. He might not lead in scoring, but he definitely produces an abundance of scoring chances.
Nick Bjugstad (Minnesota/FLA) - This guy buzzes around the net like a bee - a rather large bee who is annoying and distracting and just when you think you've got him under control...bam! He stings you! He's quick and crafty and just needs to put some more meat on his 6'4'' frame to get stronger down low. He lead Team USA in scoring with seven goals in seven games.
Charlie Coyle (Boston University/SJS) - I really like how this guy plays. I felt like every time I wondered "Who's that?" it was him. He created a lot of opportunities and was successfully dishing the puck in the slickest manner, threading the needle in such a way it left you wondering "How'd he do that?" I'm really excited to see him at BU.
In the last spot, I'm going with Austin Watson (Peterborough/NSH). He didn't really dazzle me on the ice early in the camp and I think he needs to pack on some muscle, but I'm a big fan of how he responded from his lack luster performance early on. This guy's a competitor and he's shown that he's willing to do whatever it takes to improve and be successful and I like that.
On the right...
Kyle Palmieri (ANA) - Dear Ducks...please let him play! One of the offensive catalysts on this team, he's only gotten better since last year. He's really crafty, sees the ice well and thinks quick on his feet. He also lead Team USA with 10 points - 5g, 5a - in six games.
Emerson Etem (Medicine Hat/ANA) - This guy skates like his hair is on fire. There was a time when I saw him skate up the ice beating just about everyone and then switched gears and put it in reverse going the other way just as fast. He's super aggressive and wants the puck on his stick, chances are he's gonna do something good with it!
Beau Bennett (Denver/PIT) - Much like what he does on the ice, I think he's slipped under many people's radar. He's a crafty playmaker who does a lot of his work seemingly behind the scenes, but he's fast and skilled and gets the job done. Plus, he's got a great positive attitude!
Rounding out this side, I've got Jeremy Morin (Kitchener/CHI) and Chris Brown (Michigan/PHX) as the extra skater. They're both very similar in their style of play as they can muck and grind with the best of them. They both have an offensive touch, but they're known for winning the battles on the boards and controlling the puck.
On the left...
Ryan Bourque (Quebec/NYR) - He's a fiesty guy who plays with passion and heart...I wonder where he gets that from. What he might lack in size at only 5'9'' he makes up for with speed and skill. Also, he could very well end up as captain of this team.
Chris Kreider (Boston College/NYR) - Another candidate for captain, he's a fantastic skater with great hands and a tremendous work ethic. He doesn't take anything for granted and is always looking to contribute in one way or another.
Jason Zucker (Denver/MIN) - An offensive catalyst, he simply makes things happen. The way he moves on the ice is stealth-like. His speed makes him super sneaky and he usually burns you one way or another in the process.
Jerry D'Amigo (Rensselear/TOR) - Another speed deamon with great hands who doesn't shy away from planting someone into the boards every now and then. He's also got a great attitude and keeps a level head under pressure.
So there you have it...my Team USA! As always, this is subject to change, but based on their performances at camp, these guys make the cut. Unlike Team Canada, there is always the possibility of someone who either wasn't invited to camp or who was sent home during camp making the team come December, but they'd have to have an amazing start to the season to be considered over some of the guys already on the list. One guy I'm really curious about is Drew Shore (Denver/FLA) who was sent home from camp with a tweeked shoulder. He was ok last year at Denver and I'm eager to see how he's improved over the summer and if he's got what it takes to make this team.
Like I've said before, I'm a big fan of how this team is shaping up and think they'll put in a solid effort to defend their gold medal in Buffalo.
Julie
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@JulieRobenhymer
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