WJC: 2015 — USA Roster Talk

[Juxtaposer]

I desperately want to see 5 underagers on the team. Would be quite daring.

 

[Michael Brand Eggs]

Compher mostly plays the wing at Michigan. I'd expect to see something like this at forward:

Milano-Eichel-Tuch
Connor-Matthews-Compher
Erne-Larkin-Fasching
Motte-De Leo-Schmaltz

I think they're going to try to draw on chemistry from the various camps they've had. First line is a no brainer because of the time they've spent together. and then Matthews-Connor and Larkin-Fasching are duos who have looked good together in the past.

 

[ZeroPT*]

Bailey has had quite a hot start any chance for him?

 

[Juxtaposer]

Compher mostly plays the wing at Michigan. I'd expect to see something like this at forward:

Milano-Eichel-Tuch
Connor-Matthews-Compher
Erne-Larkin-Fasching
Motte-De Leo-Schmaltz

I think they're going to try to draw on chemistry from the various camps they've had. First line is a no brainer because of the time they've spent together. and then Matthews-Connor and Larkin-Fasching are duos who have looked good together in the past.

Dude, that lineup is almost identical to my ideal one. I think the De Leo, Motte, and 13th forward spots could be up for debate, but I love the rest.

 

[Garyboy]

I'd say it's not likely just because of how deep the team is up front but he's certainly done everything you could ask of him though and would be a justified choice if he's there. If Schmaltz's injury takes him out of contention that certainly helps Bracco's chances though.

Thank you kindly, William. I hope he gets a chance to prove himself with the top 95's and 96's.

 

[Bonin21]

Cammarata is starting to look more comfortable and getting back to his old ways. I'm not so sure I'd consider Collins or Glover over Brodzinski, as they're both pretty raw still. I don't think any of the three would make the final roster, though.

 

[Plastic Joseph]

What is McCaron's chance looking like?

 

[BillyShoe1721]

What is McCaron's chance looking like?

He was cut from the summer camp, which isn't good, but he's had a very good start to the season. He's got great size, and since this tournament is on smaller North American ice, his skating isn't as big of a concern. I would say he has a shot. He'll be battling with John Hayden for the role as the big guy in the bottom six.

 

[Ball1374]

Bailey has had quite a hot start any chance for him?

I'd like to think he's given himself an extra shot after not getting an invite to camp this past summer. He's the heart and soul of that Kitchener team, averaging almost 1.5/ppg. He's doing the right things, it's just up to USAH to determine whether or not he gets the look.

 

[whlscowt]

Really solid d-group here. I was going to mention Michael Brodzinski as a possible camp invite after getting torn to shreds in the summer, but I just can't see it. It's a shame too, his game has come far, and he's been what I consider to be the best dman on college hockey's best team so far.

 

[Bonin21]

Really solid d-group here. I was going to mention Michael Brodzinski as a possible camp invite after getting torn to shreds in the summer, but I just can't see it. It's a shame too, his game has come far, and he's been what I consider to be the best dman on college hockey's best team so far.

Sorry but if you think he's been better than Mike Reilly in any way you might get torn to shreds.

 

[Mickey the mouse]

I'll give it a shot.....

Milano - Eichel - Tuch .... Obvious

Motte / Louis - Smaltz _ Fashing ... Hopefully Smaltz ok, heard it's his wrist

Matthews - Larkin - Compher ..... plays against opponent top line .. Good Luck !!

Bailey / Erne - McCarron - Hayden ... Have fun in your zone Dmen

 

[Rabid Ranger]

All the ingredients are there for a gold medal run IMO. A young-but extremely talented forward group, strong skating/puck moving defense, and capable goaltending.

 

[Juxtaposer]

All the ingredients are there for a gold medal run IMO. A young-but extremely talented forward group, strong skating/puck moving defense, and capable goaltending.

The D is definitely a weak point. I'd feel a lot better if Santini weren't hurt, USA hockey didn't hate DeAngelo, and there wasn't such a stigma attached to underagers. With Santini, DeAngelo, Hanifin, Werenski, Butcher, and McCoshen, I'd feel safe. I like Downing as the 7h guy, he impressed me at camp.

 

[Rabid Ranger]

The D is definitely a weak point. I'd feel a lot better if Santini weren't hurt, USA hockey didn't hate DeAngelo, and there wasn't such a stigma attached to underagers. With Santini, DeAngelo, Hanifin, Werenski, Butcher, and McCoshen, I'd feel safe. I like Downing as the 7h guy, he impressed me at camp.

There's not a linchpin guy as in years past, but it looks capable to me. Losing Santini hurts, but I think others can step. They need to go younger though. Carlo, Hanifin, and Werenski should all be there. DeAngelo too.

 

[Analyzer*]

He was cut from the summer camp, which isn't good, but he's had a very good start to the season. He's got great size, and since this tournament is on smaller North American ice, his skating isn't as big of a concern. I would say he has a shot. He'll be battling with John Hayden for the role as the big guy in the bottom six.

Does it slightly increase his chance that he can play centre and seems to be good on faceoffs ?

 

[Juxtaposer]

There's not a linchpin guy as in years past, but it looks capable to me. Losing Santini hurts, but I think others can step. They need to go younger though. Carlo, Hanifin, and Werenski should all be there. DeAngelo too.

Like I said, if they bring DeAngelo, Hanifin, and Werenski, and possily Carlo, I'd feel better. I don't want older defensive defensemen, gimme young and quick puck-movers.

Does it slightly increase his chance that he can play centre and seems to be good on faceoffs ?

Doubt it. Unlike years past, US has great center depth with Eichel, Matthews, and Larkin. Plenty of 4th line C's too honestly.

 

[sjci]

From the International Tournaments thread that doesn't get much attention.

I think the differences in everyone's predicted final team and/or lines will really highlight how much there is to choose from this go around, especially up front. Possibilities seem endless. If I were to choose a team for the tournament based on my predicted camp roster and make lines this is what I would want to see to start:

Forwards:

Milano - Eichel - Tuch

This line had too much chemistry for two years not to start with it in my opinion. I know Osiecki talked about having a '95 on every line if possible (hence Motte) but I go for the instant chemistry first. If it's not there or they want to balance things out a bit then switch Milano with another LWer as necessary.

Erne - Compher (C) - Fasching

Listed second but the prototypical crash-and-bang USA line that will wear teams out every game, especially if Erne shows up this tournament.

Larkin - Matthews - Schmaltz

Offensive line with underrated balance that would likely do some damage.

Connor - De Leo - Motte

"Fourth" line with tons of pace but also a lot of skill.

Hayden

You could really go with a lot of different guys here but I imagine they intrigued by a well-rounded player with size like Hayden.

Defense:

Hanifin - Belpedio

Two best d-men from the U-18s paired together with Belpedio moving up a pairing to fill in for the injured Santini.

McCoshen - Florentino

McCoshen needs to improve from last year's tournament showing, especially with Santini sidelined.

Butcher - Carlo

I think it's more likely that Collins makes it over Carlo but I've never been high on Collins, although he apparently had a good summer camp.

Werenski

I haven't been able to see Michigan yet but folks have been raving about Werenski. I still have my doubts that USAH would take two underage d-men, even if they should. I haven't seen Dougherty yet this year but I've never been a huge Downing fan (even if he did improve a lot last year) and I'm not sold DeAngelo will even get an invite. I'd guy with the high upside in the #7 spot if it's my choice and that's either Werenski or DeAngelo.

Goalies:

Demko
Nedeljkovic
Cowley

I take it USAH wants Demko to grab the role and he'd likely have the first crack at it with Nedeljkovic missing the summer camp. I think this is a tournament where both guys could see action till the elimination games start.

Notes:

• With Cassels accepting an invite for Team Canada for the Super Series I didn't consider him. If I was USAH I'd stop considering him as well.
• I hope USAH opts for skilled players because there's an abundance of them.

Very similiar thinking, but I have McCarron and Bailey in over Motte and De Leo. The last 3/4 forwards are really up for grabs

 

[P10p]

Questions as a Wild fan...

Are Tuch and Belpedio at or near the top of the depth chart for their respective positions or is it chemistry?

 

[hockey38]

IMHO, Bracco should get a camp invite as a reward for how he has played the last two years...

 

[montreal]

when is the winter camp and when do they release the roster?

 

[William H Bonney]

Questions as a Wild fan...

Are Tuch and Belpedio at or near the top of the depth chart for their respective positions or is it chemistry?

I'd say both. The defense lacks a true "star" player that's not an underager (Hanifin, Werenski) so there's a lot of interchangeable parts. But Belpedio's proven in the last year plus that he's a very good d-man.

The forward group is so deep you could have fantastic players/prospects on the 4th line just because they fit well there. I could see Tuch on any line but with his chemistry with Eichel and Milano I'd be shocked if he didn't at least start with Eichel.

when is the winter camp and when do they release the roster?

Winter camp starts December 16th with practices and the first exhibition on December 19th against BU. They have another exhibition in Kingston but the date/opponent hasn't been announced. I don't recall seeing anything yet on the roster but it's usually the first week of December.

 

[1Gold Standard]

I'd say both. The defense lacks a true "star" player that's not an underager (Hanifin, Werenski) so there's a lot of interchangeable parts. But Belpedio's proven in the last year plus that he's a very good d-man.

The forward group is so deep you could have fantastic players/prospects on the 4th line just because they fit well there. I could see Tuch on any line but with his chemistry with Eichel and Milano I'd be shocked if he didn't at least start with Eichel.



Winter camp starts December 16th with practices and the first exhibition on December 19th against BU. They have another exhibition in Kingston but the date/opponent hasn't been announced. I don't recall seeing anything yet on the roster but it's usually the first week of December.

I read today the 2 U.S. pre-tourney games are against Germany on the 21st and Sweden on the 23rd. also in Kingston.

 

[Dr John Carlson]

Any chance Shane Gersich makes the team?

 

[William H Bonney]

Any chance Shane Gersich makes the team?

No.

He will be playing in the upcoming World Junior A Challenge though.