Player's Profile
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- Name: A.J. Thelen
- Position: D
- Shoots: Left
- Height: 6-3
- Weight: 205 lbs
- Birthdate: 1986-03-11
- Eligible for Draft: 2004
- Drafted:
- Hometown: Savage, Minnesota
- Acquired:
- Playing In: CHL
A.J. Thelen
History
2002-2003- Thelen played on the US National Development U-17 Team where he registered 14 points in 61 games. He also represented the US at the Four Nations Cup played in Ann Arbor in 2002 where he won a gold medal.
2003-2004- Thelen had a wildly successful freshman season with the Michigan State Spartans. With the graduations of the top offensive defensemen, J M Liles and Brad Fast, Thelen was able to step in right away and log significant minutes on the blue line. He quarterbacked the power play and led the team with five goals and ten points with the man advantage. His 11 goals ranked third nationally for defensemen. Thelen, the second youngest player in the NCAA Division I, was named to the All-CCHA Rookie Team, All-CCHA First Team and the only freshman named to the All American Team as a second team honoree.
Minnesota's 1st choice (1st round), 12th overall, in 2004 NHL Entry Draft. Unsigned by the Wild in 2007.
Talent Analysis
Thelen is a big, mobile defenseman that has an incredible offensive upside. He skates with a pro stride and makes quick, crisp passes. As a freshman, he exhibited offensive flair quarterbacking the power play and rushing the puck up ice during even strength play. He is still a bit raw in the defensive end, but is a solid positional player. With his size and speed, Thelen can really challenge opponents with aggressive play, but still needs to work on reading when to jump up on the rush. He has a hard, accurate shot and possesses excellent vision and puck poise, which makes him especially dangerous on the power play.
Future
At 6’3, Thelen has the size to develop into a dominant defenseman. He is already a dangerous offensive player, but has the potential to become a top two defenseman at the next level.
Stats
Profile Last Updated: October, 14th 2007
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