USA Hockey ready for Saturday’s prospect showcase Photo: USA Hockey head coach Phil Housley, Buffalo Sabres President Ted Black, and USA Hockey's Assistant Executive Director of Hockey Operations Jim Johannson talk to the media on the eve of the 2012 CCM/USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game (courtesy of Ken McKenna/HF) What has been an idea in the making for some time will now become reality tomorrow night as USA Hockey presents their first of what is expected to be an annual event, the CCM/USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game. Recent UMass alums work their way towards NHL Photo: San Jose Sharks defenseman and University of Massachusetts alum Justin Braun is the first of a recent group of that school's alums to make it to the NHL (courtesy of Don Smith/NHLI via Getty Images)
Casey Wellman has been with three organizations since turning pro during the 2009-10 season, but this season could mark his best chance to become an NHL regular. Video: 2012 USA Hockey NJEC – Andy Welinski, USA Photo: Anaheim Ducks prospect Andy Welinski survived the first cut in his bid to earn a berth on the 2013 USA WJC squad (courtesy of Bruce Bennett/Getty Images Sport)
Defenseman Andy Welinski returned to the USHL's Green Bay Gamblers for the 2011-12 season. As it turned out, it was a season to remember for the Anaheim Ducks prospect. Video: 2012 USA Hockey NJEC – Mike Reilly, USA Photo: Columbus Blue Jackets prospect Mike Reilly capped off a strong 2011-12 season with an invite to USA Hockey's WJC camp (courtesy of Bruce Bennett/Getty Images Sport)
As the Columbus Blue Jackets continue the process of converting the team from cellar dweller to playoff contender, one area they could definitely look to improve is their offensive attack. One Blue Jackets' prospect that could eventually aid that cause would be defenseman Mike Reilly. Video: 2012 USA Hockey NJEC – Sean Kuraly, USA Photo: San Jose Sharks prospect Sean Kuraly turned in a strong showing at the 2012 USA Hockey National Junior Evaluation Camp (courtesy of Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
The USHL is considered by most to be the top junior development league in the United States. In recent years, the league has been producing what seems to be an ever growing crop of NHL draftees, some of whom have flown somewhat under the radar even after being drafted. |
