Austin Pratt scores for SSM this Fall against the Blades.
March 20 to March 24 marked five very important days for the top American born 1999 birth year hockey players. Fifty were invited by USA Hockey to attend the National Team Development Program Evaluation Camp in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Nine Minnesota players (five Forwards, three Defensemen and a Goalie) were invited and all did very well. Selecting 20 players of the 50 high caliber that were chosen is a nearly impossible task.
Because the program is directly funded by the National Hockey League for the purpose of developing American born players into their league, this adds an added element to an already tough equation. Some argue that USA Hockey will choose larger player because they "project" as pros better than smaller more skilled players.
For example, Dylan St. Cyr was arguably the best Goalie in the camp. But his smaller frame does not "project" as well as the other bigger backstops like Cayden Primeau or Adam Scheel. This alone does not mean the USNDTP will only take 6 foot 4 Power Forwards. Talents like Ohio State commit Sean Dhooge from the Chicago Mission is smart and so talented he will not be bypassed.
Of the nine Minnesota players who participated, all had their moments of brilliance. Grant Mismash (Edina/SSM) was so good, most would agree that he was the best Forward in the camp. Other Shattuck products with Minnesota ties Austin Pratt (Lakeville) and Scott Reedy (Prior Lake) were also very impressive.
On the blue line, Mike Anderson (Roseville/Hill Murray) stood out as top Defenseman. Heading into the camp, Farmington's Nate Knoepke was well liked by USA Hockey. He played well enough and has the right body type (big) to earn a spot next year in Ann Arbor, we say Nate is 50/50 to make it.
The lone Minnesota Goalie, Jake Begley likely won't get a selection to the team. But that does not mean he wasn't impressive. Begley made countless point blank saves and on a number of occasions made the crowd of scouts ooh and ah. If anything, Jake will leave Michigan this week knowing he is the best Goalie from western US for his age.
Here is our best guess based on performance both leading up to the camp, during the camp, and how we see the committee choosing the team.
