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NOW Prospects Major Combine: Day 2

By Peter Odney, 06/22/17, 5:15PM CDT

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Tyler Kotzmacher scores for Team White on Thursday.


Gavin O'Connll paying the price on Thursday for Team Gold.

Wide Open Spaces

As the second day of the NOW Prospects Major Combine comes to a close, the players' comfort level with the Olympic ice sheet of Mariucci Arena has grown by leaps and bounds since yesterday. 

That familiarity will be short-lived however, as all four teams will play their final games on the big ice tomorrow morning before taking on a new (for some) challenge with the small pond at Stillwater's LumberYard three-on-three facility for the evening session. 

In between games in Minneapolis, players took in a session on running an effective power play, complete with video analysis and a breakdown of how professional players run efficiently with the man-advantage. 

Team Maroon moved to 2-0 with a win over Team Gold, while Team White muddied the waters with a win over Team Grey in the second game of the day, making with teams 1-1 entering the final day of play.


Aiden McMahon of Team Maroon is a force in space with the puck.

Taking a 6-0 lead into the midpoint break is usually a good sign for any team, and Team Maroon was no exception on Thursday. 

Zachary Stocker paced the Maroon attack with a Hatty and a helper, while Nick Pierre racked up a pair of goals and added an assist and Aiden McMahon tallied a goal and two assists. 

Joining the scoring barrage for Team Maroon were Trent Stansberry and Max Nagel. 

Scoring the lone goal for Team Gold in the loss was Brent Gulenchyn. 


Zachary Stocker stocked up a Hatty in Thursday's win.

Thanks to the clutch goaltending of Niklas Erickson, Team White escaped with a 3-2 win over Team Grey in the second game of the afternoon on Thursday. 

Tyler Kotzmacher, Austin Williams and Barrett Hall each scored once in the win for Team White, with Kotzmacher's goal proving to be the eventual game-winner. 

Cole Spicer led Team Grey with a goal and an assist, while Aiden Welch picked up the other goal in the defeat.


Cole Spicer scores for Team Grey on Thursday.


Current points leader Nick Pierre of Team Maroon.

Players to Watch

Nick Pierre, Team Maroon 

Pure sniper who has no trouble getting his shot off from anywhere in the offensive zone. 

Cole Spicer, Team Grey

Fantastic skater who relies on balance, can also move the puck with the best of them. 

Zachary Stocker, Team Maroon 

Scorer's touch evident with a Hatty on Thursday, Stocker is a pest below the circles. 

Niklas Erickson, Team White

His performance on Thursday earns him a spot on this list in addition to his rebound control and skill in cutting down angles. 

Brent Gulenchyn, Team Gold

Great skater with a quick first stride and smooth hands. 


Brent Gulenchyn has been a bright spot for Team Gold.

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