Conservatively, we think at least eight Minnesota players will be invited. It could be as low as five and as high as 12. Here is a list of 10 Minnesota players that the selection committee is probably circling, highlighting and crossing off.

1. Mike Anderson (Hill Murray) - UMD recruit has long been linked to the NTDP. His older brother Joey is a current member of the U17 team. Finished the season with 8G/7A. The big Defenseman will make his presence felt in Michigan. fi

2. Scott Reedy (Shattuck St. Mary's) - most polished player of the group...the U of M commit has excelled at every level he has played. Including scoring scoring 20G/29A on the U18 prep team as a 15 year old.

3. Grant Mismash (Shatuck St. Mary's) - the Edina native is another cinch to be invited. Like his long time teammate Reedy, Mismash continues pile up the points against the nation's best. He has 27G/27A for the Sabres this year for the SSM Prep team.

4. Austin Pratt (Shattuck St. Mary's) - the uncommitted freshman has been a force for the SSM U16 team this year. He has racked up 16G/29A and has really developed into a complete player for the highly ranked Sabres.

5. Jake Begley (Hill Murray) - if Minnesota pulls in 20-25 percent of the camp invites again this year. Logic would say at least one Goalie will be invited. This year's U17 team has Farmington's Jake Oettinger in the pipes. Begley was a National Camp invitee last Summer and has only gotten better since. As a starter for Hill Murray he had an 11-3 record and a gaudy 1.57 GAA and 91 percent save percentage.

6. Ryan Poehling (Lakeville North) - played two seasons with his older twin brothers and just won a State Title. A St. Cloud State commit with a pro-style body and ability, Poehling had 16G/33A as a Sophomore. Poehling could be the most complete player in Minnesota right now.

7. Baron Thompson (Omaha U16) - the University of Maine commit has done well as U16 Tier I player for the the Lancers. Many suggest that Thompson will be headed to the Victoria Royals of the WHL next season likely bypassing his amateur status. The 6 foot 3, 210 pound Forward had a great National Camp last Summer in Amherst, NY.

8. Matt Anderson (Holy Family) - another UMD recruit who has displayed remarkable skill for one of many great D-Men in the Minnesota '99 class. Anderson logged huge minutes this year for the The Fire - he had 7G/27A for the green and white as a Sophomore. 

9. Isaac Johnson (Anoka) - was a standout during the HP 15 process last Spring and has not disappointed since. The power Forward had 5G/2A at the National Camp in Amherst last Summer, he also tallied 10G/17A for the Tornadoes as a Sophomore and seems to be filling into his 6 foot frame nicely. He will be a hard player to keep out of Michigan.

10. Nate Knoepke - A 6 foot 3 inch adonis on skates, Knoepke has great long term "upside". Played Defense on the very young Cougar blue line - has enough skill that he could also be a power Forward. Had 3G/7A as for Lakeville South last year.

Jack Olsen (Lakeville South) - had 11G/18A as a Freshman for Cougars, is being recruited by all high major schools.

Luke LaMaster (Duluth East) - big and smart D-Man that has great vision and hard shot. Bonafide high end DI player.

Josh Ess (Lakeville South) - dynamic offensive minded D-Man...had 7G/16A as Sophomore...is rapidly becoming the latest big uncommitted DI player.