After the obligatory hotel check-ins and welcome meetings, the players hit the ice for a little over an hour for the first practice of the weekend. 

The first practice offered a composite look at the skill the players have working in small spaces, with the 48 players splitting into groups for the first session. 

Players then had the option to take in a USNTDP U17 game against the Sioux Falls Stampede of the USHL. 

Former Minnesota youth players Scott Reedy (Prior Lake), Nate Knoepke (Lakeville South) and Grant Mismash (Edina) were featured on the U17 roster. Knoepke notched an assist in a 5-3 win.

Maple Grove product Josh Passolt, Wayzata’s Alex Stevens and Mahtomedi’s Jack Becker suited up for Sioux Falls, with Passolt and Stevens registering third period assists.

The real exposure will begin on Saturday, when the two teams (Red and Blue) begin the daily process of scrimmaging each other twice. 

Curtis Hall, Cleveland Barons 16U

Hall rarely stops moving his feet, and his quick strides make it tough for opposing defenders to keep him under wraps. 

Adam Samuelsson, Connecticut Junior Rangers 16U

Lengthy defender who registers at 6-foot-3, 205 pounds according the Jr. Rangers website. Long reach can prove to be the difference when battling in the corners and along the boards. 

Jack Drury, Chicago Mission 16U

Tireless worker with a penchant for impressive two-way play. Committed to Harvard for 2018-2019.

Bode Wilde, Chicago Mission 16U

A known commodity with a wealth of talent, Wilde is a smooth-skating defenseman with excellent hands. Also committed to Harvard. 

Drew DeRidder, Oakland Jr. Grizzlies 16U

One of two goaltenders invited not from Minnesota, DeRidder is a compact competitor who won a gold medal with Team USA at the Youth Olympic Games in Norway in February.