The Prospects
Lois Leblanc Center Omaha Lancers
Leblanc has the makings of a Paul Kariya type of player. His size is not going it impress anyone (5’11” 170 lbs.), it’s what he does with it that will impress everyone. A fearless forward more than capable of making goalies miserable anywhere on the ice, Leblanc has the tools to move quickly into the NHL ranks. The team leader in points this season (59) also complied an impressive amount of penalty minutes (78) suggesting the Leblanc is not only a elegant scorer, but also a gritty skater willing to do what it takes to go into the corners to acquire the puck. Leblanc has committed to play at Harvard in the coming school year. Pro Hockey News has Leblanc being picked 12th overall by the Minnesota Wild.
Seth Helgeson Defense Sioux City Musketeers
An eighteen year old that stands at 6’3 and 220 pounds and is full of talent is a thing of beauty for teams looking for sizeable skaters with more to offer than their mass. Queue Seth Helgeson. Helgeson has brought a lot to Sioux City in his two years. The alternate captain for the 2008-09 team has brought scoring prowess and exceptional defensive instinct to a team that lacked throughout the bulk of the year. Helgeson brought clean physical play to the ice and contributed a defenseman’s fair share of points. While Helgeson would appear to be a solid second round pick he may find his way down to the third round based solely on age and experience. A solid season in college will quickly erase all doubt and with a substantially productive college career – given only two year may be essential, Helgeson possess the ability and the desire to make himself a first round choice for most NHL franchises.
John Moore Defenseman Chicago Steel
At 6’2” and 180 pounds, John Moore is beginning to show the signs of becoming a sizeable player who remain nimble and agile. Moore committed to Colorado College (WCHA) and will now look for his name to be called within the first round of the NHL draft. A defenseman who is able to score in the offensive zone, and remains physical without accumulating too many penalties in the defensive zone make Moore a sure pick for any team looking to boost their defensive corps. Pro Hockey News has selected Moore to be picked 16th overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Philip Samuelsson Defense Chicago Steel
Philip Samuelsson is the partner-in-crime to Chicago’s John Moore that completes one of the best defensive pairings in all of hockey. Samuelsson is considered to be very inexperienced but extremely coachable. His desire to play the game is only overshadowed by his desire to develop as a player. While a good college career may benefit Samuelsson better than anything else, a team looking for a solid player on the blue line five years down the road may be quite satisfied with Samuelsson. As of print Samuelsson has verbally committed to Boston College and has international experience with both Team USA and Team Sweden. A good positioning player, Samuelsson needs to improve his footwork and his aggression in man-to-man coverage. An impressive poke check allows Samuelsson to break up plays in the defensive zone where he plays a level headed game.
Blake Thompson Defense Sioux Falls Stampede
A more or less typical 18 year old kid mentally, Thompson will mature with age. Thompson does show some issues with patience while attempting to perform one of his stronger feats of moving the puck up the ice, however that will come in time. Thompson is a very good hockey player who has all the essential tools to work with, and an overall good temperament. He is a take charge player who enjoys big hits and posses a cannon with his slap shot. The 6’3 210 pound defenseman has everything needed to make to major league hockey, now he must improve his game to that level.
Mike Lee Goalie Fargo Force
Mike Lee has been a pillar of strength in the USHL. Lee carried the Fargo Force to the Clark Cup Championship with his stellar goaltending throughout the playoffs. While Lee and the Force were not able to finish their Cinderella run to the very end, Lee’s 2.64 GAA in the playoffs gave the Force an opportunity to win every game. Expect Lee to develop into a very savvy goalie who will contribute in a very positive manner for years to come. Currently Lee is committed to attending St. Cloud St. in the coming fall. While Lee my not hear his name called in the first round of the NHL entry draft, every place he falls will make him more and more of a bargain to the franchise wanting to hand him a sweater.
Jeff Costello Left Wing Cedar Rapids RoughRiders
The powerful two way player has done everything asked of him and so much more. Costello is a solid power forward who is not afraid to take a little abuse and deliver some of his own in the process. Costello has verbally committed to college power house Notre Dame where he will certainly develop his game further and could elevate his professional value even further. Costello has shown many wonderful assets on the ice, but it is his effort that may make him an NHL star.
Josh Birkholz Right Wing Fargo Force
The future Minnesota Gopher lacks only one part to his game. A downside. A strong forechecker who skates well, possess a fine touch near the net, and has no problem going into the corners for loose pucks, Birkholz uses his talent, size, and speed to his advantage every shift. Birkholz contributes well on defense and will not back down at all. A couple seasons at Minnesota may make Birkholz a very promising star in the NHL.
Alex Chiasson Right Wing Des Moines Buccaneers
While Chiasson stands at 6’3, he is a mere 187 pounds. While time and weights will improve that to his benefit, Chiasson does have a few points of his game to address. Chiasson has committed to Boston University for this upcoming school year where good coaching may be all Chiasson really needs. Chiasson needs to show more patience in his defensive zone, become grittier at the net, and strengthen his stride in breakouts. Chiasson is a miraculous stick handler who can work through traffic with impressive finesse and poise. His talent is incredible, his potential is very high, and like most young players he is merely beginning to smooth off his rough edges.
David Gerths Right Wing Lincoln Stars
At 5’11 and 200 pounds, this 19 year old has developed into a successful power forward. Averaging just over a PIM a game and scoring 36 points in 52 games, Gerths looks to be a solid player that will be able to continue his development to a very high level. A fair contributor on the power play and a good defensive player, Gerths may be unique in that he does not have a gaping hole within his game. What he does have is a lot of upside and potential that will allow him to become successful given his own respectful work ethic.
While the ten players listed above are the top ten players within the USHL for this year’s NHL draft, there are four other notables as well. Steven Spinell (D), Patrick Wey (D), Patrick Mullane (C), and Ryan Daugherty (RW) all can count on hearing their names called at the upcoming draft. While each of these players may need a few years of seasoning before even considering professional hockey, you never know where a diamond in the rough may lurk.
Watch for Pro Hockey News’ follow up story on the USHL and see where your home town team’s players go. Find out if John Moore will stay home and play for the Blackhawks or will Rosseau, Minnesota native Mike Lee hear the Wild call his name allowing him to stay and play in the State of Hockey.
You may contact the author at: John.strathman@prohockeynews.com
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