USA Hockey Trims Roster At WJC Evaluation Camp
On Tuesday morning, USA Hockey sent a few kids home from their Evaluation Camp at Lake Placid. With three games remaining, the US will use a smaller roster and consolidate from two teams into one.
All four of the Blackhawks’ prospects in attendance – forwards John Hayden, Tyler Motte, Nick Schmaltz and Anthony Louis – made the cut and will remain in Lake Placid.
Through three games played, Motte is tied for the camp lead with three points (one goal, two assists). Hayden and Louis have one goal and one assist each, and Schmaltz has one assist thus far. Team USA will take on Sweden on Wednesday at 3 pm CT.
This post has nothing to do with the story, but there is a regular poster who has been to some Lightning games to see the Blackhawks. I just moved to Florida and Tampa is the closest NHL spot, although still 7 hours away (moved to Pensacola). For some reason I think it was Wall or ER who said they had been to some games there and found a good spot in the upper deck that allowed to see the entire ice surface at an unobstructed view. Wall, ER, or whomever else, could they say their thoughts again about the Tampa arena and good seat spots again? Thanks
Peter – it wasn’t me. I’m a couple hours SW of Chicago and never been to a Bolts game.
Regarding Jr team – it’s good to hear our boys doing well. Especially Motte who didn’t attend prospect camp a couple weeks ago. Any news on whether our Swede d-men made the team or not?
A strong, deep group and a number of good prospects went home today. All 4 Blackhawks prospects made the cut.
Pronman has been complimentary of all 6 of the Hawks’ prospects at the WJC Eval Camp. Norell was a top-pair defenseman for Sweden when the camp began and has skated fairly well.
It was me Peter… Im over in Jacksonville..Tampa is still a 4 hour trek for me, so i know what you mean- The last game i was at it was front row of section 308 near the aisle between 307 and 308. Its the far side of the ice from the big organ they got, so there is a little less commotion on that end of the ice (there is a bar area called “between the pipes” near the organ). The view was great and being front row there was ZERO obstruction. Easy to see the whole game and since its behind the net you can really see plays set up. (Hawks defended twice on this end).
The other 2 times i was there, one time, i scored 2 seats, 3 rows off the glass for 80 each, so i had to get them just to be that close to the action. Was in the corner to the left of the goalie (section 128 i think… hawks attacked twice), and it was hard to see the game when it was on the other end of the ice, but still not bad. The other time was in the nosebleeds (like next to last row). Was there with a bunch of college buddies and to be honest it was more about drinking/girls that night than hockey (ah… college days).
Glad to see local boy Louie Belpedio from Skokie is doing well. Although he was drafted by the Wild, we still have to root for him till he’s lining up against the Hawks!
Great kid and family, proves if you work hard you can get a chance.
Tim G. That is awesome information. I appreciate it.
Drinking/Girls went out the window once married and having two kids…
US/Sweden
I do not understand why but the Sweden coach only played Norell and Dahlstrom like 4th par min. When they were on the ice together it was like one of the few times the Sweden team had any rushes (granted it was the last 5min of 3rd). Even Mark Kelly asked their coach to talk in the hallway after the game.
Schmaltz had a couple good tight passes in close in front if the net. Hayden put it in on the PP on a very fast (in-close) one-timer from him. Hayden wasn’t the fasted guy out there but he was covering the whole ice well an threw some decent hits. He used his size in front of net and wherever he was standing he stayed there…
1or2 times Schmaltz made a move where he blew by the D (the pass was missed, otherwise that guy was in all alone). He was one of few who made moves like that. Being in the small side/rink that move by Schmaltz was the biggest wow/oooh from the spectators. When he had any open ice up the right side he juked the D man one on one.
The US forwards were so much faster, it seemed like Sweden was playing backtoback/split squad. Which made it hard to tell who was doing what/took the tight game/stuff out of the scrimmage completely. Half of US goals were PP & it seemed like Sweden couldn’t move much throughout the entire game (US fws). For whatever reason Sweden just seemed slow.
Louis was feisty, played hard. He deserves to be 180. Almost went through 3 guys to get a shot.
Motte took a spill going to the net for a possible rebound on a weak goal (by the goalie) from far out. Couldn’t tell if the players just got locked up, etc. He hit the end boards and was down for a 5 sec., got up and shook it off. Goal never should have happened/that wouldn’t have too… All goals in 3rd were meaningless/or weak. Scrimmage was decided in 2nd. Where Hayden drew the first penalty which broke open a 1-0 game.
Overall, the US forwards were way faster and our guys were noticeable regularly.
Lake Placid- Thurs. vs Fins
Motte 3g’s and 1a today!!!
Hayden 1 g
Eichel- Might be the best Center coming out since Toews!!!! STUD!!!!!!
He is a complete/player– STUD!!!!!!!!
Once again- Kudos for the Hawks for noticing SURGE in US talent!!!