Hot 15 Prospects

No prep players in this edition. Their seasons haven't really kicked into gear yet and there are just too many hot junior players available right now. There's a lot of foreign players in this list, so you can be assured that not all will retain their NCAA eligibility.

Hot 15
2. Stanislav Galiev (F/92) - Indiana-USHL
3. Matt Nieto (F/92) - USNTDP
5. Justin Baker (D/91) - Streetsville-OJHL
6. Brett Chartier (F/91) - Lincoln-USHL
7. Brandon Saad (F/92) - Mahoning Valley-NAHL
9. Beau Bennett (F/91) - LA Kings AAA
11. Jordan Depape (F/92) - Winnepeg Saints-MJHL
12. Rocco Grimaldi (F/93) - Little Caesar's
13. Kirill Gotovets (D/91) - Shattuck
14. Joe Wilson (F/92) - Syracuse-EJHL
15. James Polk (F/92) - Shattuck

1994's

Okay, here's the post I promised on 1994's. Again, please don't assume that this list means I agree or disagree with the practice of recruiting kids this age. My goal with this post is really to identify some players of this birthyear that are the most likely candidates to be recruited first. Keeping that in mind, I'm going to miss A LOT of fantastic rural players and incredible players not involved with traveling bantam/midget/junior teams. I'm just going to list the players alphabetically, because ranking 14-year-olds against eachother is an effort in futility. However, I am going to put an asterisk* by a few players who simply stand out amongst the competition... just because I can.

Riley Barber (F) - Compuware
*Grant Besse (F) - Breck HS
*Connor Carrick (D) - Chicago Fury
Mackenzie Cook (F) - Reading HS/Boston Little Bruins
Andrew Doane (F) - Nobles Prep
*Nick Ebert (D) - North Jersey Avalanche
Adam Gilmour (F) - Thayer Academy
Matt Halverson (D) - Wayzata HS

*Seth Jones (D) - Dallas Stars AAA

Dennis Kravchenko (F) - California Wave
Kristian Manthey (D) - Anoka HS
AJ Michaeson (F) - Apple Valley HS
Brian Morgan (F) - Boston Jr. Bruins-EmpireJHL
Josh Nenadal (F) - Cleveland Barons
Drew Newmeyer (D) -Phoenix Firebirds
Ryan Papa (F) -Chicago Young Americans

Alex Roos (F) - Team Illinois

Jack Rowe (F) - Chicago Mission

Kyle Ruggles (F) - Little Caesars

Zane Schartz (F) - Chicago Fury
*Ian Spencer (D) - North Jersey Avalanche

*Brady Vail (F) - Compuware
Alec Vanko (D) -Madison Capitols
*Frankie Vatrano (F) - Boston Jr. Bruins-EmpireJHL

There you have it... a random list of good, young, and soon to be over-hyped players that could potentially be the first of their birthyear to be recruited... unless of course Michigan decides to snipe some player out of Ontario first.

Upper Midwest High School Elite League

With a handful of exceptions, this league is where the best Minnesota high schoolers get to test themselves against the other best Minnesota high schoolers. I didn't get a chance to personally scout any of these games, but here are my favorite prospects based on stats and other peoples' scouting reports.

1. Anders Lee (Sr/F) - Edina HS
2. Adam Knochenmus (Jr/F) - Roseau HS
3. Garrett Henderickson (So/F) - Virginia HS
4. Schyler Adams (Sr/F) - New Prague HS
5. Joe Schmitz (Sr/D) - Centennial HS
6. Caleb Herbert (Jr/F) - Bloomington-Jefferson HS
7. Justin Crandall (Jr/F) - St. Thomas Academy
8. Bill Simon (Sr/F) - Lakeville South
9. Cal Decowski (Jr/F) - Andover
10. Andrew Prochno (Jr/D) - Minnetonka HS

Others to consider
Tommy Westmark (Sr/F) - Appleton HS
Connor Reilly (Jr/F) - Holy Angels HS
Jeff Pauluk (Jr/D) - Bloomington-Jefferson HS
Wes Wauters (Sr/F) - Ashwaubenon HS
Troy Hekseth (Jr/D) - Minnetonka HS
Willie Hess (Sr/F) - Centennial HS
Chris Casto (Jr/D) - Hill-Murray HS
Joseph LaBate (So/F) - Holy Angels
Walker Hyland (Jr/D) - Woodbury HS
Joey Rehkamp (Sr/F) - Breck
Brett Stern (Jr/D) - Centennial HS
Nick Widing (Sr/F) - Hill-Murray HS
Brian Kemp (Jr/D) - Fond du Lac HS
Zach Mausolf (Sr/F) - Duluth-Marshall HS
Cody Hotchkin (Sr/F) - Duluth-Denfield HS
Tyler Landman (Sr/F) - Roseau HS

Central Scouting Players to Watch

A Rating - A must see player who is predicted to be a potential First or Second Round Draft selection in the upcoming NHL Entry Draft

Dylan Olsen (D) - Camrose-AJHL
Ryan Daugherty (F) - Omaha-USHL
Philip Samuelsson (D) - Chicago-USHL
Erik Haula (F) - Shattuck
Jeremy Morin (F) - USNTDP
Blake Thompson (D) - Sioux Falls-USHL

B Rating -- A player to note if you are in the area, a potential selection in theThird to Fifth Round Draft Selection in the upcoming NHL Entry Draft

Corban Knight (F) - Okotoks-AJHL
Matt MacKay (F) - Calgary-AJHL
Rodger Graig (F) - Okotoks-AJHL
Zac Ashdown (F) - Nanaimo-BCHL
Wes McLeod (D) - Prince George-BCHL
David Pacan (F) - Cumberland-CJHL
Brooks Herrington (F) - Jr. Monarchs-EJHL
Nick Jensen (D) - Green Bay-USHL
Alexander Krushelnyski (F) - Chicago-USHL
Jeff Teglia (G) - Omaha-USHL
Derek Deblois (F) - Hotchkiss Prep
William Rayner (D) - Kent School
Charles Vasaturo (D) - Avon Old Farms
Cab Morris (G) - Hotchkiss Prep
Steven Racine (G) - Taft School
Kirill Gotovets (D) - Shattuck
Anders Lee (F) - Edina HS
Ben Montgomery (D) - Shattuck
Joe Schmitz (D) - Centennial HS
Berkley Scott (F) - Anoka HS
Tyler Amburgey (D) - USNTDP
John Ramage (D) - USNTDP
David Valek (F) - USNTDP

C Rating - A player that Central Scouting is tracking, a potential late round selection in the upcoming NHL Entry Draft

Too many to list... I'll wait until the midterm rankings.

USHL Leaderboard

Here's the top nine scoring, college elligible, uncommitted forwards and the top eight scoring, college elligible, uncommitted defensemen from the USHL so far this season. Make of the stats what you will...

Forward
1. Brett Chartier (91) - Lincoln
2. Shane Berschbach (91) - Indiana
3. Donnie Hallmark (88) - Sioux City
4. Michael Forney (88) - Green Bay
5. William Rapuzzi (90) - Green Bay
6. Mike Seidel (88) - Cedar Rapids
7. Reed Seckel (89) - Green Bay
8. Richard Manley (89) - Lincoln
9. Troy Power (90) - Omaha

Defense
1. Michael Keenan (89) - Sioux City
2. Dennis Brown (89) - Omaha
3. Alex Stuart (88) - Sioux City
4. Torey Krug (91) - Indiana
5. Alex Gerke (88) - Tri-CIty
6. David Chaney (90) - Tri-City
7. Eriah Hayes (88) - Waterloo
8. Nick Jensen (90) - Green Bay

Junior A Challenge Canadiens

Here are the uncommitted, college eligible players who'll be representing Canada in the Junior A Challenge November 2nd through November 9th. The ones in italics will first be eligible for the NHL draft in 2009 or later.

TEAM EAST

Goaltender
Shawn Sirman (90) - Kingston Voyageurs-OPJHL

Defense
Jeremy Price (90) Nepean Raiders-CJHL 2009
Scott Dawson (91) - Nepean Raiders-CJHL 2010
Mike Wills (90) Lindsay Muskies-OPJHL 2009
Dustin Darou (91) Smiths Falls Bears-CJHL 2010

Forward
Pierre-Luc Lacombe (89) Inouk de Granby-LHJAAAQ
Marty O'Grady (89) Wellington Dukes-OPJHL
Greg Miller (89) St. Michael's Buzzers-OPJHL
Stephen Horyl (90) Truro Bearcats-MJAHL
David Pacan (91) Cumberland Grads-CJHL 2009

TEAM WEST

Goaltender
Aaron Dell (89) - Calgary Canucks-AJHL
Andrew Bodnarchuk (90) - Humboldt Broncos-SJHL
Kevin Genoe (90) - Prince George Spruce Kings-BCHL

Defence
Scott Macaulay (90) - Winnipeg Saints-MJHL 2009
Dylan Olsen (91) - Camrose Kodiaks-AJHL 2009
Matt Grassi (89) - Salmon Arm Silverbacks-BCHL
Michael Young (89) - Flin Flon Bombers-SJHL

Forward
Matt Mackay (90) - Calgary Canucks-AJHL 2009
Tim Hayduk (90) - Winnipeg Saints-MJHL
Cole Wilson (90) - Flin Flon Bombers-SJHL
Michael MacDonald (91) - Ft. William North Stars-SIJHL 2009
Derek Rodwell (90) - Okotoks Oilers-AJHL
Travis Statchuk (90) - Salmon Arm Silverbacks-BCHL

1994's

Technically, a player born in 1994 could have committed to a college hockey program back in August and NOT have been the youngest such commitment in history. That honor (correct me if I’m wrong) belongs to Jon Merrill. Jon committed to the Wolverines two years ago this week. He’s scheduled to begin play at Michigan two years from last week.

Wisconsin recruit Jordan Schmaltz is currently the youngest player committed to a college program. He turned 15 eight days ago. Without agreeing or disagreeing with recent trends in recruiting younger players, I’ll release my list of 1994’s on November 11th, 2008. If a player born on January 1st, 1994 was to commit to a college on the day I release my list, they’d be a day older than Schmaltz was when he committed.

Again, I don’t want to argue the merits or deficits of recruiting so young, I would just like you to know why your team just offered a scholarship to somebody who hasn’t yet played a minute of high school or midget minor hockey, and whom those players might be.

Hot 15 Prospects

Special to CHRE from... me!

1. Jeremy Morin (91/F) - USNTDP
2. Brandon Saad (92/F) - Mahoning Valley-NAHL
3. Matt Nieto (92/F) - USNTDP
4. Vince Trocheck (93/F) - Little Caesar's
5. Emerson Etem (92/F) - USNTDP
6. Shane McColgan (93/F) - LA Kings
7. Erik Haula (91/F) - Shattuck
8. Michael Paliotta (93/D) - Choate Prep
9. Jake Goldberg (91/F) - Berkshire
10. John Ramage (91/D) - USNTDP
11. Rocco Grimaldi (93/F) - Little Caesar's
12. Stephen Johns (92/D) - USNTDP
13. Joe Wilson (92/F) - Syracuse-EJHL
14. Chase Balisy (92/F) - USNTDP
15. Matt MacKay (90/F) - Calgary-AJHL

Others to consider
Colin Jacobs (93/F) - Dallas Alliance
Kyle Quick (91/D) - St. Louis-NAHL
Daniel Carr (91/F) - St. Albert-AJHL
Brett Cameron (90/F) - Spruce Grove-AJHL
Soren Jonzzon (91/F) - St. Louis-NAHL
Dylan Olsen (91/D) - Camrose-AJHL
Sam Alfieri (91/F) - Shattuck
Anders Lee (90/F) - Edina HS
Jason Clarke (92/F) - Shattuck
Greg Miller (89/F) - St. Mike's-OPJHL
Garrett Milan (91/F) - Penticton-BCHL
Andrew O'Leary (91/F) - Shattuck
Alex Gacek (93/F) - Governor's Academy
Adam Knochenmus (92/F) - Roseau HS
Danny Biega (91/F) - Salisbury
Travis Boyd (93/F) - Hopkins HS

My list is based on opinions from the experts (like the previous three contributors) plus stats from previous seasons and early stats from the current season.

Hot 15 Prospects

Special to CHRE from Max Giese of McKeens Hockey Prospect Magazine...

1. Jeremy Morin (91/F) -- USNTDP
2. Rocco Grimaldi (93/F) – Detroit Little Caesars
3. Brandon Saad (92/F) – Mahoning Valley Phantoms-NAHL
4. Stephen Johns (92/D) - USNTDP
5. Chase Balisy (92/F) – USNTDP
6. Emerson Etem (92/F) -- USNTDP
7. John Ramage (91/D) – USNTDP
8. Aaron Harstad (92/D) – Team Wisconsin
9. Alexx Privitera (93/D) – New Jersey Avalanche-AtlanticJHL
10. Nolan Kirley (92/D) – Team Wisconsin
11. Matt Nieto (92/F) – USNTDP
12. A.J. Jarosz (93/F) – Team Illinois
13. Ryan Belonger (92/F) – Green Bay Jr. Gamblers

Max scouts primarily in the upper midwest, and like Chris and Vince, has stuck with players he's watched personally. Thanks Max! More to come tomorrow.

Hot 15 Prospects

Special to CHRE from Vincent Montabalo of McKeen's Hockey Prospect Magazine

1990's
1. Tim Schaller (F) - NE Huskies-EJHL
2. Sean Logue (F) - South Shore Kings-EJHL
3. Eric Robinson (F) - Cedar Rapids-USHL
4. Kyle Hughes (F) - Salisbury
5. Duncan McKellar (F) - Lincoln-USHL
6. Adam Berkle (F) - Northwood Prep
7. Kyle Hunchberger (F) - Milton Academy
8. Chris Brown (F) - St. Sebastian’s
9. Billy Fitzgerald (D) - Salisbury
10. Patrick MacGregor (D) - Avon Old Farms
11. Doug Marshall (D) - Sioux Falls-USHL
12. Torin Snydman (F) - Tri-City-USHL
13. Joe Penenza (F) - Jr. Bruins-EJHL
14. Christian Cowles (F) - Kent
15. Steven Rogers (F) - St. Sebastian’s

Others to consider
Tyler Pistone (F) - Nanaimo-BCHL
Josh Watson (G) - Jr. Falcons-EJHL
Petter Aronsson (F) - Cushing Academy
Cory Kane (F) - Vernon-BCHL
Alex Davidson (F) - St. Paul’s

1991's
1. Jeremy Morin (F) - USNTDP
2. Jake Goldberg (F) - Berkshire
3. Danny Biega (F) - Salisbury
4. Richie Crowley (D) - USNTDP
5. Dan Furlong (D) - Sioux Falls-USHL
6. Stefan Demopolous (F) - Avon Old Farms
7. Mike Pereria (F) - South Kent
8. Kyle Beattie (F) - Jr. Monarchs-EJHL
9. Gus Young (D) - Governor’s Academy
10. Derek DeBlois (F) - Hotchkiss
11. Brendan McCarron (F) - NE Huskies-EJHL
12. Max Capuano (F) - Bridgewater-EJHL
13. Casey DeSmith (F) - Deerfield Academy
14. Mike Conderman (F) - Cushing Academy
15. Eric Ferber (G) - Bay State Breakers-EJHL

Others to consider
Mark Hourihan (F) - Nobles
Michael Chiasson (D) - Omaha-USHL

1992's
1. Kevin Clare (D) - USNTDP
2. Shane Sooth (F) - USNTDP
3. Matt Nieto (F) - USNTDP
4. Jarred Tinordi (D) - USNTDP
5. Stephen Johns (D) - USNTDP
6. Kevin Hayes (F) - Nobles
7. Brandon Russo (D) - Salisbury
8. Brandon McNally (F) - Belmont Hill
9. Colin Markinson (F) - Jersey Hitmen-EJHL
10. Connor Brickley (F) - Belmont Hill
11. Danny Federico (D) - Jr. Bruins-EJHL
12. Terrence Wallin (F) - Gunnery
13. Quinn Smith (F) - Avon Old Farms
14. Michael Reardon (D) - Nobles
15. Jonathan Mleczko (F/D) - Milton Academy

Others to consider
Thane Heller (F) - Gunnery
Peter Michailidis (F) - Westminster
Andy Iles (G) - Salisbury
Tyler Cooke (D) - Bridgewater-EmpireJHL
Brendan McLeskey (F) - Motor City Jr. B
Zack Phillips (F) - Lawrence Academy
David Bondra (F) - Washington Jr. Nationals-AtlanticJHL
Kody Orr (F) - Amherst Ramblers-MJAHL
Craig Wyszomirski (D) - Jersey Hitmen-EmpireJHL

1993's
1. Colin Jacobs (F) - Texas Attack
2. Michael Paliotta (D) - Choate
3. Alex Gacek (F) - Governor’s Academy
4. Kevin Emmerling (F) - South Kent
5. Alexx Privitera (D) - North Jersey Avalanche
6. Connor Fallon (D) - Thayer Academy
7. Ryan Haggarty (F) - Mid-Fairfield
8. Joey Yeadon (F) - Burlington HS
9. Julian Ciocco (D) - Cushing Academy
10. Jack Barre (F) - Salisbury
11. Joe D'Agostino (D) - Buffalo Saints
12. Dylan Pike (D) - Belmont Hill
13. Zach Todd (D) - Jr. Bruins-EmpireJHL
14. Nick D'Agostino (F) - Buffalo Saints
15. Kyle O’Brien (D) - Eaglebrook

Others to consider
Jeff Smolens (D) - Mid-Fairfield
Corbin McGuire (F) - Taft School
Derek Stahl (D) - Jr. Bruins-EmpireJHL
Nik Lakaris (F) - Green Mountain-EmpireJHL
JT Miller (F) - Pittsburgh Hornets
Zachary White (D) - Syracuse Stars-EmpireJHL
Joakim Ryan (D) - NJ Devils
Christian Rossetti (F) - Eaglebrook
Ben Thomson (F) - Mississauga Reps
Brent Andrews (F) - Cornwall
Justin Thomas (F) - Jr. Canadiens
Michael Greenberg (D) - Jr. Canadiens
Michael Nishi (G) - Jr. Canadiens

Vince went the extra mile and gave me a Hot 15 list by birthyear. Like Chris's western focus, Vince focused on the players that he's scouted out east. Thanks Vince! More to come tomorrow.

Hot 15 Prospects

Special to CHRE from Chris Dilks of the Western College Hockey Blog...

1. Kevin Clare (D/92) - NTDP
2. Anders Lee (F/90) - Edina High School
3. Colin Jacobs (F/93) -Texas Attack
4. Emerson Etem (F/92) - NTDP
5. Tucker Long (F/92) - St. Louis Jr. Blues
6. Travis Boyd (F/93) - Hopkins High School
7. Cole Gunner (F/90) - Fargo Force
8. John Ramage (D/91) - NTDP
9. Rocco Grimaldi (F/93) - Little Caesar's
10. Kevin Lind (D/92) - Chicago Mission
11. Stephen Johns (D/92) - NTDP
12. Ben Arnt (F/89) - Omaha Lancers
13. Kevin Gravel (D/92) - Marquette Rangers

Chris prefaced his list by stating that he's sticking with kids he's seen, and kids that he thinks will actually play college hockey. Thanks Chris! More to come tomorrow.

Special Edition Posts Coming Soon!!

Starting on Monday, October 6th, through Thursday, October 9th, I will be releasing one entirely new Hot 15 list per day. The first three lists will be created by guest bloggers who are amongst the most knowledgable concerning college hockey prospects. The fourth list will be my own. The perspectives vary greatly, so personally, I'm very interested to see how they all compare. Stay tuned!

Early Season Stats

Many of the pre and regular season games have started for the Canadian Junior A leagues, and a few players jump out at me statistically. I haven't seen any of these guys play, so if anybody who has would like to post a comment, I'd much appreciate it...

Ontario Provincial
Alex Guptill (F/92) - Brampton
The kid is already nice sized at 6'2" and 165. Not only should he fill out, he may even get a bit taller, as young as he is. As a rookie in the league, he's put up six points in his first three games and is the third highest scoring player on his team. If he can remain in that position, he could potentially bolt to the MJ team that owns his rights (the other Brampton) before the completion of the season. Of course, he was only a sixth round pick, so there's a chance a college could capture his attention before pressure from Bramption is really applied.

Justin DaSilva (D/90) - Brampton
Very tall, probably a bit lanky at 6'5 and 205. A half point per game defensman last year, he's started this year with five assists in three games. Three of those assists were on the power play, which would indicate that 1) He's been promoted, and 2) He probably is better, but not THAT much better, than last season. His size makes him appealing though.

Riley Smith (F/91) - St. Michaels
He put up a handful of points in a handful of games last season, but started this season with a goal and five assists in his first two games, good for second on his team in points. He's got respectable size too, at 6'0" and 160.

Robert Visca (F/91) - Orangeville
Probably a stocky, strong kid at 5'11" and 190, Robert led his team in goals last season.

Alberta
Brett Cameron (F/90) - Spruce Grove
Brett was passed over in the last draft, but he's always had decent size and stats. He's started this regular season off right with seven points in his first two games

Corban Knight (F/90) - Okotoks
Another good sized player passed over in the '08 draft, but he's a rookie leading his team in goals (3) and points (4) in his first two games.

Matt MacKay (F/90) - Calgary
Matt is '09 eligible and has been on my Hot 15 list for a while. It's no surprise that this average sized forward has come out with guns a blazin'. He has three goals and an assist in his first two games.

British Columbia
Konrad Sander (F/90) - Langley
Experience is dominating after the first weekend of BCHL action, but this '09 eligible rookie with good size has team leading two goals in his first two games.

Hot 15 Prospects

The Select Camps are over, the international tournaments have been played, some of the spring NTDP offers have been extended, and preliminary 2009 draft rankings are starting to roll out. Here's how they've affected the Hot 15...

1. Jeremy Morin (F/91) - NTDP Until he says otherwise
2. Dylan Olsen (D/91) - Camrose-AJHL
3. Nick Shore (F/92) - NTDP
4. Erik Haula (F/91) - Shattuck St. Mary's
5. Jacob Fallon (F/92) - NTDP
6. Christian Isackson (F/92) - St. Thomas Academy HS
7. Chasen Balisy (F/92) - NTDP
8. Michael Paliotta (D/93) - Choate Prep
9. Brendan Rempel (D/91) - NTDP
10. Ben Marshall (F/92) - Mahtomedi HS
11. Jared Tinordi (D/92) - NTDP
12. Yasin Cisse (F/92) - Des Moines-USHL
13. Kevin Clare (D/92) - NTDP
14. Matt MacKay (F/90) - Calgary-AJHL
15. Emerson Etem (F/92) - NTDP

Others to consider
Matt Nieto (F/92) - NTDP
Matt Leitner (F/90) - Fargo-USHL
Stephen Johns (D/92) - NTDP
Rocco Grimaldi (F/93) - Little Caesar's
David Valek (F/91) - NTDP
Vincent Trocheck (F/93) - Little Caesar's
Collin Jacobs (F/93) - Dallas Alliance
Shane Sooth (F/92) - NTDP
Brandon Saad (F/92) - Mahoning Valley-NAHL
John Ramage (D/91) - NTDP

USA Select 17 Team

Unlike the Select 18 Team, some of these kids will be participating in the NTDP program this coming season. All of these players participated in the Select 16 camp and are 1992 birthyears...

G - Andrew Iles - Salisbury Prep
G - Ryan McKay - Team Illinois
D - Derek Forbort - Duluth East HS
D - Aaron Harstad - Stevens Point HS
D - Eric Preston - Little Caesar's
D - Zach Rall - Alaska All Stars
D - Trace Stralhe - Alaska North Stars
F - Austin Czarnik - Belle Tire
F - Brent Darnell - Detroit Catholic Central HS
F - Max Edson - LA Selects
F - Christian Isackson - St. Thomas Academy
F - Colin Markinson - New Jersey Devils AAA
F - Michael Parks - St. Louis Blues AAA
F - Brendan Woods - Hershey Bears AAA

USA Select 18 Team

Considering all of the players (save one) from last year's Select 18 team have either committed to college or gone to Major Juniors, there's a good chance these players will be receiving some increase recruiting attention. All players participated in the Select 17 camp and are 1991 birth years...

G - John Cullen - Maksymum
G - Casey DeSmith - Berwick Academy
D - Brian Dumoulin - NH Jr. Monarchs (EJHL)
D - Eamonn McDermott - Cleveland Barons AAA
D - Brendan Rempel - Avon Old Farms
F - Shane Berschbach - Little Caesar's
F - Caleb Herbert - Bloomington-Jefferson HS
F - Sean Little - Madison Capitals AAA
F - Christopher McCarthy - Berkshire Prep

Select 17 Player Development Camp

Displayed in decending order based on points, here are the top 20 uncommitted forwards and top 8 uncommitted defensemen from the 2008 USA Hockey Select 17 Player Development Camp. All players were born in 1991.

Forwards
1. Josef Pontasch - Belle Tire
2. Beau Bennett - LA Kings AAA
3. Christopher McCarthy - Berkshire Prep
4. Blake Coleman - Dallas Jr. Stars
6. Stephen Obarzanek - Little Caesar's
7. Tyler Brikler - Lincoln (USHL)
8. Jake Goldberg - Berkshire Prep
9. Brad Robbins - Shattuck St. Mary's Prep
10. Kyle Beattie - PF Chang's
11. Shane Berschbach - Little Caesar's
12. Michael Borge - Hotchkiss Prep
13. Michael Pereira - South Kent
14. Sean Little - Fond du Lac HS
15. Kit Sitterley - Culver Academy
16. Stefan Demopolous - Avon Old Farms
17. Joel Kern - TPH Thunder
18. Tyler Voigt - Rochester Lourdes HS
19. Soren Jonzzon - San Jose Sharks AAA
20. David Valek - USNTDP

Defensemen
1. Dan Furlong - Governor's Academy

2. Brendan Rempel - Avon Old Farms
3. Nathan Baumbick - Cleveland Barons
4. Lane Mahoney -
5. Colin Shea - Boston Jr. Bruins
6. Max Hartner - Colorado Thunderbirds
7. J.R. Lafferty - New Jersey Rockets

8. Aaron Ave - PF Chang's

No Uncommitted Players Drafted

Though five ranked North American players from the Final CSS Rankings were college eligible yet uncommitted, none were drafted. Anders Lee was the highest ranked skater on that list, but the fact that he hasn't committed to a college yet may have scared away some NHL clubs who may be under the impression that Lee would rather pursue a carreer in football.

2008 Draft Eligible Prospects (CSS Final)

Draft Eligible Prospects
1. Anders Lee (90/F) - Edina HS - MSHSL (112)
2. Richard Manley (89/F) - Burnaby - BCHL (163)
3. Jeff Ryan (89/F) - St. George's School (210)

Goaltenders
1. Joe Howe (90) - Waterloo - USHL (25)

USHL

Many of the top players in the USHL were committed before they played a league game. The ones who were uncommitted and excelled in the USHL were quickly snatched up. Here's a few players left who could at best star and at worst service in D1.

USHL
1. Matt Leitner (90/F) - Ohio
2. Ross Henry (90/D) - Lincoln
3. Chris Knowlton (89/F) - Des Moines
4. Chris Forfar (88/F) - Lincoln
5. Ben Arnt (89/F) - Omaha
6. Mike Seidel (F/88) - Cedar Rapids
7. Danny Wurden (D/89) - Sioux City
8. Mitch Bruijsten (F/89) - Sioux City
9. Jake Sloat (90/D) - Omaha

Others to consider
Josh Berge (90/F) - Tri City
Robbie Vrolyk (89/F - Sioux Falls
Elias Bianchi (89/F) - Ohio
Keegan Meuer (89/F) - Waterloo
Ben Lynch (89/F) - Cedar Rapids
Corey Chakeen (89/F) - Chicago
Patrick Divjak (89/F) - Sioux Falls
Dean Chelios (89/F) - Cedar Rapids
Dominic Morrone (89/F) - Chicago
Ryan McKiernan (89/D) - Des Moines
Mike Dalhuisen ( 89/D) - Lincoln
Mike Walsh (89/D) - Chicago
Doug Leaverton ( 89/D) - Cedar Rapids
Mac Watts (89/D) - Sioux City
Robin Bergman (88/F) - Cedar Rapids
Justin Cseter (88/F) - Ohio
Donnie Hallmark (88/F) - Sioux City
Nielsson Arcibal (88/F) - Des Moines
Terry Broadhurst (88/F) - Sioux Falls
Siim Liivik (88/F) - Waterloo
Tom Janosz (88/D) - Ohio
Stephen Carew (88/F) - Green Bay
Alex Stuart (88/D) - Sioux City
Tyler Elbrecht (88/D) - Omaha
Clark MacLean (87/F) - Ohio

Best Prospects East of the Great Lakes

For you BC and Providence fans out there, here's a list heavy with prep school players. The eastern prep schools, while no doubt proud of their athletic programs, do a lousy job of boasting their top players. I imagine it's to keep their academic image more prominent than their athletic reputation, and I can't say I'd fault them for that philosophy.

A good portion of these kids will play in the QMJHL, but most should opt for the D1 hockey route, if lucky enough to have the opportunity.

Eastern Prospects
1. Kevin Clare (92/D) - Jersey Hitmen - EJHL
2. Danny Biega (91/D) - Salisbury Prep
3. Shane Sooth (92/F) - Salisbury Prep
4. Brandon Saad (92/F) - Pittsburgh
5. Stephen Johns (92/D) - Pittsburgh
6. Matt Nieto (F/92) - Salisbury Prep
7. Brandon Russo (92/D) - Salisbury Prep
8. Connor Brickley (92/F) - Belmont Hill
9. Michael Reardon (92/D) - Nobles Prep

Others to consider
Daniel Furlong (91/D) - Governor's Academy
Danny Federico (92/D) - Jr. Bruins - Empire JHL
Brandon McNally (92/F) - Belmont Hill
Quinn Smith (92/F) - Avon Old Farms
Thane Heller (92/F) - Gunnery Prep
Kyle Hughes (91/F) - Salisbury Prep
Shane Prince (92/F) - Syracuse - EJHL
Cody Ferriero (91/F) - Governor's Academy
Colin Shea (91/D) - Jr. Bruins - Empire JHL
Jake Goldberg (91/F) - Berkshire
Brendan McCarron (91/F) - Jr. Huskies - EJHL
Doug Marhsall (90/D) - Syracuse - EJHL
Gus Young (91/D) - Nobles Prep
Eric Robinson (90/F) - South Shore Kings - EJHL
Kyle Quick (91/D) - Salisbury Prep
Alex Chiasson (90/F) - Northwood Prep
Brendan Rempel (91/D) - Avon Old Farms
Steve Rogers (90/F) - St. Sebastian's
Zack Phillips (92/F) - Eaglebrook
Kody Orr (92/F) - Dartmouth Midget
John Knisley (92/F) - Rochester Alliance
Adam DeSanctis (92/D) - Gunnery Prep
Zach Sandonato (91/F) - Jr. Bruins - Empire JHL
Michael Pereira (91/F) - South Kent
Kevin Hayes (92/F) - Nobles Prep
David Bondra (92/F) - Team Maryland
David Mead (92/F) - Jr. Senators - Atlantic JHL
Stefan Demopoulos (91/F) - Avon Old Farms
Sean Logue (90/F) - South Shore Kings - EJHL
Mike Conderman (91/F) - Cushing Academy
Derek DeBlois (91/F) - Hotchkiss Prep
Paul Dimitruk (90/D) - Jr. Warriors - EJHL
Kyle Hunchberger (90/F) - Milton Academy

Hot 15 Prospects

The USHL has been picked pretty clean by this point in the season. The prospects ready to play in ’08 compare favorably to other leagues, but for youth, look for our neighbors to the north. The Canadians leaning towards the NCAA route have three of the top five spots.

Morin’s future status remains in question, but as perhaps the top American ’91, he’s staying on the list until it’s confirmed that he signed a contract.

Hot 15 Prospects
1. Jeremy Morin (91/F) – USNTDP
2. Chris Kreider (91/F) -- Phillips Andover
3. Kevin Clare (92/D) – Jersey Hitmen -- EJHL
4. Matt Mackay (90/F) – Calgary Canucks – AJHL
5. Danny Biega (91/D) – Salisbury Prep
6. Shane Sooth (92/F) – Salisbury Prep
7. Anthony Hamburg (91/F) – Dallas Stars
8. Brandon Saad (92/F) – Pittsburgh
9. Emerson Etem (92/F) – Shattuck
10. Chris Bournazos (90/F) – Team Illinois
11. David Valek (91/F) – USNTDP
12. Matt Leitner (90/F) -- Ohio - USHL
13. Chris Knowlton (89/F) -- Des Moines - USHL
14. Dylan Olsen (91/D) -- Camrose Kodiaks -- AJHL
15. Anders Lee (90/F) -- Edina -- MSHSL

Others to Consider
Steven Johns (92/D) – Pittsburgh
Ross Henry (90/D) – Lincoln – USHL
Tyler Landman (90/F) – Roseau – MSHSL
Sam Alfieri (91/F) – Shattuck
James Werner (90/F) – Team Illinois
John Ramage (91/D) -- St. Louis -- NAHL

1993's

Here's my list of 93's. I'm fairly solid on the top eight, so don't bother trying to change my mind. All of the top eight are simply playing at a completely different level than other kids their age. The rest of the names are primarily good players on traditionally good teams in traditionally good leagues. Obviously, a handful of these USA players will be persuaded to play in the CHL leagues, but I think most will try to go the college route. I didn't even bother trying to find Canadians for this list for the same reasons. However, I'll consider adding any standout Canadian kids who've had parents or siblings play college hockey. I'm open to suggestions.

1993’s
1. Rocco Grimaldi (F) – Little Caesar’s
2. Shane McColgan (F) – LA Jr. Kings
3. Colin Jacobs (F) – Texas Attack
4. Travis Boyd (F) – Hopkins HS
5. Seth Ambroz (F) – New Prague HS
6. Trevor Morbeck (F) – Milwaukee Jr. Admirals
7. Andrew Ryan (D) – Victory Honda
8. Vincent Trocheck (F) – Little Caesar’s
9. Kyle Plageman (F) – Cleveland Barons
10. Cason Hohman (F) -- Texas Attack

Others to Consider
Jack Barre (F) – Mid-Fairfield
Alex Broadhurst (F) – Chicago Fury
John Doherty (F) – Chicago Fury
Danny Elser (F) -- Shattuck
Kevin Emmerling (F) -- Boston Advantage
Max Everson (D) – Edina HS
Alex Gacek (F) -- Governer Academy
Kacper Guzic (F) – Little Caesar’s
Kevin Irwin (F) -- Cleveland Barons
Adam Krause (F) -- Hermantown HS
Jacob MacDonald (D) – Compuware
Michael Paliotta (D) -- Choate Prep
Duke Pieper (D) -- Shattuck
Tyler Rostenkowski (F) -- Culver Academy
Luke Sandler (F) – Culver Academy
Zach Todd (D) – Boston Jr. Bruins
Ben Torchia (F) – Victory Honda
Joe Yeadon (F) -- Burlington

1992's

There are currently eleven ‘92s already committed to D1 colleges, and Michigan has four of them. I’m putting them on their own list at the moment, because it’s ridiculous to even try and compare 15 year olds to college ready players. I’ll make an honest attempt to intermingle the ‘92s with the Hot 15 list in the coming weeks.

1992's
1. Kevin Clare (D) – Jersey Hitmen - EJHL
2. Shane Sooth (F) – Salisbury Prep
3. Brandon Saad (F) – Pittsburgh - MWEHL
4. Emerson Etem (F) – Shattuck
5. Steven Johns (D) – Pittsburgh - MWEHL
6. Matt Nieto (F) – Salisbury Prep
7. Nick Bjugstad (F) – Blaine - MSHSL
8. Chasen Balisy (F) -- Toronto Jr. Canadiens
9. Jacob Fallon (F) – Texas Attack

Others to consider
Adam Clendening (D) -- Toronto Marlies
Adam Knochenmus (F) -- Roseau - MSHSL
Alex Aleardi (F) – Compuware - MWEHL
Austin Czarnik (F) -- Belle Tire - MWEHL
Ben Marshall (D) -- Mahtomedi - MSHSL
Brandon McNally (F) -- Belmont Hill
Brandon Russo (D) – Mid-Fairfield
Brent Darnell (F) -- Detroit Catholic Central HS
Brett Hebel (F) – Warroad - MSHSL
Carter Foguth (D) -- Compuware - MWEHL
Casey Purpur (F) -- Grand Forks Central HS
Christian Isackson (F) -- St. Thomas Academy - MSHSL
Cody Van Rueden (D) -- Chicago Young Americans - MWEHL
Colton Hargrove (F) -- Texas Attack
Connor Brickley (F) -- Belmont Hill
David Jarrett (D) -- Edina HS - MSHSL
Derek Forbort (F) -- Duluth East - MSHSL
Even Accettura (D) -- Victory Honda - MWEHL
Garrett Hendrickson (F) -- Virginia - MSHSL
Garrett Ross (F) -- Belle Tire - MWEHL
Guan Wang (F) – Shattuck
Jake Erickson (F) -- Chaska HS - MSHSL
Jason Binkley (D) – Cleveland - MWEHL
Jeff McMinimy (F) -- Texas Attack
Jeff Pauluk (D) -- Bloomington Jefferson HS
Joe Rubbelke (D) -- St. Paul Johnson - MSHSL
Joey Benik (F) -- St. Francis - MSHSL
Kevin Gravel (D) -- Marquette
Kevin Lind (D) -- Chicago Mission - MWEHL
Kevin Liss (D) -- Pittsburgh - MWEHL
Kevin McMorrow (D) -- Park Rapids HS
Max Gardiner (F) -- Minnetonka HS - MSHSL
Michael Reardon (D) -- Noble Prep
Nick Shore (F) -- Colorado Thunderbirds
Phil Lane (F) -- Rochester Alliance
Ryan Belonger (F) -- Green Bay Jr Gamblers
Ryan Wolter (F) -- White Bear Lake - MSHSL

2008 Draft Eligible Prospects (CSS Midterm)

2008 Draft Eligible Prospects
1. Mitch Bruijsten (F) - Sioux City - USHL (152)
2. Rich Manley (F) - Burnaby - BCHL (170)
3. Anders Lee (F) - Edina - MSHSL (174)
4. Cory Thorson (F) - Armstrong - MSHSL (177)
5. Nick Nagel (F) - Totino-Grace - MSHSL (179)
6. Ryan Furne (F) - Hill-Murray - MSHSL (193)
7. CJ Ludwig (D) - Dallas Stars (194)
8. Keegan Flaherty (F) - Green Bay - USHL (209)

Goaltenders
1. Joe Howe - Waterloo - USHL (26)