USHL Report – December 14, 2018

It is great to be back covering even more prospects from the USHL. With the WJC coming up in less than two weeks. The top prospects game does not take place until January so the January edition will focus more on that along with a WJC recap. Here is a quick look at what things may look like from a WJC perspective.

Two current USHL players were selected to play for Team USA at the WJC. One is Spencer Knight and the other is potential number one pick, Jack Hughes. In all, there are 25 players with ties to the USHL participating in the World Junior Championship this month. Some drafted prospects are also included in the list.

• Jack Drury (Waterloo Black Hawks – Carolina)
• Even Barratt (Team USA – Chicago)
• Tyler Madden (Tri City Storm – Vancouver)

Drury had a 23 game point streak while Barratt has been among the top scorers in college hockey. As for Madden, he was the MVP of the Top Prospects Game last year.

The Main Draw

Anyone who is anyone will be eager to see what Jack Hughes brings to the table in this tournament. His goal production from last year to this year has dipped a bit but his assists are up per game. The likely number one overall pick of the 2019 draft produced 12 points in seven contests during the U-18 version of the tournament. The bigger stage will be a measuring stick of sorts. Hughes looks ready from this recent TSN appearance to prove some naysayers wrong. Some have argued a couple other players could overshadow Hughes but this is a tournament that sets up well for Hughes.

The Next Knight

Now, Spencer Knight carries his own bit of fanfare into the tournament. While he does not have the pomp and circumstance of Hughes, Knight could surprise a few people. Knight may get drafted in the first round when all is said and done. The goaltender oozes talent and a little flair for the dramatic save. His big splash came at the All-American Prospects game a few months ago. The first thing anyone notices with Knight is his poise. He carries presence in a big way!

There was this gem from April of 2018.

The young goalie likely will not start but if given a chance, expect him to turn some heads like he always does. His 2.40 GAA and .922 save percentage for the National Development Team was noticeable more as the team has been facing stiffer competition and higher shot counts yielded.

It is partially why he is ranked as high as 15th in some prospect ranks and averaging in the 20’s.

More News And Notes

A name to keep an eye on is T.J. Walsh. Walsh is in his third year of USHL action and was named one of
the players of the week. His five point week was a big reason along with a game winning overtime goal as well. If that is not enough, Walsh now has 19 points in his last 15 contests. That includes a half dozen multiple point contests. The Northeastern University commit is finding his game and one to keep an eye on.

Evan Fear of the Green Bay Gamblers was named top goalie for the second time this season. Green Bay gives up a lot of shots and quite a few high-danger chances. However, Fear has managed to get his numbers up to some solid levels. His only start saw him yield just one goal and stop 26 of 27 shots in a shootout victory. The Qunnipiac commit features a playing style that allows him to be athletic and acrobatic in net.

That is all for now. You can follow me on Twitter @ChrisWasselDFS for the latest hockey and hockey prospect news.

See you next month with the latest from the USHL.