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U18s Host Michigan State University; Matinee game versus Muskegon

By USAHockeyNTDP.com, 12/14/17, 12:15PM EST

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U18s host MSU for first time ever Saturday.

USA Hockey National Team Development Program Notebook

Photo by Rena Laverty

NTDP Notebook Week of Oct. 1-8

USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program enters play this weekend with a 31-13-0-2-0 (W-L-OTL-SOL-T) record after the U18s earned a victory against Central Illinois, 4-2 last Saturday night (Dec. 9) at USA Hockey Arena and the U17s opened the 2017 Under-17 Four Nations Tournament with a 12-0 victory against Slovakia on Thursday morning.

The U18s host Michigan State University on Saturday night (Dec. 16) at 7 p.m. ET before facing off against cross-state rival, Muskegon Lumberjacks in a matinee game on Tuesday morning (Dec. 19) at 10:30 a.m. ET. The U17s will continue to compete in Russia at the 2017 Under-17 Four Nations Tournament with matchups on Friday (Switzerland) and Saturday (Russia).

Overall Record: U18: 14-8-0-2 | U17: 17-5-0-0 (W-L-OTL-SOL)
Team USA USHL Record: 10-6-0-0 (W-L-OTL-SOL) with 20 PTS, 5th place in the Eastern Conference

U18s Matchups

Saturday, Dec. 16 Under-18 Team vs. Michigan State University

Puck Drop: 7 p.m. ET

Steam: HockeyTV.com

Live Stats

USAHockeyNTDP.com/Tix

Tuesday, Dec. 19 Under-18 Team vs. Muskegon Lumberjacks

Puck Drop: 10:30 a.m. ET

Steam: HockeyTV.com

Live Stats

USAHockeyNTDP.com/Tix

U17s Matchup

Saturday @ Chicago Steel

Puck Drop: 7:05 p.m. CT

Stream: HockeyTV.com

Live Stats

Tickets

Matchup Previews

BARRICADING THE SPARTANS: Saturday’s game will be the first time Michigan State University enter USA Hockey Arena and will be the first matchup outside of Munn Ice Arena.

In the last year’s matchup, the U.S. National Under-18 Team fell to MSU, 5-1 on December 4, 2016 at Munn Ice Arena in East Lansing, Michigan. Joey Cassetti (2015-17/Waterloo Blackhawks) scored the lone goal for the NTDP.

Spartans Mitch Lewandowski and Taro Hirose are tied for 16th overall in the NCAA for overall points coming into the game. Sophomore goaltender, John Lethemon is ranked 15th in goals-against-average in the NCAA with a 2.28 in 18 GP.

Team USA’s last victory against the Spartans was on March 1, 2014 as the NTDP earned an 4-3 overtime victory thanks to Jack Eichel (2012-14/Buffalo Sabers) who netted the game winner with his second goal of the game.

The Spartans have three current players and three coaches who were formerly members of the NTDP: Tommy Miller (2015-17), Patrick Khodorenko (2015-17), Ed Minney (2012-14) Assistant Coach, Chris Luongo (2015-17), Assistant Coach Joe Exter (2007-11) and Head Coach, Danton Cole (2012-17).

Drew DeRidder (Fenton, Mich.) of the U18s is the only current player that is committed to Michigan State University.

Spartans Top Scorers: Mitch Lewandowski (10-11-21 in 18 GP), Taro Hirose (6-15-21 in 18 GP), Patrick Khodorenko (6-9-15 in 18 GP).

Spartans Plus-Minus Leaders: Gianluca Esteves (2), Dylan Pavelek (1), and Carson Gatt (1)

Spartans Goaltenders: John Lethemon (8-7-2 in 16 GS, 2.28 GAA, .918 SV%), Ed Minney (0-2-0 in 2 GS, 6.15 GAA, .833 SV%)

All-Time Results vs. Michigan State University: Dec. 4, 2016, U18s @ Spartans (L, 5-1); Jan. 23, 2016, U18s @ Spartans (OT/L, 3-2); Jan. 9, 2015, U18s vs. Spartans (L, 4-1); Mar. 1,2014, U18s vs. Spartans (OT/W, 4-3); Jan. 22, 2013, U18s @ Spartans (W, 3-0); Jan. 4, 2010, U18s @ Spartans (L, 8-2); Dec. 16, 2008, U18s @ Spartans (W, 4-2); Oct. 19, 2006, U18s @ Spartans (W, 5-4); Oct. 25, 2005, U18s @ Spartans (L, 5-2); Jan. 28, 2005, U18s @ Spartans (W, 4-3); Dec. 17, 2003, U18s @ Spartans (L, 2-1); Oct. 5, 2002, U18s @ Spartans (L, 4-3); Oct. 3, 2000, U18s @ Spartans (W, 1-0)

NTDP All-Time Record vs. Michigan State University: 6-7-0 (W-L-OTL) Home: 0-0-0 Road: 6-7-0

SEVERING THE LUMBER:The U18s host Muskegon at USA Hockey Arena for an matinee match-up at 10:30 a.m. ET on Tuesday morning (Dec. 19). This meeting will be the third of eight against the Lumberjacks this season. The NTDP leads the season series 2-0-0-0 (W-L-OTL-SOL).

In the last meeting between the two, the NTDP traveled the L.C. Walker Arena to earn a 7-0 victory as Oliver Wahlstrom (Quincy, Mass.) led the way, recording a hat-trick and an assist. Joel Farabee (Cicero, N.Y.) netted two goals, Jake Pivonka (Naperville, Ill.) and Connor Caponi (Brooksfield, Wis.) each found the back of the net to round out the scoring. The NTDP had 11 players make their way onto the score sheet that night. Drew DeRidder recorded a shutout saving all 34 shots faced in the contest.

In the first matchup of the season, the U18s came out victorious, 7-6 in a shootout on (Sept. 23). Farabee netted two goals in the matchup, including the game-winner in the shootout.

During the 2017-18 season, the U.S. National Under-18 Team will play the Lumberjacks three times while the U.S. Under -17 Team will face-off against the Lumberjacks five times. The NTDP holds a 26-24-5 all-time record against the Lumberjacks.

Muskegon’s Top Scorers: Matej Pekar (3-15-18 in 20 GP), Anthony Del Gaizo (10-5-15 in 20 GP), Wyatt Bongiovanni (8-6-14 in 20 GP).

Muskegon’s Plus-Minus Leaders: Matej Pekar (4), Bray Crowder (3), Benito Posa (2)

Muskegon’s Goaltenders: Adam Brizgala (4-5-1-1 in 13 GP, 3.02 GAA, .892 SV%, 1 SO), Keegan Karki (3-5-0-0 in 9 GP, 3.37 GAA, .881 SV%)

2017-18 Schedule/Results vs. Muskegon Lumberjacks: Sep. 23, 2017, U18s @ Muskegon (SO/W, 7-6); Oct. 14, 2017, U18s @ Muskegon (W, 7-0); Dec. 19, 2017, U18s vs. Muskegon; Dec. 29, 2017, U17s @ Muskegon; Jan. 15, 2018, U17s vs. Muskegon; Jan. 27, 2018, U17s @ Muskegon; Mar. 4, 2018, U17s vs. Muskegon

U18s Top Scorers: Oliver Wahlstrom (16-15-31 in 24 GP with a plus-minus rating of plus-6), Joel Farabee (13-14-27 in 24 GP with a plus-minus rating of plus-6) and Bode Wilde (5-11-16 in 24 GP with a plus-minus rating of plus-13)

U18s Plus-Minus Leaders: Bode Wilde (plus-13), Jonathan Gruden (plus-9) and Oliver Wahlstrom (plus-6)

U18s Goaltenders:  Drew DeRidder (10-4-0-1 in 17 GP, 2.61 GAA, .908 SV%, 3 SO), Jonathan Mor (4-4-0-1 in 10 GP, 3.81 GAA, .871 SV%, 1 SO)

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Notes

LAST WEEKS RECAP: The U18s hosted Central Illinois last Saturday night (Dec. 9) at USA Hockey Arena as the U18s topped the Flying Aces, 4-2. Joel Farabee  (Cicero, N.Y.) had three points on the night with a goal and two assists and K'Andre Miller (Minnetonka, Minn.) recorded a goal and an assist. Jonathan Gruden (Rochester, Mich.) scored on a power play in the first period to open the scoring as Mattias Samuelsson (Voorhees, N.J.) and Farabee assisted on the goal. Bode Wilde (Birmingham, Mich.) finished the scoring for the U18s in the third as Jack DeBoer (Madison, N.J.) and Erik Middendorf (Scottsdale, Ariz.) picked up assists on the goal. The U18s are now 6-1-0-0 (W-L-OTL-SOL) in the USHL play this season and 14-10-0 overall.

2017-18 NTDP PERFORMANCE TRACKER: U18s: Oliver Wahlstrom (16-15-31 in 24 GP, +6), Joel Farabee (13-14-27 in 24 GP, +6), Bode Wilde (5-11-16 in 24 GP, +13), Drew DeRidder (10-4-0-1 in 17 GP, 2.61 GAA, .908 SV%, 3 SO)

U17s: Jack Hughes (11-31-42 in 21 GP, +4), Cole Caufield (24-8-32 in 21 GP, +1), Matthew Boldy (9-16-25 in 21 GP, +2), Spencer Knight (8-2-0-0 in 15 GP, 2.78 GAA, .899 SV%) and Cameron Rowe (8-3-0-0 in 13 GP, 3.41 GAA, .872 SV%)

HOCKEY FIGHTS HUNGER NIGHT: Team USA is teaming up with Gleaners Community Food Bank and Milk Means More to help fight hunger during its game on Saturday, Dec. 16 against Michigan State University. Fans are encouraged to bring 5 non-perishable items to the game for a chance to win prizes from Kroger, Orin Jewelers, and USA Hockey. The 50/50 raffle proceeds will supply gallons of milk to local food banks. Tickets for this game are available here: USAHockeyNTDP.com/Tix.

NTDP-MSU CONNECTION: The NTDP has graduated 21 players that have continued their careers at Michigan State University.

Some alumni that have gone on to play in the NHL include David Booth (2001-02/Detroit Red Wings), Adam Hall (1997-98/Tampa Bay Lightning), John-Michael Liles (1997-99/Boston Bruins) and Corey Potter (2000-02/Nashville Predators).

USHL WEEKLY AWARDS: K’Andre Miller was named USHL Defenseman of the Week for the second time this season. Find the full story at USAHockeyNTDP.com

PLAYER FEATURE: May Training Camp a Springboard to Success for Erik Middendorf (Scottsdale, Ariz.). Read the full story at USAHockeyNTDP.com

WORLD JUNIOR CAMP BEGINS FRIDAY: Thirteen NTDP alumni will take place in the U.S. National Junior Team training camp  that opens Friday (Dec. 15) and runs through next Tuesday (Dec. 19) at Nationwide Arena and OhioHealth Ice Haus in Columbus, Ohio.

The alumni competing for a spot on the U.S. National Under-20 Team includes: goaltenders Jake Oettinger (2014-16/Boston University), and Joseph Woll (2014-16/Boston College), defensemen Adam Fox (2014-16/Harvard University), Quinn Hughes (2015-17/University of Michigan), Phil Kemp (2015-17/ Yale University), Ryan Lindgren (2014-16/ University of Minnesota) and forwards Joey Anderson (2014-16/ University of Minnesota-Duluth), Kieffer Bellows (2015-16/ Portland Winterhawks), Trent Frederic (2014-16/ University of Wisconsin), Max Jones (2014-15/London Knights), Will Lockwood (2014-16/ University of Michigan), Josh Norris (2015-17/ University of Michigan), Brady Tkachuk (2015-17/ Boston University).

Following the time in Columbus, an additional camp will be held in Jamestown, New York, from Dec. 20-23.

The final tournament roster is expected to be announced by Dec. 23 for the 2018 U.S. National Under-20 Team that will play at the 2018 International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championship from Dec. 26, 2017- Jan. 5, 2018 in Buffalo, New York.

2018 UNDER-18 FIVE NATIONS TOURNAMENT TICKETS ON SALE: The 2018 Under-18 Five Nations Tournament presented by Hines Park Lincoln will take place February 13-17 at USA Hockey Arena.

Top hockey players under the age of 18 from the Czech Republic, Finland, Russia, Sweden and the United States will compete in a total of 10 games at USA Hockey Arena. This is one of the most heavily NHL scouted events as a majority of the players competing are eligible for the 2018 NHL Draft.

To purchase tickets, or for more information, visit USAHockeyNTDP.com/20185NationsTix or call the USA Hockey Arena box office at 734.453.8400.

PROMO NIGHTS AT USA HOCKEY ARENA: Below is a list of upcoming promotion nights at USA Hockey Arena:

  • Saturday, December 16: Hockey Fights Hunger Night

  • Tuesday, Dec. 19: Kid’s Day Game

  • Saturday, December 30: Superhero Night

  • Tuesday, January 2: $1 Beer Night

More information and tickets for all these games are available here.

U18S NCAA SCHEDULE: The U.S. National Under-18 Team will skate in 15 NCAA games this season, including 11 tilts with Division I squads. The U18s record sits at 3-6-0 (W-L-T) against collegiate opponents. Take a look at the latest USA Hockey/USA Today Men's College Hockey poll.

COLLEGE ROUNDUP: NTDP alum and Anaheim Ducks draft pick Troy Terry (2014-15/ University of Denver) is 10th in the nation in points in the NCAA with 23 (7-16-23) in 16 games. His 16 assists also put him in fifth place overall in assist leaders.

Former NTDP defensemen Chad Krys (2014-16/Boston University), Max GIldon (2015-17/University of New Hampshire) and Louie Belpedio (2012-14/Miami University) all rank in the top 15 in scoring among defensemen. Krys is ranked third with 18 points (5-13-18) in 19 games played. Belpedio is fifth with 17 points (6-11) in 18 games played. Gildon is thirteenth with 15 points (7-8) in 17 games played.

Three of last year’s U18s group (1999 birth year) currently rank in the top 20 in points by Division I freshman. Gildon, Grant Mismash (2015-17/University of North Dakota), and Brady Tkachuk (2015-17/ Boston University) all have 14-plus points. Gildon leads the way with 15 (7-8-15), while Mismash (5-9) and Tkachuk (4-10) both have 14.

MINORS HIGHLIGHTS: Jack Roslovic (2013-15/Winnipeg Jets) currently ranks fourth in AHL scoring (13-15-28) through 26 games with the Manitoba Moose.

ALUMNI NHL UPDATE:

Clayton Keller (2014-16) leads the way for NTDP rookies in their NHL campaigns. The Arizona Coyotes forward currently sits in third place among rookies with 11 goals and is in fourth place for points with 23 (11-12) with 33 games played.  He leads rookies in shots on goal with 93 through 33 games played. Keller earned October Rookie of the Month Honors.

Will Butcher (2011-13/New Jersey Devils) is currently ranked second in assists among rookies, recording 18 in 30 games. He has been exceptional on the power play, recording 11 power play points, which comes in second among NHL rookies.

Phil Kessel (2003-05/ Pittsburgh Penguins) ranks 9th in points with 37 (15-22) through 32 games.

Brandon Saad (2009-10/Chicago Blackhawks) is in fourth place for the most game-winning goals with six.

 

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