NTDP-MSU Connection: Two NTDP alumni have laced up the skates for Minnesota State University. Cole Bassett (1998-2000/Oakdale Minn.) played four seasons for the Mavericks after leaving the NTDP and scored 73 points (36-37-73) in 131 games for the Mavericks from 2000-2004.

Clint Lewis (2011-13/Burnsville, Minn.) joined the Mavericks in the 2015-16 season after spending the two previous seasons with Cornell University and the Sioux Falls Stampede. Now a senior, Lewis has appeared in 45 games for the Mavericks prior to this season. The NTDP caught up with Lewis prior to this week’s matchup. Check out the full story here.

NTDP IN THE NHL POSTER SERIES: Team USA will feature several of its high-profile alumni in its new NTDP in the NHL poster series giveaway. There will be seven nights throughout the rest of the NTDP home schedule where fans can win Pepsi and Team USA prizes, collect an NTDP alumni poster, and have the chance to win a signed jersey. The first 500 fans at each of the games will receive a NTDP in the NHL alumni poster.

The next game of the series will be this Friday, Jan. 26 when the Under-17 Team takes on the Dubuque Fighting Saints at 7 p.m. ET during Teacher Appreciation Night. The night will feature 2017 Calder Trophy winner, Auston Matthews (2013-15/Toronto Maples Leafs).

Other dates include:

Feb. 3, U17s vs. Lincoln Stars - Ryan Kesler (2000-02/Anaheim Ducks)

Feb. 25, U18s vs. Youngstown Phantoms  - Patrick Eaves (2000-02/Anaheim Ducks)

Mar. 3, U17s vs. Omaha Lancers - Phil Kessel (2002-04/Pittsburgh Penguins)

Mar. 16, U18s vs. Madison Capitols - Zach Werenski (2013-14/Columbus Blue Jackets)

Mar. 30, U18s vs Youngstown - Cam Fowler (2007-09/Anaheim Ducks)

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.

OLYMPIC CELEBRATION WITH THE NTDP: The U17s will face-off against the Lincoln Stars on Friday, February 2. During the game there will be various Olympic activities to celebrate the up and coming Olympic games.  The NTDP has five alumni on the 2018 USA Men’s Olympic Ice Hockey Team, Jordan Greenway (2013-15/Boston University), Chad Kolarik (2002-04/Adler Mannheim), Ryan Stoa (2003-05/Spartak Moskva), Brandon Maxwell (2007-09/BK Mlada Boleslav), and Troy Terry (2014-15/University of Denver).  

CAUFIELD NEARING NTDP ALL-TIME RECORD BOOK: U.S National Under-17 Team forward Cole Caufield scored another goal this past week. He is now one goal away from the NTDP’s all-time single-season goals top ten list. Once Caufield hits goal 38, he will join the ranks of alumni Matthew Tkachuk (2013-15/Calgary Flames), Jack Eichel (2012-14/Buffalo Sabres), Peter Mueller (2003-05/ EC Salzburg), and James van Riemsdyk (2005-07/Toronto Maple Leafs) who all had 38 goals in a single season. At the top of the list is Auston Matthews (2013-15/Toronto Maples Leafs) with 55 goals.

KANE REACHES NEW MILESTONE: Patrick Kane (2004-06/Chicago Blackhawks) scored a goal to reach his 800th career point on Saturday night (Jan 20.). Kane became the 16th American-born player to reach this milestone. He leads all active American players in points as well.

TEAM USA OFF TO BEST START SINCE JOINING THE USHL: With a record of 20-9-0-1 (W-L-OTL-SOL) in 30 games played, Team USA is enjoying its best start since joining the USHL. Team USA leads the Eastern Conference with 41 points. They have a five point lead over the Dubuque Fighting Saints who are second in the Eastern Conference with 36 points in 31 games played.