PLAYER ADDITIONSThe U.S. National Under-17 Team have added forwards Blake Biondi (Hermantown, Minn.), Kienan Draper (Detroit, Mich.) and Zakary Karpa (Novi, Mich.) to the roster for this weekend.

USHL STANDOUTS: Team USA goalies are making an early statement in the USHL rankings. Drew Commesso is ranked No. 1 amongst all USHL goalies with a .953 save percentage, and Spencer Knight is tied for the No. 2 spot with a .938 save percentage. Knight also owns the best goals against average in the league at 1.00, while Commesso ranks third at 1.97.

PULLING AHEAD: NTDP alum Auston Matthews (NTDP 2013-15) is the National Hockey League leader in two primary offensive categories with eight goals and 16 points. Three other former NTDP standouts rank among league leaders, as well: Patrick Kane (NTDP 2004-06) with eight goals and 13 points, Kyle Palmieri (NTDP 2007-09) with seven goals and Matthew Tkachuk (NTDP 2013-15) with nine assists. 

Former NTDP goaltender John Gibson (NTDP 2009-11) ranks among the top netminders this season with a 1.93 goals against average, .949 save percentage and one shutout. The full leaderboard can be viewed here.  

AHL LEADERBOARD: NTDP alum Rocco Grimaldi (NTDP 2009-11) continues his climb to the top of the AHL statistical leaderboard with 11 points (4-7-11) in eight games with the Milwaukee Admirals. Grimaldi is ranked third in the league in points. The full AHL rankings can be accessed here.

BIG TEN, SECOND STAR: NTDP alum and Wisconsin Badgers sophomore forward Sean Dhooghe (NTDP 2015-17) earned Second Star honors in the Big Ten Hockey Three Stars rankings for his weekend performance. Dhooghe tallied four goals across two games against Clarkson University (Oct. 19) and St. Lawrence University (Oct. 20). Dhooghe also owns a share of the national goal-scoring lead with five goals in four games. Read the full article here.

GOING INTERNATIONAL: The upcoming three-game weekend at USA Hockey Arena will mark Team USA's final games at home before international competition begins for both the U17s and U18s.

The U18s will travel to Sweden for the Five Nations Tournament, while the U17s journey to New Brunswick, Canada, for the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge.

The U17s return to USA Hockey Arena to play the Cedar Rapids Roughriders on Nov. 16 and the U18s resume play at home Nov. 21 against Bowling Green State University.

AUTISM AWARENESS: Team USA’s game against the Dubuque Fighting Saints on Oct. 28 takes on extra meaning as it will feature Team USA’s partnership with the Autism Alliance of Michigan with its inaugural Sensory Friendly Day. This game will feature decreased auditory and visual stimulation, quiet rooms, health-conscious concessions and a Halloween fun zone. Specially priced $6 sensory-friendly-zone tickets can be purchased here, by calling 734.453.8400, or by visiting the USA Hockey Arena Box Office.

PLAYER FEATURE: NTDP defenseman Case McCarthy is taking in all the unique experiences during his time spent in the Under-18 season. Read the full story here.

NEW TICKET PACKAGES: The NTDP is offering season ticket packages for the 2018-19 season. The packages include the College Six Pack, Flex Pack, and Fan Experience Package. More information is available here or by calling 734.453.8400.

UPCOMING PROMOTIONS AND EVENTS

Friday, Oct. 26 - vs. Muskegon Lumberjacks - Mascot Madness Night | $5 Friday

Saturday, Oct. 27 - vs. Dubuque Fighting Saints - U17 Poster Giveaway and Postgame Autograph Night

Sunday, Oct. 28 - vs. Dubuque Fighting Saints - Sensory Friendly Day

Friday, Nov. 16 & Saturday, Nov. 17 - vs. Cedar Rapids Rough Riders & Chicago Steel - Carnival Weekend & $5 Friday

Wednesday, Nov. 21 - vs. Bowling Green State University - ‘90s Night Thanksgiving Eve Bash & $1 Beer Night