GOING BLUE: Cam York (Anaheim Hills, Calif.) announced his commitment to the University of Michigan. York is the top-scoring defenseman on the U18s and an A-rated draft choice on the NHL Central Scouting watch list.

HOME FROM WATERLOO: NTDP alum Joey Cassetti (NTDP 2015-17) will return to his former home arena this weekend to face Team USA. Cassetti recorded 24 points (16G, 8A) in two seasons with the NTDP and is in his second season with the Black Hawks. Cassetti is committed to Merrimack College and has tallied 10 points (3G, 7A) during the 2018-19 season.

ABOVE THE AVERAGE: Four U18s players own averages of at least one point per game so far this season: Jack Hughes (9-34-43 in 22 GP), Trevor Zegras (12-22-34 in 21 GP), Cole Caufield (18-7-25 in 22 GP), and Matthew Boldy (15-9-24 in 22 GP).

ALUMNI LEADERS: NTDP alumni Brady Tkachuk (NTDP 2015-17; Boston University; Ottawa Senators) and Colin White (NTDP 2013-15; Boston College; Ottawa Senators) are tied for the No. 2 ranking in points among NHL rookies this season with 16 points each.

Tkachuk also ranks No. 2 across all NHL rookie players in plus-minus (+6) in 14 games played, and most recently tallied three points (2G, 1A) against the Philadelphia Flyers on Nov. 27.

Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman and NTDP alum Ron Hainsey, who recently reached a 1,000 game milestone in the NHL, is ranked No. 4 in plus-minus across the NHL (+15).

Robbie Russo (NTDP 2009-11; Notre Dame; Arizona Coyotes), a Tucson Roadrunners defenseman, ranks at No. 9 in plus-minus in the AHL (+11).

LEADING THE NATION: NTDP alumni Evan Barratt (NTDP 2015-17; Penn State University; Chicago Blackhawks) and Adam Fox (NTDP 2014-16; Harvard University; Calgary Flames) top the NCAA leaderboard in scoring. Barratt paces the entire NCAA in scoring with 21 points (10-11-21) in 13 games. Fox is the top scoring defenseman with 17 points (4-13-17) in eight games and also leads in points per game with 2.13.

IN THE FAMILY: U18s defenseman Alex Vlasic (Wilmette, Ill.) is not the only hockey player in the family. Vlasic's sister, Emma Vlasic, is in her senior year at Yale University and was voted Captain of the women's hockey team for the 2018-19 season. Vlasic’s cousin, Marc-Édouard Vlasic, is a defenseman for the San Jose Sharks and won gold in the 2014 Sochi Olympics.

PLAYER FEATURE: Eamon Powell credits his brothers for his competitive side. Read the full player feature here.

2018 UNDER-17 FOUR NATIONS CUP TICKETS ON SALE: The 2018 Under-17 Four Nations Cup, sponsored by Hines Park Lincoln, will be held from Dec. 11-15 at USA Hockey Arena. Hockey teams from Russia, Switzerland, Slovakia and the United States will compete for the title.

To purchase tickets, or for more information, visit USAHockeyNTDP.com/4NationsTix or call the USA Hockey Arena box office at 734.453.8400.

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, Nov. 30 - vs. Waterloo Black Hawks - #JustDrive Night | $5 Friday

Saturday, Dec. 1 - vs. Waterloo Black Hawks - Trading Card Series Giveaway No. 1

Friday, Dec. 7 - vs. Youngstown Phantoms - Social Media Night | $5 Friday

Saturday, Dec. 8 - vs. University of Maine - Teddy Bear Toss Night