MAINE CONNECTION: The NTDP has sent eight players to the University of Maine. Of the eight players, seven went on to be drafted to the NHL: Jimmy Howard (NTDP 2001-02; Detroit Red Wings), Greg Moore (NTDP 2000-02; Calgary Flames), Doug Janik (NTDP 1997-98; Buffalo Sabres),  Todd Jackson (NTDP 1998-00; Detroit Red Wings), Barrett Heisten (NTDP 1997-98; Buffalo Sabres), Ryan Hegarty (NTDP 2006-08; Anaheim Ducks), and Nick Pryor (NTDP 2006-08; Anaheim Ducks).

Moore, now the coach of the Chicago Steel, also served as an intern coach and assistant coach with the NTDP. 

ON TO COLLEGE: U18s forward Patrick Moynihan (Millis, Mass.) and defenseman Marshall Warren (Laurel Hollow, N.Y.) announced their college commitments for their time following the NTDP. Moynihan will spend his NCAA career with Providence College, and Warren will move on to play for Boston College.

WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP: Eleven National Team Development Program alumni and two current U18s were named to the 29-man IIHF World Junior Championship Preliminary Roster. Jack Hughes (Orlando, Fla.) and Spencer Knight (Darien, Conn.) will join NTDP alums Quinn Hughes (2015-17; University of Michigan), Ty Emberson (2016-18; University of Wisconsin), Phil Kemp (2015-17; Yale University), K’Andre Miller (2016-18; University of Wisconsin) and Mattias Samuelsson (2016-18; Western Michigan University), Evan Barratt (2015-17; Penn State University), Logan Cockerill (2015-17; Boston University), Sean Dhooghe (2015-17;  University of Wisconsin), Joel Farabee (2016-18; Boston University),  Josh Norris (2015-17; University of Michigan) and Oliver Wahlstrom (2016-18; Boston College) in two training camps before the final roster is announced Dec. 23.

WILD FOR WILDE: Bode Wilde (NTDP 2016-18; Saginaw Spirit) signed a three-year entry-level contract with the New York Islanders. Wilde was drafted 41st overall by the Islanders in 2018, and leads the Spirit in points with 20 (5-15-20 in 19 GP).

TEDDY BEAR TOSS: NTDP alumni Riley Barber (NTDP 2010-12; Hershey Bears) scored to set off the Hershey Bears’ record-breaking Teddy Bear Toss on Sunday (Dec. 2). With Barber’s goal, the Bears set the new world record with 34,798 stuffed animals tossed onto the ice and donated to local organizations.

FIFTEEN IN FOURTEEN: With his overtime goal against the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday (Dec. 4), NTDP alumni Auston Matthews (NTDP  ; Toronto Maple Leafs) became just the second player since 1997-98 to  score 15 goals within the first 14 games of a season. Matthews has tallied 23 points (15-8-23 in 14 GP), including five goals and two assists in the last three games.

NATIONAL LEADERS: The Hockey Commissioners Association named NTDP alumni Evan Barratt (NTDP 2015-17; Penn State University) and Adam Fox (NTDP 2014-16; Harvard University) as National Co-Players of the Month for November.

Barratt was a national leader with 10 goals in nine games, including a goal streak that extended seven games and set Penn State’s program record. He recorded a program-leading five multi-point games throughout the month. Barratt has tallied 25 points (12-13-25) during the current season.

Fox tallied 15 points (4-11-15) in eight games throughout November, recording six multi-point games. Fox leads the nation in scoring among defensemen with 20 points in 11 games, securing a 1.82 points per game average.

HOCKEY EAST MEN’S WEEKLY: Three NTDP alumni were recognized in the latest Hockey East Men’s Weekly release. Joseph Woll (NTDP 2014-16; Boston College) earned the Hockey East Defensive Player of the Week. Woll made 64 saves on 65 shots faced in a two-game matchup with Boston University, and recorded a season-best 38-save performance in a 4-1 win against BU, along with his fourth career shutout in the following game.

Logan Hutsko (NTDP 2015-17; Boston College) and Jake Oettinger (NTDP 2014-16; Boston University) earned Hockey East Weekly Top Performers. Hutsko scored twice, including the game-winning goal, against Boston University, leading his team to a 4-1 win. Oettinger had a season-best performance against Boston College and 42 saves in a 0-0 tie Saturday. He recorded 69 saves total throughout the weekend.

University of Maine goaltender Jeremy Swayman also earned Hockey East Defensive Player of the Week. Swayman made 74 saves across two games against Vermont, recording a 1-1-0 weekend.

BIG TEN, THREE STARS: Two NTDP alumni were named in the Big Ten Hockey Three Stars. K’Andre Miller (NTDP 2016-18; University of Wisconsin) earned the First Star. Miller recorded one goal and four assists throughout the weekend and tied for the top spot in points in the Big Ten and ranked second nationally. Drew DeRidder (NTDP 2017-18; Michigan State University) earned the Second Star. DeRidder led his team to five points in a two-game weekend against the University of Michigan, recording a 1-0-1 (W-L-T) record. He made a total of 78 saves throughout the weekend.

PLAYER FEATURE: The NTDP is a family affair for Landon Slaggert, and the U17 forward grew up admiring the NTDP. Read the full story here.

COLLEGE CATCHUP: Harvard defenseman Adam Fox continues to produce for the Crimson. Read the full story here.

NCAA SCHEDULE: In its matchup against the University of Maine, the U. S. National Under-18 Team will resume its NCAA schedule for the 2018-19 season. The U18s’ NCAA schedule will continue with Michigan State University (Dec. 15), Lake Superior State University at home (Dec. 16), St. Cloud State University (Dec. 27), University of North Dakota (Dec. 29), College of the Holy Cross at  home (Jan. 1), University of Minnesota-Duluth (Jan. 5), Adrian College at home (Jan. 8), and end with the University of Wisconsin on Jan. 12.

2018 UNDER-17 FOUR NATIONS CUP TICKETS ON SALE: The 2018 Under-17 Four Nations Cup will be held at USA Hockey Arena from Dec. 11-15, sponsored by Hines Park Lincoln. Hockey teams from Switzerland, Slovakia, Russia, 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, Dec. 7 - vs. Youngstown Phantoms - Social Media Night | $5 Friday

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

Sunday, Dec. 16 - vs. Lake Superior State University - Yooper Night

Wednesday, Dec. 19 - vs. Muskegon Lumberjacks - Kids Day Game