Last Friday, the rosters were unveiled for the USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game that will showcase the nation’s top talent for the 2019 NHL Draft. The game will take place September 19 at the XCel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minn.
2019 could be a banner year for Americans at the draft, as USA Hockey NTDP center Jack Hughes is expected to be selected first overall. Wisconsin commit and NTDP teammate Alex Turcotte is also projected to go high.
Four other NTDP prospects, all with ties to the region, could also hear their names called in the first round: Boston College commits Spencer Knight of Darien, Conn., Matt Boldy of Millis, Mass., and Cam York, plus Boston University commit Alex Vlasic.
While a good case can be made for most of the 42 players invited to the USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game, there were five players not invited with a good case for inclusion.
USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game: Five Snubs
Ryan Johnson
Sioux Falls Stampede, 7/24/01, Defense, Left Shot, 6-0/161
NCAA Commit: Minnesota
There’s an asterisk next to Johnson, because he was injured and couldn't play in the USA Hockey Select 17 Player Development Camp or the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup. If he’s good to go for the September game, he should be included. The Irvine, Calif., native is a terrific talent. He has great feet, which allows him to sidestep oncoming forecheckers and walk the blue line on the point in the attacking zone. He’s adept at getting shots through and can also break out picks. He’s not the best defender, but he does do a good job with his stick. His father, Craig Johnson, played in 573 NHL games, mostly with the Los Angeles Kings.
Jackson LaCombe
Chicago Steel, 1/9/01, Defense, Left Shot, 6-0/161
NCAA Commit: Minnesota
LaCombe has made massive strides over the last year as he has developed physically. He has gained explosiveness, which has made him a huge factor in the transition game. He can wheel and deal up and down the sheet. His skating is very smooth and he can recover to get back on top of the puck after jumping into the attack. His father, Chris LaCombe, is a NHLPA agent with CAA.
Patrick Moynihan
U.S. NTDP U18, 1/23/01, Forward, Right Shot, 5-10/174
NCAA Commit: Boston College
The Millis, Mass., native is a hard-nosed forward who plays a complete, 200-foot game. He might not have great size, but he’s better than several NTDP teammates who made this game up front. Moynihan is quick and can jump into the corners and below the goal line on the forecheck to recover pucks.
Joshua Nodler
Fargo Force, 4/27/01, Forward, Right Shot, 6-0/196
NCAA Commit: Michigan State
Nodler, who played the past two years with Honeybaked, is a good skater. He sees the ice well and knows how to find the puck. He’s elusive and can find seams to make plays in back of and maneuvering around opposing defenders. Nodler isn't afraid to go into the dirty areas to find garbage goals.
Cam McDonald
Muskegon Lumberjacks, 2/3/01, Defense, Left Shot, 5-9/165
The Eagle River, Alaska, native is one of several defenders who could've been rostered. He’s on the smaller side and isn’t as flashy offensively as some of the players who made this game, but he’s a breakout machine. He does a great job on retrievals and turning the play up ice quickly. He has good vision and makes a great first touch. He also plays tough for a smaller defender. His one issue is his pivots going backwards.
