With just around 40 players being invited to USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program (NTDP) Evaluation Camp, there were good players left at home.
There were a few players who this observer believes should have been at camp who weren’t invited for one reason or another. Below is a list of the top six forwards, four defensemen, and a goaltender from across the country who should have been, or were the next closest to being invited. Following that, the top three forwards, two defensemen, and two goaltenders from New England who should have been close to being invited are unveiled.
By no means is this is an attack at the decision-makers at USA Hockey. More goes into selecting camp invites and the eventual roster than just talent on the ice. USA Hockey brass also factors in character and other elements. There are players on this list who have more skill on the ice than some players invited to camp. Some of them probably should have been invited while others possibly were rightfully kept at home.
