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USA ROSTER for WJHC


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2006 U.S. National Junior Team Roster

Roster Article

Jeff Frazee G Minnesota (WCHA)

Cory Schneider G Boston College (HEA)

Taylor Chorney D North Dakota (WCHA)

Jack Johnson D Michigan (CCHA)

Chris Butler D Denver (WCHA)

Erik Johnson D U.S. Under-18 Team (Minnesota recruit)

Brian Lee D North Dakota (WCHA)

Matt Niskanen D Minnesota Duluth (WCHA)

Mark Mitera D Michigan (CCHA)

T.J. Oshie F North Dakota (WCHA)

Tom Fritsche F Ohio State (CCHA)

Bobby Ryan F Owen Sound (OHL)

Nate Davis F Miami (CCHA)

Kevin Porter F Michigan (CCHA)

Geoff Paukovich F Denver (WCHA)

Blake Wheeler F Minnesota (WCHA)

Robbie Shremp F London (OHL)

Nathan Gerbe F Boston College (HEA)

Jack Skille F Wisconsin (WCHA)

Peter Mueller F Everett (WHL)

Phil Kessel F Minnesota (WCHA)

Chris Bourque F Hershey (AHL)

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It seems to me that there are a few surprises on this team. Chris Butler wasn't even mentioned in the hocky futures article of even being considered and Paukovich is a real surprise. I don't know why they picked him except for maybe his size but with guys like Wheeler, Skille, Mueller and Ryan it seems to me that there is enough size with the forwards. I am thinking that this is a bad pick not just because of the hatred I have for him but for the simple fact that I believe there are many better players. For instance, Adam Pineault who was on the team last year.

Edited by I Ranger
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I see goaltending as a potential weakness for this team. Schneider was really shaky last year in the tourney and if the Frazzled one plays like he did Sat. against Wisco the US team could have some problems. There is a lot of potential there for this team but a gold medal will be far from a given. Even though Canada's roster is somewhat depleted for this tourney they will still be tough to beat on their home soil as will the Russians.

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I see goaltending as a potential weakness for this team. Schneider was really shaky last year in the tourney and if the Frazzled one plays like he did Sat. against Wisco the US team could have some problems. There is a lot of potential there for this team but a gold medal will be far from a given. Even though Canada's roster is somewhat depleted for this tourney they will still be tough to beat on their home soil as will the Russians.

I looked at the goaltending and I thought "Isn't there anyone better?" But Frazee isn't going to have the Gophers D out in front of him, so maybe he'll be better. I am SO PUMPED to see Matt Niskanen on that list, and it is awesome for Oshie, Lee and Chorney. Wheeler and Kessel should be good (yeah yeah I said it... but I still think Wheeler is better). Paukovich is a surprise. But he must be doing something right, I guess.

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Wheeler and Kessel should be good (yeah yeah I said it... but I still think Wheeler is better). Paukovich is a surprise. But he must be doing something right, I guess.

He hasn't hurt anyone, that's about all he's done right (Paukovich).

Take a look at the Wisco first goal on Sat night (someone posted videos of each goal in the USCHO update). The lack of effort on the backcheck led to Dowell being all alone for the back door tap in. The rush started in the Wisco end, the MN backchecking forward just hooked and slashed Dowell all the way to the net, ane didn't move his feet or make any attempt whatsover of catching Dowell and tieing him up. The backchecker wore #17.

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He hasn't hurt anyone, that's about all he's done right (Paukovich).

Take a look at the Wisco first goal on Sat night (someone posted videos of each goal in the USCHO update). The lack of effort on the backcheck led to Dowell being all alone for the back door tap in. The rush started in the Wisco end, the MN backchecking forward just hooked and slashed Dowell all the way to the net, ane didn't move his feet or make any attempt whatsover of catching Dowell and tieing him up. The backchecker wore #17.

Didn't see that... but when I did see him play (against UMD) I thought he was playing a lot better than Kessel was. This was much earlier in the season, of course, so I will be watching more closely this weekend to see if maybe he just played well that series and Kessel played so-so.

Of course how will I know how Kessel plays when he is sent crying to the bench after Smaby takes care of him?

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So, I am confused, but does anyone know why Vande Velde would be selected for the US Select U18 team and not the WJHC team? Does it have to do with age, talent, or status??

It would seem, then, that they feel they have better players for the U20 team but he's one of the best still age-eligible for the U18.

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Surprise picks seem to be the norm with Team USA. Last year it was Brian Lee over Jack Johnson. This year it is Geoff Paukovich over Adam Pineault.

What makes this more surprising is that Geoff beat out a WJC veteran. Usually, unless that vet is too old or just flat out does poorly in the previous WJC PLUS the tryouts, the vet is invited to be back in.

As for Chris Butler... this one is anyone's guess.

As for the Sioux in all of this... Harvard MIGHT have a real good chance at some points against us ;)

But yeah. Chris Butler is a question mark and Paukovich doesn't embody the image that Team USA represents. Oh well. I'll still root for Team USA.

Anyone know which ones are alternates or is this the entire team and the alternates have yet to be named?

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Surprise picks seem to be the norm with Team USA. Last year it was Brian Lee over Jack Johnson. This year it is Geoff Paukovich over Adam Pineault.

I think leaving Adam Pineault off the team had more to do with him 1. signing a pro contract with Columbus and 2. being injured. ;)

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IMO the top players for the US will be Jack Johnson, Tom Fritsche, Blake Wheeler, Phil Kessel, and Chris Bourque. I agree, goaltending will be their weakness.

Agreed, disagree, disagree, agree, disagree. In the order of the names given.

Replace Fritsche with Schremp, Wheeler with Mueller, and Bourque with Oshie and you got it! ;)

Edited by redwing77
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