Which Hockey East players will be named to the USA WJC evaluation camp roster?

1 Dec 2011

With USA Hockey announcing the roster for the World Junior Championship evaluation camp on Monday, lets take a look at potential Hockey East players who may get their name called for camp.

Boston College

Locks for camp

Bill Arnold (Calgary Flames 4th round 2010)

Stats: 14 games 8 goals 7 assists 15 points

He has been primarily an offensive guy for the Eagles this year. If he does make the World Junior team he will be a bottom six forward. He can bring that physical presence for that role.

Outside looking in

John Gaudreau (Calgary Flames 4th round 2011)

Stats: 14 games 6 goals 5 assists 11 points

Gaudreau is one year away of making the World Junior team in my opinion. The 5’7 forward is deserved of consideration of his hot start to the season. There are too many forwards in my opinion for him to get a camp invite.

Kevin Hayes (Chicago Blackhawks 1st round 2010)

Stats: 14 games 4 goals 9 assists 13 points

The big body forward maybe one of the last names to be named to the Evaluation Camp roster. That shows the depth in the 92 age group. Like his teammate Arnold he will be looked upon to be a bottom six forward.

Boston University

Locks for camp

Adam Clendening (Chicago Blackhawks 2nd round 2011)

Stats: 12 games 1 goal 7 assists 8 points

Clendening is a a mobile defenseman and could be a valuable asset on the team. There’s a lot of depth for the Americans on defense so it’s no shoe-in he will be one of the eight that will be on the final team. A couple of defensemen may not be available which is good for Clendening.

Charlie Coyle (San Jose 1st round 2010; Minnesota own his rights)

Stats: 12 games 2 goals, 9 assists 11 points

He will be making his second World Junior appearance as he had two goals and four assists at last year’s tournament in Buffalo. He will a top six forward and is expected to produce if the United States wants to go anywhere in Alberta this year.

Matthew Nieto (San Jose 2nd round 2011)

Stats: 12 games 8 goals 7 assists 15 points

He’s off to a stellar start in his sophomore campaign and will get a long look at camp. I think he will be looked at as a guy who will need to play a two game to make the final roster. I see him as a third line player if he does get selected for the team.

Vermont

Locks for camp

Connor Brickley (Florida Panthers 2nd 2010)

Stats: 12 games 6 goals 0 assists 6 points

Brickley is going to be fighting for a spot on the fourth line. He brings that big physical presence to get the job done.

Friday’s Game

Harvard at Massachusetts

I like Harvard in this match up. They are battle tested.

Weekend Series

Boston College vs Boston University

They playing a home and home series, but I like the Eagles in both games. They want revenge from the last time these two teams met. They will be two good games.

Merrimack vs. Providence

Another home and home series and it won’t be a close game in either night. I like Merrimack in both contests.

New Hampshire vs. UMass Lowell

I like both teams right now and I think home ice will be the deciding factor. I will take the River Hawks in Lowell on Friday and New Hampshire in Durham on Saturday.

Maine at Vermont

Maine travels to Vermont to a hostile environment. Both teams need both games, but if Maine wants home ice when March comes around, they need all four points here. I will take them both nights.