What players from outside the NCAA will make the U.S. WJC Team?

Here's my list:

Mike Sauer
Bobby Ryan
Rob Schremp
Adam Pineault
Matt Lashoff
A.J. Thelen
Brandon Dubinsky
Peter Mueller
Keith Yandle
Chris Bourque

Here's my list:

Mike Sauer
Bobby Ryan
Rob Schremp
Adam Pineault
Matt Lashoff
A.J. Thelen
Brandon Dubinsky
Peter Mueller
Keith Yandle
Chris Bourque



Yandle has been fabulous in Moncton at both ends of the rink. I am really impressed with him, and I think Phoenix got a steal.

That's a big list.I can't remember a U.S team having so many CHL guys.This would have to be a record number.

That's a big list.I can't remember a U.S team having so many CHL guys.This would have to be a record number.


It would be a record number. If the U.S. brass has any sort of integrity, these are the players that should be selected.

It would be a record number. If the U.S. brass has any sort of integrity, these are the players that should be selected.
are you thinking politics may play a part? I know it has for team Canada in the past.

are you thinking politics may play a part? I know it has for team Canada in the past.

Yes, politics does play a part, although I don't know if it can be categorized as a NCAA vs CHL issue.

Yes, politics does play a part, although I don't know if it can be categorized as a NCAA vs CHL issue.
I'd say it's been categorized as that up here before from time to time.if it's not that down there,what is it?

I'd say it's been categorized as that up here before from time to time.if it's not that down there,what is it?

There's several issues at work, one of which is the CHL vs NCAA issue. Look at the Jack Johnson situation last year, that was politics as well.

There's several issues at work, one of which is the CHL vs NCAA issue. Look at the Jack Johnson situation last year, that was politics as well.
that was idiotics!!!

There's several issues at work, one of which is the CHL vs NCAA issue. Look at the Jack Johnson situation last year, that was politics as well.

I don't know if I'd categorize that as politics.

I don't know if I'd categorize that as politics.

How would you categorize it? There were competing factions within USA Hockey, and a certain one won out. I call that politics.

With Walt Kyle at the helm, I am convinced there will be no politics. He'll take the best players no matter where they're from. I'm convinced of that.

With Walt Kyle at the helm, I am convinced there will be no politics. He'll take the best players no matter where they're from. I'm convinced of that.
That's too bad Bob.Because with the strength of the team they could potentially assemble,i would'nt mind seeing them make a few "mistakes" shall we say.

That's a big list.I can't remember a U.S team having so many CHL guys.This would have to be a record number.

Bourque isn't a CHL guy.

True.

Here's my list:

Mike Sauer
Bobby Ryan
Rob Schremp
Adam Pineault
Matt Lashoff
A.J. Thelen
Brandon Dubinsky
Peter Mueller
Keith Yandle
Chris Bourque

I think that this years team will have more non-ncaa'ers than usual. Bourque, Ryan, Schremp, Pineault and Lashoff are locks. I also think Mueller and Yandle will make the team. I think Sauer has a shot. I really think Thelan and Dubinsky are long shots.

The US team has to announce the team soon. My guess is Monday. Here is what my final roster would look like. I feel alot stronger about my forward picks than my d-men.

Forwards:
Kessel
Porter
Schremp
Bourque
Pineault
Weller
Ryan
Fritsche
Skille
Wheeler
Oshie
Gerbe
Mueller

Defensemen:
Lee
J.Johnson
Lashoff
Chorney
Yandle
Sauer
E.Johnson

(Hagemo would if he wasn't hurt)

Goalies:
Schneider
Frazee

How would you categorize it? There were competing factions within USA Hockey, and a certain one won out. I call that politics.

I was told it was a personality conflict.

With Walt Kyle at the helm, I am convinced there will be no politics. He'll take the best players no matter where they're from. I'm convinced of that.
I agree Bob. He does a lot of recruiting in Canada and I'm sure he has a lot of repect for the Canadian junior leagues and politics shouldn't be much of a factor.

I think that this years team will have more non-ncaa'ers than usual. Bourque, Ryan, Schremp, Pineault and Lashoff are locks. I also think Mueller and Yandle will make the team. I think Sauer has a shot. I really think Thelan and Dubinsky are long shots.

The US team has to announce the team soon. My guess is Monday. Here is what my final roster would look like. I feel alot stronger about my forward picks than my d-men.

Forwards:
Kessel
Porter
Schremp
Bourque
Pineault
Weller
Ryan
Fritsche
Skille
Wheeler
Oshie
Gerbe
Mueller

Defensemen:
Lee
J.Johnson
Lashoff
Chorney
Yandle
Sauer
E.Johnson

(Hagemo would if he wasn't hurt)

Goalies:
Schneider
Frazee

I like Niskanen for a spot on the blueline and don't believe, as do some, that Thelen and Lashoff will necessarily be there. Up front, just because guys like Pineault and Weller were on the team last year doesn't necessarily mean they'll make it this year. Aside from that, I would guess this list is very close to what the team will be. Good list. Official announcement is Monday morning, by the way.

I like Niskanen for a spot on the blueline and don't believe, as do some, that Thelen and Lashoff will necessarily be there. Up front, just because guys like Pineault and Weller were on the team last year doesn't necessarily mean they'll make it this year. Aside from that, I would guess this list is very close to what the team will be. Good list. Official announcement is Monday morning, by the way.


I do not believe Thelen will be there.

what about jordan lavallee, i know he's injured but could he make that team?

Bob i think u might be right on this one! I see Nisk as a dark horse to make the team. I feel the brass will make the right moves this year. Last year I feel they left Lee out to hang. I really think with hago out that Nisk could make this team. I m a Sioux fan but i have been inpressed with Matt. Also I think Lee could run the pp this year in the point. I really think Lee and Johnson will make the best pp combo in the tourney!

Also i think Thelen is overated he did nothing in the ccha! I think there is better kids for this team.

I shouldnt say that he had a good freshmen year, but after that he showed me nothing. I still think he will not be part of this team.

I will take the unpopular route and disagree with Mr. Mckenzie. I've talked with Thelen, and this truly seems something that he wants to add to his repertoire.

After being snubbed (and I use the term loosely), Thelen seems as though he desperately wants to be in camp. In talking with him, Thelen wants nothing more than to represent the United States in this tournament.

Whether or not his talent will lead him there will be debatable; however, I think that his season in the Western league this season has spoken for itself, and should warrant a mention to the United States selection camp.

Once he hits camp, he'll show why he deserves to be on the club.

Ranger or anyone else,

Tell me a little bit about Chris Butler and Geoff Paukovich. I haven't seen Denver play this year. I saw Paukovich when he was with the U-18 team and was never blown away. Ranger, I know you've posted some things about Butler, what type of player is he, strengths/weaknesses???

I will take the unpopular route and disagree with Mr. Mckenzie. I've talked with Thelen, and this truly seems something that he wants to add to his repertoire.

After being snubbed (and I use the term loosely), Thelen seems as though he desperately wants to be in camp. In talking with him, Thelen wants nothing more than to represent the United States in this tournament.

Whether or not his talent will lead him there will be debatable; however, I think that his season in the Western league this season has spoken for itself, and should warrant a mention to the United States selection camp.

Once he hits camp, he'll show why he deserves to be on the club.


There is no other camp. Unlike Canada, the US just picks its team. The only camp that that US held was back in early August in Lake Placid .Apparently Thelan did not have a great showing there. Although Thelan may really want to be on this team I just don't see it happening.

Tyler Haskins?

Tyler Haskins?

Didn't get invited to the camp in August. I would be shocked if he made it.

Ranger or anyone else,

Tell me a little bit about Chris Butler and Geoff Paukovich. I haven't seen Denver play this year. I saw Paukovich when he was with the U-18 team and was never blown away. Ranger, I know you've posted some things about Butler, what type of player is he, strengths/weaknesses???


Paukovich is a project IMO. He's huge, is a decent skater, has good hands, and is defensively responsible. Similar to Brad Winchester really, although a bit further along in his development at the same age. Butler is a guy I really like. Not flashy, but a rock on the blueline with just enough offensive ability to be dangerous. He'd be a nice guy to have on the U.S. WJC Team, but I doubt he'll make it.

I doubt he'll make it.

Don't be so sure.

Paukovich is a project IMO. He's huge, is a decent skater, has good hands, and is defensively responsible. Similar to Brad Winchester really, although a bit further along in his development at the same age. Butler is a guy I really like. Not flashy, but a rock on the blueline with just enough offensive ability to be dangerous. He's be a nice guy to have on the U.S. WJC Team, but I doubt he'll make it.

I've heard rumors that both Paukovich and Butler are in. I was really suprised to hear this. I've never seen Butler and it sounds like he won't hurt the US team but I have seen Paukovich and I agree - project. The US is WAY to loaded up front to be taking "projects." I can't see him being better than Weller and I think that they'd play similar roles on this team. Hopefully only one makes it.

I've heard rumors that both Paukovich and Butler are in. I was really suprised to hear this. I've never seen Butler and it sounds like he won't hurt the US team but I have seen Paukovich and I agree - project. The US is WAY to loaded up front to be taking "projects." I can't see him being better than Weller and I think that they'd play similar roles on this team. Hopefully only one makes it.

If you've seen Paukovich then you've seen Butler, as they play on the same team (unless we're talking prior to playing for Denver). I wouldn't be surprised to see Butler make it ahead of a guy like Thelen or even Lashoff. He's VERY solid in his own end and has put up more points (9) then I had thought. I don't really have a problem with both Paukovich and Weller making it to be honest. Put them on the 4th line and give them PK duties. They would be great in that role.

If you've seen Paukovich then you've seen Butler, as they play on the same team (unless we're talking prior to playing for Denver). I wouldn't be surprised to see Butler make it ahead of a guy like Thelen or even Lashoff. He's VERY solid in his own end and has put up more points (9) then I had thought. I don't really have a problem with both Paukovich and Weller making it to be honest. Put them on the 4th line and give them PK duties. They would be great in that role.

The last time I saw Paukovich was with the U-18 team. I'll take your word on Butler. I don't think Thelan will be there but I've seen Lashoff this year and I like him. He's a good skater, handles the puck well and can play the pp and pk. He's got good size although he's not really that physical. The problem that I have with taking two guys like Paukovich and Weller is that its nice to have someone with their attributes but I think you only need one of them, anything more takes away from other roles you could fill. I'd rather see them take T.J. Oshie who flys, he can center your fourth line and his speed would be awesome on the penalty kill. I also think I'd rather have Gerbe than both the big guys. I've seen Gerbe play alot and every game he creates something with his tenacity.

If you've seen Paukovich then you've seen Butler, as they play on the same team (unless we're talking prior to playing for Denver). I wouldn't be surprised to see Butler make it ahead of a guy like Thelen or even Lashoff. He's VERY solid in his own end and has put up more points (9) then I had thought. I don't really have a problem with both Paukovich and Weller making it to be honest. Put them on the 4th line and give them PK duties. They would be great in that role.

Haven't heard Mitera's name thrown around much.

;)

Haven't heard Mitera's name thrown around much.

;)


Should it be? ;)


I like Mitera as well. He's another safety cog style defenseman with enough finesse to not look out of place in a skilled line-up. I wouldn't be surprised to see him either.

I've also heard that Butler and Paukovich may be on the team. Having watched both this season, I wouldn't be surprised by it.

Butler is having a fine rookie campaign with Denver, and he's contributing more offensively than I ever expected, as he's more of a stay-at-home guy that gets better each week. He makes smart plays and logs a lot of ice time for the defending champs, and is developing well ahead of where I thought he'd be.

Paukovich is more of a puzzle. He's not scoring at all this year, but his skating has improved a ton and he's a enormous hitter, which is something Team USA would need on the small ice in Canada for this WJC. He would never make it if the tourney were in Europe, but Kyle needs some size up front and Paukovich can bang with the best of them. If he does make it, all I expect Kyle would want him to do is bang people in the corners and create space on the ice.

does anyone know what time they are announcing the roster?

does anyone know what time they are announcing the roster?

I heard 1:00 eastern time but thats not a for sure.