This was a deep group going into the tournament, and nothing changed my mind after it is over. I think a number of kids raised their stock for the draft, and I have been saying his name more and more, but Mastrosimone was absolutely impressive out there.
Him and Farinacci for me, were the best two forwards out there. Both raised their stock and though Mastro is on the smallish side, he should get first round recognition. Kaliyev didn't disappoint either, he looks like the real deal as well, just the other two played amazingly throughout and were my top favs for this team.
The team defense was up and down, and I agree with Bonney just seemed like the system play/coaching really wasn't harping too much on positioning and better pinching. There was some talent on that blue line as well, and I was excited to see more of Cade Webber, but came away less impressed with him and his stock will drop as he really has an uphill fight against quicker/smaller players which the game is shifting to.
Koster had some good games out there, but played a real bad one against Russia to end it...not a good showing there.
Mitchell Miller was legit- stud. He was my top defender, shame he is 2 years out for the draft.
Wolf impressed in net as well, him and Knight will be a hell of a 1-2 punch the next 2 years for the US.
The team played well, got ripped off against Canada, but overall they left a strong impression on the hockey world that this is a deep deep group, some of these names will be called in the top 31 and others right behind in the second round. Add this crop to the USNDP and wow, that would be one hell of a team to make -
Can we dare dream for the U-18 in Spring:
Kaliyev, Farinucci, Mastrosimone, and Miller added to that group???? Plus the top u-17 studs like Peterson, Kleven, and Smilanic...look out world!