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St. Cloud State University
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NHC hosts USA Hockey
By Bobby Hart
Published:
Thursday, July 17, 2003
Media Credit: scott theisen
Team Minnesota�s Greg Battani, of Benilde St. Margaret�s, dives to block a shot from Team Mid-America�s Mathew Schwartz of the Pittsburgh Hornets.
Media Credit: scott theisen
Minnesota�s Matt Lundin (Apple Valley) makes a save in the second period against Mid-America.
The National Hockey Center played host to 240 of the nations top 17-year-old hockey players who have gathered to perform in the USA Hockey Select Festival this week.
The camp that was changed to a competitive festival format in 1994 has been held at the NHC since 1990. �Between 100 to 200 scouts from college and professional levels, along with coaches, evaluated players that were split up into 12 regional teams. � The Atlantic, Central, Southeastern, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mid-American, Minnesota, New England, New York, Pacific, Rocky Mountain and Dakota (second year) teams were all placed in a tournament bracket to maximize competition.
"They're here showcasing their talents, not only for USA hockey, but there's a number of scouts in the stands so it's a great opportunity for them to further their career," said festival camp director Ward Johnson. "We're keeping a competitive schedule so it brings out the best in the kids, but we really don't want to stress the importance of the tournament to create a national championship out of it."
Starting last Friday, teams have practiced in the mornings and have played competitively from 2:30 to 8 p.m. while being housed in SCSU's dorms and fed at Garvey Commons. �NHC Director of operations Joe Meierhofer has helped organized the festival since 1990, has made the facility a formidable fit for USA Hockey and a focal point for the best summer hockey in the nation.
"The facility we have makes it advantageous for the USA hockey people because we have two rinks, food service, and housing all within walking distance," said Husky head coach Craig Dahl. �"It's also all relatively easy to get to after people fly in to Minneapolis."
Although all scouts and coaches are not allowed any contact with the players under NCAA and USA Hockey rules, the SCSU program has benefited from hosting the camp. �Husky's Matt Gens, Matt Hendricks, Jeff Finger, Dave Iannazzo, and Ryan LaMere, along with upcoming freshman Nate Raduns, Casey Borer, and Matt Hartman (2004-05) all participated in USA Hockey. �
"Obviously having these players on our campus allows them to see the campus and the rink, so that's good," Dahl said.
Tryouts are held in each of the 12 regions and 30 players are picked for each team and individually ranked for USA hockey files. �Out of the 240 players in the festival, 20 are chosen for the USA national team that will compete internationally. �This elite festival stirs up large amounts of pressure and emotion, which is rare for most hockey camps.
"You think about it at first but once you get out there and put your game face on and make that first save, everything gets easier," said Minnesota goalie Max Dodds, Eden Prairie High School junior. �"I look forward to this every year. � I like coming out here and meeting guys from all over the country and you learn a lot from all the coaches from all over. �It's a great all around experience."
Many famous coaches such as Gordon 'Red' Berenson (University of Michigan) and Jerry York (Boston College) have helped run the USA select festival in the past. �This year, Minnesota State University- Mankato head coach Troy Jutting showed up to run some drills.� Last month Jutting signed a new four-year contract with Mankato. The renewed contract was fitting after his Mavericks shocked the world last season with their 17-game unbeaten streak that carried them into their first NCAA tournament in the program's history.
"It's fun for me to be around kids this age to try and help them improve their game," Jutting said. �"Most of these kids are pretty developed when they get here. �I think this is a crucial step for them but it's also a great way for them to judge themselves compared to other kids around the nation. � They get to see where they stack up, because most kids play in their own little hockey worlds where they're the best players there."
The National Select 15-year-old development camp held for the top 240 boys from around the nation will take place August 1-7 at the NHC.
Familiar Faces
A number of former Husky players and assistant coaches attended the USA select festival this week.
Former SCSU program assistant (98-2000) and current Omaha Lancers assistant coach Keith Fisher was coaching the Central team. �Former Husky player Todd Kennedy (88-92) was assistant coach of the Minnesota team and former Husky player Andy Vicari (94-98) was also in attendance, scouting for the Danville Wings (USHL) where he currently holds an assistant coaching job. � �
Probably the most familiar face at the NHC belonged to former Husky assistant coach (98-01) and player (88-92) Doc DelCastillo who was coaching the Dakotas team.
"When I got here this week, the one thing I really miss is all the fans and the Dogg Pound," DelCastillo said. �"The (NHC) is so hallow and I get here this week and the stands are basically empty.�I'm used to this place rockin.' This is really a good hockey community."
DelCastillo walked on to the team in 1988, a year after Dahl steered the Huskies into division one competition, and worked his way up to being the team captain his senior year in 1992. �
The two-time Sam LoPresti Award (Most Determined Player) winner had 44 points including 32 assists during his collegiate career.
The St. Paul native is in his fifth year at the USA festival and also works annually at the infamous Minnesota Hockey camp in Brainerd with Fisher, Vicari, Greg Malone (former husky Ryan Malone's father and Pittsburgh Penguins scout) and Chuck Grillo (former director of player personnel for the San Jose Sharks).
Out of his eight years with SCSU hockey, DelCastillo has been a key contributor to what has become one of the most consistently successful programs in the nation. �His final year with the Huskies was undoubtedly the most memorable when he helped lead the Huskies to their first ever WCHA championship in 2001.
"I've seen from when we used to play at the MAC until now and seen almost every stage," DelCastillo said. �"Of course Craig has been here for every stage, but I've seen how this program has grown and it was really special to be a part of the first team to hang a championship banner. � It was amazing to go to the Excel (Energy Center) and get that (Broadmoor) trophy."
Although Doc is currently an assistant coach at the University of Omaha Nebraska, he will always keep ties in St. Cloud.
"I will always have Husky blood in me, so it's nice to come back and see Craig and the coaching staff and all the friendly faces," DelCastillo said. �"It's fun to see Huskies floating around out there. �To see how successful Motzko, Malone, Moreland, and all those guys that I helped to recruit are turning out. � You see how much they develop. �That's one thing that's really important to Craig, is how players are developing as people. �A lot of the guys that play here develop into really good respectable young men that make the Husky program proud. � It's a good tradition here (at SCSU)."
Husky Notebook �
- It looks as if all hope for junior defensive captain Jeff Finger returning next season is diminished. �
Finger was drafted by the Colorado Avalanch and is, more or less, waiting for a respectable offer.
"He's going to sign for sure it's just a matter of when," Dahl said. �"He's 24 and going to be 25. �I told him 'it's time for you to leave; you've got to do it."
- Junior Matt Hendricks, who was drafted by the Nashville Predators, is waiting to see who Nashville signs from the European Leagues before he makes his decision to stay or leave.
- Former 18-year-old freshman Jonathan Lehun left the Huskies to play in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). �Lehun was ninth on the team with sixteen points from eight goals and eight assists last season. � �
- Former sophomore forward Brian Schuster was let go for unknown reasons. �The Grand Rapids native finished his SCSU hockey career with four points.
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