didn't see this posted... here's our old pal Kyle Woodlief's take, which includes a surprise top 10er.
Red Line: Team Canada's under-18 roster packed with prospects - USATODAY.com Quote:
Rising:
Michael Hutchinson (Barrie) — Phenomenal performance throughout first round playoff matchup singlehandedly propelled Barrie past Brampton.
Patrice Cormier (Rimouski) — Has been a lot more physical in the season's last two months, even getting into a few good scraps, and it's sparked an offensive resurgence in his game. Also winning tons of key faceoffs now that he's a full-time center.
Geordie Wudrick (Swift Current) — Technically sound two-way player with size and toughness. Showed more scoring touch in strong first playoff round.
Eric O'Dell (Sudbury) — Makes this list for the second straight month. Hey, we can't believe he's come this far, this fast. From nowhere to Team Canada in three months.
Falling:
Kyle Beach (Everett) — Really closed out the season poorly; zero points and a minus-6 in four playoff games just continued season-ending slide.
Anton Blomkvist (Malmo Jr.) — We still like him, but he wasn't named to Sweden's World U-18 Team, nor was he in Finland for the Five Nations. So he's been virtually unseen in international competition.
Kevin Poulin (Victoriaville) — Finished up-and-down season of mediocrity with a series of brutal playoff performances versus Halifax' admittedly powerful lineup of sharpshooters.
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i actually wouldn't mind seeing Dean take a chance on Beach and his attitude if he falls far enough to grab him with Dallas' pick.