hedgehog
Mentor
USA hockey at the international level was really starting to look bleak. As team USA relied on the over 40 and near 40 year old gang for the olympics. However things are looking good for the future.Last year, eight U.S born players were selected in the first round of the NHL draft. (this was the most ever) It wasnt that long ago, when it was considered a big dealifone American born player was selected in the first round. This year the NHLsCentral Scouting Service has projected 12 American born players to go in the first round, including the top overall pick. (The top overall pick has never been an American.) Phil Kessel was projected to go number one overall, howeverthe scouting services have bumped him to#2. American Erik Johnson is now the projected #1 pick in the up-coming draft!
http://www.nhl.com/features/system/johnson011606.html
http://www.nhl.com/features/system/johnson011606.html