3) Dubuque Fighting Saints 11-2-1-2
Dubuque is a good team, especially when they are playing to their potential. However, they have been prone to some head-scratching performances that they will need to clean up if they wish to continue their hot start to the year. They have been carried by an impressive power play and the stellar play of 04' Forward Erik Pahlsson (Minnesota) who leads the league with 23 points on the year. The Fighting Saints have a sneaky tough schedule from now till January 1 and this stretch will tell a lot about this team moving forward to the second half of the season.
2) Youngstown Phantoms 11-4-1-0
The defending champs have been playing high-level hockey of late going 7-2 since October 20 including a recent weekend split with Dubuque. They have a great opportunity to finish November out strong with a favorable schedule that includes 2 games vs Chicago, 1 game vs NTDP, and 1 game vs Muskegon. Phantoms 06' Defensemen Tory Pitner (Denver) is tied for the lead league in points for defensemen, giving him some NHL draft buzz. Highly touted rookie 07' forward Zach Morin (Boston U) has adjusted well to USHL play recording 7 points through 12 games.
1) Fargo Force 13-0-1-0
Sitting perfect on the year, Fargo has relied on a deep lineup and the goaltending dup of Anton Castro and Hampton Slukynsky. Their team defense has been impressive only giving up less than 25 shots per game on the year. 04' Forward Zam Plante (Minnesota) is Top 5 in scoring on the year with 20 points. 03' Defensemen Leo Gruba (Minnesota) is tied for the league lead in defensive points with 15. Fargo should continue to cruise the rest of the month and look like a top contender this season.
Scouting Notes
Will Felicio - ‘06 Defensemen - Madison Capitals
Commit : Denver
The mobile defenseman is coming along very well in his second season in the league. His playmaking from the blue line is still impactful as he is a threat to facilitate high-percentage offense every time the puck comes to him on the point. On the year he has recorded 5 goals and 5 assists which makes him just shy of a point per game. Defensively he has shown signs of growth and is becoming harder and harder to play against. At his size, he will need to continue to show an elite ability to defend through the neutral zone and defend in the hard-to-play areas to improve his draft stock.
Matvei Gridin - ‘06 Forward - Muskegon Lumberjacks
Commit : Michigan
At 6'1 and lighting up the league with his scoring ability is Gridin. His puck control, skating/mobility vision, and creativity shift to shift get's everyone excited about his long-term projection as a player. However, we believe he still has a lot of work to do away from the puck as he lacks the compete level to succeed at the highest levels at this stage in his career. He is a bit turnover-prone as well and he seems to be a player that can be a bit hot and cold. Monitoring his progression as he grows this year, this something we have noticed as a staff.
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