Some random thoughts after last nights game:
1) The Pios were playing 17 year olds, so don't read too much into the scoreline.
2) Most freshmen looked comfortable and effective against the younger USA guys. Zucker was a difference-maker both defensively and offensively. Very effective player who put himself into the fans' radar with a hattie. Bennett seemed a little tentative at times, and they didn't have him on the first PP unit, as might have been expected. Bennett seemed much more comfortable later in the game. Good reach, good instincts. Nick Shore was also very confident down low, and may be a better player than his brother. The "Danimal" Olezewski looked like a smaller Vossberg or Glasser - a potentially capable fourth line guy. Mermis looked overmatched in his few shifts - don't expect we'll see much of him this year. Makowski was also very effective on the defensive end for a frosh, with a real confidence with the puck. He very well might displace a veteran in the top six.
3) The two DU recruits on team USA: Zac Lazzara looked like a very good player. Murray robbed him on a great scoring chance early, and Zac looked very much like a high-end player with good hockey sense. VanVoorhis, on the other hand, had a rough game on d, and looked like a long way off from being a college player. He's a very small player, too. Hope he improves.
4) Not much output from K. Ostrow, J. Martin, Maiani and Drew Shore. These are the players who are going to need to lead this team offensively if DU is going to go anywhere this year - you can't rely on freshmen to carry the team. Hope to see a better effort from them tonight.
5) Donovan is likely the Pios' best defenseman since Matt Carle. He really looked great last night and took over the game at times. Brehm and Cook showed poorly, and will only be used in emergencies.
