NTDP News

I got word from a source that the four players that have received an invite to the National Team Development Program for the 2009-2010 season are Colin Jacobs, Rocco Grimaldi, Vincent Trocheck, and Robbie Russo.

The source was also surprised that they didn't offer a spot to Seth Ambroz who lead the Select 15's in scoring with eight goals and three assists.

Jacobs had two goals and four assists in five games at the Select 15's. This spring he was drafted in the fourth round of the WHL Bantam Draft to the Seattle Thunder.

Rocco Grimaldi had four goals and two assists in five games at the Select 15's. As an underager with the Little Caesars Minor Midget Team last season, he had 38 points in 29 games. That was good enough to be tied for first on the team in points. His 19 goal was second on the team.

Vincent Trocheck also had six points at the National Select 15's. He had four goals also. Trocheck is alo from the Little Caesars program. Last year he was a part of the Bantam Major team where he lead the team with 25 goals and 31 assists in 30 games. He will move up to the
Minor Midget team this year.

Robbie Russo had one goal at the Select 15's. He's the only player that's not a forward out of the four. He had two goals and five assists in 31 contests with the Chicago Mission Minor Midget Program. He's already committed to the University of Notre Dame for the 2011-2012 season.

This is nothing new to invite kids a year in advance. Last year around this time, USA Hockey invited Jon Merrill and Luke Moffatt to join this year's Under 17 program. The source also pointed out that this a weak birth year and the NTDP doesn't want to lose anyone to major juniors for next season's U-17 team. Seattle wants Jacobs, Ambroz (He was Seattle's 7th round pick.), and Connor Sanvido (Their top pick from British Columbia.) all in uniform next year.

That's My Take

(Nathan also is a writer for MVN.com. He's the writer for the Asylum which covers the Lewiston Maineiacs of the QMJHL. He's also a regular contributor to the NHL Source also at MVN.com. He can be reached at fbbhgfan@aol.com)