Photo Credit: Team USA
Three Flyers prospects kicked off the WJC Summer Showcase yesterday for Team USA in Cole Knuble, Cutter Gauthier, and Devin Kaplan. Fortunately, it was anything but blissful on this particular Saturday afternoon for all three players.
It started with Knuble playing for Team USA Blue. They struggled mightily, enduring a 6-0 loss to Sweden. Knuble Centered the second line, and he made some good rushes with goodreads. Unfortunately, nothing materialized into a goal. At least he gets experience, and hopefully he impressed Head Coach David Carle into getting another shot to showcase his skills.
The next game featured two more flyers prospects in Gauthier and Kaplan for Team USA White. Gauthier even started the game, while centering the team on the first Power Play unit. He really made some good reads, and he is excellent vision of the ice. Gauthier actually skated well, but nothing materialized into a point, which is okay. In years past he’s gotten off to slow starts point wise for Team USA, but finishes strong.
Kaplan has good playmaking abilities, and he’s actually improved in his skating. I’m not saying he’s a bad skater, as he is very good in transition, but you can sense he’s honed in this area. He still possesses good vision of the ice, and can score in tight areas. Unfortunately, like Gauthier, nothing materialized into points for Kaplan. He did skate well off the wing in the 4-2 loss against Finland, but lacked the finish to pot a goal. Kaplan may seem like a long shot to make this team in the winter, but he finished the game on the strong note.
Stay with us for all the latest updates in development for the WJC Summer Showcase.
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