USA Today rated the top American prospects for the 2011 NHL draft this week. Two are Minnesotans:
Ambroz, Mario Lucia rated among top American prospects
The NHL draft will be in late June at the Xcel Center. Two Minnesotans should go pretty high.
February 4, 2011 at 3:47AM
7. Right wing Seth Ambroz (Omaha, United States Hockey League): He could end up being a Dustin Brown-type player, physical with the ability to score goals. He has slipped a bit over concerns about his skating. But he still has first round/second round potential. Comment: Actually he has slipped a lot. Once thought to be a sure first round pick, maybe top 10. Signed with Gophers for next season. 10. Left wing Mario Lucia (Wayzata High School/Team USA): He's the son of University of Minnesota coach Don Lucia and scouts like his offensive potential, coupled with his skating ability. Comment: Mario is only a junior. Plays for one of state's top Class 2A teams. Has not decided on college, but should make decision after high school season. Gophers in picture along with two other WCHA schools, Colorado College and Denver. Don coached at CC when Mario was a youngster. Just outside the top 10 is a player who will be in the Twin Cities next week. Denver will play the Gophers at Mariucci on Feb. 11-12" 11. Nick Shore (Denver): He has 12 points in 17 games for the University of Denver in his freshman year,.
Former Gophers football coach Tim Brewster is back in the news and back as a head coach for the first time since being let go in Minnesota in 2010. And Star Tribune Vikings writer Andrew Krammer joins Rand for a review of the film and Rand’s hot takes.
