Familiar Line Will Lead Team USA in World Juniors

With the NTDP, the line of Will Smith (Sharks) at center, Ryan Leonard (Capitals) at right wing, and Gabe Perreault (Rangers) at left wing, were all looking good at camp. This line practiced together and should stay intact the same way BC decided to keep them together, even though Smith was worried it might not when they headed into their freshman season in NCAA hockey. 

“The first practice we weren’t together,” Smith recalled. “We had no idea if we were going to play together. We’ve been together every game since. We just roll who we are going with and that’s how we go.” 

Going up against NTDP players of yesteryear is interesting. That makes this kind of camp interesting. How do you compete against former teammates, knowing you might beat them out for a roster spot?  

“I think we know everybody. We’ve gone up against them with the NTDP and they are older guys who we always looked up to. It’s good to get on the ice with them,” said Ryan Leonard. 

“It’s definitely pretty weird, but obviously he goes to BC, and I was with him at the program, so by now, we’re kind of used to it, but it’s always fun being out there with him,” said Gabe Perreault.  

The guys are practicing on an Olympic sheet. That’s smart. They will soon be playing where Frolunda plays.  

“It kind of gives you more of a cushion out there,” Leonard mentioned. “Defenders aren’t going to play you as hard as they can because if they get beat, they are kind of in a bad spot. It gives you a little bit more time out there to make plays.” 

This line will be one of the best in the tournament. They know what each other is thinking, and that kind of instinctive play is very hard to defend.  

Notes: Of all the practice lines, they were the best. Rutger McGroarty (Jets) was out there in a red non-contact jersey…That should drop off soon. I think if he gets cleared, he will be named captain…..I still think Jacob Fowler is the best of all three goalies but I expect Trey Augustine to be named the starter because of his track record in USA hockey….Carey Terrance, who plays for the Erie Otters, has great technique on defense. He is very strong in 1-on-1 defensive drills…Ryan Leonard looks like he added five pounds of muscle.