NHL Entry Draft 2011 Update: Matt McNeely, a top goalie prospect
Matt McNeely might not literally be the top goalie prospect according to the National Hockey League’s (NHL) central scouting list which will be used by most teams in making their selections in the upcoming NHL Entry Draft, but he certainly deserves to be
placed at the top.
The 6’2, 17-year-old American from St. Paul, Minnesota, has proved a lot during the time he has spent with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program (USNTDP) which placed him on the number-four spot in its list.
"I was pretty fortunate to get the opportunity to play for the NTDP and I made the most of my opportunities that they gave me", McNeely told NHL.com in an interview.
Jack Campbell, drafted last year as the 11th pick by Dallas Stars, might be the benchmark goalie, but McNeely has the abilities to certainly match his performance, even better than this year’s top prospect, John Gibson.
His size might seem to hamper him in moving around the net in time to block a shot, but analysing his style of play, it seems to be the exact opposite of rumoured speculations.
"I like to use my size (6-foot-2, 205 pounds) to my advantage the best I can", McNeely said. "I think I'm a pretty big goalie. I feel I have quick feet and a quick glove and I can play the puck well. I feel I'm mentally strong and don't like things getting
to me on the ice. There are still things I need to work on, but I improved significantly in Ann Arbor (Mich.) this year".
McNeely, the backup goalie for USA’s Under-18 team, played only 27 games during the 2010-2011 season of the United States Hockey League due to ankle related problems. He boasts a record of 9-12-1 with a .891 saves percentage and 3.84 goals against average.
There is still no concrete decision about McNeely’s future, if he will be picked or not, but it is very likely that he will be picked since he is one of the top prospects for the goaltending position and most teams in the league could use a young, fresh
goalie.
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