Five Prospects: Chicago Steel x Muskegon

Reviewing the talent in Game 1 of the USHL's Eastern Conference Finals

I reviewed five notable prospects (draft-eligible and otherwise) from the opening game at Muskegon in the USHL’s Eastern Conference Finals. I wrote on a few of the Steel’s prospects in their win over Cedar Rapids earlier this week as well.

Robert Mastrosimone - Another great effort from the draft-eligible forward, who showcased tenacity and effectiveness particularly in the offensive zone. It was his perimeter shot late in the game that theoretically ended up in the net to tie it, though the referees called it off. He also had an absolutely money pass to Abruzzese with 24 seconds left in the game, down by 1.

Mikael Hakkarainen - Yeah, he scored two beauty one-Ts from the same spot on the powerplay, but the rest of his game was pretty impressive too. All over the sheet he was ever-present — as a 21-year-old who went in the 5th round (Chicago) should be. Great compete and all-around effort.

Egor Afanasyev - I was hoping to see the shooting tools when Muskegon went on the powerplay, but it was Hakkarainen who stole most of that thunder. The Michigan State commit had an alright outing, he certainly looks the part with a nice frame, gets up and down the ice, not afraid to shoot it. I really liked his assist on Jagger Joshua’s goal, breaking in on the net with speed before sending a beautiful pass that beat the goalie on arrival.

Owen Power - He took a penalty, but on the whole he was very impressive. For a 16-year-old at his size to be able to defend against one of the best teams in the USHL the way he does — he makes it look easy. It was his willingness to activate and ability to possess the puck below the goal line that helped create Josiah Slavin’s first goal.

Josiah Slavin - Wasn’t sure which player I would pick for the fifth, though I wanted to highlight Slavin as the game went on. When he put the puck in the net to tie it with 2 seconds to play, he made up my mind for me. He also made a critical read on his earlier goal in the game, where defenseman Owen Power took the puck down deep so Slavin had to play Power’s right side. As Power came back to his natural position, Slavin quickly assumed his responsibility, stole the puck off the wall and put it into the net. Nearly scored with a skilled move towards the net in the overtime as well.