Joey Cullen, Dylan Delgado highlight standouts from 2010s NTDP Evaluation Camp
PLYMOUTH, Michigan – If you wanted an idea of the changing landscape in junior hockey, you could just look at the jackets worn by the scouts in the stands at USA Hockey Arena last week during the 2026 National Team Development Program Evaluation camp.
There were scouts from all three CHL leagues in attendance, including a couple of OHL general managers, multiple NCAA coaches, and a bevy of USHL scouts and front-office representatives, in addition to the usual USA Hockey representation.
Sure, it was an evaluation camp and tryout for the 2026-27 Under-17 NTDP roster, but it was also the physical embodiment of the ongoing recruiting battle that has opened up between the CHL and USHL after CHL players became eligible for the NCAA.
One parent of a player at the camp, who spoke to EP under anonymity, said they had conversations with multiple OHL teams while watching their child during the camp, and that with the evolving landscape, their son would be considering all options even if he got selected by the NTDP.
One USHL executive, who again spoke under the condition of anonymity, pointed to an OHL executive in the building and told me, “the sharks are circling”.
It’s all part of the brave new world, where the CHL is working to capitalize on the fact it now also has the USHL and NTDP’s top-selling point, NCAA eligibility. Based on conversations with parents and agents, players are seeing how attractive the CHL-to-NCAA option could be.
That’s why this week is already turning chaotic for USA Hockey on the NTDP front. Offers are starting to be extended to players that attended the camp, and more than ever before players are considering eschewing the NTDP for different options. There are also some players that turned down invites to the evaluation camp because they’d already committed to WHL teams.
In fact, one NHL assistant GM spoke to EP this week and said, “With the kids having so many more options, it’s one of the places for us that we are really interested to watch and see what decisions are made. It’s all changing every day and it’s all going to impact us ]at the NHL level] eventually.”
That’s why this “standouts” piece isn’t necessarily a list of players that will make the NTDP roster, because while players were brought together and organized by USA Hockey, the biggest competition was allowed to waltz right in the door as well to try and scout and recruit themselves.
But let’s get back to the competition that happened on the ice. EP was in attendance for four of the five games played at USA Hockey Arena over the course of four days. Standouts are listed in alphabetical order by position, and it should be noted that this is based on just the showing at the camp, not their entire body of work this season, which will also be taken into account by USA Hockey when selecting players for the final team.
Forwards
Henry Buttwelier, Honeybaked 15U AAA
Henry Buttwelier was of the most impressive players at this evaluation camp, and perhaps one of the biggest flight risks as he has already been drafted into the WHL, as a first round pick by the Regina Pats. Buttweiler’s game at this camp was defined by him owning the middle of the ice, contact be damned, and he really thrived off pushing into those spaces and then creating for himself and others off the ensuing positive chaos. While he embraced chaos better than most, he also has the pure speed to simply skate away from any problems.
Joey Cullen, Moorhead High School/Honeybaked 15U AAA
Probably the player with the biggest name and reputation entering camp, Joey Cullen was pretty dominant throughout, and could flip a switch when he wanted to take over the ice. There were times he’d simply take possession, circle a bit, and create space by backtracking and pulling defenders toward him before exploiting new windows. He often had the puck, but the overall defensive skills shined as well, with a nice collection of steals and stick lifts which he often turned into offensive chances going the other direction.
Dylan Delgado, Honeybaked 15U AAA
A highly-creative forward who really thrived playing with other elite talents, Dylan Delgado was consistently one of the most dangerous offensive threats. He really paired well with William LoSauro to play a two-man game which created a ton of space and scoring opportunities. His line destroyed defenders with cross-seam passes, and his arrival time on routes was impeccable, particularly on entries.
William LoSauro, North Jersey Avalanche 16U AAA
As noted above, William LoSauro really paired well with Delgado, and their two-man game in all three zones was impressive. LoSauro really drove possession and often entered the zone with the puck on his stick, before pulling defenders out of position with either dangles or sharp little passes that freed up his linemates. He’s a winger who can run a line, both at even strength and on the power play, and really has gravitational pull with and without the puck offensively.
Dean Stevens, Minnetonka Bantam AA
Dean Stevens left the camp after two days because he had to return to Minnesota for the Bantam state tournament. But in those two days, he left a pretty strong impression. He created consistent offensive chances coming down the wing, and found ways to open things up because of his elite finishing ability. Two memorable back-to-back sequences stood out, where Stevens scored on an odd-man rush and then less than 30 seconds later scored again after he helped create an offensive zone turnover on the forecheck.
Tripp Wroblewski, Notre Dame Academy/Team Wisconsin 15U AAA
Perhaps not the most dynamic player at the camp, but Tripp Wrobleski was one of the most consistent in all three zones throughout the games. His smart, detail-oriented approach led to more and more offensive opportunities. His stick work both offensively and defensively was noticeable, as Wroblewski pulled pucks out of battles and created turnovers which led to positive chances for his line. He was one of the more ‘unknown’ players coming into the camp and really popped onto our radar with his showing.
Defencemen
Drew Daley, Shattuck St. Mary's 18U Prep
Drew Daley was one of the best skating defenders at the camp, and with that foundation, he basically does everything you’d want in a minute-munching, all-situations player. He creates a ton both on breakouts and entries, and frequently shut down opposing chances at the blue line. There’s also a real sense of maturity to his game; he doesn’t panic, ever, and found the right balance of embracing physical play and not taking too many risks to deliver contact. It sounds like he could be one of the biggest flight risks for the NTDP, as OHL teams were watching him closely.
Kellen Paetsch, Bishop Kearney Selects 15U AAA
This wasn’t an easy showcase for defenders, as it was high scoring and offence driven, but Kellen Paetsch was one of the most reliable blue liners. He did a really nice job of defending entries and winning battles. He played a smart game when winning the puck back too, looking for and often finding crisp breakout passes through the neutral zone. Nothing too flashy in the offensive zone, but he also rarely made mistakes or took risks that led to opportunities for opponents.
Brooks Suter, Edina High/Madison Capitals 15U AAA
Brooks Suter has all of the details in a game that you’d want to work with. His skating is smart and effective, his stickwork is really good when defending the rush, and he confidently stopped and squashed plays at the blue line numerous times in the camp. His offensive game also has some sparks, and he quickly finds the right options. There’s also a level of nastiness, and a reputation to go with it, which doesn’t hurt for a player who profiles as more of a lockdown defender.
Goalies
Mason Martin, Fox Motors 15U AAA
It’s not easy for goalies to stand out in this format, but Mason Martin really caught our attention with his composure, positioning and play-reading. While most goalies at this age often rely on their size or athleticism, Martin’s game is already one that’s built on proper anticipation and beating the shooter to spots with his hockey IQ. Between him and Luke Lawson, there seemed to be a clear goalie hierarchy developing at the camp.
Honourable Mentions: Henry Meier, Jack Riehl, Ryan Teuscher, Alec Walker, Blake Wilichoski, Luke Lawson, Gavin Godbout, Aiden Ali, Nikolai Zhukov