2024 Chipotle All-American Game: Rosters Announced, Analysis
45 players from the NTDP and USHL will compete in the annual showcase on Jan. 15
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USA Hockey has announced the 45 players that will partake in the Chipotle All-American Game on January 15, 2024 at USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth, Michigan. Puck drop is set for 4 p.m. EST and the game will be broadcasted live on NHL Network.
Since its inception in 2012, the purpose of the annual showcase is for NHL clubs and scouts to get a first-hand look at some of the top American prospects eligible for the 2024 NHL Draft all under one roof.
Last year, more than 190 NHL scouts from 29 NHL organizations were in attendance to watch Team Blue top Team White, 6-3. With two goals in the contest, former NTDP forward Will Smith (SJS) was named Player of the Game.
This year’s format features players from both the U.S. National Under-18 Team and the United States Hockey League, assigned to each team in a best-effort to balance the two teams.
Here are the 45 players that will be participating in the event.
Team Blue
Forwards
Kamil Bednarik (NTDP), Sacha Boisvert (MUS), Austin Burnevik (MAD), Trevor Connelly (TC), Cole Eiserman (NTDP), Ethan Gardula (SC), Brendan McMorrow (NTDP), Charlie Pardue (NTDP), Max Plante (NTDP), James Reeder (DBQ), Mac Swanson (FGO), Lucas Van Vliet (NTDP), Shane Vansaghi (NTDP)
Defense
Philippe Blais-Savoie (TC), Tanner Henricks (LIN), Cole Hutson (NTDP), Noah Lapointe (NTDP), Finn McLaughlin (YNG), Luke Osburn (YNG), Will Skahan (NTDP), John Whipple (NTDP)
Goaltenders
Caleb Heil (SF), Jack Parsons (NTDP)
Team White
Forwards
Austin Baker (NTDP), Joe Connor (MUS), Kristian Epperson (NTDP), Jake Fisher (FGO), Matvei Gridin (MUS), Michael Hage (CHI), James Hagens (NTDP), Christian Humphreys (NTDP), John Mustard (WAT), Kaden Shahan (SC), Teddy Stiga (NTDP), Brodie Ziemer (NTDP)
Defense
EJ Emery (NTDP), William Felicio (MAD), Elliott Groenewold (CR), Logan Hensler (NTDP), Adam Kleber (LIN), Sam Laurila (NTDP), Tory Pitner (YNG), Dakoda Rheaume-Mullen (NTDP)
Goaltenders
Thatcher Bernstein (DBQ), Nick Kempf (NTDP)
Roster Analysis
Eiserman Headlines Team Blue
Team Blue boasts several players who could potentially be first-round picks in the 2024 NHL Draft, but none of them are as high-profile as Cole Eiserman.
The 17-year-old sniper is known for having one of the best shots in his draft class. The Boston University commit has scored an impressive 97 goals in just 1.5 seasons at the U.S. National Team Development Program. Eiserman needs to score 30 more goals to surpass Cole Caufield’s NTDP record of 126 goals, previously set back in 2019.
Eiserman was once in the conversation for the No. 1 overall pick, bur Macklin Celebrini appears to be running away with that title. However, Eiserman is going to make an NHL franchise very happy. Much like Will Smith last year, Eiserman has a chance to steal the show in his home rink.
Four 2025 NHL Draft-Eligibles
Although the showcase is mainly for scouts to observe the 2024 NHL Draft prospects, it's never too early to start looking at some of the top prospects for the 2025 draft.
There will be four NHL Draft-eligible prospects for 2025 playing in the All-American Game, including forward James Hagens (Team White), who could end up being the No. 1 overall pick next year. Despite being a bit undersized at 5-foot-10 and 178 pounds, the 17-year-old New York native is incredibly skilled and will have another year to add some muscle to his frame.
Last season, Hagens was called up to the U18 club in February after scoring 66 points in 43 games with the U17 squad, where he finished the year with seven goals and 19 points in just 17 games. While he may not be as deadly of a scoring threat as Eiserman, Hagens uses his elite vision as a puck facilitator. That said, he still has a heckuva shot when he wants to use it. This season, he continues to challenge Eiserman for the top point-producer on the U18 squad, recording 39 points in 24 games.
After his two-year residency with the NTDP, Hagens will have at least one year at Boston College to fine-tune his skills before the 2025 NHL Draft. Additionally, forward Shane Vansaghi (Team Blue), and defensemen Logan Hensler (Team White) and Dakoda Rheaume-Mullen (Team White) will have the opportunity to make an early impression.
Re-Entry Candidates On Display
The USHL has been a breeding ground for talented ice hockey players, with over 50 players with league ties being drafted in six consecutive seasons. One reason for this has been the emergence and development of re-entry players.
After being overlooked in the 2022 NHL Draft, Cole Knuble was among the notable USHL players who were drafted in last year's draft, going in the fourth round to the Philadelphia Flyers. This year, there is expected to be another surplus of players who could be drafted the second time around.
Austin Burnevik is a standout player on the Team Blue roster, with a strong chance of being selected by an NHL franchise. The almost 19-year-old has been the second-highest point-producer with 18 goals and 31 points through 25 games.
Apart from Burnevik, forwards Ethan Gardula and James Reeder, and defenseman Philippe Blais-Savoie are also putting together attractive seasons for prospective NHL franchises.
Similarly, Team White features forwards Joe Connor, Jake Fisher, and Kaden Shahan as potential re-entry candidates. Connor has been an essential contributor for the Muskegon Lumberjacks this season, accumulating nine goals and 20 points.
WJAC Trio Reunited
It is difficult to overlook that Team Blue will have Cole Eiserman on their roster, plus a highly effective group of players from the World Junior A Challenge: Trevor Connelly, Mac Swanson, and James Reeder.
The trio of forwards finished as the top three point-producers for Team USA, accumulating a combined 32 points. Reeder had a breakout performance, scoring a tournament-leading eight goals. Swanson, who played on a line with Reeder, was credited with several primary assists and ended up with a tournament-leading nine helpers overall.
Although Connelly started the tournament slowly, the Tri-City Storm forward saved his best for last, scoring four goals in the bronze-medal game in a lopsided win over Sweden. Expect all three players to make a significant impact in the game.
Lone Representatives
While the NTDP, Muskegon Lumberjacks, Youngstown Phantoms, and Madison Capitols, among others, will have a number of players on hand at the showcase, a few USHL clubs will be sending just one player.
Cedar Rapids: Elliott Groenewold
Chicago: Michael Hage
Sioux Falls: Caleb Heil
Waterloo: John Mustard
Hage has quietly been a point-per-game player on a Steel team struggling to get out of the basement. The University of Michigan commit has reached double-digit goals (10) to go along with 24 points in 24 games thus far.
Mustard is the league’s top-scoring rookie, with an even 15 goals and 14 assists for 29 points. Added, the Providence College commit has the third-most points in the league overall.