These Four NCAA Players Will Lead Team USA in the Olympics

There is little doubt that Michigan’s Matty Beniers, North Dakota’s Jake Sanderson and Minnesota’s Matthew Knies, and Brock Faber will be four important cogs to lead Team USA on their quest for Olympic gold.

Since the World Juniors was a very small sample size, I will fall back on what I saw out of these three at Team USA World Junior Camp as to what this season holds for them. It’s away from college so the coaching is different, and I think it’s important to use this window that I had to talk about the players.

Sanderson (Senators prospect) was superb in camp. He looked good in every possible scenario. He was run the point on the power play with ease. Sanderson doesn’t have a big shot, but he has an above-average shot. His hockey I.Q. is elite, and he can bring the puck up the ice safely. In big games you want him handling the puck. He doesn’t take many penalties and he can shut down the opposition while turning defense into offense via the takeaway.

Beniers (Kraken prospect) always has his feet moving. He’s a true #1 center no matter who else is on the team. He would be my top guy. Why? He’s already good defensively and good with face-offs. His speed is a weapon on the penalty kill as well. He has a way of cutting back on the ice to extend possession that can foul up defenders and it opens things up for his teammates.

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Faber (Kings prospect) has made a huge jump in the last year. He’s an excellent skater, plays on the penalty kill, and can stop on a dime and change direction with the best of them which helps him continue to be strong in his own end. He’s a right-handed shot and that may get him on the power play in some fashion. Faber’s zone entries are fast and decisive. He is fully capable of leading the charge and finding an open player to set up a key scoring chance for his team. He can kill you without being flashy.

Knies (Leafs prospect) will be the big left-wing. He can play on the PK and he’s good around the net. His speed is good but he’s probably a bottom-six player for this team and a very effective one at that. He’s a power forward with skill who can play heavy hockey.

The college influence on this team is smart. It gives them young legs and some of them can play on the next Olympic team as experienced players.