You love hockey but don't watch the college game. You love college sports but never really get to see hockey. It doesn't matter what's kept you away in the past. Today's the day to embrace the greatness that is the NCAA's Frozen Four. Thursday's semifinals pits Maine vs. Michigan State and North Dakota vs. Boston College. But you don't need a rooting interest in one of those teams to enjoy the games, which will feature a number of players who'll be making an impact in the NHL rosters before long. Not familiar with college hockey's top drafted stars? Here's a primer (in alphabetical order) on the top 10 prospects at the Frozen Four. (Click here for Frozen Four analysis and predictions.)
| Justin Abdelkader |
F, Michigan State (Red Wings, 2005 draft) 
Don't worry about trying to figure out which Spartan is Abdelkader if you've never seen him play before. Chances are he'll catch your eye before too long.
The 6-2, 205 sophomore winger is one of those players who commands your attention whenever he hits the ice. Whether it's his speed, his board work or his willingness to play on the edge, Abdelkader brings value to every shift.
The Red Wings, who drafted him 42nd overall in 2005, see him as an elite third liner, someone who can power a tenacious forecheck and chip in with 15-20 goals a year.
|
| Ben Bishop |
G, Maine (Blues, 2005 draft)  Sometimes, there's no getting around the obvious.
Bishop is big. At 6-7, 215, he's about as big as anyone who's ever strapped on the tools of ignorance. When he's in the butterfly, there's really nowhere for opponents to shoot.
But it's not just his size that's made him the backbone of Maine's championship aspirations. Bishop is a difference maker, an athlete whose play elevates with the importance of the game. After fighting through a pair of late-season groin injuries, he returned in time for the East Regionals, where he stopped 68 of 70 shots. He now has the chance to be the defining player in the Frozen Four.
The Blues selected Bishop, a St. Louis native, in the third round in 2005. They have a number of young goalies, so there's no rush. Still, it wouldn't be surprising to see him turn pro if the Black Bears take the title.
|
| Brian Boyle |
F, Boston College (Kings, 2003 draft) 
With three first-round picks in 2003, Los Angeles took a flyer on the massive but extremely raw Boyle with the third one. The Kings hoped that with solid coaching and a bit of time, he'd develop into a solid, two-way center. Now, thanks to some injuries on the BC blueline, they have another option.
A Bunyanesque 6-7, 250, Boyle was leading Hockey East in scoring when coach Jerry York asked him to shore up the defense. He adapted quickly to his new position, using his size and massive wingspan to impose his will in his own zone, and his soft hands and hockey sense to power BC's transition game.
He's likely to man the blueline for BC this weekend, but the Kings haven't decided how they see him yet. Given how he can use his size and his strength to control play at either end of the ice, he's clearly graduated from project to prospect.
|
| Taylor Chorney |
D, North Dakota (Oilers, 2005 draft) 
Edmonton looked past his lack of size (6-0, 180) when the Oilers selected Chorney 36th overall in 2005 because he has everything else you're looking for a New NHL defender.
The captain of the United States team at the 2007 World Juniors, Chorney reads the play quickly, has quick feet and he makes a great first pass out of the zone.
After watching the Oilers struggle with their transition game this season, his value's even more obvious.
|
| Nathan Gerbe |
F, Boston College (Sabres, 2005 draft) 
Every prospect has his drawbacks. It's just that you usually have to see him on the ice before you figure out what they are.
In the case of Gerbe, it doesn't take a pro scout to recognize that he's small. At just 5-5, this is a guy who literally looks up to Spud Webb. And it was that deficiency alone that dropped him into the lap of the Sabres when the fifth round of the 2005 draft rolled around.
Since then, Gerbe's proven himself to be one of those guys who won't be overlooked. A Theo Fleury-starter kit, he's the straw that stirs the BC drink. He doesn't just lead the Eagles in goals -- he scores the biggest goals. His work ethic sets the tone for the team. He's fearless, willing to battle for space against players a foot or more taller.
And he's a born entertainer. Gerbe loves the showy move, but he's no hot dog -- he's smart enough to pick his spots.
At 19, he needs the rest of his college eligibility to get stronger and work on his two-way play, but Gerbe looks like a legitimate top-six forward option for the Sabres down the road.
|
| |
 |
|
