Indiana Ice Update

USHL Features | 20 Feb 2010

Indiana 300x251 Indiana Ice Update

I had the chance to check out the Indiana Ice for another look at some of the 2010 draft eligible prospects. I also had my first look at Jacob Fallon since he left the USA U-18 team.

Jacob Fallon F 5’10” 180

Fallon seems to play and look bigger than 5’10 180. He’s a powerful skater with good balance and he uses his edges well. He is also very strong on the puck whether he is handling it in traffic or if he needs to make a hard pass or dump-in. Fallon played well without the puck and was a very responsible player in all 3 zones as well as a physical presence. At times, he seemed tentative in getting to open ice in the neutral zone….possibly a result of becoming acclimated to his new team. When he had the puck, Fallon possessed another gear and was able to take the puck hard into the zone while protecting it. Fallon certainly looks like a hockey player and stands out with strong techniques in all facets of his game and a player who does the little things well. Whether or not his offensive skills develop will dictate Fallon’s role as a second liner or third liner in college and beyond.

Nick Mattson D 6’1” 190

I was a big fan prior to this season but I have to say that I’ve been somewhat disappointed in Mattson’s play. Mattson has the tools and plays with such ease that you expect to see more production and fewer mistakes than you actually get from him. Mattson might be the type of player who plays up to the level of competition which will make his time at North Dakota critical to his development.

John Parker F 5’11” 180

Parker is a well rounded player who also plays well without the puck. He’s called upon to kill penalties as well as match up against the opponent’s top offensive players. However, Parker just has not mustered the offensive production to match his skill set. It’s hard to imagine a team taking a shot on him in June.

Brian Ferlin F 6’1” 196

Ferlin on the other hand, does have offensive abilities and potential to develop them even further. He’s a slick stick handler and has the confidence to attack the net with the puck. He also has the knack to be in places where the puck comes to him. Ferlin just needs to improve his skating and continue to refine his skills. He’s certainly worth a mid to late round pick on a team willing to wait for him to develop in college.

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