Forward Alex Rauter was instrumental in the Avalanche’s 2010 16U National Championship Runner-Up and 2011 National Championship Semi-Final appearance. The Chatham, NJ native scored 33 goals and 22 assists in last season’s campaign and is currently in his first year at the Choate-Rosemary Prep School in Connecticut. Rauter plans to stay at Choate for the 2012-13 season before heading to Cornell the following fall.

Forward Ryan Rosenthal was also a key member of the 2010 National Championship Runner-Up team. The speedy forward from Montvale, NJ is in the middle of his second season at the Kent Prep School in Connecticut and plans to spend next season with the Green Bay Gamblers of the USHL before heading to UVM for the 2013-14 season.

“This is a very happy moment for the NJ Avalanche,” said Avalanche Hockey Director and 16U Head Coach Dan May. “These two individuals have been long time Avalanche players. Rauter is a pure goal scorer, while Rosenthal is an unbelievable skater with a lot of speed. Both universities are getting quality student athletes with a lot of character.”

It’s no surprise Avalanche players are getting a lot of attention from the NHL. In the recent past, Avalanche teams at the 16U level have won numerous tournaments including the prestigious NAHL Future Prospects Tournament in Blaine, MN, took runner-up at the 2010 16U National Championships in Chicago, IL, and returned to the semi-finals in last season’s National Championship tournament in Simsbury, CT. To say the least, the success and caliber of these players have forced the hockey community to pay attention to the North Jersey Avalanche.

“It was certainly a proud day for the NJ Avalanche organization and our coaching staff to have six former players on the Central Scouting list,” said Avalanche Hockey Director and 16U Head Coach Dan May. “The success is a statement to the hard work and dedication these players have shown.”

NHL Central Scouting Player Rankings: NJ Avalanche Alumni

The Mid-Term list is the second ranking of players eligible for the draft and is the first pre-draft list that combines all of the eligible players into just four groupings (North American skaters and goalies and European skaters and goalies). This list is the list used to begin the ever-popular mock-draft buildup before the NHL draft and appearing 76th overall among North American skaters is the Staten Island native. In addition to his top-100 ranking, Aston-Reese has actually improved his USHL ranking is now ranked 13th among USHL skaters.

“When the Ones to Watch list was released, it confirmed Zach’s placement among the world’s elite,” offered New Jersey Rockets Head Coach and Director of Player Development Bob Thornton. “Actually improving his ranking in the Mid-Term ranking really gives Zach a great chance of getting drafted in June. As an organization, we are extremely proud of Zach on this achievement”

In addition to his Mid-Term ranking, Aston-Reese was recently one of 40 players selected for the 2012 USHL/NHL Top Prospects Game, presented by CCM. The game, being held at L.C. Walker Arena in Muskegon, Michigan, is the first game of its kind for the USHL and will showcase many of the top 2012 draft eligible USHL players.

Kevin Kerr and Team USA will face stiff competition in the preliminary rounds including Austria, Canada, Finland, and Russia. Playing for Team Comcast for the past six seasons has helped develop and ready Kerr for this prestigious opportunity. Kevin has emerged as a high scoring defenseman for Team Comcast scoring no less than 32 points since his ’07-’08 Pee Wee Minor season. This year, Kerr has 11 points in 11 games and looks to continue this in Austria.

To follow Kevin and Team USA’s progress, go to:

http://www.innsbruck2012.com/en/sports/disciplines/ice_hockey

Congratulations to Kevin Kerr and Team Comcast. Go USA.

Early in the tournament Labanc tallied two assists in a 6-1 win against Canada-Atlantic. The early win helped the team gain momentum and skate to an overall record of 5-2-0 with additional wins coming against Czech Republic, Canada-West and Canada-Pacific.

Before skating with Team USA, Labanc developed his skills with the Colonials and NJ Rockets organizations. In his Bantam Major year with the Colonials, Labanc tallied 18 goals and 41 assists in 37 games. After a year of Junior hockey with the Rockets of the MJHL, Labanc was tabbed for a spot on the U.S. National Team Development Program.

Team USA-U17 competes in the USHL during the regular season. In 28 games played Kevin Labanc has 2 goals and 11 assists.

Jarred Tinordi (’92, Millersville, MD), former defenseman for Team Maryland and the Washington Little Caps, was one of those 22 players selected. A second year defenseman with the OHL’s London Knights, Tinordi spent most of his youth developing his skills in the AYHL before moving on to the US National Team Development Program. The hardnosed defenseman stands at an intimidating 6’7” and weighs 215lbs. At the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, Tinordi was a 1st round/22 overall draft pick of the Montreal Canadiens.

Team USA will look to earn its third straight medal after capturing the bronze medal at the 2011 IIHF World Junior Championship in Buffalo, N.Y., and the gold medal at the 2010 IIHF World Junior Championship in Saskatoon, Sask.

USA Schedule: Games to be aired on the NHL Network