Lucius, Casey named to USNTDP team for 2020-21

March 30, 2020

Thirteen forwards, eight defensemen and two goaltenders, which include two players from the NAPHL, have been selected to join USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program. 23 players, all from the 2004 birth year, will compete as the U.S. National Under-17 Team during the 2020-21 season.

 

The two NAPHL players that were selected to the NTDP team for next season both played in the NAPHL’s 16U Division this past season. Congratulations to Gentry Academy 16U forward Cruz Lucuis and Florida Alliance 16U defenseman Seamus Casey.

 

“We're thrilled about the bright, young talent that will make up our U17 roster next season," said Kevin Reiter, director of player personnel for the NTDP. "While we weren't able to hold our typical evaluation camp because of the COVID-19 pandemic, it's just one component of our overall process. We're fortunate to have a terrific network of scouts, along with our own staff, in place to help in selecting the team. In the end, it's never easy to get to the final roster as there are so many talented players in our country."

 

Lucius, 15, finished 3rd in NAPHL 16U scoring this season for the 16U Champion Gentry Galaxy. He posted 68 points (28 goals, 40 assists) in just 20 games this season. The 5’10/155 lbs. native of Grant, Minnesota, is committed to play NCAA Division 1 hockey for the University of Minnesota.

 

Casey, 16, led all NAPHL 16U blueliners in scoring this season with 29 points (11 goals, 18 assists) in 15 games played. The 5’10/150 lbs. native of Estero, Florida, is committed to play NCAA Division 1 hockey for the University of Michigan. He was named an Apex Learning Peak Performer twice this season.

 

The NTDP is a two-year residency program for high-performance players that is located at USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth, Michigan.

 

The Under-17 Team plays in the United States Hockey League (USHL), as well as against select competition in the North American Hockey League (NAHL) and Minnesota Elite League. Each season, the U17 Team also competes in three international tournaments.