Two PHL players selected as part of 2012-13 USNTDP program

The North American Prospects Hockey League (PHL) is pleased to announce that two players from the PHL have been selected and have committed to join USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program for the 2012-13 season.  Forward Chris Wilkie (Omaha AAA Lancers 16U/Omaha, NE) and defenseman Josh Wesley (Carolina Jr. Hurricanes 16U/Raleigh, NC) will compete as members of the U.S. National Under-17 Team next season.

“We couldn’t be happier for both Chris Wilkie and Josh Wesley.  Their selection to the U.S. National Under-17 Team is a tremendous honor,” said PHL Director Denny Scanlon.  “Congratulations are order to the Omaha and Carolina organizations as well for their role in training and developing these talented young players.” 

“This is a dynamic group of players to add to an already exciting roster,” said Peter Ward, director of player personnel for the NTDP. “The scouting staff has been working tirelessly to assemble the best talent in the country and it shows with these commitments.”

Wilkie,15, comes from the Omaha AAA Lancers 16U team of the PHL, where he accumulated 48 points (22 goals, 26 assists) in 18 games played. He led the PHL in points (48) and power-play goals (10). He also skated in four playoff games with the Lancers, netting three goals and adding 10 assists.  He was an All-PHL 16U 1st team selection and also made the PHL All-Academic team this past season.  Back on January 12th following the PHL event in Dallas, Texas, in which he had 23 points in five games, Wilkie announced his commitment to play NCAA Division I hockey for the University of North Dakota.

Wesley, 15, comes from the Carolina Junior Hurricanes 16U team of the PHL, where he totaled 13 points (7 goals, 6 assists) in 18 games, ranking second on the Carolina roster and eighth among PHL 16U defensemen. He also lead all PHL 16U defenseman in playoff scoring as he notched one goal and registered six assists in five playoff games.