MiHockey

Washe scores twice in USHL/NHL Top Prospects Game

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MiHockey Staff
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Photo courtesy of Brandon Anderson/USHL
Photo courtesy of Brandon Anderson/USHL

 

By @MichaelCaples –

Last night, the best draft-eligible players from the USHL took part in the USHL/NHL Top Prospects Game in Sioux Falls, South Dakota – and a Michigan native claimed the MVP award.

Paul Washe, a Clarkston native who plays for the Tri-City Storm, was named his team’s most valuable player after scoring twice in his Top Prospects West 4-0 victory over Top Prospects East.

“It felt pretty good – a great experience,” Washe said during his postgame interview with the in-arena host. “I was with [Greg Printz] and [Isaac] Johnson and they were great. Really dynamic, controlled the puck, and i benefited from it. just the right place at the right time.”

Washe, a Western Michigan commit, scored on a deflection just five minutes into the game, then he added another goal in the second period to give his East team a commanding 3-0 lead.

A fellow Michigan connection joined Washe for the Team MVP photos – Muskegon Lumberjacks netminder Keith Petruzzelli was named Team East MVP after playing shutout hockey for 27 minutes-plus.

Washe with Team West MVP and Muskegon Lumberjacks goaltender Keith (Photo courtesy)
Washe (right) with Team East MVP and Muskegon Lumberjacks goaltender Keith Petruzzelli (Photo courtesy of Brandon Anderson/USHL)

 

As far as the nerves went – the USHL/NHL Top Prospects Game set a new attendance mark with more than 8,000 people and it was also filled with NHL scouts – Washe said he tried to treat it like any other game.

“You just play – it’s just hockey,” Washe said. “Let the puck do the work and play the game.

“It was outstanding, great venue, had a great time. Thank you to the city of Sioux Falls, i had a great time and a great experience.”

Here is a breakdown of all the players with Michigan ties who participated in the game:

Top Prospects West

  • Wyatt Bongiovanni – 5 shots
  • Adam Goodsir – 2 PIM, 2 shots, +1
  • Paul Washe – 2 goals, 5 shots, +2

Top Prospects East

  • Scooter Brickey – 2 PIM, 2 shots, -3
  • Keeghan Howdeshell – 1 shot, -1
  • Nolan Moyle (MSU commit) – no notable statistics
  • Keith Petruzzelli (Muskegon Lumberjacks goaltender) – 27:15 played, 21 saves on 21 shots

And some media from the USHL via Twitter: