NTDP names seven to Under-17 Team

Forwards Connor Chatham (Shiloh, Ill.), J.T. Compher (Northbrook, Ill.), Hudson Fasching (Apple Valley, Minn.) and Brandon Shea (Marshfield, Mass.), along with defensemen Will Butcher (Sun Prairie, Wis.), Steve Santini (Mahopac, N.Y.) and Scott Savage (San Clemente, Calif.) have committed to join USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program for the 2011-12 season.

The players, all from the 1995 birth year, will compete as members of the U.S. National Under-17 Team.

“These seven players will serve as the building blocks for the U.S. National Under-17 Team and represent our largest group of commitments prior to our evaluation camp,” said Ryan Rezmierski, director of player personnel for the NTDP. “Their decision shows that the National Team Development Program is the destination for elite athletes.”

During the 2010-11 season, Chatham skated for the St. Louis Blues Midget Minor team. In limited action due to an injury-shortened season, he tallied two goals in four games in Tier I Elite Hockey League action.

Compher competed for Team Illinois Midget Minor of the Tier I Elite Hockey League and recorded 39 points (17-22), including three power-play goals, two shorthanded tallies and four game-winning goals.

Fasching comes from Apple Valley (Minn.) High School, where he notched 35 points (16-19) in 25 games this season. His five game-winning-goals led the squad.

Shea played for Noble and Greenough (Mass.) School of the Independent School League in New England during the 2010-11 campaign. The forward ranked third on the team with 34 points (16-18) in 27 games.

Butcher skated for the Madison (Wis.) Capitols of the Tier I Elite League. As a defenseman, he led the team with 30 points (10-20) and five power-play goals in 34 games.

During the 2010-11 campaign, Santini played for the New York Apple Core of the Eastern Junior Hockey League and recorded 17 points (3-14) in 44 games.

Savage competed for the LA (Calif.) Selects Midget Minor team of the Tier I Elite Hockey League. He led team defensemen with 24 points (4-20) through 31 games.