USHL/NHL Top Prospects Game rosters revealed

Three of the top 2016 NHL Draft-eligible prospects from the United States Hockey League, forwards Max Zimmer of Chicago, William Knierim of Dubuque and defenseman Andrew Peeke of Green Bay, highlight a list of 40 players invited to the 2016 USHL/NHL Top Prospects Game.

The USHL released the rosters for Team East and Team West on Monday in conjunction with NHL Central Scouting. The game will be played Tuesday at Ralston Arena in Omaha, Neb.

The 2016 game will be the fourth USHL/NHL Top Prospects Game, following a record-setting 2015 NHL Draft that saw 37 USHL players selected.

"After a record-breaking NHL draft in 2015 in which no junior league in the world had more draft picks than the USHL, this should be a momentous year for the league and the USHL/NHL Top Prospects Game," USHL president and commissioner Bob Fallen said. "By being selected for the event these players have already captured the attention of NHL scouts, and the game provides them another opportunity to be evaluated among the best talent in their age group."

Zimmer and Knierim, who will play for Team East, and Peeke, who will play for Team West, received B ratings skaters on NHL Central Scouting's November players to watch list.

Zimmer, a 5-foot-11, 175-pound left wing, has four goals and 15 points in 29 games this season. He's committed to the University of Wisconsin for the 2017-18 season.

Knierim, a 6-2, 207-pound right wing, has seven goals and 15 points in 26 games. He's planning to play next season for Miami University.

Peeke, a 6-2, 209-pound right-shot defender, (6-3, 209), has three goals, 15 points, 55 shots on goal and a plus-2 rating in 28 games. He'll play next season at the University of Notre Dame.

"The USHL/NHL Top Prospects Game provides a unique opportunity for the management and scouts of the 30 NHL teams to view the top USHL talent available for the 2016 NHL Draft," said Dan Marr, NHL Director of Central Scouting. "The prospects are encouraged to showcase their skills and abilities among their peers in this competitive and entertaining environment that brings out their best."

In the three-year history of the event, the USHL/NHL Top Prospects Game has featured 46 players who were selected in the NHL draft. Forward Kyle Connor, taken by the Winnipeg Jets with the 17th pick of the 2015 draft, is the highest drafted player selected.

Lincoln coach Chris Hartsburg will coach Team West; Dubuque coach Jason Lammers will coach Team East.