Top U.S. talent set for All-American Prospects Game

PITTSBURGH, Pa. -- The puck drops for the second annual CCM/USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game on Thursday at Consol Energy Center.

Pittsburgh Penguins coach Dan Bylsma will drop the ceremonial first puck at center ice prior to the 7 p.m. ET face-off.

Mark Johnson and Joe Mullen, both former members of the NHL's Pittsburgh Penguins, will each coach a team. The game will feature two players from Pennsylvania, Philadelphia's Tony DeAngelo (Sarnia Sting, OHL) on defense and Wind Gap native Ed Minney (USNTDP, USHL) in goal. Both players, each considered "B" prospects on NHL Central Scouting's preliminary players to watch list, will star for Team Mullen.

"It's a tribute to all the programs from where these players have come from," USA Hockey's assistant executive director of hockey operations Jim Johannson told NHL.com. "I hope the addition of this game helps continue to raise the bar for programs and aspiring players. We want players to say, 'Gee, I want to play in the Prospects Game.' I hope it's another step on the ladder in the development of our players. It's a great first step and, again, we expect a great turnout and the players to put on a good performance."

The rosters for Team Johnson and Team Mullen will feature 40 of the top American-born prospects eligible for the 2014 NHL Draft.

NHL.com will have full coverage of the event, including special exclusive blogs from goalie Thatcher Demko of Team Johnson and forward Seamus Malone of Team Mullen.