NHL Combine video: A look at some NCAA players for 2011

Nick Shore, Matt Nieto and Pat Koudys all spent the 2010-11 season in the NCAA with Denver University, Boston University and RPI respectively.

Shore battled through an injury-riddled season, but started to show signs of his potential over the second half. He's a hard-working center who skates well and brings a high hockey IQ to the mix. He comes from a family of hockey playing brothers, with older brother, Drew, already having been drafted (second round- Florida) in 2009. Shore may not have the elite puck skills to be seen as a top-line offensive threat, but he compensates with his smarts, attitude and a desire to be in the middle of the action.




Nieto is an outstanding skater who explodes into top gear in just a couple of strides. He has the speed and shifty moves to back defenses up whenever he revs it up through the neutral zone. The Southern California native who grew up with 2010 Anaheim first-rounder Emerson Etem got off to a slow start at Boston University, but showed off his dangerous side



RPI rearguard Koudys is under the radar this season after having a modest freshman campaign with the Engineers. He has very good size and athleticism- he was a standout two-way defenseman with Burlington of the OPJHL a year ago, so Koudys could be one of those players who ends up making a rapid jump in his development and raises his profile. He's a smart kid and has the physical tools to be a player. Could be a draft sleeper who pays off.