Forwards
Jack Eichel – Fr Boston University – Eichel is the best pro prospect the entire NCAA has had in a few years, he’s as one and done as it gets in NCAA D1 hockey. Noticeable every shift, Eichel is supremely skilled and has good size, a blue chip pro prospect in every regard. Also leads the nation in points.
Kevin Roy – Jr Northeastern – The best forward on the team since he arrived, Roy is a strong NHL prospect. The 93′ from Quebec had 104 points in the USHL prior to his NCAA career in which he has averaged better than a point per game every season. Roy doesn’t have great size, but his skill level is there, he’s a 4th rounder for Anaheim, he will have a contract off at the end of this season.
Danny O’Regan – Jr Boston University – A dual citizen (US and Germany), O’Regan has become a solid all around player in his three seasons with the Terriers. San Jose drafted him in the 5th round (San Jose has a history of selecting German players in the draft). O’Regan should have a chance to play in the AHL this year and could earn a spot with the Sharks for 15′, he could also come back for another season.
Mike Paliotta – Sr Vermont – A big, solid defenseman that can jump in offensively, Paliotta is a great NHL prospect. He came to Vermont from the USNTDP, played immediately, and has gotten bigger and better, he’ll be in the AHL by the end of the year and could see time with Chicago (70th overall in 11′ Draft) next season.
Robbie Russo – Sr Notre Dame – Like Paliotta, he came to the NCAA from the USNTDP and played intermediately, unlike him, Russo is a bit smaller. The 93′ from Illinois is a seasoned offensive defenseman and will have a chance in with Islanders (95th overall in 11′) organization.
Jon Gillies – Jr Providence – It was important for Gillies to have a strong season, he was the starter for the US World Jr. Team in 14′, he’s big and skilled, great attributes in any goaltender. Gillies has a great chance with Calgary, the organization that drafted him 75th overall in 12′. Gillies is about 6’5-225 and quick, he will have an opportunity to play professionally at the end of the season.
Noteables
Brett Seney – Fr Merrimack – Seney is a 96′ and eligible for this year’s draft. He’s undersized, but having a highly productive season. The skill level is there, he’s producing as one of the youngest players in the league, expect a high draft selection. A London, ONT native, Seney came to Merrimack from Kingston in the OJHL.
Transfers Excel
Trevor Mingoia and Frank Vatrano were each highly recruited forwards. Mingoia was a 92′ on some really good Syracuse Stars teams, strong producer for Berkshire in the prep ranks, and good enough to go straight to Union a team building toward an NCAA Title run. Well, he only ended up playing in 18 games, it was a tough lineup to get into, and he spent some time in the USHL prior to transferring to Providence. (Providence coach Nate Leaman used to coach Union.) He’s now had a two productive seasons for the Friars and is one of the team’s top contributors.
Frank Vatrano was a big time scorer with the Boston Jr Bruins and tore up the Empire league when he was 4 years younger than half the league. (like Jack Eichel). He was highly recruited by Boston College and starred with the USNTDP. Vatrano ended up not playing any games with the Eagles, went back to his Jr. Bruins organization and ended up with UMass. Good for them, it’s great to see it going well for those two players.