NEEDHAM, Mass. — Some of the best 14U prospects in Massachusetts went head-to-head on Thursday night, as the Boston Junior Eagles narrowly took down the Neponset Valley River Rats, 2-1.
Sometimes, there are duds in fall hockey since there are so many games — and that's all right. But this was a game that legitimately lived up to the hype.
It was fast-paced from start to finish. It was physical. Both teams played like there were multiple scouts in the stands — because there were. Many prep coaches were in attendance on Thursday night getting a look at future prep players.
Props to River Rats head coach Dan Panciocco for sending out an email (with line charts!) two weeks ago highlighting this game.
The scoring started midway through the second period when Jameson Needham (Woburn, Mass.) capitalized on a give-and-go near the net, giving the Junior Eagles a lead.
Roughly seven minutes, Sam Lee (Woburn, Mass.) followed the play and knocked in a rebound to extend the Junior Eagles lead to 2-0.
The River Rats made things close near the end when defenseman Brendan Martin (Dedham, Mass.) sifted a shot through from the point with 1:11 left.
Ultimately, the game featured multiple players who will make an impact in the MIAA this winter. Some project to make an impact in prep — both now and in the future.
Here are 10 players who stood out on Thursday night.
Carter Felt
Neponset Valley River Rats, 8/17/10, F, left shot, 5-9/145
Hometown: Natick, Mass.Â
Felt had no problem laying the body. Along with finishing hard hits on the forecheck and in the offensive zone, there was one sequence where he had a 1-on-1 rush on the Junior Eagles net. The play ended with him hitting the defenseman, knocking him back. Felt was able to use his frame to get off the wall and generate chances. He had a prime chance in the slot late in the game, but was stoned by Junior Eagles goalie Jaxson Fleming. He also had smart positioning in the offensive zone, as was evident early in the second period when he picked off a breakout and got a shot on net.
He's an eighth-grader at Kennedy Middle School in Natick this year.
Jaxson Fleming
Boston Junior Eagles, 7/8/10, G, catches left, 6-3/230
Hometown: Waltham, Mass.Â
Aside from Martin's goal that he didn't see through a screen in front, Fleming was perfect. He controlled his rebounds and showcased a great glove. He knew when to be aggressive and cut down shooting angles. He somehow got a glove on Felt's aforementioned chance late. But the big play of the night for Fleming was one of the best saves I've seen this fall. Midway through the second period, he was on his stomach, reached back and denied River Rats forward Jake Guerriero of an open-net goal with his stick. With Fleming's size and technique, I'd expect Division 1 coaches to begin taking notes.
Fleming is an eighth-grader at Catholic Memorial this season.
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Alex Guo
Boston Junior Eagles, 5/5/10, D, left shot, 5-9/160
Hometown: Weston, Mass.Â
Guo was intelligently aggressive for the Eagles. He never wanted to give up the offensive blue line, consistently holding it and keeping pucks in. When he had the puck, he showcased poise and an ability to hold onto it until passing and shooting lanes opened. He had great gap control when defending the rush, too.
He's in ninth grade at Belmont Hill this winter.
Sam Lee
Boston Junior Eagles, 9/29/10, F, left shot, 5-9/150
Hometown: Woburn, Mass.Â
I thought Lee was the best player in the game. He scored the Junior Eagles' second goal on a heads-up play following it to the net. Throughout the night, he drove play with his great hands, dangling around and through River Rats defenders. On a rush in the first period, he went through his legs to get around a defender for a scoring chance. He didn't hog the puck either, using his great vision to find open teammates both off the rush and in the cycle. I also liked his first few steps when he got the puck, generating speed quickly.
He's in eighth grade at St. John's Prep this season.
Jameson Needham
Boston Junior Eagles, 1/6/10, F, right shot, 5-10/150
Hometown: Woburn, Mass.Â
Needham's goal was impressive. Next to the net, he used his frame and great edgework to shield the puck in a small area with pressure from all sides. He passed it behind the net to a teammate and bolted for open ice in front of the crease, getting the puck back and firing in a shot for a goal. Overall, I really liked Needham's compete. He didn't quit on pucks and was impactful on the forecheck.
He's a freshman at Woburn High this winter.
Max Prudovsky
Boston Junior Eagles, 7/29/11, F, left shot, 5-4/125
Hometown: Newton, Mass.Â
Prudovsky was the lone 2011-born player in the game and more than proved he belonged. It was his net drive with the puck to create a rebound that led to Lee's goal. Prudovsky didn't shy away from the corners or high-danger ice at all and proved to be a formidable center with high-end potential.
He's in eighth grade at Dexter Southfield this season.
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Jack Queally
Neponset Valley River Rats, 7/27/10, F, left shot, 6-0/174
Hometown: Milton, Mass.Â
Entering Thursday, I'd heard a lot about Queally and while I don't think he got on the scoresheet, it's clear why he's such a talked-about centerman. He's a good skater who always took smart positioning on the forecheck. Whether he was the first man in, the support or the third-guy high, he was able to extend offensive zone possessions for his team. He had a couple of nice rushes that showcased his speed and hands. He was also very physical.
He's a freshman at St. Sebastian's this season. It wouldn't surprise me if he's an impact player in prep this winter.
Drew Short
Neponset Valley River Rats, 3/14/10, F, left shot, 5-11/150
Hometown: Lunenburg, Mass.Â
Short was a menace on the forecheck, causing occasional fits for Junior Eagles defenders. He used his size well in battles below the goal line. Even when he was chasing down a defender, he continued to use his legs to keep moving to catch up with the defender instead of reaching for him. He showcased his poise with the puck, too, playing a big role in the cycle game.
He's a freshman at Winchendon this year.
Colin Walsh
Neponset Valley River Rats, 8/18/10, F, left shot, 6-0/190
Hometown: Framingham, Mass.Â
Walsh showed himself to be an extremely cerebral player. His vision and passing all over the ice were impressive. Even on trips around the offensive zone with the puck, his head was always up looking for open teammates. Late in the second period, he made a great, heads-up pass to Short for what was almost a goal. Early in the third period, Walsh stayed about the play in the offensive zone, gathered a puck and hit the post.
He's a freshman at Framingham High this winter.
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Nick Ware
Neponset Valley River Rats, 1/5/10, D, right shot, 5-10/148
Hometown: Weymouth, Mass.Â
Ware consistently showed poise with the puck in his own zone on breakouts, which is a vital and tell-tale sign of a young defenseman projecting well. He was elusive, getting away from pressure and finding open ice to skate into. He routinely took the puck out of his zone himself and rushed it, gaining offensive zone entries.
He's a freshman at Catholic Memorial this season.
