In the first installment of the story, we took a look at 10 forwards who elevated their stock this summer.
They did so in numerous ways, whether it be at local festivals, Select Camps or at the Foxboro Prep League. For some, it was about boosting stock to be recruited by colleges. For others, it was about getting higher on the list of NHL teams for future drafts.
The same is true for local defensemen and goalies who raised their stock.
Here are five defensemen and goalies who boosted their stock this summer.
READ MORE: 10 forwards who elevated their stock during the summer
Zach Ericson
Seacoast Performance Academy 16U, 7/15/2006, G, catches left, 5-11/170
Hometown: Yarmouth, MaineÂ
Zach Ericson was outstanding at Select 17 Camp, guiding the New England District to being the No. 1 team. Along with being the backbone in net of the No. 1 team, Ericson finished No. 1 in save percentage, posting a dazzling .927 over six games. His 2.60 goals-against average ranked eighth. He posted respectable numbers last winter with Seacoast Performance Academy's 16U team — a 3.01 GAA and a .903 save percentage — but his performance at Select 17s takes him to a whole new level. From my time watching him, his best attributes were his athleticism and ability to track pucks.
Elliot Groenewald
Bishop’s College School Varsity, 2/4/2006, D, left shot, 6-2/185
Hometown: Bellows Falls, Vt.
NCAA: QuinnipiacÂ
Showing well at Select Camp goes a long way, and Elliot Groenewald did that back in June at Select 17 Camp. He was a two-way force with a great stick and terrific skating, serving as the New England District's top defenseman en route to winning the event. His strong play in Amherst, N.Y., earned him a spot at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup camp. The biggest way in which his performance at Select 17 Camp improved his stock was in terms of the 2024 NHL Draft, which he is eligible for and is a strong candidate to be selected.
Carson Mertz
Mount St. Charles 15U, 2/19/2008, G, catches left
Hometown: Coventry, R.I.Â
When the winter ended, Carson Mertz had already made a name for himself as a great netminder with the Mount St. Charles 14U team, posting a 1.90 goals-against average and a .925 save percentage. But his strong play continued at Select 15 Camp where he ranked third in save percentage in the event with a .927. His 3.00 GAA ranked inside the top 10, too. He was at his best, however, in the Foxboro Prep League championship when he stood up to much older competition and helped Team Omicioli edge out a 2-1 win over Team Buckley. He's quickly establishing himself as one of the best '08 netminders in the country.
Cole Pouliot-Porter
Xaverian, 7/24/2006, G, catches left, 6-1/168
Hometown: Wrentham, Mass.Â
Cole Pouliot-Porter's stock was already high after carrying Xaverian to the MIAA Division 1 final, but he still had that extra bit to prove — how would he perform against the best players from around the state? He was outstanding, putting up a great performance at the Mass. Hockey Festival. He was the only '06 Massachusetts goalie to make the Select 17 Camp right out of the festival. Then it became how would he do against the best players from around the country. In Amherst, N.Y., which is where the camp was held, he ranked second among all goalies in save percentage (.922) and seventh in goals-against average (2.38).
He will play for Xaverian again this winter and should have Division 1 coaches at his games.
Kristofer Soja
River Rats 15U/Nobles, 3/11/2008, D, left shot, 5-8/150
Hometown: Ludlow, Mass.Â
At the Mass. Hockey Festival, Kristofer Soja proved his ability to be one of the most dynamic defensemen in the '08 birth year. His fleet feet and great edgework allowed him to break the puck out on his own and zip past forecheckers. That also allowed him to gain the offensive zone and use his good skill to make scoring chances happen. That led him to be tied for sixth in points at Select 15 Camp where he tallied one goal and six points over four games. He should be effective at Nobles this winter.
