7 uncommitted 16U standout defenders from Beast Columbus Day Showcase

FOXBORO, Mass. — For the long weekend, various teams from all over the country descended into New England for the Beast Columbus Day Showcase.

I focused primarily on the 16U age group, which is interesting given the implications. Many are on the cusp of being big-time prep school players if they aren't already.

There's also always the hope of a Division 1 commitment.

Here are all the teams I got a chance to see this weekend:

• Black Bear Academy
• Long Island Gulls
• Neponset Valley River Rats
• Northern Connecticut Nor'Easter Storm
• Pittsburgh Vengeance
• South Hill Panthers
• South Shore Kings (Damon)

We've already covered 10 standout uncommitted forwards from the event here. So, here are seven uncommitted standout defensemen and goalies from this past weekend.

Michael Domina

Black Bear Academy, 2008, D, left shot, 6-3/223
Hometown: Severna Park, Md. 

Domina was the star for Black Bear Academy — at least on Saturday against the River Rats. He scored a goal on a scramble in front of the River Rats net that ended with him depositing a loose puck. He was also effective in his own zone, using his size to be a physical presence and clear the front of the net. He blocked shots, and when he had the puck in his own end, he made smart passes to get his team going in transition.

EASTERN HOCKEY FEDERATION: 12 uncommitted 18U standout forwards | 9 uncommitted 18U defenders

Phin Howard

Neponset Valley River Rats, 1/30/08, D, right shot, 5-11/170
Hometown: Newton, Mass. 

One of the cool things about watching 16U hockey is watching players on the verge of a prep breakout season — that's Howard. His blend of speed and puck movement from the blue line are impressive and an improvement from last season. On Saturday against Black Bear Academy, he read a play well and earned a breakaway that he almost finished for a goal. He makes smart passes on the breakout and in the neutral zone to spring offense. He will be at St. Mark's this winter.

Matthew Koch

Northern Connecticut Nor'Easter Storm, 1/30/09, D, left shot, 6-1/174
Hometown: New York, N.Y. 

Koch is an '09 playing up with the 16U Nor'Easters, and he has proved he belongs. On Saturday, he showed poise with the puck in all situations and aggressiveness when holding the offensive blue line, as well as stepping up at his own. Koch was also deployed on the top power play defensive pairing with Jett. With his frame and playing up, he's a Division 1 prospect. He will be at Avon Old Farms this winter.

Connor Kotwicki

South Shore Kings, 2008, G, catches left, 5-9/150
Hometown: Franklin, Mass. 

Despite falling to the South Hill Panthers, 3-0, on Saturday, Kotwicki was the reason the game was close. He robbed the Panthers of what looked like a sure goal late in the first half when he went post-to-post to stop a 2-on-1. He was aggressive when he needed to be, getting out to the top of his crease to make saves and see through traffic. He made a big stop on a point-blank shot at the start of the second half. He's at Xaverian this winter.

David O'Brien

Long Island Gulls, 3/29/08, D, left shot, 5-7/141
Hometown: Weymouth, Mass. 

I've long been a fan of O'Brien's game and that was on display Sunday. He showed off his good skating when retrieving pucks from behind his own net. He made smart passing plays to get his team going up ice. Even when bigger players were on top of him, O'Brien used his body and fleet feet to create separation. He was also solid when walking the offensive blue line with the puck.

Ian Sherman

Neponset Valley River Rats, 5/13/08, D, left shot, 6-0/190
Hometown: Brooklyn, Conn. 

Sherman probably won't ever wow you with highlight-reel goals and passes. But the Pomfret defenseman just gets the job done. He has a great stick in his own zone, defending the rush and the front of his own net adequately. He got down and blocked shots. When the right opportunity opened up, he would skate the puck himself or else he looked for a smart, simple pass.

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Kris Soja

Neponset Valley River Rats, 3/11/08, D, left shot, 5-11/185
Hometown: Ludlow, Mass. 

Soja was extremely active in the offensive zone, often acting as a fourth forward. He quarterbacked the power play well, looking for creative passing options. He has a hard shot that he utilized from the point and it takes a lot to knock him off the puck. He can also play the game at high speeds. He should be a key cog for Nobles this winter.