With the 2018-19 hockey season in the rearview and junior camps in full swing, now is a good time to look at the top uncommitted, 2001-born prospects in New England.
As most readers know, college hockey recruiting is its own unique beast. Several ‘01s from the region will be headed to college come September while others could conceivably still be in prep school or have three years of junior eligibility remaining. Earlier in the week, NEHJ provided a list of the top uncommitted '00s.
While many of the region’s top ‘01s are already committed, there remains a few players in this age group who could be classified as late-bloomers or players who have slipped through the cracks previously. The following players will likely land a home in Division I or Division III college hockey.
Top Uncommitted ‘01s
Jacob Banks
Cushing, 3/27/01, LW, Left Shot, 5-10/165
Banks played a top six role for much of the season with the Penguins. The Westminster, Mass., native had 16 goals and 11 assists in 33 prep games. He’s a high-energy player who succeeds on the penalty kill through hard work and grit. Going forward, he’s more of a bottom six player who can kill penalties and play with a chip on his shoulder.
Matt Connor
Lawrence, 5/31/01, D, Left Shot, 6-2/220
Connor, hailing from Amherst, N.H., has always been a physically mature, rugged defender. He likes to throw his weight around. His hockey sense, always considered a weakness in his game, has gotten better. He was one of the most improved defenders in prep hockey this past winter.
Matt Cormier
Rivers, 2/20/01, RW, Right Shot, 5-10/160
The Waltham, Mass., native had 20 goals and 22 assists in 31 games this past winter for the Red Wings. He’s a smaller forward, but he plays with pace and can make plays. He uses his quickness to gain separation from opposing defenders and create on the rush.
Eamon Doheny
Deerfield, 1/6/01, D, Left Shot, 6-1/192
The Lunenburg, Mass., native has always been a solid defensive, defenseman, but he added somewhat of an offensive element this season for the Doors. Doheny had eight goals and 10 assists as he jumped into the rush more and more. He’s a quality defenseman that will make the right college program better.
John Fusco
Dexter, 6/13/01, D, Left Shot, 5-11/150
Fusco is a strong, athletic defender who has battled injuries. He had five goals and 11 assists in 20 games at Dexter this winter. His feet have gotten better, but if they continue to get better, he could make a very good defender in the ECAC. There have been some rumors that he’s committed to Harvard to follow in the footsteps of his father and uncle, both Hobey Baker Award winners at the school. However, nothing official has come out.
Cade DeStefani
Northern Cyclones (NCDC), 6/21/01, C/RW, Right Shot, 6-1/165
In 51 USPHL NCDC games between the Junior Bruins and Northern Cyclones, Destefani registered 10 goals and 14 assists. The Bedford, N.H., native has the skating and skill to be a college hockey player, but needs to take the puck to the hard areas in order to truly get the most of his abilities.
Frankie Ireland
Junior Bruins (NCDC), 2/6/01, LW, Left Shot, 5-8/154
Ireland is on the smaller side, but he brings energy and plays with an edge. In his first full season of junior hockey, the Longmeadow, Mass., native posted 12 goals and added six assists in 41 USPHL NCDC games.
John Hagan
Canton, 9/7/01, RW, Left Shot, 5-11/170
Hagan was the top player as the Bulldogs had an undefeated season that culminated in a state championship. Hagan is a complete player with good athleticism. His skating and skill level are both solid for the high school level.
Ben Raymond
Dexter, 8/22/01, C/LW, Left Shot, 5-11/170
In 30 prep school games, Raymond potted 18 goals and added 12 assists. He has good speed and seemingly finds his way onto the score sheet at the prep level. Going forward, he’ll have to use his speed to play more of a bottom six role.
Kevin MacKay
Dexter, 4/25/01, D, Left Shot, 6-0/185
MacKay had four goals and 11 assists in 30 prep games while serving as captain at Dexter. His skating and compete level are his top two attributes. His hockey sense needs improvement, but he can skate well enough to recover when he does make a mistake at the prep level. He’ll make a good addition for a NAHL or NCDC team.
Stephen Willey
Trinity-Pawling, 3/26/01, RW, Right Shot, 6-0/190
Willey, from Shelton, Conn., had 11 goals and nine assists in 24 prep school games for Bobby Ferraris’ team. He’s a big-bodied winger who can be a solid, north-south winger who kills penalties and plays long and physically.
