The 2018 Crimson Combine took place last Thursday and Friday at Harvard’s Bright-Landry Hockey Center, showcasing some of the top 2004-born prospects throughout North America.
Past Crimson Combines have been a great indication of future success. Looking back over the past few years, the ‘01s featured Matthew Boldy (BC), Marshall Warren (Harvard), Spencer Knight (BC), Trevor Zegras (BU), Dominick Fensore (BU), and Sean Farrell (Harvard), all players who now play for the U.S. National Development Team Program. John Farinacci (Harvard), Derek Mullahy (Harvard), Robby Griffin (Northeastern), Lynden Breen (Maine), and Chase McInnis (Northeastern) were other ‘01s that participated in that year.
The 02’s included Matt Beniers, Drew Commesso (BU), Alex Gaffney (Harvard), Dylan Peterson (BU), Stephen Davis (BC), Cole Shepard (Harvard), Cole Perfetti (Michigan), Nick DeSantis (Miami), John Opilka (St. Cloud), and Jarod Crespo (Penn State).
Last year’s event, the ‘03s, featured Ryan St. Louis (Northeastern), Jack Hughes (Northeastern), Paul Davey (BC), Tyler Boucher (BU), along with some top players who are still uncommitted: Cole Huckins, Tim Delay, Liam Gilmartin, Nick Wallace, Ryan Ufko and William Elias.
Credit goes out to Harvard assistant Rob Rassey, head coach Ted Donato, and former associate head coach Paul Pearl, who is now at BU, for always putting together such a top-notch showcase.
Back to this year’s event, here is a look at the future with the top performers from the 2018 Crimson Combine. Keep in mind that there was a very short window to view these players and there is still plenty of growth and development to go. This post is strictly to give prep coaches, agents, college coaches and hockey families an early look into some of the top players at this event.
The first six players are the three forwards, two defensemen and one goaltender who stood out the most. Following that there will be others who impressed in an honorable mention category.
