HINGHAM, Mass. -- The ECEL held its playoffs over the weekend with the Wenatchee Wild and Elite Hockey Academy winning at the 16-U and 18-U divisions, respectively.
There’s a huge disparity in the level of talent among the league clubs, but there are solid prospects throughout the various divisions.
I was at the Pilgrim Arena on Friday to catch some of the action at the ECEL Playoffs. Below are uncommitted prospects who stood out during the day’s action:
Ryan Corcoran
Boston Advantage 18-U, 4/4/02, C, left shot, 5-11/175
Corcoran’s skating and hockey sense are both very good. He plays a complete, 200-foot game and had a nice assist in the first half. He made a nice pass from below the goal line near the right wing corner out to Carson Whitman for a goal.
Aidan Coupe
Elite Hockey 18-U, 1/16/02, RW, right shot, 5-11/175
Coupe had a goal and an assist in his team's 2-1 overtime win over Wenatchee 18-U. He's quick and keeps his feet moving. In overtime, he took a puck away from an opposing defender in the neutral zone before going in alone and scoring on a nice deke.
Nathan Gagne
Ontario Hockey Academy 18-U, 9/11/02, RW, right shot, 5-9/165
Gagne was a little perimeter, but he could absolutely snap off a shot. He scored at least two goals coming down the right wing during Friday afternoon’s tilt against Boston Advantage 18-U.
William Kelleher
Boston Advantage 16-U, 1/15/03, C, left shot, 5-11/180
Kelleher is a big, physical center. He runs around a little and his hockey sense needs some work, but there are plenty of positives. Kelleher scored a goal Friday and also brought a physical element.
Cade Littler
Wenatchee Wild 16-U, 7/12/04, C, right shot, 6-2/190
Littler is a 200-foot center who is heavy on pucks. While he didn’t have a goal, he did a lot of little things like win battles along the wall, including on a sequence that led to a goal for a linemate. His offensive upside might be a little limited, but he projects as a solid bottom six center.Â
Will McDonough
Boston Advantage 15s, 6/18/05, RW, right shot, 5-11/165
McDonough is a goal scoring power forward who plays beyond his years. He doesn’t look remotely out of place as an ‘05 playing up against ‘03s and ‘04s. McDonough has a knack for finding the puck and hangs around the scoring areas. He rang one off the post from the left wing circle during a power play. McDonough has poise and confidence with the puck on his stick.
Mathieu Pelletier
Bishop’s College 16-U, 3/1/05, LW, left shot, 5-7/140
Pelletier is another ‘05 playing up who stands out. He scored a beauty of a goal against Boston Advantage 15s on Friday night. He’s a quick, skilled winger who can make plays and finish.
Dalton Ramsay
Mount Academy 16-U, 2/8/04, D, left shot, 6-2/170
Ramsay is a smooth, rangy defenseman with good size. He does a good job closing time and space on opposing forwards. There’s some significant upside here with his size and physical tools.
Brady Schultz
Elite Hockey 16-U, 7/23/04, D, left shot, 5-10/165
Schultz has above average mobility and puck-moving capabilities. He jumps into the rush, skates well, and has a good hard shot. He could improve his decision making and defensive reads, but he’s an offensive defenseman to keep an eye on going forward.
Rylan Yates
Wenatchee Wild 16-U, 9/23/03, RW, right shot, 5-11/175
Yates is an extremely skilled winger who had a hat trick and added an assist in Friday’s game. He also made a couple of plays that showed off his hands. He can toe-drag and he can make some nifty passes. Offensively, there’s a lot of upside. To make the most out of his talent, Yates will need to play more of an honest game and be engaged away from the puck.
