New England Hockey Journal's recap of New England players who competed in the USHL during the 2020-21 season continues with a look at five of the best defensemen from the 2001 and '02 birth years.
Some of these individuals will make the jump to the NCAA in 2021-22, while others are expected to spend another season in junior.
With the COVID-19 pandemic disrupting so many junior leagues around North America, the USHL enjoyed unprecedented success last season, with an influx of pure talent and seasoned, experienced junior-eligible players who were forced to either leave college or other top tier 2 leagues in Canada to play in the USHL.
This top-five list drills down on five defenders (plus one and a goaltender for honorable mention) to keep an eye on in 2021-22 as they continue on their developmental path. The series will continue with analysis of the '03 and '04 birth year players from the region who played in the USHL.
1. John Fusco, Sioux City Westwood, Mass. (Harvard University)
06/13/01, right shot, 5-11/190
The Toronto seventh-rounder in 2020 joined Sioux City from Harvard University after the Ivy League scrubbed the 2020-21 hockey season. A superb skater with a lot of jump and agility; puck mover and power-play weapon. He did a good job of keeping the play in at the offensive blue line and getting pucks to the net. Strong on his skates to mitigate his average size and strength, able to fight through contact and stay with his man. Managed his gaps and employed a disruptive stick to negate plays off the rush. Although he played just 20 games for the Muskies, will be in Cambridge this season. Watch for him to play a sizable role for the Crimson with his wheels, IQ and experience. Playing style compares to: Ryan Ellis
2. Nate Benoit, Tri-City, Bow, N.H. (North Dakota)
11/26/02, left shot, 6-1/185
Played just three games in the USHL, but showed promise. Led Mount St. Charles Academy 18-U team to another successful season, reaching the Tier 1 national championship game. He showed very good mobility and a confidence in handling the puck that should translate into an effective two-way impact with the Storm in a full season. Chippy, feisty player. North Dakota does a good job with its recruits, so Benoit will be primed to get a lot of minutes in key roles this year. He just might have the highest pro ceiling of any player on this list and a sleeper for the NHL draft as a late ’02. Playing style compares to: Neal Pionk
3. Mikey Adamson, Sioux City, Quincy, Mass. (UMass)
08/16/01, left shot, 5-9/170
Like Fusco, Adamson is a product of Dexter Southfield. In 41 USHL games, the diminutive but physical UMass recruit tallied five helpers but played a key role defensively. He took some time to adjust to the speed/pace of the league after coming straight from prep, but by the end of the season impressed with his tenacity and willingness to pay the physical price. Plays bigger than his listed size, but will need to continue to grow and manage the puck better/cut down on turnovers as an overager in the USHL. Playing style compares to: Cooper Zech
4. Mike Brown, Youngstown, Belmont, Mass. (Merrimack)
04/03/01, left shot, 6-2/209
Big, strong defensive defenseman swam in the deep end of the pool on the USHL’s last-place Phantoms team, but improved throughout the year. His skating is OK, but at times he can give up the edge to fast forwards who drive wide with speed — needs to improve his pivots/turns. When the play is below the dots or forwards try to establish position in front of his net, he’s able to use his size and strength to clear them out. Although he’s not the kind of player to point a lot at the junior or college levels, his production should take another jump at Youngstown as a 20-year-old. Playing style compares to: Ben Chiarot
5. Lukas Gustafsson, Chicago, Ashburnham, Mass. (Boston College)
12/16/02, left shot, 5-10/181
The Cushing Academy standout and captain split the season between prep and the USHL. Playing sparingly for the Clark Cup champion Steel (14 games), he showed some longer-term potential in limited junior action. A skilled two-way defender who can move pucks quickly, his footwork has improved and gotten more fluid since his prep days. He has the vision and instincts to read/react on both sides of the puck. Watch for him to have a breakthrough season with Chicago this season. Playing style compares to: Will Butcher
HONORABLE MENTION:
Kyle Chauvette, Youngstown, Goffstown, N.H. (Holy Cross)
10/05/01, catches right, 6-0/160
It was a tough year for goalies in the USHL, and the former Loomis Chaffee School puckstopper posted just four wins in 18 games. However, the future Crusader showed the ability to battle and compete in the wide-open Eastern Conference. He has average size but has the requisite quickness and lateral movement for the position. Needs to emphasize tracking pucks and recovery skills to handle the superior shooters in junior hockey.
Kennedy O’Connor, Omaha, Springfield, Mass. (UMass)
05/10/01, left shot, 6-2/195
Defense-first rearguard and Loomis Chaffee Pelicans captain showed a willingness to embrace the role he had in Omaha. Smart and capable, his skating needs to improve both in his straight-line speed and quick direction changes, but he proved that he can make plays at speed when he gets going. Good stick and warrior’s mentality plus high character and effort made him a respected player by teammates and coaches.
