The hits keep coming for the Ivy League’s hockey playing programs. With the six programs not able to play until at least Jan. 1, the uncertainty has led to some players signing professional deals or committing elsewhere. First, it was All-American defenseman Jack Rathbone, a West, Roxbury, Mass., native and Dexter Southfield alum, who left...
The hits keep coming for the Ivy League’s hockey playing programs. With the six programs not able to play until at least Jan. 1, the uncertainty has led to some players signing professional deals or committing elsewhere.
First, it was All-American defenseman Jack Rathbone, a West, Roxbury, Mass., native and Dexter Southfield alum, who left Harvard to sign an NHL entry-level contract with the Vancouver Canucks.
Multiple reports now suggest two-way center Jack Drury will forgo his final two years of collegiate eligibility to sign a professional contract in Sweden. The Carolina Hurricanes prospect likely was unable to sign with the NHL franchise due to a cap on 50 contracts.
The most pressing concern facing the Harvard coaching staff is securing the commitment of Hingham, Mass., native Matt Beniers. The late ’02 is entering his draft year, which makes his situation more significant. Beniers, a projected top 10 pick in the 2021 NHL draft, played the past two seasons with USA Hockey’s NTDP.
He could play in the USHL with the Chicago Steel, but multiple industry sources suggest Beniers prefers to play college hockey this upcoming season. A very good student, Beniers comes from a family that values education. While Providence was rumored by some to be involved, Beniers is still deciding between staying firm with his commitment to Harvard or going to Boston College or Michigan. If I were to make a guess, he’ll land with the Eagles.
It should be noted that several draft and prospect pundits have suggested other Harvard underclassmen who could bolt for professional hockey. While the situation is certainly fluid, there is the feeling that most of the other notable prospects, including defenseman Henry Thrun of Southboro, Mass., will stay put.
While not on the same magnitude, Brown also received some bad news recently, as ’99 defenseman Matthew Kinash decommitted from the Bears and opted to play for UMass Lowell. The news was first reported by Barry Scanlon of the Lowell Sun.
Kinash, from Edmonton, Alberta, will bring two years of junior hockey experience to the River Hawks. In 95 career regular-season games with Drayton Valley Thunder, Kinash recorded 35 goals and 47 assists for 82 points.
