How would you describe yourself as a player? Are there any NHL players you emulate?
“I consider myself a smaller forward who likes to play big and create chances with my speed and physicality. A little rough in the corners and create chances for my teammates. I like to play a little rough in the corners, be gritty, and create chances for my teammates using that.
“I think the biggest part of my game is my speed, so that’s why I like (Connor) McDavid so much. I try to use my speed like he does and create offensive chances.”
What is your favorite hockey memory?
“Beating the Minuteman Flames (while playing for Top Gun in the EHF). It was probably Squirts. They had something like a 300-0 record and we were the only team to ever beat them, so that stands out.”
As a New Hampshire native, was the prep school route always on your radar?
“My brother, Joe, went to prep school first. I always wanted to play hockey with him at some point in my life, so deciding to go to prep was best for my family and my situation with school and hockey. I was playing juniors before and I was all over the place with plane trips, so coming to prep school really got me organized, kept me on a schedule, and helped me become more well-rounded.”
How big an influence was your brother in the decision?
“I knew he liked it his first year, while I was playing U-16. Talking to him and getting feedback from him really helped me make my decision to go to New Hampton.
“I kind of grew up following in his footsteps and looking up to him as a hockey player. The decisions he made kind of impacted mine, so I tried doing what he did mostly. We always played for Top Gun, the U-16 (New Hampshire Junior) Monarchs, and then went on to prep school. Now, I work out with him every day, too, so we’re always playing hockey together.”
How do you feel that your game has grown the most at New Hampton?
“Probably my defensive zone and responsibilities in my own end. Coach Casey (Kesselring) helped me figure out how to play my best in the ‘D’ zone, staying between the net and the puck, and just how to stay responsible in my own end.”
What is it like playing for Casey?
“He wants us to play a physical style of hockey. It’s hard to play for him at some points, but he kind of makes it easy with his systems and plays. He gives us the tools to do it, so we just have to go out and do it, execute it. If you’re playing well, you play, and if you’re not playing well, you don’t, so you really have to earn everything with Casey.”
What is the biggest lesson you’ve taken from him?
“Probably to keep the play in front of me and realize that I’m fast enough to make plays and catch up to the plays instead of being in front. So, really, just using my speed and helping me create chances with my speed.”
New Hampton is a place with a pretty strong tradition in numerous sports, and there are several other Division 1 commits on your hockey team. How exciting is it to be part of that overall athletic culture?
“Like you said, New Hampton has a really rich culture. It helps because the whole school gets behind you and people come out to see your games. You’re not playing for yourself, you’re playing for a school. It puts more meaning into it, competing to win for your school. I’m friends with about five hockey players in my dorm, but then there are kids on the mountain biking team, lacrosse players, basketball. We get to hang out with everyone a little bit.”
You had a great showing at USA Hockey Select 17 Player Development Camp. How has that experience helped your development as a player?
“I think playing in the national camps really helped me because they gave me a bigger view. I got to see myself against the rest of the country, how I place across it. Moving into the season, it gave me a little bit of confidence and helped me with my commitment. I learned a lot from the coaches there. It was a great experience.”
This summer, you also announced your college commitment to UMass. What attracted you to Greg Carvel’s program?
“I loved the coaching staff. They were really good to me, reached out a lot and kept in contact. The campus itself is really nice. I’m a big fan of the rink (Mullins Center) because I wanted to play on a big surface to use my speed. And I liked how they had two rinks — a practice rink and a game rink. My mom also went to UMass Amherst, so there’s a little bit of a legacy.”
Key facts
Hometown: Windham, N.H.
Team: New Hampton School
Pos.: F
Year: Junior
Committed to: UMass
Favorites
Pregame meal: Pasta or chicken parm
Favorite rink besides your own: “Salem Icenter. That’s where I grew up playing.”
Practice drill: 2-on-1s
Food: Chicken
Vacation spot: Florida
Musician: Migos
Song: “Huncho Dreams”
TV show: “Ozark”
Video game: Fortnite
Sports movie: “Miracle”
Sport other than hockey: Tennis
Team: Boston Bruins
Player: Connor McDavid
Non-hockey athlete: Tom Brady
Article of clothing: Hat
Equipment
Stick: CCM
Helmet: Bauer
Gloves: Bauer
Skates: Bauer
