The 2018 Massachusetts Hockey Boys CCM High Performance Final 40 brought together the top players in the state from the 2001-2003 birth year, excluding the '01s and '02s who are with USA Hockey's NTDP. It was just a week removed from the Festival, but it allowed for another close-up look at how players are progressing in the development cycle.
Massachusetts Hockey picks its participants in this summer's USA Hockey Player Development Camps in Buffalo, N.Y. from the Final 40. Without further ado, here are the top 2003 prospects, with notes on how they performed over the weekend and a prognosis of their future potential.
Editor's Note: Rankings and a review of the '01s and '02s will be posted separately.
Forwards
1. Jack Hughes
#14 Blue, Junior Eagles, Left Shot (NCAA: Northeastern)
The Westwood, Mass., native is the only committed player in the state among this age group. He's the younger brother of 2018 NHL Draft prospect Riley Hughes and the son of former Middlebury star and NHLPA agent Kent Hughes. Jack is a great skater with slick hands which allows him to control possession and make plays just about every shift. He has a very good first step and speed overall. His vision is above average. He makes good passes from below the goal line out to the points or to the slot to find his linemates. He scored a nice wraparound goal on Sunday to show off his explosiveness.
