DEDHAM, Mass. -- Lawrence Academy’s overwhelming talent advantage over Nobles was on full display Wednesday as the Spartans crushed the hosts, 8-2, at Flood Omni Rink.
After Nobles got out to a 1-0 lead on a goal from Merrimack commit Casey Severo, the momentum swung towards Lawrence. John Riggins found the back of the net twice to give the Spartans a 2-1 lead after 18 minutes.
The onslaught started in the second period when LA notched four goals before adding three more in the final period to take an 8-1 lead. Nobles added a tally in garbage time to make the final score 8-2.
About a half dozen NHL organizations were represented in the stands, including four Boston Bruins scouts. The Bruins are hosting their midyear scouting meetings this week. Defenseman Braden Doyle and winger Tyler Young were the reason for the NHL presence in the building.
Doyle, a Boston University commit, had a goal and two assists while Young, committed to Providence, had a goal.
Scouts and others in attendance were treated to quite a performance from Lawrence right wing Sam Colangelo, a late ‘01 who isn’t eligible until the 2020 NHL Draft. The Stoneham, Mass., native had two goals and had to have about 10 shots on goal. The Northeastern commit is certainly stating an early case to be a first round pick in 2020.
Scoring Recap
1-0 Nobles, 3:50 1st
Severo rushed into the zone and slipped the puck through the five-hole of Lawrence goaltender Brandon Milberg. Yale commit Ryan Stevens and Jack Cronin picked up the assists.
1-1 Lawrence, 6:43 1st
Following a faceoff win by Conor Lovett, Riggins tipped home a shot from the right point by Kyle Furey.
2-1 Lawrence, 15:34 1st
Doyle jumped into the rush and brought the puck into the attacking zone. After a shot from Holt Oliphant, Riggins was there to collect the rebound and deposit the puck into the back of the net.
3-1 Lawrence, 1:44 2nd
Providence commit Riley Duran and UNH commit David Sacco executed a two-on-one to perfection. Duran, skating down the left wing, gave a perfect feed to Sacco who was driving the far post. He easily put the puck in the net.
4-1 Lawrence, 10:13 2nd
The Spartans cashed in on a two-man advantage. Colangelo blasted home a one-timer from the left wing circle after a pass down from Bentley commit Drew Bavaro who was manning the point.
5-1 Lawrence, 16:09 2nd
Sacco was going behind the net from left to right before sending out a pass to Young who was waiting in the slot. His quick release had the puck in the back of the net before the goaltender could even get positioned.
6-1 Lawrence, 6:02 3rd
After a faceoff win, LA moved the puck around quickly and UNH commit Connor Sweeney shot it into the net. Colangelo and Matt Connor picked up the assists.
7-1 Lawrence, 9:49 3rd
Doyle made a great individual effort, swooping in on net and lifting a shot right under the bar. It showed off his terrific hands. Bavaro and Colangelo had the assists.
8-1 Lawrence, 11:52 3rd
Another power play goal for Colangelo. Standing along the wall, he received a pass from Doyle at the point. He took a stride or two before unleashing a cannon of a slap shot that hit the goaltender before finding the twine.
2-8 Nobles, 16:09 3rd
David Jacobs scored a nice goal to cap the scoring. At the left wing circle, he ripped a shot that beat Milberg high blocker on the short side.
2019 NHL Prospect Notes
Braden Doyle
#7 Lawrence, 8/24/01, D, Left Shot, 5-11.5/167
NCAA Commit: Boston University
Doyle wasn’t as active in the rush as he sometimes is, but he was very effective. He jumped into the rush and his transition skills led to goals and great chances. His skating isn’t elite, but it’s certainly above average. What is elite is his puck skills. He has slick hands, which allows him to make great passes and he had that highlight reel goal late in the game. He has a good stick defensively and has the ability to close quickly at this level.
Tyler Young
#9 Lawrence, 5/8/01, LW, Right Shot, 6-0/160
NCAA Commit: Providence
Young had a nice goal on a quick release after getting the puck from behind the goal line. He was noticeable a few times on the evening, playing his off-wing. He’s probably not a draft pick now, but his hockey sense and shot can get him a look down the road as a free agent. He should be a good college player for the Friars.
2020 NHL Prospect Notes
Sam Colangelo
#16 Lawrence, 12/26/01, RW, Right Shot, 6-2/204
NCAA Commit: Northeastern
Colangelo can shoot the puck. That’s what will gain him significant attention as a potential first round pick in 2020. He can fire it from anywhere. He shoots it hard and accurately. He has the length to protect pucks and he had to have had at least 10 shots on goal in the game. He also made a great pass to Young. That part of his game is often underrated because of his goal scoring prowess.
David Sacco
#18 Lawrence, 1/3/02, C, Right Shot, 6-0/185
NCAA Commit: New Hampshire
Sacco has played wing in some viewings this winter, but he was at center today. He had a goal and an assist. He’ll drive the net and he’s good below the dots. He’s extremely strong and loves to throw his weight around. He finishes every check. He’s not the elite prospect Colangelo is, but he’s a draft pick in 2020.
Lawrence Academy Lines
20 Connor Sweeney - 10 Ethan Bastien - 16 Sam Colangelo
9 Tyler Young - 18 David Sacco - 4 Riley Duran
23 Holt Oliphant - 3 Conor Lovett - 24 John Riggins
7 Braden Doyle - 11 Matt Connor
22 Drew Bavaro - 25 Kyle Furey
2 Griffin Delaney - 15 Ridge Hubbard
33 Brandon Milberg
Nobles Lines
25 Ryan Stevens - 19 Casey Severo - 9 Jack Cronin
12 David Jacobs - 11 Will Zink - 7 Robert Lapsley
4 William Keating - 15 Owen O’Connor - 18 Christopher Pickreign
3 John Murray - 23 Pierce Kenney
10 Aiden Lyons - 27 Colby Bailey
1 Marc Smith
30 Robert Repenning
