Linden Alger hasn’t taken the path most traveled when it comes to many budding college hockey stars in the region.
The Centerville, Mass., native has come up through the Boston Bandits program in the USPHL instead of playing high school or prep hockey like many other top players in New England. Because of that, he’s gone a little under the radar.
However, there is nothing about Alger’s game that should keep him in the shadows for much longer. The 6-foot-3, left-shot defenseman is an intriguing prospect who certainly has the potential to play college hockey.
Alger is in his second season with the Bandits’ USPHL NCDC team, the top level of junior hockey in New England. Despite being a young team, the Bandits have fared reasonably well through the first two months of the season.
“The season is going well. We have a really young team with 17 rookies. We just got a fresh start with only five or six returners. It started off slow, but the guys are starting to come together. I like what we got,” said Alger, whose team plays in the 12-team NCDC.
Alger has the unique opportunity of playing for his father, Rich Alger, a former collegiate player at Boston University. Rich is in his second season as head coach of the Bandits.
“He’s just Coach when we’re on the ice. He doesn’t take anything home. He obviously has high standards for me, but he doesn’t favor me. I’m just another player to him,” Alger explained.
Having a father who played hockey at a high level can benefit a young player who might be taught some of the intricacies of the game that others might not be exposed to on a daily basis growing up.
“He’s always told me to just play with confidence. I’m really hard on myself. He always says to have fun and the game is meant to be fun. There’s no reason to be so hard on yourself,” said Alger of the advice he hears most often from his father.
In addition to being a big defenseman, Alger has good instincts and vision. While not much of an offensive defenseman, Alger tries to jump into the rush when he can while prioritizing his own end.
“I’m a hybrid defenseman. I see the ice pretty well. I have good hands. I like to mix in some offense, but defense first,” said Alger. “I’m a bigger guy. Be physical and block shots. I try to play that role, but also take the offense when I can.”
As a 2000-born defenseman, Alger still has two years of junior eligibility after this season. He’s going to continue trying to improve on areas of his game that need to be refined in order to make it to the next level.
“I’m trying to work on my foot speed. That’s been a battle for so many years. Getting shots through. Making a pass when it’s open. Not overhanding it,” said Alger.
Improving one’s foot speed isn’t an easy task, especially for a bigger player. Alger says he’s just trying to give it his all and let the rest take care of itself.
“I try to work on it every day. Every drill. Give it 110 percent. Do everything hard. Playing with older guys who are faster helps,” said Alger.
Alger, who has grown up just over an hour away from Boston, always has been a Bruins fan. While he said he tries to play a similar style to former Boston defenseman Johnny Boychuk, his favorite player in the spoked B uniform is a center.
“Probably (Patrice) Bergeron. He’s low key. He’s one of the best players in the NHL but he plays a well-rounded game,” said Alger.
With Alger’s sights set on playing college hockey, he’s open-minded when it comes to what program he’d like to join in a year or two.
“I’d play anywhere. I want to get an education, but I’ve talked to some schools. I’m hoping to get a deal done sooner than later. If not, I’ll just stick to the process,” said Alger.
Around the USPHL
As of Oct. 19, the Boston Junior Bruins were tied for first place with a record of 10-1-0. The New Jersey Hitmen had the same amount of points, 20, as Mike Anderson’s team.
Northeastern commit Robby Griffin of Burlington, Mass., was the third leading scorer in the league, but tops of any player from within the region. The Junior Bruins center had two goals and 16 assists through 11 games. Smithfield, R.I., native Matt Allen is close behind with six goals and 10 assists in 11 games.
Walsh off to hot start in USHL
Boston College commit T.J. Walsh is now with the Des Moines Buccaneers after playing the two previous seasons with the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders. The left wing from Shrewsbury, Mass., is the only New Englander to be averaging a point per game or more through a month of the USHL season. Walsh has four goals and four assists through the first seven games.
