Continuing New England Hockey Journal’s breakdown of the top prospects in the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) by birth year, here is a look at the top 2001-born players in high school hockey for the 2017-18 season: 1. Brian Carrabes #24 St. John’s Prep, Soph., F, Shoots Right Carrabes is a speedster who made USA...
Continuing New England Hockey Journal’s breakdown of the top prospects in the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) by birth year, here is a look at the top 2001-born players in high school hockey for the 2017-18 season:
1. Brian Carrabes
#24 St. John’s Prep, Soph., F, Shoots Right
Carrabes is a speedster who made USA Hockey Select 16 Camp last summer out of Florida. He’s a terrific skater who can create offense with a stellar individual skill set. The one weakness of his game at this point is moving the puck and involving teammates more, but his skating, athleticism and puck skills are good enough that he’s receiving interest from Boston University and several other Hockey East programs.
2. Mikey Adamson
#6 BC High, Soph., D, Shoots Left
Adamson is an undersized defender, but he skates well and plays tough. Despite his size, he’s not afraid to step up and deliver a big hit. He plays with confidence as evidenced by his pinching to keep the puck in the zone on the game-winning goal in overtime of the Super 8 final. His offensive upside is limited, but his skating and compete level are both very good for his age group.
3. Connor Blanchard
#5 Waltham, Soph., F, Shoots Right
Blanchard played center for the MIAA Division 1 State Champions. He scored a few big goals, including a game-winner to beat previously undefeated Central Catholic during the regular season. He’s on the smaller side, but he’s quick, crafty and creative. He can make plays and he has the acceleration to get to loose pucks.
4. Nick Cafarelli
#19 Austin Prep, Jr., F, Shoots Right
Cafarelli didn’t have the best season as the Cougars underperformed in their first season without Louis Finocchiaro behind the bench. He’s an average skater with above average vision and hockey sense. He sees the ice well and can make plays. He’s a player who needs to move on to the prep level to challenge himself and see where his game truly stands.
5. Matt Horan
#17 Methuen, Soph., F, Shoots Right
Horan earned some buzz in the Merrimack Valley/Dual Conference this season. In one viewing at the Massachusetts’ Division 2 North Tournament, he played his off-wing and excelled. He’s quick and could be a decent playmaker at the prep school level.
Honorable Mention:
Matthew Fiorenza (Soph., D, Reading), Connor Doherty (Jr., F, Lowell Catholic), Jake Higgins (Jr., D, Hingham), Drew Malatesta (Soph., F, Arlington), Anthony Mesuri (Soph., F, Arlington), Thomas Milne (Soph., F, Arlington Catholic), Michael Tersoni (Jr., F, Framingham), Matt Ryan (Soph., F, Xaverian)
