There are quite a few solid prospects, committed and uncommitted, among the ‘03s in prep school hockey.
The prep school circuit lost three elite ‘03s to USA Hockey’s NTDP as Tyler Boucher (Avon Old Farms), Jack Hughes (St. Sebastian’s) and Ryan St. Louis (Brunswick) are all now playing for the U-17 team in Plymouth, Mich.
That being said, there are still several ‘03s in prep hockey that will have a significant impact on the 2019-20 season. Here’s a look at the top 62 prep school hockey players born in 2003.
Forwards
1. JP Turner
Avon Old Farms, 1/31/03, C, right shot, 5-10.25/186
NCAA commit: New Hampshire
Turner was the top player for the River Rats 16-U this fall. His feet have gotten better and he’s continued to have that hard shot and ability to be heavy on pucks, especially below the dots. He’ll look to build upon his 13-point campaign last winter, his first in prep.
2. Matt McGroarty
Brunswick, 1/30/03, C, right shot, 5-10/159
NCAA commit: Quinnipiac
McGroarty continues to be one of the most underrated players in this age group. He’s a good skater that plays a 200-foot game. He hunts pucks and goes to the greasy areas. He can facilitate offense from the wall and he can drive the net for scoring chances. The Westport, Conn., native was terrific in the New England District Tournament for Mid Fairfield 16-U.
3. Cullin Wilson
Dexter, 3/12/03, C/LW, left shot, 5-11/180
Wilson, from Hingham, Mass., had 10 goals and 19 assists in 30 games last winter. He’s versatile with the ability to play wing or center. He’s heavy on pucks and can make plays from the wall. He sees the ice well and he has a hard shot. Wilson played for the Boston Jr. Eagles 16-U this fall.
4. Tim Delay
St. Sebastian’s, 6/16/03, RW/C, right shot, 6-0.25/162
NCAA commit: Boston College
Delay is an elite skater with very good hands. The Hingham, Mass., native had three goals and nine assists last winter. To take the next step in his game, he’ll have to play more between the dots and show an ability to slow the game down. Delay played for the Boston Jr. Eagles this fall.
5. Daniel Sambuco
Gunnery, 6/10/03, C, left shot, 5-11/192
NCAA commit: Providence
Sambuco joins the prep circuit from the ISS Kings youth organization. From Springfield, Pa., he’s a hard, north-south power forward. He’s heavy on pucks and relentless on the forecheck. His habits will have to improve in order to make the most out of his ability. Sambuco spent this fall with Yale Jr. Bulldogs 16-U.
6. Paul Davey
Avon Old Farms, 1/11/03, LW, left shot, 6-0.5/164
NCAA commit: Boston College
Davey is a tall, lanky winger with the physical tools to be able to take over a game offensively. He has length and the skill to put touch on his passes from the wall or send a laser to the back of the net. After a 24 point season at Brunswick, Davey transferred to the Winged Beavers. The Greenwich, Conn., native played for Mid Fairfield 16-U this fall.
7. Jack Musa
Trinity-Pawling, 7/22/03, C, left shot, 5-8/150
Musa had a big fall with the North Jersey Avalanche, earning himself a spot on the Fargo Force’s affiliate list. He’s on the smaller side, but he’ll look to take a step at the prep level in his second season with T-P.
8. Matt Copponi
Dexter, 6/4/03, C, right shot, 5-9/140
After two seasons at Mansfield High School, Copponi is joining the prep circuit. A standout in the fall for the River Rats 16-U, Copponi can play in all situations. He has good hands and can produce, but he hunts pucks and can kill penalties.
9. Shane Lachance
Tabor, 8/30/03, LW, left shot, 6-2/180
Lachance is moving from Andover High School to prep. A big winger, he might take some time, but he’ll evolve into a solid power forward over the next couple of seasons. He was with the River Rats 16-U this fall.
10. Brendan Gorman
St. Sebastian’s, 2/17/03, C, right shot, 5-9/134
Gorman has taken a step in his game over the past several months. He showed he has some skill a few times over the fall with the Boston Jr. Eagles. He’s willing to go to the greasy areas and can hunt pucks. The Arlington, Mass., native will have a bigger role this season with the Arrows.
11. Nick Roukounakis
Thayer, 9/8/03, LW, left shot, 6-1/227
NCAA commit: Boston University
Roukounakis, who spent the fall with Boston Jr. Eagles 16-U, had six goals and nine assists last season while with Thayer. He’s heavy on pucks and has the ability to use his size and strength to win battles for loose pucks and space in front of the net.
12. Oliver Flynn
Loomis Chaffee, 6/13/03, LW, left shot, 5-11.75/164
Flynn, from Wolcott, Conn., burst onto the scene last March at the NED Festival. He had a strong showing at USA Hockey Select 16 Camp and earned a commit to UConn. This will be his first season in prep after spending two falls with Yale Jr. Bulldogs.
13. Michael Cataldo
St. Sebastian’s, 5/4/03, RW, right shot, 5-11/165
Cataldo, who spent the fall with Cape Cod Whalers 16-U, will be in his first season on the varsity at St. Sebastian’s. He’s a rugged winger who is heavy on pucks. The Norfolk, Mass., native can shoot it, too.
14. Massimo Gentile
Governor’s, 7/2/03, C, left shot, 5-7/151
Gentile is a speedster who came down to Governor’s from Lac-St. Louis Lions in Quebec. He impressed in several viewings of the Top Gun/NEFPHL 16-U this fall.
15. Cooper Flinton
St. Paul’s, 8/16/03, LW, left shot, 6-2/205
Flinton, from Auburn, N.H., is a big power forward who can shoot the puck hard. He can bring it physically. He’s getting better and at the very worst will be a college player who can grind and chip in offensively from a bottom six role. Flinton played for Northern Cyclones Prep 16-U.
16. Billy Norcross
Cushing, 3/16/03, C, right shot, 5-11.25/167
NCAA commit: Boston College
Norcross had a solid summer that included making USA Hockey’s roster for the Five Nations Tournament. The Lynn, Mass., native was the fourth line center for the Penguins last winter, but should probably center one of the team’s top six lines in 2019-20. He was with the Eastern Mass Senators 16-U this fall, except for time missed with an injury.
17. CJ Monturio
Thayer, 2/21/03, RW, right shot, 5-8.75/166
NCAA commit: Army West Point (lacrosse)
Monturio missed a lot of time this fall after suffering an injury at Select 16 Camp. The Weymouth, Mass., native is a multi-sport athlete who competes hard and skates well. He can play in all situations and is a far better hockey player than he is sometimes given credit for. Despite his commit to Army West Point for lacrosse, he should be on the radar of Hockey East schools.
18. Vincent Gould
Dexter, 2/11/03, RW, right shot, 6-2/200
Gould, who played for the East Coast Wizards 16-U this fall, is a power forward who can shoot it hard and control possession below the dots. His feet are coming along, but it’s still a work in progress.
19. Ziv Deener-Chodirker
Rivers, 1/4/03, C, right shot, 5-10/160
Deener-Chodirker was one of my favorite players of the fall season as he played really well for the Boston Jr. Eagles 16-U. He’s not going to be a dynamic offensive threat, but he’s fast, blocks shots, and kills penalties. His compete level is high on every shift.
20. Jared Mangan
Trinity-Pawling, 4/8/03, LW, left shot, 5-8.75/140
Mangan, who played this fall with North Jersey Avalanche 16-U, has a really good stick and is an above average skater. He should contribute offensively right away as he makes the move from full season midget in Buffalo to the prep circuit.
20. Charlie McGurrin
Phillips Exeter, 12/5/03, LW, left shot, 6-3/175
McGurrin, from Marblehead, Mass., has played some defense in the past, but looks to be a solid power forward while on the left wing. His size and strength allows him to drive the net and protect pucks. He was really good in one of the team's preseason games.
21. Ryan Remick
Kent, 4/14/03, LW, left shot, 5-10/146
NCAA commit: Maine
Remick is a speedster from New Jersey who has played some hockey in Canada, as well. He makes plays and had a couple of good viewings this fall with Yale Jr. Bulldogs 16-U.
22. Cole Eichler
Salisbury, 3/28/03, RW, right shot, 5-10.75/191
Eichler is heavy on pucks and can shoot it hard and with accuracy. The Don Mills Flyer product needs to improve his skating, but his goal scoring ability stood out this fall with Yale Jr. Bulldogs 16-U.
23. Cole Watson
Kent, 4/21/03, RW, right shot, 6-0.5/167
Watson, from London, Ontario, is a big power forward who can score goals. He spent the fall playing for the Yale Jr. Bulldogs 16-U.
24. Jackson Coutu
St. Mark’s, 1/9/03, C, right shot, 5-11/175
NCAA commit: Providence (lacrosse)
Coutu hovered around a point per game last season at St. Mark’s. The Lions will be deeper this winter, but the Upton, Mass., native should be a solid threat. Committed to Providence for lacrosse, he played for the Cape Cod Whalers 16-U this fall.
25. Joe Bennett
Thayer, 12/1/03, LW, left shot, 5-9/170
Bennett stood out in the Massachusetts State Playoffs as he scored a goal in seemingly every game for the River Rats 16-U. He’ll be a nice secondary scoring option for Thayer this winter.
26. Patrick Neal
Avon Old Farms, 2/12/03, LW, left shot, 5-8/175
Neal was up to his usual tricks with Mid Fairfield 16-U this fall. He’s rugged, goes to the net, and can finish. He’s physically mature and able to hold his ground, despite being shorter than many opposing defenders.
27. Joe Luff
Gunnery, 1/4/03, RW, right shot, 5-6/138
Luff will be a prep newcomer after playing previously for Dallas Stars Elite. He spent the fall with Yale Jr. Bulldogs 16-U and impressed in a couple of viewings.
28. Cameron Sullivan
St. Mark’s, 2/22/03, RW, right shot, 5-11/135
After excelling for Division 3 Westborough High School, Sullivan is making the jump to prep. He’s a good skater and has been solid in a few showcases throughout the past two seasons.
29. DJ Walsh
Millbrook, 1/27/03, C/LW, right shot, 5-7/155
After producing large numbers the last three seasons with the Long Island Gulls, Walsh has come to the prep school ranks. He had a solid fall with the River Rats 16-U, including scoring a few key goals along the way.
30. Coleman Jenkins
Tabor, 5/11/03, C, right shot, 6-2/170
Jenkins is heading to the Seawolves after a season with South Shore Kings 16-U. The Mansfield, Mass., native had a solid fall for the River Rats 16-U.
31. Anthony Cafarelli
Lawrence Academy, 4/16/03, C, right shot, 5-8/165
Cafarelli, from Middleton, Mass., is transferring from Cushing to Lawrence. On the smaller side, he has some good offensive skill with the puck on his stick. He played fall hockey for the River Rats 16-U.
32. Zach Glass
Thayer, 2/14/03, RW, right shot, 5-11/165
Glass is back for his third season at Thayer. A good skater, he’ll look to build on his nine point campaign last year. The Weymouth, Mass., native played fall hockey for Cape Cod Whalers 16-U.
Defensemen
1. Drew Tsakounis
Avon Old Farms, 7/15/03, D, left shot, 5-8.75/159
NCAA commit: Penn State
Tsakounis played big minutes as a youngster at AOF last winter. A breakout machine, his feet and puck skills are off the charts. He can jump into the offensive attack on the rush and man the point on the power play. His defensive game is a work in progress, but he has the puck on his stick a lot.
2. Brendan Fitzgerald
Governor’s, 3/6/03, D, left shot, 5-10.5/147
I’ve said it a lot, but it’s true. Fitzgerald is unfairly compared to his two older brothers. The North Reading, Mass., native is a good player in his own right and will prove it again this winter with Governor’s. A repeat sophomore, he played for the Islanders HC 16-U last season and the Boston Jr. Eagles 16-U this fall.
3. Tyler Rubin
Belmont Hill, 1/10/03, D, left shot, 5-8/134
NCAA commit: Princeton
Rubin was one of the hottest commodities of the summer, due to his elite feet and breakout ability. The Wayland, Mass., native had Hockey East interest, but opted for the Tigers of Princeton. His defensive play is a work in progress, but his feet are top of the class. Rubin played for the Boston Jr. Eagles all fall.
4. Will Killoran
Belmont Hill, 1/30/03, D, right shot, 6-2/180
Killoran always intrigued me with his size and physicality, but he took his game to a whole new level this fall with the East Coast Wizards 16-U. He’s mean and hard to play against. Very few opposing forwards get by him. If schools don’t get on him quickly, they’ll likely be disappointed in a few years.
5. Will Elias
St. Sebastian’s, 1/28/03, D, right shot, 5-10.75/164
Elias is a “steady Eddy” on the blue line for the Arrows. He’s a solid skater with a good stick and makes smart, simple plays. There are areas of his game that need honing, but he’ll get a lot of minutes this winter. He was on the Boston Jr. Eagles 16-U this fall.
6. Aiden Lyons
Nobles, 2/26/03, D, left shot, 5-9/163
Lyons, from Brookline, Mass., has elite feet and very good puck skills. It allows him to be an impact player on the rush. His hockey sense and play away from the puck needs improvement. He spent the fall playing for the Boston Jr. Eagles 16-U.
7. Ethan Mistry
Milton, 2/4/03, D, left shot, 5-7.5/158
Mistry, a Don Mills Flyers product, had a strong fall with the River Rats 16-U, earning him some Ivy interest from Harvard and Dartmouth, among others. He’s a very good skater who moves pucks north.
8. Patrick Morrissey
Dexter, 1/7/03, D, right shot, 5-10.5/158
Morrissey was a solid contributor all fall for the River Rats 16-U. The Canton, Mass., native sees the ice well and can move pucks to create offense. His feet are an area of his game that could use improvement. He’ll be a key guy, whether on the power play or on breakouts for Dexter.
9. Declan Loughnane
Thayer, 11/22/03, D, right shot, 5-11.25/194
Loughnane comes over to Thayer after starring at BC High. He scored the game-winner in the fourth overtime of last March’s Super 8 title game. The Milton, Mass., native has good offensive instincts and can jump into the attack. He played for the Cape Cod Whalers 16-U this fall.
10. Thomas Goguen
Belmont Hill, 2/27/03, D, right shot, 6-3/170
Goguen has bounced back and forth between defense and forward, but spent much of the fall with East Coast Wizards 16-U and the preseason at Belmont Hill on the blue line. He has good size and athleticism. He played the point on the top power play unit and can shoot it hard. There’s some upside here.
11. Matt Fusco
Dexter, 3/7/03, D, right shot, 5-9/175
Fusco slid under the radar with an injury and eight defenders at Dexter last winter. He’ll see more ice time this winter with two key blue liners gone. Fusco played fall hockey for East Coast Wizards 16-U.
12. Connor Chalmers
Kimball Union, 8/30/03, D, right shot, 5-11/170
Chalmers didn’t get a lot of ice time as a freshman last season, but he should get more this winter. He’s a great skater who has above average puck skills and can bring a mean streak. His hockey sense is a work in progress. The Windham, N.H., native played fall hockey for Top Gun/NEFPHL 16-U.
13. Charlie Andriole
Loomis Chaffee, 4/19/03, D, left shot, 5-8/153
Andriole, a first year prep player, has Division I skating ability. His hockey sense will need to improve, but he showed an ability to move pucks while skating for Yale Jr. Bulldogs 16-U.
14. Nick Bernardo
Kimball Union, 5/13/03, D, right shot, 5-8/165
NCAA commit: Brown
Bernardo, a P.A.L. Islanders product, is a smaller, puck-moving defenseman who played fall hockey with Top Gun/NEFPHL 16-U.
15. Tye Scott
Salisbury, 1/1/03, D, left shot, 6-1.25/163
The Mississauga Rebels product was an 11th round pick in the OHL Priority Selection. He’ll be a first year player at Salisbury.
16. Callum Chau
Salisbury, 4/30/03, D, left shot, 5-10/160
Chau is an offensive-minded, puck-moving defender that is coming down to Salisbury from the Halton Hurricanes in Ontario. Chau spent the fall with Yale Jr. Bulldogs 16-U.
17. Joe Fleming
Proctor, 6/19/03, D, right shot, 5-11/190
Fleming, from Wellesley High School, will give a boost to the Proctor blue line with his offensive instincts and physical play. His feet are an area of his game that needs improvement. Fleming played fall hockey for the Boston Jr. Eagles 16-U.
18. John Burdett
Brunswick, 2/11/03, D, right shot, 6-5/185
Burdett, who played fall hockey with Mid Fairfield 16-U, is a big defenseman with some potential upside.
19. Chase Ramsay
Avon Old Farms, 6/10/03, D, right shot, 5-10.5/171
Ramsay sometimes goes under the radar while in prep and at Mid Fairfield 16-U, but he’s a solid defenseman worth watching to see if he develops.
20. Jan Olenginski
Loomis Chaffee, 3/23/03, D, right shot, 5-5.5/163
Olenginski is in his first season of prep. A good skater, he played fall hockey for Yale Jr. Bulldogs 16-U.
21. Nick Donaldson
Berkshire, 1/3/03, D, right shot, 6-0/200
Donaldson is a good-sized defender with the ability to play the power play at Berkshire. He’ll need to improve his skating and find his identity as more of a shutdown type going forward.
22. Luke Sullivan
St. Mark’s, 2/22/03, D, left shot, 6-1/155
Sullvan, like his twin brother, Cam, is coming to the Lions from Westborough High. He’s a mobile, puck-moving defenseman who can push the pace in transit.
23. Silas Van Vranken
Berkshire, 9/19/03, D, left shot, 6-3/185
Van Vranken is a Cardigan Mountain product who stood out at NED Festival for his raw ability as a big defender.
Goaltenders
1. Max Donoso
Salisbury, 6/11/03, G, catches left, 6-0/165
Donoso comes down to Salisbury from Ontario where he played for the Windsor Jr. Spitfires. A fifth round OHL pick, he’ll look to push returning starter Nick Haas.
2. Conor Callaghan
Avon Old Farms, 3/2/03, G, catches left, 5-10/178
Callaghan has always been underrated, due to his lack of prototypical size. He’s a competitor in net and always seems to make key saves. He’ll be an upgrade in net for the Winged Beavers. He backstopped Mid Fairfield 16-U to a New England title this fall.
3. Zak Brice
Kimball Union, 1/25/03, G, catches left, 5-11/165
NCAA commit: Arizona State
Brice is a smaller goalie who has quick reflexes and plays better than he’s given credit for. The Little Caesars product will get some minutes behind starter Veeti Kohvakka.
4. Conor Sullivan
Rivers, 11/3/03, G, catches left, 6-2.5/164
Sullivan earned an invite to NTDP Evaluation Camp last March. He has good size and tools, but he’ll need to become more consistent. Sullivan spent the fall with the Boston Jr. Eagles 16-U.
5. Greyson Pane
Westminster, 8/2/03, G, catches left, 6-3/171
Pane has the size and tools, but needs to challenge shooters more and avoid the soft goals. He’ll likely be the starter for the Martlets after playing with Yale Jr. Bulldogs 16-U this fall.
6. Ryan Kazmouz
Dexter, 8/30/03, G, catches left, 5-9/141
Kazmouz played for the Boston Jr. Eagles 16-U this fall. He’ll be the backup to Dylan Silverstein at Dexter.
7. Shane Shelest
Phillips Andover, 5/5/03, G, catches left, 6-2/185
The Quebec native and Lac-St. Louis Lions product will be the backup to Charlie Archer at Phillips Andover this winter. He impressed a few times with Top Gun/NEFPHL 16-U.
