ATTLEBORO, Mass. — Four Midget major (18-U) teams took to the ice at the New England Sports Village over the weekend to showcase their talent in front of NHL scouts and Division 3 college coaches.
The Cape Cod Whalers, Boston Imperials, Hitmen Hockey Club and Neponset Valley River Rats each played three games over the course of three days. The Whalers were clearly the best team of the four, winning all three games.
NHL scouts from the Boston Bruins, Pittsburgh Penguins, Minnesota Wild and possibly other organizations made their way to Attleboro for the games. While Division 1 college coaches aren’t allowed in the rinks, several were undoubtedly watching the action on LiveBarn.
Below is a look at three standout performers from the Cape Cod Whalers and two each from Boston Imperials, Hitmen Hockey Club and Neponset Valley River Rats. Players are listed in alphabetical order.
Michael Bencivengo
Hitmen HC, 12/29/01, left shot, 5-11/174
Bencivengo had a goal and an assist in Friday’s game, then came back with another tally Saturday. As an ’01, he was older than all of his competition. Still, the New Haven, Conn., native displayed quickness, shiftiness and nice touch. He’s a senior at Brooks School.
Joe Bennett
River Rats, 12/1/03, LW, left shot, 5-9/170
Bennett scored a goal in each of his team’s first two games on the weekend. The Cohasset, Mass., native isn’t the prettiest skater, but he finished and was around the puck a lot. Bennett, who is at Cushing, does a good job hanging around the dirty areas and having a knack for the net.
Brendan Dumas
Cape Cod Whalers, 8/28/02, C, right shot, 5-10/180
Dumas had a couple of goals in Friday’s win over the River Rats. The St. Sebastian’s senior plays hard, competes for loose pucks and goes to the greasy areas. He’s involved in the play and forces turnovers. From North Attleboro, Mass., Dumas will get a Division 1 commitment down the road.
Brendan Fennell
Boston Imperials, 8/19/02, C, left shot, 5-10/190
Fennell had a goal in Friday’s win over Hitmen Hockey Club. From Melrose, Mass., there likely wasn’t a stronger player among the four teams here. He’s able to win battles, hold on to pucks and create time and space for his teammates. A star quarterback on the Melrose High football team, Fennell looks like a linebacker out on the ice. His skating needs work, but he’s an athlete who is very good at the Midget and high school levels.
Donovan Frias
Boston Imperials, 11/9/04, C, left shot, 6-3/194
Frias had a strong showing this weekend. He scored a goal in Friday’s game, and he brought size and a physical presence to the ice. He’s got some length and can make plays below the dots. From Hudson, Mass., Frias is in his second year as a student at St. George’s.
Andrew King
River Rats, 4/28/03, LW, left shot, 5-9/155
King had three assists on the weekend, including two in Saturday’s game against Hitmen Hockey Club. He skates well, has skill and is able to use his speed to create offense on the rush. His line with center Clarence Beltz and right wing Joey Zheng was the fastest I saw all weekend. The Dubuque, Iowa, native needs to bulk up, but there is Division 1 potential. He is a ‘C’-rated player for the 2021 draft, per NHL Central Scouting. King was slated to play for Lawrence Academy this season after spending 2019-20 with Sioux Falls Power 16-U.
Tristan Mecenas
Cape Cod Whalers, 11/18/02, G, catches left, 6-4/220
Mecenas was the best goaltender during the six games. He has good size, moves well and keeps things pretty quiet in the crease. From Mount Airy, Md., he’s one of the better uncommitted ’02 goaltending prospects in the country. Mecenas is in his second season at Governor’s Academy.
James Tepper
Cape Cod Whalers, 2/20/02, RW, right shot, 6-0/175
Tepper scored a goal against the River Rats Friday night then potted four Saturday vs. Boston Imperials. The Shrewsbury, Mass., native is fun to watch. He’s scrappy, plays with an edge, gets under opponents’ skin, and goes to the dirty areas. He has a good shot and can score, as he showed this weekend. The Proctor senior will either be an elite NESCAC player or a fringe player at the Division 1 level.
Cole Paredes
Hitmen HC, 11/5/01, RW, right shot, 5-8/175
Paredes has good skill and scored a couple of goals on the weekend. I’d expect him to land a spot on the roster of a NESCAC or other top academic program in Division 3 following his graduation from Berkshire this spring.
