As the college recruiting news has rolled in through August and early September, one name remains on the board: Rian Chudzinski. The former St. Sebastian Arrow turned Dexter Southfield forward had a strong showing at USA Hockey’s Select 17 Camp, posting three goals and four points in six games. He has been dominant with the...
As the college recruiting news has rolled in through August and early September, one name remains on the board: Rian Chudzinski.
The former St. Sebastian Arrow turned Dexter Southfield forward had a strong showing at USA Hockey’s Select 17 Camp, posting three goals and four points in six games. He has been dominant with the Boston Jr. Eagles 18U team this fall.
In terms of college interest, there is quite a bit. He had interest from Hockey East, ECAC, Big Ten and NCHC schools.
Merrimack assistant coach Jimmy Mullin coached the Needham, Mass., native at Select 17 Camp back in June and weighed in on what makes Chudzinski so special.
Skating
Mullin: “Great straight line, strong skater. His skating ability will translate at every level as he keeps getting stronger.”
Shot
Mullin: “Deceptive, hard. I think he’s got a great shot. It’s hard and accurate. He has the ability to change angles to keep the goaltender guessing.”
Hands
Mullin: “He is a hard-skill-type player. He has the ability to be elusive, but his hands and his core strength allow him to play a 200-foot game. His skill-set always came out because he was willing to win battles. His ability to create in hard areas and soft areas is why he was super dynamic during camp.”
Playmaking
Mullin: “I think it’s underappreciated. I believe that Rian Chudzinski is a name a lot of people are going to be talking about over the next year and a half. I really do.”
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Hockey sense
Mullin: “He’s a hockey player through and through. He’s a guy that when you coach him, you appreciate his hockey sense as the game goes on. His ability to play winning hockey makes me believe his hockey sense is super high.”
