Watching prep teams around the circuit in 2021-22, we’ve taken note of uncommitted players of various ages who are performing well, but you might not have heard much discussion about.
Up front, the ever-improving two-way center Michael Cataldo (Norfolk, Mass.), who scored a hat trick against Andover this week, is under the radar compared to others around the prep scene. There is KUA defenseman Luke Clarner (East Burke, Vt.) and Dexter goalie Alex Mickanin (Southfield, Mass.), plus other unheralded players at all positions still looking for commitments.
We’ll break down the prospects who have shown potential to be value-added to the myriad college programs out there looking to build their future rosters.
Forwards
Will Blackburn
KUA, 3/20/03, C, left shot, 6-0/190
Quebec import and senior center is a smart, engaged player who brings versatility and production. Already committed to the Vernon Vipers of the BCHL for 2022-23, a forward-thinking school could secure a two-way center that will be able to play a lot right away with the expected seasoning in juniors.
Cooper Boulanger (Barre, Vt.)
Holderness, 7/8/03, left shot, 5-10/170
The senior can just fly, and his production has soared with his game-breaking speed and ability to get in behind defenses. Whatever he lacks in ideal size, there is room for a player with his skating and natural scoring touch at colleges around the region.
Ben Buckley (Warwick, R.I.)
St. George’s, 2/8/05, C, right shot,
Size, solid all-around game and advanced details have been keys in Buckley getting off to an excellent offensive start for the Dragons. He’s not as flashy as other prep hockey forwards but is similar to his older brother and Holy Cross commit Ryan Buckley in terms of being a well-rounded player
Michael Cataldo (Norfolk, Mass.)
St. Sebastian’s, 5/4/03, C, right shot, 6-1/200
With his heavy-on-pucks style and high motor, he’s not a dynamic first-line scorer but can do a lot of the little things for any team he’s on. He’s aware, strong in the faceoff dot, plays an honest north-south style, finishes his hits, and scores most of his goals/points in the greasy areas of the rink. He can score at even strength or while killing penalties. What’s not to like?
Jake Kraft
Kent, 4/26/03, C, left shot, 5-7/165
Undersized pivot lives up to his name. The New Yorker is crafty, skilled and plays with pace. He’s been scoring at a good clip and uses his lower center of gravity to roll off of checks and get through high traffic areas. He’s not a wrecking ball like Novo is but brings more offensive creativity and upside to the table.
Ryan Novo
Frederick Gunn, 2/5/04, LW, left shot, 5-8/170
Small but fierce winger brings a junkyard dog mentality to the ice and plays a highly disruptive, agitating style. Whatever he lacks in pure skill and game-breaking ability, he makes up for it with grit, tenacity and an opportunistic knack for generating key offense.
Defensemen
Luke Clarner (East Burke, Vt.)
KUA, 1/10/05, right shot 6-1/170
Big, mobile but raw blueliner plays with good length and has some intriguing longer-term D-1 potential. He’s athletic and moves well, with room to clean up some slushy footwork, but he has real power in his stride. Activates and supports the play well. When he keeps it simple, he gets results.
Bobby Corkery (Providence, R.I.)
Andover, 2/26/04, right shot, 6-2/190
Big, athletic defender in first year of prep has been solid, if unspectacular, but takes care of his own end with some bite. In a recent game against St. Sebastian’s, he stood out for his range, ability to close quickly, take the body and use his stick effectively to break up plays and even kickstart the transition game. He’s not flashy but looks like someone who can help a program that has to recruit smarter, not harder.
Brian Grant (Mansfield, Mass.)
Nobles, 3/18/04, right shot, 6-1/175
With his good size and athletic skating, Grant pops when he’s out on the ice. He’s an untamed wild colt at times, grabbing the puck and going, but with his wheels, he’s able to cover up deficiencies at this level. There might be something to the thought that he’d make an intriguing power forward at the next level, but for now, he should offer enough raw material to attract a D-1 offer at some point.
Goaltenders
Max Lacroix
Governor’s, 3/16/04, catches left, 6-0/165
The junior, a Colorado native, is the grandson of the late Pierre Lacroix, the former Quebec Nordiques and Colorado Avalanche general manager. He’s an athletic puck stopper who tracks pucks well and has impressed in several starts this season. With his academic acumen, he would be a good fit in the Ivy League.
Alex Mickanin (Hopkinton, Mass.)
Dexter Southfield, 8/11/03, catches left, 6-1/190
A strong summer prep league gave way to successful fall play, carrying over to the new Dexter season. He’s got enough size, plus the ability to make patient and athletic saves to keep opponents off the board. As he continues his progression this season, more and more college teams looking for a goaltender with the tools and mental makeup to be successful at the next level will take note.
Conor Sullivan (Westborough, Mass.)
Rivers, 10/1/03, catches left, 6-3/190
Big, fluid and agile veteran prep player has the tools to play college hockey. Though still pretty raw, there is some long-term pro upside if he can get to the right kind of program that will be patient and develop him after he concludes his prep career in 2022.
