Quinnipiac University has landed a commitment from USA Hockey NTDP U-18 center Ty Smilanic, a potential first round pick in the 2020 NHL Draft.
Smilanic, who was previously committed to the University of Denver, is a big recruiting coup for the Bobcats' staff. The Elizabeth, Colo., native chose Quinnipiac over a couple of top programs, including North Dakota.
Smilanic was the top uncommitted player available for the 2019-20 season prior to his announcement Wednesday. Back in September, Smilanic was my third rated uncommitted '02 in the U.S.A., behind Matt Beniers (Hingham, Mass.) and Mark Estapa, who have committed to Harvard and Michigan, respectively.
Smilanic plays a pro style, strong, and heavy game. He’ll drive the net with authority and has that explosive stride to power his way past opposing defenders. He can protect pucks and control possession. The Elizabeth, Colo., native has a hard shot and can unleash a wrist shot with solid accuracy. A former Denver commit, a knock on him is that he’s just using college hockey as a pit stop on the way to the NHL. Skill-wise, any school in the country would be more than happy to land Smilanic.
In 13 games played this season, Smilanic has three goals and seven assists. Prior to his selection to play for the NTDP, he played for Little Caesars, Belle Tire, and Colorado Thunderbirds.
Smilanic is a big, power forward who protects pucks, can shoot it, and make plays. Since his final 16-U season, there's been little doubt as to him being a top five American forward in the '02 birth year.
Smilanic was my second ranked forward at the 2018 USA Hockey NTDP Evaluation Camp, only behind Antonio Stranges who plays for the OHL's London Knights.
Smilanic has pro size already and plays a strong, heavy game. He can protect pucks and control possession. He has a hard shot, as evidenced by a wrist shot he laser-rocketed into the back of the net in Monday night’s game. While his skating and offensive skill set is a little behind Stranges, his size and ceiling make him perhaps the most intriguing pro prospect among forwards in this age group.
Earlier in the 2017-18 season while playing for the Thunderbirds, I had Smilanic ranked second from the T1EHL New Hampshire Showcase.
The big center can take over a game with his ability to combine size, explosiveness and skill. He’s physical and he drives the net with the puck. He has that explosive burst that allows him to blow by defenders. He gets a ton of shots on net and generated the majority of his team’s chances.
Under the leadership of head coach Rand Pecknold, Quinnipiac has established itself as one of the top programs in college hockey. Most of that success has come with players who might have been under-the-radar or those who just fit the system.
The commitment of Smilanic is huge for the Quinnipiac program as he could potentially be the first player in school history to be drafted in the first round of the NHL Draft.
