Providence College has received a commitment from Gentry Academy 16-U center Bennett Schimek, one of the best ‘03s in the United States.
The Mendota Heights, Minn., native had previously been committed to Miami, but switched his commit to the Friars. When he gets to Providence, he’ll be joining his older brother, ’01 defenseman Will Schimek, who also committed this past week.
The younger Schimek has been tearing up the competition this season. In 19 NAPHL 16-U games, he has 29 goals and 41 assists. He’s also fared well in numerous showcases, including the USHL Fall Classic.
Bennett Schimek led the USA Hockey Select 16 Player Development Camp in scoring this past July. In five games, he had eight goals and six assists. He’s a smart, skilled center who is expected to make a huge offensive impact when he gets to Providence.
Will Schimek is playing his first season of junior hockey in the Alberta Junior Hockey League with the Grand Prairie Storm. The St. Thomas Academy alum has three goals and three assists in 25 games.
Zabaneh commits to BU
Former Michigan commit Nicholas Zabaneh has switched his college allegiance to Boston University, it was learned last week. The Toronto, Ontario, native has six goals and 11 assists in 25 games this season with the USHL’s Green Bay Gamblers.
Zabaneh is in his second season with Pat Mikesch’s team after previously playing midget hockey for the Toronto Marlboros and one junior season with the OJHL’s St. Michael’s Buzzers. Zabaneh, an ’01, will likely matriculate to BU for the 2020-21 season.
Holy Cross lands Cicero
Buffalo Jr. Sabres right-shot forward Alec Cicero has committed to Holy Cross. The Buffalo, N.Y., native has 16 goals and 20 assists in 28 OJHL games this winter. A product of the organization’s youth program, Cicero will bring a solid offensive skill set to the Crusaders. The ’01 could head to HC for either 2020-21 or 2021-22.
Cipollone leaves UVM
Sophomore forward Joseph Cipollone has left the University of Vermont and entered into the NCAA transfer portal. The ’99 from Purchase, N.Y., had three goals and one assist in 13 games this season for the Catamounts.
A Loomis Chaffee alum, Cipollone scored nine goals and added seven assists in 36 games as a freshman. Cipollone played one season in the USHL with the Tri-City Storm prior to arriving in Burlington.
According to multiple college sources, he wanted a change of scenery and hopes to land at a college program closer to his home. Quinnipiac would appear to be the frontrunner to land Cipollone.
Gale de-commits from Dartmouth
Former Deerfield star goaltender Thomas Gale has de-committed from Dartmouth. The Kirkland, Quebec, native has has a .941 save percentage in 23 games with the USPHL NCDC’s Boston Junior Bruins this season. According to two sources, Gale is being recruited by Boston University among other Hockey East schools.
With the Terriers’ precarious goaltending situation, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Albie O’Connell and his staff elect to bring in Gale for the second semester. It has been speculated around the rinks for over a month that BU was looking to bring in a goalie at the break. The other potential goaltender for Boston University is Asher Abel from the Okotoks Oilers in the Alberta Junior Hockey League.
Norwell, Mass., native and U.S. NTDP U-18 goaltender Drew Commesso is slated to arrive next September. It's a difficult situation for BU as it will be hard to convince a goaltender to come in now knowing that he likely wouldn't be the projected starter in 2020-21.
