For the last few years, there was one player throughout New England who was continuously lauded for keeping his feet moving. That high motor and quickness in small areas finally landed ‘01 Liam Devlin a college commitment. On Friday, it was announced that the St. Sebastian’s junior had verbally committed to play college hockey for...
For the last few years, there was one player throughout New England who was continuously lauded for keeping his feet moving.
That high motor and quickness in small areas finally landed ‘01 Liam Devlin a college commitment. On Friday, it was announced that the St. Sebastian’s junior had verbally committed to play college hockey for the University of New Hampshire.
Devlin, from Needham, Mass., had a fairly good showing at the USA Hockey Select 17 Player Development Camp this summer, scoring once and assisting twice. UNH coaches continued to keep close tabs on him into the fall season with Boston Junior Eagles 18U.
Devlin’s physical ability has never really been a question. While his size had scared some programs away, his agility, speed and compete level always made him a threat to find the score sheet. However, over the past few months he’s shown an improved hockey sense, which is the main reason he landed a college commitment.
Devlin scored 10 goals and 17 assists in 30 games played for St. Sebastian’s last winter.
Despite losing New York Rangers' draft pick and Northeastern commit Riley Hughes (forward) to the BCHL, plus Boston University recruit Drew Commesso (goaltender) to USA Hockey's NTDP, the Arrows should be a top team in the ISL. In addition to Devlin, the Arrows have eight Division 1 commits, including Liam Gorman, a Boston University recruit and a draft pick of the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Forwards Tommy Lyons (Harvard), Jack Hughes (Northeastern) and Liam Connors (Boston University), as well as defenseman James Davenport (Brown), are the others.
Salisbury forward to Northeastern
In other area recruiting news, Salisbury forward Justin Hryckowian announced his commitment to Northeastern. The ’01 from Quebec chose the Huskies over a few other Hockey East schools.
He’s playing the fall season with Rochester Coalition 18U after coming down to America from Lac St-Louis Lions. Hryckowian is a skilled playmaker who has great hands. He’s heavy on pucks and makes plays.
Selects Academy on the market
Selects Academy 18U forward Ethan Phillips has de-committed from Quinnipiac University. An ’01 from Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, he’s one of the top prospects for the 2019 NHL Draft among players competing in the region this winter.
Phillips is undersized, but has an elite offensive skill set and is a very good skater. Boston University is the frontrunner to land Phillips, although UMass, Harvard and Ohio State are also in contention.
