Top ’05s ready for STX 68 Combine

Ryan Fine and Will Smith will compete in the STX 68 from August 8-11 in Woodridge, Ill.

Ten players from New England will compete this upcoming weekend at the prestigious STX 68 Combine in Woodridge, Ill., an event showcasing top '05s.

The 2019 STX 68 Combine showcases players born in 2005, entering their bantam major year. The past few editions of the event have been a good indicator of future success with many prospects committing to a NCAA Division I college hockey program, making USA Hockey's NTDP, or being drafted or tendered into the USHL.

Looking back at the 2017 STX 68 Combine, 23 '03s have committed to college hockey programs and 13 alums from that year's event went on to make USA Hockey's NTDP. After the 2018 STX 68 Combine, NEHJ wrote about the top prospects in the '04 class, which featured Boston College commit Charlie Leddy, a defenseman from Fairfield, Conn., and Boston University commit Devin Kaplan, a forward for the North Jersey Avalanche.

This year's group from New England includes Will Smith, a forward with the Boston Jr. Eagles who committed to Northeastern earlier this year. Two local recruits from outside of New England will also be at the STX 68 Combine: Providence commit Tanner Adams (Long Island Royals) and Boston University commit Ryan Fine (Mid Fairfield Rangers).