Woodridge, Ill. – The top 2004-born hockey prospects in the United States gathered just outside of Chicago this past weekend to compete in the prestigious STX 68 Combine.
The 68 participants were chosen based on merit to showcase their skills in front of college coaches, junior scouts, and NHLPA agents over the course of three days at the Seven Bridges Arena in Woodridge, Ill.
Thirteen local players were at the STX 68 Combine, while several college coaches from the region were in attendance, including Boston University head coach Albie O’Connell and associate head coach Paul Pearl. Big Ten and NCHC coaches were also present.
In the past, the STX 68 Combine has served as a strong indicator of future success. Fifteen players from last year’s event, featuring the ‘03s, have already committed to Division 1 college programs, including several from the region. Forwards Ryan St. Louis (Riverside, Conn.) and Jack Hughes have both pledged to Northeastern, while BU has picked up commitments from Tyler Boucher and Jeremy Wilmer. Boston College has secured the services of defenseman Aidan Hreschuk.
Goaltender Drew Commesso (Norwell, Mass.) and forward Sasha Teleguine (North Attleboro, Mass.) have committed to BU and Northeastern, respectively, out of the 2002 class at the STX 68 Combine.
Getting back to 2018's edition, two of the top three forwards represented the changing guard of the sport. Gavin Brindley and Seamus Casey both hail from Florida, a state that surely wouldn’t have been in the discussion for top hockey prospects a decade or more ago.
Below is a breakdown of the STX 68 Combine's top players at each position, including an honorable mention category for forwards, defensemen, and goalies.
