The comprehensive analysis series of players who have been positive contributors in the 2003-07 birth years is wrapping up with the fall hockey schedule about to conclude.
The focus for this piece is on 2003 and 2004 birth year forwards competing in 18-U hockey for the myriad teams and circuits of full- and split-season clubs we have been able to see live and in-person in the various events held throughout New England since the end of August.
The top forward we have seen at this level is East Coast Wizards and Nobles star, Bennett MacDonald. The Bay State native brings top vision and hockey sense, plus very good skills and a high compete level to every shift. We have yet to see him give less than a top effort, so even if he isn’t racking up points (which he usually is), MacDonald finds a way to make contributions in all zones. He is tracking for NHL draft consideration and based on his play, the stock is rising.
MacDonald is just one of a solid field of regional natives and players outside of the region who have NHL potential, but who have also earned their placement here through consistent, impactful play. While none bring the kind of high-end, first-round potential for the July draft in Montreal, there is quality and quantity with value to be found in the mid-to-later rounds. The focus of this particular list of players is on first-time eligible prospects for the 2022 NHL Entry Draft (late ‘03/04s only).
1. Bennett MacDonald (Weston, Mass.)- Harvard
EC Wizards/Nobles; 2/24/04, left shot, 5-11/172
Has elevated his play from summer all the way through fall schedule with his intelligence, ability to play with pace and all-around game.  Son of former Hobey Baker winner Lane MacDonald will follow in his father’s footsteps to Cambridge, and his USHL rights are held by the Des Moines Buccaneers. He has a chance to be the top player in prep hockey this year for Brian Day at Nobles. Always noticeable for his high tempo, ability to make plays off the rush or get through heavy traffic with the puck on his stick, he has the attributes that will lead him to the NHL draft in Montreal.
2. Brennan Ali- Notre Dame
Mid Fairfield/Avon; 2/9/04, left shot, 6-1/194
Former Chicago Mission star came to the Northeast, secured a top D-1 commitment and has played a pro style since settling in with Mid Fairfield. With his size, physicality, skating and ability to score, he’s a strong bet to be a top presence in prep for the Winged Beavers this season. NHL scouts have been on hand to watch him when in the MFF fall lineup, and he has not disappointed. Even when he’s not scoring, he’s able to do other things to contribute, such as excel in the possession game and disrupt breakouts with an effective forecheck. He’s played some games with the U.S. National Team, and watch for him to see time in the USHL later this season/in the spring with the Lincoln Stars.
3. Cam O’Neill- UMass
Mount Saint Charles, 1/24/04, left shot, 6-1/195
No one has been a bigger revelation in fall 18-U play than the Maryland native has at the Mount. He parlayed a tremendous offensive explosion to start the season into a top college commitment with the Minutemen. He plays hard, with an excellent shot that is accurate, heavy and handcuffs goalies. His wall play is superb, shielding pucks and picking them off the boards cleanly and then shaking loose of defenders to open up time/space for himself and others. He won’t win any straight-line speed skating contests, but if he can improve his small-area burst, he’s got legitimate pro potential down the road.
4. Grayson Badger (Hyde Park, Mass.)- Northeastern
South Shore Kings Prep/Dexter Southfield; 5/9/04, right shot, 6-2/185
Although the viewings in fall hockey play have been a little up-and-down, we’re betting on Badger’s high compete, athletic ability and intangibles to keep him in the top-5. One of a wave of Huskies recruits over the summer, the Dexter standout is a good bet to finish out the state playoffs strong and carry that over to the winter months. He forces turnovers and has a lot of puck touches over the course of a game. It’s impossible not to notice him, and there’s a good chance scouts have seen that, too. He may need more seasoning in juniors (the USHL’s Waterloo Black Hawks drafted him in May) before college, but he’s on track.
5. Michael Callow (South Boston, Mass.)- Harvard
Jr. Eagles/St. Sebastian’s, 1/15/04, right shot, 6-4/185
With an undeniable physical package suited for the NHL one day, there is no question that he could be higher on the list. He has a long, powerful skating stride and when on top of his game, he takes pucks to the net with regularity and shows a nimble set of hands to score goals in tight. He plays with good speed and length, and though still lean, will be a force along the walls and in front of the net when he fills out. Some games, you have to look for him, and if he can dial up the intensity in prep, he will be a major difference maker.
6. James Fisher (Wilmington, Mass.)- Northeastern
EC Wizards/Belmont Hill, 4/28/04, right shot, 6-3/180
Power forward is still raw, but there’s a lot to like in terms of what he brings to the table on any given night. He has a cannon of a shot: he can get it off quickly and under pressure, and has a nose for the net. When he moves his feet and uses his reach, he’s a possession machine who is a handful to contain when skating with MacDonald. Undrafted in the USHL, he has gotten better since last season, turned strong summer hockey showings into a prime commitment, and will be a phase 2 pick in May. He has a chance to also hear his name called by an NHL team in July as well.
7. Bobby Landry (Hingham, Mass.)- Harvard
South Shore Kings Prep/Dexter Southfield, 3/22/04, right shot, 6-0/180
When he turns the wheel, this two-way forward is as good as anyone. He plays with jam, has good puck skills and can fire pucks on net. In our viewings, he’s been more competitive and noticeable than in summer prep league play, enhancing a strong group of SSK forwards. As he grows and matures, he will have the opportunity to keep climbing the ladder in levels.
8. Michael Cataldo (Norfolk, Mass.)
Jr. Eagles/St. Sebastian’s, 5/4/04, right shot, 6-1/200
Not on our radar before the fall season, he’s been another high riser for his heavy-on-pucks style, honest effort and opportunistic scoring. A very good complementary/secondary player, he brings a consistency that is impossible to ignore. The intensity and willingness to get to the front of the net where much of his offense comes from earns high marks, and you always know what you’re going to get with this player.
9. Hank Cleaves (Riverside, Conn.)
Mid Fairfield/Brunswick, 12/25/03, left shot, 6-2/175
Not a lot of flash here, but he’s tall, moves well and gets to the net. All of that has added up to some pretty consistently solid viewings as one who has project potential. He’s around the puck a lot and doesn’t need much time or space to get his shot off. He has been a consistent positive, with a lot of good notes on him in our notebook throughout the fall.
10 Jayden Grier (Needham, Mass.)
Boston Imperials/St. Sebastian’s, 12/12/03, left shot, 6-2/208
Big, skilled left winger is putting it all together as one who can impose his will physically, or beat you with some finesse as well. With his size and athleticism, he’s very difficult to contain when he drives the lane to the net. He’s got a big shot with some natural offensive flair, but even if the scoring doesn’t develop, he has the body and talent to be a lower-line pro who is tough to play against.
11. Charlie Gollob
River Rats/Avon, 2/10/04, left shot, 6-2/185
Import from Toronto has been injured and in/out of the lineup, but when he’s in, his excellent offensive instincts and supple hands make for a lot of production. While not a dynamic skater, there is more jump in his stride than he gets credit for, and we suspect D-1 schools are getting wise to what he could be at the next level after a year at Avon and some time in juniors.
12. Mason Kesselring (Barnstead, N.H.)
CM Penguins/Cushing, 3/15/04, left shot, 6-3/185
Raw, but big and toolsy, we’re looking forward to seeing him play his prep season for the Penguins. He has good vision and can thread the needle with soft-touch passes or rifle feeds to teammates who are at full speed to stretch the ice and put defenses on their heels. He has the bloodlines and pedigree to intrigue as part of a deep local class with the physical package to project to the pro game eventually.
13. Dylan Hryckowian- Northeastern
Buffalo Regals/Salisbury, 5/19/04, right shot, 5-9/155
Younger brother of Huskies impact freshman Justin Hryckowian brings similar high-end offensive skills and an intriguing upside because he’s a better skater. The import from Quebec put up some major points this season for the Regals and should carry that scoring right over to the Crimson Knights with his slippery elusiveness and attacking mindset.
14. Ronan O’Donnell (Fairfield, Conn.)
EC Wizards/Belmont Hill, 2/26/04, right shot, 6-2/190
Scoring machine is a dangerous power forward when he gets to the net and can unleash bullet drives with a lightning release. The skating is a work in progress, but he’s got a real natural knack for the net- every time we’ve seen the Wizards, he finds the back of the net. You can quibble about a lot of a player’s shortcomings, but in the end, when the main objective in hockey is to outscore the other team, a guy like O’Donnell is a valuable commodity.
15. Will Hughes (Andover, Mass.)- Harvard
South Shore Kings Prep/Dexter Southfield, 1/14/04, right shot, 6-3/210
Has always been a standout in his peer group because of his size and talent. Transferring over to Dexter from Phillips Andover this season, it will be interesting to see if he can put it all together. The ability is there as a power forward with size, speed and scoring upside, but there are times when he’s not impacting the game like a player with his attributes should.
Honorable Mention
Joey Muldowney, Nichols School- UConn; 6/5/04, 5-10/155
Jack Brandt, River Rats/Tabor; 6/14/04, 5-11/165
Micah Berger, Mount St. Charles; 6/29/04, 5-11/175
Matt Kursonis, SSK Prep/St. George’s (Worcester, Mass.)- Holy Cross; 3/5/04, 6-2/185
Linus Dedinus, CM Penguins/Cushing; 6-0/175
Kurt Gurkan, River Rats/Phillips Exeter (Darien, Conn.)- Yale; 2/13/04, 5-9/170
Jason Stefanek, Mount St. Charles- Dartmouth; 8/20/04, 5-11/170
Nicholas Zocco, LI Gulls; 6/03, 6-0/200
