2019-2020 New England Prep Hockey Preview
With a new season of New England prep hockey finally here, I’ve completed a preview looking at nearly half of the sixty-plus prep hockey teams and many of their respective prospects. For Kimball Union and Salisbury, who have met in the New England title game for two years in a row, I interviewed both of their respective head coaches — links to those interviews are below. Earlier in the fall I interviewed St. Andrew’s College (Ontario prep) coach David Manning, that interview can be found by clicking here.
Kimball Union
Click here for my interview with coach Tim Whitehead.
Salisbury
Click here for my interview with coach Andrew Will.
Avon Old Farms
Coach John Gardner’s Avon Old Farms Winged Beavers have won a record eight New England Titles (more than any other school) in his 45-year tenure and if fate is on his side, his team will close the book on the 2010s with another title. The last nine years have seen fellow all-boys, in-state rival Salisbury and more recently Kimball Union both accomplish three-peat historic runs — but Gardner always ices a competitive team and this year’s group looks to have great potential. A title would be a fitting end to an era marked by prep power dominance: Avon’s last title run (2010) reined this decade in while closing out a decade of AOF excellence that saw the Winged Beavers win five of ten possible titles from 2000 to 2009.
Players to watch:
03 F JP Turner (UNH)
Gardner: “I’m hoping he’s going to be one of our leading scorers and he seems to have turned the corner, gotten bigger and stronger. Seems to understand the game a bit better this year as well. He’s certainly a crucial player for us.”
01 F Tabor Heaslip (UConn)
Gardner: “The heart and soul of our team, he competes hard all the time, he sets a great example for the other kids, he’s really a very competitive kid. That’s what I like about him, his competitive nature.”
03 D Drew Tsakounis (PSU)
Gardner: “Talented defenseman, we’re hoping that he can play both ends of the ice and be one of our team leaders.”
Alongside Turner and Heaslip, look for 01 forward Tim Heinke to produce and potentially attract some interest this winter from schools, as could returning captain Gentry Shamburger. Shamburger, a power forward who can make an impact anywhere in the line-up, hails from an accomplished football family in Georgia, with brothers who opted to play hockey and lacrosse instead, at Bowdoin and Duke respectively.
Last year’s young but talented core of 03s (which only lost stand-out Tyler Boucher, to the NTDP) is bolstered by Brunswick transfer Paul Davey, a Boston College-committed center who was a standout this fall for Mid-Fairfield. Some other players to watch up front include Jason Siedem (formerly committed to Boston College) and Timur Alishlalov (brother of former Westy standout Malik). BC commit Charlie Leddy (04) is a player to watch this winter on defense rounding out a really strong defensive core alongside electrifying skater Drew Tsakounis (PSU), Jason Marsella (Yale) and well-regarded uncommitted skater Chase Ramsay.
In net, the black hole left by 6’5 Alex Aslanidis (Providence) will likely be filled by 03 Conor Callaghan, who was the back-up last winter.
Cushing Academy
Cushing coach Steve Jacobs has a deep group primed to do some damage this winter. Jacobs, who coached Cushing in the past before returning two years ago, has posted a record of 40-20-5 in his two years since taking the reins in Ashburnham, Massachusetts. Prior to his departure, Jacobs built the hockey program into one of the top high school programs in the country, winning the New England title twice and playing for the title seven times in total. His Penguins look to be as tough of an out as any team in prep hockey this winter.
Jacobs: “We have a strong group who will compete every shift. Our schedule is challenging with so many outstanding prep teams. Our guys look forward to accepting that challenge and the growth of our team moving forward will determine our success.
Returning up front: 01 Max Bogdanovich (Maine), 01 Jacob Banks (16 goals, uncommitted), 02 Jake Hewitt (Army), 03 Billy Norcross (BC), 01 Connor Wood, 01 Max Dorrington and 02 Shane Zarcone. 04 Cam Lund and 02 Nick Rhéaume are some new names to keep an eye at forward this winter. Lund scored the game-winner to open the year against Brewster Academy last night.
On defense, 01s Lukas Gustafsson (BC), Tim Kippenberger and Charles McFadden, 02 Cody Sealey as well as 04 Jackson Dorrington all return. Talented 02 defenseman Nolan Hayes transferred from Thayer and will get a lot of looks from D1 recruiters. Massive 04 defender Owen Paskowski (Colorado College) joins the team out of the Buffalo Jr. Sabres U14s.
In net, Rio Kaufman returns and will be challenged by new-comers Colin Ronan and Jackson Irving as well as fellow returner Pat Aalto.
Nobles
Coach Brian Day’s 20th year at Nobles features his oldest team ever by far with a ten-player senior class that boasts a large cross-section of four year letter-winners for the Bulldogs. Many of those seniors who did not play as freshman came in as sophomores, so, as with any senior-heavy team, Nobles have a tight-knit group of players who want to make their last ride in prep hockey memorable and they return the core to make that very realistic.
Leading scorer and Princeton commit Jack Cronin (26 goals) returns as does Casey Severo (24 assists) to pace the forward group. Those two seniors alongside junior David Jacobs (32 points) won the Massachusetts Regional (18) tournament with the Boston Jr. Eagles earlier this month. That Eagles team includes a few other key Nobles returners, namely big forward Robert Lapsley (also a senior) and defenders Colby Bailey and Peirce Kenney. Bailey is very strong defensively while Kenney adds a bit more on the offensive side and isn’t afraid to activate when necessary. Sophomore Aidan Lyons (‘03) is one underclassman to watch on this team after putting up 19 points last winter, a very talented, deceptive puck-mover with a great sense for the game. In net, senior Marc Smith took the reins last winter (.919 save %) and sophomore Robbie Repenning gives the Bulldogs depth in the blue paint this year. Smith played for a strong Whalers U18 team in the fall while Repenning played for a great team as well in the River Rats U16.
The Gunnery
Craig Badger’s Highlanders are often one of the deeper, more-talented teams in New England. They won it all for the first time in 2016 — Badger’s first year taking the reins as head coach in Washington, CT.
The Highlanders return one of the leading candidates for prep player of the year in forward Alex Jefferies, a Merrimack recruit who was dominant in fall hockey and last winter, scoring 27 goals in 31 games alongside 30 assists. They also add Penn State commit Dane Dowiak from Kent, who had a great last two-thirds of the winter scoring 14 of his 15 goals from January on.
There’s a good mix of returning talent with an influx of new players at the Gunnery to compliment those two. Daniel Sambuco and Michael Casey from ISS Kings are big adds up front as well as Gavin Bloder (South Florida Hockey Academy) and Hunter Rossi (NJ Avalanche/Portledge). The Luff twins Joe (forward) and Alex (defense) come in from the Dallas Stars Elite AAA program. Returners Mark D’Agostino, Jeff Kopek and David Andreychuk are also names to watch at forward.
On defense, Zander Lizotte returns after transferring from Berwick in 2018, and they add a skater from junior hockey (OJHL’s Buffalo Jr. Sabres) in big left shot defender Ethan Breh.
Graduated goaltender J.P. Mella, who started 55 games over his last two years, left a big hole in net to be filled. If goaltending can come through in time, the rest of the team seems liable to come together fairly quickly — especially by the time the majority of the schedule in 2020 rolls around.
Exeter
Coach Dana Barbin is as experienced as any coach in prep hockey and his teams typically play the right way, with a responsible and competent brand of hockey. Four-year starter Ryan Welch in net alongside a solid returning core bolstered by four post-graduates indicates that a lot will depend on how long it takes for the Big Red to gel this season.
20 goal-scorer Danny Colon returns up front and Barbin’s Big Red bring in Long Island Royals standout center Michael Young who should slot in to the scoring mix very quickly alongside returning scorer Reese Ramirez. ‘04 forward Kurt Gurkan will be looked to step up in a larger role this winter after a solid freshman campaign and big winger Charle McGurrin (‘03, sophomore) may also come on strong. Post-grad Tom Chmielewski scored a goal-per-game for Needham (MA) last winter and is committed to Princeton baseball as a pitcher. The returning “Toms”, Gannon and Yang also return up front and round out a fairly deep forward group.
On defense newcomer Sylas Oberting and returner Noah Jankowski will be bolstered by three post-graduates: Jack Simon (Arlington HS), PJ Donahue (BC High) and Luke Mix (Winchester HS).
Andover
Coach Paul Tortorella’s Andover team lost over 150 points lost to graduation — here are some names who will likely take the reins this year: Sophomore Will Hughes (‘04), one of the top freshmen in prep hockey last winter, will be a key player to watch after a nice showing in fall hockey. Hughes is a playmaking center with size, mobility and scoring tools. He’ll likely play in all situations for the Big Blue and college recruiters will be tracking his development closely. Nick Royster (03, sophomore) joins the program, a prolific scorer from the Carolina Jr. Hurricanes who had a nice fall in the New England Fall Prep league.
On defense, Charlie Spence is a player to watch, a fluid skater with offensive tools. Christian Ivancich is a new face to watch this winter, as is goaltender Shane Shelest out of the well-regarded Lac St-Louis program in Quebec.
Similar to Barbin’s Big Red, the Big Blue have a goaltender with a lot of experience in senior Charlie Archer, an assistant captain who played fifty games the last two winters.
Kent
Two of coach Dale Reinhardt’s Lions (who went 17-7-3 last winter) are making a lot of noise this year in the USHL: forwards Alex Laferriere and Mike Posma — the former is one of the USHL’s top scorers playing for Des Moines. Having to replace a high level of scoring (3rd-leading scorer Dane Dowiak transferred to Gunnery) will be difficult, while the loss of defenseman Ian Pierce will be felt and junior goaltender Blaine Moore’s departure for junior leaves a question mark on the back-end. Reinhardt returns a solid core of rising seniors and has some new talent.
Starting with the back-end, two new goaltenders join the program as juniors, Joe Purtell and Jeremy Siegel.
Senior Cornell commit and captain Aidan Cobb returns up front with Jason Kleinhans, Jason Passante and Tommy Raith. Maine recruit Ryan Remick should help the offense recover alongside the additions of big London Jr. Knights product Cole Watson, White Plains (NY) scorer Dante Palombo and Phil Feinberg out of Seton Hall (NJ). Chicago Mission product Finn Martin will help solidify the situation on the blue line.
Brunswick
Coach Mike Kennedy’s Bruins are deep, big and strong at every position. That said they lost some big pieces, leading scorer Charles Shaffer (42 points) graduated, star defenseman Cooper Moore (North Dakota, 31 points) graduated, star sophomore Paul Davey (BC) transferred to Avon and fellow star sophomore Ryan St. Louis is also gone, taking his 35 points with him to the National Team Development Program.
This season, look for junior Quinnipiac recruit and power forward Matt McGroarty to step into a bigger role alongside senior captain Henry Foster. Despite the losses at forward the Bruins will likely be able to roll three or four lines against the best in New England. Andon Cerbone had only two points as a freshman but the small, cerebral, skilled playmaker is liable to break out this winter after a great showing this fall with the Mid-Fairfield U16s, as is Connor Welsh, also a stand-out ‘04 from that split-season team. Jakub Teply joins the team this winter after a great season with the North Jersey Avalanche last year and Will Forrest, the top player for one of Connecticut’s top public school teams (Ridgefield) should be a nice addition. On defense, Jude Brower will likely step into the hole left by Moore and run the power play.
In net junior Alex Rohlf returns, while the addition of well-regarded 6’3 freshman Brendan Holahan has the Bruins well-positioned for years to come.
Millbrook
Coach Vinnie Sorriento has his Mustangs well positioned, especially on the defensive side, to weather the loss of captain Jake Gagnon (38 points) and remain in the mix this winter. Captain David Ciancio is a talented baseball player and a very solid defensive defenseman who anchors a lot of returning and new talent on the back-end. Merrimack commit Zach Bookman on defense will play a big role alongside fall hockey (Rochester Coalition U18) team-mate Bauer Morrissey, who also has D1 potential. Two other defensemen to watch include Jake Creasy, a very solid defender with upside at both ends who has a lot of potential to realize at the prep level. Late ‘03 Fabrizio Mazzarelli is another young blue-liner to watch for the Mustangs this winter.
Goalie Owen Hains played 8 games behind stand-out Cam Fernandez (now in the NCDC) last winter, and newcomer Jake Hugessen joins the team’s goaltending platoon out of Ontario as a sophomore. The future is bright for both goaltenders who will likely compete for time in the crease. Forwards Nico Rexine (also from the Coalition) and returner Andrew Kimball will be looked at to contribute up front. Rexine is a toolsy forward who, like Kimball, can grow a lot in prep school and emerge as a big contributor in time.
The Mustangs bring in Shane Albert from the Mercer Chiefs (AAA), a potential impact player, smart with good decision-making to compliment a nice skill level. 02 Adam Jubran joins the group out of Western NY High School hockey (Homer HS) where he was a top scorer and could also emerge as a contributor up front. Also at forward Jake Percival returns, another smart forward with tools to play at the next level as does Kyle Neudorf, who scored 23 points last winter and will look to take a step this winter.
St. Mark’s
Leading scorer Danny Ciccarello returns for senior year after a 30-goal campaign in ‘18-19. Big defenseman Ian Moore (16 goals) is likely prep hockey’s top prospect on defense for the 2020 NHL draft while Tucker Hartmann, also on defense, is a strong, competitive defender who will attract college interest after posting 32 assists last season. Juniors Brendan Gibbons and Jackson Coutu also return up front after combining for 62 points last winter. Alongside Dom Murphy (17 points) who has made big strides in the fall, their capacity to contribute in bigger roles will be critical this winter. Defenseman Jake Oblak is a defensive stalwart who compliments Hartmann and Moore very well while ‘03 sophomore Michael Fisher has a lot of potential and had a nice fall for the River Rats U15s. Coach Carl Corazzini also brings in some talent from Mass. high school hockey, one name to watch is Trevor O’Brien out of Hingham who could play a fairly prominent role this winter.
In net, the Lions benefit from a full-time goaltending coach who helped develop now-graduated senior Alex Cardonick, who had played less than 60 minutes of prep hockey heading into last season (he ultimately posted a 2.24 and .918 through 25 games), into a recruit for Williams (NESCAC) by the end of the year. Senior Will Bundy will likely take the reins while sophomore Nate Crozier is a talent from Georgia who moves well but lacks size.
Governor’s
Coach Brian McGuirk’s group of players at Governor’s Academy got a lot of mentions in my previous NEFPHL write-up but I’ll cover the bases in more depth here. The Governors return most of their key contributors up front and add some new talent at all positions. Starting at forward, Owen Fowler (36 points, Lowell) will be a key part of the team again after a great fall with the River Rats U18s as will fellow returning forwards Mitch McGinn (co-captain), Ian Olenik (‘03), Sean Brown and Shane O’Leary (co-captain). New forward Massimo Gentile is a big pick-up out of Lac-St. Louis (Quebec), a wildly gifted skater likely to line up at center this winter, great stick and decision-making ability. He will be looked at to make his teammates better as well as create.
On the defensive end, goaltender Tristan Mecenas (transfer from Groton) has made a lot of noise this fall and will likely get major D1 interest with a strong campaign this winter. Defenseman Brendan Fitzgerald, brother of Casey and Ryan (both played at BC), is a smooth, skilled add on the blue line. He has a lot of potential as a well-rounded skater who plays the position with both finesse and an edge. Fellow new-comer Jack Pascucci is going to be a big piece defensively: a complete, big right-shot defenseman who is still filling out his frame but is very useful all over the sheet. All the pieces are in place for a big season this winter.
Hotchkiss
Coach Mike Traggio’s Bearcats return one of prep hockey’s top net-minders in ‘01 Boston College commit Henry Wilder. Wilder should give them a chance to win every night after a strong fall with the Junior Bulldogs while five returners on the blue will lock things down around him, including key defensemen Nick Traggio (‘01) and Jack Kane (‘01). The d-corps and those two specifically will likely have to contribute a bit more offensively to make a title run this winter.
Also on defense John Ferguson and Julian Leonhardt return while Luke Johnson (NJ Hitmen) rounds out the group. Forward Gavin Puskar (‘01) is the top scorer returning and will likely be leaned on up front alongside Matt Tullo and newcomers Jon Horn (EHA), Karsen Dorwart (Jr. Sharks).
Proctor
Coach Mike Walsh’s Hornets lost over 100 points to graduation but return a very solid core including Walsh’s son Ronan, a long (6’3), offensive-minded forward (43 points) and Vermont recruit as well as ‘02 James Tepper (18 goals). Centers Cam Joslin (‘02) and Nate Chickering (‘01) will play big roles this winter. ‘01 Kevin Urquhart transfers in after scoring 32 points for Vermont Academy and big defenseman Alex Keskintepe coming out of the Atlanta Fire AAA program is a prospect to watch on the back-end. The returning tandem of Cole Chingris and Mike Gilerman in net will be leaned on.
On this year’s expectations, Walsh: “I think we've got a good core of returning players up front, new blood on the back-end, it will be certainly about how the returning kids take a step and for the new kids… it's a big transition not just the hockey but being away from home, it's a bit of an unknown. I think we'll be in the mix.”
Berkshire
Coach Dan Driscoll’s Bears play in a rink that wants for nothing except a championship banner. They return some key pieces that could help that happen this winter in NHL draft prospect Aidan Thompson (‘02), a hard-working Denver recruit at center who posted a team-leading point-per-game in his first season of prep hockey last winter. Briggs Gammill (‘01, Yale), a well-regarded talent at forward, returns after losing much of last winter to injury and should do some damage as should Union recruit Hayden Riva (‘02). ‘03 defensemen Nick Donaldson and Silas Van Vranken are players to watch while senior forwards-turned-defensemen Griffin Grisé and Jack Whitney round out a defensive core that lost some key pieces over the off-season. Jed Baliotti (‘02, .919 sv%) returns in net for junior year.
Loomis
Coach John Zavisza’s Pelicans return their top scoring line of Dartmouth recruits Cody Hoban, Alex Krause and Anthony Cipollone (Vermont). The trio played on one of U18 hockey’s best lines for the Junior Bulldogs this fall. Hoban is probably the team’s top player overall, a gamer who had a great fall and seems to always be making things happen around the puck. Krause and Cipollone compliment him well with playmaking ability and a good talent level. The rest of the top six is pretty good too, highlighted by UConn commit Oliver Flynn who is a big-time add up front complimented by returners Ben Ritter (Dartmouth), Adam Martin and Jake Sigal.
On defense, UMass recruit Kennedy O’Connor will be a massive part of the equation. Newcomer 03s Jan Olenginski (from La Salle, PA) and Charlie Andriole (Notre Dame West Haven, CT) are offensive puck-moving types already getting D1 interest before the puck drops on the new season. Goaltender Kyle Chauvette (Holy Cross) has had a very strong fall for the Yale Bulldogs and new-comer Ethan Roberts (late ‘02, sophomore) from North Carolina adds depth at the position.
Some other teams to watch
For a variety of reasons I wasn’t able to do a more full perspective on some of the teams not highlighted above, including not seeing their players and in some cases, especially if a coaching staff did not get back to me to discuss their team in time. With sixty-odd teams in the league, there were some I did not reach out to or write up here.
Anyway, here are some brief notes on other prep teams that I gathered primarily from what I’ve heard and seen around the hockey world.
Dexter
After losing a significant sub-set of prep hockey’s top prospects in John Farinacci (Harvard), goaltender Derek Mullahy (Harvard) and defenseman Ben Meehan (Lowell), there are still some pieces to work with. Top scorer Chase McInnis (Northeastern) and recent Colgate commit Ben Raymond (30 points) return as does John McElaney (20 points in 16 games). Sophomore Culin Wilson (‘03) is a player to watch after a 29-point campaign as a freshman. New goaltender Dylan Silverstein (‘04) was a stand-out for the River Rats 16s this fall.
Thayer
Well over 100 points were lost to graduation for Tony Amonte’s Tigers, who play a relatively weak schedule and went just above .500 last winter. Sasha Teleguine (Northeastern) is primed for a big year, the major returning piece up front alongside young stand-out forwards Nick Roukounakis (‘03, BU) and Mike Stenberg (‘04, Penn State). The loss of ‘02 D1 prospect Nolan Hayes on defense (to Cushing) will be felt. Senior goaltender Gavin Fitzpatrick (.905 sv%) returns.
Rivers
The roster for this year’s edition of the Red Wings varsity isn’t up yet, but the loss of senior defenders Cade Webber (26 points) and Tony Andreozzi (20 points) should be remedied by the return of one of New England’s premier NHL draft prospects in senior (‘02) Phil Tresca, who had 50 points last winter alongside juniors Matt Cormier (42 points) and Mike McEachern (36 points). ‘03 forwards Ziv Deener-Chodirker and Will Conway looked good in fall hockey. Junior defenseman Pat Lawn is another player to watch, as are ‘04s Mel Mortarelli (F) and Ollie Chesler (D). ‘01 Casen Janko and ‘03 Conor Sullivan split time in the crease last winter.
St. Seb’s
The Arrows, who had a slew of D1 recruits and posted a 23-6-0 record last winter, lost a lot to higher levels of hockey and graduation. They should return a decent core, though: Liam Connors (43 points), Connor Joyce (BC, 30 points), Tim Delay (BC, 12 points), Brendan Gorman (8 points), Brendan Dumas (‘02, 16 points) and defenders Will Elias + Tom Messineo are some names to watch from seeing them play for their respective fall hockey teams.
Tilton
Top scorers Jack Seymour (44 points), Jamie Cates (Williams, 35 points) and defenseman Jagger Benson (Vermont, 32 points) are back for a team that won the small school tournament last winter. Tae Lee (25 points) and defenseman Brett Lockhart (13 points) also likely return.
Westminster
The Martlets lost leading scorers Jordie McKenna (graduation), UConn commit Ignat Belov (USHL) and two stand-out defenders in Malik Alishlalov (UConn), Will Gilson (NCDC) but Jacob Monroe’s 20 points return as does captain Ned Blanchard (19 points) on defense. Solid defenseman Ryan Pineault recently committed to Holy Cross. ‘03 sophomores Daniel Lurie (defense) and Grayson Pane (goal) are some players to watch this winter.
Canterbury
The Saints graduated their leading scorers but an influx of talent should help them improve this winter. Kenny Maxwell (late ‘02), Casey Raffone (‘03) and Colin Anna (‘02) join the team from AAA hockey up front, as does forward David Overbeek (‘03).
Trinity-Pawling
Stand-out Joey Musa (Dartmouth) is gone but sophomore Jack Musa is a big player to watch up front as is captain Stephen Willey (‘01, 20 points) and seniors John Gelatt (‘01 forward), Frank Djurasevic (‘02 defense).
Pomfret
The Griffins return a solid core of scorers in senior captains Tyler Bourque (34 points) and Kyle Tomaso (37 points) as well as ‘01 Sami Hakkarainen (23 points). Junior Cam Lowe (‘02) had 8 points in 16 games last season. Some key players graduated on the defensive side including stand-out goaltender Peyton Durand, but they address it with the addition of ‘03 Kellen Beauton.
Holderness
Leading scorer Tim Manning (51 points) returns for a Bulls team that made it to the final of the small school tournament, but over 150 points graduated alongside senior starting goaltender Connor Androlewicz. ‘02 defensemen Carter Rose and Adam McNabney will likely be relied on heavily, as will the addition of a D1 prospect in big forward Matteo Turrin (‘02). Cooper Boulanger (‘03) and Tommy Raymond (‘04) will be some players to watch up front this year.
Milton
Leading goal-scorer Jeffrey Lee (‘02 junior, 13 goals) returns for the Mustangs as does senior Tyler Crist (21 points). New-comer Ethan Mistry (‘03) projects to be a high-end D3 prospect on defense at a minimum after a strong fall for the River Rats 16s and could realize the potential to be a top prospect for Hockey East over his time in prep hockey. Chris Romaine (‘04 D) is another prospect to watch on the blue line. Goaltending is a question mark.
Belmont Hill
Last year’s 10-17-3 squad likely returns leading scorer Ryan McGuire (Colgate) but lost four other top scorers. Bel Hill often corners the market on a significant subset of the younger prospects from around Boston, so don’t count them out just yet. Senior Luke Khozozian scored 15 goals last winter. Some likely ‘03 birth-year returners include forward Drew Blackwell (‘03) alongside defensemen Jack Bosco, Will Killoran and Tom Goguen.
Brooks
Top scorer Michael Bencivengo returns as does a solid set of rising juniors and seniors. Spencer Pierce’s graduation leaves a hole in the crease.