Some Stand-outs at Nationals
Looking at some stand-outs from the U16 National Championship game + U15 Nationals play
Working through video of playoffs in a few different leagues, I’ve reviewed a couple games from the middle two divisions at USA Hockey Nationals earlier this Month. For the 16 division, I did a recap of the title game and some stand-outs, while for the 15s I wrote about some players that caught my attention through the playoffs.
16 Final
Yale x Pens Elite
Scoring summary
First goal was a frenetic sequence, the classic odd-man rush going one way, defended, then an odd-man rush going the other way. Goalscorer was Tyler Kennedy.
The second goal was a Yale turn-over into a 2-on-0 that Alex Servagno created and finished himself. After that point, Yale continued to challenge, but it was all uphill. Yale’s Lucas Mercuri (Vermont) finished out a strong season with a goal to cut the Pens lead in half but they would hold on to keep pucks out until the final buzzer.
In net, Yale’s Alex Rohlf was tested less overall but they conceded a decent amount of quality chances of which he stopped his fair share. Aidan Campbell for the Pens faced more shots on the whole and earned the hard-fought win, stopping 26 of 27. Campbell would go on to sign with the Ontario Hockey League’s Erie Otters after the tournament.
Prospect notes
The title game at the U16 level is something like an all-star game in that these are two of the best teams in youth hockey, so I can only go in-depth on the players I got a good read on and briefly skim over the rest.
Pens Elite: I felt like they had some flashes and executed well. For the most part they withstood a deep Yale team that were pressing due to the nature of being down two goals for what seemed like the entire game. Most noticeable was the consistent play of Aidan Campbell in the Pens net, withstanding numerous powerplays and making big saves late. Alex Servagno had a terrific individual effort to secure the game-winner in the second period short-handed. He created a lot for his team, also drew a penalty with his play around the puck. Carter Schade had some great flashes on the puck, as did Colby Saganiuk (NTDP-bound), Brandon Parente and Aden Bruich.
Yale Jr. Bulldogs: I really liked defender Christian Jimenez at Yale’s Jamboree last fall. He wasn’t as much of a glaring stand-out on this stage but the ‘02-born Harvard recruit was a big part of why the Yale defense were able to retrieve with success, keeping pucks moving and towards the other net. After scoring seven points through the first five games at Nationals, Jimenez was held off the board in this one. Matthew Coronato, another Harvard Crimson recruit (late ‘02), was very noticeable on the offensive side of things, despite not being rewarded. His compete, reads and creativity in the offensive zone served Yale well.
Lucas Mercuri was effective all over the offensive zone, and is still relatively raw as a prospect. The Vermont commit has potential at center or wing and will likely be a 2020 draft look. Oft-utilized on the point for the powerplay, he established himself as a presence on the wall and around the net as well, earning the only goal on a rebound effort. Over the course of the game, I thought Bayard Hall (Brown), Matt DeBoer, Dane Dowiak (Penn State) and Cole Vallese (Providence) were particularly strong as well. Jacob Quillan (Quinnipiac), Zack Tonelli and Anthony Cipollone (Vermont) had their moments, too.
For the 15 division, I’m highlighting some players that I noticed. I reviewed the finals, semis and then some games in pool play. I’m certain I’ve missed some talented names - this was my first time watching many of these skaters.
Connor Smith - Oakland Jr. Grizzlies U15
Terrific. A lot of talented players on OJG, but his play on the puck — and two goals against the Mission in the semis — made a real impression. His decision-making and execution in the offensive zone made OJG a really tough team to defend.
Grayden Daul - Chicago Mission U15 - Wisconsin
The right-shot defender from the Mission was very notable, especially at both blue lines, capable of managing the puck at a good level and plays the body well. Wouldn’t be surprised to see a USHL team look at tendering him.
Luke Hughes - Little Caesars U15 - Michigan
Very much the brother of Jack and Quinn, a terrific skater who is a natural at distributing the puck and facilitating the offensive action. Skates well, made a lot of strong reads and was very reliable. Click here for a clip of a great goal from the championship game.
Luke Buss - Shattuck-St. Mary’s U15
Following in Clayton Keller’s footsteps as a top-level Missouri native lighting it up for Shattuck-St. Mary’s, Buss is a natural with the puck and could emerge as an elite scorer as he gets older.
Jonah Copre - Chicago Mission U15 - Quinnipiac
What he lacks in size he makes up for in playmaking ability. He’s like a bumper on the blue line who reflects pucks, zipping them into good areas. Very much a catalyst offensively.
Davis Burnside - Chicago Mission U15 - Ohio State
Made a very positive impression the more I paid attention, particularly against Shattuck where he posted a powerplay goal and assist. Tendered with Tri-City of the USHL this coming season.
Jack Devine - Chicago Mission U15 - Denver
NTDP-bound center makes things happen.
Jack Silich - Chicago Mission U15 - Quinnipiac
Appreciated the future Bobcat’s effort level in the offensive zone.
Billy Renfrew - Little Caesars U15
The Alaska native’s game only grew on me. Center with good instincts on and off the puck. WHL rights are with Kamloops.
Griffin Jurecki - Little Caesars U15
Good pace to his game, plays with energy.
Simon Motew - Chicago Mission U15
Blue-liner signed with Kitchener of the OHL the other day. Eager offensive talent combined with a solid defensive game.
Connor Mahony - Shattuck-St. Mary’s U15
The Lakeville (MN) native possesses a good overall offensive game…likely will keep hearing this scorer’s name in the years to come.