We've already done the forwards. Now it's time to look in back at the defensemen and goaltenders.
Over the next few weeks, there are a handful of senior defenders who will look to bolster their teams' chances at higher seeds in the postseason. From there, it will be all about securing a championship.
But there's something else looming, too.
These seniors are uncommitted. What will also matter to them is bolstering their stock for a college commitment and positioning themselves well for junior hockey.
Let's dive in.
Will Baker
Brunswick, 3/2/2005, G, catches left, 6-0/160Â
It took until Baker's senior year for the Norwalk, Conn., native to be the full-time starter. But man, has he owned the spot this season. His 2.65 goals-against average and .911 save percentage have led to Brunswick being one of the best teams in prep hockey. He's also posted those numbers against a tough slate of opponents. For junior teams and colleges looking his way, Baker's success might just be the tip of the iceberg.
Calvin Beard
St. Mark's, 10/4/2005, D, right shot, 6-0/185
For the second straight season, Beard is one of the premier offensive defensemen in prep hockey. As a senior, the Southboro, Mass., native has 11 goals and 31 points in 21 games. He drives play and is aggressive in joining the rush. He has made strides in his play in his own zone and should be a candidate to play Division 1 college hockey someday.
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Aidan Connors
St. Sebastian's, 8/9/2005, D, left shot, 6-0/161Â
Connors is the No. 1 defenseman for St. Sebastian's and has filled that role admirably this season. He has two goals and 15 points through 23 games, but it's his play in his own zone and ability to move the puck that set him apart. Whether the Arrows are a high seed in the Large School Tournament or find a way to sneak into the Elite 8, Connors will be a prospect to watch.
Ty Creech
Salisbury, 6/19/2005, D, right shot, 6-4/205Â
This is Creech's first season as a full-time defenseman by choice. Creech entered Salisbury in 2021-22 as a forward but moved back to defense due to injuries. He played forward last season, but realized defense may have been his real calling. Creech has been a reliable force on the back end for Salisbury, as it continues to climb Elite 8 seeding. Creech's size makes him an intriguing prospect to watch over the next year, especially as he becomes more comfortable on defense. He has six goals and 14 points in 20 games.
Shawn Leary
Lawrence Academy, 5/12/2005, D, right shot, 6-0/194Â
While Leary can be a high-risk, high-reward player, the rewards have been worth it for Lawrence Academy this season. The Dorchester, Mass., native is tied with Beard for most goals by a defenseman in the region with 11. Leary also boasts 25 points and can be dynamic with the puck on his stick.
Mitchell McCusker
Frederick Gunn, 8/29/2005, G, catches left, 6-2/185Â
McCusker has had an up-and-down season as a senior. So, too, has Frederick Gunn. But McCusker recently made 43 saves to beat Avon Old Farms, 4-3, in overtime, which capped off a 5-0-2 stretch to get head coach Craig Badger's team back in the postseason mix. McCusker is an aggressive goalie who has athleticism and likes to handle the puck. He carries a 2.97 GAA and a .901 save percentage.
BEST OF LAST WEEK: Top boys prep performers from Jan. 31-Feb. 6
Jack McMinn
Kimball Union, 6/10/2006, D, left shot, 5-11/175Â
While junior Andrew O'Sullivan, who recently committed to Colgate, gets a lot of the headlines on defense for KUA, McMinn's reliability and well-rounded play should never be overlooked. He's a strong skater who moves the puck well and takes care of his own zone. His 25 points have him tied for seventh in the region among defensemen. From Halifax, Nova Scotia, McMinn's desire is to play Division 1 college hockey. He should have no problem doing so.
Drew Pitts
Avon Old Farms, 3/31/2005, D, right shot, 6-0/180Â
Pitts is a do-it-all kind of defenseman for Avon Old Farms. He had a strong fall for the Yale Jr. Bulldogs and that's continued into the winter. Pitts has two goals and 17 points in 20 games for head coach John Gardner and with Avon looking like one of the Elite 8 favorites again, scouts should get ample opportunities to view Pitts on the big stage.
Ethan Ramonetti
Groton, 5/2/2006, G, catches left, 5-10/160Â
One of the most underrated prep storylines this season has been Ramonetti's success with Groton this winter. The '06 carries a terrific 2.36 GAA and a .930 save percentage — and that's with facing over 600 shots. According to USHR's playoff seedings, Groton is currently the No. 3 seed in the Small School Tournament, which is a testament to how good Ramonetti has been.
SENIORS IN FRONT: 13 uncommitted senior prep forwards to watch in final month
Jake Stevens
Canterbury, 10/20/2005, D, right shot, 5-11/174Â
Canterbury has also been one of the breakout teams in prep this season, and Stevens has had lots to do with that. Leading the way on the back end, Stevens has four goals and 27 points in 25 games. He's known most for his puck-moving abilities and vision and is slated to play for the NAHL's Maine Nordiques next season.
