When the New England District boys camp kicks off for all players on Friday, everyone will be competing for spots at USA Hockey Select Camps.
The '08s will battle to make Select 17 Camp, while the '09s and '10s will fight to make Select 16 and 15 Camps, respectively.
But the weekend also provides a great showcase for players to perform at their best in front of Division 1 college coaches.
The '10s are still far from getting college eyes on them, while the '09s are on the cusp of being recruited and committing. The '08s, however, are in the middle of it.
Below are 11 players who have impressed over the winter. These aren't the only 10 players. Countless more will emerge after the weekend.
NEW ENGLAND DISTRICT CAMP: Full rosters and schedules for the weekend
A friendly reminder: The New England District makes up every state in the region except for Massachusetts, which is its own district, according to USA Hockey.
Here are 11 uncommitted players to keep an eye on this weekend.
Brody Berard
Mount St. Charles 15O, 9/2/2009, D, right shot, 6-0/181
Hometown: Cumberland, R.I.
Berard is the youngest player in this story, but he's more than deserving. I was surprised when he wasn't invited to U.S. National Team Development Program Evaluation Camp last month, given how good he's been over the last two seasons. He's a physical, shutdown defenseman who has been dominant for Mount St. Charles over the past two seasons. He had 48 points at the 14U level last season, before posting 38 this past season at the 15O level. Last I checked, Berard won't be eligible to talk to Division 1 schools until next year.
Nico Ciardiello
Avon Old Farms, 11/10/2008, F, right shot, 6-0/170
Hometown: Guilford, Conn.Â
Ciardiello was a legit producer in his first season at Avon Old Farms, scoring 10 goals and finishing with 21 points in 25 games. He was previously a standout for Mount St. Charles at the 14U and 15O level, and made USA Hockey's Select 15 and 16 Camp the previous two summers. He creates offense with his great skating and is likely due for a large production bump next winter.
Timothy Donohue
Westminster, 10/6/2008, F, left shot, 5-9/171
Hometown: North Haven, Conn.Â
Entering this prep season, Westminster's offense looked somewhat bleak. While many players stepped up, Donohue's ascendance helped the Martlets make it to the Large School final. As a sophomore, Donohue posted six goals and 17 points in 25 games. He also made Select 16 Camp last season, tallying two points in five games. He has very good offensive instincts and is a good skater.
Harry Holland
Deerfield, 3/28/2008, D, right shot, 5-10/175
Hometown: New Canaan, Conn.Â
Holland was a big bright spot on a reloading Brunswick team. He scored three times and added eight assists in 35 games this winter. He's a smooth, puck-moving defenseman who is a terrific skater. He has quick feet and can get out of danger, especially on forecheck, quickly. Holland made Select 15 Camp two summers ago and has been a longtime member of Mid Fairfield. He’s headed to Deerfield next season.
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Keegan Kazan
Brunswick, 11/15/2008, F, right shot, 5-9/165
Hometown: Wilton, Conn.Â
In his first prep season, Kazan dominated for Brunswick, scoring 14 goals and posting 34 points. He possesses a high-end ability to get to scoring areas and finish chances. He can set them up, too. Along with that, he has a high hockey IQ. He hasn't been at Select 15 or 16 Camp the last two summers.
Ben Lombardi
Brunswick, 3/24/2008, F, right shot, 5-10/180
Hometown: Cos Cob, Conn.Â
Oh, man — another Brunswick player. Lombardi had a great season as a junior for Brunswick, scoring 10 goals and finishing with 25 points in 35 games. He finds ways to get to the front of the net and is smart in winning his board battles. He has great vision, and his offensive IQ is very good. He's another candidate to break out even more next season.
Carson Mertz
Mount St. Charles 16U, 2/19/2008, G, catches left, 6-1/174
Hometown: Coventry, R.I.Â
Mertz has long been a top goalie prospect in New England. He had a great season for Mount St. Charles' 16U team, posting a 2.81 goals-against average and a .914 save percentage. He has intriguing size for a netminder and boasts athleticism and positioning that are deserving of attention. Mertz made Select 15 and 16 Camps the last two summers.
Max Monroe
Pope Francis, 3/11/2008, D, right shot, 6-0/175
Hometown: Ellington, Conn.Â
The lone MIAA prospect on this list, Monroe, was a playmaker for Pope Francis this season. He was defensively responsible, using his size to play physical and smarts to limit lanes to the net. He was poised on breakouts, using his frame to shield forecheckers and make smart passes. Monroe also had no reservations taking the puck himself for a rush.
Cole Sabourin
Mount St. Charles 16U, 1/23/2008, F, right shot, 5-10/170
Hometown: Cumberland, R.I.Â
Sabourin has been a consistent producer for Mount St. Charles over the last three years. For the 16Us this season, he tallied 27 goals and 58 points in 56 games. He's a great skater, super shifty and has a quick, accurate shot that he seems to always be able to score on. He had a great showing at Select 16 Camp last summer, scoring a goal and registering five points in five games. He has gotten legitimate Division 1 interest.
Ethan Travis
Tabor, 4/22/2008, F, right shot, 5-10/170
Hometown: Narragansett, R.I.Â
Travis was a revelation for Tabor this season, scoring 19 goals and tallying 39 points in 26 games, which led the team. His great prep season wasn't much of a surprise after he was a top player for the Neponset Valley River Rats' 16U squad in the fall. Travis has great speed and uses it to push defenders back. He also has quality vision to set up linemates for scoring chances. He was at Select 16 Camp last summer.
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Garitt Turcotte
Seacoast Performance Academy 16U, 2/3/2008, F, right shot, 5-10/150
Hometown: South Berwick, MaineÂ
Turcotte has been a high-end producer for Seacoast Performance Academy over the last three seasons, most recently putting up 34 goals and 81 points in 55 games for the 16U squad. As I wrote before USA Hockey nationals, I'm surprised he's still uncommitted. His skating is elite and he has a heavy, accurate shot.
