NORTH ANDOVER, Mass. — Forty prospects born between 2002 and 2004 hit the ice for two days at Merrimack’s Gallant Rink for the Next Gen Uncommitted Showcase.
The event, run by NHL Central Scouting’s Mike Busconi, was attended by close to a dozen Division 1 colleges from Hockey East, ECAC Hockey and Atlantic Hockey. A few NHLPA agents also were in the rink to check in on clients and potentially pursue new ones.
There weren’t any elite Division 1 prospects at the event, but there were a handful who could make it to Atlantic Hockey and a couple with an outside chance for Hockey East or ECAC Hockey. Not every event is going to be high-end. The two-day showcase was great for getting some lesser-known prospects on the radar of college coaches in the region.
Below is a look at the top 15 prospects from the Next Gen Uncommitted Showcase that took place June 7-8:
1. Joe Solimine
Junior Bruins, 3/3/02, LW, left shot, 5-8/155
Solimine led the showcase in scoring (3-4-7), in large part due to a huge performance in the second game on Tuesday morning. The Middleton, Mass., native is on the smaller side, but he’s quick, hunts pucks and is willing to go to the dirty areas. He tipped shots, he banged home rebounds and he made some nifty passes in small areas. There also were a few times where his backchecking forced turnovers. There was not a player at this event who even came close to him in terms of consistent impact on the play.
2. Jaiden Moriello
Kimball Union, 5/4/03, RW, right shot, 6-1/175
Moriello, from Saugus, Mass., had three goals and three assists at the showcase. Moriello has good size and can play the role of a power forward. His skating has come a long way, but there is still room for growth in that aspect of his skill-set. He has a long, powerful stride and can shoot it hard. His best game came on Monday afternoon.
3. Jake Black
Islanders HC, 3/5/02, RW, right shot, 5-11/181
Black was the fastest player at the showcase, which is not unusual for him. His skating is certainly his elite attribute. It allows the Pomfret, Conn., native to create offense on the rush. He had a couple of breakaways and was able to separate from opposing defenders. His hockey sense isn’t bad, but it’s an area of his game that could improve for him to become less one-dimensional.
4. Frank D’Ancona
LI Gulls 18-U, 6/2/04, C, left shot, 5-10/155
D’Ancona is making the move to Long Island Gulls after two seasons at Mount Saint Charles. He got injured in one game and missed another here, so this viewing was limited. However, he’s a player who deserves to be mentioned in this space. He’s quick and gets in on pucks as the F1. The St. James, N.Y., native always plays bigger than he is listed on the roster, while making plays and facilitating offense.
5. Dante Palombo
Kent, 12/23/03, C/LW, left shot, 5-9/165
Palombo made some plays and finished here. He was one of the more gifted offensive players at this event. There were times where I’d have liked to see him use his teammates more, but he also shows an ability to make some great seeing-eye passes. From White Plains, N.Y., he will be back at Kent for a third season in the fall.
6. Dom Murphy
St. Mark’s, 11/4/03, RW, right shot, 6-0/180
Murphy’s skating is an area that certainly needs to get better, but he’s a goal scorer who hangs around the net and can finish. The Worcester, Mass., native scored a couple of goals here.
7. Nils Forselius
Pomfret, 10/30/03, LW, left shot, 5-9/170
Forselius was around the puck quite a bit here. He was heavy on pucks, competed in all three zones, and had a hard shot. His skating is strong and he has a low center of gravity. He scored a couple of goals on Tuesday. The biggest area of his game that needs improvement is his hockey sense. If he can learn to skate with his head up and look to make plays in transition, he’ll become a more complete player.
8. Nick Bevilacqua
Boston Advantage, 8/6/03, G, catches left, 5-10/144
Bevilacqua was the only goaltender here with junior hockey experience, and it showed. He was steady and had the best numbers, by my count. His skating, reflexes and fundamentals were all above average.
9. Jake Murphy
Lawrence, 1/28/04, RW, right shot, 6-0/180
Murphy, from Arlington, Mass., has bounced around the local hockey circuit over the past few years. He’s played for Arlington High, Seacoast Performance Academy, River Rats and Islanders Hockey Club. Hopefully he’ll get some consistency at Lawrence, starting in the fall. He has good size, is strong on his feet, and can shoot it hard. He likes to play physical as well. I’d like to see him reel it in at times and accept his identity as a power forward.
10. Nick Ramm
Northeast Generals, 4/27/03, RW, right shot, 5-11/175
Ramm scored a goal on Tuesday. He’s a rugged, physical winger who is heavy on pucks and shoots it with authority. The Westboro, Mass., native has played for the Northeast Generals’ Midget program the past couple of seasons after leaving his hometown high school.
11. DJ Walsh
Millbrook, 1/27/03, C, right shot, 5-9/160
I didn’t see Walsh find the back of the net here, but he’s a player you notice for his willingness to go to the dirty areas. He plays hard, is heavy on pucks, and seems to be involved in the play a good amount. The Port Jefferson Station, N.Y., native will be back at Millbrook for a third season in 2021-22.
12. Jack Farrell
Governor’s, 6/10/04, D, left shot, 5-11/175
Farrell had his ups and downs here, but it’s important to remember that he was one of the younger defensemen here. He’s a strong kid who can play with some jam in his own end, and he’s got a hard shot. I’ve liked Farrell ever since he played at Austin Prep as an eighth-grader. I expect him to have a positive prep career for Brian McGuirk at Governor’s.
13. Sam Nichols
Trinity-Pawling, 10/22/02, D, right shot, 6-3/190
Nichols caught my eye for his skating ability, especially in terms of being a bigger blueliner. He made smart, efficient plays on the breakout. I liked that he accepts his identity and doesn’t try to be someone he isn’t. From North Tonawanda, N.Y., he’s a defenseman who should be watched closely by BCHL and NCDC teams, as he’d be able to step into either of those leagues following the completion of his prep career at T-P.
14. Leo Piandes
Tilton, 8/9/03, RW, right shot, 5-11/160
Piandes is a player who made the jump from Arlington in the MIAA to Tilton before last season. Obviously, the Rams didn’t play besides scrimmages, due to the coronavirus. His speed is his top asset. He skates well, hunts pucks and has some potential to be an impact player at the Division 3 level.
15. Cole Bauman
Islanders HC 18-U, RW, right shot, 5-9/150
Bauman is a dual citizen who played for Florida Alliance before coming up to join the Islanders Hockey Club. He scored two goals on Tuesday, including one that was a highlight-reel play on a drive to the net. He’s another player with a low center of gravity. He competes hard and has some skill. Adding more consistency to his game will help him take that next step in his development.
