EXETER, N.H. — Several top 2007-born players from across the region showcased their talent over the weekend at the Sixty Hockey Development Camp at The Rinks at Exeter.
The four-day event included games, practices, video sessions and seminars conducted by college coaches, USA Hockey personnel and other area coaches and scouts. It is the third summer that Paul Dovich has organized this great camp for Bantam-age players.
Several NHL agents and prep coaches were among those in attendance, hoping to find some talent for the future. There were a lot of good players at the camp. Below, I’ll highlight 12 prospects who made a good impression during my two days viewing the event. Each player’s team listed is for 2021-22.
Forwards
Nic Whitehead
Mount Saint Charles 14-U, 2/11/07, left shot
Whitehead first grabbed my attention at this event last summer. Originally from Orlando, Fla., Whitehead has been playing in the Northeast for a few years now. He started with the Long Island Gulls and played last season at Mid Fairfield. Up next, he’ll be with Mount Saint Charles for 2021-22. Whitehead is an elite playmaker with his skating, skill and vision. He makes a lot of great passes.
Michael Munroe
Junior Eagles 14-U/Hanover H.S., 7/6/07, left shot
Munroe has been a good player in past viewings, but he took a nice step over the past few months. His skating stood out, as he was able to separate from and elude opposing defenders. He made plays, especially on the rush.
Liam Gore
Junior Eagles 14-U/Arlington H.S., 6/22/07, left shot
Gore is a power forward who can bull his way to the net. He plays hard and brings a physical element. I like his mentality where he’ll do whatever it takes to get the puck back. He’ll be one of the top freshmen in the MIAA next winter while playing for John Messuri’s Spy Ponders.
Jake Tavares
Junior Eagles 14-U/Belmont Hill, 1/27/04, right shot
Tavares is a skilled winger who skates well. He’s able to make plays and finish with good hands. He’s one of several very talented youngsters who is heading to Belmont Hill to play for new head coach Derek Phinney, who is taking over for Jeremiah McCarthy.
Tyler Greene
Islanders HC 14-U, left shot
This was my first time watching Greene play. He previously skated with the Buffalo Regals but is joining the Middlesex Islanders for 2021-22. He’s tall and has a long, powerful stride. He looks to be a goal scorer whose game could take off over the coming years.
Egan Beveridge
Mount Saint Charles 14-U, 1/11/07, right shot
Beveridge capitalizes on his size, strength and compete level. He’s able to win 50/50 puck battles and then drive the net. Beveridge is leaving the Middlesex Islanders to head to Mount Saint Charles.
Dylan Krayer
Mount Saint Charles 14-U, right shot
Krayer is on the smaller side, but he’s quick and uses his skating and skill to make plays. He’s another one of the talented ’07 forwards that Frank O’Connor and John O’Connor are bringing to Woonsocket, R.I., to play for Mount Saint Charles.
Defensemen
Matthew Grimes
Mount Saint Charles 14-U, 5/19/07, left shot
Grimes really impressed me here. I thought he took a big step from the last time I saw him. He’s mobile, transitions quickly, and jumps into the rush. On the defensive side of the puck, he was solid in terms of tight gaps, playing with jam, and standing his ground. From Locust Valley, N.Y., he’s leaving the Long Island Gulls for Mount Saint Charles.
Anthony Bongo
Mid Fairfield 14-U, 5/16/07, right shot
Bongo has been one of the better defensemen in this birth year, but he also took a big step forward. I really liked how he asserted himself this weekend. In one of the first shifts of the weekend, he jumped up into the rush and fired a wrist shot just below the bar. He skates well and did a great job moving pucks north.
Tyler Russo
Islanders HC 14-U, left shot
Russo wasn’t quite as flashy as the two aforementioned defensemen here, but he is an efficient puck transporter. He’s skilled, skates well, and has above-average vision.
Tommy Bleyl
Mid Fairfield 14-U, 12/1/07, right shot
Bleyl is on the smaller side and is a late ’07, but he’s fun to watch. He’s mobile, agile, and can avoid oncoming forecheckers.
Goaltender
Blake McMeniman
Islanders HC 14-U, catches left
McMeniman was good against his own age group, but due to an injury, he played a game up with the ’06s on Sunday. He stood out in that game. He competed and did a great job on rebound control. He made some good saves while showing off his technique and quick reflexes.
