New England Hockey Journal recently recognized some of the top-performing 2006-born forwards. That analysis was based on viewings of select teams and players in September and continues with defensemen and goaltenders of note.
This is not a representation of every team in competition, as we continue to work our way through the schedule to see as many split-season and full-season teams from the 18-U level all the way down to Bantam Major. In the context of who we have been able to see on any given weekend or extended tournament, these are the players who have stood out.
Unlike the forwards, we’re taking a different approach and have identified three top 2006 two-way defenders. By the end of the fall season, we will see if any one of them is able to separate from the pack, but this trio has talent and upside in spades. All of them deserve recognition.
This piece analyzes the early action and is meant to raise the profile of the players mentioned here, who are on their respective 15-only teams unless otherwise noted.
Future pieces will analyze other 2006 players and teams and look for risers who make a positive impact across the age various age groups competing in the region and those observed at the Fall Classic event in Pittsburgh.
Best two-way defensemen
Alexander Visnapuu
Bishop Kearney Selects, 1/11/06, right shot, 6-0/149
The tall, lanky New Yorker is one of the most fluid, graceful skaters in his class. He also shows a real deft touch on the puck, with vision and intelligence that allows him to pinch at the right times or play a strong, capable defense. He’s still raw, but with his range, length and elite tools, we think he’s destined for big things.
Will Felicio (Holden, Mass.)
Mount Saint Charles, 5/15/06, left shot, 5-9/150Â
This all-around competitor has been a popular mention in our recent space, but it is earned, as he plays with advanced smarts, positional awareness and knows how to dial it up or downshift at just the right times. He’s a smart player who manages the game and directs flow from the back end but isn’t a flashy, dynamic, hair-on-fire-type player. He’s efficient, but don’t mistake that for a lack of skill or dangerous dimension- he activates smartly and is protects his net with impressive tenacity.
Jacob Ingstrup
Connecticut Jr. Bulldogs, 11/9/06, left shot, 5-11/190
The late ’06 is an all-around package of skating, offensive skill, physicality and poise. He’s a consummate high-minute, all situations defender who can do it all. He left the Chicago area for Kent School and fall hockey in the Northeast, which is saying something. He plays hard, employs a great stick and brings a junior-style three-zone skill set to the mix. He will be in play for Team USA and a desirable USHL futures draft prospect. Expect that to lead to an early D-1 commitment as soon as top schools can land him.
Honorable mention
Kiernan Poulin (Norwell, Mass.)
Boston Advantage, 1/5/06, right shot, 5-7/130
Arguably the best skater in the entire birth year, the small but dynamic Poulin is a treat to watch the way he flies around the ice and eludes hapless forecheckers with his off-the-charts agility and puck skills. He’s not the biggest dog in the yard, but make no mistake- he’s an alpha with the way he competes and plays at both ends of the ice.
Lukas Fischer
Detroit Compuware, 9/9/06, left shot, 6-2/152
Son of former NHL defenseman Jiri Fischer is tall, rangy and extremely fluid in his movements for one so young and big. He gets to the right spots, closes off lanes to his net, but will also move pucks with authority. Some might say he’s more of a defensive presence at this stage, but he’s got the upside to produce as he develops.
Jack Montaldo
Mount Saint Charles, 6/4/06, right shot, 5-10/165
Commack, N.Y. doesn’t jump right out at you all the time, but is like teammate Felicio in that he’s smart, engaged and manages the game effectively from the back end. However, don’t make the mistake of thinking he isn’t skilled- he scored a nice goal in Pittsburgh in the 15-division final game against Little Caesars off a textbook rush. Don’t sleep on him.
Austin Baker
Little Caesars, 2/11/06, left shot, 6-0/170
Versatile converted forward has natural offensive instincts to go with his size and skill. He’s well-coached, and on a deep and sneaky Caesars team that will give him the opportunities to play against top competition and continue to build a strong two-way game.
Jack Duffy (Walpole, Mass.)
Cape Cod Whalers, 3/15/06, right shot, 5-7/135
Small but active two-way defender can just flat-out burn. Whether it’s a small-area burst to a loose puck or zipping out of his own end on a breakout play, he’s got the speed, agility and pace to make a lot of plays. He’s effective on the power play and if he were a few inches taller, would have a ton more of buzz. As it is, he’s a very good player with room to grow and get even better.
Finn Boyd (Hartford, Conn.)
Connecticut Jr. Bulldogs, 7/8/06, left shot, 5-11/140
Active defender who isn’t afraid to grab the puck and go, but makes good decisions and takes care of his own end. Looks the part with the way he wheels and handles the puck with confidence, forming part of the top-end of a very good defensive group overall.
Tristen Trevino
Pittsburgh Penguins Elite, 7/6/06, right shot, 6-1/170
Size, skating, hands, shot are complemented with strong positional awareness and strong defensive attributes. He’s noticeable on the ice and directs a lot of traffic when out there.
Blake Stant (Redding, Conn.)
Mid Fairfield, 4/26/06, left shot, 5-10/155
Very good puck mover who is underrated for his vision and ability to close on plays and either break them up with an active stick or turn plays up and out of his zone. A little inconsistent in his decision-making at times, but can iron it out with experience and good coaching.
Cole Hutson
NJ Avalanche, 6/28/06, left shot, 5-4/116
Injured- did not play at EAK last month, but the latest in a line of skilled players is going to attract a lot of eyeballs.
Best defensive defenseman
Owen Keefe (Saugus, Mass.)
Boston Jr. Eagles 16- Hughes, 4/10/06, left shot, 6-1/155
Being the top defense-first player is not a slight, as the Malden Catholic product is rapidly developing a two-way game, but he’s at his best in his own end. Whether he’s closing on puck carriers and knocking them off possession with solid body contact and/or zapping their attempts to get around him with cobra-strike poke checks, Keefe is effective. He’s one of the most poised blueliners at the 16-level…and he’s playing a year up.
Honorable Mention
Colton Whitfield (Warwick, R.I.)
Cape Cod Whalers, 4/10/06, left shot, 6-1/155
The son of former pro and current Providence Bruins assistant coach Trent Whitfield is a big body who keeps things simple and doesn’t try to be something he’s not. He’s a good straight-line skater and sharp/balanced on his edges. The footwork is an area he can get better in, but he takes pride in defending and has advanced habits.
Andrew O’Sullivan (Norwell, Mass.)
Boston Advantage, 8/15/06, right shot, 5-10/155
Another player who could be just as easily categorized as a two-way D, he stands out for his skating and intelligence: doesn’t force plays or turn pucks over carelessly. With his natural poise, he’s already tough to play against in his own end, so the rest of his game will likely progress.
Chase Burlison
Detroit Compuware, 5/9/06, left shot, 6-1/210
Already has the size and reach to shut down opponents who try to skate by him with the puck. Moves well, not overly active but keeps the gaps tight and employs an active stick to neutralize quality scoring chances.
Liam O’Keeffe (Boston, Mass.)
Boston Jr. Eagles 16- Moran, 1/31/06, left shot, 6-0/185
Plays hard, heavy throwback defensive game. Looks comfortable in his skin in that he knows what he is and doesn’t run around trying to do too much. A lot of room for positive growth and development.
Alex Bales
Connecticut Jr. Bulldogs, 7/6/06, left shot, 5-8/165
Son of former pro goalie Mike Bales made a positive impression at the Jr. Chowder Cup and has continued into fall with good mobility, poise and smart defensive play.
Others of note
Gus Abrecht (No hometown listed, Mass.);Â Boston Jr. Eagles 16- Moran
Jerome Benz;Â Philadelphia Jr. Flyers
Quentin Bourne;Â Pittsburgh Penguins Elite
Evan Dresser (Everett, Mass.);Â Cape Cod Whalers
Logan Fessenden;Â Selects Academy 16
Mitch Kneidel;Â Bishop Kearney Selects
Ryan Lukko;Â NJ Rockets
Joseph Mense (Dedham, Mass.);Â Little Bruins 16,
Owen Phillips;Â Pittsburgh Penguins Elite
Max Tauoa;Â Mount Saint Charles
Top goaltender
Jack Parsons
Mount Saint Charles, 1/15/06, catches left, 6-2/175
From Courtland, N.Y. he is the total package of size, athleticsm/agility, ability to track pucks and block/direct pucks away from danger. Competes and plays with a lot of poise. Has the look of a future Team USA netminder and key stopper going forward.
Honorable mention
Jackson Silverberg
Bishop Kearney Selects, 7/30/06, catches left, 5-10/165
So quick and athletic; plays big in the net and makes a lot of saves he shouldn’t because he’s competitive and plays with a chip on his shoulder. Rebounds are a bit lively coming off his pads at times, but his recovery skills are excellent and he’s proving himself despite a lack of ideal size.
Ryder Shea (Framingham, Mass.)
Little Bruins 16, 5/4/06, catches left, 6-2/185
Excellent size and drive. A little on the raw side, but with time and patience, could develop into one of the birth year’s top options. Not too active, lets pucks hit him. Less is more approach will serve him well.
Zachary Coelho (No hometown listed, Mass.)
Boston Advantage, 1/1/06, catches left, 5-10/150
Similar to Silverberg in that he’s not the biggest netminder, but just makes the key stops. A strong foundation and technique make Coelho one of the more intriguing players we’ve seen so far, especially if he grows a bit more. Quick glove and excellent recovery make him tough to beat.
Others of note
Willum Braun, Valley Forge Minutemen
Kyle Bolduc (Bolton, Conn.), Connecticut Jr. Bulldogs
Sam Caulfield (Needham, Mass.), Cape Cod Whalers
Tanner McKiven, Pittsburgh Penguins Elite
Sam Straff, Philadelphia Jr. Flyers
Ajay White, Philadelphia Jr. Flyers
Evan Zhang (Sherborn, Mass.), Cape Cod Whalers
