Last week, 141 players were drafted in Phase 1 of the United States Hockey League Draft. Even more were selected in Phase 2. Dozens of players will soon consider whether to leave the familiar confines of the New England prep school landscape for a new challenge in the junior hockey world.
That means leaving behind the comforts of home — family, friends and school. The USHL is a feeder league for top-level college hockey, and for many players, it’s the first introduction to the professional ranks.
But it can be a jarring experience. Mom and Dad are no longer nearby. The structure of school is gone, with players having to navigate a more grown-up schedule that blends hockey, education and free time. More is expected of them, both as hockey players and as young men maturing into adults.
It’s a path dozens of New Englanders have already undertaken. More will decide in the coming months whether to exit the prep school scene and join new USHL clubs. So we spoke to several players who matriculated from the New England prep school scene into the USHL last season.
2023 USHL DRAFT: 13 New England prospects taken in Phase 1 | 19 New England prospects taken in Phase 2
What advice do they have for players making the decision about whether to join the USHL? And what do they recommend those players do once they get there?
Michael Callow
Twenty-one goals and 40 points in 61 games with Muskegon this season, played at St. Sebastian’s from 2019-22
“Confidence is a big, important factor. Trust your game. You’re a good hockey player from playing in the prep league. Stay with that confidence because it translates over to the USHL and trust your ability and everything and it’ll all work out.”
Gavin Cornforth
Four goals and 10 points in 49 games for Dubuque this season, played at Thayer Academy from 2021-22
“It’s a process. You’re not going to come into the league unless you’re a really, really good player, and it’s going to be tough for the first few months and maybe even the first year. But you slowly, slowly get better. Every month you see an improvement and you’ve just got to stay happy and make sure you realize there are so many good players and you’re one of those younger guys and maybe in a few years, you’re going to be putting up a lot of points.”
Will Hughes
Five goals and 10 points in 32 games for Muskegon this season, played at Phillips Andover from 2018-20 and Dexter Southfield from 2020-22
“Take your time with it and make sure you’re ready. It’s a grind every day. Everyone’s competing, everyone’s a good player and fighting for each others' spots so you have to be ready to work for sure. The biggest thing is you’ve got to have your strength. No matter what age you are, you have to be ready to work. Things might not go your way in the beginning but you just have to be ready for that and it’ll eventually all work out.”
Jacob Kraft
Seventeen goals and 32 points in 56 games for Cedar Rapids this season, played at Kent School from 2020-22
"I would say definitely do it if you feel ready. If you are a younger guy, I wouldn’t rush it but it's definitely a fast league and it's fun and it's great atmospheres all around the league. It's definitely a good spot to be when you're ready to make that jump.”
Chris Romaine
Ten assists in 48 games with Omaha and Green Bay this season, played at Milton Academy from 2019-22
“When you’re ready to make that jump, do it. …I think being 100 percent committed to your decision is huge. If you’re on the fence and you don’t want to leave school, don’t think you’re ready or big enough, and your game's not there, I think not forcing the decision and really just being confident in your decision. I think that’s huge and that affects your mindset when you get to the next level. You want to be ready to attack that challenge. It’s a challenge. It’s definitely not easy.”
Sam Scopa
Had a goals-against average of 3.29 and a save percentage of .873 in 23 games for Cedar Rapids this season. Played at Belmont Hill from 2020-22
“Just give it time. Don’t be down on yourself at the start of the season when not everything’s going your way. It’s going to be hard but it’s going to be very fun at the same time. …You just have to take time into your development. It’s not going to happen right away.”
Lucas St. Louis
Three goals and 24 points in 61 games for Dubuque this season, played at Brunswick School from 2020-22
"Prep is really different from the USHL. Just the culture and how you’re all in a school and the student sections and that’s all cool. I just think enjoy that because it’s so different in the USHL. We get a lot of fans but it’s different and also take your time to get there. There’s no rush. Prep is really good and good to be in school.”
IT'S NOT ALWAYS EASY: Inside the transition from prep school to the USHL
Ryan Walsh
Thirty goals and 79 points in 61 games for Cedar Rapids this season, played at Salisbury School from 2020-22
“Have a good summer before you go into juniors. Being able to show up at training camp at the end of August or early September and being in peak shape. That means working out every day and being on the ice three to four times a week, especially towards the end. I think showing up ready and in game shape shows the coaches that you’ve been committed to this team and for your preparation and that you’re ready to make this transition and to be an impact guy right away.”
