As summer hockey season concludes and we look ahead to the 2021-22 campaign, there are some individuals who have made a positive impression over the past several months and bring intriguing potential to the table.
Whether looking at NCAA committed 2022 NHL draft hopeful prospects like Nobles forward Ben MacDonald and defenseman Michael Fisher (St. Mark's), or a rising uncommitted forward in Riley Fitzgerald (Boston Hockey Academy), there is no shortage of players in the region who warrant mention.
This feature takes a look at some players at every position in the ’03 and ’04 birth years who are trending in the right direction and are worth tracking in the new season. The list is based on live viewings at various summer events. Many of them will be in prep hockey and on split-season fall teams, while a few others will compete at the Midget AAA level.
Forwards
1. Ben MacDonald (Weston, Mass.)
Nobles/EC Wizards, 2/24/04, C, shoots left, 5-11/160, NCAA commitment: Harvard
One of the biggest risers last season, the cerebral and skilled center continued to fire on all cylinders over the summer. He skates well, but his smarts and competitive drive put him over the top and firmly places him into NHL draft consideration going into the new year.
2. Michael Callow (South Boston, Mass.)
St. Sebastian’s/CC Whalers, 1/15/04, RW, shoots right, 6-2/170, NCAA commitment: Harvard
Big, rangy winger is noticeable right away for his height and athleticism. He’s a downhill skater who is tough to contain when he gets up a full head of steam. He has nifty hands and a soft touch around the net without needing much time and space. At times you have to look for him, but he has undeniable pro tools.
3. Christopher Delaney (Hopkinton, Mass.)
Boston Jr. Bruins, 9/25/04, C, shoots left, 5-7/145, NCAA commitment: UMass
Although undersized, this smart and dynamic forward is a lot of fun to watch. After breaking through in the NCDC last season, he should take another step this year. He has a burst in his first several steps and does most of his effective work in the middle of the ice and corners. His spirit and vision complement his speed and puck skills well, and UMass will benefit from the way he plays the game.
4. Riley Fitzgerald (Wilmington, Mass.)
Boston Hockey Academy 18-U, 6/2/03, RW, shoots right, 5-10/160
Impressive in the summer prep league, the BHA product always plays with pace and energy but has made some skill plays as well. He constantly moves his feet and communicates with his teammates, getting to the net and creating disruption on the forecheck. Plays bigger than his listed size and manages pucks with patience and strong instincts, not just throwing them away. Will make a D-1 program better with his all-around, 200-foot game.
5. Bobby Landry (Hingham, Mass.)
Dexter Southfield/CC Whalers, 3/22/04, C, shoots right, 6-0/161, NCAA commitment: Harvard
One of the more consistent players we have watched this summer, Landry may not be a classic upside kind of forward, but he thinks it well and makes a series of smart plays on any given shift. He lacks an extra separation gear and could use that burst to better excel in small areas, but he can pass and shoot the puck well. Will be a key prep cog and has room to make strides ahead.
6. Mason Kesselring (Manchester, N.H.)
Cushing/CM Penguins, 3/15/04, LW, shoots left, 6-2/185
With his size and physical package, Kesselring is elevating his stock rapidly. He is a powerful north-south skater who made some deft puck plays in the Committed Division at the Beantown Summer Classic. Limited viewings on him, but he looks primed for a breakout season.
7. Pavit Mehra (Hopkinton, Mass.)
South Shore Kings, 7/16/04, RW, shoots right, 5-10/145
His speed and effort combination in the Foxboro summer prep league has shined, so it is not surprising he is making the jump to the USPHL NCDC this season. He has a sneaky offensive dimension, too — finds quiet ice and has made some impressive plays with the puck on his stick. As he gets stronger, his willingness to play in the dirty areas will serve him well.
8. Coleman Jenkins (Mansfield, Mass.)
Boston Jr. Bruins, 5/11/03, C, shoots right, 6-2/180, NCAA commitment: Holy Cross
A superb get for new HC coach Bill Riga and his staff, the late-blooming Jenkins is a good skater with underrated skill. His ability to play hard and get to the net makes him a threat on every shift. He did well in the NCDC when a lack of a prep season last year kept him from playing at Tabor Academy, but it might have been a blessing in disguise.
Honorable Mention
Jack Kurrle (Middlesex, Vt.)
Maine Nordiques, 1/28/03, shoots left, 5-11/165, NCAA commitment: Vermont
Early bloomer who secured a commitment to the University of Vermont in his 15-16-year-old season has bounced around since and will play in the NAHL. We only got to see him at the Beantown Summer Classic, but he played with some speed and jam, making a noticeable impact.
Defensemen
1. Michael Fisher (Westborough, Mass.)
St. Mark’s/Little Bruins 18-U, 5/2/04, shoots right, 6-2/178, NCAA commitment: Princeton
Defense-first mindset goes well with his mobility, reach and steady hands to make hard, accurate outlet passes. His fluid footwork and aggressive stick make him difficult to beat 1-on-1 and he keeps things simple. Has a pro-style game and body already, and we think he’s only going to get better.
2. Brendan Fitzgerald (North Reading, Mass.)
Governor’s Academy, 3/6/03, shoots left, 5-11/160, NCAA commitment: UNH
Smart, engaged defender impresses with his poise and range. He isn’t flashy, but just effective- uses his stick to break up rushes, but has the nimble feet and balance to grab pucks and transition on offense. Like his older brothers, he has the advanced details and instincts for the game that mitigate his relatively average size and is on track to eventually play pro hockey.
3. Kazimier Sobieski (Deerfield, Mass.)
Shattuck-St. Mary’s Prep, 4/12/04, shoots right, 6-0/176, NCAA commitment: UMass
The Bay Stater secured a commitment to the defending national champions this summer and will be a key contributor to the SSM Sabres’ top squad this season. A good two-way defender who isn’t going to bring a high offensive dimension like Scott Morrow did, he still has the mobility, puckhandling and vision to make plays in all zones. His USHL rights are held by the Sioux Falls Stampede, so he could see some time in junior or make a spring jump to that league if his season is over.
4. Mika Petersen (Stamford, Conn.)
Connecticut Jr. Rangers, 12/21/03, shoots left, 5-10/175
Small puck-moving blueliner can wheel. He stood out at the Beantown Summer Classic for his quickness and small area burst, able to get back on retrievals and get the puck out of his own end by moving it or skating it himself. He activates at the right times and showed some flashes of D-1 potential- will play in the USPHL NCDC as a late ’03.
Goaltenders
1. Conor Sullivan (Westborough, Mass.)
Rivers, 10/3/03, catches left, 6-3/185
Big and athletic, he looked the part in Marlboro earlier this month. Moves side-to-side with fluid agility and plays big in the net. Will need to establish consistency in tracking and making all the saves he must, but some D-1 program will likely have time for him.
2. Alex Mickanin (Hopkinton, Mass.)
Dexter Southfield, 8/11/03, catches left, 6-1/190
Former South Kent Selects Academy standout will play at Dexter and should be effective at the prep level with his quickness and ability to get set for the first shot. At times, he can get a little scrambly and give up rebound goals, but there is no shortage of tools and ability here.
