BELMONT, Mass. — Belmont Hill and St. Sebastian’s met at the Jordan Athletic Center Saturday, battling to a 3-3 tie in a game that featured multiple NHL draft prospects.
St. Sebastian’s got notable performances from defenseman Nolan Joyce (Dedham, Mass.), Michael Callow (South Boston, Mass.) and Brendan Gorman (Westwood, Mass.). Ryan Kazmouz (Nashua, N.H.) was strong in net, particularly in the overtime period, where he made multiple highlight-reel saves to preserve the tie. For the Sextants, defenseman Matt Biotti (Cambridge, Mass.), along with forwards Teddy Stiga (Sudbury, Mass.) and Jack Houser (Arlington, Mass.) made a positive impact on the contest. It was a game Belmont Hill probably should have won given the push they had at the end of regulation and in the extra session, but the Arrows were able to hold.
Although there have been a lot of postponements and cancellations in prep hockey amidst the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the matchup between quality teams attracted a lot of NHL scouts and college coaches to Belmont Hill.
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Matt Biotti
Belmont Hill, 8/27/04, D, right shot, 6-4/180
NCAA commit: Harvard
While playing with the EC Wizards 18 team this fall, Biotti was noticeable for his size, skating and reach. He got up the ice and out of position at times, but in this game, he played within himself and made smart pinches. His puck movement was crisp and decisive for the most part, though there is room for him to get the puck off his stick and up the ice faster. He moved well laterally along the blue line, and did a good job of getting his point shot through traffic, low to the ice, and on net. With a lot of eyes on him, Biotti helped himself.
Nolan Joyce
St. Sebastian’s, 9/25/03, D, right shot, 6-1/175
NCAA commit: Boston College
Beyond the second-period one-timer he scored on the power play, Joyce used his speed and quickness to good effect. It seemed like he played the entire game, logging a lot of minutes for Sean McCann’s team. He did a good job of controlling play along the offensive blue line, keeping pucks in and using the ice in front of him to pinch down and work the play into grade A areas. Defensively, he was efficient and positionally sound. He’s not flashy, but makes the first pass well and can skate pucks out of danger on his own.
Michael Callow
St. Sebastian’s, 1/15/04, RW, right shot, 6-4/190
NCAA commit: Harvard
Scored in the first period by sticking with his shot after it was blocked in front of the net, but two defenders couldn’t locate it. Callow pounced, and with goaltender Sam Scopa (Lexington, Mass.) partially screened by his own players, fired the puck into the back of the net. His size and skating have obvious pro appeal, and there were some positive shifts where he drove hard to the net and created space for himself and his linemates. Being consistent in his impact will continue to drive his stock as the season goes on.
James Fisher (Wilmington, Mass.)
Belmont Hill, 4/28/04, RW, right shot, 6-3/180
NCAA commit: Northeastern
This was not a great game for Fisher, who has size, can skate and possesses a ferocious shot. In recent viewings, he had been more physical and engaged away from the puck, but was largely quiet in this one. As a power winger with his attributes, it’s not always about scoring, but he must avoid turning pucks over just inside the offensive blue line. He can always resort to using his size and speed to finish hits and be a disruptive presence, and that was lacking.
Key performers
Will Elias (Weston, Mass.)
St. Sebastian’s, 1/28/03, D, right shot, 6-0/165
Veteran workhorse played a ton and was impactful for the Arrows, playing a reliable two-way game. He got on the scoresheet with a helper on Joyce’s power-play marker, but the strength of his game was his gaps, smart stick and quick decisions. Although uncommitted, he’s going to provide a college team with good depth and the potential to eventually log a lot of minutes.
Ryan Kazmouz
St. Sebastian’s, 8/30/03, G, catches left, 6-0/161
Played a big role in preventing his team from coming out on the short end of the score. With Belmont Hill buzzing late and in the overtime period, he was able to track pucks, react/adjust and make several athletic stops to deny the victory. He also got lucky on a few shots that somehow didn’t find the back of the net behind him, but sometimes it’s better to be lucky than good. Kazmouz competed hard and gave the Arrows a chance to steal one.
Brendan Gorman
St. Sebastian’s, 2/17/03, C, right shot, 6-0/160
NCAA commit: Princeton
Around the puck a lot, he played with speed and pace throughout. He was right where he needed to be in the second period, converting a rebound to take a 3-1 lead. He’s productive and when he turns the wheel, brings an offensive flair to the top line with Callow and Jayden Grier (Needham, Mass.).
Will Killoran (Charlestown, Mass.)
Belmont Hill, 1/30/03, D, right shot, 6-3/195
Experienced and poised, he kept things simple in his own end. There’s not a lot of flash here, but he’s capable and makes good reads and decisions. He supports the play well and brings the kind of bite and jam to the position at the right times.
Teddy Stiga
Belmont Hill, 4/5/06, LW, left shot, 5-10/165
The youngest player on the roster continues to impress after a strong fall season with the Boston Jr. Eagles 16 squad. On the power play, he operated effectively from the half wall, working pucks through seams and using his quickness to evade defenders. In open ice, he’s dangerous with the skill and creativity to make any range of play. He didn’t score in this one, but was a visible and active presence up front.
Jack Houser
Belmont Hill, 1/25/03, RW, right shot, 6-1/200
Senior forward had a pair of goals, and tied the game in the second period, helping Belmont Hill battle back from a two-goal deficit. He was heavy on pucks and went to the net consistently. He used his size to shield pucks and fight through contact.
