Dexter Southfield junior center Matt Copponi has committed to play college hockey at Merrimack, he announced via Twitter on Friday afternoon. The Mansfield, Mass., native just concluded his first season of prep school hockey for head coach Dan Donato. He started the season on the third line but quickly worked his way up to center...
Dexter Southfield junior center Matt Copponi has committed to play college hockey at Merrimack, he announced via Twitter on Friday afternoon.
The Mansfield, Mass., native just concluded his first season of prep school hockey for head coach Dan Donato. He started the season on the third line but quickly worked his way up to center the team’s top line for the last half of the season.
In 30 games, Copponi had 20 goals and 22 assists for 42 points. Prior to joining Dexter Southfield, Copponi was a two-year standout for the Rams of Mansfield High School. In addition, Copponi has spent the past couple of seasons playing for the Neponset Valley River Rats.
Copponi undoubtedly was one of the top five uncommitted ’03s in New England, as NEHJ wrote in June and October of 2019.
Copponi is a terrific commit for the Warriors, led by head coach Scott Borek and assistant coaches Josh Ciocco and Dan Jewell. He’s a hard-nosed player who can play in all situations. He hunts pucks and has more skill than he’s sometimes given credit for.
Copponi’s commitment could be a pivotal one for Merrimack as it signifies a top local player choosing the Warriors over other Hockey East schools that were chasing his services. Copponi is the third ’03 to commit to Merrimack, joining center Steven Laforme of the Hamilton Kilty B’s in the GOJHL and defenseman Michael Rubin of the New Jersey Rockets 16-U.
He’ll matriculate to Merrimack for the 2022-23 season after playing one more season at Dexter Southfield and one in the USHL with the Green Bay Gamblers.
Kucharski officially enters transfer portal
As I first mentioned the possibility last month, Providence goaltender Jake Kucharski has officially entered the NCAA Transfer Portal.
The Carolina Hurricanes prospect, who spent three semesters at Providence, never was able to climb above third on the Friars' depth chart. The '99 will petition to be eligible immediately at whatever school he lands.
