With the 2021-22 hockey season in the rear-view mirror, the focus shifts to 2007-born prospects in New England and outside of the region, as late spring and summer hockey events will set the tone for what could happen for them in 2022-23.
The Mass. Hockey Festival will take place in Marlboro, Mass., May 6-8, while the New England District Festival for the ’07s happens in Keene, N.H., in late June. Both events will determine who will attend the USA Hockey Select 15 National Development Camp in mid-July Amherst, N.Y.
That is the first major showcase of the season for colleges and junior teams to get eyes on the top players who will be eligible to be chosen for the 2023 U.S. National Team Development Program’s 40-man evaluation camp next March and the 2023 USHL drafts.
New England Hockey Journal looks at some area ‘07 forwards who impressed in live viewings at various points throughout the past season. This is not a comprehensive list of all the top ’07 forwards, but designed to shine light on a group of promising prospects who performed in bantam-major competition.
MORE: Watch list of 11 local '07 defensemen, goaltenders
Top tier/NTDP candidates
Teddy Mutryn (Norwell, Mass.)
St. Sebastian’s/Junior Eagles 16-Moran, 2/16/07, RW, right shot, 6-0/180
Total package of size, skating, skills and a cathedral ceiling at the coming levels. An elite athlete, he played up two years on Ian Moran’s Eagles 16 team in the fall, and didn’t look a bit out of place as a 14-year-old, playing a heavy, physical game to go with the offensive skills. He’s the best New England prospect, and should he continue on his developmental track and will generate a lot of buzz leading up to the 2025 NHL draft as a power forward built for pro hockey. There are high expectations for the former Boston Advantage star. But after watching him all year, it’s not hype.
Richard Gallant (Concord, Mass.)
St. Mark’s/Islanders HC, 4/6/07, LW, left shot, 5-7/140
Major breakout season for the smallish, but swift and shifty winger who came out of the gate hot and never let up. He’s a top-end skater who can beat defenders wide with his speed, but is also fearless in the way he goes hard to the net. The quick hands and ability to create is one thing, but Gallant is willing to take a hit to make a play and brings some real feistiness and jam to his game. He had a tremendous season in prep, and looks set for an encore.
Next tier forwards
Egan Beveridge (Concord, Mass.)
Mount Saint Charles, 1/11/07, RW, right shot, 5-8/155
A player opponents must constantly account for because along with the skating and shot, the motor is always revving on high. A lethal force on the power play, he constantly moves around and is able to find soft spots in opposing defenses. When he gets the puck on his stick, it’s off again and to the net in an instant. There is a lot to like here.
Cam Caron (Dracut, Mass.)
Dracut-Tyngsboro HS/South Shore Kings, 6/21/07, LW, left shot, 5-11/161
First noticed him in fall action against Mount Saint Charles as a tall, rangy winger who used his size and straight-line speed to attack the middle of the ice and score with a big shot. He carried his strong play over to MIAA, where he produced as a freshman. As he grows and adds power to his stride, he will elevate his area and national profile.
Colvin Callahan (Lexington, Mass.)
Lexington HS/NV River Rats, 2/9/07, RW, right shot, 5-10/150
Set the tone with a superb fall season as a competitive forward who moves his feet and brings a tenacious effort on the puck. Also notable is Callahan’s play away from the puck, as he makes himself available and takes good routes to the net while diligently backchecking and supporting both sides of the play. Stood out in high school and spring play at the Mass. Tier I state championship in March.
Dylan Krayer (Concord, Mass.)
Mount Saint Charles, 3/12/07, RW, right shot, 5-5/120
Another standout performer up front for the Saint M 14 squad as a versatile forward who can do a little bit of everything. He was another notable performer at the NED playoffs, scoring two impressive goals in a single shift against Seacoast Academy to blow the game open. A winger, he also has the capacity to take draws and help his team by doing the little things beyond the obvious scoring.
Billy MacAusland (Westwood, Mass.)
Junior Eagles, 8/4/07, RW, left shot, 5-6/125
Speedy, highly skilled winger plays with tempo and some grit, as he battles for pucks along the walls and constantly buzzes the net. He’s small and light, but is willing to sacrifice the body to make plays. Nifty hands and an agitating style round out what is an intriguing all-around package if he can keep growing.
Michael Munroe (Hanover, Mass.)
Hanover HS/Junior Eagles, 7/6/07, LW, left shot, 5-7/135
Elevated himself at the Eastern Exposure Cup with the Eagles 14s, but saved his best for the MIAA Division 3 championship game. Munroe is a top skater with explosive acceleration, small-area quickness, an open-ice separation gear and the ability to cut and weave away from defenders with effortless grace. With a terrific touch on the puck as a passer, he can also one-time shots to the back of the net with devastating effect. Winning hockey player.
Jake Tavares (Belmont, Mass.)
Junior Eagles, 1/27/07, LW/RW, right shot, 5-9/150
Jumps out at you on the first shift with a combination of size, powerful skating and the ability to handle the puck and get his hard shot off from all over the offensive zone. He’s already embracing the physical aspects of the game, and is at his best when motoring straight to the net. He can improve his east-west wiggle, but there’s upside at the subsequent levels here.
Rising to the occasion
Joe Feinberg (Needham, Mass.)
BC High/Islanders HC, 1/10/07, RW, right shot, 5-7/135
Colorado transplant played an outstanding game against Austin Prep to propel the Eagles to the MIAA Division 1 semifinal round. The two-way forward who competes hard and has a sneaky-good skill set is on the upswing as an area prospect to watch for his refined, detailed game.
Aiden Ferreira (Warwick, R.I.)
Bishop Hendricken/Providence HC, 1/17/07, C, right shot, 5-9/150
Impressed at the New England District playoffs with his pace, hockey sense and all-around skill set. The puck seemed to follow him around the ice, and he showcased a nasty shot that he can get off in an instant. With an advanced offensive mindset and good size, he merits watching.
Freddy Meyer (Winchester, Mass.)
Junior Eagles, 10/16/07, RW/LW, left shot, 5-7/140
The son and namesake of the former NHL defenseman and Rivers School head coach, Meyer is a forward who can really skate and uses his edges well to evade pressure and open up space for himself. He doesn’t always find the score sheet, but showed solid progress from first viewings back in late August through the spring. He’s not a household name, but has the kind of attributes that could take him far.
Van Martin (Derry, N.H.)
Seacoast Performance Academy, 10/3/07, C/LW, left shot, 5-8/140
Led the Spartans 14s in scoring with his fast twitch and elusive skating style and quick hands. He’s a puck hound who sees the ice well and wants the puck on his stick. He was at times overpowered, but has a lot of room for growth in his game as he matures and develops.
Connor Mudd (Shrewsbury, Mass.)
Shrewsbury HS/South Shore Kings, 7/1/07, LW, left shot, 5-7/135
From our first viewing in September until the last in the Mass. Hockey Tier I state championship in March, Mudd brought one attribute in spades: a relentless work ethic. He’s a perpetual motion machine who is a constant presence on the forecheck and impresses with sheer determination and will. The effort allows him to create scoring chances and produce, something you can’t teach or improve in the weight room.
