As the midway point of the 2021-22 prep hockey season in New England approaches, now is a good time to look at who are some of the more successful and capable goaltenders throughout the region.
The recognition here is not simply about wins and statistics, but is a more holistic analysis of the position and which players we feel have the best chance to play at subsequent levels and reach top performer status as they climb the developmental ladder.
We also factor in workload, age, strength of schedule and prep experience with respect to the five who graded out at the top. Prep hockey has a pretty strong and deep field of goalies this season, and that is reflected in the overall performances we’ve witnessed and taken into account for this list. College commitments were not a large factor in who appears in the top-5 list, but based on the early returns, the thinking here is that several will not be uncommitted for long.
New England Hockey Journal will reassess the prep goalies at the conclusion of the season and playoffs, so be sure to check back and see who stays inside the top 5 and whether anyone from the list of honorable mentions breaks into that group.
1. Jackson Irving (Newbury, Mass.)
Cushing, 2/3/04, catches left, 6-0/175
Tremendous performance out of the gate for the Cedar Rapids (USHL) prospect and uncommitted goalie who was very good for the Central Mass. Penguins in autumn. Whatever he lacks in ideal (pro) size, he more than makes up for in his talent, technique and the ability to focus on seeing pucks. With games on the line, he makes huge stops look easy. The hallmark of any successful team is a goaltender that does his part to contribute to wins, and he's done that well. At some point, you have to focus on what he does well instead of finding issues with the body of work. He should make a seamless transition to juniors next season, and has higher-end future potential in Division 1. He is also a leader on and off the ice, having recently been named an assistant captain.
2. Conor Callaghan
Avon, 3/2/03, catches left, 6-0/180
The Winged Beavers have taken the top spot in our power rankings, and the senior is a major factor in their 13-1 start. Playing behind a skilled and deep team can often make things tougher on the last line of defense, but the postgrad has been extremely focused and ready to make the saves when the Avon machine breaks down in front of him. In a recent shutout against Westminster, he stifled some difficult scoring chances by using his quick reflexes and fighting through screens to locate the puck and set his feet. His rebound control has been outstanding, and as a workhorse goalie, he’s playing the minutes and leading prep hockey statistically. The New Jersey native brings a similar physical package to Irving, but should not be overlooked much longer. He’s rising considerably after a stellar showing, and signs point to it not being a fluke.
3. Sam Scopa (Lexington, Mass.)
Belmont Hill, 1/10/05, catches left, 6-0/
There’s no other way to put it: the Boston Junior Eagles product and second-year Sextant is one of the very best ’05 goalies in the region and even the USA. He’s as athletic and consistent as they come, showing natural poise that belies his relative youth when compared to many of the other players he’s in competition with. He doesn’t seem to get rattled if he gives up a goal to get behind and usually comes back with a big save or top game if he has an off performance (and there haven’t been many). His ability to track pucks, read the play and compete to get every last bit from his talent stands out right away, and he’s only going to get better. As a second-semester sophomore, he can now speak to D-1 coaches and based on his performance and upside, there is sure to be demand for him. His net depth at times is something for him to be more aware of, but when it comes to ability and intangibles like mental toughness and confidence, Scopa just wins. He and senior Aaron Matthews (Newton, Mass.) are providing Belmont Hill with a top tandem that has only allowed 15 goals in their first 13 games.
4. Brendan Holahan (New Canaan, Conn.)
Brunswick, 6/15/04, catches left, 6-3/180
With a physical package that is ideal for pro hockey and the benefit of playing for a competitive and successful Bruins team, Holahan is getting NHL looks in his draft season. His statistics aren’t as flashy as other goaltenders in prep, but he’s had some solid performances in net. The key to his continued growth this season will be for him to maintain focus and set his feet to better stop the first shots. With his size and natural athleticism, pro teams and colleges will want to see the wins and consistency he’s capable of providing. Des Moines owns his USHL rights.
5. Thatcher Bernstein (Brookline, Mass.)
Nobles, 7/17/06, catches left, 6-3/200
The youngest player on our list got off to a tremendous start, earning Flood-Marr MVP honors and impressing scouts and onlookers with his combination of size, agility and a cool, calm presence in net. He isn’t just big at 6-foot-3, he plays big. When looking at him in his crease, he presents a massive obstacle to would-be shooters. At one point in the season, the sophomore was among the statistical leaders, but his play has dipped a bit since December and early January. Still, he’s put himself into the conversation for the U.S. National Team Development Program and has the tools to be a coveted D-1 recruit and play at the higher levels. He looks like a good bet to be a USHL futures pick if Team USA doesn’t call his name in Plymouth, Mich.
Honorable mention
Evan Plunkett, Holderness; 9/3/03; 5-10/170: North Carolinian with average size has been the alpha dog in net for the Bulls, helping them to an impressive 12-1-1 record.
Jake Inzirillo, Brooks; 2/2/03, 6-1/170: The Cape Cod Whalers 18s standout is top-5 statistically, primed to move to greater heights in the second half.
Kellen Beauton (Colchester, Conn.), Pomfret; 1/29/03, 6-0/175: Senior is having a winning season and like some others, is knocking on the door to top recognition.
Ryder Shea (Framingham, Mass.), St. George’s; 5/4/06, 6-1/179: Sophomore goalie has earned a lot of starts for a rising club, gaining trust with his performance.
Luc Gagnon (Natick, Mass.), Lawrence Academy; 2/10/04, 6-0/165: It’s been a slog for the Spartans so far, but Gagnon’s goaltending (with partner Vincent Lamberti) has kept them in just about every game.
Max Lacroix, Governor’s; 3/16/04, 6-0/160: Athletic and acrobatic saves make him a player to watch as the season rolls on.
Michael Salvatore (Newburyport, Mass.), Exeter; 8/9/03, 5-11/170: Always brings elite effort, competitive drive; steals games on sheer will — fun to watch.
Aidan Hopewell, Kent; 1/10/05, 6-2/179: Sophomore had an up-and-down fall season with the Jr. Bulldogs 16 team but has surged to success for the Lions in a string of recent starts.
Dan Heroux, KUA (Vermont); 1/14/05, 6-1/205: Quebec product started hot and played a ton for the Wildcats, then slumped at True Cup, but has tools to get his game back on the rails.
Jacob Osborne, Westminster; 3/4/03, 6-2/192: Ottawa native has had some tough losses including most recent start vs. Avon, but there’s raw upside as a player to keep on the radar.
