The fall hockey season is nearing its end with state championships this weekend and the prep and high school campaigns right around the corner.
A lot of the players I've watched during the fall are in prep school. That's just the way it goes at a lot of these events. But I've been fortunate to see some MIAA players have strong showings, too.
Let me preface this story with this: I haven't seen every top MIAA prospect this fall. Instead, these are six players who have caught my attention throughout my travels.
We will have comprehensive preseason MIAA coverage coming in the next few weeks.
Here are six standout MIAA prospects from the fall.
Colvin Callahan
Neponset Valley River Rats 16U, 2/9/2007, F, right shot, 5-11/170
Hometown: Medfield, Mass.Â
Callahan plays for the River Rats 16U team, which is full of legitimate prep prospects (and even a couple of Division 1 commits). He generated scoring chances when I caught River Rats games and did a good job of working off his linemates. Callahan got hot towards the end of the season, finding his scoring touch. Xaverian head coach Dave Spinale will hope that continues into the MIAA season.
Nick D’Olympio
East Coast Militia 16U, 6/28/2007, F, right shot, 5-8/155
Hometown: Rockland, Mass.Â
D'Olympio had a strong spring and summer leading up to the fall. So, it only made sense that the Catholic Memorial product continued his growth over the last couple of months. His involvement in the offense was always notable and he was able to drive play. One thing that caught my eye a couple of times was his hustle on the backcheck.
Connor Fryberger
Boston Jr. Eagles 18U, 10/25/2005, F, right shot, 6-4/190
Hometown: West Roxbury, Mass.Â
Throughout the fall, the 18U Eagles have struggled for offense. But in my viewings, Fryberger did a nice job of driving play and using his size to evade defenders. It's his senior year, so Fryberger will be CM's biggest offensive weapon in the MIAA gauntlet this winter.
Ethan Goodrich
East Coast Militia 16U, 6/29/2007, F, left shot, 5-10/150
Hometown: North Hampton, N.H.Â
Goodrich was a strong offensive presence for the Militia this fall. In my viewings of him, his good edges allowed him to elude defenders, especially low in the offensive zone. His high compete levels and good hands allowed for him to gain better ice in the opposition's zone, too. As a freshman, Goodrich posted two goals and six points last season for St. John's Prep. Head coach Kristian Hanson's team will need Goodrich to continue to improve.
Declan Grenache
East Coast Militia 16U, 2/4/2007, F, left shot, 5-8/150
Hometown: Sutton, Mass.
Every time I watched the Militia 16U squad, Grenache was one of the most important and impactful players on the ice. He played with pace and was good at forcing opposing defenders to turn the puck over. He has good hands and protects the puck well. Another good element of his game is his shot, as he has a quick release. Grenache will be a big addition for St. John's Shrewsbury this winter.
Evan Jones
Boston Jr. Eagles 16U, 2/9/2007, D, left shot, 5-10/170
Hometown: Arlington, Mass.Â
The 16U Jr. Eagles had a pretty talented group of prep prospects this fall. Jones, an Arlington High standout, still found a way to garner attention with his carefully executed breakouts and rushes with the puck.
