The 2008-born New England District players got their first taste of USA Hockey Select Camps last summer at Select 15 Camp. Now, they will battle to earn spots at Select 16 Camp.
That starts this weekend.
In all, 102 players from the 2008 birth year will head to New England Sports Village in Attleboro, Mass., to practice and play games for a chance to head to Buffalo, N.Y.
Hand up — I'm not as familiar with the '08s from the New England District as I am with the '07s, whom we also previewed. However, that's why I'm very much looking forward to this weekend — to get a glimpse at all the '08 talent in one place.
Still, these are a handful of '08 players who are intriguing prospects.
Let's dive in.
Nico Ciardiello
Team Red, 11/10/2008, F, right shot, 5-11/161Â
Ciardiello earned a spot at Select 15 Camp last summer, potting a goal and an assist in four games. On a strong Mount St. Charles 15O team this past season, Ciradiello proved to be a vital secondary scorer, posting 30 goals and 57 points in 57 games. One thing to watch with him is his play-driving ability.
Oskar Drabczynski
Team Green, 2008, D, left shot, 5-10/181Â
I'm a big fan of Drabcsynski's game from the back end. He makes smart puck plays and is great in transition. He knows when to join the offense. He's been a big player for Mid Fairfield for a while and earned a spot at Select 15s last summer.
Click or tap here to access the full rosters and schedule for the New England District boys camp
Carson Mertz
Team Blue, 2/19/2008, G, catches left, 5-11/160Â
Mertz posted a .927 save percentage at Select 15s last summer and continued that dominance into this past season with Mount St. Charles' 15O team. He was outstanding, notching a .972 save percentage and a 1.97 GAA.
Ryan Poirier
Team Green, 9/19/2008, D, left shot, 5-11/154Â
There were lots of veteran players for Kent this winter, especially on defense. But Poirier found his route up the depth chart by playing a responsible, two-way game and scoring five goals and tallying 13 points in the process. He ended up playing a prominent role on the Large School champion. He projects to be one of the most interesting prospects over the next 12 months.
Cole Sabourin
Team Black, 1/23/2008, F, right shot, 5-10/165Â
Like Ciardiello, Sabourin was a great secondary scorer for Mount St. Charles' 15O team this winter. The Cumberland, R.I., native scored 12 goals and totaled 46 points in 58 games. Even though he didn't make Select 15 Camp last summer, he looks to have developed enough over the last year to fight hard for a spot.
Mason St. Louis
Team Blue, 2008, F, right shotÂ
The biggest reason why it will be great to see St. Louis is because the 16-year-old suffered a bad injury in late March, forcing his father, Martin St. Louis, to temporarily step away from being the head coach of the Montreal Canadiens. St. Louis has been a long-time member of Mid Fairfield.
THE '07s: 16 uncommitted '07 prospects to watch at New England District boys camp
Danick St. Pierre
Team Black, 5/13/2008, F, left shot, 6-1/165Â
Seacoast Performance Academy's 15O team has made waves this past season, boasting some really strong prospects. St. Pierre is certainly one of them. He ranked second on the team in goals (31) and points (62). The North Hampton, N.H., native will look to make Select 16 Camp after not making Select 15s last summer.
Garrit Turcotte
Team Red, 2/3/2008, F, right shotÂ
It's fitting that two of Seacoast Performance Academy's best players are in a row. Turcotte posted 21 goals and 56 points for the 15O team this past season. He exploded onto the scene last winter as a 14U with 36 goals and 88 points in 74 games. After that, he made Select 15s where he put up two goals and four points in four games. Turcotte will hope to repeat that success this summer at Select 16s.
