With NCAA back to a semblance of normalcy in 2021-22 after many programs closed up shop a season ago due to the Covid pandemic, while those who did have a 2020-21 campaign were limited, a quick look at the top performers around the country shows some unexpected surprises among the early statistical leaders.
The New England region boasts a group of these players who are natives, not to mention others with ties to the region who are making their presence felt on their respective teams.
Currently leading the nation in scoring is a product of France, who played most of his North American junior hockey career in the NAHL in Attleboro, Mass., with the Northeast Generals. Louis Boudon’s seven goals and 20 points for the Lake Superior State Lakers give him a share of the national scoring lead with Michigan Wolverines sophomore Kent Johnson, who was the fifth overall selection in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft by the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Bourdon is not alone on his club in terms of a hot offensive start, however. Boston College transfer Harrison Roy (Lakeville, Mass.) currently sits 25th in scoring with five goals and 13 points, while another former BC player in defenseman Timmy Lovell, now with Arizona State, is producing at more than a point-per-game clip as well.
Here are some early college hockey surprises with New England connections who are making key contributions around the nation.
Louis Boudon, Lake Superior State (WCHA)- Northeast Generals (NAHL)
Always smart and productive at every level prior to starting his college career, the playmaking center from Grenoble, France displays superb vision and the ability to create and make those around him better with pinpoint passes and an ability to think the game well. He’s helped the Lakers to a strong 9-5 start in the WCHA, with Minnesota State-Mankato running away with the conference currently on a 13-1 record.
Harrison Roy, Lake Superior State (Lakeville, Mass.)
Originally committed to Maine, the former Loomis Chaffee Pelican has led a nomadic existence since leaving prep in 2017, playing for four USHL teams and two NCAA schools since, but looks to have found a home on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. A high-character individual and good teammate, Roy brings an all-around game. He battled through some injury challenges in juniors, and after being a spare part at BC a year ago, has embraced his role and looks to have his confidence back. Roy’s 13 points in just 14 games is only one fewer in the previous two seasons combined, underscoring the positive development in his game in a new situation.
Timmy Lovell, Arizona State (Hingham, Mass.)
Like Roy, Lovell was at Boston College but opted to take advantage of the transfer rule to hit the Southwest and is making a big impact with the Sun Devils. Always an explosive skater and puck transporter, he’s also earning his ice through smart, positional defensive play. At 5-foot-8, 150 pounds, he doesn’t have the physical attributes to match up against the bigger, stronger, older opponents he lines up against on any given night, but employs an active stick to break up plays and uses his speed/agility to deny time and space. The points are impressive enough, but it’s the two-way impact that has him being rewarded with minutes and a prime role.
Kevin Fitzgerald, St. Cloud State (NCHC)- Vermont Lumberjacks (EHL)
At 25 years old, the Illinois native is taking advantage of his age and experience to put up the points for the Huskies in the NCHC. It says something that he’s worked his way into the top-15 in scoring early in the season having played at multiple lower levels and having to grind it out on a strong team and work his way up in the lineup at St. Cloud. The fifth-year senior has been a consistent two-way forward but is now leveraging his more than 120 career NCAA games (headed into the new season) into a front-line scoring role.
Devon Levi, Northeastern (HEA)
While not necessarily unexpected for an NHL draft selection of the Florida Panthers (his rights since traded to Buffalo as part of the Sam Reinhart deal), Levi has carried the mail for the Huskies and been outstanding in the process. He was in net for a big overtime win against Harvard, making several scintillating saves against the potent Crimson offense to get the game to the extra session. What he lacks in ideal pro size, he makes up for with his quickness, focus and mental toughness. Plays much bigger in the Northeastern net than he is.
Owen Savory, UMass-Lowell (HEA)
Ontario native had two strong seasons at RPI before transferring to Lowell for the 2020-21 truncated season where he struggled. However, in five games with the River Hawks, he’s put up a 4-0-1 record and is on top of his game, playing with the right kind of swagger to elevate his squad in the early going.
Though perhaps not unexpected, former Neponset Valley River Rats forward Austin Magera has the co-lead (Braeden Tuck)  in scoring with Sacred Heart as a senior and on pace for his most productive season yet. The Georgia native played a season in the USHL split between Chicago and Lincoln before college, and put up 64 points in his first three years with the Pioneers.
