Brown University made it official on Monday that former Northeastern University assistant coach Jason Smith was being tabbed to the same position on Brendan Whittet's staff.
Smith was recruiting for the Bears at the Junior Bruins Shootout over the weekend. The West Yarmouth, Mass., native was a Salem State graduate who previously had assistant coaching experience at Holy Cross, Babson, and his alma mater, in addition to his time with the Huskies.
Also, Whittet announced the promotion of Jason Guerriero to associate head coach from assistant coach. Guerriero, a former player at Northeastern, is entering his fifth season with the Bears after serving as an assistant at Yale and Holy Cross.
Friars land big defender
On Monday, Muskegon Lumberjacks defenseman John Prokop announced his commitment to play college hockey for Nate Leaman at Providence College. An '01 from Wausau, Wis., he split time between the USHL's Omaha Lancers and the NAHL's Janesville Jets during the 2018-19 season.
Prokop struggled to adjust to junior hockey, partly due to injuries, but he's a player with pro upside. He earned an opportunity to play in the 2018 USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game last September, following a strong summer that included a stellar showing at USA Hockey Select 17 Camp.
Prokop is starting to fill out his frame and he's put on some weight over the off-season. He skates well and has good offensive instincts. He also does a good job filling lanes and using his stick to defend and close on opposing forwards.
Prokop, a Team Wisconsin product, was previously committed to Miami where Providence assistant Joel Beal was an assistant last season before joining the Friars.
Quinnipiac lands top '03
Late last week, Quinnipiac received a verbal commitment from Phoenix Jr. Coyotes 16-U right-shot center David Hymovitch, who was one of the top uncommitted '03s in the United States.
Hymovitch has a goal and three assists over the course of the first four games of the 2019-20 season. He spent last season with the Phoenix Jr. Coyotes 15 Only team.
The Phoenix, Ariz., native saw his stock rise incrementally at the USA Hockey Select 16 Player Development Camp in July. He had four goals and four assists in four games and earned a roster spot on the U.S. team that competed in the Five Nations Tournament.
Hymovitch saw his stock soar here, perhaps more so than any other forward at camp. He has a good shot, puck skills, and was crafty in small areas. His release on his wrist shot is deceptive and he can pick his spots. He also made a nice play for an assist in the All-Star Game.
That's what was said about Hymovitch in NEHJ's recap of the top forward prospects from Select 16 Camp.
Multi-sport athlete commits to Army
It's not often New England Hockey Journal will focus on a college lacrosse commitment, but there's good reason to in this case. Thayer Academy junior right C.J. Monturio is also a standout on the lacrosse field and recently verbally committed to play college lacrosse at Army West Point.
Monturio is a very good hockey player. The Weymouth, Mass., native is a two-time participant at USA Hockey national camps and is a top six forward on the Tigers' hockey team. Monturio has a high compete level and skates very well.
