NORTH ANDOVER, Mass. — A group of players born in 2000 and 2001 converged on Merrimack College’s Gallant Rink in hopes of getting one last viewing in front of Division 2 and Division 3 college coaches.
The Last Chance Uncommitted Showcase took place April 7-9 with nearly 30 college coaches in attendance. The event, organized by Islanders Hockey Club coaches Tim Kyrkostas and Mike Busconi, allowed uncommitted players to skate in four games in front of coaches looking for a hidden gem or two.
There never has been a worse time to be a junior hockey age-out. With the coronavirus pandemic, junior hockey schedules were altered at best, and some leagues north of the border were canceled entirely. While there were no Division 1 prospects in this event, it served its purpose in showcasing players to Division 2 and Division 3 college coaches. The logjam in junior hockey isn’t going away anytime soon. For the next couple of years, college roster spots will be at a premium. I expect this event to grow in popularity and become an important part of the scouting calendar for Division 2 and Division 3 coaches.
Below is a look at players who caught my attention at the Last Chance Uncommitted Showcase.
Bennett Blake
Florida Jr. Blades (USPHL Premier), 1/12/00, D, right shot, 5-9/165
Blake is a converted forward, who played defense here. He played a simple, steady game while skating with mobility. He didn’t look to be an overly flashy player, but he made good, smart breakout passes. He skated with his head up and had a good stick defensively. Originally from Dallas, he spent time at Cushing and Winchendon. Blake has some jam to his game and could make a nice late addition for a few Division 2 or 3 programs.
Owen Heidelberger
Boston Advantage (USPHL NCDC), 4/24/01, D, right shot, 6-1/190
Heidelberger, from Westwood, Mass., has come up through the Boston Advantage youth program. He doesn’t have a lot of offensive skill and his skating could get better. However, he could fit into a Division 2 or Division 3 roster with his size, especially as a fifth or sixth defenseman.
Toivo Kramer
CT Chiefs (EHL), 9/26/00, LW, left shot, 6-2/200
Kramer is a big winger from New York City. He’s bounced around the junior hockey landscape in the New York region. Kramer potentially could be a fit as a power forward who can score goals and create time and space for his linemates with his length. His skating is an area of concern, but he showed some flashes here in terms of being a middle-six winger for the right Division 2 or 3 program.
Cam Lawhorne
Islanders HC (USPHL Premier), 11/6/01, D, left shot, 5-9/160
Lawhorne, from Reading, Mass., just finished his first year of junior hockey after playing for his hometown high school. Lawhorne is a little on the smaller side, but he skates well and can move pucks up ice. He showed a little edge to his game at times here. There always will be room for a mobile, puck-moving defenseman at a MASCAC or similar program.
Cam Mannion
South Shore Kings (USPHL NCDC), 10/13/01, D, right shot, 6-1/190
Mannion was a four-year player for Thayer Academy. The Dorchester, Mass., native just completed his first season of junior hockey in the NCDC. Mannion’s stick and puck skills are areas of his game that could use improvement during the 2021-22 season, if he wants to land a better college commitment. As it stands, he’s in line to be a fifth or sixth defenseman who can be counted on to defend well at a Division 2 or 3 school.
Nolan Murphy
Boston Advantage (USPHL Premier), 10/16/01, RW, right shot, 6-2/185
Murphy is a good-sized winger who can play the role of a power forward for the right Division 2 or 3 program. He showed some ability to shoot the puck hard and protect pucks on the wall. His skating is an area of his game that needs to continue to get better in his final year of junior hockey. Murphy, from Hyde Park, Mass., played high school hockey for Catholic Memorial.
