It’s undeniable that the best talent has left the MIAA and RIIL over the past couple of decades to head to prep school or in more recent years, full-season academy model schools and junior hockey.
However, there are still a few notable prospects playing high school hockey in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Those players have been displaying their ability over the past 45 days at various tournaments and showcases across New England.
There are a number of freshmen and sophomores in the high school hockey circuit who will play Division 1 college hockey. Some are already being watched and scouted by programs. Others are already being sought after by prep schools.
Here’s a look at 10 freshmen and sophomores who have stood out in split season action so far this fall.
Owen Keefe
Malden Catholic/Junior Eagles 16U, 3/26/06, D, left shot, 5-11/175
Keefe has taken a big step over the past few months as he’s developed physically. His skating, especially his first two steps, is noticeably better. He shows more poise and confidence with the puck. In a recent game against the Little Bruins, Keefe scored a goal and added an assist. Defensively, he plays with jam and doesn’t take any nonsense in front of his own net. The Saugus, Mass., native will be a sophomore at Malden Catholic, playing for Chris Kuchar.
Jack Sadowski
Arlington/Junior Eagles 16U, 7/29/06, C, left shot, 5-10/160
Sadowski has been the most productive player in all of my viewings of the Junior Eagles this fall. While his skating isn’t the best in this birth year, there are few players who possess better hockey sense and goal-scoring ability. The Arlington, Mass., native seems to always be in the right place at the right time. He can score nice goals with an accurate shot, but he also has a knack for garbage goals by hanging around the dirty area of the ice. Sadowski will be a fixture on the first line for John Messuri’s Spy Ponders.
James Marshall
BC High/River Rats 15O, 4/5/06, C/LW, left shot, 5-11/145
Marshall, from Weymouth, Mass., has a smooth, long stride and a lot of skill. He’s becoming more explosive and has the ability to take over games offensively. With his skating and stick, he has the opportunity to become even more consistent over the coming years. He’ll be a sophomore on John Flaherty’s squad at BC High.
Ryan Staples
Bishop Hendricken/River Rats 15O, 2/24/06, C/RW, right shot, 6-0/143
Staples is another one of the more improved players in the region. From Middletown, R.I., he skates well and plays an honest, 200-foot game. His size, skating and compete are all positive attributes. Staples will be a sophomore at Bishop Hendricken, one of the top programs in Rhode Island.
Colton Whitfield
Bishop Hendricken/CC Whalers 15O, 4/10/06, D, left shot, 6-0/156
Whitfield has all the physical tools to be a two-way defenseman. He’s tall and physically strong. His offensive upside isn’t dynamic, but he can make a solid first touch when he keeps things simple. Defensively, he’s rangy and has an ability to break up plays on the rush and attacking zone sequences. He’ll be a teammate of Staples with Bishop Hendricken.
Will Doherty
Marshfield/CC Whalers 15O, 2/13/06, RW, right shot, 5-11/150
Doherty has taken a nice step over the past year. He’s always been one of the better players in the state in this birth year, but he’s elevated that this fall. Doherty plays a solid, north-south game while adding some skill. He’ll be a sophomore for Dan Connolly’s Rams.
Colvin Callahan
Lexington/River Rats 14U, 2/9/07, RW, right shot, 5-9/135
Callahan has elevated his stock this fall, playing on the top line with the River Rats. He’s a power forward who uses his size, strength and skating to drive the net and generate offense. He’ll be a freshman at Lexington High this winter.
Liam Gore
Arlington/Junior Eagles 14U, 6/22/07, LW, left shot, 5-9/145
Gore is a power forward who has long been regarded as one of the better ’07s in the region. He does a good job of lowering his shoulder and overpowering opposing defensemen. He’ll have an immediate impact on the MIAA for the Spy Ponders.
Cam Caron
Dracut/South Shore Kings 14U, 6/1/07, LW, left shot, 5-11/150
Caron is another power forward with good size. He’s had a really good fall with the South Shore Kings. He’s a dynamic player when he can protect pucks, finish and also make plays by drawing opposing players before finding open teammates. He’ll be in the market for a prep school after one season at Dracut High.
CJ Watroba
Pope Francis/Springfield Rifles 14U, 2/2/07, C, left shot, 5-8/130
Watroba is unquestionably the leader of the Rifles. He skates well and is physically mature. He can finish and make plays. He’ll be a big part of Brian Foley’s Cardinals, a perennial powerhouse looking to rebuild after losing their top four players.
