American International has landed a commitment from ’99 goaltender Jake Kucharski, who spent parts of two seasons with Providence College.
Kucharski, from Erie, Pa., joined the Friars in January 2019 but didn’t see any game action. Kucharski is a 2018 seventh-round pick of the Carolina Hurricanes. Prior to arriving at Providence, Kucharski played junior hockey in the USHL with the Des Moines Buccaneers and Omaha Lancers and in the NAHL with the Austin Bruins.
His size and physical ability have given some scouts reason to believe he could blossom into a legit goaltender. However, Kucharski hasn’t posted a save percentage above .900 since his 16-U year with the Esmark Stars.
The Yellow Jackets’ coaching staff is hoping Kucharski finally fulfills his potential. AIC will be looking to replace Zackarias Skog, who was lost to graduation. Junior Stefano Durante did play in 17 games with a .918 save percentage this past season.
There is some uncertainty surrounding when Kucharski will be eligible. The NCAA has discussed a one-time transfer waiver due to the coronavirus and other factors. It’s also assumed Providence will sign a release. If all goes right, Kucharski would be eligible this fall, but it’s possible he wouldn’t be able to play until September 2021.
Mercuri decommits from Vermont
Lucas Mercuri, an ’02, has decommitted from Vermont and has been granted his release from his NLI, as first reported by Mark Divver.
The move has been rumored for quite some time and gained steam in February when Kevin Sneddon announced his retirement after 17 seasons behind the bench in Burlington.
The Lasalle, Quebec, native played the past two seasons at Salisbury. He was the first-line center this past winter, scoring 19 goals and 19 assists in 28 prep games. He was a key catalyst for the Crimson Knights winning the Elite 8 championship.
Mercuri will play the 2020-21 season in the USHL with Des Moines. He had one assist in three games out there this spring after the conclusion of the prep season.
There are any number of schools that could land Mercuri’s services. He’ll be highly coveted, especially if he proves he can produce in the USHL.
Doyle defers arrival at BU
Defenseman Braden Doyle will not enroll at Boston University until the 2021-22 season. The Lynnfield, Mass., native will head back to the USHL’s Dubuque Fighting Saints for another season.
An offensive defenseman, Doyle was a sixth-round pick of the Los Angeles Kings in the 2019 NHL draft after a successful prep school career at Lawrence Academy. He exceeded expectations in the USHL this past season, registering seven goals and 25 assists for 32 points in 48 games.
This move could offer an indiction of what is ahead. With the uncertainty surrounding the 2020-21 college hockey season, especially in big cities such as Boston, more players could choose to go back to junior hockey. It’s far more likely the USHL season will go off without a hitch, due to the geographic region of league teams and not depending on an entire student body being on campus.
