The University of New Hampshire received a verbal commitment from Lawrence Academy defenseman Damien Carfagna, the player announced on Twitter Wednesday night. Carfagna, an '02 from Wood Ridge, N.J., is an offensive-minded defenseman who received interest from several schools across Hockey East, ECAC Hockey and Atlantic Hockey. In his first season of prep hockey, Carfagna has...
The University of New Hampshire received a verbal commitment from Lawrence Academy defenseman Damien Carfagna, the player announced on Twitter Wednesday night.
Carfagna, an '02 from Wood Ridge, N.J., is an offensive-minded defenseman who received interest from several schools across Hockey East, ECAC Hockey and Atlantic Hockey.
In his first season of prep hockey, Carfagna has two goals and eight assists through his first 10 games. Carfagna had a terrific fall playing for the Neponset Valley River Rats 18-U. Prior to this season, he played for Don Bosco Prep and Mercer Chiefs in New Jersey.
Carfagna had a very good showing at the Groton/Lawrence Holiday Tournament where I ranked him as one of the top uncommitted players there. He also performed well with the River Rats at the Massachusetts State 18-U Tournament and at the ECC Labor Day Cup.
A late '02, Carfagna isn't eligible for the NHL Draft until 2021. He's a little on the smaller side, but his stick and puck-moving capabilities will certainly earn him attention from NHL scouts. He's come on strong this year and he makes great breakout passes and can also quarterback a power play.
"Damien is a solid two-way defensemen that can transition the puck and has good mobility. He has really good hockey IQ. He can play in all situations and is effective on the power play," said a NHL scout, speaking on the condition of anonymity.
He joins Lawrence Academy teammate David Sacco as a commit to the Wildcats. UNH head coach Mike Souza and his staff have done a nice job attracting some solid local players. Carfagna, Sacco, Boston Advantage '03 center Nick Ring and Avon Old Farms '03 center JP Turner are the leaders in that regard.
In addition to the duo headed to Durham, Robbie Barker's team has four other players already committed to a Division I program. Forwards Riley Duran and Blake Humphrey and defenseman Cole Teleki are Providence commits and goaltender Brandon Milberg is committed to Sacred Heart.
Senior forward Conor Lovett, named MVP of the recent Watkins Tournament at Cushing, is another Spartan who could be committing to a college in the near future. Other players on the Lawrence roster that have a chance of playing Division I are defensemen Matt Connor, Kyle Furey, and Mack Oliphant.
