Although local college hockey programs can’t be on the road recruiting right now because of the coronavirus, it hasn’t stopped them from committing players for the future.
UMass recently committed Lincoln Stars right wing Owen Michaels, an ’02 from Novi, Mich. In 46 USHL games during the 2019-20 season, Michaels had six goals and 10 assists. He previously played youth hockey for the Oakland Jr. Grizzlies and Detroit Belle Tire.
Michaels is a big winger who can hang around the net and control play below the dots with his size and strength. He’ll spend another season or two in the USHL to continue developing his game before matriculating to Amherst.
Michaels is another solid get out of Michigan for the UMass coaching staff. Mitchell Chaffee, who just signed a NHL contract with the Minnesota Wild, Matthew Kessell, Cal Kiefiuk, Reed Lebster and Jeremy Davidson were key players from Michigan for the Minutemen in 2019-20.
Maine commits Northwood’s Trudeau
Maine received a verbal commitment from Northwood School left wing Felix Trudeau, it was announced last week. The Terrebonne, Quebec, native has good size, length and skill. He showed signs of progressing during the season.
Trudeau, an ’02, is another shining example of the good job head coach Chadd Cassidy and his coaching staff do in developing players under their watch. He’s also yet another Quebec native to pledge to play for the Black Bears, who have made a concerted effort to recruit from that region over the past few years.
UNH picks up BCHL forward
West Kelowna Warriors right wing John Evans has committed to the University of New Hampshire, it was announced over the weekend. The ’02 from Surrey, British Columbia, just completed his first season of junior hockey in the BCHL.
A product of Delta Midget Prep, Evans registered 22 goals and 28 assists in 57 games this past season. He’s likely slated to head to Durham for the 2021-22 season. In addition to Evans, UNH has a commitment from West Kelowna teammate Nicolas Ardanaz, an ’02 left-shot defenseman.
Chicago Steel’s Shane commits to Big Red
Chicago Steel goaltender Ian Shane has committed to playing college hockey for Cornell. The Manhattan Beach, Calif., native and former Westminster goaltender had a .886 save percentage during his first season in the USHL.
Salisbury alum makes college choice
Former Salisbury defenseman Clay Korpi will be joining Colby College next fall. The ’00 from Port Chester, N.Y., played the 2019-20 season with the Brockville Braves in the CCHL. He had five goals and 12 assists in his first year of junior hockey. He played a season at Hotchkiss and two at Salisbury during his prep years.
