As NHL scouts and college coaches continue to watch the 2018 Little Bruins 18U team, it will quickly become apparent that the group is top heavy. The Little Bruins, coached by Pete Masters, have four players committed to play college hockey, but there isn’t much depth beyond that. Two defensemen on the Little Bruins 18U...
As NHL scouts and college coaches continue to watch the 2018 Little Bruins 18U team, it will quickly become apparent that the group is top heavy.
The Little Bruins, coached by Pete Masters, have four players committed to play college hockey, but there isn’t much depth beyond that.
Two defensemen on the Little Bruins 18U will attract the watchful eye of NHL scouts throughout the fall. Lawrence Academy’s Braden Doyle (Lynnfield, Mass.) and Rivers School’s Cade Webber have both been invited to the USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game later this month in St. Paul, Minn.
Webber is an imposing, 6-foot-6 behemoth who can skate and possesses some offensive qualities. Meanwhile, Doyle is a slick, puck-moving defender who can jump into the offense.
Fellow defensemen Matt Connor of Lawrence Academy, Colby Bailey of Nobles and Mike Kennedy of Northfield Mount Hermon provide solid depth on the blue line.
The goaltending duties will fall to Kyle Myer of Tabor Academy and Ian Graiff of Lawrence Academy.
The Little Bruins 18U squad is led up front by Lawrence Academy forward Sam Colangelo, a Northeastern recruit and a late 2001-born player. He's likely to be a top-three round pick at the 2020 NHL Draft. The Stoneham, Mass., native is a sharp shooter who sees the ice really well, especially in the offensive zone.
Connor Sweeney, a Lawrence Academy teammate of Colangelo and Doyle's, is another top weapon offensively. The North Andover, Mass., native has a good shot and can bring an explosive element when he's in the right mindset. He’s the son of Bob Sweeney, a former player with the Boston Bruins.
Another forward to keep an eye on is Christian Powers, a speedster from Phillips Andover who scores everywhere he goes. He’s a fringe player between sneaking onto an Ivy League roster (Division 1) and being a great NESCAC recruit (Division 3). Tabor Academy’s Hunter Brackett brings an edge and his tenacious forecheck to the lineup.
In the end, the lack of depth will likely hurt the Little Bruins’ chances of being a serious contender to win the Massachusetts District. However, their three high-end players will give them a chance on any given weekend.
