UConn and Harvard added commitments over the past couple of days. UConn picked up ’02 forward Nate Hanley, a former Northeastern commit. Hanley, from Rocky Point, N.Y., played the past two seasons for the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders in the USHL. Due to that organization ceasing operations for the upcoming season, he was recently added in...
UConn and Harvard added commitments over the past couple of days. UConn picked up ’02 forward Nate Hanley, a former Northeastern commit.
Hanley, from Rocky Point, N.Y., played the past two seasons for the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders in the USHL. Due to that organization ceasing operations for the upcoming season, he was recently added in the USHL dispersal draft by the Youngstown Phantoms.
After scoring just two goals and three assists in 27 games with Cedar Rapids in 2018-19, he saw a steady increase in production this past season. He had 10 goals and 15 assists in 46 games. Hanley is primed to have an even better season in 2020-21 with the Phantoms.
(Read more about Hanley in our report on the 2019 USA Hockey Select 17 Player Development Camp: https://staging.hockeyjournal.com/usa-hockey-select-17-camp-top-forwards/)
Hanley is expected to arrive in Storrs for the start of the 2021-22 season. It is important to note that Hanley and Northeastern parted ways mutually. This is a win-win situation for everyone. Northeastern has a ton of talent coming in over the next couple of years, and Hanley will get more chances to earn ice time right away for UConn.
St. Andrew’s College left-shot defenseman Matthew Morden informed the Crimson coaching staff of his decision over the weekend. An ’04 from Burlington, Ont., Morden is one of the most highly regarded defensemen in his age group.
Morden is in his first season at St. Andrew’s after playing last season for the Toronto Titans in the GTHL, the premier Midget league in the province. In 32 games, he scored five goals and 14 assists.
Morden isn’t the flashiest of players, but he has very good size, skates with his head up, and makes good decisions. He’s a solid two-way defenseman who takes pride in his own zone. Another positive is his upward trajectory, as his stock has soared over the past year.
(Read about Morden from our report on the 2018 Eastern Exposure Cup: https://staging.hockeyjournal.com/eastern-exposure-cup-prospects-smith-callow/)
Morden was drafted in the second round of the 2020 OHL Priority Selection by the Sarnia Sting. He was tabbed in the fifth round of the USHL Phase I draft by the Muskegon Lumberjacks. He is projected to matriculate to Harvard for the 2022-23 season.
