While much of the attention at the Beantown Fall Classic was directed at the 18U and 16U divisions, USPHL NCDC teams were also in action at the New England Sports Center in Marlboro, Mass.
No player from the USPHL NCDC, formerly the USPHL Premier and EJHL, has been drafted out of the league since John Marino (North Easton, Mass.) in 2015. Junior Bruins center Robby Griffin (Burlington, Mass.) is the only player from the USPHL NCDC with a chance to break that streak at the 2019 NHL Draft in Vancouver. The Northeastern commit has three goals and 21 assists in 16 games. His strength has always been in hunting pucks and distributing it to linemates.
While the hockey being played in the NCDC is clearly a step below the USHL, NAHL and BCHL, there are still some players who can play Division 1. It's also certainly chocked full of eventual Division 3 players.
Some coaches already have, but the entire league needs to come to terms with what it is. The USPHL NCDC is a regional league that can push the majority of its players onto the Division 3 level, with a few elite players heading onto Division 1. If and when it does, the league will be held in a much higher regard by all college coaches, NHL scouts and NHLPA agents.
All 12 league teams played in games from Thursday through Monday. Back in September, New England Hockey Journal chronicled uncommitted USPHL NCDC players from the Junior Bruins Shootout.
Many of the same players impressed this past weekend. However, three uncommitted prospects who were not mentioned back in September had solid games over the five days of games.
Tyler Borsch
#6 Jersey Hitmen, 3/27/00, D, Left Shot, 6-0/186
The Maple Grove, Minn., native spent the past three seasons playing high school hockey back in his home state. He played with the USHL’s Tri-City Storm throughout the preseason, but landed with Toby Harris’ club instead.
He’s a very solid defenseman with a little bit of old school in him. He’s not going to rush the puck up ice, but he makes an effective, smart first pass out of his own zone. He sees the ice well and can be reliable in all three zones, all while staying engaged. He’s an above-average skater.
Borsch and Junior Bruins ’99 LD Cam Boudreau (Salem, N.H.) are the unquestioned top two blueliners in the league. Borsch, who now has two goals and seven assists on the season, had three helpers on the weekend. He’s undoubtedly a Division 1 player. Likely not high-end, but he’ll be a solid second- or third-pairing defenseman, depending on the team he ends up with.
Luke Rowe
#6 Junior Bruins, 8/8/98, D, Right Shot, 6-1/193
Rowe is a good story, as he’s now in his fourth season of junior hockey. He’s traveled from the EHL to the CCHL, and has finally found a home in the USPHL NCDC.
From Succasunna, N.J., Rowe plays with an edge. He’s not afraid to stick up for his teammates and brings some physicality, despite not being the biggest player. In addition, his offensive game has taken a step up in his final year of junior hockey.
He had two goals and two assists over three games at the Beantown Fall Classic to raise his season point total to 24. He’s probably a fringe Division 1 prospect or a very good recruit for a Division 3 program.
Trent DeNuccio
#10 NH Jr. Monarchs, 8/22/99, RW, Right Shot, 6-2/185
The Loomis Chaffee alum is in his first season of junior hockey. From Leesburg, Va., DeNuccio had four goals and an assist this weekend. He had just one goal in his first six games, but has elevated his play since then. He has eight goals and eight assists over the last 11 games.
He’s a tall winger who can rip a shot. He’s not going to blow any defenders away with his speed and his hands aren’t great, but he has the frame to bull his way to the net. He’ll be a nice second- or third-line winger who can score for a Division 3 program.
