The next 12 months are significant for the 2005 birth year in New England when it comes to hockey development.
Next March, a few 2005s in New England likely will be selected to represent the country at USA Hockey’s NTDP. In May 2021, even more New England ’05s will be picked in the USHL draft.
Due to the coronavirus, USA Hockey player development camps and district tryout festivals were canceled for this summer. Massachusetts district was scheduled for two weekends in May. New England District, which includes all New England states besides Massachusetts, was scheduled to hold its tryout festival in June. Obviously, it’s tremendously unfortunate that these events were canceled. USA Hockey Select 15 Player Development Camp is a great opportunity to see all of the top players in the age group for the first time.
I have a pretty good idea of who the top ’05s in New England are based on viewings of numerous games and showcases over the past year, including the STX 68 Combine, the Eastern Exposure All-Star Weekend, Mass. Hockey 14-U State Championship, the Crimson Combine, the Boston Junior Eagles Columbus Day Showcase and the Mid Fairfield 14-U Showcase.
There are five New Englanders who stand out to me as having the best chance to make the 2021-22 NTDP U-17 team. Boston Junior Eagles center and Northeastern commit Will Smith and Mid Fairfield Junior Rangers goaltender Ryan Sanborn are locks. Smith’s linemate, right wing Ryan Vote, should be a lock in my opinion, due to his hockey sense and complete game. Another player with a high probability of making the team is one of Sanborn’s teammates with Mid Fairfield, defenseman Lucas St. Louis. Pope Francis and Springfield Rifles right wing Ryan Leonard is a player who certainly will get invited to the evaluation camp with a chance to make the team.
There are a couple of other talented players from the region who could step up over the next 10 months and earn a spot at the camp in Plymouth, Mich. The 2005 birth year in New England appears to be a solid group. It doesn’t look to be as good as the ’01s or ’03s, but that could change. That’s what makes scouting and tracking players’ development a fascinating endeavor.
Below are 62 notable ’05s from all six New England states who are worthy of recognition. Obviously, some players not on this list will step up over the coming years and become solid prospects.
Top 2005s, New England
(alphabetical order)
