Michael Lackey has been a workhorse for Providence this season, starting every single game for the Friars and playing all but 37 minutes this season. Earlier this month, the Friars made a move to replace the graduate student next season when they committed former Minnesota State goalie Jaxson Stauber, who we have rated as 4-stars.
Stauber played one game for the Mavericks earlier this season — stuck behind stud sophomore Dryden McKay — before leaving school and returning to the USHL. In 21 games for the Sioux Falls Stampede this season, Stauber has a 2.48 goals-against average and a .918 save percentage.
“Stauber is a taller goalie who moved well,” our scouts said. “He aggressively comes to the top of the crease to square and controls rebounds well.”
Army also added a goalie this week in Wisconsin native Gavin Abric. The 3.75-star netminder has good size (6-foot-3) and he has been one of the top goalies in the NCDC this season for the New Jersey Hitmen, where he has posted a .930 save percentage and a 1.97 goals-against average.
“He is athletic,” our scouts said after a viewing. “Comes out and challenges the shooters. Good glove, keeps his rebounds under control. Even has a good stick, had an assist on the second goal.”
Cornell received a commitment from 4-star forward Kyler Kovich this week. The 2002-born British Columbia native is slated to arrive in Ithaca in 2021. This season, Kovich has 39 points (18 goals, 21 assists) for the Nanaimo Clippers (BCHL) and he also played for Canada West at the World Jr. A Challenge.
St. Lawrence added a huge piece for the future when 2003-born forward Cole Hipkin committed this week. The 4-star Ontario native is slated to arrive in the North Country in 2022. This season, Hipkin is at New Hampton Prep where he has 20 goals and 10 assists in 30 games.
“Hipkin is a 2003 who is competing up by at least two years against many of these players in the prep ranks in his first season playing in this tournament,” our scouts said. “The Brantford, Ontario native certainly looks like he belongs already given his thick frame and strong ability to A-frame and protect the puck. He was great down low and very difficult to move off his spot near the net with an ability to take a quick swipe at any loose puck. He alternated here between forward and defense and played equally well at both because he has a good understanding of the responsibilities for both roles. He worked the point during the power play and on some occasions would rotate down to the half wall. Either way, he was a dangerous power play option because of his shot.”
UMass added 4-star defenseman Owen Murray for 2021. The Manitoba native is playing in the MJHL this season with the Portage Terriers, where he has 25 points (4 goals, 21 assists) in 28 games. Murray was also a teammate of Kovich with Canada West.
“Murray is a skilled offensive defenseman that plays with passion,” said our scouts. “He is lightning fast and is involved in almost every rush with the forwards but is always able to get back into position to battle hard on the boards in his own zone and shut down rushes.”
UNH added 99-born defenseman Joe Nagle from the NAHL for next season. In 45 games between the Northeast Generals and New Jersey Junior Titans this season, the 3.75-star D has 23 points (3 goals, 20 assists).
“He had a strong core that he used to defend and carve out space,” NZ scouts said. “He anticipated well and was tough. His puck play was simple but productive. His game became more appealing after multiple viewings. He is one of several Boston Advantage players helping the new look Generals this year.“
One of Nagle’s teammates in New Jersey, Cade Penney, also committed to the Wildcats. The 2001-born defenseman, who we have rated at 4-stars, is scheduled to arrive in 2021. Penney has four goals and 21 assists in 45 games this season.
“Cade is becoming the player that we hoped for at 16U,” our scouts said. “He is a very good skater with good hands who sees the ice very well. His outlets were very strong today as he can buy himself time and spot the opening.”
