Former Arizona State forward Carson Briere committed to Mercyhurst over the weekend. Briere, whose father Daniel played 18 years in the NHL, was a redshirt freshman at Arizona State this season but was dismissed from the team in November (along with two other players) for a violation of team rules.
After leaving ASU, Briere went to the BCHL and played for the Trail Smoke Eaters where he scored 12 points (3 goals, 9 assists) in 24 games. In 2018-19, Briere had 89 points (44 goals, 45 assists) in 59 games for the Johnstown Tomahawks in the NAHL.
“He is a smaller, stockier player but is quick and smart with the puck,” our scouts said. “The puck seems to follow him around the rink and he is always in the right position to score. … He is tough to knock off the puck and he does a good job rolling-off pressure. He is crafty and uses spacing and hands to create opportunities below the dots. He is confident at this level and patient with the puck.”
Forward Owen Michaels to UMass (2021)
Michaels is a Detroit native who played for Lincoln in the USHL this season. After participating in the Select-17 Festival over the summer, Michaels had 16 points in 46 games this season and he’s eligible for the 2020 NHL Entry Draft.
Michaels was watched by our NHL scouts this season, and they noted how he’s hit a growth spurt and could be growing into his game.
“Obviously we know that team’s line charts are not always up to date when it comes to height and weight, but as recently as 18 months ago Owen was listed at 5’7 134lbs and currently he’s listed as 6’0 179lbs,” they said. “That is a significant change and interestingly enough his point totals have made the same type of jump. He has always played a game that would be viewed as direct, but lacked the frame to always get it done. Could we be witnessing Owen connecting his preferred style of play with a body that is just catching up? We will be watching.”
Goaltender Ian Shane to Cornell (2021)
Shane is a California native who had an .886 save percentage and a 3.25 GAA in the USHL for the Chicago Steel this season. Prior to the USHL, Shane played for Westminster Prep where he had a .937 save percentage last season and a 1.86 GAA.
“Shane’s a hybrid goalie that doesn’t like to play from the butterfly all the time and will make saves on his feet at times,” said NZ scouts. “He directs rebounds to corner and he’s smart with his puck decisions as well.”
Defenseman Cam Cokinos to Tufts (2020)
Cokinos is a Norwell, Mass. native who has massive size (6-foot-5) and played this season for the Connecticut Jr. Rangers in the NCDC. This season, Cokinos had 11 points in 35 games. Prior to the NCDC, he played a dozen games for Jamestown in the NAHL and also spent two seasons at Taft and two seasons at BB&N.
Our scouts feel that Cokinos could be a game-changer for the D-III program, as he was also getting some D-I interest.
“Big and aggressive with a mean streak,” scouts said. “We have seen Cam grow from an awkward young teenager into an athletic 6’5″ defenseman who has upside as a shutdown pairing guy who can kill penalties. We have said many times that big kids take longer and Cam is an example of that. We feel he Cam has the feet and defensive awareness to get looks from D1 programs.”
Forward Thomas Horak to Stonehill (2020)
Horak is from St. Louis, which is an emerging hockey hotbed, but he’s played a lot of hockey in New England.
This season he had 56 points (17 goals, 39 assists) in 43 games for the New Hampshire Jr. Monarchs (USPHL) and he also played two seasons at Berkshire. Prior to that, he was with the St. Louis AAA Blues U18 team in the T1EHL and De Smet Jesuit High.
“Thomas has a decent frame and productive stride,” said NZ scouts. “Generates power and speed on his skates. Was excellent on the power play and played in key spots. Played through contact and has the strength and reach to protect the puck. Cycle game is solid as is his play in space. He is direct and attacks seams to the net.”
