2001 (D) Cade Alami commits to Boston College for 2021
Alami was originally a Providence commit. He played in the BCHL during the 2019-20 season (13 points in 58 games) but stayed in the U.S. to play for the Jersey Hitmen in the NCDC this season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Alami is a 6-foot-7 defenseman from Bedford, N.Y. Prior to junior hockey, he played for the Connecticut Jr. Rangers, the Berkshire School and the Mid-Fairfield Rangers 16U and 18U teams.
NZ Scouts: Alami obviously stands out given his size but he’s also got solid mobility, he can get to loose pucks and uses his reach to his advantage. He has a simplified style, he makes a crisp first pass (although not always on the mark) and he is focused and head on a swivel around his net front. He is very raw as anyone with that size at his age would be, but his upside is exciting as he fills out and gets more comfortable with the puck on his stick.
2004 (F) Charlie Stramel commits to Wisconsin for 2022
Stramel is considered one of the top prospects for the 2023 NHL Draft as a late-’04. Stramel is already 6-foot-3 and is coming off a standout performance for Team USA at the Under-18 World Championships last week in Texas (2 goals, 2 assists in five games).
This season Stramel played for the U.S. NTDP’s U17 team but he also played up in 15 games for the U18 team and had seven points in 15 games.
Stramel reportedly chose Wisconsin over North Dakota and Boston University.
NZ Scouts: He is a big player who has a powerful stride and looks like a pro hockey player out on the ice. Throughout the game he showed strength on his skates and on his stick, possessing the ability to bully his way through opponents with the puck on his stick. This was apparent on the goal he scored. On the play, Stramel took a couple of hard strides and barreled through a puck battle taking place high in the slot. He stayed hard on his stick, won the puck after fighting through multiple sticks, and quickly fired a low, hard wrist shot that beat the goaltender clean. He is not draft eligible until the 2023 NHL draft and already has the makings of becoming a great NHL power forward one day.
2000 (F) Blaine Warnert commits to St. Thomas for 2021
Warnert is a Chaska, Minn. native who appeared in 46 games for the Minot Minotauros in the NAHL this season, where he scored 24 points and served as the team’s alternate captain.
Two seasons ago Warnert played in the USHL for the Des Moines Buccaneers. Before junior hockey, he captained Chaska High School in Minnesota as a senior.
“I’m very proud of Blaine and his commitment,” said Minot head coach and GM Shane Wagner. “Blaine has not only been a major factor on the ice but a major factor off the ice. He’s a great teammate, leader, and most importantly he’s a great kid. I’m excited to see him continue on playing at STU.”
NZ Scouts: Hard-nosed player who doesn’t shy away from confrontation. Likes to mix it up and battle at the net. Plays with skill and handles the puck well. Backchecks to his own zone, and has the motor to get back up the ice and lead the rush.
2000 (D) Karl Falk commits to Alaska-Fairbanks for 2021
Falk just finished his first season in the U.S. with the Minnesota Magicians (NAHL) where he recorded four goals and 18 assists in 32 games.
Prior to joining the NAHL, Falk played in Sweden for VIK Vasteras HK. He’s a native of Varmdo, Sweden.
NZ Scouts: Bigger-sized defenseman that skates well and can be physical. He possesses enough skill to be on the power play with the thought of getting the puck to him to use his heavy shot. More of a defensive defenseman as he is reliable in his own zone boxing out, pinning along the wall, and getting the puck moving quickly.
2000 (F) Simon Falk commits to Alaska-Fairbanks for 2021
No, you’re not seeing double.
Simon Falk and Karl Falk are twin brothers.
Simon also just finished his first U.S. season with the Magicians and had 14 goals and 15 assists in 34 games. He had 10 goals and 12 assists in 41 games in his last season for Vasteras IK J20 in 2019-20.
NZ Scouts: A forward that puts himself in great scoring areas. Had a goal beating opponents up the ice with his skating ability and buried a chance that had to be buried. Has good offensive instincts understanding when he goes low to high to then fight for his spot in front of the net.
