We are re-releasing this post from 11/21-19. It was on our old site Circling The Wagon but seems very right to see again now.
New York Rangers‘ 3rd round pick in the 2016 draft (#66 overall) rookie defenseman Adam Fox(23) made the opening night roster but it took 8 games for him to connect with his first point, an assist, and then he potted a 1st NHL goal two games later and is currently on a 5-game point streak, getting a first multi-point effort in his last outing to bring him to 3 goals and 5 assists with a +2 rating in 16 games.
The 5’11” 181 lbs. blue liner, who plays at a much bigger size signed a three-year entry level deal after leaving his last year of college at Harvard University.
He was a Hobey Baker Award Finalist in his last season after grabbing 39 assists.
The 21-year old had a 50 assist campaign playing for the US National U18 Team and the Jericho, NY native looks to be carving out a nice spot in the much larger Manhattan.
Sacred Heart senior goaltender Josh Benson(30) picked up a 1st shutout of the season (6th overall) with the 4-0 win over Bentley University Falcons (2/4).
The 6′ 190 lbs. net minder had a career year in 2019/2020 and looks to improve on that as he considers his next step to potentially becoming an unrestricted free agent to signing a contract with a pro team.
Boston College Eagles‘ undrafted junior center, captain Marc McLaughlin(25) had the game-winner in a recent 6-2 drubbing over Northeastern University Huskies.
He’s looking good at getting those, as he’s credited with 5 game-winning tallies, along with 3 shorthanders, a power play and an overall 10 goals and 14 assists in 23 NCAA games with a +16 rating heading into tournament action.
No doubt the 6′ 205 lbs. North Billerica, MA native gets some looks as an unrestricted free agent once his college career is up.
Air Force Academy Falcons 6’3″ 2nd year forward Willie Reim(23) scored the overtime game-winner at Bentley Arena to give the visiting team the win after losing 6-3 on the previous evening.
The 2nd year skater put up 6 goals and 6 assists in 14 games in this weirdo season.
He tied his marks in a third less games he set as a freshman.
The North Oaks, MN native took an interesting turn after local hockey high school to join West Kelowna Warriors of the BCHL for two seasons with a solid second campaign (24-34 in 57) before school.
Undrafted, the 22-year old will be interesting to watch.
Edmonton Oilers‘ 7th round pick in the 2017 draft (#208 overall), sizable, sturdy 6’3″ 203 lbs. defensemen Philip Kemp(5) leaves Yale University after 3 seasons and a COVID-stifled 2020/2021 season to turn up in Sweden’s tier 2 league Allsvenskan on loan to Vasby IK.
In 32 games he’s got 3 goals and 7 assists with a woeful -15 rating but is now in the playoffs with a pair of tallies and a +2 through 5 outings.
A consistent presence on the blue line, he was only a marginal point producer through college and two years of USNTDP but will be looked to for his built to guard the zone, when his 3-year entry level deal kicks in next season.
Knoxville Ice Bears‘ rookie forward Mike Gornall(13) got his feet wet immediately scoring a goal in his debut with his new team but was somewhat unceremoniously put on waivers after his 5th game.
It wasn’t much time before he signed a new contract with Macon Mayem. In 7 contests he only has one more tally.
He’s currently played 8 total SPHL games but has also has been suspended for 7 due to an on-ice incident.
Starting with two years at University Of North Dakota, and an NCAA Division 1 Championship as a freshman, he transferred to RPI to finish out his schooling and ended with career best 5 goals and 14 assists for 19 points.
The 5’11” 201 lbs. winger played two years of NAHL including one as captain of Topeka Roadrunners, where he amassed a tidy 15 goals and 33 assists.
If he can start striking with more consistency, he should gain notice at the higher level considering he was signed with Cincinnati Cyclones.
Former 4-year Robert Morris University captain, center Daniel Mantenuto(9) chose to branch out after school and agreed to join Italy’s Asiago of AlpsHL for 2020/2021.
In 140 NCAA Division 1 games the 5’9″ 170 lbs. pivot recorded 22 goals and 44 assists.
The Thornhill, ON but also listed as Italian residence, has picked a solid landing spot for his rookie campaign as he’s produced 13 goals and 19 assists in 34 games with a +11 rating and also played games in the Italian league with the club picking up another goal and 5 assists in 5 contests.
He keeps it up, he’ll definitely be getting some looks from a higher league across the way, if he’s looking.
Union College left wing Parker Foo(28) leaves a year on the table as his team is shelved for 2020/2021, so he’s decided to leave and sign a two-year deal to join brother Spencer with HC Kunlun Red Star.
His NHL playing rights until summer 2021 get retained by Chicago Blackhawks, who drafted him in the 5th round of 2017 (#144 overall).
They may get interested if he responds to Russian pro style.
In 34 KHL games he has a pair of goals and an assist.
We shall see.
Detroit Red Wings‘ 3rd round pick in the 2017 draft (#71 overall) Finnish-born defenseman Kasper Kotkansalo(26) had to make a difficult decision as his senior year approached at Boston University.
With the blessing of his NHL club, he made his way back home, eventually signing with Assat for 2020/2021 and in 50 Liiga games has 3 goals and 8 assists with a bit of a troubling -9 rating.
The fairly big 6’3″ 198 lbs. forward is still on track to sign next year and explore pro hockey in America, when we’re ready.
American International College right wing Martin Mellberg(10) headed home to Sweden after 4 years of college to start his pro career with Almtuna IS.
In 51 Allsvenskan games he had 5 goals and 20 assists for the season..
He left college hockey scoring a career high 19 assists and 28 points with 9 goals that tied his best effort from junior season.
It wouldn’t be tough to see the 25-year old play his way up the ladder to reach the SHL.
