University Of New England Nor’easters‘ 2023/2024 commit, Austrian goaltender Stefan Kulhanek(35) has put together increasingly better numbers with Worcester Jr. Railers, leaving last season as captain with a 17-8 record, 2.08 GAA, .934 SV%, 3 shutouts and even more impressive stats through 6 playoff games.
The 6′ 170 lbs., 20-year old net minder will be one to watch in D3 and could find his way up the ladder.
Curry College Colonels‘ graduate goalie Reid Cooper(33) apparently gained notice from a bit of an unlikely source, as he will join Washington Capitals on an ato in a back-up mode for their last game of the regular season.
The 6’2″ 190 lbs. net minder posted a 20-6-1 record in 2022/2023 with a 1.92 GAA and .935 SV% in 27 D3 games with 3 shutouts to earn the division CCC Goaltender Of The Year for his outstanding work to win the conference and move on to the final 8.
With this nod, it will be interesting to see where the 25-year old from Corman Park, SK and former 3-year Robert Morris University Colonials will go.
Norwich University Cadets‘ senior goaltender Drennen Atherton(1) signs with Orlando Solar Bears as they fight for a playoff spot in the ECHL.
The 6’1″ 212 lbs. net minder was stingy last season giving up just 1.49 GAA with a .944 SV% on a 16-6 record in 22 D3 college hockey games, earning NEHC Goaltender Of The Year.
He came over from 2 seasons at Sacred Heart University Pioneers, but played only once.
The almost oddly Winter Haven, FL native had a pretty good run through junior hockey, mostly tending for Northern Cyclones.
It would be surprising to see the 25-year old not do well where he’s going.
Rivier University Raiders‘ graduating senior right wing Josh Sanchez(67) decides to turn pro and signs a contract to join Elmira Mammoth for the remainder of their 2023 run, which their on the cusp on an FPHL playoff berth.
The 5’9″ 175 lbs. forward scored his 1st goal in his 1st game in a 7-4 loss, so is off to a good start.
He did 2 years at Becker College before leaving as the school folded.
The 23-year old, Potsdam, NY native bounced around juniors mostly, but finished on a super strong showing for Lewiston/Auburn Nordiques, scoring 23 goals and 37 assists in 35 NA3HL games.
Stevenson University Mustangs‘ sophomore center Liam McCanney(91) has put up some impressive D3 hockey numbers, getting 23 goals and 17 assists for 40 points, good enough to tie for 4th in USCO scoring and the youngest player to be at the highest point mark this season.
The 5’11” 188 lbs. forward left 3 years with Northeast Generals on an NAHL junior career high 19 goals and 20 assists, which is crazy to say he added a point when he got to school.
A 22-year old from Aldan, PA, he is going to continue to be a player to watch.
Western New England University Golden Bears‘ senior goaltender Colten Lancaster(41) decides to take his game pro after his college team was eliminated in a CCC Conference quarterfinal game, agreeing to terms with Port Huron Prowlers of the FPHL.
The sizable 6’3″ 209 lbs. back stop could be quite a presence in net for his new club.
For the Charlie Lake, BC native to be mostly playing on a losing college team, he still managed decently, especially as a senior with a modest 3.79 GAA and .902 SV% through 23 D3 college games.
We expect to see the 24-year old step up.
Endicott College Gulls‘ senior goaltender Conor O’Brien(30) posted a D3 best 1.41 GAA and .949 SV% through 26 games, earning a 19-6-1 record.
The 6’2″ 216 lbs. net minder posted similar numbers as a sophomore.
He took his good numbers to a 1st pro deal with Adirondack Thunder, started one ECHL game and may have not got the win, but certainly did it again, leaving a 1-0 loss with a 1.03 GAA and .971 SV%, saving 34 of 35 shots.
Through a few years of junior hockey, he finally found his spot in the NCDC with Connecticut Jr. Rangers,where he committed to school.
The 24-year old may always have to work for it and prove himself, but from past performances looks pretty sturdy.
For his rookie season, 2022/2023 he signs a 1-year deal with Indy Fuel that should have him seeing a lot of pucks.
He never tended in Indiana, instead appearing in 3 losses for Iowa Heartlanders, resulting in his release, but it took him almost a couple of months to sign with Fayettesville Marksmen, where he’s fitting in nicely through 14 SPHL games with a 2.89 GAA and .916 SV%.
Trinity College Bantams‘ freshman left wing Spencer Korona(9) recently had a 3 assist night in a 6-0 NESCAC division win over Tufts University Jumbos.
The 5’11” 185 lbs. forward increased his first year totals to 3 goals and 7 assists in 16 games.
He skated four NCDC junior seasons for P.A.L. Islanders, amassing 40+ assists in both of his final 2 frames.
The 21-year old from Enfield, CT is a difference maker out there
Wesleyan University Cardinals‘ senior left wing Wiggle Kerbrat(19) had a 2 goal, 1 assist night in a 5-4 win, including the game-winner midway through the final frame to help his team to another hard fought win, solidifying their newly minted USCHO D3 top 15 status.
The 6′ 190 lbs. forward now has a college career best 13 goals and 8 assists for new high 21 point in 15 games this season.
He twice in a row won EHL titles with his junior team, New Hampshire Avalanche.
A Laguna Niguel, CA native, it will be interesting to see where the 25-year old takes his game next, if anywhere.
Westfield State University Owls‘ senior, left wing Justin Collins(10) is an absolute spark plug out there for his D3 hockey team.
In 10 games he has 2 goals and 5 assists, which is tough to say if he’ll beat his college scoring bests set as a freshman with 4 tallies and 13 helpers.
The 5’8″ 170 lbs. forward is definitely scoring points at a faster clip this season as it took him 23 contests to achieve what he did in his 1st year.
He skated for Malden Catholic High and went onto the Islanders USPHL Premiere team for a run before heading to school.
At 24-years old, there is no clue where the Wilmington, MA native will take his game next, but he’s at least leaving on a good note.
