Boston College added a future forward in 6-foot-3 Dexter forward Jack Dempsey.
A Natick, Mass. native, Dempsey finished the prep season with 51 points (16 goals, 35 assists) in 30 games this season, more than tripling his offensive output from last season (16 points in 30 games). Prior to joining Dexter, Dempsey skated for Catholic Memorial and played one year of public high school hockey at Natick High in 2016.
“Jack led a high-flying Dexter team in scoring,” our scouts said. “He gets where he needs to in order to disrupt opponents with smart angles and an active stick. He will pop opponents and played really well in Dexter’s road to the Final. He can rip a puck and will shoot from anywhere. We liked him on the power play as he was a constant threat off the half-wall. Tough to play against, underrated skills and skating. We like his upside and he could play a role at the DI level.”
Northern Michigan has been busy on the recruiting trail and that continued Monday with the commitment of Brett Willits from the Chilliwack Chiefs (BCHL). Willits, who is committed for this coming fall, had 34 points (12 goals, 22 assists) in 58 games for the Chiefs this season.
Willits is a London, Ont. native who played at both the Nichols School and Salisbury School before starting with the Chiefs in 2018.
“He is a crafty winger that has a quick first step,” our scouts said. “He is able to jump on loose pucks and quickly transition into the offensive zone. He has a high compete level and always has his feet moving.”
The Connecticut Jr. Rangers (NCHC) had a trio of players commit to D-III programs. First, 2000-born forward Jin Lee committed to Middlebury. Serving as an assistant captain for the Rangers this season, Lin has 34 points (13 goals, 21 assists) in 43 games this season.
“Athletic center that skates well,” said our scouts. “Gets up to speed quickly and is quick through the neutral zone. He has a fluid stride and can beat defenders wide.”
Lee’s teammate, Joe Mancuso, is a ’99-born forward who committed to SUNY-Plattsburgh and is a big addition for the Cardinals. Mancuso appeared in 20 games this season for the Jr. Rangers and scored 22 points (11 goals, 11 assists). He began the season with the Northeast Generals in the NAHL, where he had 19 points (10 goals, 9 assists) in 26 games.
“Mancuso has a lot of offensive ability,” said our scouts. “He skates with his head up and can possess the puck better than most. He made some great plays around the net and worked hard to open the game up for his teammates.”
Lastly, Jr. Rangers goaltender C.J. Hapward committed to Colby College. The New Jersey native has appeared in games for three teams this season, including the Kenai River Brown Bears (NAHL), New Jersey Rockets (NCDC) and Jr. Rangers (NCDC). With the Rangers, Hapward has a .901 save percentage and a 3.24 goals-against average.
“CJ moves very well in the net and has lightning quick reflexes,” scouts said. “He also controlled his rebounds nicely.”
’99-born forward Nolan Dawson committed to Saint Mary’s University on Tuesday. The 6-foot-4 forward has five goals and 14 assists across three teams in the AJHL and MJHL this season. The Alberta native has extensive junior experience, appearing in 175 games in the AJHL, MJHL and SJHL combined.
“Nolan is big, strong and has good vision,” our scouts said. “He will cause matchup issues for opponents at the D-III level. Experienced and prepared.”