Neutral Zone viewed four EHL regular season games, as highlighted in this report. On September 19th, we observed New Hampshire’s 7-1 home win over the Boston Jr. Terriers. On September 24th, we watched the New Jersey Bears’ 8-3 win over the New York Apple Core. On September 25th, we viewed the Boston Jr. Eagles’ 5-2 win over Bridgewater. Finally, on September 29th, we reviewed New England’s 5-4 win over the Boston Jr. Eagles. Player grades are based solely on their performances in these games.
New Hampshire Avalanche (7) vs. Boston Jr. Terriers (1): September 19
Boston Jr. Terriers
Ayden Pierce #76 (G, L, 5’10”, 161, Boston Jr. Terriers, 09/27/2004) – Ayden Pierce faced over 60 shots and played a pivotal role in keeping his team competitive during the early stages of the game. He demonstrated good lateral movement, which allowed him to effectively track the puck and make saves on backdoor passes during the power play. Pierce positioned himself well at the top of the crease, helping him cut off angles and make himself as big as possible to shooters. He showed strong rebound control, managing to direct the puck away from high-danger areas and limiting second-chance opportunities for the Avalanche. His ability to remain calm while facing a high volume of shots demonstrated resilience, making him one of the standout players for the Terriers in today’s performance. Grade: A-
New Hampshire Avalanche
Cory Alissi #6 (F, L, 5’8″, 155, New Hampshire Avalanche, 04/30/2005) – Alissi demonstrated great positioning on the penalty kill, anticipating plays and maintaining strong defensive positioning. On the power play, Alissi played the quarterback role behind the net a few times, showing patience with the puck as he looked for openings and opportunities to set up his teammates. Grade: B
Cameron Burns #8 (F, R, 5’8″, 169, New Hampshire Avalanche, 12/31/2004) – Burns showed good speed throughout the game, using his quickness on the forecheck. His relentless pursuit of the puck put pressure on the Terriers’ defense, forcing turnovers and creating opportunities for his teammates. Grade: B
Ben Carfora #11 (F, L, 5’11”, 180, New Hampshire Avalanche, 02/07/2005) – Ben Carfora showed great foot speed moving through the neutral zone, demonstrating his ability to create separation and transition quickly from defense to offense. He displayed his scoring ability in the goal he netted right after coming out of the penalty box. Carfora executed a nice deke that initially drew a save from the goalie but didn’t give up on the rebound, finding the back of the net. His speed, combined with his determination and quick thinking, made him a constant threat on the ice. Grade: A-
Ryan Dann #2 (D, R, 6’0″, 187, New Hampshire Avalanche, 09/22/2004, Wilkes University) – Ryan Dann was a solid defenseman throughout the game, consistently making smart plays in the defensive zone. His shot from the point on the first power play goal was a great low shot that found its way through traffic and into the net. Defensively, he played the 2-on-1 situation correctly during the power play, positioning himself well to defend against the opposing player. Grade: A-
Anthony/AJ Guzzardi #29 (F, R, 5’10”, 170, New Hampshire Avalanche, 05/04/2004) – During the power play, Guzzardi showed great foot speed and tenacity by beating the defenseman to the puck on a dump-in. His physical play was instrumental in setting up a scoring chance. Guzzardi combined his skating ability with a willingness to play physically, maintaining pressure on the forecheck throughout the game. Grade: B+
Jake Hines #55 (F, L, 5’10”, 170, New Hampshire Avalanche, 04/29/2004, Western New England) – Jake Hines was a physical player throughout the game, delivering a couple of solid hits that helped set the tone and energize his teammates. He showed great puck protection ability, aiding in the cycle. On the penalty kill, he maintained possession of the puck in the offensive zone to kill time. Hines also scored a nice goal by driving to the net with his stick ready. He consistently put himself in scoring positions, showing strong awareness of where to be and when to shoot. His combination of physicality, puck management, and offensive readiness made him a standout in today’s game. Grade: A-
Ryan O’Leary #16 (F, R, 6’0″, 170, New Hampshire Avalanche, 01/12/2005) – Ryan O’Leary was excellent in faceoffs, showing awareness by waiting until his teammates were set before taking the draw. O’Leary’s aggressive forechecking was evident throughout the game, as he often forced turnovers and created chances. He has good foot speed, beating defensemen on dump-ins several times. Grade: B+
Michael Ranaldi #18 (F, L, 5’11”, 185, Governor’s Academy, 08/02/2005) – Ranaldi showed good poise on the power play unit, demonstrating great patience as he allowed the play to develop in front of him. Instead of forcing plays, he effectively let the action unfold, which helped create better scoring opportunities for his teammates. Grade: B
Louis-Charles Tremblay #77 (F, R, 5’9″, 165, New Hampshire Avalanche, 11/20/2004) – Tremblay drove to the net throughout the game with great puck protection. He scored a goal that mirrored the one he had missed earlier highlighting his great instincts for finding the net. Tremblay also displayed some nice feet-puck skills picking up a pass that came into his skates as he made a great assist on the fifth goal delivering a nice pass to the slot. We feel Tremblay is a great player at this level. Grade: A-
New Jersey Bears (8) vs. New York Apple Core (3): September 24
New Jersey Bears
Philippe Michel Aube #4 (C, L, 5’8″, 171, New Jersey Bears, 09/25/2005) – Aube displayed great playmaking skills, earning an assist on the third goal with a nice backhand pass. He demonstrated good vision and unselfish play, always looking for teammates in scoring areas. He set up the fifth goal with a well-timed backdoor pass. Defensively, he was strong along the boards, showing that he was not easily knocked off the puck. Grade: A-
Chris Benkovitz #22 (F, R, 6’1″, 180, New Jersey Bears, 03/01/2004) – Chris Berkowitz had a strong game, highlighted by a well-executed one-timer on the goal he scored, showcasing his offensive awareness and quick decision-making. His ability to read the play and position himself effectively in the offensive zone made him a constant threat. His relentless effort on the forecheck was a key factor in sustaining offensive pressure, as he didn’t quit on any plays, consistently forcing turnovers and creating scoring opportunities. Grade: B+
Michael Benkovitz #23 (F, R, 6’1″, 180, New Jersey Bears, 03/01/2004) – Michael Bnekowitz consistently drove to the net with determination, showcasing excellent puck protection skills that allowed him to shield the puck from defenders. His ability to maintain control while navigating through traffic was impressive, making him a constant threat in the offensive zone. He always skated to the net with his stick ready, positioning himself perfectly to capitalize on scoring opportunities. Grade: B+
Thomas Boks # (D, R, 5’11”, 150, New Jersey Bears, 08/15/2006) – Although he played limited minutes, Thomas made a nice D-to-D pass to his teammate on the eighth goal. This could serve as a confidence boost as he begins to play more minutes. Grade: LV
Patrick Dixon #17 (D, R, 5’10”, 165, New Jersey Bears, 09/21/2004) – Patrick Dixon made some strong decisions when pinching in, effectively supporting the offense and creating opportunities for his team. However, there was a moment when he got caught looking down during a toe drag, which allowed an opponent to slip by him. Despite this, he demonstrated impressive strength on his stick, using his physicality to maintain possession and win battles along the boards. His passing was solid, consistently connecting with teammates and making smart plays to keep the puck moving and in their possession. Overall, Dixon showed a great ability to balance aggressive play with sound decision-making. Grade: B-
Owen House #24 (F, L, 6’2″, 192, New Jersey Bears, 02/21/2004) – Owen House had a standout performance, especially with his shot on the third goal, showcasing a quick and accurate release that caught the goalie off guard. His faceoff win leading to the setup of the fifth goal demonstrated both his playmaking ability and vision on the ice, threading a nice backdoor pass off the draw to create the scoring opportunity. His persistent effort was key to the sixth goal, as he fought hard around the net and capitalized on loose pucks. Nearly completing the hat trick, he hit the post, but his ability to trail the play and consistently position himself in prime scoring areas showed excellent offensive awareness. His unselfish play—always looking to involve his teammates and make the right pass—further highlights his strong hockey IQ and team-first mentality. Grade: A
Ryan Johnston #11 (F, R, 6’2″, 180, New Jersey Bears, 12/31/2004) – Ryan Johnston is a steady player at this level. He did get caught flat-footed at times, which left him vulnerable to some minor defensive lapses, and he took a penalty for tripping in the offensive zone. However, he showed solid decision-making at the point, making decent choices in distributing the puck and maintaining possession. With some adjustments to his positioning and awareness, he can further elevate his performance in future games. Grade: B-
Artem Kondrashov #3 (F, L, 5’11”, 166, New Jersey Bears, 12/26/2004) – On the power play unit, he played defense but was caught off guard by Apple Core’s toe drag, momentarily losing his positioning as a result. While his patience with the puck is commendable, especially under pressure, there were opportunities where he could have been more assertive in taking the shot rather than waiting for the perfect play to develop. By looking to shoot more often, particularly from the point, he can create rebound opportunities or deflections that can lead to scoring chances. Improving his decision-making on when to shoot versus pass will make him a more versatile threat on the power play. Grade: B-
Artur Kondrashov #2 (F, R, 5’9″, 161, New Jersey Bears, 12/26/2004) – He played a crucial role on the power play unit, demonstrating excellent offensive awareness and positioning. His vision on the ice was impressive as he patiently held the puck, waiting for the right moment to make a play rather than forcing passes under pressure. He protected the puck by using his body to shield it from attackers, buying time for his teammates to get into position. His poise under pressure was evident, especially when quarterbacking the power play, as he showed confidence in distributing the puck and maintaining possession even in tight spaces. However, he could improve by being quicker with puck transitions to avoid getting caught in counterattacks. Grade: B
Kiefer Mulvey # (G, L, 6’0″, 170, New Jersey Bears, 07/06/2006) – He displayed solid positioning overall, especially in high-pressure situations, consistently tracking the puck well as it moved across the ice. His lateral movement was strong, allowing him to stay square to the shooter even during quick shifts in play. However, there were moments when he seemed to struggle with controlling rebounds, which led to second-chance opportunities for the opposing team. On at least one occasion, he dropped to his knees too quickly, making it harder to recover when the play extended. His reflexes are good, but he may benefit from staying more patient and upright in certain situations, particularly when facing shots from in close. Working on handling low, difficult shots and improving his glove-hand reaction could help him in future games. Grade: B-
Cian Murray #14 (D, R, 5’11”, 154, New Jersey Bears, 10/05/2005) – Cian Murray was steady at the point throughout the game, displaying strong positional awareness and effectively directing his teammates on where to position themselves. His leadership on the ice was evident as he communicated well, helping to organize the team’s plays. A highlight of his performance was a great headman pass on the eighth goal, which showcased not only his vision but also his ability to execute precise passes under pressure. His confidence in directing traffic and making smart plays contributed significantly to the team’s offensive efforts and overall cohesion during the game. Grade: B+
Reilly Piersimoni #37 (F, L, 5’11”, 181, New Jersey Bears, 10/13/2004) – Reilly Persimoni made a notable impact during his debut, particularly while playing on the power play. He displayed great patience with the puck, waiting for the right opportunities to make plays rather than forcing anything. He showed good offensive awareness as he consistently positioned himself well to support his teammates and create scoring chances. Reilly wasn’t afraid to go into the dirty areas of the ice, battling for loose pucks in tight spaces or taking hits to make a play. Grade: B+
Massimiliano Scotto-di-Carlo #8 (F, L, 5’10”, 175, New Jersey Bears, 02/09/2005) – Scotto-di-Carlo showed nice skating agility, effortlessly moving in all directions with the puck, which allowed him to create space and evade defenders. He had smooth transitions and lateral movements. His patience with the puck was evident as he calmly waited for the right moment before releasing a nice shot high into the top corner. His ability to maintain composure while handling the puck in tight situations added another layer to his offensive threat. Grade: A-
Casey Sturm #16 (D, R, 5’9″, 170, New Jersey Bears, 03/30/2005) – Casey Sturm showed strong passing and physical play on both special teams and in regular play. After a challenging decision at the blue line, Sturm demonstrated great recovery skills, quickly getting back to regain possession. He played on the penalty kill unit and was active and engaged, using his solid footing to make it difficult for Apple Core to knock him off the puck. Grade: B+
Preston Tauter #5 (F, R, 5’5″, 140, New Jersey Bears, 02/16/2005) – Preston Tauter put in a solid performance, demonstrating consistency in both his positional play and faceoff execution. He was reliable on the draws, showing patience by ensuring his teammates were properly set before taking the faceoff. He displayed great offensive awareness with a smooth saucer pass that set up a quality scoring chance after receiving a well-timed stretch pass. His consistent ability to maintain composure and make smart, accurate passes in key moments adds significant value to the team’s offensive structure. Grade: B
Marcos Trasbach #9 (F, R, 5’9″, 150, New Jersey Bears, 05/21/2004) – Marcus Trosbach showed great speed throughout the game, using it to his advantage as he protected the puck effectively while cycling in the offensive zone. His tenacity was evident as he consistently pursued the puck and refused to give up on plays, demonstrating a strong work ethic. His relentless forecheck was key in setting up the first goal, pressuring the defense and forcing a turnover that led to the scoring opportunity. He often drove to the net, protecting the puck well. Great skill was displayed on the eighth goal as he avoided a poke check from the goaltender and tucked it in short side. Grade: A-
Cooper Willson #25 (F, R, 5’8″, 175, New Jersey Bears, 03/30/2005) – Cooper Wilson was strong on his stick, often driving to the net and making it difficult for defenders to knock him off the puck while cycling. He also kept things simple when needed, making clean, effective passes to maintain possession. His decent foot speed allowed him to create separation from defenders and close gaps quickly. He was solid on his feet, using his balance and strength to protect the puck and remain strong in battles along the boards. Grade: B
Kevin Yousefpour #7 (F, R, 5’9″, 150, New Jersey Bears, 01/10/2005) – Yousefpour positioned himself perfectly in the slot for a goal, staying stick-ready and capitalizing on the opportunity with a quick, well-placed shot. On the penalty kill unit, he showed relentless work ethic, never giving up on the puck and pressuring the opposition to disrupt their plays. His great foot speed was evident, allowing him to cover a lot of ground, close gaps quickly, and transition effectively from defense to offense when given the chance. Grade: A-
Boston Jr. Eagles (5) vs. Bridgewater Jr. Bandits (2): September 25
Boston Jr. Eagles
Gerald Cahill #8 (D, R, 6’2″, 196, Boston Jr. Eagles EHL, 12/07/2004) – Cahill’s physicality, work ethic, and endurance were his defining traits in this game. Standing at 6’2″, he was a force, delivering five hits and three blocked shots while also excelling on the penalty kill with his speed, agility, and high compete level. His strength and relentless battle level made him difficult to play against, positioning him well for a future in college hockey. Grade: B+
Cullen Lacey #19 (D, R, 6’1″, 182, Boston Jr. Eagles EHL, 12/19/2005) – Lacey was a workhorse for the Jr. Eagles, logging a team-high 28:23 in ice time. He was particularly impactful on the penalty kill, using his physical presence to clear shooting lanes and prevent secondary scoring opportunities. His point shots were effective, leading to rebound chances, and his hard passes in transition helped his team break out cleanly. Lacey’s toughness and composure under pressure are key attributes for a college defenseman. Grade: B
Charlie O’Connell #16 (D, L, 6’0″, 180, Boston Jr. Eagles EHL, 11/11/2006) – O’Connell played an edgy, abrasive game, finishing with a game-high seven body checks. He was effective on the forecheck, pressuring the Bandits into turnovers and creating offensive opportunities. His quick-release snapshot and tenacious play made him a consistent presence in the offensive zone. O’Connell’s high motor and physical edge make him a valuable player at the next level. Grade: B
Eirik Onarheim Moger #6 (D, R, Boston Jr. Eagles EHL, 01/01/2004) – Moger displayed a high hockey IQ with his smart positioning and quick feet, earning an assist with crisp passing. His ability to evade contact and play effectively on the penalty kill, leading the team with 3:35 of PK time, demonstrated his versatility. Moger’s agility and ability to stay calm under pressure make him a reliable defenseman with the potential to play a strong two-way game at the next level. Grade: B+
Reilly Van Son #13 (F, R, 6’5″, 215, Boston Jr. Eagles EHL, 04/20/2004) – Van Son had a standout performance, scoring a goal and adding two assists. His size (6’4″) and strength allowed him to fight through contact and win puck battles, driving the net with authority. His determination and ability to carry opponents on his back were impressive, showcasing both his skill and leadership qualities. His direct approach to the net and physical style make him an excellent prospect for the next level. Grade: A
Bridgewater Jr. Bandits
Ben Dias # (C, R, 5’10”, 160, Bridgewater Jr. Bandits, 03/08/2006) – Dias showed off his offensive skill set with two well-placed snap-shot goals: one being a powerful blocker-side rocket and the other a five-hole finish on the power play. His 11-for-20 faceoff performance was strong, and he was dependable in all zones, continually moving his feet after distributing the puck. Dias’ combination of shooting ability, face-off skills, and defensive responsibility makes him an attractive prospect to watch, especially as a 2006. Grade: B
Liam Fecteau # (C, L, 6’1″, 176, Bridgewater Jr. Bandits, 12/02/2004) Fecteau played a relentless, grinding game, leading his team in both giving and receiving hits. His support of the defense in the defensive zone and his ability to transition quickly into offense using his speed were noticeable. His physicality and hard-nosed style make him a tough player to match up against, and his 200-foot game adds to his value as a dependable two-way forward. Grade: B+
Grig Kaagan # (LW, L, 5’10”, 172, Bridgewater Jr. Bandits, 05/22/2004) – Keegan was a consistent presence around the net, using his quick stick and effective one-timers to generate chances, including three grade-A scoring opportunities. He played a key role as the bumper on the power play and was always looking to keep plays alive in the offensive zone. Keegan’s net-front presence and offensive instincts are valuable traits for any team. Grade: B
Chris Maybury # (D, L, 6’2″, 166, Bridgewater Jr. Bandits, 11/05/2004) – Maybury used his size (6’2″) and strength effectively to clear lanes in front of his net while also being active offensively. He led the Bandits in shots on goal and created several high-danger chances, showing a willingness to jump into the play. His physicality and grit make him a tough player to compete against, and his offensive upside gives him good potential for a commitment. Grade: B+
New England Wolves (5) vs. Boston Jr. Eagles (4): September 29
Boston Jr. Eagles
Gerald Cahill #8 (D, R, 6’2″, 196, Boston Jr. Eagles EHL, 12/07/2004) – Cahill played an aggressive, physical game, leading in hits and blocked shots. His speed and strength allow him to skate through contact, and his versatility—normally a defenseman—was impressive as a center. Cahill’s ability to disrupt plays and his skating efficiency make him a solid two-way player with room to grow. Grade: B
Brady Clark #4 (D, R, 6’2″, 192, Boston Jr. Eagles EHL, 05/19/2004) – Clark’s offensive contributions were evident with a goal from the point, and his hard, accurate passing stood out. His +2 rating and significant penalty-kill time demonstrate his defensive reliability, though he can improve his play under pressure. Clark’s strong two-way game makes him a key player with upside for the future. Grade: A-
Nicholas Haust #17 (RW, R, 5’11”, 165, Boston Jr. Eagles EHL, 11/29/2004) – Haust showcased his scoring touch with a shorthanded goal, using a hard low shot through a screen. His versatility in playing both wings and his +1 rating indicate his effectiveness on both ends of the ice. Haust’s offensive instincts and defensive reliability make him a strong candidate for the next level, though he could work on generating more offensive opportunities through give and goes. Grade: B
Luke Moran #2 (D/F, L, 6’1″, 172, Boston Jr. Eagles EHL, 10/06/2004) – Moran was effective on the forecheck, consistently disruptive as the F1. His two assists and +1 rating highlight his ability to contribute offensively while playing a physical game. Moran’s tenacity and involvement in all areas of the ice make him an asset, though refining his puck-handling skills would elevate his game further. Grade: B+
Max O’Connell #9 (D, L, 5’9″, 160, Boston Jr. Eagles EHL, 08/03/2004) – O’Connell logged the most ice time in the game and was heavily involved in all facets, both offensively and defensively. His smooth skating and ability to move the puck were notable, but his -2 rating suggests he could improve his defensive positioning. He is a versatile defenseman who can run the power play, making him a solid two-way presence. Grade: A
Brady O’Connor #27 (C, L, 6’0″, 191, Boston Jr. Eagles EHL, 04/07/2004) – O’Connor played a strong all-around game, contributing on both the power play and penalty kill. His power-play goal demonstrated his quick release, and his commitment to 200-foot play was evident in his defensive positioning. O’Connor’s work ethic and versatility make him a dependable two-way center with college potential. Grade: B+
Caden Pasqualone #35 (G, L, 6’3″, 192, Boston Jr. Eagles EHL, 09/19/2005) – Pasqualone was a standout in net, controlling rebounds and displaying excellent lateral movement. His ability to process the game and stop 29 of 30 power play shots highlights his poise under pressure. Pasqualone projects as a starter at the next level with his combination of size, athleticism, and hockey sense. Grade: A
New England Wolves
Michael Delage # (C, R, 5’9″, 161, New England Wolves, 10/26/2004) – Delage consistently found scoring opportunities with his quick release and ability to shoot without hesitation. His four shots and five grade-A chances reflect his nose for the net, particularly on the power play. While he was active in the offensive zone, Delage could work on his play without the puck and overall defensive responsibility. His offensive instincts are undeniable, positioning him well for a commitment. Grade: B+
Brenden Fields #9 (C, R, 5’9″, 165, New England Wolves, 01/09/2005) – Fields dominated the face-off circle, winning an impressive 19 of 21 draws, which was crucial to controlling possession. His offensive instincts stood out, especially with a penalty shot goal and his playmaking ability on the game-winner. His quick release and deceptive shooting were highlights, but he could further develop his 200-foot game, particularly in defensive situations. Fields’ offensive acumen makes him a standout player with offensive upside. Grade: B+
Dmitrijs Leins # (D, R, 6’0″, 160, New England Wolves, 03/26/2004) – Leins was a stabilizing force on the back end, playing significant minutes in all situations. His ability to generate offense from the blue line was evident in his assist on the game-winning goal, displaying a hard, accurate shot from the point. He was actively involved offensively, but three of his shot attempts were blocked, indicating a need to improve shot selection and timing. Overall, Leins’ combination of power-play poise and high ice time makes him a reliable defenseman at the next level. Grade: B+
Alexis Roy #2 (LW, L, 5’8″, 165, New England Wolves, 06/26/2005) – Roy was consistently in scoring areas, recording nine shot attempts and eight grade-A chances. His offensive instincts and preparedness to score were notable, though improving his ability to finish in key moments will enhance his value for next year. Roy’s ability to generate chances makes him a promising offensive prospect for the remainder of this season and beyond. Grade: B+
Ryan Sember # (D, L, 5’9″, 166, New England Wolves, 09/05/2006) – Sember was solid defensively and displayed quickness in corner battles, making him effective in shutting down the cycle. While he didn’t register any points, his five shots and two grade-A chances showed offensive upside. As a younger player born in 2006, Sember has plenty of development ahead, but his defensive instincts and physical play make him a player to watch this season. Grade: B+
Ryan Teehan # (LW, L, 5’8″, 156, New England Wolves, 01/14/2004) – Teehan brought physicality and a scoring touch to every shift. His two rebound goals were a testament to his quick stick in tight spaces, and his eight grade-A scoring chances demonstrate his ability to get into prime positions. He thrives in physical battles but will need to refine his defensive awareness away from the puck to round out his game. Teehan’s grit, tenacity, and scoring ability make him a valuable addition to any lineup. Grade: A
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling