Game played on 12/13/2024.
Sascha Boumedienne (D, L, 6’1″, 175, Boston University, 01/17/2007, Boston University)
Grade: B+
Comments: Boumedienne is a 6’1″, 175-pound left-shot defenseman who played 21:23 of total ice time, including a game-high 3:09 on the power play and 1:02 on the penalty kill, showing his versatility. He finished even with no points and had 1 shot attempt that missed the net. Boumedienne’s 100% win rate in 50/50 puck battles (up from his 60% season average) and 91% pass completion rate (up from 85% season average) signal growing confidence and poise as a 2007-born defenseman who has been playing against older competition in Hockey East. Defensively, he recorded 10 takeaways, 0 giveaways, and 8 defensive-zone puck recoveries, highlighting his calm decision-making and ability to regain possession. While his offensive impact was limited in this game, his ability to control possession, make clean exits, and excel on both special teams is a strong indicator of his potential. Boumedienne projects as a modern two-way defenseman with puck-moving ability and transitional upside. Continued confidence growth, enhanced shot selection, and sustained battle success will help solidify his path toward NHL potential.
Garrett Lindberg (D, R, 5’11”, 190, NTDP U18, 03/08/2007, North Dakota)
Grade: B
Comments: Lindberg is a 5’11’, 190-pound right-shot defenseman who logged 21:00 of total ice time, including a team-high 3:45 on the penalty kill, signaling his high level of attention to detail and awareness in his overall game. He did not see power-play time. Lindberg was competitive defensively with 14 takeaways and 5 defensive zone puck recoveries. He had an 83% pass completion rate, which although is consistent with his season average (84%) shows why he is not used on the power play. Offensively, he had 4 shot attempts (3 on net, 1 blocked). He finished the game -2 with zero points. His 50% win rate on 50/50 puck battles fell below his season standard (60%), and his 8 giveaways indicate the need for quicker, more decisive puck movement under pressure. Overall, Lindberg projects as a depth defenseman with solid penalty-kill utility, defensive awareness, and puck retrieval skills. To improve his NHL projection, he will need to elevate his puck management, increase passing consistency, and reduce turnovers in critical areas of the ice.
Richard Gallant (C, L, 5’8″, 170, NTDP U18, 06/12/2007, Harvard)
Grade: A-
Comments: Gallant is a 5’8″, 170-pound left-shot forward who plays both center and wing with equal effectiveness. He had a highly impactful game, finishing +1 with 2 goals, both coming on quick cross-body one-timers from the low slot, showcasing his elite hockey sense and ability to find soft ice in high-danger scoring areas. He totaled 16:58 of ice time, including 1:19 on the power play and 2:08 on the penalty kill, underscoring his versatility and trust from the coaching staff. Gallant registered 4 total shots (2 goals, 1 missed, 1 blocked) and delivered 2 hard body checks, showing he can contribute physically despite his smaller frame. He won 56% of his 50/50 puck battles, a marked improvement from his season average of 41%, and completed 92% of his passes (up from 84%), signaling what could be an upward trend in key performance metrics when playing against smarter opponents. Defensively, he had 3 takeaways but also 5 giveaways and no defensive-zone puck recoveries following opponent shots, areas that will need to be watched as he takes on defensive roles at higher levels. Overall, Gallant projects as a versatile, high-skill forward with a knack for goal-scoring and strong game processing. To reach his potential, he will need to sustain his battle consistency, limit giveaways, in key areas and improve his defensive awareness.
Mace’o Phillips (D, L, 6’6″, 230, NTDP U18, 02/25/2007, Minnesota)
Grade: B-
Comments: Phillips is a 6’6′, 230-pound left-shot defenseman who logged 18:44 of total ice time, including 0:31 on the power play, but did not see any penalty-kill usage. This highlights a need for continued development in his defensive awareness, scanning habits, and ability to recognize scoring threats in his own zone. He finished -1 but made a physical impact with a game-high 4 hard body checks, highlighting his size, strength, and willingness to play with an edge. Offensively, he had 5 shot attempts (2 on net, 2 missed, 1 blocked). He won an impressive 71% of his 50/50 puck battles, showing strong physical engagement and compete level which will both be critical for his success in professional hockey. However, his 77% pass completion rate needs considerable improvement, as does his puck security, evidenced by 11 giveaways — tied for the game high. His 2 loose puck recoveries in the defensive zone also signal the need for better anticipation, game awareness and positioning. Phillips projects as a physically imposing defender with the potential to develop into a bottom-pair NHL defenseman. To reach that level, he must improve his defensive reads, scanning habits, and puck management under pressure.
Cole McKinney (C, R, 6’0″, 200, NTDP U18, 03/16/2007, Michigan)
Grade: B
Comments: McKinney is a 6’0′, 200-pound right-shot center who logged a team-high 17:13 of ice time among forwards, including 0:31 on the power play and 2:19 on the penalty kill, highlighting his trustworthiness in defensive situations. He finished +1 with 2 assists, both showcasing his poise and vision. The first assist came after cleanly handling a bouncing pass into his feet before delivering a perfect slot feed, while the second assist featured a controlled zone entry and a smart area pass that gave his teammate time and space to create. He won 44% of his face-offs (below his season average of 53%), and while he completed 88% of his passes (above his season average of 82%), his 6 giveaways and 20% win rate in 50/50 puck battles are areas of concern. Offensively, he had 2 shot attempts (1 blocked, 1 wide). His 4 defensive-zone puck recoveries and 4 takeaways are positive signs of his defensive work rate and anticipation. McKinney projects as a potential two-way center with the ability to play in defensive situations. To maximize his NHL potential, he must become more consistent in puck battles, tighten up his puck security, and generate more shot volume to complement his strong playmaking instincts.
Charlton Trethewey (D, R, 6’1″, 200, NTDP U18, 08/02/2007, Boston University)
Grade: B
Comments: Trethewey is a 6’1′, 200-pound right-shot defenseman who played 21:07 of total ice time, including 1:27 on the power play and 3:20 on the penalty kill. It is obvious his coaches trust him to be used in all situations. He showcased strong defensive instincts with 9 takeaways, 4 defensive zone rebound recoveries, and a 60% win rate in 50/50 puck battles. Trethewey displayed leadership and physicality by taking a roughing penalty to protect his goaltender, a positive indicator of his competitiveness and team-first mentality. Offensively, he registered 8 shot attempts (3 on net, 3 missed, 2 blocked), showing a willingness to be involved but also highlighting a need for better shot selection, accuracy and decision making. His pass completion rate of 83% fell short of his season average (91%), indicating room for improvement in handling pressure from smarter faster opponents add his 4 giveaways signal the need for quicker, more decisive puck movement in all three zones. Overall, we feel Trethewey projects as a potential bottom-pairing NHL defenseman with some physicality, defensive reliability, and the versatility to contribute in all situations if he can tighten his puck management, decision-making under pressure, and shooting accuracy.
Donato Bracco (D, L, 5’10”, 170, NTDP U18, 07/26/2007, Harvard)
Grade: B
Comments: Donny Bracco is a 5’10’, 170-pound left-shot defenseman who logged 17:07 of ice time. He finished even on the scoresheet but was active offensively with 8 shot attempts (4 on goal, 3 blocked, 1 missed), showing a clear willingness to be engaged in the attack. Bracco’s 67% win rate in 50/50 puck battles is a strong indicator of his competitiveness and ability to win possession, which translates well to higher levels. His passing stood out as he completed 91% of his attempts (consistent with his 89% season average) and led the game with 5 tape-to-tape breakout passes that led to clean defensive zone exits, a critical metric for projecting transition ability at the National League level. Defensively, he had 5 takeaways, no giveaways, and 2 defensive-zone puck recoveries off opponent shots, highlighting his efficiency, puck anticipation and calmness under pressure. Bracco projects as a modern puck-moving defenseman with strong transition ability, clean defensive zone exits, and a knack for winning loose puck possession battles. To solidify his NHL potential he will need to continue adding strength and power to his frame, but his ability to win 50/50 puck battles and make tape to tape passes are an indicator of his ability to have success at higher levels.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images