TRAVERSE CITY, Mich.— It happened so fast that most fans at the Traverse City Prospects tournament missed it. Maple Leafs prospect Nick Abruzzese (Slate Hill, N.Y.) collected a pass atop the crease, then instantly chopped from backhand to forehand to shelf, leaving Blues goalie Will Cranley poised … [Read more...]
Mackie Samoskevich ramping up for high selection on draft day
The USHL All-Stars had been ambushed by the U.S. NTDP, 7-1, at USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth, Michigan. Yet Mackie Samoskevich (Newtown, Conn.) of the losing White squad left the 2021 BioSteel All-American Prospects Game with no regrets. “My first time playing on national television,” said the … [Read more...]
Greg Carvel: Architect of a UMass rebuild for the ages
After spending more than a decade getting his self-described “Ph.D” in hockey as an NHL assistant, 41-year-old Greg Carvel decided to try his hand as a head coach in the NCAA, taking the reins of his alma mater — St. Lawrence University — in the 2012-13 season. His Saints slogged through a losing … [Read more...]
Marc and Anthony Del Gaizo rise from NJ Rockets to Muskegon to UMass
It was a minute past midnight, yet a live sporting event kept much of New Jersey hockey nation in rapt attention. Marc and Anthony Del Gaizo (Basking Ridge, N.J.), the pride of the New Jersey Rockets, were playing in the Frozen Four semifinal for the University of Massachusetts, and their gripping … [Read more...]
The U.S. NTDP is a hub for the country’s best U-17 and U-18 talent
USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program, familiarly known in global hockey circles as the NTDP, is now entering its third decade of existence. The “Program” had a humble launch in 1997-98, with little or no fanfare. Today it enjoys its role as a junior hockey machine, a two-year program that … [Read more...]
Huskies reunion for Dylan Sikura and Nolan Stevens
Two NHL opponents crossed the back side of Traverse City’s West Arena, stalking each other for a much-anticipated confrontation. As they closed within a few feet, the young men broke into broad smiles, immediately transforming into best buds from college. 2018 Beanpot champions Dylan Sikura and … [Read more...]
