NCAA hockey tournament watch list: 10 local players who can make an impact

Matt Coronato led Harvard in scoring as a freshman and is a top NHL prospect. (Gil Talbot/Harvard Athletics)

It is NCAA men’s hockey tournament time, with the field of 16 beginning Thursday and Friday at four regional sites for a chance to play in the Frozen Four April 7-9 in Boston.

The Quinnipiac Bobcats are the only tri-state school to make it into the field of 16, and will face St. Cloud State in Allentown, Pa., on Friday at 8 p.m.

The Albany regional round kicks off Thursday, with Harvard facing Minnesota State-Mankato at noon. The Crimson’s top scorer is Long Island native Matt Coronato, and in addition to the Calgary Flames first-rounder there are some players from the region who are expected to make an impact in the NCAA Tournament.

Local players to watch

Matthew Coronato, RW, Harvard

Harvard’s impact freshman led the team in scoring with 18 goals and 35 points in 33 games this season. The Greenlawn, N.Y., native was the 13th overall selection in the 2021 NHL draft, and backed it up with his high motor, elite hands and natural instincts for finishing plays and setting them up. The 5-foot-10, 183-pound winger has a bright future ahead of him with his ability to make magic from the mundane with pro-caliber creativity in his game already.

Bobby Trivigno, LW, Massachusetts

The Hockey East Tournament MVP and Hobey Baker candidate from Setauket, N.Y., just continues his tremendous encore from a championship season in 2021. His 20 goals and 48 points and counting are the best of his four-year career, and he’s expected to sign a NHL contract whenever his season ends. Until then, his hockey IQ, skill and effort plus championship experience from a year ago make him the area’s top player to watch.

Scott Morrow, D, Massachusetts

The Darien, Conn., true freshman and Hurricanes second-rounder last July made a seamless transition to college hockey with the Minutemen. He jumped out to an immediate lead in scoring from the back end, and never relinquished it, sitting second to Trivigno on the team with 16 goals and 33 points. He’s lived up to the hype, playing a productive two-way game and forming an impressive young defense duo with fellow freshman Ryan Ufko.

Ryan Ufko, D, Massachusetts

The Nashville Predators fourth-rounder from Smithtown, N.Y., got better and better as the season went on, finishing just behind Morrow with 29 points from the blue line. Although not big, or overly dynamic, Ufko brings exceptional vision and the ability to break pucks out of his own end with slick hands and passing skills. He plays a poised game despite his youth, having just turned 19 a few weeks ago.

John Beecher, C, Michigan

The Elmira, N.Y., native and Boston Bruins first-round pick in 2019 is a physical specimen with his 6-foot-3, 210-pound frame and ability to skate effortlessly up and down the ice with speed and power. Shoulder surgery derailed his sophomore campaign, and he had a hot and cold junior season in terms of offense. However, he brings a key element of defense and has the tools to score timely goals. He has the look of a better pro than college player, where he got pushed down in the Wolverines lineup because of so many skill players. The tighter playoff games should play to Beecher’s strengths.

Mackie Samoskevich, RW, Michigan

The Florida Panthers first-rounder from Newtown, Conn., has started to feel it, providing important secondary scoring among a constellation of star players in Ann Arbor. His speed and quick hands make him a matchup headache for opposing coaches, who have to dedicate much of their defensive efforts to Michigan’s top players, so Samoskevich could exploit those opportunities.

Blake Bennett, LW, AIC

The Yellow Jackets’ top scorer from Grand Island, N.Y., came through in the clutch in the Atlantic Conference championship against Air Force, earning tournament MVP honors. He’s creative, with a knack for being around the puck and making plays in tight spaces.

Matthew Crasa, RW, UMass Lowell

The South Setauket, N.Y., freshman scored 12 goals and brings a sneaky element of secondary offense to the RiverHawks with him. He’s more of a two-way, energy player than a big-time scorer, but he’ll bring the kind of positive attributes important in the single-elimination tournament format such as puck support and effort.

Zach Metsa, D, Quinnipiac

The ECAC’s top-scoring defender and Wisconsin product may not have pro size, but can wheel and transport pucks effortlessly. He led the Bobcats in scoring with nine goals and 34 points, boosting production in each of his four seasons there after coming out of the USHL and BCHL. An underdog, watch for him to make a big splash here.

Yaniv Perets, G, Quinnipiac

Like Levi, Perets grabbed the net and didn’t let it go, putting up elite numbers and a record-setting 11 shutouts to lead the NCAA. The Quebec native’s athleticism and penchant to stymie opponents make Quinnipiac one of the most dangerous teams in the tournament.

Players to watch outside the region

Nathan Smith, F, Minnesota St. (NHL rights traded to Coyotes by Jets)

Brendan Furry, F, Minnesota St. (undrafted free agent)

Matthew Galajda, G, Notre Dame; (undrafted free agent)

Jake Schmaltz, F,  North Dakota (Bruins/2019)

Ben Meyers, F,  Minnesota; (undrafted free agent)

Ethen Frank, F, Western Michigan; (undrafted free agent)

Bobby Brink, F, Denver; (Flyers/2019)

Nick Perbix, D, St. Cloud State; (Lightning/2017)

Noah Cates, F, Minnesota Duluth; (Flyers/2017)