Heading into the new prep hockey season, there are plenty of players who have a high expectation of production.
Kimball Union's Jack Sadowski is a good one at forward. New Hampton's Cam Caron is another. So is Alex LoGuercio at Frederick Gunn. St. Mark's Calvin Beard and Holderness' Caeden Herrington (Manchester, Vt.) are good examples on defense. Sam Caulfield of Milton Academy was tied for the region lead in save percentage last season. He's expected to be one of the top netminders again this season.
Those are just a few of many players with already lofty expectations.
But what about breakout players? They are the ones that make the biggest difference. They turn middle-of-the-pack teams into Elite 8 contenders. They turn Elite 8 hopefuls into favorites. They are X-factors.
Through watching prep last season, and then the following spring, summer and fall hockey slates, these are 22 forward prospects I've identified as players who are poised to take a big step ahead this season.
Very few of these players are committed. They are young and stepping into bigger roles this season.
