Recruiting: Brown, UMass, Army land commits

Tyler Kopff has committed to Brown University. (Matt Dewkett)

North Jersey Avalanche 16-U center Tyler Kopff has committed to Brown University, it was announced Saturday.

The ’03 from Ridgewood, N.J., has impressed at various showcases over the last year. Kopff is heavy on pucks, has a hard shot and sees the ice well. His skating could use improvement over the coming years before he matriculates to Brown.

Kopff played quite a big of hockey in the New England region this fall with the Avalanche, competing in the Beast Series. Kopff was written up following the River Rats Jamboree, ECC Labor Day Cup, Mid Fairfield Showcase and Beast Series Columbus Day.

In committing to Brendan Whittet’s program, Kopff joins North Jersey teammate and defenseman Harry Meirowitz, who committed to the Bears just last week.

UMass lands MacDonald

UMass received a commitment from Muskegon Lumberjacks left wing Oliver MacDonald, one of the top uncommitted prospects in the country.

MacDonald, hailing from Grosse Point, Mich., had previously been committed to Nebraska-Omaha. In 16 games this season, he has 10 goals and seven assists. The numbers represent a drastic uptick in production after scoring eight goals and 20 assists in 61 games all of last season.

MacDonald’s commitment continues an intriguing trend with the UMass coaching staff having a great deal of success in the state of Michigan. Junior right wing and leading scorer Mitchell Chaffee, freshmen Cal Kiefiuk and Matt Kessel, and Jacob Pritchard, last season’s second leading scorer, all hail from the state of Michigan.

Associate head coaches Ben Barr and Jared DeMichiel have done a good job of finding recruits from outside of the area. While UMass’ improved product on the ice might help some, the top recruits from the Bay State usually want to go to the Beanpot schools.

Andrew Gilbert commits to Army

Army received a commitment from Jersey Hitmen defenseman Andrew Gilbert, it was announced over the weekend. The ’00 from Fairfield, Conn., is a big defenseman, measuring in at 6-foot-5, who previously played for Northwood School.

In 23 games for Toby Harris’ NCDC club, Gilbert has four assists. He’s still raw, but there’s upside as far as being a good player in Atlantic Hockey. His skating is above average, especially for a player his size, and he can use his length to defend while taking away time and space.

Gilbert becomes the ninth member of the 2018-19 Northwood team to have a college commit. It’s a testament to the job head coach Chadd Cassidy, a former AHL head coach, does in developing players on his roster.