Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Six to Watch Under 5-10

As smaller players see their NHL impact grow, here are six who could join those ranks from NCAA hockey.

Six to Watch Under 5-10
Brett Seney led Merrimack in scoring as a draft-eligible freshman.

By Nate Ewell

Smaller players are having a big impact in today’s NHL, and a disproportionate number of those players come from NCAA hockey – virtually half of those under 5-foot-10 in 2014-15.

With that in mind, here are six current NCAA players – one from each conference, and every one 5-foot-10 or shorter – who could follow in the footsteps of Johnny Gaudreau, Matt Read and Andy Greene in making an impact at the next level.

Look for more on this story in the Dec. 7, 2015, issue of The Hockey News

Max French, Bentley

French, a 5-foot-10, 185-pound center from West Kelowna, B.C., has provided an offensive spark for the Falcons since arriving on campus in 2013. Now a junior, he has speed, skill, and more than a little grit in his game – he has led Bentley in penalty minutes in each of his first two seasons as well.

Others of note in Atlantic Hockey: Derek Barach (Mercyhurst), Mike Barrett (Holy Cross)

Grant Besse, Wisconsin

Besse, a 5-foot-10 former Mr. Hockey from Minnesota, has led the Badger offense for the last two seasons after playing alongside Nic Kerdiles, Michael Mersch and Mark Zengerle as a freshman. Besse is an assistant captain this season and was selected by the Ducks in 2013.

Others of note in the Big Ten: Tyler Motte (Michigan/CHI), Michael Brodzinski (Minnesota/SJ)

Sam Anas, Quinnipiac

One of the best triggermen in the college game, Anas puts a lot of pucks on net and is a proven goal scorer. Just 5-foot-8, 160 pounds, he has attended multiple NHL development camps and has shown more playmaking ability this season, according to one NHL scout.

Others of note in ECAC Hockey: Mike Vecchione (Union), Joe Snively (Yale)

Brett Seney, Merrimack

As a freshman at Merrimack last season Seney was only overshadowed by two other draft-eligible players in Hockey East: Jack Eichel and Noah Hanifin. The skilled 5-foot-9 native of London, Ontario, was snapped up by the New Jersey Devils in the sixth round of the 2015 NHL Draft.

Others of note in Hockey East: Tyler Kelleher (New Hampshire), Ryan Fitzgerald (Boston College/BOS)

Jake Guentzel, Omaha

The son of Minnesota associate coach Mike Guentzel and a Pittsburgh Penguins draft pick, Guentzel fits the bill of a coach’s kid – skilled, smart and a good skater. He’s not tiny, at 5-foot-10, but he can play against bigger players thanks to his ability to thrive in small areas and get into danger zones without getting hit too much.

Others of note in the NCHC: Will Butcher (Denver/COL), Drake Caggiula (North Dakota)

Tyler Morley, Alaska

A high-scoring senior, Morley stands 5-foot-8, 174 pounds – 10 pounds heavier than when he arrived on campus. Like Gaudreau, he’s added strength but maintained quickness. He topped 100 career points early in his senior season and was the preseason pick as WCHA Player of the Year, an honor that last year went to current Chicago Blackhawk Tanner Kero.

Others of note in the WCHA: Mark Friedman (Bowling Green/PHI), Gerry Fitzgerald (Bemidji State)