A Look At UNH's Incoming Freshmen

In an ongoing series, the Beanpot Forum is providing a preview of each Hockey East team for the 2012-13 season. One feature of these "Team Capsules" is a look at the incoming, freshman recruits - the Class of 2016. In preparation for the preview of UNH Hockey, the Beanpot Forum asked for my impressions on the young players who recently began freshman classes in Durham. "Hockey East Team Capsules 2012-13 - New Hampshire" has just been posted on the Beanpot Forum (NOTE: He predicts that UNH will finish 7th in Hockey East) and includes the following preview of the UNH freshmen:

Dan Correale, F, 8/21/91, 5-10/185 (Nanaimo Clippers/BCHL) -- 21-year-old left shot, left-winger has most junior hockey experience of freshman class. Three seasons in British Columbia HL and two in Alberta Junior HL. Averaged a point-per-game last two seasons. Was on track to enroll at UNH last year but shoulder surgery postponed him a year. Most prepared to make jump to college hockey.

Maxim Gaudreault, F, 7/16/92, 6-0/190 (Sioux City Musketeers/USHL) -- Strong left-winger played on Sioux City's 1st line. Solid, two-way player excelled on penalty kill unit. Was named Alternate Captain in second season with Sioux City. Is third UNH player, along with Nick Sorkin and Casey Thrush, to play midget hockey with Team Maryland.

Jamie Hill, F, 2/3/92, 5-9/175 (Waterloo Black Hawks/USHL) -- Fiesty right-winger excelled in USHL playoffs last season. Lead Waterloo to USHL Championship Series with most playoff goals (9) in league. Quickness in offensive zone creates space, excitement and scoring opportunities. Infamous for losing 10 teeth while blocking a shot in semifinal game and returning to game. The veteran of three seasons in the USHL could make an impact early in his first UNH season.

Collin MacDonald, F, 6/21/92, 6-2/200 (Jersey Hitmen/EJHL) -- A big, strong left-winger who shows speed in open ice and tenacious one-on-one play in the offensive zone. Scored 27 goals in 45 regular season games for the Hitmen which tied him for 7th leading goal scorer in the EJHL. Jersey Head Coach Toby Harris likens MacDonald's skill set to those of former UNH star and current NHL standout James van Riemsdyk. Played only one season of junior hockey before coming to UNH so may take until midseason to work his way into the lineup.

Brett Pesce, D, 11/15/94, 6-3/175 (Jersey Hitmen/EJHL) -- Although the tall, right-shot defenseman is not yet 18 years old, he has already played in four NCAA Division I hockey games. Despite battling a shoulder injury for much of last season, he was called up to the U.S. Under-18 National Team Development Program team and held his own against BU, Northeastern, Wisconsin, and Minnesota State. Pesce is a smooth skater who carries the puck through the three zones with authority. Has outstanding vision and distributes the puck well on the power play. Some scouts have identified Pesce as a player to watch in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.

Harry Quast, D, 3/26/91, 6-4/215 (Bay State Breakers/EJHL) -- A late-bloomer, the outsized, left-shot defenseman made a huge impact in his second season in the EJHL. The All-Star scored 8 goals and 24 assists and was the fifth leading scorer among EJHL defenseman. Quast is a shutdown defenseman in his own end using his size and reach to gain control of the puck. Also makes effective first passes out of his zone. May surprise some UNH fans with the amount of playing time he earns this season.

Jamie Regan, G, 1/15/92, 6-2/180 (Philadelphia Revolution/EJHL) -- Last season, Regan was named an EJHL All-Star despite playing for a last place team. Facing an average of 35 shots on goal each game, he posted a .903 save percentage. As a junior in high school, lead his team to the 2009 State Championship in Ohio.

Kyle Smith, F, 2/14/92, 6-1/185 (Junior Bruins/EJHL) -- In his third season with the Junior Bruins, Smith was an EJHL All-Star and the 10th leading scorer in the league. He scored 24 goals and 38 assists in 43 regular season games. He's a tall and lanky, right-shot forward whose forte is passing and setting up goals.