UNH Commit John Evans: A Quick, Smooth, Dynamic Winger

John Evans
2021 UNH Commit

"Quick, smooth, dynamic." Neutral Zone

John Evans Forward, 5'10", 145 lbs. Shoots Right Hometown: South Surrey, British Columbia DOB: 4-8-2002 Just turned 18 2019-20 Team: West Kelowna Warriors (BCHL)                        ~ Winger Neutral Zone Rating: 3.75 out of 5 Stars Committed to UNH: March, 2020 at Age 17 years, 11 month. Projected enrollment: Fall, 2021

2019-20 Highlight Reel

Interview

I had an opportunity to interview John Evans, via email, about his hockey career and commitment to UNH:

Mike Lowry ("C-H-C"): Congratulations on your commitment to play for the University of New Hampshire. What are the main reasons you chose UNH?

John Evans: Thank you! The main reasons I chose UNH were because of their first-class coaching staff and hockey program, and the conference they play in. I think Hockey East best suits the style of game I play, and I can’t wait to continue to develop and learn many new things from the coaching staff and my UNH teammates.

Mike Lowry: What other college programs did you consider during the recruiting process? Which schools did you visit and which ones made an offer to you?

John Evans: I was fortunate to have interest from colleges in each of the Conferences. In the end, however, I decided that UNH was definitely the place I wanted to be in order to pursue my hockey career.

Lowry: Have you and the UNH coaches agreed on a target date for you to enroll as a freshman at UNH and join the team?

Evans: As of right now I am slated to enroll at UNH in 2021-22. I know that if I want to come in and make an impact right away, I will need to get stronger and faster which is what I will be pushing to achieve.

Lowry: At this stage in your hockey development, what are the main strengths of your game? What areas are you trying to improve?

Evans: I think the main strengths in my game are my playmaking ability and my Hockey IQ. I feel like I can see the ice very well and I am able to anticipate plays before they happen. Areas of my game I would like to improve on would be getting quicker and faster, which will come by getting stronger and working hard in the gym.

Lowry: As a 17-year-old rookie in the British Columbia Hockey League, you scored 22 goals, 28 assists in 57 regular season games for the West Kelowna Warriors, plus 2 goals, 1 assist in 5 playoff games. You had the 5th highest points per game (0.88) among BCHL rookies and was named to the All-Rookie Team. I noticed you scored 5 goals, 8 assists in your first 29 regular season games then your scoring jumped to 17 goals, 20 assists in the last 28 games. What factors lead to your dramatic increase in scoring?

Evans: I think that it took me a little longer than I would’ve liked to get used to the faster speed of the game and the stronger players in junior compared to midget hockey. However, when I got used to it and starting producing, I gained a lot of confidence which I carried throughout the second half of the season and into the playoffs.

Lowry: You were an Alternate Captain for the Warriors which is unusual for a 17-year-old rookie. What leadership skills did you bring to that role?

Evans: I tried my best to lead by example on and off the ice. I am very grateful for my coaches and teammates for trusting me in that role, especially being one of the youngest players on the team.

Lowry: Over the last 5 seasons, you and UNH Commit Nick Ardanaz have been teammates - last season with the Warriors and the previous 4 seasons on teams at the Delta Hockey Academy near your homes just south of Vancouver, British Columbia. How has your relationship developed both on and off the ice?

Evans: Nick is one of my best friends and someone who I can count on for anything. We actually first played together on the Burnaby Winter Club AAA Atom team when we were 10 years old. Our relationship has continued to grow, especially these last 5 seasons, and it has been very cool to watch how Nick has developed into the person and player he is today. I am very excited to continue playing with him at UNH.

Lowry: In 2018, the Muskegon Lumberjacks selected you in the 8th round (138th overall) of the USHL Futures Draft. Do you anticipate returning to the West Kelowna Warriors next season or moving to another league?

Evans: As of right now my plan is to return to West Kelowna for another season. I really enjoyed my first season there, and I am excited to return and help the team push for the ultimate goal, an RBC Cup.

Lowry: Do you plan to graduate from high school this Spring? What are your academic strengths and interests? Have you thought about what you might major in when you enroll at UNH?

Evans: Yes, I plan to graduate from high school this spring. In school the subject I enjoy the most is English, and I think that I write pretty well. As of right now I have not decided what I might major in while attending UNH.

Youth, Prep School and Junior Hockey Statistics

Player	Season	Team	League	GP	Goals	Asst	Pts	PIM
John Evans  (F)	2019-20	West Kelowna Warriors	BCHL	57	22	28	50	16
			Playoffs	5	2	1	3	0
	2018-19	Delta Hockey Academy Prep	CSSHL	35	20	52	72	49
			Playoffs	3	0	4	4	0
		Surrey Eagles	BCHL	8	1	0	1	2
	2017-18	Delta Hockey Academy Elite 15s	CSSHL U15	36	23	50	73	8
			Playoffs	4	2	5	7	2
		Delta Hockey Academy Prep	CSSHL	5	2	2	4	0
	2016-17	Delta Hockey Academy Bantam Prep	CSSBHL	30	11	25	36	0
			Playoffs	5	1	1	2	0
	2015-16	Delta Hockey Academy Bantam Varsity	CSSBVL	23	5	14	19	6
			Playoffs	4	1	5	6	0

UNH Commit Cam Gendron: A Long Forward With Net Vision And Touch

Cam Gendron
2020 UNH Commit

"Cam has steadily improved in the NAHL. He wins faceoffs, has reach, is slippery along the wall and is athletic. He backchecks through the middle, finds puck, is tough to play against, and is versatile. Has touch and vision near the net. Has upside and game is improving." Neutral Zone

Cam Gendron Forward, 6'3", 181 lbs. Shoots Right Birthplace: Wilmington, Massachusetts Hometown: Boxford, Massachusetts DOB: 2-5-1999 Turned 21 in February 2019-20 Team: New Jersey Titans (NAHL)                        ~ Winger/Center Neutral Zone Rating: 3.75 out of 5 Stars Committed to UNH: March, 2020 at Age 21 years, 1 month. Projected enrollment: Fall, 2020

2019-20 Highlight Reel

Interview

I had an opportunity to interview Cam Gendron, via email, about his hockey career and commitment to UNH:

Mike Lowry ("C-H-C"): Congratulations on your commitment to play for the University of New Hampshire. What are the main reasons you chose UNH?

Cam Gendron: Thank you, I appreciate it! I love UNH and everything they have to offer. From their first class coaching staff and hockey program to the high academic levels they have to offer, UNH was the right fit for me. I also grew up watching a lot of Hockey East games. UNH was always one of my favorites, and I knew if I ever had the opportunity to wear their sweater, it would be something very special. It will be fun to play so close to home and have family and friends be able to come support me while I play.

Mike Lowry: What other college programs did you consider during the recruiting process? Which schools did you visit and which ones made an offer to you?

Cam Gendron: Out of respect for all those other teams, their coaches and programs I would rather not say. Although I am extremely grateful for the opportunity from those teams I am greatly looking forward to getting to UNH and helping the team get back to the Hockey East playoffs.

Lowry: Have you and the UNH coaches agreed on Fall 2020 as your date for enrollment at UNH? Have you been offered a National Letter of Intent from UNH?

Gendron: Yes I plan on enrolling to UNH in the Fall of 2020. As of right now there has not been a National Letter of Intent.

Lowry: At this stage in your hockey development, what are the main strengths of your game? What areas are you trying to improve?

Gendron: I am a big forward that will get in on the forecheck, finish my hits, try to create plays and get pucks to the net. I always try to do what I can to help the team win. Whether it's blocking shots, killing penalties, or having a positive attitude on the bench and on the ice, I will always be a good teammate. Some things I need to work on is shooting the puck more. Not waiting for the fancy play and just keep things simple.

Lowry: In your first season in the North American Hockey League last year, you scored 7 goals and 16 assists in 65 games with the New Jersey Titans. Before this season was cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic, you had scored 16 goals and 18 assists in 50 games. What factors lead to your increased goal-scoring this season?

Gendron: I think a lot to do with it is confidence. For me and many other players, confidence is sometimes hard to find. But, when you have a team and coaching staff that believes in you, confidence will come. Also, the offseason is huge. Making sure I was working out hard and more importantly eating the right foods to maintain good health..

Lowry: When the season ended prematurely, the Titans had the best record in the NAHL (31-13-1). With 8 games remaining in the regular season, you had already clinched a berth in the NAHL Playoffs. What was your reaction when the league announced the cancellation of the season?

Gendron: Honestly one of the biggest heart breaks I have experienced in my hockey career. My teammates, my coaches, our fans and organization were completely broken. With the emotions that were going around in those last days you could see how much everyone cared. Blood, sweat, and tears put into our season that was put to an end so fast.
Although Franchise records were made and personal achievements and goals were reached for my teammates and I, it's hard to put into words what it's like not being able to finish our story. I could not be more grateful for my two years in Jersey, and wouldn't trade it for the world. I made friends and memories that will last a lifetime.

Lowry: What are your academic strengths and interests? Have you thought about what you might major in when you enroll at UNH?

Gendron: I'd say History and Math are two of my best subjects. I plan on majoring in Business. Although I know that can change, being a business major is something I have always wanted to achieve.

Neutral Zone Scouting Reports

"Cam seems to always be a factor around the other team's goalie. He gets to the net and scores greasy goals. He is a long player and has an excellent reach and a good stick. The 1999 still has some work to do with his skating and overall strength but the has a good frame and his effort is solid. The Boxford, MA skater is an interesting prospect with upside."

St. Sebastian’s Holiday Tournament: Top 70, December, 2017

"Cam added size and grit to the top group of Winchendon. He has great size and a long stride with deceptive speed. He is strong on the puck and used his reach to protect with possession. He has above average skill and played off Fawcett well. Like to see him shoot more as he can fire it when he does. Nice upside for the 1999."

High School & Junior Hockey Statistics

Player	Season	Team	League	GP	Goals	Asst	Pts	PIM	+/-
Cam Gendron  (F)	2019-20	New Jersey Titans	NAHL	50	16	18	34	48	+11
		Team East	NAHL Prospects	2	1	0	1	0	-1
	2018-19	New Jersey Titans	NAHL	56	7	16	23	84	+6
			Playoffs	9	0	0	0	22	-6
	2017-18	Winchendon School	NE Prep	28	19	31	50	-
		EMass Senators U18	MHSL U18	8	2	2	4	-
	2016-17	Winchendon School	NE Prep	28	9	22	31	-
		EMass Senators U16	MHSL U16	8	1	3	4	-
	2015-16	Central Catholic HS	Mass HS	17	9	6	15	-
	2014-15	Central Catholic HS	Mass HS	24	7	14	21	-