UNH Commit Josh Player: A Big, Strong Two-Way Defender

Josh Player
2024 UNH Commit

"Big, strong two-way defender who can add some offense and defend well...Player was strong in his own end, playing hard on pucks and making life tough in the corners. He plays body to body on his man and keeps himself between the puck and the net." Neutral Zone, December, 2021

Josh Player Defenseman, 6'1", 182 lbs. Shoots Right Hometown: Thorofare, New Jersey DOB: May 13, 2005 17 years, 4 months Neutral Zone Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Stars Current Team: Bishop Kearney Selects 18U (18U AAA) Committed to UNH in August, 2022 at Age 17 years, 3 months.

Interview

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

Mike Lowry: Congratulations on your commitment to play for the University of New Hampshire. How did you first become interested in UNH?

Josh Player: I first became interested in UNH about a year ago when I first talked to Coach Giuliano. Since then, I was always very interested in playing for UNH.

Mike Lowry: What are the main reasons you chose to commit to UNH?

Josh Player: The main reasons I choose to commit to UNH are the culture that is being built and the trust I gained in the coaching staff. Throughout my recruitment process, it was clear that UNH was the best fit for me.

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?

Josh Player: During my recruitment process, I considered a few other schools. I was able to visit UConn, Umass Amherst, RPI, and Princeton.

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?

Player: We have not officially decided on a target date yet.

Lowry: Which junior leagues would you like to play in before you go to UNH?

Player: Before I go play for UNH, I would like to play in the USHL. I believe the USHL will be the best league for me to grow as a person and player before coming to UNH.

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

Player: I believe the main strengths of my game are my skating, vision, leadership, and my ability to make a strong first pass. These areas of my game allow me to create quick offense in transition and jump into the offense when lanes are open. I am continuously trying to improve my skating and movement on the offensive blue line.

Lowry: You participated in the 2021 USA Hockey Select 16 Player Development Camp and the 2022 Select 17 Camp. How do you think your skills compare with the other top US defensemen born in 2005?

Player: I believe my skills allow me to compete with any 2005 defenseman in the country. The Select 16 and 17 Development Camp was a great experience for me to challenge myself against the best players in the country.

Lowry: Last season, you scored 12 goals and 26 assists for Bishop Kearney Selects 16U, including a goal and an assist as the team won the USA Hockey National Championship. Would you describe the experience of winning the championship?

Player: Winning the National Championship last year was an experience that will last with me the rest of my life. Throughout the whole season, my team focused on becoming the tightest group in the country. This allowed us to create a special bond that helped us make it through the hard parts of a season. The bond and trust we gained for each other allowed us to win the National Championship.

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

Player: I am currently in my Senior year of High School and will graduate at the end of the year. I am interested in enrolling in the Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics school.

Neutral Zone Scouting Report

USA U16 Nationals, April, 2022

"Player is a mid-sized defenseman that is a little aggressive on his gaps but doesn’t let anything by him. He pinched a good bit as he read passes and jumped the lane, making it difficult for the wingers to catch the pass, let alone make a play on the puck. He knows when he needs to pressure or back off and takes smart risks with and without the puck. Typically, if nothing is available, he will utilize the high soft chip or the glass to get pucks out and relieve the pressure. He steers puck carriers out wide and can make solid contact to jar pucks loose."

Youth Hockey Statistics

Player	Season	Team	League	GP	Goals	Asst	Pts	PIM
Josh Player (D)	2022-23	Bishop Kearney Selects 18U	18U AAA	7	2	4	6	0
		Team Navy	USA Select 17	4	0	1	1	0
	2021-22	Bishop Kearney Selects 16U	16U AAA	67	12	26	38	0
			NEPACK 16U	15	4	2	6	0
		Rochester Saints 16U	Nationals	16	1	1	2	4
		V Hockey Club	WYC U17	6	2	5	7	0
		Team Gold	USA Select 16	5	1	0	1	0
	2020-21	Bishop Kearney Selects 15U	15U AAA	59	8	20	28	12
		Evolve Hockey	WYC U16	6	1	5	6	2