2025 UNH Commit Sam Oliver: A Top-Scoring Forward From the QMJHL

Sam Oliver (F) 2025 UNH Commit

"Oliver made plays at top speed and knew how to get to space and use that space to attack the net. His release was rapid, and his shot heavy." Neutral Zone Report, December, 2024

Sam Oliver Center, 5'11", 183 lbs. Shoots Left Hometown: Quispamsis, New Brunswick, Canada DOB: July 4, 2004; 20 years, 6 months Neutral Zone Rating: 4.25 out of 5 Stars 2024-25 Team: Drummondville Voltigeurs (Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League) 2020 QMJHL Draft: Selected in 2nd Round (#27 Overall) by Charlottetown Islanders Committed to UNH on November 25, 2024 at Age 20 years, 4 months.

2024-25 Highlight Reel

Sam Oliver currently leads the QMJHL in goal scoring with 34 goals in 40 games. As this highlight reel shows Oliver has a deadly accurate shot:

Interview

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

Mike Lowry: Congratulations on your commitment to play for the University of New Hampshire. You started playing in the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League at age 16 and are in your 5th full season. Since 1980 players from the QMJHL, Ontario Hockey League and Western Hockey League have been denied eligibility to play NCAA Division I hockey. In November when the NCAA lifted the ban you and fellow UNH Commits Alex Carr and Nicholas DeAngelis were among the very first Canadian Major Junior players to commit to a NCAA hockey program. How has the QMJHL uniquely prepared you to play college hockey in the United States?

Sam Oliver: Thank you! Having the opportunity to play in the QMJHL from when I was only 16 years old allowed me to grow both as a player and as a person. Competing against guys who were much older than me at the time, shaped me into the player I am now. My experience over the past 5 years of having a busy travel schedule, while managing both hockey and school, should better my transition from the CHL into the NCAA.

Mike Lowry: How did you first become interested in UNH?

Sam Oliver: UNH was always a school that I really liked. I had the chance to go for a visit and meet the coaches before I had chosen to play in the CHL. With the most recent rule change, catching up with the coaches has been great and I couldn't be more excited to join UNH next year.

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

Oliver: I had some great meetings with the coaching staff and also had the chance to speak to some former UNH players, who shared nothing but positive things about the school and the team. The competitive environment of both UNH and Hockey East as a whole was also very appealing to me.

Lowry: What other college programs did you consider during the recruiting process?

Oliver: I had some good conversations with some other schools. It's never an easy decision but I couldn't be more excited to play at UNH.

Lowry: Last season you tied for 7th in QMJHL goal scoring and tied for 15th in overall scoring during the regular season (68 games, 35 goals, 36 assists) and helped the Drummondville Voltigeurs win the QMJHL Championship. So far this season, you lead the league in goal scoring and are the 7th leading scorer (40 games, 34 goals, 15 assists). What strengths make you a prolific scorer? Overall, what areas are you trying to improve?

Oliver: A few of my strengths would be my hockey sense as well as my scoring instincts. I'm a student of the game, someone who pays attention to all the little details. I'm working on improving my game away from the puck moving forward.

Lowry: Have you had an opportunity to watch the 2024-25 UNH team play? If so, how do you think you can help the team when you join it next season?

Oliver: I've been keeping up with all the scores and watching some of the highlights. I’ve also been staying in touch with the coaches, it's always great to stay updated on how the team is doing. I think I can bring a higher level of offence to the team through my hockey IQ and scoring abilities, while staying responsible defensively.

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

Oliver: Most of my strengths academically are in Math related courses. Throughout my time in the Q I’ve been taking a few university classes during the season. I’m undecided on what specific major I want to pursue, but I’m thinking about something in Business.

Neutral Zone Scouting Report

Neutral Zone Report, December, 2024

"Oliver wears the ‘A’ for Drummondville and has 23 goals and 10 assists in 29 games. He centered the second line in this game. Sam showed quality acceleration and moved on his edges. He made plays at top speed and knew how to get to space and use that space to attack the net. His release was rapid, and his shot heavy. He protected possession and made a clever play in the neutral zone as he was jammed moving forward, curled back to his forehand along the wall and snapped a pass to a streaking winger. He showed the poise and presence one would expect from an overager. Oliver looked off opponents and snapped puck on the net. He swiveled and snapped passes and shots. Sam had some bite, a nose for the net. The recent UNH commit used a strong stride and decent speed to carry through stick contact. He backchecked and bumped puck carriers off the puck. He played a prepared, poised game with consistency and excellent play on the man-up."

Junior Hockey Statistics

Player	Season	Team	League	GP	Goals	Asst	Pts	PIM	+/-
Sam Oliver (F)	2024-25	Drummonville Voltigeurs	QMJHL	40	34	15	49	44	+10
	2023-24	Drummonville Voltigeurs	QMJHL	68	35	36	71	58	+36
			Playoffs	19	9	8	17	12	+12
	2022-23	Drummonville Voltigeurs	QMJHL	63	20	19	39	31	-12
			Playoffs	9	1	3	4	8	+1
	2021-22	Drummonville Voltigeurs	QMJHL	38	15	12	27	22	+7
			Playoffs	4	1	0	1	2	-1
		Charlottetown Islanders	QMJHL	31	8	6	14	6	-1
	2020-21	Charlottetown Islanders	QMJHL	38	9	13	22	10	+17
			Playoffs	7	1	1	2	2	0

2025 UNH Commit Alex Carr: An Agile, Two-Way Defenseman From the QMJHL

Alex Carr (D) 2025 UNH Commit

"Alex is a solid two-way defenseman who excels in logging significant minutes across all game situations." Neutral Zone Report, January, 2025

Alex Carr Defense, 6'0", 194 lbs. Shoots Right Hometown: Sackville, Nova Scotia, Canada DOB: March 30, 2004; 20 years, 9 months Neutral Zone Rating: 3.75 out of 5 Stars 2024-25 Team: Rouyn-Noranda Huskies (Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League) 2020 QMJHL Draft: Selected in 4th Round (#66 Overall) by Halifax Mooseheads Committed to UNH on November 25, 2024 at Age 20 years, 8 months.

Fall 2024 Highlight Reel

In our interview (see below) defenseman Alex Carr identified his defensive ability as the strongest part of his game. As this highlight reel shows Carr also has offensive upside:

Interview

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

Mike Lowry: Congratulations on your commitment to play for the University of New Hampshire. For nearly 45 years players from the Canadian Hockey League were denied eligibility to play NCAA Division I hockey. Soon after the NCAA lifted the ban on November 7th you and fellow UNH Commits Nicholas DeAngelis and Sam Oliver were a few of the first CHL players to commit to a NCAA hockey program for the 2025-26 season. For fans who may not be familiar with Canadian Major Junior Hockey would you describe the advantages of playing in the CHL since you were 16 years old?

Alex Carr: Thank you! I think that there are a lot of advantages, being young playing against older guys forced me to adapt to the size and skill of the game along with the pro like schedule of 68 games. The CHL is the best junior league in the world so I think that will help me adapt faster into NCAA and have a impact to the team faster especially going into the league as a 21 year old.

Mike Lowry: How did you first become interested in UNH?

Alex Carr: I got a text from the assistant coach Jeff Giuliano saying that he was interested and wanted to set up a zoom with my parents and I. When I got on call I quickly realized their passion for hockey and the team. They did an unreal job at showing me all the great things about the school and the hockey program. Along with everyone I talked to had good things to say about the school.

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

Carr: A couple things that drew me to UNH were it being one of the closest teams to home and in Hockey East all the teams are in close proximity to each other. The atmosphere in the rink seems electric and the staff seem like great people.

Lowry: How many seasons do you anticipate playing for UNH?

Carr: I hope to be there as long as I can, obviously I want to play hockey at the highest level but I really want to get a education and a degree.

Lowry: What other college programs did you consider during the recruiting process?

Carr: Obviously I didn't think there was an option to play NCAA until a couple months ago so there were some schools in Usports (Canadian Universities) I was really interested in playing for.

Lowry: In 2023-24, your third full season with the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies in the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League, you scored 7 goals, 24 assists in 61 regular season games with a +55 rating. You were one of three finalists for the QMJHL Best Defensive Defender Award (Kevin-Lowe Trophy). At this stage in your development, what are the main strengths of your game? What areas are you trying to improve?

Carr: I think that the strongest part of my game is my defensive ability and being hard to play against along with being able to constantly make a good first pass and get the puck out of my own zone. For areas of improvement obviously the cliche stronger, faster, bigger but I'd say my offensive play and some areas in my defensive game that I can be more consistent with.

Lowry: This season you are the Captain of the Huskies. What is your leadership style?

Carr: I think my style would be more leading by example but I am still a vocal guy in the room. I think its important that I'm able to have a good relationship with everyone in the team and the staff, from the rookies that aren't playing as much to our head coach.

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

Carr: My strengths academically I'd say is that I'm pretty good in math and with numbers. I haven't looked in depth into what I'm going to take but it will most likely be something within the business field.

Neutral Zone Scouting Report

QMJHL Game Report, January 2, 2025

"Alex is a solid two-way defenseman who excels in logging significant minutes across all game situations. Standing at 6 feet tall and weighing 194 pounds, he may be considered undersized by NHL standards; however, he compensates with a high hockey IQ and impressive strength in physical battles. His defensive game begins at the offensive blue line, where his active skating and quick feet allow him to effectively pinch and keep plays alive. When facing opposing attacks, Alex plays with a tight gap, prioritizing body positioning over the puck to neutralize threats before they enter his zone, reminiscent of a classic throwback defenseman. His backward mobility is excellent, enabling him to close off passing lanes and effectively engage his assigned opponent. In his defensive zone, Alex demonstrates impressive awareness, boxing out his check and maintaining a strong defensive position with his head on a swivel, ready to capitalize on loose pucks for quick transitions up the ice."

"While not a rushing defenseman, he possesses the ability to skate the puck out of danger and is quick to join the offensive rush when necessary. His tendency to penetrate deep into the offensive zone from the blue line provides valuable outlets for his forwards. Alex’s agility and skating prowess are significant assets, allowing him to navigate the blue line effectively. On the power play, he showcases his skill by using a quick snapshot to get pucks through to the net and displaying excellent vision to find open teammates. With his strong skating, high hockey IQ, and evident coachability, Alex is well-positioned to excel at the next level."

Junior & Youth Hockey Statistics

Player	Season	Team	League	GP	Goals	Asst	Pts	PIM	+/-
Alex Carr (D)	2024-25	Rouyn-Noranda Huskies	QMJHL	29	3	18	21	18	+10
	2023-24	Rouyn-Noranda Huskies	QMJHL	61	7	24	31	58	+55
			Playoffs	10	1	4	5	6	+3
	2022-23	Rouyn-Noranda Huskies	QMJHL	52	4	15	19	40	+9
			Playoffs	6	0	0	0	6	-1
	2021-22	Rouyn-Noranda Huskies	QMJHL	38	1	11	12	24	-7
			Playoffs	3	0	0	0	0	0
		South Shore Lumberjacks	MJAHL	23	1	4	5	16	-

UNH Commits Update 12-6-2024: UNH Off to Fast Start Recruiting CHL Players

Alex Carr (D) 2025 UNH Commit

Nick DeAngelis (D) 2025 UNH Commit

Sam Oliver (F) 2025 UNH Commit

NEWS AND NOTES
New NCAA Eligibility Rule
Since 1980 the NCAA has denied eligibility to players from Canadian Major Junior hockey (i.e., the CHL which includes the Western Hockey League, Ontario Hockey League, & Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League). According to NHL.com:

"CHL players had been considered professionals and barred because of the NCAA’s amateurism rules, in part because some CHL players have signed NHL entry-level contracts."

Even CHL players who had not signed an NHL contract lost amateur status because they competed against "professional players" who had signed. CHL players also receive a stipend of up to $600 per month for living expenses. That's often mentioned as a reason they are "professional".

Due in part to growing pressure from U.S. antitrust law litigation the NCAA voted on November 7th to grant eligibilty to most Canadian Major Junior players beginning in the 2025-26 season. CHL players can be eligible for Division I hockey "provided they did not receive above actual and necessary expenses to compete in the CHL". CHL players who've signed NHL pro contracts continue to be ineligible (see College Hockey Inc. for details).

The Canadian Hockey League is known as an elite development track for aspiring young hockey players. The nearly 800 players (aged 16-20) in the CHL play a rigorous schedule including training camp, 68 regular season games plus playoffs. The CHL is a major source of NHL players. For example, there were 390 CHL graduates on the 2024-25 NHL opening day rosters (NHL has 736 players on active rosters).

New Recruiting Opportunities
Needless to say, the CHL provides a deep pool of talented players for NCAA Division I coaches to scout and recruit. Of the 64 D-I programs, UNH is off to one of the fastest, most successful starts. Last week CHL defensemen Alex Carr and Nicholas DeAngelis plus center Sam Oliver committed to UNH for the 2025-26 season. A look at today's version of Chris Heisenberg's database of committed recruits shows 1 CHL commit for UConn, Merrimack, Providence, Vermont, Wisconsin and Arizona State, 2 for Princeton and Bemidji State, and 5 for Bowling Green. All but one are in their 4th full season of CHL competition.

Profiles of CHL Commits to UNH

Alex Carr Defense, 6'0", 194 lbs. Shoots Right Hometown: Sackville, Nova Scotia, Canada DOB: March 30, 2004; 20 years, 8 months Neutral Zone Rating: 3.75 out of 5 Stars 2024-25 Team: Rouyn-Noranda Huskies (Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League) 2020 QMJHL Draft: Selected in 4th Round (#66 Overall) by Halifax Mooseheads Committed to UNH on November 25, 2024 at Age 20 years, 8 months.

Nicholas DeAngelis Defense, 6'2", 187 lbs. Shoots Left Hometown: King City, Ontario, Canada DOB: May 22, 2004; 20 years, 6 months Neutral Zone Rating: 3.75 out of 5 Stars 2024-25 Team: Surrey Wolves (Ontario Hockey League) 2020 OHL Draft: Selected in 2nd Round (#36 Overall) by Windsor Spitfires Committed to UNH on November 25, 2024 at Age 20 years, 6 months.

Sam Oliver Center, 5'11", 183 lbs. Shoots Left Hometown: Quispamsis, New Brunswick, Canada DOB: July 4, 2004; 20 years, 4 months Neutral Zone Rating: 4.25 out of 5 Stars 2024-25 Team: Drummondville Voltigeurs (Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League) 2020 QMJHL Draft: Selected in 2nd Round (#27 Overall) by Charlottetown Islanders Committed to UNH on November 25, 2024 at Age 20 years, 4 months.

UNH Commits Transfer to Different Leagues
Not only have 3 CHL players committed to UNH, 2 existing UNH commits have transferred to a CHL team in recent days. Forward Jesse Alicia transferred from the Alberni Valley Bulldogs (BCHL) to the Drummondville Voltigeurs (QMJHL) last Thursday. Goalie Ryan Grout transferred from the Salmon Arm Silverbacks (BCHL) to the Tri-City Americans (WHL) yesterday. In addition George McCaffrey transferred from the Long Island Gulls 18U (BEAST 18U) to the Bismarck Bobcats (NAHL) last week.

2024-25 Statistics

Player	NZ Stars**	Team	League	GP	Goals	Asst	Pts	PIM	+/-
2025 Commits
Sebastian Bradshaw 5/26/05 (F)	3.75	Langley Rivermen	BCHL	9	2	1	3	2	-
		Coquitlam Express	BCHL	14	1	2	3	6	-
Alex Carr 3/30/04 (D)	3.75	Rouyn-Noranda Huskies	QMJHL	24	3	15	18	14	+12
Reid Conn* 2/2/04 (D)	3.75	Chicago Steel	USHL	20	3	2	5	48	+3
Nicholas DeAngelis 5/22/04 (D)	3.75	Sudbury Wolves	OHL	25	5	11	16	24	-3
Conner de Haro* 10/17/05 (D)	3.75	Youngstown Phantoms	USHL	17	4	6	10	4	+4
Connor DeTurris 10/8/04 (F)	3.75	Nanaimo Clipper	BCHL	23	5	9	14	8	-
Sam Oliver 7/4/04 (F)	4.25	Drummondville Voltigeurs	QMJHL	28	23	11	34	32	+7
Ryan Philbrick* 6/20/04 (D)	3.75	Salmon Arms Silverbacks	BCHL	6	2	3	5	0	-
Eliot Séguin-Lescarbeau* 9/14/05 (G)	3.75	Des Moines Buccaneers	USHL	12	4	7	1	3.85	.868
2025 or '26 Commits
Price Grimes* 1/28/06 (D)	3.5	Chilliwack Chiefs	BCHL	22	1	1	2	28	-
Kole Hyles 1/16/06 (F)	3.75	Cedar Rapids RoughRiders	USHL	19	2	5	7	4	-1
Luca Primerano* 3/17/05 (F)	3.5	Cowichan Valley Capitals	BCHL	24	9	12	21	11	-
Jack Sadowski* 7/29/06 (F)	3.75	Cedar Rapids RoughRiders	USHL	15	0	1	1	10	-6
2026 Commits
Jesse Allecia 10/12/05 (F)	3.5	Drummondville Voltigeurs	QMJHL	2	0	0	0	0	0
		Alberni Valley Bulldogs	BCHL	20	4	6	10	4	-
		Yale Junior Bulldogs 18U	USA 18U Nationals	6	1	1	2	2	-
Geno Carcone 11/14/06 (F)	3.75	Green Bay Gamblers	USHL	22	2	14	16	29	-11
Ryan Grout 8/15/07 (G)	4	Tri-City Americans	WHL	0	0	0	0	-	-
		Salmon Arms Silverbacks	BCHL	13	8	4	0	2.37	.912
Nikita Konevych 6/3/06 (D)	NR	Corpus Christi IceRays	NAHL	10	0	1	1	33	+1
		Cedar Rapids RoughRiders	USHL	2	0	0	0	2	+1
Niko Tournas 2/17/06 (F)	4	Danbury Hat Tricks	NAHL	20	13	9	22	22	+5
2026 or '27 Commits
George McCaffrey 1/2/07 (F)	3.5	Bismarck Bobcats	NAHL	2	0	1	1	0	-2
		Long Island Gulls 18U	Beast 18U	8	1	3	4	2	-
		MidFairfield Rangers 16U	USA 16U Nationals	4	1	1	2	2	-
		New England District	USA Selects 17	6	1	5	6	2	-
Jayden Connors 2/26/07 (D)	3.75	St. Michael's Buzzers	OJHL	4	3	4	7	2	-
		Prince George Spruce Kings	BCHL	20	0	4	4	8	-
Pavel Martinu 12/20/07 (F)	3.0	Seacoast Performance Academy 18U	18U AAA	22	9	14	23	20	-
2027 Commits
Blake Cash 5/9/08 (F)	3.25	Seacoast Performance Academy 16U	16U AAA	31	20	34	54	0	-
		Seacoast Spartans	USA 15 Only Nationals	4	0	1	1	1.5	-
* = Signed NCAA Athletic Aid Agreement
** = Neutral Zone 5-Star Rating

NOTE
The statistics for the commits, presented in the above table, are categorized by the projected year they will enroll in UNH. For example, I project the "2025 Commits" will begin playing for UNH in the Fall of 2025. My projections projections are based on the following factors:
~ Number of UNH players leaving the team at the end of the previous season and the position they played.
~ Number of incoming transfer players and the position they play.
~ If a NCAA Athletic Aid Agreement has been signed.
~ The year the commit and UNH coaches originally targeted for enrollment in UNH.
~ How old the commit would be upon admission.
~ Number of years in junior hockey and remaining years of junior eligibility.
~ The commit's performance in recent seasons as well as injuries.
~ Anticipated date of high school graduation.

2025 UNH Commit Eliot Seguin-Lescarbeau: A Tall, Composed Goalie

Eliot Seguin-Lescarbeau (G) 2025 UNH Commit

"The 2005 born Quebec native has a composed stance and strong set of fundamentals." Neutral Zone Report, November, 2024

Eliot Seguin-Lescarbeau Goalie, 6'2.5", 195 lbs. Catches Left Hometown: St-Jérôme, Quebec, Canada DOB: September 14, 2005; 19 years, 2 months Neutral Zone Rating: 3.75 out of 5 Stars 2024-25 Team: Des Moines Buccaneers (USHL) 2024 USHL Draft: Selected in 2nd Round (#18 Overall) by Des Moines Buccaneers Committed to UNH on May 31, 2024 at Age 18 years, 8 months.

October 2024 Highlight Reel

On October 25, 2024, Seguin-Lescarbeau earned his first USHL shootout win for the Des Moines Buccaneers. In the 4-3 victory over the Waterloo Black Hawks, he made 34 saves during regulation, 3 more in OT, and stopped both shootout attempts. This highlight reel shows several of his stronger saves.

Interview

I had an opportunity to interview Eliot Seguin-Lescarbeau, 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?

Eliot Seguin-Lescarbeau: First of all, thank you very much! UNH and I had a few conversations before my commitment, and it already felt like it was a great place to continue my career. When I visited the college and met the coaches, I realized that I was very interested in playing there in the future.

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

Eliot Seguin-Lescarbeau: I chose to commit to UNH for a few reasons. First, like I said in my previous answer, when I visited the college and met the coaches, I instantly fell in love with the place. Everyone was patient and made me feel like they really wanted me to play for them.

Also, the fact that the Wildcats are playing in a very competitive division, which is Hockey East, was one of the reasons too. Another reason is that the University of New Hampshire is around five and a half hours from my hometown, so this part was like a bonus. It is fun to know that it’s going to be easier for family to come see my games!

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?

Seguin-Lescarbeau: Yes we have! I actually just signed my Financial Aid Agreement recently, and we have agreed on coming in as a Freshman for the 2025-2026 season. It is very exciting to know that my college hockey career will start pretty soon, and I can’t wait for it!

Lowry: Last season with the Shreveport Mudbugs (NAHL) was your first in junior hockey. Your regular season statistics were 26-7-1, 1.99 GAA, .925 SV% and you were the NAHL Goalie of the Month in February. Your playoff stats were 4-3-1, 2.11 GAA, .919 SV%. What are the main strengths of your game? What areas are you trying to improve?

Seguin-Lescarbeau: I think one of my biggest strength is that I am a competitive goaltender. What I mean by this is that even if I am out of position, I will still try to put something in the way to try to make the save. I am also good at getting a little backwards momentum as the play comes down to help me push laterally if I need to.

One thing that goes with my strengths and with the areas of my game that I’m trying to improve is reading the play. This part of the game is something that I’ve worked a lot since last year and that I’ve got way better, but it’s also something that always needs to be better to continue to progress as a goaltender. My footwork would also fit in that category. I’ve worked on that a lot, but I also want it to be better as I move on in my career.

Lowry: As a youngster growing up in Quebec, when and why did you decide to become a goaltender? Are there NHL goalies you try to emulate?

Seguin-Lescarbeau: I remember being very young watching Carey Price with the Montreal Canadiens. He has been an example for me and an idol. Watching him made me fall in love with the goaltenders and it made me want to start hockey as a goalie right away. I started minor hockey at 8 years old which is a little bit later for a Canadian, but I loved the game so much that I made big steps quickly.

Marc-Andre Fleury also has been an example for me. Being from Quebec also, it was nice to see a very good and competitive goaltender from the same province as me, playing in the National Hockey League.

Lowry: This season you've moved up from the NAHL to the Des Moines Buccaneers in the United States Hockey League. How would you describe your transition during the early part of the season? Are there adjustments you're working on to adapt to the challenges of the USHL?

Seguin-Lescarbeau: I would say the game in the USHL is faster and more skilled. For a goalie, you cannot guess at all, you have to be very patient, and you can’t make the first move because the guys are very skilled and when they have time and space, they’re able to make that extra play that you wouldn’t expect. I’ve worked a lot on my patience, my footwork, and my ability of reading the play. I’ve progressed a lot so far and I think it is a very good place to prepare me for college hockey.

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

Seguin-Lescarbeau: I love school and learning, so I would say this helps a lot to success in school. I don’t think I have a precise strength in school, but I’m interested in learning business. It is a big part of life in my family, so the fact that business was part of my life since I was young made me love it and made me want to study it. I haven’t really made a choice about what I’ll major at UNH yet, but it is going to be related with business.

Neutral Zone Scouting Report

USHL Game Report, October 11, 2024

"The 2005 born Quebec native has a composed stance and strong set of fundamentals. Once moving his tendency of reaching to try to beat plays reduces his power and creates holes on the ice and through his body. When he stays condensed and composed the game comes easy. He controls rebounds well with an active stick and can use his 6’3′ frame to trap pucks. He takes scans of the ice very frequently to identify threats and maintains his feet and mobility as much as possible. Gaining depth when necessary but tending to deepen in his crease and retreat towards the goal line losing his size and not setting his feet. A tough start to the season but a solid foundation to his game, we will see how Seguin-Lescarbeau progresses through the season."

Youth & Junior Hockey Statistics

Player	Season	Team	League	GP	Win	Loss	Tie	GAA	SV%	SO
Eliot Seguin-Lescarbeau (G)	2024-25	Des Moines Buccaneers	USHL	9	2	6	1	4.03	.859	0
	2023-24	Shreveport Mudbugs	NAHL	38	26	7	1	1.99	.925	4
			Playoffs	8	4	3	1	2.11	.919	1
	2022-23	Collège Lionel-Groulx Nordiques	Quebec College HL	22	12	8	0	2.68	.914	1
			Playoffs	3	1	2	0	3.67	.884	0
	2021-22	Saint-Eustache Vikings	QM 18AAA	21	12	7	0	2.41	.901	4
			Playoffs	3	0	3	0	2.64	.904	0

UNH Commits Update 11-13-2024: Spotlight on Goalie Eliot Seguin-Lescarbeau

Eliot Seguin-Leacarbeau (G) 2025 UNH Commit

Player Spotlight

Eliot Seguin-Leacarbeau Goalie, 6'2.5", 195 lbs. Catches Left Hometown: St-Jérôme, Quebec, Canada DOB: September 14, 2005; 19 years, 2 months Neutral Zone Rating: 3.75 out of 5 Stars 2024-25 Team: Des Moines Buccaneers (USHL) 2024 USHL Draft: Selected in 2nd Round (#18 Overall) by Des Moines Buccaneers Committed to UNH on May 31, 2024 at Age 18 years, 8 months.

Neutral Zone Scouting Report
USHL Game Report, November 9, 2024

"The 2005 born Quebec native has a composed stance and strong set of fundamentals. Once moving his tendency of reaching to try to beat plays reduces his power and creates holes on the ice and through his body. When he stays condensed and composed the game come easy. He controls rebounds well with an active stick and can use his 6’3′ frame to trap pucks. He takes scans of the ice very frequently to identify threats and maintains his feet and mobility as much as possible. Gaining depth when necessary but tending to deepen in his crease and retreat towards the goal line losing his size and not setting his feet. A tough start to the season* but a solid foundation to his game, we will see how Seguin-Lescarbeau progresses through the season."

*NOTE: Last season Seguin-Leacarbeau played in 38 (26-7-1) of the 60 regular season games for the Shreveport Mudbugs in the North American Hockey League. Shreveport finished with the 5th most points in the 35-team league. Seguin-Leacarbeau's 1.99 Goals Against Average was the 4th lowest among all NAHL goalies.
During the off season Seguin-Leacarbeau signed with the Des Moines Buccaneers in the United States Hockey League. The 16-team USHL is the top junior league in America. Both the Bucs and Seguin-Leacarbeau have had a rough start to the 2024-25 season. After 14 games Des Moines has the second fewest points in the USHL. So far Seguin-Leacarbeau has played in 8 games (2-6-0) and his 4.08 GAA is the second highest in the USHL.

Youth & Junior Hockey Statistics

Player	Season	Team	League	GP	Win	Loss	Tie	GAA	SV%	SO
Eliot Seguin-Leacarbeau (G)	2024-25	Des Moines Buccaneers	USHL	8	2	6	0	4.08	.855	0
	2023-24	Shreveport Mudbugs	NAHL	38	26	7	1	1.99	.925	4
			Playoffs	8	4	3	1	2.11	.919	1
	2022-23	Collège Lionel-Groulx Nordiques	Quebec College HL	22	12	8	0	2.68	.914	1
			Playoffs	3	1	2	0	3.67	.884	0
	2021-22	Saint-Eustache Vikings	QM 18AAA	21	12	7	0	2.41	.901	4
			Playoffs	3	0	3	0	2.64	.904	0

UNH Commits 2024-25 Statistics

Player	NZ Stars**	Team	League	GP	Goals	Asst	Pts	PIM	+/-
2025 Commits
Sebastian Bradshaw 5/26/05 (F)	3.75	Langley Rivermen	BCHL	3	0	1	1	2	-
		Coquitlam Express	BCHL	14	1	2	3	6	-
Reid Conn* 2/2/04 (D)	3.75	Chicago Steel	USHL	16	3	1	4	29	+4
Connor DeTurris 10/8/04 (F)	3.75	Nanaimo Clipper	BCHL	16	4	5	9	6	-
Conner de Haro* 10/17/05 (D)	3.75	Youngstown Phantoms	USHL	14	2	5	7	2	+4
Ryan Philbrick* 6/20/04 (D)	3.75	Salmon Arms Silverbacks	BCHL	6	2	3	5	0	-
Eliot Séguin-Lescarbeau 9/14/05 (G)	3.75	Des Moines Buccaneers	USHL	8	2	6	0	4.08	.855
2025 or '26 Commits
Price Grimes* 1/28/06 (D)	3.5	Chilliwack Chiefs	BCHL	17	1	0	0	20	-
Kole Hyles* 1/16/06 (F)	3.75	Cedar Rapids RoughRiders	USHL	13	2	3	5	2	-4
Luca Primerano* 3/17/05 (F)	3.5	Cowichan Valley Capitals	BCHL	17	8	11	19	9	-
Jack Sadowski* 7/29/06 (F)	3.75	Cedar Rapids RoughRiders	USHL	10	0	1	1	6	-3
2026 Commits
Jesse Allecia 10/12/05 (F)	3.5	Alberni Valley Bulldogs	BCHL	17	4	5	9	4	-
		Yale Junior Bulldogs 18U	USA 18U Nationals	6	1	1	2	2	-
Geno Carcone 11/14/06 (F)	3.75	Green Bay Gamblers	USHL	14	1	7	8	23	-4
Ryan Grout 8/15/07 (G)	4.0	Salmon Arms Silverbacks	BCHL	10	6	3	0	2.19	.919
Nikita Konevych 6/3/06 (D)	NR	Corpus Christi IceRays	NAHL	5	0	0	0	29	-2
		Cedar Rapids RoughRiders	USHL	2	0	0	0	2	+1
Niko Tournas 2/17/06 (F)	4.0	Danbury Hat Tricks	NAHL	17	11	9	20	20	+4
2026 or '27 Commits
George McCaffrey 1/2/07 (F)	3.5	Long Island Gulls 18U	Beast 18U	8	1	3	4	2	-
		MidFairfield Rangers 16U	USA 16U Nationals	4	1	1	2	2	-
		New England District	USA Selects 17	6	1	5	6	2	-
Jayden Connors 2/26/07 (D)	3.75	Prince George Spruce Kings	BCHL	16	0	4	4	4	-
Pavel Martinu 12/20/07 (F)	3.0	Seacoast Performance Academy 18U	18U AAA	22	9	14	23	20	-
2027 Commits
Blake Cash 5/9/08 (F)	3.25	Seacoast Performance Academy 16U	16U AAA	26	19	30	49	0	-
		Seacoast Spartans	USA 15 Only Nationals	4	0	1	1	1.5	-
* = Signed Binding Written Offer
** = Neutral Zone 5-Star Rating

NOTE
The statistics for the commits, presented in the above table, are categorized by the projected year they will enroll in UNH. For example, I project the "2025 Commits" will begin playing for UNH in the Fall of 2025. My projections projections are based on the following factors:
~ Number of UNH players leaving the team at the end of the previous season and the position they played.
~ Number of incoming transfer players and the position they play.
~ If a National Letter of Intent has been signed.
~ The year the commit and UNH coaches originally targeted for enrollment in UNH.
~ How old the commit would be upon admission.
~ Number of years in junior hockey and remaining years of junior eligibility.
~ The commit's performance in recent seasons as well as injuries.
~ Anticipated date of high school graduation.

UNH Commits Update 10-29-2024: Recent Scouting Reports

Ryan Philbrick (D) 2025 UNH Commit

Ryan Grout (G) 2026 UNH Commit

Niko Tournas (F) 2026 UNH Commit

Recent Neutral Zone Evals of UNH Commits

Since the start of the 2024-25 season Neutral Zone scouts have been in junior hockey arenas throughout North America evaluating players. At the North American Hockey League Showcase in late September they assessed 503 players. In early October they scouted 6 British Columbia Hockey League games and reported on 63 players. The performance of 3 UNH commits were included in these player evaluations.

RYAN PHILBRICK (D) - Neutral Zone 3.75 Star Rating

"(D, L, 6’0″, 180, Salmon Arm Silverbacks, 06/20/2004, New Hampshire) – Philbrick was very good in this game. He is a very mobile defender who does a lot of things well. His mobility was on display at both ends, as he excels in one-on-one situations down low, while also showing a willingness to lead or jump into the offense."

RYAN GROUT (G) - Neutral Zone 4.0 Star Rating

"(G, L, 5’11”, 166, Salmon Arm Silverbacks, 08/15/2007, New Hampshire) – Grout had a shutout and was solid in this game, making several very good stops when called upon, although he did not face many shots. His numbers so far are impressive. He remains calm when there is traffic in front of him and tracks pucks well during scrambles, maintaining control in these situations. Overall, he looked very comfortable and confident. Although he is not very big, he is listed at 5’11”."

NIKO TOURNAS (F) - Neutral Zone 4.0 Star Rating

"(RW, R, 6’2″, 188, Danbury Hat Tricks, 02/17/2006, New Hampshire) – Niko played with a strong frame and exhibited quality puck control, allowing him to separate from defenders. He showcased sophisticated puck shielding while moving under pressure around his net. The 2006 easily alleviated pressure, calmly creating plays along the wall to get pucks to the interior of the zone."

"His reach and strength combined with clever hands and smart decision-making with possession were impressive. He slipped passes through legs and opponent triangles at top speed, as well as while standing on the power play. He displayed a precise stick blade and used indirect and saucer passes effectively. He backchecked hard, stopping a line rush with a big hit before returning to his end. Soon after, against Corpus Christi, he played point on the power play, where he snapped passes and hammered home one-timers."

"The UNH commit has slick hands in space and employed simple “X” crosses with his linemates to confuse opponents. Tournas was tough along the wall while also demonstrating a highly creative element. He picked up an assist in two games but consistently directed pucks on net. While he is not the fastest player and missed a few passes, he showed a powerful stride that allowed him to power past contact and protect the puck. However, he needs to be more persistent when he loses possession, as he was not determined enough in those moments. With a high ceiling and the tools to make an impact at the DI level, he has great potential."

2024-25 Statistics

Player	NZ Stars**	Team	League	GP	Goals	Asst	Pts	PIM	+/-
2025 Commits
Sebastian Bradshaw 5/26/05 (F)	3.75	Coquitlam Express	BCHL	13	1	2	3	6	-
Reid Conn* 2/2/04 (D)	3.75	Chicago Steel	USHL	13	2	0	2	23	-1
Connor DeTurris 10/8/04 (F)	3.75	Nanaimo Clipper	BCHL	12	4	4	8	6	-
Conner de Haro* 10/17/05 (D)	3.75	Youngstown Phantoms	USHL	10	2	4	6	2	+4
Ryan Philbrick* 6/20/04 (D)	3.75	Salmon Arms Silverbacks	BCHL	6	2	3	5	0	-
Eliot Séguin-Lescarbeau 9/14/05 (G)	3.75	Des Moines Buccaneers	USHL	7	2	5	0	3.89	.855
2025 or '26 Commits
Price Grimes* 1/28/06 (D)	3.5	Chilliwack Chiefs	BCHL	12	1	0	0	18	-
Luca Primerano* 3/17/05 (F)	3.5	Cowichan Valley Capitals	BCHL	13	5	8	13	7	-
Jack Sadowski* 7/29/06 (F)	3.75	Cedar Rapids RoughRiders	USHL	8	0	1	1	4	-2
2026 Commits
Jesse Allecia 10/12/05 (F)	3.5	Alberni Valley Bulldogs	BCHL	13	2	4	6	4	-
		Yale Junior Bulldogs 18U	USA 18U Nationals	6	1	1	2	2	-
Geno Carcone 11/14/06 (F)	3.75	Green Bay Gamblers	USHL	10	1	4	5	4	-3
Ryan Grout 8/15/07 (G)	4.0	Salmon Arms Silverbacks	BCHL	8	5	2	0	1.86	.932
Kole Hyles 1/16/06 (F)	3.75	Cedar Rapids RoughRiders	USHL	10	0	2	2	2	-4
Nikita Konevych 6/3/06 (D)	NR	Cedar Rapids RoughRiders	USHL	2	0	0	0	0	+1
Niko Tournas 2/17/06 (F)	4.0	Danbury Hat Tricks	NAHL	13	9	5	14	14	+3
2026 or '27 Commits
George McCaffrey 1/2/07 (F)	3.5	Long Island Gulls 18U	Beast 18U	8	1	3	4	2	-
		MidFairfield Rangers 16U	USA 16U Nationals	4	1	1	2	2	-
		New England District	USA Selects 17	6	1	5	6	2	-
Jayden Connors 2/26/07 (D)	3.75	Prince George Spruce Kings	BCHL	12	0	2	2	2	-
Pavel Martinu 12/20/07 (F)	3.0	Seacoast Performance Academy 18U	18U AAA	20	9	13	22	8	-
2027 Commits
Blake Cash 5/9/08 (F)	3.25	Seacoast Performance Academy 16U	16U AAA	20	13	21	34	0	-
		Seacoast Spartans	USA 15 Only Nationals	4	0	1	1	1.5	-
* = Signed National Letter of Intent
** = Neutral Zone 5-Star Rating

NOTE
The statistics for the commits, presented in the above table, are categorized by the projected year they will enroll in UNH. For example, I project the "2025 Commits" will begin playing for UNH in the Fall of 2025. My projections projections are based on the following factors:
~ Number of UNH players leaving the team at the end of the previous season and the position they played.
~ Number of incoming transfer players and the position they play.
~ If a National Letter of Intent has been signed.
~ The year the commit and UNH coaches originally targeted for enrollment in UNH.
~ How old the commit would be upon admission.
~ Number of years in junior hockey and remaining years of junior eligibility.
~ The commit's performance in recent seasons as well as injuries.
~ Anticipated date of high school graduation.