UNH Commits Update 3-28-2025: Spotlight on High-Scoring QMJHL Forward Jacob Newcombe

Jacob Newcombe (LW/C) 2025 UNH Commit

Player Spotlight

Jacob Newcombe Left Wing/Center, 6'1", 215 lbs. Shoots Left Hometown: Sambro, Nova Scotia, Canada DOB: April 27, 2004; 20 years, 11 months old Neutral Zone Rating: 4.0 out of 5 Stars 2024-25 Team: Cape Breton Eagles (QMJHL) Committed to UNH in February, 2025 at Age 20 years, 10 months.

Late last month UNH received a commitment from Jacob Newcombe, one of the top goal-scoring forwards this season in the Quebec Maritime Junior Hockey League. Newcombe just completed the Cape Breton Eagles' regular season with 36 goals - tied for 8th most goals in the QMJHL. As a left winger and center he added 37 assists in 63 games. His 73 points were tied for 12th in the league.

Newcombe's success is noteworthy given the challenges he's overcome. In July, 2023 Jacob was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins Lymphoma and missed the first half of the 2023-24 season with the Cape Breton Eagles (QMJHL). Following treatment and recovery he scored at a point-a-game pace for the remaining 26 regular season and 14 playoff games. Newcombe was named Cape Breton's captain at the beginning of this season and has played in 63 of the 64 regular season games. The Eagles begin the QMJHL Playoffs today.

March 2025 Highlight Reel
In March Newcombe scored 4 goals and 9 assists in 9 games. As this highlight reel shows, he goes strong to the net to score goals.

Neutral Zone Scouting Report
QMJHL Game Report, February 6, 2025

"Newcombe is a strong, physical forward who excels in puck battles, particularly along the walls. His ability to win these battles allows him to maintain possession and create opportunities for his team. With the puck on his stick, he has the skillset to make plays and distribute effectively. Offensively, Newcombe consistently drives the net and is not afraid to create chaos in front of the opposing goaltender, whether with or without the puck."

News & Notes
~ Sam Oliver earned the Mario-Lemieux Trophy as the leading goal-scorer for the 2024-25 QMJHL regular season. He scored 50 goals in 63 games with the Drummondville Voltigeurs. Eighteen of the goals came on the power play, the most in the QMJHL. Seven of the 50 were game-winning goals, 4th most in the league. Here are all of them:


~ CHL: The 6 UNH Commits playing major junior hockey in the Canadian Hockey League begin their playoff run on Friday, March 28th. They are:
QMJHL
Alex Carr (Rouyn-Noranda Huskies)
Jacob Newcombe (Cape Breton Eagles)
Sam Oliver (Drummondville Voltigeurs)
Jesse Allecia (Drummondville Voltigeurs)
Ontario Hockey League
Nicholas DeAngelis (Sudbury Wolves)
Western Hockey League
Ryan Grout (Tri-City Americans)

2024-25 Statistics for All 22 UNH Commits

Player	NZ Stars**	Team	League	GP	Goals	Asst	Pts	PIM	+/-
2025 Commits
Sebastian Bradshaw 5/26/05 (F)	3.75	Langley Rivermen	BCHL	36	5	9	14	49	-
		Coquitlam Express	BCHL	14	1	2	3	6	-
Alex Carr 3/30/04 (D)	3.75	Rouyn-Noranda Huskies	QMJHL	62	6	39	45	55	+29
			Playoffs	-	-	-	-	-	-
Reid Conn* 2/2/04 (D)	3.75	Chicago Steel	USHL	43	7	12	19	90	+5
Nicholas DeAngelis 5/22/04 (D)	4	Sudbury Wolves	OHL	66	6	32	38	44	+10
			Playoffs	-	-	-	-	-	-
Conner de Haro* 10/17/05 (D)	3.75	Youngstown Phantoms	USHL	49	5	11	16	16	+4
Connor DeTurris 10/8/04 (F)	3.75	Nanaimo Clipper	BCHL	44	13	16	29	10	-
Jacob Newcombe 4/27/04 (F)	4.0	Cape Breton Eagles	QMJHL	63	36	37	73	40	+27
			Playoffs	-	-	-	-	-	-
Sam Oliver 7/4/04 (F)	4.25	Drummondville Voltigeurs	QMJHL	63	50	28	78	57	+19
			Playoffs	-	-	-	-	-	-
Ryan Philbrick* 6/20/04 (D)	3.5	Salmon Arms Silverbacks	BCHL	26	4	6	10	12	-
Eliot Séguin-Lescarbeau* 9/14/05 (G)	3.75	Des Moines Buccaneers	USHL	29	8	19	3	3.69	.884
2025 or '26 Commits
Price Grimes* 1/28/06 (D)	3.5	Vernon Vipers	BCHL	14	0	3	3	8	-
		Chilliwack Chiefs	BCHL	35	3	4	7	35	-
2026 Commits
Jesse Allecia 10/12/05 (F)	3.5	Drummondville Voltigeurs	QMJHL	38	8	14	22	2	+1
			Playoffs	-	-	-	-	-	-
		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	56	7	36	43	72	-15
Ryan Grout* 8/15/07 (G)	4	Tri-City Americans	WHL	12	2	7	2	4.42	.874
			Playoffs	-	-	-	-	-	-
		Salmon Arms Silverbacks	BCHL	13	8	4	0	2.37	.912
Kole Hyles* 1/16/06 (F)	3.75	Cedar Rapids RoughRiders	USHL	53	7	7	14	16	-11
Nikita Konevych 6/3/06 (D)	NR	Corpus Christi IceRays	NAHL	41	3	12	15	63	+6
		Cedar Rapids RoughRiders	USHL	2	0	0	0	2	+1
Jack Sadowski* 7/29/06 (F)	3.75	West Kelowna Warriors	BCHL	17	0	10	10	31	-
		Cedar Rapids RoughRiders	USHL	20	0	1	1	10	-8
Niko Tournas 2/17/06 (F)	4	Danbury Hat Tricks	NAHL	52	35	32	67	26	+16
2026 or '27 Commits
George McCaffrey 1/2/07 (F)	3.5	Long Island Gulls 18U	Beast 18U	8	1	3	4	2	-
		Bismarck Bobcats	NAHL	2	0	1	1	0	-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	27	8	17	25	16	-
			Playoffs	6	1	1	2	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	49	23	34	57	26	-
		Johnstown Tomahawks	NAHL	3	0	0	0	0	-3
2027 Commits
Blake Cash 5/9/08 (F)	4.0	Seacoast Performance Academy 16U	16U AAA	52	32	46	78	-	-
		Seacoast Spartans	USA 15 Only Nationals	4	0	1	1	1.5	-
			USA 16U Nationals	-	-	-	-	-	-
* = Signed NCAA Financial 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 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.
~ The commit's performance in recent seasons as well as injuries.
~ If a NCAA Financial 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.
~ Anticipated date of high school graduation.

Luca Primerano: Uncommitted 2025 BCHL All-Star

Luca Primerano (F) Uncommitted

Player Spotlight

Luca Primerano* Forward, 6'2", 190 lbs. Shoots Left Hometown: North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada DOB: March 17, 2005; 19 years, 9 months Neutral Zone Rating: 3.75 out of 5 Stars 2024-25 Team: Cowichan Valley Capitals (BCHL) Committed to UNH on November 29, 2022 at Age 17 years, 8 months. Decommitted in late February, 2025. *Luca Primerano's goal is to play NCAA Division I hockey.

BCHL All-Star
In his third season in the British Columbia Hockey League, Luca Primerano has earned All-Star honors. With 9 games remaining in the regular season, he has already doubled his goals from the previous two BCHL seasons. He currently has 19 goals and 23 assists in 45 games. In mid-January he represented the Cowichan Valley Capitals in the BCHL All-Star events. In the 3-on-3 All-Star Tournament, Primerano lead his team to the finals. He also earned a slot in the Skills Competition's hardest shot event.

Fall 2024 Highlights


Neutral Zone Scouting Report
BCHL Showcase Report, November 26, 2024

"Primerano is a good-sized skilled winger with over 100 games in this league under his belt. He plays an honest game – finishes his checks on the forecheck stops on pucks and plays with jam below the dots battling for loose pucks. He kept an active stick in his own end and broke up passes at the point and into the high slot area. He earned the confidence of his coach which was evidenced by being on the ice at the end of the game to protect the lead."

"A smart prospect who always seemed to be in the right place at the right time supporting the puck and creating space for himself. He didn’t contribute on the stat sheet but he showed some puck touch elevating passes over stick blades and got his shot off quickly in stride off the rush. He played first line left wing both even strength and on the top power play unit and was always around the puck – will only get better as he continues to develop his power game."

Junior Hockey Statistics

Player	Season	Team	League	GP	Goals	Asst	Pts	PIM
Luca Primerano (F)	2024-25	Cowichan Valley Capitals	BCHL	45	19	23	42	21
	2023-24	Prince George Spruce Kings	BCHL	54	9	13	22	8
			Playoffs	4	0	0	0	0
	2022-23	Prince George Spruce Kings	BCHL	40	8	18	26	4
	2023-24	Prince George Spruce Kings	BCHL	-	-	-	-	-
			Playoffs	2	0	0	0	0

UNH Commits Update 2-28-2025: Spotlight on NAHL Top Prospect Niko Tournas

Niko Tournas (F) 2026 UNH Commit

Player Spotlight

Niko Tournas Forward, 6'2", 190 lbs. Shoots Right Hometown: Redding, Connecticut DOB: February 17, 2006; 19 years old Neutral Zone Rating: 4.0 out of 5 Stars 2024-25 Team: Danbury Hat Tricks (NAHL) Committed to UNH in September, 2022 at Age 16 years, 7 months.

In his second season of junior hockey Niko Tournas is having a breakout year. In 44 games with the Danbury Hat Tricks he's scored 32 goals and 22 assists for 61 points. He's tied for 4th in the NAHL for total scoring and points per game (1.39 Pt/Gm). He's tied for 2nd in most NAHL goals and tied for 3rd in power play goals (10 PPG).

NAHL Top Prospects Tournament
Niko Tournas had an outstanding performance in the 2025 NAHL Top Prospects Tournament held at the USA Hockey Arena on February 17 and 18. He played on a team of potential NHL Draft picks chosen by the NHL Central Scouting Department with additional players based on recommendations from Neutral Zone.

In his first game with the Selects Gold team Tournas scored the first goal shown in these video highlights and earned Player of the Game honors. The following day he notched a hat trick including the second goal in the video. Overall, Tournas was leading scorer in the tournament with 4 goals.

2025 NAHL Top Prospects Tournament Highlights


Neutral Zone Scouting Reports
NAHL Game Report, January 17, 2025

"Tournas makes a lot of simple, heads-up plays that create offense for his team. One of his assists came on a quick transition off a turnover, where he found a streaking linemate deep in the neutral zone for a breakaway goal. Tournas is a flashy, skilled player who can dazzle around defensemen with his hands, yet at the same time, he isn’t afraid to play in the dirty areas of the ice."

NAHL Game Report, December 17, 2024

"Tournas is a right-handed forward with solid size, standing at 6’2″ and weighing 188 pounds. He possesses a strong stride that generates good speed through the neutral zone. When he comes low and executes well-timed routes on the regroup, he becomes difficult for defenders to read and match. Throughout the game, he frequently drove wide and utilized effective curls, with his feet moving well to create space during those turns. The UNH commit also demonstrated impressive ability to maneuver through traffic, even when not at top speed. Tournas played in all situations and even created a shorthanded scoring opportunity. He was a consistent offensive threat, contributing with 2 assists and 6 shots on goal."

Junior & Youth Hockey Statistics

Player	Season	Team	League	GP	Goals	Asst	Pts	PIM	+/-
Niko Tournas (F)	2024-25	Danbury Hit Tricks	NAHL	44	32	29	61	26	+15
	2023-24	Cedar Rapid RoughRiders	USHL	41	2	3	5	20	-2
	2022-23	New Jersey Rockets 16U AAA	16U AAA	77	67	51	118	-	-

2024-25 Statistics for All 22 UNH Commits

Player	NZ Stars**	Team	League	GP	Goals	Asst	Pts	PIM	+/-
2025 Commits
Sebastian Bradshaw 5/26/05 (F)	3.75	Langley Rivermen	BCHL	29	5	5	10	14	-
		Coquitlam Express	BCHL	14	1	2	3	6	-
Alex Carr 3/30/04 (D)	3.75	Rouyn-Noranda Huskies	QMJHL	52	5	30	35	49	+15
Reid Conn* 2/2/04 (D)	3.75	Chicago Steel	USHL	43	7	12	19	90	+5
Nicholas DeAngelis 5/22/04 (D)	4	Sudbury Wolves	OHL	56	6	28	34	36	+1
Conner de Haro* 10/17/05 (D)	3.75	Youngstown Phantoms	USHL	40	5	9	14	8	+1
Connor DeTurris 10/8/04 (F)	3.75	Nanaimo Clipper	BCHL	43	13	16	29	10	-
Jacob Newcombe 4/27/04 (F)	4.0	Cape Breton Eagles	QMJHL	56	32	29	61	38	+19
Sam Oliver 7/4/04 (F)	4.25	Drummondville Voltigeurs	QMJHL	55	46	24	70	51	+13
Ryan Philbrick* 6/20/04 (D)	3.5	Salmon Arms Silverbacks	BCHL	19	3	5	8	6	-
Eliot Séguin-Lescarbeau* 9/14/05 (G)	3.75	Des Moines Buccaneers	USHL	26	7	18	1	3.69	.886
2025 or '26 Commits
Price Grimes* 1/28/06 (D)	3.5	Chilliwack Chiefs	BCHL	42	3	4	7	35	-
2026 Commits
Jesse Allecia 10/12/05 (F)	3.5	Drummondville Voltigeurs	QMJHL	29	7	11	18	2	+1
		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	48	7	31	38	56	-8
Ryan Grout* 8/15/07 (G)	4	Tri-City Americans	WHL	7	1	5	1	5.24	.845
		Salmon Arms Silverbacks	BCHL	13	8	4	0	2.37	.912
Kole Hyles 1/16/06 (F)	3.75	Cedar Rapids RoughRiders	USHL	44	6	7	13	12	-9
Nikita Konevych 6/3/06 (D)	NR	Corpus Christi IceRays	NAHL	33	2	11	13	63	+7
		Cedar Rapids RoughRiders	USHL	2	0	0	0	2	+1
Jack Sadowski* 7/29/06 (F)	3.75	West Kelowna Warriors	BCHL	12	0	6	6	27	-
		Cedar Rapids RoughRiders	USHL	20	0	1	1	10	-8
Niko Tournas 2/17/06 (F)	4	Danbury Hat Tricks	NAHL	44	32	29	61	26	+15
2026 or '27 Commits
George McCaffrey 1/2/07 (F)	3.5	Long Island Gulls 18U	Beast 18U	8	1	3	4	2	-
		Bismarck Bobcats	NAHL	2	0	1	1	0	-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	25	8	16	24	14	-
		Prince George Spruce Kings	BCHL	20	0	4	4	8	-
Pavel Martinu 12/20/07 (F)	3.0	Seacoast Performance Academy 18U	18U AAA	43	21	30	51	26	-
		Johnstown Tomahawks	NAHL	3	0	0	0	0	-3
2027 Commits
Blake Cash 5/9/08 (F)	4.0	Seacoast Performance Academy 16U	16U AAA	45	25	42	67	-	-
		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.

UNH Commits Update 1-24-2025: Spotlight on BCHL All-Star Luca Primerano

Luca Primerano (F) 2025 UNH Commit

Player Spotlight

Luca Primerano Forward, 6'2", 190 lbs. Shoots Left Hometown: North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada DOB: March 17, 2005; 19 years, 9 months Neutral Zone Rating: 3.75 out of 5 Stars 2024-25 Team: Cowichan Valley Capitals (BCHL) Committed to UNH on November 29, 2022 at Age 17 years, 8 months.

BCHL All-Star
In his third season in the British Columbia Hockey League, Luca Primerano has earned All-Star honors. With 20 games remaining in the regular season, he has already exceeded his goals and points from previous seasons. He currently has 12 goals and 17 assists in 34 games. Last weekend he represented the Cowichan Valley Capitals in the BCHL All-Star events. In the 3-on-3 All-Star Tournament, Primerano lead his team to the finals. He also earned a slot in the Skills Competition's hardest shot event.

Fall 2024 Highlights


Neutral Zone Scouting Report
BCHL Showcase Report, November 26, 2024

"Primerano is a good-sized skilled winger with over 100 games in this league under his belt. He plays an honest game – finishes his checks on the forecheck stops on pucks and plays with jam below the dots battling for loose pucks. He kept an active stick in his own end and broke up passes at the point and into the high slot area. He earned the confidence of his coach which was evidenced by being on the ice at the end of the game to protect the lead."

"A smart prospect who always seemed to be in the right place at the right time supporting the puck and creating space for himself. He didn’t contribute on the stat sheet but he showed some puck touch elevating passes over stick blades and got his shot off quickly in stride off the rush. He played first line left wing both even strength and on the top power play unit and was always around the puck – will only get better as he continues to develop his power game."

Junior Hockey Statistics

Player	Season	Team	League	GP	Goals	Asst	Pts	PIM
Luca Primerano (F)	2024-25	Cowichan Valley Capitals	BCHL	34	12	17	29	13
	2023-24	Prince George Spruce Kings	BCHL	54	9	13	22	8
			Playoffs	4	0	0	0	0
	2022-23	Prince George Spruce Kings	BCHL	40	8	18	26	4
	2023-24	Prince George Spruce Kings	BCHL	-	-	-	-	-
			Playoffs	2	0	0	0	0

2024-25 Statistics for All 22 UNH Commits

Player	NZ Stars**	Team	League	GP	Goals	Asst	Pts	PIM	+/-
2025 Commits
Sebastian Bradshaw 5/26/05 (F)	3.75	Langley Rivermen	BCHL	19	3	2	5	6	-
		Coquitlam Express	BCHL	14	1	2	3	6	-
Alex Carr 3/30/04 (D)	3.75	Rouyn-Noranda Huskies	QMJHL	39	4	23	27	29	+12
Reid Conn* 2/2/04 (D)	3.75	Chicago Steel	USHL	32	4	8	12	52	+2
Nicholas DeAngelis 5/22/04 (D)	4	Sudbury Wolves	OHL	42	5	23	28	32	-1
Conner de Haro* 10/17/05 (D)	3.75	Youngstown Phantoms	USHL	29	4	8	12	6	-2
Connor DeTurris 10/8/04 (F)	3.75	Nanaimo Clipper	BCHL	32	10	13	23	8	-
Sam Oliver 7/4/04 (F)	4.25	Drummondville Voltigeurs	QMJHL	44	36	15	51	44	+9
Ryan Philbrick* 6/20/04 (D)	3.5	Salmon Arms Silverbacks	BCHL	10	2	3	5	2	-
Luca Primerano* 3/17/05 (F)	3.75	Cowichan Valley Capitals	BCHL	34	12	17	29	13	-
Eliot Séguin-Lescarbeau* 9/14/05 (G)	3.75	Des Moines Buccaneers	USHL	20	7	12	1	3.64	.885
2025 or '26 Commits
Price Grimes* 1/28/06 (D)	3.5	Chilliwack Chiefs	BCHL	31	3	2	5	35	-
2026 Commits
Jesse Allecia 10/12/05 (F)	3.5	Drummondville Voltigeurs	QMJHL	18	2	6	8	2	-5
		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	37	3	27	30	50	-5
Ryan Grout* 8/15/07 (G)	4	Tri-City Americans	WHL	2	1	1	0	5.08	.868
		Salmon Arms Silverbacks	BCHL	13	8	4	0	2.37	.912
Kole Hyles 1/16/06 (F)	3.75	Cedar Rapids RoughRiders	USHL	33	5	6	11	10	-2
Nikita Konevych 6/3/06 (D)	NR	Corpus Christi IceRays	NAHL	23	2	8	10	39	+5
		Cedar Rapids RoughRiders	USHL	2	0	0	0	2	+1
Jack Sadowski* 7/29/06 (F)	3.75	West Kelowna Warriors	BCHL	2	0	2	2	0	-
		Cedar Rapids RoughRiders	USHL	20	0	1	1	10	-8
Niko Tournas 2/17/06 (F)	4	Danbury Hat Tricks	NAHL	34	24	25	49	24	+24
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	13	7	8	15	12	-
		Prince George Spruce Kings	BCHL	20	0	4	4	8	-
Pavel Martinu 12/20/07 (F)	3.0	Seacoast Performance Academy 18U	18U AAA	37	16	25	41	24	-
2027 Commits
Blake Cash 5/9/08 (F)	3.25	Seacoast Performance Academy 16U	16U AAA	43	25	41	66	-	-
		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 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	-