THE UNH MEN'S HOCKEY BLOG

UNH Commits Updated Stats for 2024-25 Season: 10-9-2024

This table shows updated (as of October 9, 2024) scoring statistics, penalty minutes and +/- ratings (where available) for the 2024-25 season. There are currently 16 players committed to play for the University of New Hampshire. It also includes the player's overall rating on the 5 Star scale provided by the scouting service Neutral Zone. The players are grouped according to my projections on when they will enroll at UNH.

Informative Hyperlinks

~ A single click on the player's name links you to more indepth statistics such as game-by-game information.

~ A single click on the player's Neutral Zone Star Rating links to scouting information available with a subscription to their service.

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	6	0	2	2	0	-
Reid Conn* 2/2/04 (D)	3.75	Chicago Steel	USHL	6	1	0	1	6	+1
Connor DeTurris 10/8/04 (F)	3.75	Nanaimo Clipper	BCHL	6	2	1	3	2	-
Lars Petter Eckholm* 3/7/04 (F)	3.25	Corpus Christi IceRays	NAHL	9	4	3	7	4	+3
Conner de Haro* 10/17/05 (D)	3.75	Youngstown Phantoms	USHL	6	1	3	4	2	+2
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	2	1	1	0	2.55	.894
2025 or '26 Commits
Price Grimes* 1/28/06 (D)	3.5	Chilliwack Chiefs	BCHL	5	0	0	0	6	-
Luca Primerano* 3/17/05 (F)	3.5	Cowichan Valley Capitals	BCHL	6	2	4	6	0	-
Jack Sadowski* 7/29/06 (F)	3.75	Cedar Rapids RoughRiders	USHL	2	0	1	1	2	0
2026 Commits
Jesse Allecia 10/12/05 (F)	3.5	Alberni Valley Bulldogs	BCHL	6	1	1	2	2	-
		Yale Junior Bulldogs 18U	USA 18U Nationals	6	1	1	2	2	-
Ryan Grout 8/15/07 (G)	4.0	Salmon Arms Silverbacks	BCHL	4	3	0	0	1.72	.929
Kole Hyles 1/16/06 (F)	3.75	Cedar Rapids RoughRiders	USHL	4	0	2	2	2	+1
Nikita Konevych 6/3/06 (D)	NR	Cedar Rapids RoughRiders	USHL	1	0	0	0	0	+1
Niko Tournas 2/17/06 (F)	4.0	Danbury Hat Tricks	NAHL	5	4	3	7	6	+2
2026 or '27 Commits
George McCaffrey 1/2/07 (F)	3.5	Long Island Gulls 18U	Beast 18U	4	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	6	0	2	2	0	-
Pavel Martinu 12/20/07 (F)	3.0	Seacoast Performance Academy 18U	18U AAA	15	6	10	16	8	-
2027 Commits
Blake Cash 5/9/08 (F)	3.25	Seacoast Performance Academy 16U	16U AAA	16	12	19	31	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.

3 Freshmen, 2 Transfers Join 2024-25 UNH Roster

Connor MacPherson #27
Freshman Forward

Ryan MacPherson #7
Freshman Forward

Josh Player #13
Freshman Defense

Jared Whale #41
Transfer Goalie

Rico DiMatteo #30
Transfer Goalie

Changes to the UNH Roster for 2024-25

Departures:
The following 6 UNH players from the 2023-24 roster will not return for 2024-25:
GOALIES (3)
Tyler Muszelik (April 2: Entered Transfer Portal. April 18: Announced Transfer to UConn)
Jakob Hellsten (May 16: Signed Pro with Leksand IF in Swedish Hockey League)
Jeremy Forman (April 1: Entered Transfer Portal. Not on any Division I roster)
FORWARDS (3)
Stiven Sardarian (April 1: Entered Transfer Portal. June 7: Transfer to Northern Michigan. August 8: Transfer to Michigan Tech)
Nick Cafarelli (March 27: Entered Transfer Portal. May 21: Announced Transfer to RIT)
Cam Gendron (March 26: Entered Transfer Portal. July 17: Announced Transfer to Providence)
Defensemen (0)
* April 14: Announcement that Senior defensemen Nikolai Jenson & Luke Reid will return for 2024-25.

Additions:
Last summer the 2023-24 incoming class of 8 freshmen was officially announced on August 15, 2023. Look for the formal announcement of the 2024-25 freshman class on the UNH Men's Hockey website in the near future.

Three freshmen - Twin brothers Connor MacPherson and Ryan MacPherson who are forwards, and defenseman Josh Player - are on the 2024-25 roster. In addition, two transfer goalies - Jared Whale and Rico DiMatteo - have been added to the roster.

Profiles of Additions to 2024-25 UNH Roster

Connor MacPherson Right Winger, 6'0", 177 lbs. Shoots Right
Hometown: Windsor, Ontario
DOB: March 2, 2005; 19 years, 5 months
2023-24 Team: Penticton Vees (British Columbia Hockey League)
Committed to UNH on February 17, 2022 at Age 16 years, 11 months
Link to Feature Article on The UNH Men's Hockey Blog:
"UNH Commit Connor MacPherson: A High-Scoring Winger"
Neutral Zone Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

2023-24 Statistics

	Team	League	GP	Goals	Asst	Pts	PIM	+/-
Connor MacPherson 3/2/05 (F)	Penticton Vees	BCHL	54	11	31	42	16	-
		Playoffs	22	6	1	7	6	-

Ryan MacPherson Center, 6'1", 183 lbs. Shoots Left
Hometown: Windsor, Ontario
DOB: March 2, 2005; 19 years, 5 months
Drafted by Philadelphia Flyers in 6th Round (#172 Overall) of 2023 NHL Draft
2023-24 Team: Penticton Vees (British Columbia Hockey League)
Committed to UNH on February 17, 2022 at Age 16 years, 11 months
Link to Feature Article on The UNH Men's Hockey Blog:
"UNH Commit Ryan MacPherson: A Smart, Puck-Moving Center"
Neutral Zone Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

2023-24 Statistics

	Team	League	GP	Goals	Asst	Pts	PIM	+/-
Ryan MacPherson 3/2/05 (F)	Penticton Vees	BCHL	54	16	22	38	12	-
		Playoffs	22	0	4	4	8	-

Josh Player Defenseman, 6'0", 190 lbs. Shoots Right
Hometown: West Deptford, New Jersey
DOB: May 13, 2005; 19 years, 3 months
2023-24 Team: Green Bay Gamblers (United States Hockey League)
Committed to UNH in August, 2022 at Age 17 years, 3 month
Link to Feature Article on The UNH Men's Hockey Blog:
"UNH Commit Josh Player: A Big, Strong Two-Way Defender"
Neutral Zone Rating: 3.75 out of 5 Stars

2023-24 Statistics

	Team	League	GP	Goals	Asst	Pts	PIM	+/-
Josh Player 5/13/05 (D)	Green Bay Gamblers	USHL	59	5	6	11	59	+1
		Playoffs	8	0	2	2	4	-8

Jared Whale Goalie, 6'0", 185 lbs. Catches Left
Hometown: Calgary, Alberta
DOB: November 1, 2002; 21 years, 9 months
2023-24 Team: University of Alaska-Anchorage (Independent)
Committed to UNH on April 6, 2024 at Age 21 years, 7 months.
Link to Feature Article on The UNH Men's Hockey Blog:
"Goalie Jared Whale Commits to UNH Out of Transfer Portal"
Neutral Zone Rating: 3.25 out of 5 Stars

2023-24 Statistics

	Team	League	GP	Win	Loss	Tie	GAA	SV%	S0
Jared Whale 11/1/02 (G)	U of Alaska-Anchorage	Independent	24	10	12	1	2.67	.909	2

Rico DiMatteo Goalie, 6'3", 170 lbs. Catches Left
Hometown: Brasher Falls, New York
DOB: January 23, 2001; 23 years, 7 months
2023-24 Team: Long Island University (Independent)
Committed to UNH on June 22, 2024 at Age 23 years, 5 months.
Link to Feature Article on The UNH Men's Hockey Blog:
"Senior Goalie Rico DiMatteo Transfers to UNH"
Neutral Zone Rating: 3.75 out of 5 Stars

2023-24 Statistics

	Team	League	GP	Win	Loss	Tie	GAA	SV%	S0
Rico DiMatteo 1/23/01 (G)	Long Island University	Independent	11	3	4	0	2.98	.874	0

Senior Goalie Rico DiMatteo Transfers to UNH

Rico DiMatteo (G)
2024 UNH Transfer

"He (DiMatteo) plays a calm, positional game, but possesses the athleticism and skating ability to make the tough lateral saves, and is an efficient puck-handler." Neutral Zone, December, 2020

Rico DiMatteo Goalie, 6'3", 170 lbs. Catches Left
Hometown: Brasher Falls, New York
DOB: January 23, 2001; 23 years, 6 months
Neutral Zone Rating: 3.75 out of 5 Stars
2023-24 Team: Long Island University (Independent)
Committed to UNH on June 22, 2024 at Age 23 years, 5 months.

July 2021 TV Interview & Video Highlights

In the 2020-21 season Rico DiMatteo joined the Northern Michigan Wildcats midyear. He quickly became the #1 goalie, compliled a 7-6-1 record (2.84 GAA, .909 Save%), and lead NMU to the WCHA championship game. He was named to the WCHA All-Rookie Team. In July 2021, WBUP-TV ABC10 interviewed DiMatteo and showed some of his highlight saves.

Interview

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

Mike Lowry: Congratulations on your commitment to play for the University of New Hampshire. Since March 31st, 19 senior goalies have entered the transfer portal and committed to a new school. Why did you consider transferring from Long Island University?

Rico DiMatteo: I felt as though it was the best decision for my hockey career to leave LIU. I am confident in my process right now and feel that UNH will be a greater challenge for me as a person and hockey player.

Mike Lowry: How did you become interested in UNH? What are the main reasons you chose UNH?

Rico DiMatteo: I originally became familiar with UNH in Juniors where the coaches reached out to me. When they reached out this time there was a sense of familiarity and comfort. The process felt very smooth.

Lowry: When you renewed the recruiting process, what college programs, other than UNH, did you consider? Which ones made an offer to you?

DiMatteo: I had no other offers at the Division 1 level when I committed to UNH.

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

DiMatteo: I feel I have mature positioning and make mature reads in the game. I can continue to become more dynamic.

Lowry: You experienced a hip injury a few years ago. Would you describe that ordeal, how it affected your development, and the current status?

DiMatteo: My hip surgeries were the hardest adversities of my life. I underestimated the work that had to be done to recover from that stress. It affected me 2 years after the operation.

I am now pain free and feel as though my game is in the best place it has been in three years. I feel as though I can prove once again what I am capable of at this level.

Lowry: You played 14 games in 2020-21 as a freshman for Northern Michigan and only 2 games during the 2022-23 season. What's your understanding on the number of years of NCAA playing eligibility still available to you?

DiMatteo: I have 1 year of eligibility left. There could be a case made for a medical exemption.

Lowry: Did you have an opportunity to watch the 2023-24 UNH team play? If so, how do you think you can help the team when you join it?

DiMatteo: I was not able to watch last year's team. I feel as though I can bring a sense of maturity and consistency to the team. If I am called upon I know that I would have done everything I could have to prepare.

Lowry: What coursework do you intend do pursue at UNH?

DiMatteo: I intend to finish my Psychology degree at UNH.

Neutral Zone Scouting Report

NAHL Goalie Report, December, 2020

"Another strong set of performances from Rico DiMatteo this weekend. The 6’3 native of Brasher Falls, NY, played on back-to-back nights December 17th and 18th, and despite losing both bouts was very strong between the pipes for Lone Star. He was named third star of the night on December 17th, making 29 saves on 31 shots, and made a total of 53 saves through both games."

"DiMatteo continues to be strong in net for Lone Star after making his debut last month. Through 7 games, he boasts a 1.68 GAA and .930 SV%, and doesn’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon. He plays a calm, positional game, but possesses the athleticism and skating ability to make the tough lateral saves, and is an efficient puck-handler. Heading into the break, DiMatteo is a no-brainer for D1 schools to be tracking down the stretch this season."

College & Junior Hockey Statistics

Player	Season	Team	League	GP	Win	Loss	Tie	GAA	SV%	SO
Rico DiMatteo (G)	2023-24	Long Island University	Ind.	11	3	4	0	2.98	.874	0
	2022-23	Northern Michigan University	WCHA	2	0	1	0	4.04	.868	0
	2021-22	Northern Michigan University	WCHA	22	13	8	1	3.48	.887	0
	2020-21	Northern Michigan University	WCHA	14	7	6	1	2.84	.909	1
		Lone Star Brahmas	NAHL	10	6	2	1	2.09	.916	0
	2019-20	Cornwall Colts	CCHL	55	17	32	1	3.15	.916	1

UPDATED - UNH Commits & Transfers: Final 2023-24 Statistics & Projected 2024-25 UNH Roster

Connor MacPherson (F)
2024
UNH Freshman

Ryan MacPherson (F)
2024
UNH Freshman

Josh Player (D)
2024
UNH Freshman

Jared Whale (G)
2024
UNH Transfer

Rico DiMatteo (G)
2024
UNH Transfer

News & Notes

Projected Changes to 2024-25 UNH Roster

The following 6 UNH players from the 2023-24 roster plan to leave the team through graduation (Gr) and/or the transfer portal (TP):
GOALIES (3)
Tyler Muszelik (Transfer to UConn)
Jakob Hellsten (Signed Pro in Sweden)
Jeremy Forman (Gr, TP)
FORWARDS (3)
Stiven Sardarian (Transfer to Northern Michigan)
Nick Cafarelli (Gr, Transfer to RIT)
Cam Gendron (Gr, Transfer to Providence)
Defensemen (0)

These incoming freshmen (Fr) and transfers (TP) will be added for UNH's 2024-25 season:
GOALIES (2)
Jared Whale (Transfer from University of Alaska Anchorage)
Nico DiMatteo (Transfer from Long Island University)
FORWARDS (2)
Connor MacPherson (Fr)
Ryan MacPherson (Fr)
DEFENSEMEN (1)
Josh Player (Fr)

The UNH goalie squad experienced a major transition beginning on April 1st - the day after the transfer portal opened. Here's the chronology:
~ Senior Jeremy Forman, the #3 goalie on 2023-24 UNH roster, entered the transfer portal (TP) on April 1st but has not yet committed to another school.
~ #2 UNH goalie Tyler Muszelik entered the TP on April 2nd and committed to UConn on April 18th.
~ #1 University of Alaska-Anchorage goalie Jared Whale entered TP on April 1st and announced his transfer to UNH on April 6th.
~ #1 UNH goalie Jakob Hellsten's unanticipated signing of a pro contract in the Swedish Hockey League was announced on May 16th.
~ Long Island University senior goalie Rico DiMatteo entered the TP on April 1st and committed to UNH on June 22nd.
~ #4 UNH goalie, senior Raphael Gaughan, played in one game as a freshman. He's projected to be the #3 goalie on the 2024-25 UNH roster.

Profiles of Additions to 2024-25 UNH Roster

Connor MacPherson Right Winger, 6'0", 177 lbs. Shoots Right
Hometown: Windsor, Ontario
DOB: March 2, 2005; 19 years, 3 months
Neutral Zone Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
2023-24 Team: Penticton Vees (British Columbia Hockey League)
Committed to UNH on February 17, 2022 at Age 16 years, 11 months

Ryan MacPherson Center, 6'1", 183 lbs. Shoots Left
Hometown: Windsor, Ontario
DOB: March 2, 2005; 19 years, 3 months
Neutral Zone Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
Drafted by Philadelphia Flyers in 6th Round (#172 Overall) of 2023 NHL Draft
2023-24 Team: Penticton Vees (British Columbia Hockey League)
Committed to UNH on February 17, 2022 at Age 16 years, 11 months

Josh Player Defenseman, 6'0", 190 lbs. Shoots Right
Hometown: West Deptford, New Jersey
DOB: May 13, 2005; 19 years, 1 month
Neutral Zone Rating: 3.75 out of 5 Stars
2023-24 Team: Green Bay Gamblers (United States Hockey League)
Committed to UNH in August, 2022 at Age 17 years, 3 month

Jared Whale Goalie, 6'0", 185 lbs. Catches Left
Hometown: Calgary, Alberta
DOB: November 1, 2002; 21 years, 5 months
Neutral Zone Rating: 3.25 out of 5 Stars
2023-24 Team: University of Alaska-Anchorage (Independent)
Committed to UNH on April 6, 2024 at Age 21 years, 7 months.

Rico DiMatteo Goalie, 6'3", 170 lbs. Catches Left
Hometown: Brasher Falls, New York
DOB: January 23, 2001; 23 years, 5 months
Neutral Zone Rating: 3.75 out of 5 Stars
2023-24 Team: Long Island University (Independent)
Committed to UNH on June 22, 2024 at Age 23 years, 5 months.

Final 2023-24 Statistics

This updated table shows the final scoring statistics, penalty minutes and +/- ratings (where available) from the 2023-24 season for the 22 players committed to play for the University of New Hampshire. It includes my projection on the players who will join the 2024-25 UNH roster. The first 3 are incoming freshmen followed by 2 from the NCAA transfer portal.

Player	NZ Stars**	Team	League	GP	Goals	Asst	Pts	PIM	+/-
2024 Commits
Connor MacPherson* 3/2/05 (F)	4.0	Penticton Vees	BCHL	54	11	31	42	16	-
			Playoffs	22	6	1	7	6	-
Ryan MacPherson* 3/2/05 (F)	4.0	Penticton Vees	BCHL	54	16	22	38	12	-
			Playoffs	22	0	4	4	8	-
Josh Player* 5/13/05 (D)	3.75	Green Bay Gamblers	USHL	59	5	6	11	59	+1
			Playoffs	8	0	2	2	4	-8
2024 Transfer
Rico DiMatteo 1/23/01 (G)	3.75	Long Island University	Independent	11	3	4	0	2.98	.874
Jared Whale 11/1/02 (G)	3.25	University of Alaska-Anchorage	Independent	24	10	12	1	2.67	.909
2025 Commits
Sebastian Bradshaw 5/26/05 (F)	3.75	Coquitlam Express	BCHL	41	5	9	14	43	-
			Playoffs	7	0	0	0	2	-
		Brooks Bandits	AJHL	3	0	1	1	8	-
Reid Conn* 2/2/04 (D)	3.75	Chicago Steel	USHL	59	3	8	11	72	-19
			Playoffs	3	1	1	2	8	+3
Connor DeTurris 10/8/04 (F)	3.75	Nanaimo Clipper	BCHL	43	15	24	39	8	-
			Playoffs	5	0	4	4	2	-
Lars Petter Eckholm* 3/7/04 (F)	3.25	Cowichan Valley Capitals	BCHL	45	6	7	13	10	-
			Playoffs	5	0	0	0	0	-
Conner de Haro* 10/17/05 (D)	3.75	Youngstown Phantoms	USHL	51	2	8	10	35	+23
			Playoffs	7	2	1	3	17	+4
Ryan Philbrick* 6/20/04 (D)	3.75	Salmon Arms Silverbacks	BCHL	18	0	8	2	4	-
			Playoffs	18	0	8	8	4	-
		Cedar Rapids RoughRiders	USHL	30	2	5	7	14	+5
Eliot Séguin-Lescarbeau 9/14/05 (G)	3.75	Shreveport Mudbugs	NAHL	38	26	7	1	1.99	.925
			Playoffs	8	4	3	1	2.11	.919
2025 or '26 Commits
Price Grimes* 1/28/06 (D)	3.5	Chicago Steel	USHL	41	1	5	6	48	-5
			Playoffs	0	0	0	0	0	0
Luca Primerano* 3/17/05 (F)	3.5	Prince George Spruce Kings	BCHL	54	9	13	22	8	-
			Playoffs	4	0	0	0	0	-
Jack Sadowski* 7/29/06 (F)	3.75	Kimball Union Academy	NE Prep	37	41	50	91	-	-
		Wildcats 19U	NEFPHL 19U	17	11	15	26	0	-
		Massachusetts District	USA Selects 17	6	1	2	3	4	-
2026 Commits
Jesse Allecia 10/12/05 (F)	3.50	Salisbury School	NE Prep	26	17	8	25	-	-
		Yale Jr. Bulldogs 18U	18U AAA	30	13	12	25	-	-
			BEAST 18U	8	2	3	5	0	-
			USA 18U Nationals	6	1	1	2	2	-
Ryan Grout 8/15/07 (G)	4.0	Salmon Arms Silverbacks	BCHL	15	11	3	1	2.23	.926
			Playoffs	0	0	0	0	0	0
Kole Hyles 1/16/06 (F)	3.75	Cushing Academy	NE Prep	32	14	9	23	-	-
		Central Mass Peguins	EHF 18U	23	8	10	18	-	-
			USA 18U Nationals	4	1	2	3	4	-
		New England District	USA Selects 17	6	4	3	7	0	-
Nikita Konevych 6/3/06 (D)	NR	Corpus Christi IceRays	NAHL	28	0	5	5	75	-7
		Austin Bruins	NAHL	8	0	1	1	0	-4
Niko Tournas 2/17/06 (F)	4.0	Cedar Rapids RoughRiders	USHL	41	2	3	5	20	-2
		New England District	USA Selects 17	6	4	5	9	1	-
2026 or '27 Commits
George McCaffrey 1/2/07 (F)	3.5	Westminster School	NE Prep	23	4	7	11	-	-
		MidFairfield Rangers 15U	NE Pack	10	3	4	7	0	-
		MidFairfield Rangers 16U	USA 16U Nationals	4	1	1	2	2	-
		Team White	USA Selects 16	5	3	1	4	0	-
Jayden Connors 2/26/07 (D)	3.75	St. Michaels Buzzers	OJHL	46	2	21	23	36	-
			Playoffs	10	1	2	3	8	-
* = 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, the "2024 Commits" are projected to begin playing for UNH in the Fall of 2024. I have based these projections 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 prior to admission.
~ The commit's performance in recent seasons as well as injuries.
~ Anticipated date of high school graduation.