Tuesday, October 29, 2024

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.

Saturday, October 19, 2024

Ryan Grout - UNH Hockey Goalie of the Future

Ryan Grout (G)
2025 or '26 UNH Commit
" Ryan is a technical goaltender that makes a ton of positional saves where he is in the right spots to make it look simple." Neutral Zone, May, 2022
Ryan Grout Goalie, 5'11", 166 lbs. Catches Left
Hometown: St. Albert, Alberta
DOB: August 15, 2007; 17 years, 2 months
Neutral Zone Rating: 4.0 out of 5 Stars
2024-25 Team: Salmon Arm Silverbacks (British Columbia Hockey League)
Committed to UNH on January 25, 2024 at Age 16 years, 5 months.
2024 USHL Draft: Selected in 16th Round (#239 Overall) by Green Bay Gamblers

2023 & 2024 Highlight Reel

The first two highlights show key saves by Ryan Grout in a Salmon Arm Silverbacks' over time win against the Trail Smoke Eaters on December 1, 2023. It was Grout's 8th game in his rookie season in the British Columbia Hockey League.

The remaining highlights are from Grout's first shutout in the 2024-25 season; a 4-0 win over the Vernon Vipers on October 4, 2024. The Neutral Zone game report shown at the end of this article described his overall play during that game.

Interview

I had an opportunity to interview Ryan Grout, 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?

Ryan Grout: I became very interested in UNH after I first talked to Glenn Stewart early last season in Salmon Arm. Being from Western Canada, I never really got exposure to teams out east. But after talking with Glenn, I learned a lot more about UNH.

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

Ryan Grout: One of the main reasons I decided to pick UNH was the amazing coaching staff and the culture. I started talking with the goalie coach Sean Maguire and really connected with him. I love his approach to the position and believe I can learn a lot from him.

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?

Grout: UNH was the only school I visited and was the main one I talked to during my process. After visiting, meeting all the coaches in person and seeing the culture they are building, I knew UNH is where I wanted to be.

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?

Grout: As of right now, there is no set date. My job is just just focus on this year with Salmon Arm and perform to the best of my ability, then go from there.

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

Grout: A lot of people think that goalies must be over 6”3 to be good. I’m not there yet height wise, so I have to make up for it in my other areas of the game, in my skating, play reading, and a high compete level. My job is to just stop the puck, no matter what the height sheet says.

For my areas to improve, I believe all areas of the game are things you should always be getting better at. Also little things that make big differences, like puck handling, communication to my defence, and many more.

Lowry: In your first season of junior hockey last year you posted a 11-3-0 record with the Salmon Arm Silverbacks. Among all BCHL goalies who played at least 15 games, you had the 6th best GAA (2.23) and 6th highest Save% (.926). The average age of BCHL players is over 18 years old and some are as old as 21. As a 16-year-old goalie, what were some of the challenges of facing so much older and more mature players?

Grout: The main challenges were the difference in speed and size. When you get to playing guys that are 3-4 years older than you, you really get a sense of the next level. I found it a very enjoyable experience and loved being pushed every day.

Lowry: Are there junior hockey leagues in America you would consider playing in before you enroll in college?

Grout: Currently, I am just focusing on this season and my time in Salmon Arm. The present is my main focus right now and I am just excited to get things going in Salmon Arm.

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?

Grout: I’m graduating this year. My main academic strength is my attention to detail in my work. I enjoy language arts, and last year I took a high school business course that I really enjoyed. At UNH, I have taken a great interest in their business school and am thinking of enrolling into that.

Neutral Zone Scouting Reports

BCHL Games Report, October 17, 2024
"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”."
Alberta Cup, May 14, 2022
"Grout had a dominant weekend for Alberta Gray as he led the tournament in GAA at 1.63 only allowing 5 goals on 91 shots, posting 2 shutouts in his 3 games played, also carrying a .945 SV%. He did have a tough night in his last game against black letting up 5 goals on 31 shots but was in total control early on in the tournament."
"Ryan is a technical goaltender that makes a ton of positional saves where he is in the right spots to make it look simple. Grout moves swiftly around his crease with solid pushes, getting to his post before attacking angles. He likes to play at the top of his crease and challenge shooters, taking away anywhere to shoot and swallows up pucks. Grout competes in his own crease and gets eyes on pucks through traffic, tracking them into his body. Pucks do not slip through Ryan as he stays composed within himself."

Youth & Junior Hockey Statistics

Player Season Team League GP Win Loss Tie GAA SV% SO
Ryan Grout (G) 2024-25 Salmon Arm Silverbacks BCHL 6 4 1 1 1.65 .938 2
2023-24 Salmon Arm Silverbacks BCHL 15 11 3 1 2.23 .926 1
2022-23 Northern Alberta Xtreme U17 Prep CSSHL U17 11 10 1 0 1.81 .921 1
Playoffs 2 2 0 0 2.00 .892 1
Northern Alberta Xtreme U18 Prep CSSHL U18 1 1 0 0 1.00 .969 0

Wednesday, October 09, 2024

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.

Thursday, August 29, 2024

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


Monday, August 05, 2024

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

Wednesday, July 03, 2024

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.
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