UNH Commits Update 3-17-2023: High Scoring, Right Shot Forwards Siedem & Conmy

Jason Siedem 2023 UNH Commit

Ryan Conmy 2023 UNH Commit

News & Notes

~ Jason Siedem (DOB: 10/17/02), the 20-year-old, 6'0", 185 lbs., right-shot forward from Madison, New Jersey, finished his final regular season of junior hockey with 27 goals and 48 assists in 58 games with the Blackfalds Bulldogs. His 75 points tied for 7th highest in the Alberta Junior Hockey League. He was also among the league leaders in power play production. His 13 power play goals were 6th most in the AJHL and 20 power play assists were 7th highest. The Bulldogs currently hold a 3-1 advantage in the opening round of the AJHL Playoffs.

Three days ago, Neutral Zone provided this new assessment of Siedem's skills:

"Siedem is a creative playmaking forward that can fly around the ice without having to move his feet much. He almost hovers around the ice as his feet barely move but he wins races and is athletic in his stride. Jason doesn’t look to get too pretty with the puck as he makes a quick move and then either dishes or attacks the net. He was at his best out on the perimeter with a little time to wire pucks through trafficked areas. Jason has a soft touch on pucks but is firm on his stick in traffic to not get lifted or turn it over in battle. Siedem has smooth quick hands and makes little touch passes in tight to create space for his linemates."

Siedem has a quick, powerful and accurate shot as demonstrated in this video of his 25th goal of the regular season:



~ Ryan Conmy (DOB: 10/23/04), the 18-year-old, 5'10", 188 lbs., right-shot forward from Alexandria, Virginia, continues to excel in his first season of junior hockey with the Sioux City Musketeers. With 14 games remaining in the regular season, Conmy has already scored 29 goals (tied for 2nd most in USHL) including 8 power play goals (Tied 7th in USHL).

Conmy is just 1 goal shy of a 30-goal USHL season. UNH Trivia: The last UNH player to score 30 or more goals in a USHL season was Jacob Micflikier. In the 2002-03 regular season, he scored 31 goals, 36 assists in 59 games with the Sioux Falls Stampede. Conmy has also added 19 assists to his scoring total, including 8 power play assists.

On Decmeber 12th, Neutral Zone evaluated Conmy during the 20th game of this USHL season:

"Strong on his stick especially when he has the puck. Hunts the puck down in the defensive zone to regain possession and turns the other way to go play offense. Despite being stick checked bodied and pressured keeps his feet moving and maintains control of the puck. Entering the zone can beat defenders 1 on 1 make nifty passes or shoot through screens. For example early in the game took the puck wide absorbed a hit laid a beautiful slip pass to his teammate in the slot for a grade A chance. A noticeable trait about his game was his ability to backcheck into his own zone. Hunted the puck carrier down and limited any chances off the rush because his desperation and will to get the puck back."

Conmy has a sniper's wrist shot as demonstrated in this video of his 26th goal of the regular season:



Ryan Conmy was ranked #211 on the NHL Central Scouting's 2022-23 North American Skaters Midterm Rankings. This is his first year of eligibility for the NHL Draft. He plans to graduate from high school this spring. Given UNH's need for goal scorers and Conmy's high-end offensive performance in his first USHL season, I project he'll enroll as a true freshman next season.

~ Connor MacPherson (DOB: 3/2/05), the 18-year-old, 6'0", 176 lbs., right-shot forward from Tecumseh, Ontario, finished the Leamington Flyers' regular season with 28 goals and 35 assists in 43 games. His 63 points tied for 9th highest and 28 goals tied for 7th most in the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League. He tied for 4th in game-winnng goals (5). The Flyers currently hold a 1-0 advantage in the second round of the GOJHL Playoffs.

~ Ryan MacPherson (DOB: 3/2/05), the 18-year-old twin brother of Connor, is a 6'0", 176 lbs., left-shot center from Tecumseh, Ontario. Ryan scored 25 goals and 36 assists for the Leamington Flyers in 49 regular season games. He tied for 11th for most GOJHL points and tied for 9th in assists. His 7 game-winning goals were tied for 2nd highest in the league.

~ Ryan Philbrick (DOB: 6/20/04), the 18-year-old, 5'11", 165 lbs., left-shot defenseman from Concord, New Hampshire, scored 2 goals and 21 assists for the Cushing Academy Penguins. He had the 5th most assists among all defensemen in New England Prep Hockey. Cushing advanced to the Elite 8 championship game but lost 2-1 to Avon Old Farms.

~ Jack Sadowski (DOB: 7/29/06), the 16-year-old, 6'0", 179 lbs., left-shot forward from Arlington, Massachusetts, finished his first season of New England Prep Hockey with 23 goals, 19 assists in 33 Kimball Union Academy games. He tied for 3rd in league goals and tied 9th in points. KUA won the Lakes Region Championship but lost 6-2 to Cushing Academy in the Elite 8 opening round.

~ Niko Tournas (DOB: 2/17/06), the 17-year-old, 6'2", 185 lbs., right-shot forward from Redding, Connecticut, lead the New Jersey Rockets 16U team to the NorthEast Pack Hockey League Championship on February 12th. Tournas tied for the most goals (11) in the regular season and scored this shootout, game-winning goal in the championship game against Bishop Kearney 16U.

~ Sebastian Bradshaw (DOB: 5/26/05), the 17-year-old, 6'3", 196 lbs., left-shot forward from Newtonville, Ontario and Nikita Konevych (DOB: 6/3/06), the 16-year-old, 6'2", 176 lbs., left-shot defenseman from Kalush, Ukraine, recently committed to the University of New Hampshire. Look for feature articles on them coming in the near future.

2022-23 Statistics

Player	NZ Stars**	Team	League	GP	Goals	Asst	Pts	PIM	+/-
2023 Commits
Brendan Fitzgerald* 3/6/03 (D)	4.0	Cedar Rapids RoughRiders	USHL	33	2	17	19	80	+9
Nick Ring* 10/26/03 (F)	3.75	Sioux Falls Stampede	USHL	48	12	29	41	20	-15
Jason Siedem 10/17/02 (F)	3.75	Blackfalds Bulldogs	AJHL	58	27	48	75	26	-
			Playoffs	4	0	5	5	4	-
JP Turner* 1/31/03 (F)	3.5	Fargo Force	USHL	48	6	13	19	18	+7
Ronan Walsh 5/3/02 (F)	3.5	Amarillo Wranglers	NAHL	16	4	2	6	62	+4
		Aberdeen Wings	NAHL	35	7	10	17	69	-6
Ryan Conmy* 10/23/04 (F)	4.0	Sioux City Musketeers	USHL	48	29	19	48	10	+5
2024 Commits
Connor DeTurris 10/8/04 (F)	3.75	Janesville Jets	NAHL	40	19	17	36	20	+15
		Madison Capitols	USHL	1	0	0	0	0	-1
Connor MacPherson* 3/2/05 (F)	3.75	Leamington Flyers	GOJHL	43	28	35	63	35	-
			Playoffs	5	5	4	9	6	-
Ryan MacPherson* 3/2/05 (F)	3.75	Leamington Flyers	GOJHL	49	25	36	61	20	-
			Playoffs	5	3	6	9	0	-
Ryan Philbrick* 6/20/04 (D)	3.25	Cushing Academy	NE Prep	32	2	21	23	-	-
Josh Player* 5/13/05 (D)	3.5	Green Bay Gamblers	USHL	25	1	2	3	17	0
		Bishop Kearney 18U	18U AAA	32	8	21	29	0	-
			NEPACK 18U	6	1	2	3	4	-
Luca Primerano 3/17/05 (F)	3.75	Prince George Spruce Kings	BCHL	40	8	18	26	4	-
2024 or '25 Commit
Sebastian Bradshaw 5/26/05 (F)	3.5	Elite Hockey Academy 18U	18U AAA	59	31	31	62	68	-
			AYHL	14	5	4	9	34	-
Conner de Haro 10/17/05 (D)	3.75	Janesville Jets	NAHL	8	1	2	3	0	0
		Youngstown Phantoms	USHL	24	0	4	4	14	+6
Jack Sadowski 7/29/06 (F)	3.75	Kimball Union Academy	NE Prep	33	23	19	42	-	-
		Islanders Hockey Club 18U Prep	EHF	-	-	-	-	-	-
2025 Commits
Nikita Konevych 6/3/06 (D)	NR	Chatham High	NJHS	15	24	10	34	-	-
		New Jersey Rockets 16U	THF 16U	7	1	1	2	22	-
			NEPACK 16U	11	0	5	5	16	-
Price Grimes 1/28/06 (D)	3.75	Sioux Falls Power 16U	16 AAA	36	4	11	15	-	-
			T1EHL	15	1	6	7	29	-
Niko Tournas 2/17/06 (F)	3.75	New Jersey Rockets 16U	THF 16U	10	11	8	19	2	-
			NEPACK 16U	11	7	1	8	0	-
* = 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 "2023 Commits" are projected to begin playing for UNH in the Fall of 2023. 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.

UNH Freshman Stiven Sardarian: Buffalo Draft Pick Raises His Game

Stiven Sardarian
UNH Freshman Forward

UNH freshman Stiven Sardarian's remarkable journey from St. Petersburg, Russia to Durham, New Hampshire was recently chronicled by Matthew Fairburn in The Athletic. Sardarian was a rising star in the Red Army Moskow youth hockey program when he accepted an offer to further his education and pursue his hockey career at the University of New Hampshire. Shortly after his committment to UNH in May, 2021, he signed up to play for the Youngstown Phantoms in the 2021-22 USHL season. A month later, he was drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in the 3rd Round (88th overall) of the 2021 Entry Draft.

Last season, Sardarian took on the challenge (and opportunity) of adapting to life in midwestern America, improving his command of the English language, and adjusting to the North American style of playing hockey. He showed some promise on the ice, scoring 8 goals and 17 assists in 48 games for Youngstown.

Sardarian's transition to NCAA hockey was not ideal. Because of issues with obtaining a visa to re-enter the United States, he was not able to participate in UNH's summer training program or attend the Sabres' player development camp. He didn't receive the visa until August, just in time to register for classes.

Sardarian got off to a slow start this season. Over his first 17 games, he hadn't scored. In The Athletic article in mid-November, head coach Mike Souza provided this assessment:

“I think that’s been the most eye-opening thing for him is the pace and you’re out there against kids who might be 24 or 25 years old. That’s been the biggest adjustment has been the pace and strength. When the game slows down, he’s really effective. What I’m excited about is seeing him get stronger so the pace picks up. He can see plays other guys can’t see. He sees the next play. He always sees the next play. When we can enhance his ability to do that by getting stronger, he’ll get quicker and he’ll make even more plays.”

Sardarian made his first goal-scoring play in his 18th NCAA game - a 3-1 win against 17th-ranked UMass on January 15th. As the first clip in the "Steven Sardarian Jan-Feb 2022" highlight video shows, Sardarian carried the puck wide on a 3-on-2 break, got past the UMass defender, and centered a cross-crease pass to fellow freshman Kristaps Skrastins for the game-winning one-timer.

Last weekend, in a 3-2 overtime defeat of 15th-ranked Merrimack and a 5-4 win over 16th-ranked UMass Lowell, Sardarian really broke through. The second video clip shows Sardarian's first NCAA goal. On a 3-on-3 rush, he gained a stride on a Merrimack defender and one-timed a backhand pass from senior captain Chase Stevenson.

Sardarian's ability to see the next play then use skating agility and deft passing skills to create a scoring attempt were key factors in UNH's road-game win at UMass Lowell last Saturday. In the third video highlight, Sardarian maneuvered around the net-front scrum, dug out the puck and chipped a quick pass to get it out to the point. As freshman defenseman Damien Carfagna snapped a wrister into the goal, Sardarian used his size to screen the Lowell goalie.

With the game tied 3-3 late in the 3rd period, Sardarian created two goal-scoring plays in quick succession to earn the UNH victory. With 7 minutes left in regulation, Sardarian lead a rush into the Lowell zone and skated wide around a defenseman (see video highlights). Just as he began carrying the puck behind the net, he slipped a pass back to Chase Stevenson parked on the doorstep and he converted it into a 4-3 lead.

On the very next play after the faceoff at center ice, UNH dumped the puck behind the Lowell defensemen, Sardarian hustled behind the net, stole the puck from a defender and feathered it to the open Stevenson. He buried it for what turned out to be the game-winning goal.



At the UNH midweek press conference on Wednesday, Coach Souza offered these observations on Stiven Sardarian's progress:

"One of the areas where he needs to improve, and he knows it, is getting stronger. And now, I know it's in-season, but he's had an opportunity to work with Will Morey, our strength coach. He does an extra lift each week with Will, beyond what is required of our guys, because he wants to be a player."

"I think his competitiveness has elevated and I think that's why he's having more success. What I mean by that is his competitiveness at practice, it's carried over to games. You know, he faced some adversity like a lot of guys do early on, where you're out of the lineup, your fighting to get back into the lineup."

"His natural ability to see the next play may be the best on the team. He's sees the next play as well as anyone we have."

Sardarian, and the UNH Wildcats, begin a 2-game, at home series against UConn tonight at the Whittemore Center. UNH's record over the last 6 Hockey East games is 4-2, including 1 overtime win and 1 overtime loss. All 6 games were against Hockey East teams ranked in the top 20 nationally. The Huskies are currently ranked 13th in NCAA Division I hockey and 4th in Hockey East.

UNH Commits Update 2-1-2023: NHL Draft Prospects

Connor MacPherson Ranked #134

Ryan Conmy Ranked #211

Ryan MacPherson Ranked #223

News & Notes

NHL Central Scouting Midterm Rankings

On January 13th the NHL Central Scouting Service (NHL CSS) published their 2023 Draft Prospect Midterm Rankings. 3 players committed to the University of New Hampshire - Connor MacPherson (3/2/05), Ryan Conmy (10/23/04) and Ryan MacPherson (3/2/05) - were added to Central Scouting's pool of 2023 NHL prospects. Connor MacPherson's midterm rank is #134, his twin brother Ryan MacPherson is #223, and Ryan Conmy is #211.

It's noteworthy that these players were not included on Central Scouting's 2023 NHL Draft Preliminary Players To Watch List released on October 22nd. Their outstanding performance since the 2022-23 season began has impressed the NHL scouting staff.

~ Connor MacPherson (DOB: 3/2/05), the 17-year-old, 6'0", 176 lbs., right-shot forward from Tecumseh, Ontario, has scored 20 goals, including 5 power play and 4 game-winning goals, and distributed 28 assists in 33 games with the Leamington Flyers. He's currently tied for 12th in Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League scoring. Here are a couple highlights from his last 2 seasons with Leamington:



Connor MacPherson sits at #134 on the 2022-23 North American Skaters Midterm Rankings. This Central Scouting list is divided into 7 rounds with 32 North American skater prospects per round. Connor MacPherson is near the top of the 5th Round (129-160).

Historically, the majority of prospects on the 5th-round list of North American skaters do not get drafted. For example, only 6 of 32 North American skaters ranked in the 5th Round on the 2021-22 North American Skaters Midterm Rankings were drafted by an NHL team in June, 2022. 1 in the 4th Round (100th overall), 2 in Round 5 (137th, 146th), 2 in Round 6 (177th, 193rd), and 1 in Round 7 (223rd). 26 North American skaters ranked in the 5th Round weren't selected in the 2022 NHL Draft.

One of the better scenarios for Connor MacPherson, and the UNH men's hockey program, would be to approximate former UNH star Angus Crookshank's career path. Coincidently, Crookshank ranked #139 on Central Scouting's 2017-18 Midterm Rankings for North American skaters and was drafted by the Ottawa Senators in the 5th Round (134th overall) of the 2018 NHL Draft. Across three seasons at UNH, Crookshank scored 35 goals, 28 assists in 90 games. He now plays for the Belleville Senators in the AHL. In 61 games, he's scored 18 goals and 21 assists.

~ Ryan Conmy (DOB: 10/23/04), the 18-year-old, 5'10", 188 lbs., right-shot forward from Alexandria, Virginia, has burst on the scene in his first season of junior hockey. He's scored 19 goals, including 6 power play and a game-winning goal, and 12 assists in 35 games with the Sioux City Musketeers. He's currently tied for 5th in United States Hockey League goal-scoring. Here are 3 of the goals Conmy scored in November, 2022:



Ryan Conmy is ranked #211 on the 2022-23 North American Skaters Midterm Rankings. Conmy is near the middle of the 7th Round (193-224) of the rankings.

Typically, only a few North American skaters ranked in the 7th Round of the midterm rankings get drafted. Last season, 4 of 32 North American skaters ranked in the 7th Round on the 2021-22 North American Skaters Midterm Rankings were drafted by an NHL team in June, 2022. 28 North American skaters ranked in the 7th Round were not chosen in the 2022 NHL Draft.

Interestingly, 3 of the 4, Round 7 North American prospects selected in the 2022 Draft have followed the NCAA Division I route. Cade Littler (Ranked #198; Drafted 7th Round, 219th overall) is a freshman at Minnesota State. Luke Devlin (Ranked #202; Drafted 6th Round, 182nd overall) plays for the West Kelowna Warriors (BCHL) and is committed to Cornell. Matthew Morden (Ranked #223; Drafted 5th Round, 131st overall) is a Harvard commit who plays for the Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL). Landon Sim (Ranked #213; Drafted 6th Round, 184th overall) plays for the London Knights in the Ontario Hockey League.

~ Ryan MacPherson (3/2/05), the 17-year-old twin brother of Connor, is a 6'0", 176 lbs., left-shot center from Tecumseh, Ontario. Ryan has scored 19 goals, including 3 power play and 4 game-winning goals, and added 29 assists in 38 Leamington Flyers' games. He's tied with Connor as the 12th leading scorer in the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League. Here are a couple highlights from his last 2 seasons with Leamington:



Occasionally, a North American prospect in Round 7 of Central Scouting's Midterm Rankings gets drafted by an NHL team and becomes a top player in Hockey East. A case in point is Gunnarwolfe Fontaine (9/16/00), a 5'8", 174 lbs., left-shot forward from East Greenwich, Rhode Island. Fontaine was ranked #212 on Central Scouting's 2019-20 North American Skaters Midterm Rankings. He was selected by the Nashville Predators in the 7th Round (202th overall) of the 2020 NHL Draft. Over the last 3 seasons, Fontaine has scored 21 goals, 41 assists in 84 games with Northeastern University.

To be included in the NHL Central Scouting Midterm Rankings is certainly an honor for a 17 or 18-year-old hockey player. Of course there is no way of knowing what the future holds for Ryan MacPherson, his brother Connor, or Ryan Conmy. But inclusion on NHL Central Scouting's Midterm Rankings is the first step in a potentially bright college hockey career.

2022-23 Statistics

Player	NZ Stars**	Team	League	GP	Goals	Asst	Pts	PIM	+/-
2023 Commits
Brendan Fitzgerald* 3/6/03 (D)	4.0	Cedar Rapids RoughRiders	USHL	20	2	15	17	55	+7
Nick Ring* 10/26/03 (F)	3.75	Sioux Falls Stampede	USHL	36	9	22	31	12	-7
Jason Siedem 10/17/02 (F)	3.75	Blackfalds Bulldogs	AJHL	46	16	36	52	18	-
JP Turner* 1/31/03 (F)	3.5	Fargo Force	USHL	35	5	10	15	16	+6
Ronan Walsh 5/3/02 (F)	3.5	Aberdeen Wings	NAHL	37	8	11	19	69	-6
2023 or '24 Commit
Ryan Conmy* 10/23/04 (F)	4.0	Sioux City Musketeers	USHL	35	19	12	31	4	+8
2024 Commits
Connor DeTurris 10/8/04 (F)	3.75	Janesville Jets	NAHL	31	13	13	26	14	+14
		Madison Capitols	USHL	1	0	0	0	0	-1
Connor MacPherson* 3/2/05 (F)	3.75	Leamington Flyers	GOJHL	33	20	28	48	27	-
Ryan MacPherson* 3/2/05 (F)	3.75	Leamington Flyers	GOJHL	38	19	29	48	16	-
Ryan Philbrick* 6/20/04 (D)	3.25	Cushing Academy	NE Prep	19	1	15	16	-	-
Josh Player* 5/13/05 (D)	3.5	Green Bay Gamblers	USHL	12	1	2	3	2	0
		Bishop Kearney 18U	18U AAA	32	8	21	29	0	-
			NEPACK 18U	6	1	2	3	4	-
Luca Primerano 3/17/05 (F)	3.75	Prince George Spruce Kings	BCHL	33	6	18	24	4	-
2024 or '25 Commit
Conner de Haro 10/17/05 (D)	3.75	Janesville Jets	NAHL	0	0	0	0	0	0
		Youngstown Phantoms	USHL	24	0	4	4	14	+6
Jack Sadowski 7/29/06 (F)	3.75	Kimball Union Academy	NE Prep	20	14	11	25	-	-
		Islanders Hockey Club 18U Prep	EHF	-	-	-	-	-	-
2025 Commits
Price Grimes 1/28/06 (D)	3.75	Sioux Falls Power 16U	16 AAA	27	3	9	12	-	-
			T1EHL	15	1	6	7	29	-
Niko Tournas 2/17/06 (F)	3.75	New Jersey Rockets 16U	THF 16U	10	11	8	19	2	-
			NEPACK 16U	11	7	1	8	0	-
* = 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 "2023 Commits" are projected to begin playing for UNH in the Fall of 2023. 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.

UNH Commits Update 1-6-2023: Spotlight on Brendan Fitzgerald & Nick Ring

Brendan Fitzgerald 2023 UNH Commit

Nick Ring 2023 UNH Commit

News & Notes

~ Brendan Fitzgerald (DOB: 3/6/03), the 6'0", 167 lbs., left-shot defenseman from North Reading, Massachusetts, was named the United States Hockey League Defenseman of the Week on December 19th. In 2 Cedar Rapids RoughRider games on December 16th and 17th, Fitzgerald posted 6 assists, 4 shots on goal, and a +2 rating.

Fitzgerald's offensive skills are on full display in these video highlights from those games. The first sequence is on the RoughRiders' power play. Fitzgerald (#19) skates like a forward, protecting the puck with his body, going strong to the net, and sliding a wrister under the defenseman's leg on goal. The resulting rebound is converted for a goal. On the second scoring play, he dekes the defender and snaps a powerful wrister from the blue line. The puck is redirected for a goal. In the final sequence, Fitzgerald shows outstanding vision and zips a cross ice pass to his forward for a one-timer.

Overall, Fitzgerald is one of the leading scorers among all USHL defensemen. His 2 goals and 15 assists in 20 games puts him in a tie for 7th. He's tied for 5th in assists by a USHL defenseman and tied for 6th in power play assists (6).

~ Nick Ring (DOB: 10/26/03), the 5'11", 179 lbs., right-shot forward from Hingham, Massachusetts, made the jump to the highly competitive United States Hockey League this season. After successful seasons in the National Collegiate Development Conference (Boston Advantage), then the North American Hockey League (New Jersey Titans), Ring has excelled with the Sioux Falls Stampede. Ring leads the USHL in power play assists (12). He leads the Stampede in assists (17) and power play points (3 PPG, 12 PPA).

Ring is also a consistent scorer. He has scored at least 1 point in 75% of his 27 games this season. A scout from Neutral Zone evaluated Ring during a December 17th game between Sioux Falls and the Fargo Force:

"Finds the areas of the ice in the offensive zone where he can get pucks on net. Filters into the slot area untouched and when receiving passes gets the puck to the net quickly with a flick of the wrist (and power behind it). Scored the first 2 goals of the game for the Stampede in very similar fashion. Both may have looked like garbage whack in goals but realistically both displayed a high skill set. For example he filtered into the net front area untouched got to a loose puck and made a little extra move to deceive the goaltender and score [both goals were the same essentially]."

It was Ring's first multi-goal of the season. Here are the video highlights:

2022-23 Statistics

Player	NZ Stars**	Team	League	GP	Goals	Asst	Pts	PIM	+/-
2023 Commits
Jed Baliotti 2/7/02 (G)	3.5	New Hampshire Jr Monarchs	NCDC	10	4	6	0	2.36	.921
		Springfield Jr Blues	NAHL	1	1	0	0	2.00	.909
Brendan Fitzgerald* 3/6/03 (D)	4.0	Cedar Rapids RoughRiders	USHL	20	2	15	17	55	+7
Nick Ring* 10/26/03 (F)	3.75	Sioux Falls Stampede	USHL	27	8	17	25	10	-3
Jason Siedem 10/17/02 (F)	3.75	Blackfalds Bulldogs	AJHL	37	15	31	46	16	-
JP Turner* 1/31/03 (F)	3.5	Fargo Force	USHL	27	4	9	13	10	+6
Ronan Walsh 5/3/02 (F)	3.5	Aberdeen Wings	NAHL	28	6	8	14	55	-3
2023 or '24 Commit
Ryan Conmy* 10/23/04 (F)	4.0	Sioux City Musketeers	USHL	26	14	9	23	4	+3
2024 Commits
Connor DeTurris 10/8/04 (F)	3.75	Janesville Jets	NAHL	23	9	8	17	12	+10
		Madison Capitols	USHL	1	0	0	0	0	-1
Connor MacPherson* 3/2/05 (F)	3.75	Leamington Flyers	GOJHL	27	16	24	40	23	-
Ryan MacPherson* 3/2/05 (F)	3.75	Leamington Flyers	GOJHL	32	17	20	37	10	-
Ryan Philbrick* 6/20/04 (D)	3.25	Cushing Academy	NE Prep	11	1	10	11	-	-
Josh Player* 5/13/05 (D)	3.5	Green Bay Gamblers	USHL	4	1	0	1	0	-1
		Bishop Kearney 18U	18U AAA	32	8	21	29	0	-
			NEPACK 18U	6	1	2	3	4	-
Luca Primerano 3/17/05 (F)	3.75	Prince George Spruce Kings	BCHL	30	6	16	22	4	-
2024 or '25 Commit
Conner de Haro 10/17/05 (D)	3.75	Youngstown Phantoms	USHL	21	0	4	4	12	+8
Jack Sadowski 7/29/06 (F)	3.75	Kimball Union Academy	NE Prep	9	5	4	9	-	-
		Islanders Hockey Club 18U Prep	EHF	-	-	-	-	-	-
2025 Commits
Price Grimes 1/28/06 (D)	3.75	Sioux Falls Power 16U	16 AAA	25	3	8	11	-	-
			T1EHL	4	1	4	5	25	-
Niko Tournas 2/17/06 (F)	3.75	New Jersey Rockets 16U	THF 16U	10	11	8	19	2	-
			NEPACK 16U	8	5	0	5	0	-
* = 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 "2023 Commits" are projected to begin playing for UNH in the Fall of 2023. 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.

UNH Commit Jason Siedem: A Forward With A Heavy Shot

Jason Siedem 2023 UNH Commit

"Jason is a good size forward with a heavy shot." Neutral Zone, September, 2022

Jason Siedem Forward, 6'0", 185 lbs. Shoots Right Hometown: Madison, New Jersey DOB: October 17, 2002; 20 years, 2 months Neutral Zone Rating: 3.75 out of 5 Stars Current Teams: Blackfalds Bulldogs (Alberta Junior Hockey League) Committed to UNH on October 17, 2022 at Age 20 years.

2022 Highlight Reel

In our interview, Jason Siedem said "I believe I can fit in and help create goals" with UNH next season. This highlight reel shows 4 of Siedem's goals from the first half of the 2022-23 season with the Blackfalds Bulldogs (AJHL).

Interview

I had an opportunity to interview Jason Siedem, 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? What are the main reasons you chose UNH?

Jason Siedem: UNH is a great school, beautiful campus and has a great hockey tradition. The team plays in one of the best conferences in the country and it is a great place to develop my hockey.

Mike Lowry: In January, 2017, when you were a 14-year-old 8th grader, you and your older brother Ryan verbally committed to Boston College. In late 2018, your commitment to BC ended. What factors entered into that decision?

Jason Siedem: My brother Ryan chose to leave the NTDP after his first year there. He had the opportunity to join another USHL team and play a much bigger role. We felt that this was the best path for his development. BC didn't agree with that decision, so we decided it was best for all of us to part ways.

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

Siedem: I was being recruited by a number of D-1 schools, including two from out west and two others in the east. I felt that UNH was the best fit for me when you consider the quality of the school, and the level of the hockey program. I also felt good about my connection with the coaching staff.

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

Siedem: I have been a consistent offensive producer at every level of hockey that I have played and I believe that I will be in college as well. I think I can be valuable to UNH next season offensively. However, I’ve also become a much better defensive player during juniors. In the last two seasons I’ve become much more skilled on the defensive side of the puck and I plan to deliver strong defensive play to UNH as well. I think I can be a strong contributor as a two-way player.

Lowry: In your successful freshman season with the Avon Old Farms Winged Beavers in 2017-18, you scored 10 goals and 12 assists in 22 games and tied for second in team scoring. Over the subsequent 3 seasons, you played only 10 games with AOF. What factors limited your play with the Winged Beavers?

Siedem: I faced some health issues at Avon, that reduced my playing time after my freshman season. I faced two injuries to my back and another to my ankle in my senior year. It was tough to go through that, but looking back now, it is a source of strength to me. I found out how much hockey means to me, and also I have a history of overcoming challenges which gives me a sense of resilience in future battles.

Lowry: Early last season, you went to the other side of North America to play for the Blackfalds Bulldogs in the Alberta Junior Hockey League. You were the Bulldogs' second leading scorer with 17 goals and 27 assists in 49 games. So far this season, you're 3rd in team scoring with 12 goals and 27 assists in 34 games. If you reflect back over the last 6 years, how would you compare the player you are at 20 years old with the way you were at 14? Do you have any regrets over committing to a college hockey program at such a young age?

Siedem: In many ways my game is very similar to when I was a Bantam and I committed to Boston College. As long as I can remember, I have been skilled with the puck. I see the play develop very clearly and I have always made good decisions with the puck. I love creating opportunity for my line mates, and really enjoy moving pucks to them in open space where they are in a good position to make a play. Also, I have a quick release and I can can score goals. I am bigger now then I was as a bantam. I am more successful at winning puck battles now then I was then and better at causing turnovers. I am also much better defensively now than I was as a bantam and in high school.

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

Siedem: I have watched the UNH team, and the team has many talented players. I believe I can fit in and help create goals. I am excited to get there and help the team win.

Neutral Zone Scouting Reports

AJHL Game Report, September, 2022

"Jason is a good size forward with a heavy shot. He played the R flank on the PP where he moved the puck well with the PP QB, down to the R post, or with cross-ice seem passes. He had several hard wrist shots on goal from the R flank position on the PP. He assisted on their lone goal early on when he backed off the Dman down the R side and laid a drop pass at the top of the R circle for his teammate to skate into."

Avon Old Farms Christmas Classis, January, 2020

"Jason looked good here. His game is understated but the more we watched, the more we liked. He played slippery along the wall as he rode contact, got off checks and protected the puck. He played a poised game with possession and is not a risk to turn pucks over. His vision is very good and he has the hands to get pucks on his teammates tape. Threw some sauce and has quick hands to create laned when necessary. He used his point men in the offensive zone and excelled below the dots. Jason had a lot of chances and should be able to chip in as the season goes on. He is a player that has been through some trials but we liked his game a lot as he plays the right way. High upside."

World Selects Invite, June, 2017

"The late ’02 is the younger brother of NTDP U17 defenseman Ryan Siedem. Jason is a highly skilled prospect in his own right. He buzzed around the ice here, dangled opposing defenders in open ice and out of the corners and showed a high compete level. He’s an elusive skater with excellent puck control and stickhandling ability. He sat back and let the play develop in front of him and other times he took charge and pressed the pace."

"He has a powerful shot and shoots to score, has nice touch on his passes and showed a multi-dimensional skill set where he can be used in nearly any situation. He also showed separational speed through the neutral zone and was able to pull away from opponents and go in all alone on goaltenders. Our only critique was his thin build and lack of physical play which should develop over time. He scored 5 goals and chipped in 2 assists over 6 games."

Youth, Prep/High School, & Junior Hockey Statistics

Player	Season	Team	League	GP	Goals	Asst	Pts	PIM
Jason Siedem (F)	2022-23	Blackfalds Bulldogs	AJHL	34	12	27	39	14
	2021-22	Blackfalds Bulldogs	AJHL	45	16	27	43	20
			Playoffs	4	1	0	1	2
		Cowichan Valley Capitals	BCHL	3	0	2	2	2
	2020-21	Avon Old Farms School	New England Prep	1	0	0	0	-
	2019-20	Avon Old Farms School	New England Prep	9	1	4	5	-
	2018-19	Madison High School	USHS-NJ	-	16	18	34	-
		New Jersey Rockets 16U	USPHL 16U	16	13	21	34	2
			Playoffs	3	1	2	3	0
		Avon Old Farms School	New England Prep	1	0	0	0	-
		NV River Rats 16U	16U AAA	15	4	11	15	-
		Team Columbia	USA Select 16	5	0	0	0	4
	2017-18	Avon Old Farms School	New England Prep	25	10	12	22	-
		North Jersey Avalanche 16U	T1EHL	9	4	3	7	4
			AYHL 16	2	2	0	2	2
		Team Forest	USA Select 15	3	1	2	3	-
	2016-17	NJ Devils Youth 14U	AYHL 14U	17	18	21	39	10
			Playoffs	4	0	0	0	0
	2015-16	NJ Devils Youth 13U	AYHL 13U	28	37	31	68	28

UNH Commit Luca Primerano: A Shooting Forward

Luca Primerano
2024 UNH Commit

"Shot mentality! Likes to the throw pucks at the net regardless of where he is on the ice." Neutral Zone, December, 2022

Luca Primerano Forward, 6'2", 181 lbs. Shoots Left Hometown: North Vancouver, British Columbia DOB: March 17, 2005; 17 years, 9 months Neutral Zone Rating: 3.75 out of 5 Stars Current Teams: Prince George Spruce Kings (British Columbia Hockey League) Committed to UNH on November 29, 2022 at Age 17 years, 8 months.

2022 Highlight Reel

A recent Neutral Zone scouting report said Primerano "goes to the net hard and can make plays despite being pressured". This highlight reel shows 4 of Primerano's goals from his rookie season with the Prince George Spruce Kings (BCHL), including 2 in the net front area.

Interview

I had an opportunity to interview Luca Primerano, 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?

Luca Primerano: I first became interested in UNH when I met Glenn Stewart (UNH Associate Coach) in my U18 year at Burnaby Winter Club. I was excited to learn about UNH, the school and the hockey program.

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

Luca Primerano: The main reasons I chose UNH were that the coaches showed a genuine interest in me and wanted me to be a part of the team. I jumped at the chance to visit the school and the school, the location and the facilities were first class. The ability to play in Hockey East is a dream come true.

Lowry: Former UNH star Angus Crookshank played several years of youth hockey for the Burnaby Winter Club (BWC) in British Columbia. So did you. For example, you both lead a BWC U18 Prep team in scoring. Angus scored 42 goals and 19 assists for the 2015-16 team and you scored 23 goals and 35 assists for the 2021-22 squad. Was your common backgrounds a factor in your decision to commit to UNH?

Primerano: Angus played at BWC before I was there but I knew of him and obviously he is a great player. His career at UNH is something for me to aspire to.

Mike 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?

Primerano: I spoke with several schools and had a few full offers. The process has been a humbling experience for me and I am grateful to all the schools and scouts that showed interest.

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?

Primerano: Our target is for me to attend UNH in September 2024.

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

Primerano: My main strengths are my on ice vision, hockey IQ, size and skill. I am continually working on my skating as I grow and get stronger, and know that I have to continue to get stronger.

Lowry: So far this season you've scored 6 goals and 14 assists in 28 games with the Prince George Spruce Kings. You're tied for 8th in scoring among all BCHL rookies. Prince George is about 460 miles from your home town of North Vancouver. What's it been like adjusting to your first year of junior hockey, both on and off the ice?

Primerano: My management and coaches in Prince George, and especially my teammates and billet family have made the transition to junior hockey so much easier for me. On the ice, going up against bigger, stronger and older kids is something I am getting used to.

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?

Primerano: I am finishing high school early, in early January. I pride myself on working hard at school, and during Covid was able to get ahead. I am really interested in majoring in business.

Neutral Zone Scouting Reports

BCHL Game Report, November, 2022

"Tall lanky forward who has a long skating stride. Plays with some edge as he isn’t afraid to get into it with his opponents. Throws pucks on net from all angles which can cause second chance opportunities. At times its useful but it can also kill a play. Goes to the net hard and can make plays despite being pressured. Scored a greasy goal (by going to the net hard) at an important time giving the Kings some life and getting them back into the game."

Western Canadian Crown, April, 2020

"Primerano is captain and plays like one; he’s an honest, 200 ft forward who supports the puck, is always on the right side of the play and does all the little things to help his team. A mature, detailed approach to his game, he knows where to go with the puck, he makes smart passes and skates to open ice. He has decent size and shields the puck well in tight areas and is able to lure opponents towards him and slide the puck to his teammates in scoring areas. He only had 2 goals over 6 games but his skill was in creating the play finishing with 8 assists. Luca knows where his teammates are on the ice and not just in the offensive zone, he led breakouts, he worked the puck in the neutral zone and created odd man rushes for his linemates."

"Smart and great vision and poise for his age. A real leader in that he’ll take a hit to make a play, he’ll block a shot and take a defender to the far post without the puck to create a 2v1 for his teammates. He is the type of prospect the more you watch him the more you appreciate the subtleties of his game."

Youth & Junior Hockey Statistics

Player	Season	Team	League	GP	Goals	Asst	Pts	PIM
Luca Primerano (F)	2022-23	Prince George Spruce Kings	BCHL	28	6	14	20	4
	2021-22	Prince George Spruce Kings	BCHL	0	0	0	0	0
			Playoffs	2	0	0	0	0
		Burnaby Winter Club Prep	CSSHL U18	35	23	35	58	18
			Playoffs	5	4	5	9	2
	2020-21	Burnaby Winter Club	CSSHL U16	5	12	1	13	4
	2019-20	Burnaby Winter Club Prep	CSSHL U15	30	11	25	36	30
			Playoffs	2	1	0	1	0
		Burnaby Winter Club Elite 15s	CSSHL U16	2	0	0	0	0
	2018-19	Burnaby Winter Club U15 Varsity	CSSHLV U15	30	19	26	45	10
			Playoffs	4	6	3	9	2