UNH Commit Colton Huard: A Big, Solid Defenseman

Colton Huard
2021 UNH Commit

"Huard is a really solid, big defenseman..high end on both sides of the puck..uses his big frame and reach well to take up space and deter opponents..strong in puck battles..plays with his head up and makes good, hard decisions with the puck." Neutral Zone

Colton Huard (HUE-ard) Defense, 6'4", 196 lbs. Shoots Right Birthplace: Welland, Ontario Hometown: Foothill Ranch, California DOB: November 27, 2000 Turned 20 in November Neutral Zone Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars Current Team: Chicago Steel (USHL)                        ~ Defense Commits to UNH: February, 2021 at Age 20 years, 3 months.

February 2021 Highlight Reel

Colton Huard is in his second full season in the United States Hockey League. He wears #5 for the Chicago Steel. Huard has been the starting right defenseman in several Steel games. On the offensive side of the ledger, Huard has posted 3 goals, 12 assists in 33 games. That's impressive considering he gets limited power play time and none of the points were scored on the Chicago power play. The first clip in the highlight reel shows Huard's game-winning goal against Des Moines on Feb 11th. He carries the puck to the faceoff circle and snaps a wrister to the top corner. The next two clips are primary assists from a February 6th win against Green Bay. The first shows Huard's slap shot from just inside the blueline and the second clip shows a nice stretch pass to begin a scoring sequence.

One indicator of Huard's defensive strengths is his +/- rating of +19. That's the third best rating among all USHL defensemen. The final two clips demonstrate some of the skills described in the Neutral Zone scouting report from the February 6th game. In the first clip, Huard effectively backchecks resulting in a steal. The final clip on the highlight reel shows Huard using his size, strength, positioning and stickhandling to keep opponents away from the front of the net.

Interview

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

Mike Lowry: Congratulations on your commitment to play for the University of New Hampshire. What are the main reasons you chose UNH? Freshman UNH defenseman Luke Reid was your teammate last season with the Chicago Steel. Was that one of the reasons you were interested in UNH?

Colton Huard: Thank you. I am very excited to become a Wildcat. I called Luke before I made my decision and he talked about the team and the program in a positive way which I liked. For me UNH just seemed like a great spot and a good fit on and off the ice.

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?

Colton Huard: With COVID-19 it was hard going through the recruiting process this year because I couldn’t go on any visits but I did have a few zoom calls. For me it was only between Clarkson and UNH and I just felt that UNH was the right fit.

Lowry: Since 2020-21 is your last season of eligibility to play junior hockey, I assume you plan to enroll as a freshman at UNH next fall. Is that correct? Do you anticipate signing a National Letter of Intent with UNH?

Huard: Yes, I will be going into UNH next year and look forward to signing my NLI.

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

Huard: I would say my strength is that I’m able to contribute on both ends of the rink. I think I’m very good at breaking the puck out whether that be in the defensive zone or neutral zone. One area I’m looking to improve is my skating, specifically backwards to forwards transitions.

Lowry: Your Dad, Bill Huard, played 223 NHL games including stints with the Boston Bruins, Ottawa Senators, Quebec Nordiques, Dallas Stars, Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings. He was a big, physical left winger. What's some of the best advice he's given you about playing hockey?

Huard: My Dad always gives me advise pretty much everyday, he’s been a huge part of my career so far. I would say the best advice he’s given me is to never give up and believe in yourself.

Lowry: When you were 15 years old, you left your home in California to play hockey with the Pursuit of Excellence Hockey Academy in Kelowna, British Columbia. Since then, you've played for the Aberdeen Wings (South Dakota), Fargo Force (North Dakota), and Chicago Steel (Illinois). What pluses and minuses were associated with moving around so much?

Huard: I’ve learned so much from each team I’ve been on and made so many friendships that will last forever. POE was a great spot for me at the time because it was all about development similar to Chicago where I am now. Aberdeen was amazing and really helped me defensively and getting stronger playing older guys in the NAHL. Chicago’s organization is like no other, the way they treat us and help us improve our game is incredible.

Lowry: During the 2018-19 season, you tallied 3 goals and 18 assists in 66 games with the Aberdeen Wings. You also posted an impressive +/- rating of +39. Aberdeen had the best regular season record in the North American Hockey League (47-10-3) and went on to win the Robertson Cup in the NAHL Playoffs. Based on that experience, what do you think it takes to be a championship team?

Huard: That year was the most fun I’ve ever had playing hockey so far. I just think the way we went about our business and the brotherhood we had there truly separated us from every team.

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

Huard: I’m still not 100% sure yet but I think Business.

Neutral Zone Scouting Report

February 6, 2021

"Huard is a big-bodied defenseman who was great in his own zone and added two assists in the game. He uses his stick efficiently and closes space fast with his reach. He was physical in front of his own net and below the goal line in his defensive zone. Huard did a great job of boxing out, letting his goaltender see shots easily, and picking up sticks to prevent second-chance opportunities. In the offensive zone, he is calm and simple on the blueline. He makes the smart play and makes it hard consistently. Overall, Huard played a reliable and steady game for the Steel."

Youth & Junior Hockey Statistics

Player	Season	Team	League	GP	Goals	Asst	Pts	PIM	+/-
Colton Huard (D)	2020-21	Chicago Steel	USHL	33	3	12	15	12	+19
	2019-20	Chicago Steel	USHL	18	1	7	8	2	+5
		Fargo Force	USHL	22	1	5	6	12	+6
	2018-19	Aberdeen Wings	NAHL	54	2	14	16	16	+32
			Playoffs	12	1	4	5	4	+7
	2017-18	Aberdeen Wings	NAHL	14	0	0	0	4	+3
		Pursuit of Excellence 18U	NAPHL	15	1	4	5	8	-
		Pursuit of Excellence Prep	CSSHL	20	2	5	7	16	-
	2016-17	Pursuit of Excellence 18U	NAPHL	22	1	6	7	31	-
			Playoffs	4	0	1	1	2	-
		Pursuit of Excellence Prep	CSSHL	29	1	9	10	26	-
			Playoffs	3	0	2	2	2	-
	2015-16	LA Jr Kings 15U	T1EHL	15	1	0	1	0	-
			Playoffs	5	0	2	2	0	-