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Articles by Jack LeGwin
How Are Top Prospects and Players Training During the Pandemic?
In the past couple of months, I have chatted with some of the top prospects and players in the game and asked them how they are handling staying safe, but also staying in the best shape they can during this time. Here is what they had to say. Conor Garland Garland, a native of Scituate, Mass, tallied 39 points in 68 games for the Arizona Coyotes this season. He spent much of the hiatus in Phoenix finishing rehab on his injured knee, as well as starting to train during the lay-off.
Ryan Hardy's Journey to the Chicago Steel
“It’s relatively easy to sustain being competitive. It’s very difficult to sustain a program to compete for the championship every year.”- Ryan Hardy Ryan Hardy is creating a winning atmosphere with the Chicago Steel. At the age of 34, he has put together a team with a 78-28-5 record in his two years as general manager.
Top Prospect Rutger McGroarty Discusses Future With USA NTDP
Rutger McGroarty is heading to the USA Hockey National Team Development Program (NTDP) next year as one of the most hyped hockey prospects in the world in the 2022 draft class. The Lincoln, Nebraska-native tallied 160 points this past season in 63 games for the Oakland Grizzlies in the HPHL, turning heads around the scouting world.
Jacob Perreault's Bloodlines Helping Him Prep for the 2020 NHL Draft
Some might say that Jacob Perreault has a lot to live up to, but if you ask him, he doesn’t think about it. Perreault’s whole family plays the game. His father, Yanic, played in the NHL for 14 years, Liliane, his sister, currently plays at Mercyhurst University, and his brothers, Jeremy and Gabriel, play for the Chicago Cougars and Mission.
Top Euro Draft Prospect Tim Stützle Talks About His Rise to the Top
Not many players in the 2020 draft class have had the rise to the top that Tim Stützle has had. Currently mocked in the top five by practically every outlet there is that covers the sport, Stützle has combined playing in the DEL and good showings on the international stage into becoming one of the premier players in his age group in the world. A Mentoring Hand A native of Viersen, Germany, a lot of things have fallen in place for Stützle at the right time.
The Evolution of the Carolina Hurricanes
The Carolina Hurricanes have completely re-vamped. From officially hiring Rod Brind’Amour as the team’s head coach in 2018, to strong drafting in the past eight years, the team has gone from an afterthought in the Eastern Conference, to one of the most exciting teams in the NHL. Let’s look back at some of the events that made the Hurricanes a contender for years to come. 2012 NHL Draft The ‘Canes drafted the heart and soul of their team in 2012, Brock McGinn and Jaccob Slavin.
North Bay Battalion Ty Nelson Reflects on the OHL Draft
Ty Nelson has joined some elite company. The Toronto native was selected first overall in the 2020 OHL Draft by the North Bay Battalion, joining the likes of Connor McDavid, Steven Stamkos, John Tavares, Travis Konecny, Quinton Byfield and most recently Shane Wright. Drafted Number One Nelson said in an interview with the BTS Hockey Podcast on Monday that he considers it an honor: “It’s been an amazing couple of months. It’s definitely something that I dreamed of as a little boy playing hockey.
Improving & Getting Closer to Nashville
Egor Afanasyev has continued his upward trajectory this season. Scoring 67 points in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) in 62 games for the Windsor Spitfires, some believe that he has made himself the top prospect in the Nashville Predators pipeline. Heading to North America A native of Tver, Russia, Afanasyev started out his career in America early.
Philadelphia Flyers' Prospect Jay O'Brien Discusses His Journey
There is always a level of expectation that comes with being a first-round pick, and Jay O’Brien is no exception. Selected No. 19 overall in the 2018 draft by the Philadelphia Flyers, O’Brien went to Providence for a year, before multiple injuries derailed his season. He played in only 25 games in which he tallied five points.
Options After BU
David Farrance exploded onto the scene this season at Boston University in a big way. The third-round pick for the Nashville Predators in 2017 tallied 43 points in 34 games for the Terriers, leading the team in points, despite the season being cut short. Returning to Boston University Farrance recently announced that he will return to the Terriers for his senior season for the team. He has since been named an alternate captain for the Terriers in 2020-21.
Rangers Prospect Nils Lundkvist: One Step at a Time
Nils Lundkvist is taking things one step at a time. Selected No. 28 overall by the New York Rangers in 2018, the Swedish blueliner has made his mark in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) for Lulea, scoring 31 points in 45 games. Debut in North America? Many have wondered when he could be seen in North America for the first time. Whether it be with the Rangers or the AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack, Lundkvist says, given the current climate, he really doesn’t know when that could be.
Team USA NTDP: Helping to Mold the Next Generation of Stars
The USA Hockey National Team Development Program (NTDP) in Plymouth, Michigan is nationally renowned for cranking out high draft pick after high draft pick, and for good reason. There have been five players from the program picked No. 1 overall in the NHL draft — Jack Hughes, Patrick Kane, Auston Matthews, Rick Dipietro and Erik Johnson. Every player that goes to the program has nothing but fantastic things to say about how it helped mold them both on and off the ice.
Scott Perunovich's Journey to the Hobey Baker Award
The last couple of years have been a whirlwind for Scott Perunovich, yet the accolades have just continued to roll in. “Growing up from Pee-Wee to Bantams, people told me that I was too small, what I was doing wasn’t going to work at the next level,” Perunovich said in an interview with BTS Hockey back in 2018. “Then from bantams to high school, people said the same thing. Then to juniors same thing, then people in Cedar Rapids told me it wasn’t going to work at the college level.
Arizona Coyotes' Conor Garland and His Long Road to the NHL
I’m a small guy who was drafted in the fifth round. You don’t know how many chances you’re going to get. I was fortunate enough to get one. Conor Garland Conor Garland has seen it all and is making his mark. If you take a look back, it’s been a long and difficult journey. He was turned down by multiple high schools when he tried to play prep hockey in New England. He moved on to the Boston Jr. Bruins and from there went to the QMJHL to play for Moncton, where he tore up the league.
NHL Prospect Dawson Mercer: Family, Hockey and the Draft
This season has been a whirlwind for Dawson Mercer. He started in Drummondville and represented his country at the World Junior Championships. He was traded to a championship contender, and then with the stoppage of play in the CHL due to the coronavirus pandemic, everything came to a halt.
Kris Versteeg: A Well-Travelled and Successful NHL Career
Kris Versteeg has officially retired from professional hockey at the age of 33, he announced in a statement on Tuesday. Here’s a look at his long journey through hockey, and how he became one of the NHL’s most beloved journeymen. What a run it was. A kid from North Lethbridge who played on the streets every day, dreaming of playing in the NHL. I took a lot for granted in my time in the NHL.
Carolina Hurricanes' Martin Necas Emerging as a More Complete Player
Odds are when you’re thinking about the Carolina Hurricanes, the first names that come to mind would be Sebastian Aho, Andrei Svechnikov and Dougie Hamilton, or even Jordan Staal and Teuvo Teravainen. However, Martin Necas is making his case to be in that conversation down the road.
Blackhawks Sign Prospect Ian Mitchell to ELC
Fans of the Chicago Blackhawks got some good news on Saturday when Ian Mitchell signed an entry-level contract with the team. Who is Ian Mitchell? A second-round pick (57th overall) out of St. Albert, AB, Mitchell has been a key cog at the University of Denver for the past three years. He has scored 89 points in 116 games for the Pioneers, earning captaincy in his junior season.
NHL Hopefuls- What Does Hockey Mean To Them?
Growing up, if I hadn’t had sports, I don’t know where I’d be. God only knows what street corners I’d have been standing on and God only knows what I’d have been doing, but instead I played hockey and went to school and stayed out of trouble – Bobby Orr The importance of hockey to a player’s life can’t be understated. It connects you with people, it gives you a place to go when the world doesn’t seem to go your way.
Luleå's Noel Gunler is Learning from Adversity
Noel Gunler is learning from adversity. Ranked as a consensus top-15 pick in the 2020 draft by almost every outlet that produces rankings, the Swedish forward has been praised with showing high-end skill, a lethal shot and playmaking ability. Related: THW’s 2020 Draft Guide However, being passed over by the Swedish national team this year for the World Juniors has created some polarizing questions about Gunler’s status for this year’s draft.
Revisiting the Carolina Hurricanes' 2010 Draft
Coming off a middling 2009-10 season in Raleigh in which the Carolina Hurricanes finished 35-37-10, third in the Southeast Division, the team turned to the NHL Draft with optimism. In many ways, their optimism paid off. Let’s take a look at how the 2010 Draft went for them.
Playing for More Than His Country
“I’d be shocked if Jake Sanderson isn’t selected top 10 in the draft,” NTDP U-18 coach Seth Appert told NHL.com. “He plays the game so efficiently, defends so hard and can jump into the play and add offense … he’s the prototypical modern-age defenseman.
Canadiens Prospect Jordan Harris is Making a Statement
It has been a big last four months for Jordan Harris. From representing the USA at the World Junior Championships (WJC) in the Czech Republic, to scoring the game-winning goal in the Beanpot in Double OT to give the Northeastern Huskies their third Beanpot championship in a row, he’s had quite the junior year. Harris said the Beanpot goal is something that will stand out to him for a while.
Los Angeles Kings Kings Sign Tyler Madden to Entry-Level Contract
Northeastern University forward Tyler Madden has signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Los Angeles Kings, forgoing his last two years of NCAA eligibility. Very excited to sign my entry level contract with the @lakings organization. The last 2 years have been very special for me as a… https://t.co/cvSP3FkNb8 — Tyler Madden (@tp_madden10) March 30, 2020 Madden tallied 37 points in 27 games for the Huskies before picking up a thumb injury, which sidelined him.
Chicago Steel's Sam Colangelo Takes the Next Step
Rattling off two separate 13-game winning streaks, the Chicago Steel ran through opponents in 2019-20, going 41-7-1 and outscoring their opponents 242-136. Sam Colangelo had a fantastic year himself and says that perhaps the biggest accomplishment he felt the team had was when they were without five of their top players.
Akil Thomas: Enjoying the Journey
Photo: OHL By JACK LeGWIN Akil Thomas had a traveling childhood, having seen every part of the Eastern United States and Canada through the game of hockey. “My dad played hockey in Mississippi, he played in Michigan, Oklahoma, Kissimmee and Jacksonville,” Thomas said. “That’s how I ended up in Florida, but when I was 10 or 11 we moved to Toronto.” Thomas’ father Kahlil significantly impacted Akil’s life both on and off the ice.
Wendell Carter Jr. Says he and Gary Trent Jr. are 'Definitely' Going to School Together
SUWANEE, Ga. -- Talk of package deals is common in recruiting, but two Class of 2017 stars seem serious about it. With much talk centered around a package deal involving Wendell Carter Jr. and his close friend Gary Trent Jr., Carter Jr. confirmed to SNY.tv that they will be attending college together.
Antonio Blakeney Decommits from Louisville | Zagsblog
has pulled his verbal commitment to Louisville and reopened his recruitment. “I am still really considering louisville heavily I like everything about [their] program , coaches and fans!!” Tweeted Blakeney, who committed earlier this month on his visit . “I made a quick and emotional decision based on some of the wrong reasons,” Blakeney told Reggie Rankin from ESPN .
Malik Newman Calls Kentucky Trip 'Crazy,' Can Envision Playing With Other Recruits | Zagsblog
The Big Blue Madness experience at Kentucky is like nothing else, and it impressed one of the best in the nation,. “It was great,” the 6-foot-4 Newman told SNY.tv Sunday evening. “I had a really great time up there.” Ranked No. 3 in the nation in the Class of 2015 by 247 Sports, Newman said that the fans made the visit special. “It was really great because I didn’t realize how much Kentucky loved basketball,” Newman said.
Brian Bowen Closing in on College Decision in 2017 | Zagsblog
the 6-foot-7 small forward from La Lumiere (IN), expects to make his college decision relatively soon after the New Year. “That decision process is going very well right now,” Bowen said. “I’m down to my five schools, I’ve taken all of my official visits probably in a couple weeks, or going into January, I’ll make my decision, so we will see where it goes from here.”Bowen took a bit of time to break down each school in his top five, starting with Arizona.
Jordan Tucker Discusses Final Two Schools, Decision Timeline | Zagsblog
Coming off an 18-point performance Wednesday night in Marietta (GA) Wheeler’s win over the Cannon School (N.C.) at the Chick-Fil-A Classic,discussed his final two schools — Indiana and Villanova — and his decision timeline. The 6-foot-7 Tucker said the visit to see Indiana play North Carolina on Nov. 30 was a positive experience because he got to see the time leading up to the game “It was good,” Tucker said. “The atmosphere was crazy there. I went there for the UNC game, and was there for two days.
Florida Preseason All-State Teams: 1st - 3rd Teams - Prep Hoops
The high school basketball season is here! Today is the day everyone has been waiting for as the season gets underway this afternoon and evening.
Best of Best: Versatile Wings Class of 2017 - Prep Hoops
With our new rankings coming out in the near future, here are our most versatile wings in the class of 2017. The content you are trying to view requires an All-Access Pass Subscription. Please purchase a subscription or login using your username and password below.
Raiquan Gray Commits to Florida State
One of the top ranked players in the class of 2017, Raiquan Gray has committed to Florida State. Ranked No. 5 in Prep Hoops Florida’s Class of 2017 rankings, Gray has proven over the course of the summer to be an elite prospect in the state. “I’m seeking the best situation for me and a good environment,” Gray told Prep Hoops Florida in a previous interview. Gray brings quite a bit of versatility as he continues to get more athletic and quick on the perimeter.
Jahvon Quinerly Impressing at UAA Finals
CARTERSVILLE, Ga. -- Jahvon Quinerly has been phenomenal here at the UAA Finals. With Tony Bennett of Virginia and Chris Mullin of St. John's among many coaches on hand, the Hudson Catholic (N.J.) point guard has averaged 17 points, and 4 assists in two wins over the Florida Vipers and New Heights. "It's been great," Quinerly told SNY.tv. "Just trying to win the UAA Finals. That's my main focus. We need to continue to play defense. A lot of teams lack that at this level of the circuit.
Udoka Azubuike Talks McDonald's All American Game (VIDEO)
Kansas bound Udoka Azubuike talks McDonald's All American game with Prep Hoops Illinois' Scott Burgess.
Kris Dunn's Career Comes to a Close as Providence Loses to North Carolina
RALEIGH, N.C. -- Kris Dunn's career at Providence has come to a close. The Friars' season ended late Saturday night with an 85-66 loss to No. 1 North Carolina in a second-round East Region game here. A projected NBA lottery pick, Dunn scored 29 points in 26 minutes in the loss, despite being in foul trouble for a majority of the first half. Ben Bentil, a sophomore forward who may also test the NBA Draft waters, added 21 points.
Fletcher Magee Talks Winning SoCon Freshman of the Year, Season at Wofford
One of the best shooters in Florida history, Fletcher Magee (TFA ’15) had an incredible freshman year for the Wofford Terriers, averaging 13.8 PPG shooting 47.9 percent from three, earning Southern Conference Freshman of the Year honors. Magee told us Tuesday that the person that helped him to prepare extremely well for the next level was his coach at TFA, as well as running with E1T1 during the summer.
Canadian Sensation R.J. Barrett Is a 'Special Talent Who Will Be Offered by Everyone'
FORT MYERS, Fla.- On the national stage this past week at the City of Palms Classic, R.J. Barrett delivered on the hype that he brought to Montverde Academy. The 6-foot-6, 185-pound freshman from Canada averaged 19.8 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists and went off for 31 points in a loss to eventual tournament champion Chino Hills (Cal.). Montverde finished in fifth place. The Toronto native says that the biggest adjustment from Canadian basketball is in the speed of the game.
High School Coach Says Kentucky Signee Bam Adebayo Can Be No. 1 Pick in NBA Draft
FORT MYERS, Fla.- New Kentucky commit Bam Adebayo has been dominating thus far this year for High Point Christian Academy (N.C.), averaging 18.9 points and 13.1 rebounds. On Monday night, the 6-foot-10, 240-pound Adebayo went for 19 points, 9 rebounds and 4 blocks in leading the Cougars to a 67-63 victory over Westerville (Ohio) South in the City of Palms Classic. Next up for Adebayo and High Point Christian will be the Ball Brothers of Chino Hills (CA) in the semifinals on Tuesday night.
Xavier Sneed to Kansas State
Ranked No. 140 in the class of 2016 by 247 Sports, the 6-foot-5 Sneed chose the Wildcats over Illinois and Xavier. Sneed is the first commitment for the Wildcats in the class of 2016. He will pair up on the wing with Barry Brown, and should see playing time right away. The valuable part of Sneed’s game is his ability to guard four different positions, and he is an immediate upgrade at the small forward position.
Kobie Eubanks Not Cleared by NCAA, Will Not Enroll at Alabama
Kobie Eubanks has not been cleared by the NCAA, and will not enroll at the University of Alabama. “The Story is out I will not be Attending the Univ[ersity of] Alabama due to not be[ing] cleared by NCAA in time for the Start of School at Alabama,” Eubanks tweeted. “I was not accepted to school and was not able to enroll.
Trevon Duval Hits Game-Winner, Talks Recruitment
SUWANEE, Ga.- Trevon Duval is about as good as it gets, and he showed out on Wednesday night, hitting a game-winning layup en route to 24 points in a win over Josh Jackson and 1 Nation in the UAA Finals. “It’s crazy that all of these coaches are here watching this game,” Duval told SNY.tv after the win.
Ebuka Izundu to Miami
The former Charlotte signee chose the Hurricanes over Arkansas and Cincinnati. Victory Christian Head Coach Aureice McCain told SNY.tv that Coach Jim Larranaga’s previous success coaching big men was a big factor in Izundu’s choice. “That was one of the deciding factors,” McCain said. “If you look at his body of work, he is a big man coach. I know that he will be working with Ebuka in the post. There are a lot of things that Ebuka loves about him.
Prep Hoops Florida 2017 All State Teams
G- Trent Frazier- Wellington- Frazier emerged this year as one of the top guards in the state. A smooth lefty at 6-foot-2, Frazier led the Wolves to a state title, hitting the game winning free throw. Frazier is an extremely crafty and quick PG with a great trigger from deep. Frazier will play with Wellington Wolves this summer.
Maverick Rowan Updates Recruitment, Scores 34 in Win
LAKELAND, Fla.- Maverick Rowan, one of the top players in the state of Florida, scored 34 points and grabbed 9 rebounds in a 73-38 State Semifinal win over St. Pete Gibbs in front of Louisville head coach Rick Pitino, assistant Mike Balado, UNC Assistant Hubert Davis and Wisconsin Assistant Gary Close. The No. 36 ranked player in the class of 2016 by 247 Sports, Rowan recently visited NC State on January 11, to see them play Duke.
Kentucky | ZagsBlog.com
If the 6-foot-3 Briscoe gets the nod on Wednesday at 6 p.m. on ESPNU, he will become the 16th member of the NJ Playaz to make the prestigious game in 18 years. Former Playaz to make the McDonald’s game include the likes of Kobe Bryant, J.R. Smith, Kyle Anderson and Dajuan Wagner.
Romello White
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Kevin Boyle Compares Ben Simmons to LeBron James
And Boyle says that his current star, 6-foot-10, LSU-bound forward Ben Simmons — the projected No. 2 pick in the 2016 NBA Draft by DraftExpress.com — is special. “Ben is an incredibly gifted athlete,” Boyle told SNY.tv. “His jump shot is getting better, he’s an excellent passer. Hopefully, he can have as much of an impact in high school this year as LeBron did as a senior. Not saying he’s as good as LeBron, but I’m hoping he has as much of an impact.
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