Re: UVM Recruiting: The future of Catamount hockey
The USPHL Premier regular season is over, let's see how the UVM commits did.
Matt Beck - GK - Philadelphia Jr. Flyers
Stats: 7-13-0 - 4.06 GAA, .903 SV%
Yeah, not that great of a year, but the Jr. Flyers were a mess, conceding the second-most goals in the league. In games where he played all 60, Beck faced more than 40 shots ten times. So blaming it all on him would be harsh, that being said these numbers are very much cause for concern. He's got a chance to play under pressure on Wednesday when the Jr. Flyers play PAL Junior Islanders for a spot in the USPHL quarters. (That said, I'm thinking he won't get the start, but who knows.)
Tyler Harmon - GK - Jersey Hitmen
Stats: 22-7-1 - 2.26 GAA, .922 SV%, 2 SO
From the second worst defense in the league to the second best (only Islanders HC conceded fewer goals than the Hitmen's 102). In terms of goalies with >1000 minutes played, Harmon ranked 3rd in goals against average and fourth in save percentage, and participated in the USPHL All-Star Game last month. They've got a first round bye in the playoffs, and it's largely thanks to him. Probably going to be the backup to start next season behind Lekkas.
Brian Kelly - DF - Connecticut Jr. Rangers
Stats: 32 GP - 2-12-14 - 6 PIM
Kelly led his team in scoring among defenders, though he didn't play much down the stretch (probably injury, I don't follow USPHL close enough to know). He's still in need of seasoning - he's scheduled to come to UVM in 2018, per the USPHL website - but the early returns are good.
Simon Boyko - FW - Jersey Hitmen
Stats: 37 GP - 11-27-38 - 12 PIM
Another All-Star from the Hitmen, the USPHL site says he's coming to UVM next season; CollegeHockeyInc says year after next. I'd say the latter is probably more accurate. Early returns look promising; I want to see how he does against USHL competition next season. Youngstown owns his rights.
