USA Hockey: Massachusetts Tier I Tournament

The Massachusetts Labor Day Face-Off Tournament consists of four divisions (14-Under, 16-Under, 18-Under, and 19-Under) and showcases 108 teams. The tournament has teams from all over North America, including teams such as the Colorado Thunderbirds and Dallas Stars. McKeen's correspondent Vincent Montalbano has notes on some of the top players from over the weekend.

16-Under

Alexx Privitera (2011), D, North Jersey Avalanche AAA

1993 DOB .. size (5-9, 168) .. quick hands and slick with the puck .. one of his best assets is his puck moving ability – crisp passes .. has the ability to turn up ice quickly with the puck and creates instant offense ..showed a lot of poise in all situations, especially at the point .. makes crisp passes up ice, especially through neutral zone .. smart with the puck and sees the ice well .. needs to watch out more when stepping-up in the neutral zone because it led to a few odd-man rushes the other way .. so smooth with the puck and smart at the point .. similar style to Lee Moffie in terms of his offensive ability and his calm demeanor under pressure .. an excellent prospect who is getting more recognition lately and could be a potential NTDP player.

Brian Helderman (2012), D, North Jersey Avalanche AAA

1993 DOB .. size (5-11, 155) .. his best asset is his ability to makes crisp passes and move the puck up ice quickly .. strong, especially in the corners .. good step-up in the neutral zone .. in the offensive zone he needs more poise with the puck .. strong 1-on-1 but needs to be more careful with gap control.

Corbin McGuire (2011), C, Taft School/ Mid-Fairfield Black

1993 DOB .. has a lot of offensive skill but needs to put it all together .. good skater with speed and has a good outside move .. backchecks hard and is constantly working hard .. good offensive skills with quick hands .. looking forward to watching his progress and how quickly he adapts at the prep level.

Danny Linell (2010), F, Choate/ Long Island Gulls AAA

1992 DOB .. size (5-9, 170) .. has a good set of offensive skills .. quick with the puck, especially around the net .. good speed with the puck coming down the wing and is shifty .. despite size, he is willing to crash and attack the net .. smart in the offensive zone in finding the scoring areas and getting open .. should be a very good prep player with Division 1 potential.

Devon Duarte (2010), LW, NJ Devils/ Seton Hall Prep

1992 DOB .. great size (6-4, 165) .. his progress is what stands out the most, as he seemed to have made very good progress from last viewing .. skating is average and he still needs to get a stronger stride but it has improved .. aggressive at times but would like to see it more consistently .. gets pucks to the net and battles his way through traffic to crash the net .. showed good speed with the puck but lacks 1-on-1 skills .. moves the puck well in the offensive zone, especially on the PP .. has potential and definitely worth following his progress.

Ian Spencer (2012), D, North Jersey Avalanche AAA

1994 DOB .. size (5-10, 165) .. solid all-around defender with very good upside .. showed the ability to join the rush and moves the puck well .. his build is solid and physical at times .. strong skater forwards and backwards .. uses his body well to protect the puck in the defensive zone to shield it from the forecheck .. good anticipation in the neutral zone .. solid at the point .. closes the gap quickly and is smart overall .. a very intriguing prospect to continue watching his development.

K.J. Tiefenwerth (2010), F, Avon Old Farms/ Mid-Fairfield Black

1992 DOB .. committed to BC for 2010 or 2011 .. size (5-10, 160) .. has all the offensive tools, just needs to put it together on a consistent basis and play at a higher level .. quick release in the slot .. was used a lot while his team was on the PK and did a solid job, as he uses his speed well to pressure the puckcarrier .. moves the puck very well in the offensive zone and showed good vision, especially on the PP .. physical at times despite size, but does not look much stronger from last summer .. disappointed with how Tiefenwerth has progressed over the last year and has not seem to have grown as a player .. heading to Avon and with the team losing a lot of their top-end talent, Tiefenwerth has a real opportunity to shine at the prep level.

Griffin Votolato (2011), F, LaSalle Academy/495 Stars

1993 DOB .. size (5-7, 140) .. a little unknown player except around the New England area, but he should gain more recognition soon .. a very similar player to NHL-prospect Steven Whitney when he was that age .. excellent burst of speed and so explosive with and without the puck .. soft hands and is shifty – showed the ability to dance around defenders like the puck was stuck to his stick .. has a quick release and it is deadly accurate .. good skater with a strong stride .. very dangerous around the net .. when a defender does get a hold of him, he can easily be separated from the puck but that should get better with age .. tremendously talented and a definite prospect to watch.

Michael Paliotta (2011), D, Choate School/ Mid-Fairfield Black

1993 DOB .. good size (6-2, 175) .. a tough, hard-nosed defender with good offensive upside .. skating is a bit of a concern but he has good speed – just needs to strengthen up his strides .. moves the puck well in the offensive zone, especially on PP .. strong shot and solid at the point .. prone to a few mental mistakes at times .. getting a lot of interest at the Division 1 level and a definite potential prospect for the NTDP.

Quinn Smith (2010), F, Avon Old Farms/ Mid-Fairfield Black

1992 DOB .. size (5-8, 165) .. a naturally gifted forward with so much speed that makes him dangerous every time he gets moving with the puck .. showed a quick release and is very shifty with the puck .. dangerous playmaker around the net and definitely looks to have a playmaker mentality .. strong skater with powerful strides and skates low to the ice .. incredible speed with and without the puck .. strong in corners despite size and willing to battle in front for loose pucks .. solid in the faceoff circle .. should be a solid contributor this year for Avon and will produce on the top two lines.

Terrence Wallin (2010), F, Gunnery/ Long Island Gulls AAA

1992 DOB .. size (5-10, 160) .. played on what was the top line for the Gulls with Liam McKillop and Joseph Rausch .. combination of size and skill .. shifty with quick hands, especially in tight areas and getting around the check or through traffic .. strong in the offensive zone corners and battles along the boards .. attacks the puck and uses his speed well .. possesses a good burst of speed with long strides after a couple of short, quick ones .. moves the puck well in all three zones .. skates a bit hunched over but still has the speed to be effective .. played the point on the PP and showed a lot of poise .. excellent in faceoff circle .. can fire the puck .. going into his first year at the prep level, there is no reason why Wallin cannot be mentioned with the other top 1992 DOB's in New England.

Trevor Mingoia (2010), C, Berkshire School/ Mid-Fairfield Black

1992 DOB .. had a strong tournament and stood-out with his offensive ability and knack for scoring goals in all situations .. showed a good burst of speed with a wide stride and a quick move to the outside .. takes the puck right to the net and battles hard in every zone .. possesses good hands in tight .. making the jump to the prep level and will watch his progress.

18-Under

Charlie Coyle (2010), F, Thayer Academy/ South Shore Dynamos

1992 DOB .. size (6-1, 185) .. really coming into his own and developing at a rapid pace .. skating is still improving and getting used to his recent growth spurt .. has a wide, strong stride and seems to have some deceptive speed .. one of his best assets is his ability to win battles along the boards and in the corners .. quiet offensive against Mid-Fairfield Blues .. should continue to lead Thayer in scoring as he did during his freshman year and continue to develop as one of the top 1992-born players in New England.

Chris Kreider (2009), LW, Phillips Andover/ Valley Warriors

1991 DOB .. committed to BC for 2010 .. size (6-2, 200) .. combination of speed and skill should make him a top pick in the earlier rounds .. there is no other way of putting it, but his skating is phenomenal .. he has a tremendous burst of speed and a flawless stride .. has quick hands and is strong with the puck .. so much poise and is explosive with the puck coming down the wing .. he is on the puck in a flash and attacks the puckcarrier aggressively .. only credited with one goal (should have been two) against NH Monarchs 90 .. scored when he stole the puck in the neutral zone and took three strides when he got over the blueline and unleashed a bullet of a shot top-corner .. no doubt, Kreider is the top prospect in New England this year and should dominate the prep level.

Kevin Hayes (2010), F, Nobles/ South Shore Dynamos

1992 DOB .. size (6-2, 180) .. this extremely talented forward seems to be just starting to scratch the surface and seems to improve every game .. possesses creativity with the puck and ability to slip around checks and get through traffic .. has a strong shot that is very accurate .. looks to be much stronger and willing to play in all three zones .. skating has improved and possesses deceptive speed with the ability to have a quick burst in 1-on-1 situations .. dangerous around the net with goal-scorers instincts .. some scouts say Hayes is a lot further along at this point than his older brother Jimmy was .. Kevin is a highly sought after recruit, but since Jimmy is at Boston College, they may have the inside track on him.

Noel Acciari (2009), F, Bishop Hendricken/ RI Saints

1991 DOB .. size (5-8, 155) .. stood out because of his willingness to battle in every zone and his goal-scoring ability .. scored two goals against 495 Stars .. a very good skater with strong, quick strides and a quick burst of speed with the puck .. moves the puck quick in the offensive and neutral zones and makes smart plays .. in the game against the 495 Stars, he scored one of his goals when he protected the puck and took it to the middle of the slot and fired it low glove .. strong upper body .. a definite player to watch and an intriguing prospect.

Ryan Jacobson (2009), F, Colorado Thunderbirds

1990 DOB .. size (6-0, 175) .. can really fire the puck and willing to shoot from anywhere, especially on the rush .. smart defensively when pressured with the puck .. needs to use his size better and protect the puck .. showed quick hands and ability to get through traffic with the puck .. good outside speed with the puck .. backchecks hard and has good defensive awareness .. top player on his Colorado Thunderbirds team and could be a Division 1 prospect.

Tommy O'Regan (2010), F, St. Sebastian's School/ South Shore Dynamos

1992 DOB .. size (5-11, 185) .. not as dominant as Kevin Hayes or Charlie Coyle, O'Regan shows flashes of talent and is starting to come into his own .. a smart player away from the puck and gets open while keeping his feet moving .. has a quick release .. moves the puck well in the offensive zone but needs to be stronger with puck in the defensive zone .. should continue to develop into a top line player for St. Sebastian's and be a highly sought after Division 1 prospect soon.

19-Under

Andrew Ammon (2009), F, Deerfield Academy/ Cape Cod Whalers

1990 DOB .. committed to Princeton for 2010 .. size (6-0, 190) .. good hands in tight .. goes hard every shift and battles for the puck .. showed good speed with and without the puck .. very impressed with him and a definite player to watch.

Andy Iles (2010), G, Salisbury School/ Mid-Fairfield Black

1992 DOB .. size (5-8, 170) .. one of the top 1992-born goalies in the nation .. extremely talented .. so quick and plays at the top of the crease .. strong up top .. handles the puck well .. quick and agile .. should be one of the top prep goalies this year.

Antoine Laganiere (2009), F, Deerfield Academy/ Cape Cod Whalers

1990 DOB .. committed to Yale for 2009 .. size (6-4, 195) .. strong skater with a wide stride and good speed .. aggressive on the puck and uses his size very well .. attacks the puckcarrier well .. displayed good offensive skills .. when he plays physical, he is very effective, but does have a tendency to take a few shifts off .. expecting a big season and he could possibly get some more draft attention.

Brandon McNally (2010), F, Belmont Hill/ Boston Jr. Eagles

1992 DOB .. size (6-1, 180) .. continues to improve and is right up there with the top 1992's in New England .. quick hands and is shifty .. likes to slow up in the neutral zone and come in late off the rush .. good defensively and protects the puck well .. his best asset is his play along the boards and his ability to work with the puck to never get pinned in .. skating is getting better, but still needs work, as once he is flatfooted, it takes him a few strides to get going .. once he does get going, he does possess good speed .. possesses a lot of poise and smarts .. strong and finishes checks .. one of the few complete players for his age .. should improve on his freshman total and be relied upon for a lot of scoring .. should be getting more Division attention.

Brandon Russo (2010), D, Salisbury School/ Mid-Fairfield Black

1992 DOB .. size (5-8, 170) .. one of the few 1992 DOB's to play in the 19-Under division .. very offensive defenseman and joins the rush frequently .. uses his speed well to join the rush and get back on defense .. moves the puck quick in the neutral zone and follows the play .. makes strong outlet passes .. has a quick release from the point and on net .. moves in nicely from the point - very stealth like .. some concern with his defensive zone strength, especially in the corners.

Christian Cowles (2009), F, Kent/ Neponset Valley River Rats

1990 DOB .. taking a PG year at Kent after a stellar career at St. John's Prep .. quick on the puck and is good around the net .. skating is a bit of a concern .. quick hands around the net and is always moving his feet .. always around the net and goal scoring areas .. strong on his skates .. protects the puck well and willing to take the puck to the net and battle in front .. a bit of an unknown but should get some Division 1 attention with a strong season at Kent.

Francis Drolet (2009), F, Salisbury/ Greater Boston Jr. Bruins

1990 DOB .. size (5-10, 180) .. committed to Brown for 2009 .. strong in the faceoff circle .. has speed and is a good skater with quick strides .. willing to go to the net and has good positioning in the offensive zone .. backchecks hard and is physical in the defensive zone .. good hands in tight with quick moves .. should be a top-end player at the prep level and may get some draft attention.

Jake Goldberg (2009), LW, Berkshire School/ Neponset Valley River Rats

1991 DOB .. size (6-0, 200) .. solid all-around forward .. good with the puck in tight and around the net .. nice touch on a 2-on-1 to get the puck over to a teammate when the defenseman went to him .. showed speed with the puck coming through the neutral zone .. strong and accurate long passes out of his zone .. displayed quick hands .. moves it well with crisp passes on the mark in the offensive zone .. playmaker with vision and good instincts for developing plays and creating offense .. should get some draft attention as a possible late round pick.

Mac Bennett (2009), D, Hotchkiss/ Neponset Valley River Rats

1991 DOB .. committed to Michigan for 2010 .. a very talented defenseman with lots of upside .. his best asset is his puck-moving ability coupled with his skating .. moves it so well in all three zones .. good offensive ability .. a fluid skater with good speed .. possesses great hands and speed up ice with the puck .. strong 1-on-1 .. strong shot that he keeps low .. ability to get up ice with the puck and shake checks .. displayed so much poise and slows things down if needed .. never seems to rush a pass or rush to make a play .. smart .. will get a lot of draft attention and could be a possible late round pick.

Steven Whitney (2009), C, Lawrence Academy/ Neponset Valley River Rats

1991 DOB .. size (5-7, 160) .. committed to BC for 2009 .. extremely skilled but looks to be bored at this level .. at times, he will use his speed and be aggressive on the puck .. so skilled with the puck and has a quick release along with a rocket for a shot .. moves the puck well, especially on the PP … lots of poise and vision .. pure sniper .. seems to complete all his passes and executes all his plays .. willing to help out defensively at times .. so dangerous when he has the puck .. prone to taking shifts off and lacking effort .. will need to prove scouts wrong that not going to the NTDP was not a mistake and that he can still be a pro prospect.

Wade Megan (2009), F, South Kent/ Neponset Valley River Rats

1990 DOB .. size (6-1, 175) .. committed to BU for 2010 .. moves it well in the offensive zone but is prone to getting tunnel vision with the puck around the net.. good hands in tight and a good shot in the slot .. a solid player who should be a good contributor at the college level.