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Boys Hockey

25 CIAC boys hockey players to watch in 2021

Peter Paguaga | February 3, 2021

  • West Haven, Connecticut - Saturday,  March 07, 2020: Branford H.S. vs. North Haven H.S. during the SCC/SWC 2020 Boys Ice Hockey Division II Championship Saturday at Bennett Rink in West Haven
  • Sheehan's Anthony Romano (2) sends the puck to the New Milford goal to score during SCC Div. III Championship hockey action in West Haven, Conn., on Friday Mar. 6, 2020.
  • New Canaan's goalie Beau Johnson readies to block a shot during FCIAC boys hockey championship action against Darien in Greenwich, Conn., on Saturday Mar. 7, 2020.
  • West Haven,  Connecticut - January 22, 2020:  West Haven H.S. boys hockey vs. Hamden H.S. Wednesday evening at Bennett Rink in West Haven.
  • Notre Dame Fairfield Captain Brian Essing (9) looks for an opening against the Fairfield Prep Jesuits on Wednesday January 8, 2020 at The Rinks in Shelton, Connecticut.
  • Greenwich goalie Charlie Zolin defends his goal in the second period against Darien in an FCIAC Boys Hockey semifinal game at Hamill Rink on March 4, 2020 in Greenwich, Connecticut.
  • Darien goalie Chris Schofield makes a save in front of his net in the second period of an FCIAC boys hockey game against New Canaan at the Darien Ice House on Feb. 8, 2020 in Darien, Connecticut. Darien won 10-2.
  • Notre Dame of West Haven goalie Connor Smith fails to stop a Fairfield Prep shot during boys ice hockey action in Bridgeport, Conn., on Saturday Feb. 1, 2020.
  • Greenwich's Ivan Kovalev (27) scores on Ridgefield goalie Matthew Sillman in the first period in an FCIAC boys hockey game at Hamill Rink in Greenwich, Conn. on Feb. 4, 2020. Greenwich won 2-1.
  • Darien's Jamison Moore shoots on the breakaway during the second period of their boys hockey game with Fairfield Prep at the Darien Ice Rink in Darien, Conn. on Monday January 19, 2020.
  • Branford goalie Jared Yakimoff recorded his second shutout of the season on Wednesday.
  • Luke Noonan (14) of Fairfield Prep steps into a shot on net during the Connecticut  Division I Hockey Semifinal Game between Xavier and Fairfield Prep on March 13, 2019 at Ingalls Rink (Yale) in New Haven, CT.
  • Fairfield Prep’s Mason Whitney looks to shoot against Notre Dame of Fairfield on Wednesday January 8, 2020 at The Rinks in Shelton, Connecticut.
  • Cheshire's Niklas Vasiljevs looks to pass against Branford on Wednesday.
  • Darien's Sam Erickson (7) slaps a shot in for a goal against Notre Dame-West Haven goalie Connor Smith in the first period of a CIAC boys hockey match up at the Darien Ice House in Darien, Conn. on Jan. 11, 2020. Erickson hat trick on the night, along with two more Bluewave goals topped Notre Dame-West Haven Green Knights 5-2.
  • John Vanacore/For Hearst Connecicut Media) Sheehans's Jake Festa and Hand's Tatum Fitzmaurice race for a losse puck during their SCC tournament Sem-Final game Wednesday night in Milford.
  • Ridgefield’s Will Stewart (17) skates toward the net with New Canaan’s Griffin Deane (8) in pursuit during the FCIAC boys ice hockey semifinals at the Darien Ice House on Wednesday, March 4, 2020.
  • Notre Dame of West Haven's Zach Schroeder (26) and Darien's Hudson Pokorny (21) in center, converge on the puck during CIAC Division I hockey tournament quarterfinal action at the Wonderland of Ice in Bridgeport, Conn., on Saturday Mar. 9, 2019. Also converging on the puck is Notre Dame-West Haven's Kevin Millea (2), at left, and Darien's Teddy Dyer (5), at right.
  • Xavier's Matt Ryan (12) tries to disrupt Fairfield Prep's Aksel Sather (9) during boys high school ice hockey action in Bridgeport, Conn., on Wednesday Jan. 22, 2020.
  • Stamford Westhill Co-op Tucker Healy scores on Darien goalie Chris Schofield in the first period of an FCIAC boys hockey game at the Darien Ice House on Jan. 22, 2020 in Darien Connecticut. Darien won 5-4 in OT.
  • New Canaan’s Boden Gammill (23) skates into the zone with Xavier’s Casey Lavoie (2) in pursuit during a boys hockey game at the Darien Ice House on Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2020.
  • Darien's Luke Johnston (26) plays the puck off the board against Stamford Westhill Co-op's Eddie Zelikmen (11) in the second period of an FCIAC boys hockey game at the Darien Ice House on Jan. 22, 2020 in Darien Connecticut. Darien won 5-4 in OT.
  • Xavier’s Aden Hotchkiss (19) plays the puck in front of New Canaan’s Shane Mettler (15) during a boys hockey game at the Darien Ice House on Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2020.
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                                                  West Haven, Connecticut - Saturday, March 07, 2020: Branford H.S. vs. North Haven H.S. during the SCC/SWC 2020 Boys Ice Hockey Division II Championship Saturday at Bennett Rink in West Haven
                                                  West Haven, Connecticut - Saturday, March 07, 2020: Branford H.S. vs. North Haven H.S. during the SCC/SWC 2020 Boys Ice Hockey Division II Championship Saturday at Bennett Rink in West Haven
                                                  Photo: Hearst Connecticut Media
                                                  Image 3 of 24
                                                  Sheehan's Anthony Romano (2) sends the puck to the New Milford goal to score during SCC Div. III Championship hockey action in West Haven, Conn., on Friday Mar. 6, 2020.
                                                  Sheehan's Anthony Romano (2) sends the puck to the New Milford goal to score during SCC Div. III Championship hockey action in West Haven, Conn., on Friday Mar. 6, 2020.
                                                  Photo: Hearst Connecticut Media
                                                  Image 4 of 24
                                                  New Canaan's goalie Beau Johnson readies to block a shot during FCIAC boys hockey championship action against Darien in Greenwich, Conn., on Saturday Mar. 7, 2020.
                                                  New Canaan's goalie Beau Johnson readies to block a shot during FCIAC boys hockey championship action against Darien in Greenwich, Conn., on Saturday Mar. 7, 2020.
                                                  Photo: Hearst Connecticut Media
                                                  Image 5 of 24
                                                  West Haven, Connecticut - January 22, 2020: West Haven H.S. boys hockey vs. Hamden H.S. Wednesday evening at Bennett Rink in West Haven.
                                                  West Haven, Connecticut - January 22, 2020: West Haven H.S. boys hockey vs. Hamden H.S. Wednesday evening at Bennett Rink in West Haven.
                                                  Photo: Hearst Connecticut Media
                                                  Image 6 of 24
                                                  Notre Dame Fairfield Captain Brian Essing (9) looks for an opening against the Fairfield Prep Jesuits on Wednesday January 8, 2020 at The Rinks in Shelton, Connecticut.
                                                  Notre Dame Fairfield Captain Brian Essing (9) looks for an opening against the Fairfield Prep Jesuits on Wednesday January 8, 2020 at The Rinks in Shelton, Connecticut.
                                                  Photo: For Hearst Connecticut Media
                                                  Image 7 of 24
                                                  Greenwich goalie Charlie Zolin defends his goal in the second period against Darien in an FCIAC Boys Hockey semifinal game at Hamill Rink on March 4, 2020 in Greenwich, Connecticut.
                                                  Greenwich goalie Charlie Zolin defends his goal in the second period against Darien in an FCIAC Boys Hockey semifinal game at Hamill Rink on March 4, 2020 in Greenwich, Connecticut.
                                                  Photo: Hearst Connecticut Media
                                                  Image 8 of 24
                                                  Darien goalie Chris Schofield makes a save in front of his net in the second period of an FCIAC boys hockey game against New Canaan at the Darien Ice House on Feb. 8, 2020 in Darien, Connecticut. Darien won 10-2. less
                                                  Darien goalie Chris Schofield makes a save in front of his net in the second period of an FCIAC boys hockey game against New Canaan at the Darien Ice House on Feb. 8, 2020 in Darien, Connecticut. Darien won ... more
                                                  Photo: Hearst Connecticut Media
                                                  Image 9 of 24
                                                  Notre Dame of West Haven goalie Connor Smith fails to stop a Fairfield Prep shot during boys ice hockey action in Bridgeport, Conn., on Saturday Feb. 1, 2020.
                                                  Notre Dame of West Haven goalie Connor Smith fails to stop a Fairfield Prep shot during boys ice hockey action in Bridgeport, Conn., on Saturday Feb. 1, 2020.
                                                  Photo: Hearst Connecticut Media
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                                                  Greenwich's Ivan Kovalev (27) scores on Ridgefield goalie Matthew Sillman in the first period in an FCIAC boys hockey game at Hamill Rink in Greenwich, Conn. on Feb. 4, 2020. Greenwich won 2-1.
                                                  Greenwich's Ivan Kovalev (27) scores on Ridgefield goalie Matthew Sillman in the first period in an FCIAC boys hockey game at Hamill Rink in Greenwich, Conn. on Feb. 4, 2020. Greenwich won 2-1.
                                                  Photo: Hearst Connecticut Media
                                                  Image 11 of 24
                                                  Darien's Jamison Moore shoots on the breakaway during the second period of their boys hockey game with Fairfield Prep at the Darien Ice Rink in Darien, Conn. on Monday January 19, 2020.
                                                  Darien's Jamison Moore shoots on the breakaway during the second period of their boys hockey game with Fairfield Prep at the Darien Ice Rink in Darien, Conn. on Monday January 19, 2020.
                                                  Photo: Hearst Connecticut Media
                                                  Image 12 of 24
                                                  Branford goalie Jared Yakimoff recorded his second shutout of the season on Wednesday.
                                                  Branford goalie Jared Yakimoff recorded his second shutout of the season on Wednesday.
                                                  Photo: For Hearst Connecticut Media
                                                  Image 13 of 24
                                                  Luke Noonan (14) of Fairfield Prep steps into a shot on net during the Connecticut Division I Hockey Semifinal Game between Xavier and Fairfield Prep on March 13, 2019 at Ingalls Rink (Yale) in New Haven, CT.
                                                  Luke Noonan (14) of Fairfield Prep steps into a shot on net during the Connecticut Division I Hockey Semifinal Game between Xavier and Fairfield Prep on March 13, 2019 at Ingalls Rink (Yale) in New Haven, CT.
                                                  Photo: For Hearst Connecticut Media
                                                  Image 14 of 24
                                                  Fairfield Prep’s Mason Whitney looks to shoot against Notre Dame of Fairfield on Wednesday January 8, 2020 at The Rinks in Shelton, Connecticut.
                                                  Fairfield Prep’s Mason Whitney looks to shoot against Notre Dame of Fairfield on Wednesday January 8, 2020 at The Rinks in Shelton, Connecticut.
                                                  Photo: For Hearst Connecticut Media
                                                  Image 15 of 24
                                                  Cheshire's Niklas Vasiljevs looks to pass against Branford on Wednesday.
                                                  Cheshire's Niklas Vasiljevs looks to pass against Branford on Wednesday.
                                                  Photo: For Hearst Connecticut Media
                                                  Image 16 of 24
                                                  Darien's Sam Erickson (7) slaps a shot in for a goal against Notre Dame-West Haven goalie Connor Smith in the first period of a CIAC boys hockey match up at the Darien Ice House in Darien, Conn. on Jan. 11, 2020. Erickson hat trick on the night, along with two more Bluewave goals topped Notre Dame-West Haven Green Knights 5-2. less
                                                  Darien's Sam Erickson (7) slaps a shot in for a goal against Notre Dame-West Haven goalie Connor Smith in the first period of a CIAC boys hockey match up at the Darien Ice House in Darien, Conn. on Jan. 11, ... more
                                                  Photo: Hearst Connecticut Media
                                                  Image 17 of 24
                                                  John Vanacore/For Hearst Connecicut Media) Sheehans's Jake Festa and Hand's Tatum Fitzmaurice race for a losse puck during their SCC tournament Sem-Final game Wednesday night in Milford.
                                                  John Vanacore/For Hearst Connecicut Media) Sheehans's Jake Festa and Hand's Tatum Fitzmaurice race for a losse puck during their SCC tournament Sem-Final game Wednesday night in Milford.
                                                  Photo: For Hearst Connecticut Media
                                                  Image 18 of 24
                                                  Ridgefield’s Will Stewart (17) skates toward the net with New Canaan’s Griffin Deane (8) in pursuit during the FCIAC boys ice hockey semifinals at the Darien Ice House on Wednesday, March 4, 2020.
                                                  Ridgefield’s Will Stewart (17) skates toward the net with New Canaan’s Griffin Deane (8) in pursuit during the FCIAC boys ice hockey semifinals at the Darien Ice House on Wednesday, March 4, 2020.
                                                  Photo: Hearst Connecticut Media
                                                  Image 19 of 24
                                                  Notre Dame of West Haven's Zach Schroeder (26) and Darien's Hudson Pokorny (21) in center, converge on the puck during CIAC Division I hockey tournament quarterfinal action at the Wonderland of Ice in Bridgeport, Conn., on Saturday Mar. 9, 2019. Also converging on the puck is Notre Dame-West Haven's Kevin Millea (2), at left, and Darien's Teddy Dyer (5), at right. less
                                                  Notre Dame of West Haven's Zach Schroeder (26) and Darien's Hudson Pokorny (21) in center, converge on the puck during CIAC Division I hockey tournament quarterfinal action at the Wonderland of Ice in ... more
                                                  Photo: Hearst Connecticut Media
                                                  Image 20 of 24
                                                  Xavier's Matt Ryan (12) tries to disrupt Fairfield Prep's Aksel Sather (9) during boys high school ice hockey action in Bridgeport, Conn., on Wednesday Jan. 22, 2020.
                                                  Xavier's Matt Ryan (12) tries to disrupt Fairfield Prep's Aksel Sather (9) during boys high school ice hockey action in Bridgeport, Conn., on Wednesday Jan. 22, 2020.
                                                  Photo: Hearst Connecticut Media
                                                  Image 21 of 24
                                                  Stamford Westhill Co-op Tucker Healy scores on Darien goalie Chris Schofield in the first period of an FCIAC boys hockey game at the Darien Ice House on Jan. 22, 2020 in Darien Connecticut. Darien won 5-4 in OT. less
                                                  Stamford Westhill Co-op Tucker Healy scores on Darien goalie Chris Schofield in the first period of an FCIAC boys hockey game at the Darien Ice House on Jan. 22, 2020 in Darien Connecticut. Darien won 5-4 in ... more
                                                  Photo: Hearst Connecticut Media
                                                  Image 22 of 24
                                                  New Canaan’s Boden Gammill (23) skates into the zone with Xavier’s Casey Lavoie (2) in pursuit during a boys hockey game at the Darien Ice House on Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2020.
                                                  New Canaan’s Boden Gammill (23) skates into the zone with Xavier’s Casey Lavoie (2) in pursuit during a boys hockey game at the Darien Ice House on Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2020.
                                                  Photo: Hearst Connecticut Media
                                                  Image 23 of 24
                                                  Darien's Luke Johnston (26) plays the puck off the board against Stamford Westhill Co-op's Eddie Zelikmen (11) in the second period of an FCIAC boys hockey game at the Darien Ice House on Jan. 22, 2020 in Darien Connecticut. Darien won 5-4 in OT. less
                                                  Darien's Luke Johnston (26) plays the puck off the board against Stamford Westhill Co-op's Eddie Zelikmen (11) in the second period of an FCIAC boys hockey game at the Darien Ice House on Jan. 22, 2020 in ... more
                                                  Photo: Hearst Connecticut Media
                                                  Image 24 of 24
                                                  Xavier’s Aden Hotchkiss (19) plays the puck in front of New Canaan’s Shane Mettler (15) during a boys hockey game at the Darien Ice House on Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2020.
                                                  Xavier’s Aden Hotchkiss (19) plays the puck in front of New Canaan’s Shane Mettler (15) during a boys hockey game at the Darien Ice House on Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2020.
                                                  Photo: Hearst Connecticut Media
                                                  25 CIAC boys hockey players to watch in 2021
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                                                  Ben Carfora, Soph., F, West Haven: Carfora was one of the key pieces of the Blue Devils’ youth movement, scoring 10 goals and adding 11 assists as West Haven finished above .500 for the first time since 2017. If West Haven is going to return to the top tier of Division I over the next couple of seasons, Carfora will lead the way.

                                                  Aaron Cholewa, Sr., F, Wethersfield: The skilled forward used his speed to score 35 goals and add 17 assists for a whopping 52 points last season, helping the then WMRP co-op to an 18-3 record. Cholewa will be tasked with leading the individual Wethersfield program along with Kevin Avery and Will McCarter. Cholewa was a GameTime-CT All-State Honorable Mention and CHSCA All-State second-team selection a year ago.

                                                  Brian Essing, Sr., F, Notre Dame-Fairfield: The big-bodied power forward netted 15 goals and added 16 assists last season. He helped lead the Lancers to the No. 5 seed in the Division I tournament. Essing was named to the GameTimeCT All-State second team, the CHSCA All-State first team and the second team All-SCC/SWC.

                                                  Sam Erickson, Sr., F, Darien: The numbers might not jump out, but make no mistake Erickson is one of the best forwards in the state. The senior scored 11 goals and added 12 assists as a junior on the top line for the Blue Wave. Erickson was named to the GameTimeCT All-State second team.

                                                  Tatum Fitzmaurice, Sr., F, Hand: Fitzmaurice has helped lead the Hand resurgence. Along with John Gagliardi, Teddy Licari and the Massey brothers (Ethan and Logan) the Tigers have risen to the top of Division III and then Division II over the past two seasons. Fitzmaurice scored 67 points a year ago, with 30 goals and 37 assists. He was named the GameTimeCT All-State second team, All-SCC and the CHSCA All-State.

                                                  Preseason New Haven Register/GameTimeCT Poll

                                                  Boden Gammill, Sr., F, New Canaan: The Rams solidified their spot among the state’s best teams after winning the FCIAC title a season ago and Gammill had his hand in that run. The senior scored 13 goals and added nine assists, earning GameTimeCT All-State, CHSCA All-State and second team All-FCIAC honors. The Rams won’t surprise any teams this year and all opponents’ eyes will be on stopping Gammill.

                                                  Tucker Healy, Sr., F, Westhill/Stamford: Healy has been a staple of the co-op the past two year and helped the co-op win 15 games last year. Healy scored 16 goals and added 18 assists. With a big graduating class last year, all eyes will be on Healy to lead the way. He was named to the CHSCA All-State second team.

                                                  Beau Johnson, Soph., G, New Canaan: New Canaan might have been one of the surprising stories last season, upsetting Darien in the FCIAC final. Johnson was the surprise for the surprise team, taking over a starting position as a freshman. He went 19-2-1 with a 2.08 GAA and a .935 save percentage. He made 34 saves in the FCIAC title win. He was named to the GameTimeCT All-State third team, the CHSCA All-State second team and the All-FCIAC second team.

                                                  Luke Johnston, Sr., D, Darien: The Blue Wave lineup is deep. Johnston is the catalyst on the blue line though. The lockdown defender also showed flashes on offense, scoring four goals and adding 18 assists. He was named to the GameTimeCT All-State first team, CHSCA All-State second team and first team All-FCIAC.

                                                  Ivan Kovalev, Jr., F, Greenwich: Yes, he is the son of former NHL All-Star Alexei Kovalev. Ivan is blazing his own trail as part of the Cardinals. He scored 12 goals and added 11 assists to help the Cardinals win 13 games a year ago. He was named to the second team All-FCIAC team.

                                                  Shane Mettler, Soph., D, New Canaan: Beau Johnson wasn’t the only freshman to make a name for himself a year ago. Mettler stood tall on the blue line and played like a veteran. He scored six goals and had 11 assists, helping the Rams win the FCIAC title.

                                                  CIAC boys hockey storylines to watch

                                                  Jamison Moore, Sr., F, Darien: Moore anchored the state’s best line last season, scoring 11 goals and dishing out 24 assists. Paired with Sam Erickson, the duo will be a scoring threat every time on the ice. He was named GameTimeCT All-State, CHSCA All-State and All-FCIAC.

                                                  Luke Noonan, Jr., D, Fairfield Prep: Up and down the lineup the Jesuits are tough. As a sophomore, Noonan was tapped with being the point man on the top power play unit. He registered 12 points, including a power play goal in the SCC championship game.

                                                  Anthony Romano, Sr., F, Sheehan: Romano has been a one of the top forwards for the Titans ever since he stepped foot on the ice as a freshman. Romano, along with his twin brother Joe, and Luke Festa form a dangerous trio on offense. Romano led the team with 55 points (25 goals and 30 assists) as a junior. He was named to the GameTimeCT All-State honorable mention list, the CHSCA All-State first team and first team All-SCC.

                                                  Bryan Roy, Sr., F, E.O. Smith/Tolland: As a junior, Roy netted 27 goals and six assists for the Bucks. He helped lead the team to six wins a year ago.

                                                  Andrew Sacco, Sr., G, North Haven: Two years ago, Sacco won the Division III state title in net for Lyman Hall. Since transferring to North Haven, Sacco has picked up where he left off. He went 9-5-3 with a 2.00 GAA and a .920 save percentage, leading North Haven to the No. 7 seed in the Division II state tournament. In his final game of the season, Sacco made 20 saves to record his first shutout of the season. He is also a big-time goalie with a 6-1 record in his career during the state tournament.

                                                  2021 Hockey Conference Outlooks

                                                  Askel Sather, Jr., F, Fairfield Prep: Sather is one of the top returning scorers for the Jesuits, who also scored in big moments. As a freshman he scored in both the state semifinal and final. Last year he registered 19 points.

                                                  Chris Schofield, Jr., G, Darien: Stepping in for an All-State caliber goalie is never an easy position for one to fill, but Schofield did it perfectly. As a sophomore he helped lead the Blue Wave to the No. 1 ranking in the GameTimeCT hockey poll for most of the season. He was named to the GameTimeCT All-State third team, the CHSCA All-State second team and an All-FCIAC honorable mention.

                                                  Zach Schroeder, Sr., D, Notre Dame-West Haven: A key cog on the blue line for the Green Knights, Schroder’s contributions held Notre Dame to a successful season. He scored three goals and added 12 assists as the Green Knights captured the top seed in Division I. He was named to the GameTimeCT All-State first team and the CHSCA All-State first team.

                                                  Connor Smith, Sr., G, Notre Dame-West Haven: Smith jumped to the top tier of the best goalies in the state during his sophomore year when he led the Green Knights to the Division I state final. He followed it up with another impressive season last year, posting a 2.10 GAA and a .941 save-percentage, leading the Green Knights to a 14-6 record during the regular season. He was named to the GameTimeCT All-State second team, the CHSCA All-State first team and All-SCC first team.

                                                  Will Stewart, Sr., F, Ridgefield: Last year was a rebuilding year of sorts for the Tigers, after finishing 20-0 in the regular season in 2019. Despite a ton of new faces, the Tigers won 11 games with the help of Stewart, who scored 11 goals and added 20 assists.

                                                  Niklas Vasiljevs, Sr., F, Cheshire: The Rams scored just 41 goals last season. Vasiljevs scored 13 of them, which accounted for 31.7% of the Rams’ goals. The senior will be called upon to lead the offense of the Rams once again. He was named to second team All-SCC.

                                                  Mason Whitney, Sr., F, Fairfield Prep: While there were many goals to go around on the Jesuits’ roster, no one scored as much as Whitney. As a junior, he scored 22 goals and added 11 assists. He was named to the GameTimeCT All-State first team, the CHSCA All-State first team, first team All-SCC and was named the SCC Division I Player of the Year.

                                                  Jared Yakimoff, Sr., G, Branford: A big reason the Hornets were a favorite to repeat as Division II state champions a year ago. Yakimoff went 20-2-1 with a 1.57 GAA and had six shutouts. He won the SCC Division II championship’s Most Outstanding Player in the Hornets’ 1-0 win over North Haven. He was a GameTimeCT All-State honorable mention selection and an All-SCC second team selection.

                                                  Charlie Zolin, Jr., G, Greenwich: While Zolin split time with senior Ben Nash a year ago, this season the net is his. Zolin went 7-3-1 with a 1.55 GAA and a .936 save percentage. In June, he was selected No. 1 overall in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League’s American Draft by the Acadie Bathurst Titans.

                                                  About Peter Paguaga

                                                  Pete Paguaga is the senior producer for GameTimeCT.com. Email him at pete.paguaga@hearstmediact.com. Twitter: @PetePaguaga

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