Paperwork, first college classes - and of course, practice for one of the most accomplished NCAA teams in the history of college hockey. 

It was all part of the first full day at Boston University for now former Rockets Hockey Club NCDC standout defenseman Jack Page. The 2001-born native of West Chester, Pa., only very recently committed to Boston University - for the second half of this very 2021-22 season. 

“I started talking to BU again this year around Thanksgiving about the possibility of coming in around Christmas time,” said Page, whose first contact with Boston University had been during his final 18U season in New Jersey, prior to joining the Rockets. 

“The decision to join BU here for the second semester was officially made Wednesday night [Jan. 19],” said Page. “I was originally talking with them about coming in after Christmas, but things didn't work out then. I heard back from them again on Monday the 17th about coming in for the second semester. It was then a pretty crazy process trying to get all of the information into admissions in order to get admitted before classes started today on the 20th.”

Over two seasons with the Rockets, including making the 2021 NCDC Championship Game, he played in 57 regular season games posting 32 points. He also had three assists in four playoff games last year. His upside while with the Rockets was enough to earn him a spot in the NCAA Prospects All-Star Game last year. Coaches were certainly watching. 

“The coaches really like my ability to skate, especially for a guy my size,” said Page, who is 6-feet-4-inches and 194 pounds. “They also liked my hockey IQ and felt that I could step in the second semester.” 

He is stepping into an NCAA program that has a history of more than 100 years, which includes five NCAA championships, 37 NCAA Tournament appearances, 22 Frozen Fours and seemingly more alumni in the NHL than galaxies in the universe. 

“What interested me most about BU was the great historic program with all the BU alumni that have gone on to play in the NHL. The passion for hockey at BU is amazing, playing in games like the Beanpot,” said Page. “Outside of hockey, BU really excites me because it gives me a great education especially for what I want to major in. I also love the campus here at BU, Boston is such an amazing city.”

Page, who is majoring in Finance with plans to graduate from Boston University Questrom School of Business, first visited the campus on Boston’s Commonwealth Avenue a few years back as an 18U player. 

“I fell in love with the campus and the school and I knew BU was the spot I wanted to be in,” added Page. 

He was also equally smitten with his two years with the team at Bridgewater Sports Arena, teh Rockets Hockey Club. 

“I could not have asked for a better junior hockey experience. I loved coming to the rink every day and getting to play the game I love with all my teammates, who are some of my closest friends,” Page said. “I’m so grateful to play for Jason Kersner. I learned so much from him both inside and outside of hockey. 

“I feel my game really excelled playing in the NCDC. Jason Kersner was a huge help in developing my game - not only developing my hockey IQ and skill set, but also teaching about the mental game and having a great attitude,” he added. “I learned so many things at the Rockets that I will be able to take with me through all aspects of life. I am very grateful to have played for such a great organization.”

The USPHL congratulates Jack Page, his family, the Rockets Hockey Club and Boston University for his commitment and immediate advancement! 

Yes, we are still just under two months from the end of the 2021-22 NCDC season, but teams are certainly jockeying for position so that those in playoff positions don’t begin to lose hold of them - and those without them are on a furious push to make the postseason. Only eight out of the 13 teams will be skating in games after the regular season ends March 13, so the race is definitely on, especially with just over 17 games on average remaining per team. A lot could change in two months, for better or for worse depending on where your team is right now. The hockey that results will be fantastic, that is 100 percent certain. 

Jersey Hitmen Extend Winning Streak To Three Games After Sweep Weekend

The Hitmen brought in the Islanders Hockey Club on the busiest North vs. South weekend outside of showcase play in two years (not counting last year’s Hub City Tampa games). The home cooking went down well for the Hitmen, who defeated the IHC by scores of 6-0 and 7-2. Along with a 5-2 win over the Rockets Hockey Club on Jan. 8, they have won three in a row or better five times this season. 

• The two wins over the Islanders evened out the Hitmen’s record against North Division teams, as they now stand at 5-5-1-0 against those squads. 

• With four more power play goals this weekend, the Hitmen continue to stand at first in PP percentage with a 26.3 success rate (44-for-167). 

• With a league-leading 138 goals for and 83 against (ranking second), the Hitmen continue to dominate in goal differential with a +55. That is +38 better than their nearest competition in this stat category.

• The Hitmen also get more shots on goal than any other team by quite a bit. They are the only team averaging above 40, with a 41.97 average per game (1,301 shots in 31 contests). 

• Defenseman Dakota Zarudny has the hottest active goal streak in the league with four tallies in four games. Hitmen also populate the top spots of the best active assists streak (Dominiks Marcinkevics, 10 in his last six games) and points streak (Patriks Marcinkevics, 25 points in 11 games). 

• With 57 points, Patriks Marcinkevics leads the league in scoring by 13 points over his closest competitor. He is also the league leader in assists (37), power play assists (17) and power play points (20). 

• Zarudny’s goal streak makes it three Hitmen defensemen in the top three spots for scoring by blueliners in the league. Sean Melso leads with 32 points, followed by Brandon Cimino with 27 and Zarudny with 25. Melso also leads the league in assists by a defenseman with 26, and Cimino is first among D in power play assists (12) and power play points (15). 

Boston Advantage Move Into Tie For Fifth Place With Cyclones After Sweep Weekend

The Advantage were able to leapfrog the Northern Cyclones and move from sixth into fifth with two straight victories against the visiting Connecticut Jr. Rangers. The Advantage’s 5-3 and 5-4 wins were the first two wins against the same opponent in two straight games - because these were the Advantage’s first two consecutive games against a common opponent this season! They’ll do that three more times this season, twice against the New Hampshire Jr. Monarchs. 

• The two wins also gave them 30 points on the season, tying them for fifth place in the North Division with the Northern Cyclones. Both teams are just below the “Mendoza line” for playoffs, by two points out of fourth place. They are also both only six points out of tying for first place!

• The Advantage are undefeated after one period when leading after one or two periods. Up after 20 minutes, they are 7-0-1-0, and when leading after two, they are 11-0-1-0. They are one of just three teams with no losses in regulation when up after 20 minutes. 

• Second-year goaltender Connor Bradford, who had both wins this weekend, moved up to fourth in NCDC wins with 12 this year. He is also second in shutouts (two) and minutes (1,477) and he is fourth in saves (766). 

Rockets Hockey Club On Three-Game Point Streak To Remain In South Hunt 

The Rockets played host to the Northern Cyclones and came out with a 4-3 shootout loss and a 5-1 victory. Along with their 4-2 win over Connecticut on Jan. 9, the Rockets have earned points in their last three to stand with 39 points, third in the South Division. They are four points behind the P.A.L. Jr. Islanders (in second) and five points behind the division-and league-leading Jersey Hitmen. 

• With their shootout win (first of the season), the Rockets improved to 15 points earned after 60 minutes this season, good for second in the league. They are 4-2 in OT and 1-3 in shootouts this season.

• The Rockets’ 9-1-0-1 (.863) record against North Division teams is the best record, by winning percentage, of any NCDC team against teams from the other division. 

• The Rockets remain one of the most potent offensive teams, standing at second in goals for per game average with a 3.66. 

• They remain the only team in the league to have not lost a one-goal game in regulation this year (6-0-2-3).

• Penn State University recruit Jason Gallucci is enjoying a four-game four-assist helper streak going back to Jan. 8. With two assists this weekend, he moved into fifth in the league among defensemen with 17 total. 

• Niagara University recruit Johnny Wescoe, who is third in points with 43, moved into fourth in both power play assists (12) and power play points (16).

P.A.L. Jr. Islanders Earn Pair Of Wins Over Twin City Thunder

The Jr. Islanders kept their one-point gap behind the Hitmen in place. One slip-up by the top team could see a flip for not just the South Division lead but the Founders Cup lead right now as well. P.A.L. is at 43 points, with the Hitmen at 44. Both teams have 21 wins. 

The Twin City Thunder took the Islanders to a shootout on Friday, but fell to the hosts 5-4 before the Jr. Islanders won 3-0 in the Saturday. 

• The Jr. Islanders improved their winning percentage in games beyond 60 minutes to a league-leading .857. They are 4-0 in overtime and 2-1 in shootouts. 

• The P.A.L. Jr. Islanders lead in penalty killing with an 88.8 percentage rate, killing off 127 of 143 power plays against them.

• They also possess the league’s best overall defense, giving up only 2.42 goals per game, a quarter-goal per game better than anyone else.

• With a 15-0-0-0 record when leading after two, the Jr. Isles have the best record in that situation. They have 13 wins in one-goal games, five more than anyone else in the league.

• Harrison Chesney and Cam Smith are 1-2 in save percentage for the NCDC, at .941 and .928, respectively. They are also first and third in goals against average at 2.12 and 2.48, respectively. 

• Smith’s shootout win against the Thunder was his second, good for a tie for third in that category. He has stopped the most attempts this year with a 1.000 percentage 5-for-5 on saves. 

Philadelphia Hockey Club Earns Sweep Over South Shore Kings

The PHC won 5-4 in a shootout and then 3-2 in regulation against the visiting South Shore Kings. This raised the squad from sixth to fifth in the South Division, and only four points out of fourth place rather than the six they started the weekend with. 

• These were the Philadelphia Hockey Club’s 20th and 21st one-goal games of the year, good for 65.6 of their total 32 games. The next closest in terms of one-goal games is the P.A.L. Jr. Islanders’ 17. They’ve also gone beyond 60 minutes a league-leading 12 times (Rockets are second with 10). 

• The Philadelphia Hockey Club is No. 1 in fewest shots against per game in the league at 32.44 per game. 

• In the shootout win, PHC was tied with South Shore after two periods. Philly is undefeated in regulation at 4-0-4-0 when tied in periods. The Northern Cyclones, at 2-0-0-0, are the only other team with no losses in regulation when tied after 40 minutes. 

• Ryan Keyes’ two saves on the shootout made him one of four goalies in the league who have not given up any shootout goals when in that situation this year. 

• Chip Hamlett registered his 20th assist of the season to remain in the top three for assists by blueliners. 

Around The Boards In The NCDC

The New Hampshire Jr. Monarchs went to Utica and split their Thursday-Friday series with a 4-2 Monarchs win and then a 4-1 Utica Jr. Comets victory. Earning two points was enough for the Monarchs to leapfrog the South Shore Kings into third place in the North Division. Utica remains fourth in the South. 

• The Monarchs scored a shorthanded goal to remain in first in the league with seven, tied with the Northern Cyclones (who also registered a shortie over the weekend).

• Mitchell Day reclaimed sole possession of the NCDC wins lead with his 15th W of the year against the Jr. Comets. He is also first in saves with 809, and he is third in minutes (1,447) and save percentage (.927).

• The Jr. Comets are third in shots on goal per game (35.54). 

• Utica’s John Gutt is tied for third in league scoring with 43 points and he is also third in assists (31). 

• Army recruit Owen Carlile’s recent power play goal put him into a four-way tie for second in that category with seven. Defenseman Domenick Evtimov’s sixth goal of the season has him in a three-way tie for second in goals by an NCDC defenseman. He is also fourth in assists with 19.

• Sebastian Woods is tied for second in saves (800) and is fourth in minutes (1,434). 

The Cyclones earned two points from the weekend by defeating the Rockets 4-3 in a shootout on Saturday. 

• The Cyclones lead the league in shootouts with five (3-2). They are also the only team with no overtime decisions this year. They complete 60 or 65 minutes, no in between. 

• Austin Rice’s shootout-winning goal was his league-leading second SOG by a defenseman and the only winner by a blueliner so far this year. 

• Kristoffer Eberly tied for the league lead in shootout wins with his third. Eberly is also fourth in save percentage at .924.  

• Defensively, in shootouts, the Cyclones goaltenders are 4-for-21 on attempts, an impressive .191 rate against opposing forwards. 

• Michael Felsing’s shorthanded goal in the 4-3 shootout win gave the Cyclones seven on the season, tied for first with their in-state rivals the New Hampshire Jr. Monarchs.

Upcoming Action

• Junior Bruins at South Shore Kings, Jan. 19 - The two teams have split their 2021-22 meetings, but the Junior Bruins have dominated the all-time series, 16-4-2-0. 

• Jersey Hitmen vs. P.A.L. Jr. Islanders, Jan. 19 and 22 - The two top teams from the South Division clash after earlier splitting games on Nov. 3 (3-1 P.A.L. win) and Nov. 5 (4-2 Hitmen win). 

• South Shore Kings at Islanders Hockey Club, Jan. 20 - These two teams have split their season series so far, while the Islanders hold an all-time lead of 17-5-1-0, though the Kings have gone 5-5-0-1 since 2019. 

• Philadelphia Hockey Club vs. Connecticut Jr. Rangers, Jan. 21-22 - Yet another continuation of a season series that is so far split. The Rangers won 3-2 on Nov. 6 and the PHC won 6-5 one night later. 

• Northern Cyclones vs. Twin City Thunder, Jan. 21 and 23 - It’s a Maine vs. New Hampshire showdown. The Thunder have won two 3-1 victories this year, and the Cyclones have won one victory - also by a 3-1 score. 

• Boston Advantage vs. New Hampshire Jr. Monarchs, Jan. 21-22 - In two seasons, the Monarchs have one more point than the Advantage with a 3-1-1-0 record (against the Advantage’s 2-1-0-2 series mark).

• Utica Jr. Comets at Rockets Hockey Club, Jan. 21-22 - The Rockets and Utica are completely tied in points earned over their all-time series. The Rockets’ record is 12-10-1-0, while the Jr. Comets (and their predecessor Syracuse Jr. Stars)’ all-time mark is 11-9-2-1. 

• Islanders Hockey Club at Junior Bruins, Jan. 22 - The Junior Bruins have won twice, but the Islanders scored a decisive victory in their third meeting this year back on Dec. 10. 

Drop The Pucks! 

The United States Premier Hockey League is proud to announce that two direct league alumni have been named to the roster for Team USA’s Men’s Hockey entry at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, China, set to begin Feb. 4 and conclude on Feb. 20. 

Strauss Mann and Sean Farrell both played at the Midget level for the Connecticut Jr. Rangers and Boston Junior Bruins, respectfully, before moving on to other junior hockey routes, NCAA Division I hockey and - in Mann’s case - the professional hockey ranks. This will be the first time representing the U.S. at the Olympics for both players, and MAnn’s first time representing the U.S. in an international tournament. 

Strauss Mann, Goaltender

Mann, a 1998-born native of Greenwich, Conn., joined the former Connecticut Yankees in the inaugural season of the USPHL, 2013-14, playing seven games that season. He came back the next season when the team became known in their current form as the Connecticut Jr. Rangers. He played in 14 USPHL 18U games that year, posting a .910 save percentage. 

From the Rangers, he played three seasons of prep and USHL hockey before starting his NCAA hockey career with the University of Michigan in 2018-19. He experienced massive success in his final two seasons in Ann Arbor, being named to the Big Ten’s Best Goaltender and First Team All-Conference in 2019-20. The next year, 2020-21, he was a team captain along with being named Big Ten Second Team All-Conference. 

He moved on to pro hockey for 2021-22, playing for Skelleftea HK in Sweden, where he’s gone 9-4-0, posting a 1.77 goals against average and a .930 in his rookie pro year. 

Sean Farrell, Forward

Farrell, a 2001-born native of Hopkinton, Mass., joined the Junior Bruins for a season of USPHL 16U roster in 2015-16. He played in 30 games and registered 35 points, along with two goals in two playoff games. 

After a prep season, he was named to the USA National Team Development Program’s Under-17 squad in 2017-18. He made his international tournament debut that year, playing in the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, winning Gold. The next year, while a member of the NTDP’s U18 team, he played in the World Junior Under-18 Championships, where Team USA took home Bronze. 

In 2019-20, he joined the USHL’s Chicago Steel, setting the league mark that year for most assists (41). But he blew even that out of the Lake Michigan water the next year. He was named the USA Hockey Junior Player Of The Year for 2020-21. With the Steel, he was a First Team USHL All-Star, USHL Player Of The Year, a Clark Cup Champion, and he led the league in assists (72) and points (101). He added 10 points in eight playoff games en route to the Clark Cup title. 

This year, he is with Harvard University, where he had 19 points in 13 games before being named to the Team USA roster. 

Best of luck to Strauss Mann, Sean Farrell and all of our Team USA athletes at the Winter Olympics in Beijing! 

North Division 

Forward: Tyler Healey, Twin City Thunder

Healey (‘02/Arthur, Ont.) was monstrous for the only 3-0 NCDC team at the USPHL Winter Showcase. He posted 2-3-5 in just his first game alone, vs. the Boston Advantage. He went and added two goals in a Game 2 win against the Islanders Hockey Club, and then posted a goal to close out the event against the Utica Jr. Comets. Overall, Healey now has 20 points in 21 NCDC games. 

Defense: Austin Rice, Northern Cyclones

Rice (‘02/Fort Myers, Fla.) is a fifth-year USPHL player in his third year with the Cyclones’ NCDC squad. He posted four assists in three USPHL Winter Showcase games, and came out with an even rating (one of only five Cyclones to finish the event even or a plus). He also put up a blocked shot over the weekend. 

Goaltender: Dylan Kruss, Islanders Hockey Club

Kruss (‘01/Thornhill, Ont.) joined the Islanders in October, and had his best performance yet with 33 saves on 35 shots by the second-ranked P.A.L. Jr. Islanders to earn his second victory with the IHC. 

South Division 

Forward: John Gutt, Utica Jr. Comets

Gutt first pulled on a jersey with the USPHL crest in 2016, and here in 2022, he has passed the 200-game mark for the league recently at the USPHL Winter Showcase. The Utica College commit celebrated the double-century milestone by posted a pair of goals and three assists for five points, helping the Jr. Comets go 2-1 in Marlborough, Mass. He now has 41 points in 33 games this year and an NCDC career total of 75 points - tied for second all-time in Utica/Syracuse history. 

Defense: Dakota Zarudny, Jersey Hitmen

Zarudny (‘01/Orangeville, Ont.) was huge on the goal front during the weekend, scoring his first NCDC hat trick against the Connecticut Jr. Rangers and then he added one more goal in their win against the Rockets Hockey Club. He now has 21 points in 29 games for the season and his nine goals lead all USPHL defensemen. 

Goaltender: Sebastian Woods, Utica Jr. Comets  

Woods (‘01/Limehouse, Ont.) was in net for all three Jr. Comets games on the weekend, going 2-1 and making 123 saves on 133 shots for a .925 weekend save percentage. His best individual performance was stopping 50 of 51 shots put on him by the Boston Junior Bruins for a win. 

Florida Division

Forwards

Taurin Haddon-Harris, Florida Eels

Mr. Consistency wearing the “C” for Captain, Haddon-Harris just keeps getting the job done for the division-leading Eels. Haddon-Harris (‘01/Boca Raton, Fla.) is absolutely on a mission, already passing his already lofty 45 point totals of 2020-21 with currently 49 to his name. From December, he picked up 4-5-9 in just six contests. This included the Eels’ only two goals in the rematch of the 2021 USPHL Premier Championship game between the Eels and Charlotte Rush, won by the Rush in a shootout. He also scored the game-winner against the Carolina Jr. Hurricanes - another 2021 Nationals participant - in the Eels’ showcase-closing win. 

Connor Nelson, Tampa Bay Juniors

Nelson (‘02/Woodbury, Minn.) began a scoring streak in November that has now reached eight games, with six of those coming in the month of December. Nelson racked up six points in his four games at the USPHL Florida College Showcase in Estero, Fla., part of an overall 5-4-9 month and a 6-6-12 active scoring streak he is carrying into the new year. Overall, Nelson has 31 points in 29 games in this, his first USPHL Premier season. 

Ben Baker, Atlanta MadHatters 

Baker (‘02/Powder Springs, Ga.) is enjoying this, his fifth overall USPHL season and second with the MadHatters. Just past the halfway point, Baker has already passed his points total of 2020-21 when he scored his 24th point at the USPHL Florida College Showcase. Overall for December, Baker posted six goals and four assists, including a 3-1-4 line against the Palm Beach Typhoon on Dec. 11. He also had a goal and an assist on his team’s only goals in a loss to the Hampton Roads Whalers at the showcase. Prior to these two seasons with the MadHatters, Baker played three seasons with the Northern Cyclones Academy program, playing there at the USPHL 15U, 16U and 18U levels. He also played his first NCDC game in 2019-20 with the Cyclones. 

Defense 

Hunter Howe, Florida Eels

Howe (‘01/Glenwood Springs, Colo.) has been a quiet Premier staple for four years, starting back in 2018-19 and joining the Eels for the first time last season after being acquired from the Provo Riverblades. Howe was a +2 for the month of December and put himself in front of six shots. Overall, Howe has suited up for 69 Eels Premier regular season games, registering 12 points and helping keep his squad at the top of the Florida Division. 

Parker Chadwell, Tampa Bay Juniors  

The Juniors are keeping the Eels on their heels this year due to the efforts of players like the third-year Premier Junior (in his fourth year overall with the organization). Chadwell, a 2001-born native of Tampa, posted five points in his six December games, and he also blocked six shots while registering an even rating in a month where only six Juniors registered a plus rating. Chadwell has posted 32 points in 109 regular season USPHL Premier games.

Goaltender

Alexandre Caron, Florida Eels 

The third-year Eel who helped lead his team to the 2021 National Championship game is back to his old tricks, putting together a month in which he never gave up more than two goals in a 60-or 65-minute game. He went 2-1-0-1 and knocked away 131 of 139 shots for a .942 save percentage. Overall, he is 11-2-0-1 with a 2.20 goals against average and a .932 save percentage for this season. 

Southeast Division

Forwards 

Valerii Kneib, Potomac Patriots

Kneib (‘02/Bratsk, Russia) is putting together a very fine first season in the USPHL Premier. During the month of December, Kneib put up 10 points with all but three of those points coming on the big stage of the USPHL Florida College Showcase. His 5-5-10 line in eight December games gave him a points total of 36 points in 29 games. 

Troy Andrews, Potomac Patriots

Andrews (‘01/Etobicoke, Ont.) had an 11-point month, and just like his teammate Kneib, he also had seven points in four games at the showcase in Estero, Fla. Overall, Andrew’s line for the month read 4-7-11, with nine points coming in a five-game scoring streak that encapsulated the trip to Florida. Andrews stands second to Kneib in team scoring for the surging Patriots, with 35 points in 29 games. 

Brenden Yingling, Richmond Generals

A Lebanon Valley College commit already, Yingling (‘01/Mechanicsburg, Pa.) moved up from the Generals’ Elite squad last year to the Premier team this year and is leading the way with 34 points in 28 games. During the month of December, he had 6-8-14 over the course of just eight games. Like his two fellow Forwards of the Month, he also shone brightly under the spotlight of the Florida Showcase, posting 12 points in just four games, including two four-point efforts. 

Defense

Tyler Fittro, Carolina Jr. Hurricanes 

A familiar name to this list, Fittro (‘01/Cedar Falls, Iowa) simply gives no reason at all to take him off this list. He just keeps producing at a breakneck pace, including a 1-6-7 month of December. He had six of those points over the Florida Showcase, and finished the month with a team-leading seven blocked shots and was a +1 on a team where the leader was a +3. 

Connor Carlile, Hampton Roads Whalers 

Carlile (‘01/Southlake, Texas) had a great month, sharing the lead of his team in plus-minus (+6) and also blocking six shots all while registering seven points (2-5-7) in six games for the Whalers in December. Six of these seven points were scored in a sweep weekend over their Virginia rivals the Richmond Generals. Carlile now has 20 points in 25 games. 

Goaltender 

Dylan Dallaire, Potomac Patriots 

Dallaire put together a 3-3-1-0 month and really got a good workout. The second-year Patriot, a 2001-born native of Timmins, Ont., really got a workout - he faced 186 shots in the month and sent away 11 of those for a .941 save percentage - and he was the only goaltender in the South Division to face at least 100 shots on the month. Overall, he has a .913 save percentage for the season.