A pair of top '06s commit to BU

The commitment period for ’06 birthdates began today and BU was among the first schools to land a top prospect with 6’0” left-shot defenseman Owen Keefe tweeting his commitment. He is the son of Northeastern University head coach Jerry Keefe.

A finalist for the Massachusetts Mr. Hockey 2022 title, Keefe had a 6-22-28 scoring line in 28 games as the mainstay of Malden Catholic’s defense. He also anchored the blueline for the Boston Jr. Eagles 16U AAA who reached the 16U Nationals. The previous season, he had 61 points in 60 games for the Jr. Eagles 14U AAA and earned an invitation to the World Select Invitational for U15s.

This past spring Keefe was rostered for the NTDP evaluation camp in Michigan, where he performed well but was not selected for the next U17s. However, he was immediately tendered by USHL Muskegon. The 16-year-old will join 2023 recruit Gavin McCarthy (brother of senior Case McCarthy) on the Lumberjacks blueline.  

From NEHJ’s list of top New England prospects for the 2024 NHL draft

Owen Keefe Malden Catholic, 3/26/06, D, left shot, 6-0/170

Keefe always has been a rink rat at the top of this class, but his game has taken a big step over the past 12 months as he’s grown and improved in the gym. He has the size, shot and defensive toughness, but his skating has gotten better. He’s best when he’s playing a solid game that doesn’t involve jumping into the rush excessively. Having to play a mature game in the USHL sooner than his peers will help in that regard. He’s signed a tender with the USHL’s Muskegon Lumberjacks for the 2022-23 season. In terms of pro upside, he’s at the top of the class among New England defensemen.

● Elite Prospects Page

● Muskegonlumberjacks.com Lumberjacks sign Owen Keefe to tender agreement

 

Just a few hours after Keefe’s tweet, Kamil Bednarik, a 5’11” left-shot forward who earned a spot on the upcoming season’s NTDP U17s, gave BU his commitment for 2024 or 2025, according the Heisenberg site.

An Illinois native who played youth hockey with the Chicago Mission organization, Bednarik led the NJ Rockets 16U AAA in scoring with a 44-48-92 line in 76 games, including nine goals in 16 games NE Pack 16U contests, and a 3-3-6 line in four games at the 16U Nationals.

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The U16 @RocketsHC defeats U16 @juniorbruins 3-0 with the final goal being scored by 05’ Chase Pirtle off a beautiful play and feed by 06’ Kamil Bednarik @BednarikJr ! @MYHockeyRanking @noelrubin #usntdp #ushl #2023nhldraft #2024nhldraft #usahockey #HockeyTwitter #hockeyhighlight pic.twitter.com/vaiKuAC0Bn

— HockeyProspectReporting (@HockeyReporting) November 6, 2021

Two years ago, Prospects by Sports Illustrated identified Bednarik as one of the top American prospects for the 2022 OHL draft. After his selection this Spring for the US U17s, he was drafted by the OHL’s Kitchener Rangers in the seventh round.

NeutralZone profiled Bednarik as one of 14 top prospects to watch as ’06 recruiting begins.

Bednarik is another player who is headed to the NTDP U17 team. In 76 games last season for the Rockets he finished with 44 goals and 48 assists for 92 points. He’s an Illinois native who played for the Midwest Selects and Chicago Mission before moving over to the Rockets this past season.

NZ Scouts: “Bednarik was one of our highest rated forwards last summer in Buffalo at the Development Camp and followed that up with a stellar season playing up a year with the U16’s at NJ Rockets. He’s smooth skating, quick twitch forward with silky smooth mits and a quick, accurate release on his wrister and snap shot. He was able to rush wide on defenders with speed and put them on their heels and he would instinctually recognize if he had room to cut in or if he should curl back and wait for trailers or if he should just use his speed and go around them. His offense is versatile in that he doesn’t just rely on the rush; he can make plays from the corners and behind the net, he can play a skill game and pull away with his quickness or he can drop the shoulder and ride his edges to the net front.”

● Elite Prospects Page

● Buzzer Beater at Nationals 

 

Looking ahead

Along with Keefe and Bednarik, a third Terrier recruit played in the USA Hockey 16U Nationals: Brandon Svoboda, a 6’2” RW who had a 24-26-50 scoring line in 50 games for the Pittsburgh Penguins Elite 16U. He’ll head to Youngstown this season, joining fellow Terrier recruit and second-year Phantom Shane Lachance.

 

The younger McCarthy, a 6’1” right-shot defenseman who was tendered by Muskegon a year ago, is playing for Team USA in the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup in Red Deer, Alberta. US won its opening game against Germany, 8-1 and faces Finland today (5 p.m. ET). In goal for the U.S. yesterday was Calvin Vachon, whose father, Nick Vachon, played for BU from 1990-92. Grandfather is NHLer Rogatien Vachon.

● Schedule of Games to air on NHL Network

 

►The NHL Central Scouting Futures List for the 2023 draft includes three future Terriers: Forward Ryan Fine and goalie Michael Chambre of the NTDP U18s and recent recruit, defenseman Aiden Celebrini who is set to play for USHL Lincoln this season after as strong year with Shattuck Prep.

 

Looking back

Former BU All-American and current Bruin Charlie McAvoy, while vacationing in Italy, announced his engagement to Kiley Sullivan. A BU grad, she is the daughter of former Terrier captain and current Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan.

● Boston.com report and photo