Hutson highlights; 3rd goalie announced; Zellers shines at HGC

 World Junior Senior Showcase

Lane Hutson was given a day off at the WJSS as other defensemen contend for a spot on the U.S. Junior National Team.  Habs Prospect Video prepared a highlight reel of the Montreal 2022 draft pick’s stellar 3-point performance in Monday’s USA win against Sweden, noting four special sequences: 1st Assist - 2:38; Goal - 5:14; 2nd Assist - 7:44; and “Sick Feed” - 8:40.

 

In the event's final games on Friday, Hutson will skate for USA Blue against Sweden and Devin Kaplan will be with the White squad that faces Finland.

 

Roster introductions

BU has begun introducing the 13 newcomers to the 2023-24 roster. Along with nine freshmen, there are four transfers--three goalies and one forward. Two goalies, Brown transfer Mathieu Caron and UMass transfer Henry Graham, were previously revealed. 

Nick Howard is BU’s third new netminder for next season. The 6’1” native of Burlington, Mass., is a grad transfer, having spent four years at D3 St. Anselm’s. He played only three seasons since St. A’s didn’t play in 2020-21 due to the Covid pandemic.

Last season, Howard started all 30 of the Hawks’ games. Posting a 2.41 GAA and a .925 save percentage, he had an 18-9-3 record, leading his team to the NE-10 championship. In two conference tournament games, he stopped 71 of 72 shots, yielding just one power-play goal and earning tournament MVP honors.  In 2021-22 Howard was NE-10 first-team all-conference and goaltender of the year. He is St. Anselm’s all-time wins leader.

● Elite Prospects Page

● St. Anselm’s bio

● St. Anselm’s Crier 20 Questions with Nick Howard

 

Looking ahead

2024 recruit Will Zellers continues his strong play for Team USA at the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup tourney in Czechia and Slovakia. With four goals in three preliminary rounds game (and another in an exhibition contest), the Maple Grove, Minn., native has helped the U.S. reach the medal round with a semifinal match-up against Canada Friday that airs on NHL Network at 1 p.m. ET.

In Wednesday's 8-1 win against Germany, Zellers, a 5'10" left wing who skates on the team's top power play unit, scored twice, earning second star honors.

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Will Zellers has his second of the day. Germany can't clear their zone and shoutout to the hard work by Colin Frank to keep this puck alive and finding Zellers in the slot. 5-0 #HlinkaGretzkyCup pic.twitter.com/txlmhD3Gs9

— Ryan Sikes (@ryan_sikes10) August 2, 2023

 The Daily Faceoff’s Steven Ellis, recognizing the day’s top performers, noted:

#23 Will Zellers, LW: Zellers simply doesn’t miss when he gets the chance to unleash a wrister. He scored twice, and has been one of USA’s best forwards throughout the medal round.

Prior to the tournament, The Hockey News wrote:

After a strong season at Shattuck St. Marys this past season, Zellers is looking to put his name on the map for the upcoming draft. He is one of the Amercians' more skilled forwards, and while he leans more towards the playmaking side, he has a very good shot and can be relied upon as a finisher. Zellers is a smart and instinctual player who will read and react to what defenders give him. This should be an excellent opportunity to put his best foot forward as a draft prospect.

A year ago, playing for the US Select U17s in the Five Nations, Zellers tallied 7-2-9 in 4 games just prior to committing to BU.

 

Looking back

Freddy Meyer was a rugged BU defenseman who earned first team All-American honors and captained the 2002-2003 Terrier squad before beginning a six season NHL career. More recently, he's head coach at The Rivers School, having succeeded Shawn McEachern there, He's also coach of the Boston Jr. Eagles 13U where he coached his son, Carter, as well as Jay Pandolfo's son, Sam. Both Carter and Sam were among the nine 2009 New England players invited to the CCM 68 Combine this month.

Freddy and Carter are featured in this Sniper's Edge video from a few years ago.