Stellar Seasons from Top Americans 06s
We are in the midst of a pivotal 12 months for 2006-born hockey players in their 14U seasons. Top athletes in the age group rise to recognition with events like the CCM 68 Combine in the summer, and their first winter season competing at USA Hockey’s national tournament. College, junior and international scouts begin focusing on players in consideration for scholarship offers, draft pick selections and national team roster spots. Certainly, 14-year-olds will experience plenty of development and growth over the next few years of youth hockey. Many elite-level players will quickly be identified and keyed in on by scouts at all levels.
Among some of the top ‘06s in the country are eight players having stellar campaigns as the ‘20-21 schedule nears its end.
Aidan Park, Shattuck-St. Mary’s
Forward, Newport Beach, California
He’s a high-end goal scorer who has the vision to make plays all over the ice. A solid 200-foot player, and may even be a better defender than anything. Park has scored 45 goals and 109 points in 40 games for Shattuck.
Cole Eiserman, Shattuck-St. Mary’s
Forward, Newburyport, Massachusetts
Skating on a line with Park and another top ‘06 in Mack Celebrini, Eiserman is a perfect accent to his counterparts. A power forward with elite speed and probably the best shot among ‘06s. He uses his size to get to the net and plays with an edge, leading the team in goals (73) and points (117).
Thomas Zocco, North Jersey Avalanche
Forward, New Jersey
A reliable two-way player with a heavy shot. Zocco has a quick release that he can get off from anywhere on the ice. He has been a dominant player in the AYHL for several seasons, even when he played up an age group in ‘19-20. Zocco has 12 goals and 33 points in 14 games with the Avs this season.
Max Plante, MN Blades
Forward, Duluth, Minnesota
Without a doubt one of the smartest players in the birth year. He may be small, but is certainly shifty and clever with the puck. Plante’s playmaking skills are fantastic and leads to plenty of offense, thanks in large part to his anticipation and elusiveness.
Will Felicio, Mount St. Charles
Defenseman
An elite skater who has a ton of offensive upside. Felicio has become an exceptionally good defender as well, rounding out into a complete player from the back end. He’s got a mean streak and is very tough to play against. Averaging a point per game for the Mounties, with two goals and 21 points while patrolling the blue line.
Christian Humphreys, Bishop Kearney Selects
Forward, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
A big kid and a good skater at 5-foot-10 and 150 pounds. Humphreys has exploded for upstart program BK, leading the team — by a lot — with 34 goals and 87 points. Puck skills are off the charts; he’s a player that can mesmerize defenders with his moves and can be deadly on the man advantage.
Drake Murray, Shattuck-St. Mary’s
Defenseman, Manhattan Beach, California
A prototypical two-way, defense-first, defenseman, already has all the physical tools desirable at the next level. He uses his frame effectively with good physicality along the boards and in the dirty areas. Murray is a great first-pass guy that limits costly mistakes in the defensive zone.
Vladi Bryzgalov, New Jersey Colonials
Goalie, Haddonfield, New Jersey
The son of 11-year NHL veteran Ilya Bryzgalov, Vladi comes from an impressive goalie pedigree. The 14-year-old backstops the No. 15-ranked New Jersey Colonials, helping them to a 18-5-1 record. He’s compiled a 0.63 goals-against average and 0.970 save percentage according to Elite Prospects, and is a good combination of size and mobility between the pipes.
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