Neutral Zone spent the November 4-6th weekend traveling to Colgate University for the U19 JWHL league games. We also attended the Fire on Ice Tournament in Rochester, NY but will focus this report on the JWHL. The four JWHL teams present were: Boston Shamrocks, Washington Pride, Ridley College, and NAHA White. It was clear from game one that the depth of talent on NAHA could not be matched by the other teams. There was comparable individual talent on other teams, just fewer players at that top level. With injuries, and players heading to U18 Canadian Nationals, many players were not present or dressed for many of the games. This report includes the stand-out performers from this specific event.
A
Delaney Drake (NAHA, F, 2017, Wisconsin Commit) – Very strong off faceoffs with a noticeable number of clean wins. Delaney is an incredibly agile skater and uses her edges to their full potential. She stays low as she skates ready to send and receive all passes perfectly. A consistent offensive threat on every shift.
Emma Wuthrich (NAHA, F, 2018) – Came up big with her speed and puck skill in every game. Her impressive puck skill allows her to move through any zone without being touched. Emma has a flashy side to her game and knows how to put the puck in the net.
Veronika Pettey (Washington, F, 2017, Northeastern Commit) – Smaller in size but has extremely quick feet. She has a crafty element to her game and strives to accomplish big things every shift. Picks off passes that she quickly turns into offense. Veronika is a game changer without a doubt.
B
Skylar Podvey (NAHA, D, 2017, St. Lawrence Commit) – Her smaller size rarely holds her back. Skylar is strong on the offensive blue to keep the puck in every time. She will step up and join the rush where her hockey sense shines. Has a very quick release both from the point and in her meaningful moments up front.
Hayley Lunny (NAHA, F, 2017, Providence Commit) – A 2-way player who wheels around searching for her next smart pass. She has good compete and proves she belongs in this talented group. Creates good offense but will likely use an outlet rather than take the shot herself. A feisty presence in front where she likes to get that late redirect on the puck.
Kyleigh Hanzlik (NAHA, F, 2017, Wisconsin Commit) – Nice sized player with above average puck skill. She is good off the draw to instantly give her team momentum. Maintains good possession when entering the zone with her puck protection skills. Upped her game as the weekend went on.
Eleri MacKay (NAHA, F, 2018, Colgate Commit) – A consistent and reliable presence to NAHA’s offense. Has good hands and speed and brings a strong net front presence. Maintains a good mix of distributing the puck when necessary, and sniping when she gets the opportunity. Scored 3 goals vs. Ridley, high compete level playing in her future rink.
Julia Blitz (Washington, F, 2019) – Won’t give up on a puck. A strong work ethic that stands out every shift. Julia finds a lane wide and blows passed her opponents. She packs a lot of danger in that speed. Good upside as she develops further.
Kerri Corcoran (Washington, D, 2017) – Can fly around the ice with great speed and possession. Very focused and engaged with high compete. She will join the play and often gets heavily involved in the offense by putting pucks on net. Maintains good knowledge of stick and body positioning in the D- zone.
Gianna Meloni (Washington, G, 2017, Yale Commit) – Midsized goalie who challenges the puck well. Seems to be very calm. It is clear her team is comfortable with her in net. Does her best work from her feet steering pucks to the corner with a toe or her stick.
Cassidy McEwen (Boston, G, 2017) – A tall goalie who fills the net. Always searching for the puck or where the next pass will go. Communicates with her team effectively. A high compete level and focus. Cassidy is at the top of her crease and most often steers rebounds to the corners. Some impressive desperation saves.
C
Allison Rodgers (NAHA, F, 2017, Minnesota- Duluth Commit) – Consistently and effectively uses her body to protect the puck. Contributes nicely to NAHA’s trend of good body positioning. Had some solid offensive opportunities in front. The puck was controlled on her stick a majority of every shift.
Summer-Rae Dobson (Ridley, F, 2017, Mercyhurst Commit) – A mid-sized player with impressive hands. Does nice work in front of the net. After putting a shot on net, her quick feet bring her net front rapidly so she can prepare for a rebound opportunity.
Shailynn Snow (Ridley, F, 2019) – A steady player with a lot of hockey sense. She is not flashy but a strong and reliable presence on the ice. Has a very hard back check and will do whatever it takes for her team every shift. Good upside.
Kelly Golini (Boston, F, 2018) – Smaller build player with a slick skating style. Fun to watch drifting around the ice while maintaining possession. Tough to keep Kelly down after a hit. She’s up and ready to put more pucks on net in no time. Created the most noticeable offense on her team.
