’99 F Johnny Mulera to Maine for 2020
Mulera is making his third college commitment. Originally, the Maryland native was headed to Providence but his commitment switched to UConn last year. Now, he’s committed to the Black Bears.
Mulera was one of the top-scoring forwards in the NCDC this season, potting 34 goals and adding 40 assists in 49 games for the Boston Jr. Bruins.
NZ Scouts on Mulera: “Mulera is extremely creative, fast and at the same time; poised. He showed an ability to delay and cut to the middle (Ovechkin.) He can shoot through screens with his head up. He can make guys miss on 1v1s. He is very quick in tight areas and protects the puck well during the cycle. He attacks the net as he has great edges and a quick stick.
’00 F Eric Martin to Bemidji State for 2020
Martin is a Calgary native who has been with the Drumheller Dragons in the AJHL for the last three seasons. This year, he had 80 points in 57 games and was one of the top scorers in the league.
NZ Scouts on Martin: “A shifty player on the ice, and often elusive to defenders. His quick feet and good speed make him hard to keep up with, and his plethora of one on one moves make him unpredictable on the rush. He is a pass first type player looking for teammates crashing hard to the net, and he has the soft hands to feather the passes into tight areas.”
’99 F Ben Thomas to Endicott for 2020
Thomas was originally committed to Union. He’s. skilled two-way center who had six points in 13 games for the Boston Jr. Bruins in the NCDC this season; he started the year with the Odessa Jackalopes in the NAHL. Thomas also has experience in the USHL and BCHL.
NZ Scouts on Thomas: “Skilled, two-way forward with excellent hockey sense and vision. He can create both in-zone and off the rush and competes in his own end for loose pucks. He can play center or wing, has a powerful wrister and snap shot and knows where to be on the ice. He has to get a step quicker but has a smooth, balanced stride which makes him hard to knock off the puck.”
’99 G Sam Metcalf to Bethel for 2020
Metcalf is a good-sized goalie (6-foot-4) who is from Iowa. Since 2017 he’s called the NAHL home, starting with the Topeka Pilots and this season playing for the St. Cloud Blizzard.
NZ Scouts on Metcalf: “Sam uses his size extremely well, such as in the second period, when he made a shoulder save on a 2v1 look routine but sliding across on his knees to his left while keeping his upper body tall and covered the rebound. Metcalf also has excellent rebound control as he often will consume any puck shot near his midsection. Metcalf did this numerous times, including a few in overtime. Sam, unlike most goalies, will stay on his feet when necessary.”
’99 D Jacob Evans to Bethel for 2020
Bethel also landed Evans, who is a Wisconsin native who played for the Virden Oil Capitals (MJHL) and Truro Bearcats (MJAHL) this season.
’00 D Colin Mehren to Bethel for 2020
Bethel wasn’t done, also adding defenseman Colin Mehren for next season. Good size (6-foot-3), the Minnesota native played for the Utica Jr. Comets in the NCDC this season and also played for the Rochester Grizzlies in the NA3HL last season.
