The newest NCDC team, Wilkes Barre Scranton Knights, took on the reigning champion Jersey Hitmen for a 3 game series. Check out our scouting notes, directly from our scouts
Game Results
9.23.22 - Hitmen (3) vs WBS Knights (2) OT
9.24.22 - Hitmen (3) vs WBS Knights (2)
9.25.22 - Hitmen (5) vs WBS Knights (0)
Scouting Notes
JJ Cataldo - ‘03 Goaltender - Jersey Hitmen
Cataldo was impressive in his 2 starts, stopping 37 of 39, and then shutting the Knights out Sunday with a 28 save performance. Not the biggest goalie, and tight hands, Cataldo relies on his athleticism, quick yet calm feet and reading ability. Was impressive post to post, and was extremely composed on Sunday, with very little secondary chances for the Knights.
Gavin Bloder - ‘03 Forward - Jersey Hitmen
The righty protects pucks extremely well under pressure, and is constantly at pace away from puck in offensive zone, constant involved / finding new pockets of space. At 6’2”, Bloder moves extremely well, and is not afraid of confrontation.
Matt Imbriano - ‘03 Forward - Jersey Hitmen
Imbriano has a quick burst stride and is extremely hard to handle in pursuit. Ties the game 9/23 hungry on the puck carrier, supporting play and shooting quickly after finding loose puck. The lefty is slightly undersized, but has the awareness with the puck to make correct decisions, doesn’t mind taking hits and will dish them out too. Does a great job getting below shoulder level to be tough to hit.
Michael DiPietra - ‘02 Forward - Jersey Hitmen
DiPietra returns to the Hitmen for his 4th NCDC season, finishing with 37 points in ‘21'-’22. The righty made great decisions with the puck all weekend, making quick passes under pressure or retaining possession in tight spaces. The fine details are what DiPietra does so well, watch him in breakouts, or how he can regain possession and find open space/teammate. A prospect to watch for college coaches.
Nick Braun - ‘02 Forward - Jersey Hitmen
The righty had 3 goals over the weekend, and showed he is a scoring threat any time he gets to the slot. Braun has the hands and brain to slow plays down when attacking the net, showing great patience to take puck to backhand on mini breakaway off 2 on 1 in first game. But most impressive was Braun’s ability to get to scoring spots in the slot at the right time, and get shots off quickly. The 5’11 BC native played last season in the MJHL, finishing with 32 goals and 22 assists.
Sean Melso - ‘02 Defenseman - Jersey Hitmen
The 2022 NCDC Defenseman of the Year showed his calm demeanor with the puck in all situations. The left handed Melso is a puck winner first then puck mover. Patient but deceptive with the puck, has the offensive IQ and hands with the puck to take opponents 1 on 1. Smart puck mover quarterbacking the powerplay, confident and poised.
Tyler McNeil - ‘02 Forward - Jersey Hitmen
McNeil makes the jump back to the NCDC after playing the majority of last year with Fresno of the USPHL Premier, finishing with 50G 61A in 40 total games. The lefty is pesky on pucks, feet constantly moving and showed he can be a scoring threat from different areas in the offensive zone. Finishing the weekend with 3 goals and 2 assists, McNeil has the ability to get shots off wherever he is on the ice, especially in tight spaces. McNeil finished quick passing plays on the powerplay with a quick snipe 9/25, while finding gaps in defenders extremely well on both goals from 9/23 and 9/24.
Colin Anna - ‘02 Forward - WBS Knights
Another player making the jump to NCDC from Premier, Anna seems to be ready for the challenge. Used in multiple situations, the offensively gifted lefty has great speed, and IQ when attacking the net. His speed and aggression is tough for defenseman to deal with, and created chances / drew penalties in the first 2 games of the series. Scored on penalty shot after getting tripped down on breakaway he created. His creativity and vision was apparent on 9/24, making a great assist finding the back door drive through a maze of people.
Marks Slavinskis - ‘03 Goaltender - WBS Knights
Slavinskis makes the jump to North America this season, and has the 6’3” frame + long arms and legs every goaltending coach would love. The Latvian native did struggle with rebounds at times, but is never out of a play and can be tough to beat on first chance opportunities. Slavinskis uses his butterfly / RVH very well to see the lower 2/3 of the net, and was very aggressive at times cutting down the angle.
Andrew Palena - ‘03 Goaltender - WBS Knights
The former Salisbury School goaltender makes his jump to junior this season, and played well in his first start, stopping 41 of 44 shots. At 6’1”, Palena is a mix of size and athleticism, showing great ability tracking plays with composure and was tough to beat on first chances. Watch for Palena to continue to grow this season, as he has the brain and technique to play at this speed.
Riku Brown - ‘02 Forward - WBS Knights
At 6’3”, Brown has the size, but also has the hands and want to get into scoring areas. On powerplay, Brown can be a bully in front or use frame and hands on the goal line to make plays, along with being a scoring threat whenever he hits the house.
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