Bears Welcome Nine as Class of 2015
PROVIDENCE, RI – Brown men's hockey head coach Brendan Whittet '94 has announced his second recruiting class as the Bears head coach. This talented group of nine players (five forwards and four defensemen) is set to join the Bears this fall as part of the Class of 2015. They represent three different states and two different provinces. Ontario (four players) and Massachusetts (two players) lead the way, while Colorado, New York, and Nova Scotia are also represented in this year's class.
"I am excited about the strength of this year's recruiting class," Whittet said. "We have a solid balance of forwards and defensemen who will help us right away. I think all nine of these student-athletes will be a great fit for our program and the University. This class is a culmination of the tireless recruiting efforts of Assistant Coaches Jerry Keefe and Mark White. I appreciate all that they do for Brown Hockey and the University."
FORWARDS
Chris Draper – Draper hails from Kentville, Nova Scotia and played with the Orangeville Flyers of the OJHL in 2010-11 after spending the 2009-10 season with the Calgary Royals (AJHL). During his rookie season in the AJHL, Draper compiled 41 points (24g, 17a) in 56 games, while leading all AJHL rookies with 24 goals. Last season, he was hampered by injuries, but tallied 30 points (15g, 15a) in 46 games with Orangeville, including 1-3-4 numbers in seven playoff games. A big 6'2" forward who can play both wing and center, Draper is known for his speed and physical play.
"Chris will bring a nice combination of size, strength and goal scoring ability," said Whittet. "He is a tenacious forechecker who can play in all different situations. Chris has a tremendous work ethic and strong leadership qualities."
Matt Harlow – A left shot wing who has put up some great scoring numbers over the last few seasons at Noble & Greenough, Harlow comes to Brown from Bridgewater, Massachusetts. A captain for Nobles in 2011, Harlow led the team in scoring with 47 points (26g, 21a) in 27 games. He earned New England Prep All-Star honors in each of the last two seasons, scoring 46 goals during that time. Last year, he also played a split season with the South Shore Kings (EJHL), averaging well over a point per game. Ranked #101 on the 2011 Central Scouting NHL final rankings, Harlow was awarded the Boston Bruins 2011 John Carlton Award, given annually to the most outstanding male and female student-athletes in Eastern Massachusetts.
"Matt has a proven track record as a goal scorer," said Whittet. "He has an outstanding hockey IQ, which makes him very good around the offensive zone. He has a great knack to score and will be looked upon to continue this at Brown."
Ryan Jacobson – A wing from Greenwood Village, Colorado, Jacobson spent last season with the Sioux Falls Stampede (USHL), finishing as the team's leading goal scorer with 22 goals in 60 games. Jacobson was also second on the team in scoring with 43 points. Jacobson spent the 2009-10 season with the Bismark Bobcats of the NAHL, finishing as their leading goal scorer with 27 goals on the year.
"Ryan is a winger who scores goals," said Whittet. "He knows how to find the back of the net and has consistently done so the last two years in junior hockey. We feel very good about his offensive game and he will give us scoring depth in our lineup."
Massimo Lamacchia – The Vaughn, Ontario native played for the Coquitlam Express of the BCHL in 2010-11. He led the team in scoring last year and was voted the Express' Most Outstanding Forward, while finishing the season ranked 10th in the BCHL in points (74) and fourth in the League in goals (35).
"Massimo put up great numbers in one of the top junior hockey leagues in North America," said Whittet. "He is only 5'8", but plays much bigger than his size. He plays with determination and in the tough areas to score goals."
Matt Lorito – A center who played for the Villanova Knights of the OJHL the past two years, Lorito finished as the Knights' second all-time leading scorer with 160 points in two seasons. Last year, the Oakville, Ontario native was fourth in the OJHL in points per game with 82 points (28g, 54a) in 41 games. He finished seventh in the League in scoring with 78 points (32 goals) in 2009-10.
"Matt is a very high-skilled scorer who will be a fun player to watch over the next four years," said Whittet. "He has the ability to put up hugenumbers and we expect very big things from him. He should be a very good freshman in the ECAC next season."
DEFENSEMEN
Joey deConcilys – A native of Saint Catharine's, Ontario, deConcilys will be one of the youngest players in college hockey in 2011-12. He is a highly-touted recruit after completing his senior season at the Salisbury School. He posted 20 points (5g, 15a) in 2010-11, while helping to lead the team to the New England Prep School playoffs. DeConcilys spent the 2009-10 season with the St. Catharine's Falcons and was the leading rookie defenseman sorer in the League with 33 points.
"Although Joey is young, he is a very strong and mature player," said Whittet. "He is smart and a good puck mover and it will be exciting to see Joey develop at Brown. He is capable of being a high-end defenseman in the ECAC."
Taki Pantziris – The Toronto native finished his first season with the North York Rangers of the OJHL in 2011. Like deConcilys, Pantziris will be one of the youngest players in college hockey next season. As a rookie in 2011, Pantziris was voted to the OJHL All-Rookie Team after finishing the season as the OJHL's leading rookie defenseman with 13 goals (3rd overall for goals scored by a defenseman). Pantziris also posted 20 assists for 33 points and was a mainstay on the power play for the Rangers.
"Taki has tremendous upside," said Whittet. "He is 6'2" and has outstanding offensive tools. He has a great shot from the point and skates very well for a big defenseman."
Kyle Quick – A native of Buffalo, New York, Quick spent last season with the Lincoln Stars (USHL). The leading scoring defenseman for the Stars with 11 points through the first 22 games, Quick's season was cut short due to injuries. Known as a good skating defenseman, Quick helped to lead Avon Old Farms to the 2010 New England Prep School Championship, earning NE Prep All-Star honors. The leading defenseman scorer for Avon Old Farms, Quick finished the 2010 season with 24 points.
"Kyle is a good puck moving defenseman who skates very well," said Whittet. "He will add depth to the blue line and can be used in different situations."
Greg Tang – A graduate of Buckingham, Browne & Nichols in his native Cambridge, Massachusetts, Tang played for the South Shore Kings in 2010-11. Voted to the EJHL All-Star Game, Tang led all EJHL defensemen in point per game, finishing the season with 28 points in 31 games. Tang, a versatile player who can also play forward, was key on the Kings power play last season.
"Greg brings a high skill level to our team," said Whittet. "He has the ability to break pucks out and is very good in one-on-one situations."
