PLAYOFFS BOUND: With its 7-4 win against the Des Moines Buccaneers on Saturday, Mar. 23, Team USA clinched a playoff spot to compete in the Clark Cup Playoffs for the second consecutive season. This will mark the fourth time that Team USA has competed in the postseason competition.
In the 2017-18 postseason, Team USA won three out of four games in its first series against the Chicago Steel to move on to face the Youngstown Phantoms, who went on to eliminate Team USA in the second round.
NEW NO. 1: The U.S. National Under-18 Team has exceeded another NTDP career record. This time, in its 7-3 victory against the Buccaneers, the 2017-19 class earned the record for most goals scored by an NTDP class, exceeding the 1997 class’s 603-goal record. After the weekend, the record now sits at 613 goals.
HOBEY BAKER: NTDP alumni Adam Fox (NTDP 2014-16) and Quinn Hughes (NTDP 2015-17) were named to the top 10 finalists for the 2019 Hobey Baker Award, with the finalist set to be named on Apr. 12.
Fox & Hughes were two of 10 finalists out of a pool of 81 NCAA players named to the first round of voting. The original list included five additional NTDP alumni: Evan Barratt (2015-17), Casey Fitzgerald (2013-15), K’Andre Miller (2016-18), Josh Norris (2015-17), and Joseph Woll (2014-16).
100 POINTS: NTDP alumni Patrick Kane reached a 100 point milestone for the second time in his NHL career. Kane is the third Blackhawk in franchise history to reach 100 points in more than one season, preceded by Jeremy Roenick and Denis Savard. In addition, Kane is just the third NHL player in the 2018-19 season to reach 100 points.
The last time Kane tallied 100 points was in the 2015-16 season when he recorded a total of 106 points.
GOING PRO: Seven NTDP alumni signed entry-level contracts with NHL teams this past week.
Former University of Michigan Wolverine Nicholas Boka (NTDP 2013-15) signed a professional contract with the Iowa Wild of the American Hockey League, an affiliate to the Minnesota Wild. Boka spent four years as a Wolverine defenseman, recording five goals and 24 assists total. He was selected in the sixth round of the 2015 NHL draft by the Wild.
Jake Oettinger (NTDP 2014-16) former Boston University goaltender, signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Dallas Stars. Oettinger will report to Texas Stars (AHL) on an amateur tryout for the remainder of the 2018-19 season. Concluding his junior year at BU, Oettinger registered 2.45 GAA and .926 SVS% in 36 games.
The Blackhawks signed Boston University defenseman Chad Krys (NTDP 2014-16) to a three-year contract. Krys had eight goals and 20 assists in 30 games as a junior. He will report to the Rockford IceHogs (AHL) for the final few weeks of their season.
Another Boston University player, Joel Farabee (NTDP 2016-18), inked an entry-level contract with the Philadelphia Flyers, effective to start the 2019-2020 season. Farabee recorded 36 points (17G, 19A) as a Freshman and was awarded HEA Rookie of the Year.
Former Boston College goaltender, Joseph Woll (NTDP 2014-16), signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Woll finished his college campaign with a 13-21-3 record and .919 save percentage in 37 games. The Missouri native was selected with the 62nd overall pick by Toronto in the 2016 NHL Draft.
The New York Islanders signed Oliver Wahlstrom (NTDP 2016-18) to a three-year, entry-level contract that kicks in at the start of the 2019-20 season. Wahlstrom wrapped up his freshman season as a forward at Boston College, scoring eight goals and 11 assists in 36 games. The six-foot-one, 207-pound forward was the Islanders’ first-round pick (11th overall) in 2018.
The Buffalo Sabres signed Casey Fitzgerald (NTDP 2013-15) to a two-year $1.85 million entry-level contract after the defenceman completed his senior season at Boston College. Selected by Buffalo in the third round of the 2016 draft, Fitzgerald will initially sign an amateur tryout contract and report to Buffalo’s AHL affiliate in Rochester, New York. The two-time Eagles captain was selected as Hockey East’s best defensive defenceman in 2017-18 and finished his college career with 17 goals and 82 points in 151 games.
PLAYER FEATURE: A hometown team awaits Judd Caulfield after the Under-18 season. The Grand Forks native will take the ice next season for the University of North Dakota. To read the full story, click here.
UPCOMING PROMOTIONS & EVENTS
Friday, Mar. 29 - vs. Youngstown Phantoms - Viva Las Vegas Night | $5 Friday
Saturday, Mar. 30 - vs. Youngstown Phantoms - Auston Matthews Bobblehead Night | Team USA Trading Card Series No. 6
Thursday, Apr. 11 - vs. Muskegon Lumberjacks - Thirsty Thursday $1 Beer Night
Friday, Apr. 12 - vs. Youngstown Phantoms - Fan Appreciation Night | $5 Friday