Blazing Trails: New York Rangers Prospects Light Up College Ice
By Marvin Azrak
Discover the rising stars of the New York Rangers as their prospects impact the college hockey scene. It was filled with Goals, wins, and excitement!
The 2023-2024 Hockey season has kicked off with a bang, and the excitement isn’t limited to the NHL. New York Rangers’ prospects are making waves on the NCAA ice, setting fans abuzz with anticipation.
Last weekend, the Rangers had six prospects hit the college ice. Among them was Gabriel Perrault, already turning heads as the Rangers’ first-round pick from 2023. So, let’s dive into the action and check out what they’ve been cooking on the ice.
Rangers Prospects Shine on College Ice: Goals, Wins, and Rising Stars:
Hugo Ollas, who the Rangers picked up in the 7th round back in 2020(197th overall), decided to play guardian of the net for the Merrimack College Warriors. Hugo stopped 11 of 12 shots. The Warriors clashed with the Sacred Heart University Pioneers and prevailed 3-2, taking overtime. They’re now gearing up for some official games against Arizona State University.
Next up, we have Jaroslav Chmelar, who joined the Rangers crew in the 2021 draft (144th overall). Suiting up for Providence Friars and faced off against the mighty Michigan Wolverines in Ann Arbor. Chmelar, who rocked the right wing on the third line, came through like a champ. He architected a crucial goal that helped Providence upset the fifth-ranked Michigan Wolverines with a 4-2 score. He also had his name on the scoresheet with an assist in Saturday’s 5-4 match.
We witnessed a fierce showdown in Omaha, “The Battle of the Mavericks.” Victor Mancini, the Rangers’ 2022 fifth-round pick (159th overall), stood his ground as the right defense for the University of Nebraska Omaha. It was a gritty brawl that even saw Mancini serve some penalty time for roughing.
The goaltenders, Simon Latkoczy and Seth Eisele stole the show and combined for a 38-save shutout to record a shutout against Minnesota State. Omaha’s senior forward, Matt Miller, was the knight in shining armor with a late goal. The Spirit of the Maverick trophy is still rocking in Omaha. They’re all set for the regular season, starting this weekend against the Niagara Purple Eagles.
And then, there’s Colorado College Tigers, who kicked off the season with a bang, defeating Simon Fraser 6-3. Noah Laba, the Rangers’ 2022 4th-round pick, led the charge in their preseason win with not one but two goals, including a shorthanded tally.
The favorites, No. 1 Boston University, won a nail-biting 3-2 affair against Bentley at Bentley Arena. It was overtime magic, and the man of the moment was Lane Hutson, a sophomore and a Montreal Canadiens prospect. He netted the game-winner just 3 minutes and 12 seconds into the extra period during a power play.
The real highlight of the night? That came from freshman Macklin Celebrini, who’s touted as the first overall pick in the 2024 NHL draft. He scored his first NCAA goal in his debut. Celebrini went from forehand to backhand with Quinn Hutson’s nifty pass for the goal. Poetry was in motion, extending BU’s lead to 2-0.
Graduate captain Case McCarthy fired up the scoring in the first period, and junior goaltender Mathieu Caron debuted as a Terrier, blocking 21 shots to secure the win.
Last but not least, in the weekend’s main event, there was a top-ten face-off with the Boston College Eagles taking on the reigning champs, Quinnipiac University Bobcats. They raised the championship banner, and you could feel the electricity in the arena.
Rangers prospects Gabriel Perreault (No 23) and Drew Fortescue (No 90), both 2023 draft picks, were in the spotlight. Fortescue held the fort on the blue line and even started with team captain Eamon Powell. As for Perreault, he formed a dynamite trio known as the “USA Line”, with Will Smith(No. 5 pick, San Jose Sharks) and Ryan Leonard (No. 8 pick, Washington Capitals). The Eagles sealed the deal with a thrilling 2-1 overtime victory, with Cutter Gauthier playing hero.
It’s just the beginning, and these Rangers prospects are already bringing the heat to college hockey. Get ready for more puck action, goals, saves, and many rising stars.