As Los Angeles girds their loins for the upcoming playoffs, several leagues have already started postseason play. College hockey is the next league to amp up the intensity, as Frozen Four begins on Thursday.
Before taking a look at Kings prospects participating, there are some collegiate players whose seasons have come to an end.
Jack Hughes, Northeastern, Center (51st overall in 2022)
2022-2023 Stats: 5 goals, 11 assists, minus-14, 16 PIM in 32 games played
The top pick of 2022 for Rob Blake plateaued in production this year, ending the season with as many points as last. A heartbreaking overtime loss to Providence eliminated them from the tourney. After elimination, Hughes entered the transfer portal, which would allow him to join another NCAA team next season; exactly where he may be going remains TBD.
Braden Doyle, Northeastern, Defense (157th overall in 2019)
2022-2023 Stats: 1 goal, 7 assists, plus-8, 6 PIM in 23 games played
Speaking of players from the portal – Doyle completed his sophomore season after transferring from Boston University to play for Northeastern. His campaign was cut short by injury, though, as he hasn’t played since February 3.
Ben Meehan, UMass-Lowell, Defense (140th overall in 2020)
2022-2023 Stats: 4 goals, 13 assists, minus-1, 43 PIM in 34 games played
Meehan’s junior season ended in a heartbreaker. Halfway into double overtime, Merrimack scored the goal that put them high enough to be part of the tournament.
Kenny Connors, UMass, Forward (103rd overall in 2022)
2022-2023 Stats: 9 goals, 17 assists, plus-0, 8 PIM in 32 games played
There’s very little to complain about the overall season for Connors. Not much gets asked out of fourth-round picks, particularly the season after they’re drafted. Yet, posting 26 points in 32 games while also representing Team USA in the World Junior Championship has set the bar for next season rightfully high. He hit a cold streak at an inopportune time, though – a four-game scoring drought eclipsed his scoring streak of six.
Kenny Connors got kicked out of the game for this hit. Thoughts? pic.twitter.com/dEymu4kXq8
— Spittin' Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) December 28, 2022
Cole Krygier, Michigan State, Defense (201st overall in 2018 by Florida)
2022-2023 Stats: 10 goals, 6 assists, plus-2, 16 PIM in 38 games played
Surprise! After the trade deadline, Rob Blake made a trade with Florida to acquire the rights to left-handed defenseman. The bulky defenseman (who stands at 6-foot-3, 192 lbs) just completed his fifth NCAA season alongside his twin brother. Ontario added him to their roster after an ATO was signed.
ROSTER: We've signed @MSU_Hockey defenseman Cole Krygier!
Welcome to the #ReginTrain, Cole!
— Ontario Reign (@ontarioreign) March 21, 2023
FROZEN FOUR PARTICIPANTS
Erik Portillo, Michigan, Goalie (67th overall pick in 2019 by Buffalo)
2022-2023 Stats: 23-10-2, 3.08 GAA, .907 SV%, 0 SO
Acquired from Buffalo at this year’s trade deadline, Portillo is expected to lead Los Angeles’ next wave in net. The faith has paid off early, as he has been undefeated since his rights were traded, despite facing an average of over 36 shots against per game. He will start the Frozen Four tournament against Colgate.
Alex Laferriere, Harvard, Forward (83rd overall in 2020)
2022-2023 Stats: 21 goals, 21 assists, plus-16, 18 PIM in 33 games played
Rob Blake’s undisputed top collegiate performer this season received a lot of recognition, including a nomination for the Hobey Baker Award (this recognizes the top college hockey player for the year). He’s riding a 6-game point-scoring streak, with multi-point efforts in four of those. The third-round pick displayed his heroics with an overtime winner to break a 0-0 tie. Harvard went on to lose to Colgate for the ECAC title. Despite losing in the divisional championship, Harvard opens the Frozen Four against Ohio State. According to Mayor’s Manor editor John Hoven, once Laferriere’s season ends, he will turn pro and sign with Los Angeles.
LAFERRIERE CALLED GAME 🎯
📺ESPN+ #GoCrimson | #OneCrimson pic.twitter.com/fqnzAnE75M
— Harvard Men's Hockey (@HarvardMHockey) March 18, 2023
LA Kings prospect Alex Laferriere assisted on the OT GWG with just 1.5 seconds remaining, sending Harvard to the Beanpot final next Monday night.
When his season ends, look for Laferriere to sign a pro contract with LA. He'll join AHL Ontario next season. https://t.co/7fL6GLWczG
— The Mayor | Team MM (@mayorNHL) February 8, 2023
Jared Wright, Denver, Forward (169th overall in 2022)
2022-2023 Stats: 8 goals, 4 assists, plus-13, 2 PIM in 33 games played
Blake’s sixth-round pick of last draft rounds out the list of Kings players playing in the Frozen Four. Unfortunately, the numbers and production just haven’t been there consistently all season. There were three separate scoring streaks, each lasting two games. Late bloomers tend to take time, though, and his effort level remains unquestioned.
FROZEN FOUR DATES AND TIMES
Full Schedule: click here
Regional Semifinals
Thursday, March 23
Denver (Wright) vs. Cornell, 5:30 PM Eastern
Friday, March 24
Harvard (Laferriere) vs. Ohio State, 2 PM Eastern
Michigan (Portillo) vs. Colgate, 8:30 PM Eastern
RELATED CONTENT:
Details on LA Kings Acquiring Rights to Goalie Erik Portillo
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