We’ll be taking time over the month of June to look at how some NCDC teams are working on building their 2023-24 squads through the acquisition of tenders, commitments from returning players and past draft selections they continue to evaluate.
The Boston Junior Bruins were among the founders of the USPHL more than 10 years ago, as well as charter members of the NCDC, which began play in 2017. The original youth and junior home of recent Stanley Cup Champion Jack Eichel, one of many alumni who went on to NCAA Division I and pro careers, the Junior Bruins are always viewed as a team to beat in the North Division and are one of just four teams in the NCDC to have won the Dineen Cup (2019).
All quotes below are from GM/Head Coach Mike Anderson.
Returning Players
“We’re still working through the process with a few of our top potential returners from last season. They were very close with a few Division I schools and, believe it or not, we’re still pushing on their behalf as things like the transfer portal and new head coach hirings start to wind down at the NCAA level.”
Tenders
“We have had a busy off-season. We have been in person scouting at over 10 events since the season ended and are really excited about a lot of the guys we have coming in.”
Draft Picks
“Without question [there are past draft picks that will make the 2023-24 team]. Last year, we started the season as the youngest team in the league and I don’t anticipate this year being any different. We were fortunate to select some really talented young players that have a ton of big time hockey in front of them. I think they look at the success of our ‘04 group a couple years ago and our ‘06 group from this past season and should be really excited about the opportunity to come in here and make an impact.”
The Road Ahead
“Our main camp this year will be huge for us. It will be held June 27-28 at our home rink [New England Sports Center] in Marlboro. It’ll be our first chance to see and interact with many of our draft picks and tenders. We are anticipating over 200 players at camp, so we’ve got a lot of work to do getting to know everyone and building a championship-level hockey team but we’re excited for that opportunity. There are a lot of really talented players committed to our team, not just to camp, so I am just excited about putting this team together and giving these kids the opportunity to compete for a championship.”
For more interested on the Junior Bruins, go to bostonjuniorbruins.com.
