By Warren Kozireski —
Most hockey players from the U.S. and from New York State stay in-country to hone their hockey careers in the hopes of playing either in college or pro. But some travel north of the border.
Per the training camp rosters, five players who call New York State home will be dressing for Ontario Hockey League teams this season and five more were recent draft picks of New York State-based teams.
16-year-old center Carey Terrance from Akwesasne along the St. Lawrence Seaway is slated for another year of development north of the border as a forward with the Erie Otters. He just represented Team USA on the U-17 team and registered 11 points in four games.
Kaleb Smith of Arcade is supposedly set to be his teammate with the Otters, though he also appears on the USHL Omaha Lancers camp roster. He is a product of the Buffalo Jr. Sabres system where the 17-year-old scored 32 goals over 66 games in their last full season.
Declan McDonnell of Lake View used a great second half in 2019-20 at forward with the Kitchener Rangers for the Tampa Bay Lightning to take seventh round flyer on him in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. Turning 20 in February, he is expected to see prime minutes in all situations for the Rangers.
Rochester Monarchs and Jr. Sabres product Anthony Agostinelli is set to begin his second season at forward for the Niagara IceDogs after the league shut down last year. He totaled 10 points in 55 games during his 16-17-year-old season.
Quentin Musty of Hamburg is getting quite a bit of hype heading into his first OHL campaign at forward for the Sudbury Wolves. That is largely due to the 6’2”, 203 lb. frame the just turned 16-year-old already carries. He also comes from the Jr. Sabres, but played a limited last season in the AYHL with the North Jersey Avalanche.
Aside from New York born players, fans also should keep an eye on draft picks for their favorite team:
Barrie Colts Evan Vierling NY Rangers F 2020 5th round
Flint Firebirds Brandan Othmann NY Rangers F 2021 1st round
Saginaw Spirit Tristan Lennox NY Islanders G 2021 3rd round
Saginaw Spirit Josh Bloom Buffalo Sabres F 2021 3rd round
Windsor Spitfires Will Cuylle NY Rangers F 2020 2nd round
