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2014 NHL Draft Prospect: Boston College goaltender Thatcher Demko

By Jeff Cox@JeffCoxSBNation on May 16 2014, 10:00a +

Thatcher Demko is projected to be selected towards the end of the first round.

The future of American goaltending is as bright as it has ever been with the likes of Jonathan Quick and John Gibson tending net in the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs for the Los Angeles Kings and Anaheim Ducks, respectively.

A California native playing college hockey all the way across the country at Boston College is another reason for optimism when it comes to the future of USA Hockey in international competition.

As a very young freshman who accelerated to arrive at BC a year early, Thatcher Demko took a few months to adjust to college hockey, but he took Hockey East by storm in January and February before hitting a bit of a rookie wall in March.

Demko has the rare ability to come combine elite athleticism with terrific fundamentals. His size allows for him to take up a large portion of the net to make it nearly impossible for opposing shooters to get a good angle.

Having seen BC as often as any team in Hockey East this season, it was apparent that Demko has all the tools. One night it was his quick glove, the next night it would be a quick flash of the pads for a kick save and then it would be his good positioning allowing him to coral a puck right in the midsection.

Demko had a tendency to let up the occasional soft goal, but overall, his play was very impressive in his rookie season in Hockey East, one of, if not the best league in college hockey. Another favorable characteristic was his ability to not let a poor goal affect his play the rest of the game.

"He's just getting better and better as he gets more exposed, more games and gains experience," said Jerry York after a 2-0 shutout win over Providence in January. "For an 18 year old he's a really special player. I thought he was outstanding tonight."

Demko seemed to relish the spotlight and didn't let the nerves of being an 18 year-old freshman distract him from playing up to his capabilities.

"He's kind of a mature kid. He played at the NTDP level. He's gone from San Diego to Boston for school. He's got a lot of maturity for a young kid," said York.

Demko, projected to go towards the end of the first round of the NHL Draft on June 27, is rated as the No. 1 goaltender in North America by NHL Central Scouting.

claver2010 {l Wrote}:Epparently Miles Wood still isn't accelerating to this fall so a little light on F depth.

b0mberMan {l Wrote}:

claver2010 {l Wrote}:Epparently Miles Wood still isn't accelerating to this fall so a little light on F depth.

Spiro time?

claver2010 {l Wrote}:Richardson is off to UConn w Cav

b0mberMan {l Wrote}:

claver2010 {l Wrote}:Richardson is off to UConn w Cav

I feel like guys not getting PT who leave don't usually head to another college. I thought Richardson would be off to a junior league somewhere. But I guess like the Addazzio-Florida connection, Cav gives kids from the first few classes an option at UConn.

commavegarage {l Wrote}:

b0mberMan {l Wrote}:

claver2010 {l Wrote}:Richardson is off to UConn w Cav

I feel like guys not getting PT who leave don't usually head to another college. I thought Richardson would be off to a junior league somewhere. But I guess like the Addazzio-Florida connection, Cav gives kids from the first few classes an option at UConn.

wasn't there a kid who transferred to UML recently?

or am i completely making that up?

17. Alex Tuch
A physically assertive, rugged winger who contributes offensively. Difficult to play against and he is competitive, determined and his development has been excellent. Pushes his way into the demanding areas and makes an impact.

18. Sonny Milano
An offensive threat with magic hands around the net and the confidence to carry out plays despite opponents bearing down on him. Has the ability to be in the scoring spots at the right times. Ability to be a game changer.

27. Thatcher Demko
A big man with excellent athletic skills and a burning competitive fire. Works to be better and his attention to detail and improving in all aspects makes him a top goaltending prospect who can realize his vast potential.

“Best American-born player this year. Big, NHL-ready body and he's only going to get stronger. Prototypical power forward. Can go into beast-mode and dominate a game physically. Strong skater for a big man. Can take a defender to the inside, but would just as soon run him over. Relentless on the forecheck. Impossible to knock off the puck. Drives the net fearlessly. Absolute load to move when he gets out front. Doesn't dazzle with his puck skills, but he knows what to do with it when he gets it. He'll be a force on the power play. Solid two-way game. How much will he score at the NHL level? Not sure he's more than a 20-goal guy.”

“Love watching this kid play. A dynamic offensive talent. Blazing speed. Has that extra gear that makes him so dangerous. Shifty, snakey, slithery...whatever you call him, he's a nightmare to defend. Has that knack for finding the dead spots in the coverage. One of the best pure offensive players in the draft. He's magic when he gets the puck on his stick. World-class playmaker, unselfish player. I'd like to see him shoot more. Quick release and a great eye for the net. He's a chirper. Loves getting under an opponent's skin. Needs to commit to playing harder when he doesn't have the puck. Needs to get stronger on his feet. Just kills against his own [age group] but can he be as effective against bigger, stronger, more experienced defenders?”

He was born to be a goalie. Great size, natural athlete. Dominated NCAA as a freshman and he was the youngest player in the league. Really mature kid. An impressive individual. Every goalie competes, but he takes it to another level. Never loses his focus. I see a lot of John Gibson in his game. Has the potential to be more than a really good stopper. He could be a star. I wouldn't risk [a first] on him. He passed on the [physical testing at the combine], and that has everyone wondering about his hips. Lots of talk he might need surgery to repair both. He's damaged goods.”

Columbus Blue Jackets first round selection Sonny Milano seems set on heading to Boston College, despite tampering from the Plymouth Whalers of the OHL.

Milano said, "Go to BC and be an impact player right away and try to do the best I can there," when asked about heading to the Eagles in the fall.

Milano also spoke of the comparison between him and recent Boston College grad and Hobey Baker Award winner Johnny Gaudreau, who now plays for the Calgary Flames.

"He's a skilled player like myself. You see what he did there and maybe I can try to model him there," Milano explained. "Seeing skilled guys like Johnny Gaudreau have success gives you hope. They're always a top team and challenging for a national championship," added the Massapequa, NY native.

It's a good bet a player will develop under the winningest coach in NCAA history. "Jerry York is a great coach and he know's what he's doing," said Milano.

"BC was my dream school," said Milano, who de-committed from Notre Dame in November.

F Miles Wood – Noble and Greenough School

Height: 6’2, Weight: 195

Projected Role: Top Line Scorer

A new entrant to the board of uncommitted prospects, the former Brown recruit is going to provide an instant boost to whoever garners a commitment from him. Few skaters have the potential to take over games like New Jersey’s 4th round pick in 2013 can, and even fewer are available so close to their first semester of college.

This season, Wood has taken a large step in his development. Nobles coach Brian Day quoted to us, on Miles’ development, “Miles successfully has worked very hard this season to become a more savvy player with the puck who will take any open ice that is available to him but will move the puck when that is the play to be made. Through the course of this season we have seen a growing level of creativity in his game and a better understanding of how to create more time and space for he and his teammates. An incredibly dynamic player who will attack when he has the puck, he is developing into a more dynamic player who not only has the ability to finish but who has the ability to make those around him better. He is a great kid and a joy to coach.”

A surprisingly deft passer in a big man’s body, with a lethal shot. Deadly with speed behind the puck as he weaves towards the net, word on the street is that Wood’s likely going to end up on Commonwealth Ave – BU or BC – but a decision could take a little while, as he’s got a pretty pressing concern this week: Nobles travels to face a deep Phillips Exeter squad on Wednesday, in quarterfinal action of the New England Tournament.

claver2010 {l Wrote}:According to the kid and media sources (is that how it's done ESPN?), Miles Wood is accelerating to join the program this fall.

Was selected in the 4th round last year by the Devils.

Little writeup on him from back in Feb:
http://overtheboards.net/top-ten-uncomm ... ruary2014/

F Miles Wood – Noble and Greenough School

Height: 6’2, Weight: 195

Projected Role: Top Line Scorer

A new entrant to the board of uncommitted prospects, the former Brown recruit is going to provide an instant boost to whoever garners a commitment from him. Few skaters have the potential to take over games like New Jersey’s 4th round pick in 2013 can, and even fewer are available so close to their first semester of college.

This season, Wood has taken a large step in his development. Nobles coach Brian Day quoted to us, on Miles’ development, “Miles successfully has worked very hard this season to become a more savvy player with the puck who will take any open ice that is available to him but will move the puck when that is the play to be made. Through the course of this season we have seen a growing level of creativity in his game and a better understanding of how to create more time and space for he and his teammates. An incredibly dynamic player who will attack when he has the puck, he is developing into a more dynamic player who not only has the ability to finish but who has the ability to make those around him better. He is a great kid and a joy to coach.”

A surprisingly deft passer in a big man’s body, with a lethal shot. Deadly with speed behind the puck as he weaves towards the net, word on the street is that Wood’s likely going to end up on Commonwealth Ave – BU or BC – but a decision could take a little while, as he’s got a pretty pressing concern this week: Nobles travels to face a deep Phillips Exeter squad on Wednesday, in quarterfinal action of the New England Tournament.

Interesting the size Jerry is now bringing in with his F, not sure if it's a coincidence or what but..

Wood: 6'2 195
Tuch: 6'3 213
Sanford: 6'4 188
Milano: 5'11 180

claver2010 {l Wrote}:According to his twitter machine, miles wood is spending another year at nobles. Back to the drawing board for another forward

BCSUPERFAN22 {l Wrote}:Looks like a chance Milano may not be coming either

claver2010 {l Wrote}:No inside info at all, but I'm beginning to doubt Wood ever shows up.

twballgame9 {l Wrote}:

claver2010 {l Wrote}:No inside info at all, but I'm beginning to doubt Wood ever shows up.

There are pills for that claver, but it shouldn't be a problem at your age.

claver2010 {l Wrote}:

twballgame9 {l Wrote}:

claver2010 {l Wrote}:No inside info at all, but I'm beginning to doubt Wood ever shows up.

There are pills for that claver, but it shouldn't be a problem at your age.

Well done

4. Luke McInnis (#4 Columbia) 5-10/170 Hingham High School/Dexter Prep - This was by far the most impressed I've been with him. I had seen him during the high school season and thought he was a good player, but not this good. He is a terrific skater, always has his head up looking for an outlet pass. He makes smart plays and doesn't try to do too much. He's a good power play QB who needs to be a little more consistently strong in his own end.