This was posted to a message board in response to a discussion on UNH's
Darren Haydar vs. Northeastern's Jim Fahey for early consideration in
HockeyEast Rookie of the Year award. This is always one of my favorite
threads year after year as the new kids start making their mark.
 
--------------------- posted to USCHO -----------------------
 
Right now, its hard to argue with Haydar's 8 goals, all of which have been
scored in the last six games. Now, one can argue that it is a great benefit
to be playing alongside a Hobey Baker Candidate in the likes of Jason Krog
as well as the talented Mike Souza. But, you can't argue with the fact that
the kid has a sniper's touch as well as hustle and a knack for being in the
right place at the right time. Darren Haydar is hot and if he keeps this up,
there'll be no stopping him.
 
But if Haydar falters, there are a bevy of talented freshman on his heels.
 
The first group that deserve mention include Fahey from Northeastern as well
as his teammate Willie Levesque. Fahey's 8 points are extra special coming
from the blueline where he's been a crucial element in the Huskies seldom
used power-play. Husky forward Levesque has 5 goals now, fresh off a hat
trick last weekend vs. Army.
 
Also in this group and perhaps the best candidate in my opinion to challenge
Haydar is a locally grown walk-on prospect skating for the Warriors of
Merrimack. His name is Ryan Kiley and his 4g, 3a stats are just the start
for this talented forward. He hails from Reading, Mass and his 6' 185lb.
frame will definitely complement an already potent Warrior attack. He's been
skating a lot with another freshman named Greg Classen who has 5g and 2a
himself. The pair have seen some power-play time but one can only imagine
how good either of their stats would be if they were skating with Porter and
Stringer. Certainly, their results have to be weighed and balanced in this
concern when comparing their stats to Haydar.
 
Finally, some others deserving to be in this first group include Mike
Pandolfo from B.U. 5g, 3a, his teamate Dan Cavanaugh 3g, 1a. A couple of
blueliners who are making great contributions to a strong Maine defense are
Doug Janik 1g, 3a and Peter Metcalf 1g, 5a. Jeff Giuliano is in a similar
position to Haydar as he's been centering Brian Gionta and Andy Powers and
Giuliano has garnered 7 assists along the way.
 
The season is still very young but its always exciting to watch the new
talent emerge and start making their mark. The birth of stars is underway in
HockeyEast once again!
 
Right now, my top-5 vote would be:
 
Darren Haydar
Ryan Kiley
Jim Fahey
Mike Pandolfo
Greg Classen
 
- Paul
 
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