Five New York Rangers prospects took to the ice on Thursday, but only one of them saw their team walk away a winner. It was a frustrating night to watch but the season is still very young and has a long way to go.
The big matchup featured 10th-ranked Boston College (1-1) with junior defenseman Drew Fortescue traveling to Minnesota (1-2)to face 12-ranked Minnesota with senior winger Brody Lamb in a non-conference matchup. Fortescue’s Boston College defeated Lamb’s Minnesota 3-1 to earn Boston College’s first win of the season.
Fortescue recorded his second goal of the season when he scored into the empty net to seal the win for Boston College. For a guy who didn’t score a single goal last season, having goals in back-to-back games in his first two games is pretty good. Since there is no video of the empty net goal, here is last week goal which we could not show you.
Fortescue finished the night 1-0-1 on two shots with a +2 and credited with two blocked shots. He was listed as the second pair left side defenseman.
Brody Lamb scored Minnesota’s only goal as he scored in the first period from the top of the right faceoff circle. He used his trademarked snap shot to fire one past the Boston College goalie.
It was Lamb’s third goal of the season as he has scored in all three of Minnesota’s games. Lamb is a natural goal scorer but what has held him back in the past has been consistency. Last season he had 12 goals during the first half of the season but then went goalless in 11 games scoring only five goals.
He is off to a 3-1-4 start after three games while working as the second line right wing. Since he is already 22 then the Rangers either have to sign him after this season or let him walk.
Same two teams will face off on Friday evening.
Freshman defenseman Sean Barnhill recorded his first NCAA point with a primary assist, but his second-ranked Michigan State Spartans dropped their season (and home) opener to visiting New Hampshire in non-conference play. Barnhill was the Rangers 2025 third round selection came to MSU from the Dubuque Fighting Saints of the USHL
He earned his assist on teammate Tommi Männistö’s goal which at the time tied the game at 3-3 late in the third period. Barnhill carried the puck deep into the offensive zone and he spotted Mannisto on the left side of the New Hampshire goal where he fed him the puck for an easy goal.
If that is the kind of passing skill that Barnhill brings to the table then the Rangers will have themselves a steal from the third round. The same two teams will play on Friday evening.
Sophomore left wing Ty Henricks saw his top-ranked Western Michigan Broncos drop their season (and home) opener to visiting Ferris State in a non-conference game 3-2. Henricks was scoreless on two shots. The two teams will switch places as Ferris State will host Western Michigan on Friday night.
Defenseman Evan Passmore was scoreless as his Barrie Colts were edged 2-1 by the visiting Ottawa 67’s in OHL action. Passmore was credited with one shot and a roughing minor.
Prospect Notes
2024 fifth round pick Nathan Aspinall was named captain of the OHL Flint Firebirds. He is the eighth captain in Flint history.
