Top 50 Boys Hockey Prospects in New England Unveiled

New England Hockey Journal ranks the top '09 birth year players in the region.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 6:03pm

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New England Hockey Journal has unveiled its rankings of the top 50 boys hockey prospects from the 2009 birth year in the New England region. The list includes players from across the Northeast who have stood out over the past three seasons playing at the 14U and 16U levels. Many of the top prospects are still uncommitted as colleges wait to evaluate them further in junior hockey before extending offers.

Why it matters

The '09 birth year is considered one of the deeper and more talented groups to come through the New England hockey pipeline in recent years. Identifying the top prospects at this stage can help shine a light on the next generation of elite hockey talent in the region and the changing landscape of college recruiting.

The details

The rankings were determined based on the players' current performance and future potential as evaluated by the New England Hockey Journal staff. Only New England natives and players who competed in the region this past winter were eligible for inclusion. Notable players who didn't qualify due to residency or playing outside the region, like Ryan Kaczynski from New York, were excluded.

  • The '07 birth year rankings were unveiled on Monday.
  • The '08 birth year rankings were unveiled on Wednesday.
  • The '09 birth year rankings are being unveiled today.

The players

Jake Boguniecki

A top prospect from the '09 birth year in New England.

Easton Anello

A top prospect from the '09 birth year in New England.

Carter Meyer

A top prospect from the '09 birth year in New England.

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What they’re saying

“Many of these players are uncommitted. Some won't become eligible to receive offers until Aug. 1, while others are part of a changing landscape where colleges wait until they've proven themselves as they're older (likely in juniors) before extending an offer.”

— Evan Marinofsky, Author

The takeaway

The '09 birth year is considered one of the deepest and most talented groups to come through the New England hockey pipeline in recent years, with many top prospects still uncommitted as colleges take a more cautious approach to recruiting younger players.