With the prep hockey season starting in earnest Wednesday here is a look at some uncommitted newcomers that college coaches will be keeping an eye on over the coming months. This list is just a look into '97s through '99s who are new to prep hockey. In the coming weeks we'll also preview some of the '96s and '95s who have joined the prep ranks as PGs or repeat juniors and seniors. Keep in mind this list is only of players this observer has actually seen so omissions aren't meant as a slight, rather a player that hasn't been evaluated.
1. Brian Scoville, 3/28/99, LD, Cushing (Providence Capitals) - Having seen the Agawam, Mass. native at both Select 15 Festival and the Beantown Classic, there is no doubt he will someday patrol a Division I blue line. He's already 6-3 so his size is certainly an upside. He skates well, retrieves pucks well in his own end and displays confidence with and without the puck.
2. Jack Rathbone, '99, D, Dexter (South Shore Kings) - He's got to add some bulk, but his skating ability, vision, poise and puck-moving ability is second to no one at his age level. He's obviously got to add some weight to be considered a true stud prospect, but he projects as a 2018 recruit so he's got time.
3. Marc McLaughlin, 7/26/99, RW, Cushing (Providence Capitals) - He got better as the week went on at this summer's USA Hockey Select 15 Festival. He joins the Penguins from the same midget program as Scoville. He's got a quick release and is crafty. He's got nice offensive creativity and does a good job finding open teammates.
4. Billy Overby, 5/20/98, LD, Choate (Fairfield Prep) - An undersized defenseman who has had a successful midget career with the CT Wolfpack, he's very impressive with the puck and is a skilled skater. He moves well on the ice and despite his size he does a very good job in his own end.
5. Peter Negron, '98, G, Kent (Bergen Catholic) - This observer had him ranked as the second best goaltender at Select 16 camp in July. He's not a big goaltender, but he's athletic, agile and is explosive going from post-to-post. His quickness allows him to be in position to make the simple save and his athleticism gives him the chance to make the acrobatic saves.
6. Craig Needham, 3/31/99, F, Lawrence Academy (Arlington Catholic) - He was a key forward for Dan Shine's program as it skated the bubble of making Massachusetts High School hockey's Super 8 last seson. He's undersized, but has good hockey IQ, works hard and is strong on his skates.
7. Ben Mirageas, '99, D, Avon Old Farms (Newburyport High School) - He's a good puck moving defenseman who had a huge impact for Newburport at the high school level. A participant at this summer's Select 15 camp, his talent should transition well to the prep level.
8. Cameron Donaldson, 7/14/98, F, Gunnery (Dallas Stars 16U) - Texas native comes to the prep school ranks from the Dallas Stars midget program. He's very small, but he's quick, aggressive and isn't afraid to mix it up in the gritty areas. He had six goals at Select 15 in 2013 and put up five points this past summer at Select 16.
9. Timmy Kent, '99, F, Lawrence Academy - Florida native has real good speed and will bring an added dimension to a Lawrence offense still in somewhat of rebuild mode.
10. Jay O'Brien, '99, F, Dexter (South Shore Kings) - Not overly big, but he's sturdy and is good cycling down low. At select 15, he did a nice job of finding open teammates from below the goal line and in the corners after winning battles.
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Jeff Cox covers college, junior and high school hockey, NCAA recruiting and NHL Draft prospects. Follow him on Twitter @JeffCoxSports.