2016 Top 100 NHL Prospects in the NCAA: #61-70

This is the fourth installment of our annual list of the top 100 NHL prospects playing in the NCAA focusing on the players ranked #61-70 on our list. If you're interested in reading the previous installments here they are: #71-80, #81-90, and #91-100.

As with our last installment, defense features heavily once again on this section of the list. Six defenders and a goalie are here, including some strong defensive defensemen, and a smaller puck-moving playmakers. This section also features some of the top free agents available in this year's group.

61. Gage Ausmus, Defenseman, North Dakota(San Jose Sharks)

(Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

After a quiet freshman season, Ausmus has developed into a top pairing defender for North Dakota, providing a steadying defensive presence that allows defensive partner Troy Stecher to be more aggressive on the offensive end. He's not much of an offensive threat--he's played 66 games since his last goal--but he moves well for a 6-2 220 lbs. defender, and plays reliable, trustworthy defense.

62. Nick Ellis, Goalie, Providence(Free Agent)

(photo by Matt Dewkett)

Ellis spent the past two seasons waiting in the wings behind superstar goalie Jon Gillies at Providence. But this year, as the team's top goalie, he's been able to shine. Ellis brings a good mix of size and athleticism and has been very effective in net all season.

63. Chris Calnan, Forward, Boston College(Chicago Blackhawks)

Calnan is often overshadowed by some of the bigger name prospects on Boston College's roster, but he's a player that quietly goes about his business and is extremely effective, even if his goal-scoring numbers took a bit of a dip in his second season. He doesn't stand out in any particular area with mind-blowing skills, but is a smart, effective hockey player that could make him a reliable NHL player for a long time.

64. Danny O'Regan, Forward, Boston University(San Jose Sharks)

(photo by Matt Dewkett)

O'Regan is a playmaking centerman with over 150 points in his career, an impressive number in college hockey. His statistics took a bit of a dip this year, sans Eichel, but he still led the Terriers with a very good 16-27-43 scoring line. O'Regan is borderline to play a scoring role at the NHL level, but if he can continue his production, he has high upside and value as a player that can play up the middle as a centerman.

65. Louie Belpedio, Defenseman, Miami(Minnesota Wild)

(photo by Matt Christians)

Belpedio is a small, but quick offensive-minded defenseman who excels at using his speed to create controlled zone entries when carrying the puck up the ice. He is still developing on the defensive end, something that will likely continue to be a struggle at his size, but he has potential as a defender that can play on the power play due to his skating and playmaking ability.

66. Rob O'Gara, Defenseman, Yale(Boston Bruins)

(photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

O'Gara is an extremely tough, defensive-minded defenseman with a big body that allows him to play a physical game. He plays with extremely high hockey IQ, and even though he's not a big point producer, he's got the skills to move the puck effectively up the ice.

67. Anthony Florentino, Defenseman, Providence(Buffalo Sabres)

Matt Dewkett/SB Nation

(photo by Matt Dewkett)

Florentino is a big defenseman that moves really well for his size and possesses an absolute rocket of a shot from the blue line. He brings a physical element to the game and can be a shutdown defensive defenseman. His biggest struggles at Providence have been with his consistency, but he has steadily improved over the course of his career, and is showing the positive aspects of his game more frequently.

68. Patrick Russell, Forward, St. Cloud State(Free Agent)

Russell is a big bodied power forward that excels in the offensive zone. He's not a fantastic skater, but his ability to move his feet and find open space in tough areas in front of the net make him a dangerous offensive threat. He has improved in his second season to become a more well-rounded player, by becoming better defensively and playing on the penalty kill for St. Cloud State.

69. Jordan Gross, Defenseman, Notre Dame(Free Agent)

Gross is an excellent puck-moving offfensive-minded defenseman. He's become a go-to on the Notre Dame power play because of his excellent vision and play-making ability. Size is a concern for Gross, and he may struggle a bit defensively at the next level, but his offensive abilities are exciting enough that it could overcome some of his other deficiencies.

70. Tom Parisi, Defenseman, Providence(Free Agent)

(photo by Matt Dewkett)

Parisi isn't a physically intimidating defenseman, nor is he a big offensive threat, but he's extremely effective because he's a strong skater that has extremely high hockey intelligence. He sees the ice well and doesn't make many mistakes, making him a very reliable defender.