USHL Dubuque Fighting Saints

Seven Current Or Future Saints Named to NHL Central Scouting List

Published on October 25, 2023 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Dubuque Fighting Saints News Release


DUBUQUE, IA - Seven players in the Fighting Saints organization have been named to the NHL Central Scouting 2023 Preliminary Players to Watch List, including current Saints James Reeder and Thatcher Bernstein.

"It's exciting for all current and future Saints who are recognized on this list," said general manager Kalle Larsson. "However, there is a lot more hockey to be played before the NHL Draft. We hope that being included on this list is a boost for those players, while also serving as a motivator for those deserving, but left off."

Reeder, in his second year as a Saint, is off to a strong start with eight points in ten games. In his first season, Reeder's 34 points were the third-highest recorded in Fighting Saints history by a player in a season a year before draft-eligibility begins (Girgensons - 49; Savoie - 38). The University of Denver commit is serving as an alternate captain for Dubuque this season.

Bernstein, who made his Fighting Saints debut with a win against Muskegon on Sept. 24, will head to Harvard University after his junior hockey career. His career with the Fighting Saints is off to a roaring start, winning all three games he has played so far. He made a career-high 26 saves on Oct. 13 against Omaha.

Five future Saints were recognized on the list: Colin Ralph, Jonathan Morello, Hugo Laring, Caton Ryan and Bobby Bartell.

Ralph is the only defenseman of the group, playing this season at Shattuck St. Mary's Prep. Standing at 6-4, 216 lbs, Ralph is committed to play collegiately at St. Cloud State University. Morello, a center at St. Michaels in the OJHL, is a Clarkson University commit alongside Ryan who is currently playing for Carleton Place (CCHL).

Bartell, who is headed to play college hockey at Notre Dame, is playing for the Springfield Jr. Blues in the North American Hockey League this season. Laring is a 2006-goaltender out of Sweden and is playing junior hockey for Frolunda.

The current Saints team features three NHL Draft picks. Juraj Pekarcik (STL), Kevin Reidler (OTT) and Liam Gilmartin (SJS) have all been selected in previous NHL Drafts.

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