Werenski headlines Hockey News’ NCAA players to watch list

By @MichaelCaples –

The Hockey News released their 2015 list of the top 50 NCAA players to watch this upcoming season, and we couldn’t help but notice who took the top spot.

That would be Zach Werenski, the sophomore defenseman for the Michigan Wolverines and No. 8 overall draft pick of the Columbus Blue Jackets, who checked in at No. 1 on THN’s list.

On Werenski, THN’s Ryan Kennedy says the following:

“The Columbus Blue Jackets first-rounder must continue his all-around, puck-moving brilliance with the Wolverines losing so much scoring up front.”

Werenski (Grosse Pointe) is just one of many Michigan names on the list, however. In fact, just three spots down, Werenski’s former Belle Tire and current UM teammate Kyle Connor (Shelby Township) pops up at No. 4 overall.

Michigan Tech goaltender Jamie Phillips (Caledonia, Ont.) is ranked No. 13 for his “scintillating numbers” in 2014-15, while Michigan captain JT Compher (Northbrook, Ill.) checks in at No. 23.

Deaborn native and Ohio State freshman Dakota Joshua is listed at No. 25, while Brownstown native, Muskegon Lumberjacks alum and Western Michigan freshman Matheson Iacopelli is listed at No. 36.

Michigan State junior Mackenzie MacEachern (Troy) is listed at No. 42, followed up by UM goaltender and Holland native Zach Nagelvoort at No. 43.