The NCAA’s 2024 Division I Men’s Ice Hockey Tournament will officially kick off on Thursday, featuring five Philadelphia Flyers prospects.
On Thursday, regional competition will open in Springfield, Massachusetts, and Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Then on Friday, more regionals will open in Providence, Rhode Island, and Maryland Heights, Missouri.
The winners of the regionals will play on Saturday and Sunday, respectively, and the final four teams will compete in the Frozen Four in St. Paul, Minnesota, from April 11 to April 13.
If all goes well, Flyers management will have more than one postseason run to watch this spring.
Without further ado, here are the five Flyers prospects taking part in the NCAA tournament.
Owen McLaughlin, Univ. of North Dakota, (7th round, 206th overall in 2021 – Flyers)
McLaughlin, who just turned 21 three days ago, has forced himself into the conversation amongst Flyers prospects after a disappointing first season in the NCAA with UND last year.
In 2022-23, McLaughlin managed just two goals, 13 assists, and 15 points in 36 games played, but appears to have found his stride this season. In 38 games this year, McLaughlin has posted 13 goals, 25 assists, and 38 points, showing remarkable year-to-year improvement with his offensive production.
The Phoenixville, Pennsylvania native is yet to sign an entry-level contract with the Flyers, though his rights won’t expire until Aug. 15, 2026.
Massimo Rizzo, No. 3 Univ. of Denver, (7th round, 216th overall in 2019 – Hurricanes)
Formerly college teammates with rookie Flyers forward Bobby Brink, Rizzo finds himself as the most intriguing name on this list for the majority of people.
Acquired from Carolina in the summer for the rights to David Kase, the 22-year-old has been one of the most productive players in the NCAA. Through 28 games, Rizzo has scored 10 goals, 34 assists, and 44 points.
DU coach David Carle says he’s hopeful Carter King will play this weekend. He says first-line center Massimo Rizzo is “highly doubtful” for the NCHC Frozen Faceoff and “doubtful” for next weekend’s NCAA regional, though he didn’t rule him out.
— Brad Elliott Schlossman (@SchlossmanGF) March 19, 2024
Rizzo is currently eighth in the NCAA in assists, 22nd in points, and sixth in points per game. The Flyers have not signed Rizzo yet, and his rights will expire on Aug. 15, 2025.
He has not played since Feb. 3 due to injury and is “doubtful”, per head coach David Carle,…
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