Quinnipiac men’s ice hockey gets top recruit Ty Smilanic
Photo Courtesy: Rena Laverty/USA Hockey NTDP
November 20, 2019
The Quinnipiac Bobcats have landed one of their biggest commits in the program’s history earlier this morning.
Denver, Colorado-native Ty Smilanic, a 2002 birth year, is listed as an “A-grade” prospect by the NHL Central Scouting department, meaning Smilanic will be a projected first-round draft pick in the upcoming 2020 NHL Entry Draft.
Quinnipiac lands a major commitment in @USAHockeyNTDP
U-18 C Ty Smilanic, a potential first round pick in 2020 NHL Draft. He should be a big time center in ECAC Hockey next season.— Jeff Cox (@JeffCoxSports) November 20, 2019
To this point Bobcats’ current goalie, Keith Petruzzelli has been the highest draft pick in program history, going in the 3rd round of the 2017 NHL Entry Draft.
Smilanic is currently 17-years-old playing for the United States National Team Development Program of the USHL. The 6-foot-1 center has been touted by scouts to be a really good two-way player, being able to provide offense and kill penalties. Smilanic’s skating ability and speed have also been brought up in many scouting reports.
Smilanic is expected to join the Bobcats in the 2020-2021 season.
