The Boston Junior Bandits NCDC squad move to 8-1 in their last nine games with a 3-2 win over the P.A.L. Islanders and a 5-1 win over the Rochester Monarchs at last weekend’s South Shore Kings’ USPHL Showcase. With six games left in the inaugural NCDC season, the Bandits seem to have finally found their stride. It was a rocky start to the season for the Bandits, largely due to injury, ill-timed penalties and less than stellar special teams, but since winter break the team has really come together.

The Bandits’ consistent offensive production from Merrimack commit Logan Drevitch (17 goals, 33 assists) and Norwich commit Josh Vertentes (23 goals, 18 assists) has been bolstered as of late by Billy Grant, who has six goals and five assists in the last nine games. Goaltender Shane Conlon (‘99) has also stepped up for the Bandits in the month of February, with a record of 3-0, a .945 save percentage, and 85 of 90 shots stopped.

The future looks bright for the Bandits NCDC team with an influx of young blood from forwards Artjoms Koppass (‘00), Jack Brackett (‘00) and UNH commit Zach Jones (‘01) and defenders Linden Alger (’00) and Connor Sullivan (‘00). Despite a rocky start, the Bandits have created a solid platform to build upon and look forward to a final playoff push for the 2017-18 season with games against the Jr. Bruins, Islanders Hockey Club and South Shore Kings.

The Bandits Premier and Elite teams also performed well at last weekend’s showcase, posting a combined record of 7-0- 1. According to Elite and Premier Coach Jay Punsky, ”[the] Bandits’ players were intent on playing their best hockey in order to prep for the upcoming playoff series. Both teams will face difficult competition in the first round but after the way we played this weekend we are confident in our game.” This weekend Bandits Premier play the South Shore Kings and Bandits Elite will take on the Jr Bruins in the first round of the USPHL playoffs.

Premier player Austin Miller (‘98), who has been with the Bandits for several seasons, is leading the offense with 23 goals and 12 assists this season. Another career Jr Bandit, Justin Lebouef is one of the most dynamic players in the league. Lebouef’s ability to break up plays in the neutral zone and then transition into a fast break going the other way makes him a unique asset for the Bandits.

The Bandits strong showing at the NCDC, Premier and Elite levels at the South Shore Kings’ Showcase is a season’s worth of dedication, discipline and development coming to fruition. The Bandits remain committed to fostering growth from within their own organization and look forward to more good things to come.