Alumni Boyle To Attend Islanders Prospect Camp

Press Release sent to the World of Junior Hockey

NEWARK, NJ – New Jersey Rockets Alumni Kevin Boyle (’92 birth year/Manalapan, NJ), currently playing for UMASS-Amhearst (Hockey East) has been invited to participate in the upcoming New York Islanders Top Prospect Mini-Camp and will take to the ice in the team’s Blue and White Scrimmage on Thursday, June 28, 2012 at the Islanders Iceworks (Syosset).

Boyle had an 8-7-4 record in 21 games played (19 starts) games for the Minutemen, claiming the team’s starting goaltender role, with a 3.00 GAA and a .895 save percentage, in leading the Minutemen to the Hockey East quarterfinals. For his efforts, Boyle was named the team’s co-Rookie of the Year, sharing the honor with teammate Steven Guzzo. (Courtesy of UMASS Sports Information)

Sharing the team’s co-Rookie of the Year Award added to the Manalapan native’s already expansive trophy collection. Boyle was selected to the 2008 Toronto Prospects Tournament All-Star Game along with being named to the MJHL All-Star game during the 2008-2009 season and the AJHL All-Star game during the 2009-2010 season. Boyle was also named Goaltender of the Year (MJHL) for the 2008-2009 season and was named to the BCHL All-Rookie team for the 2010-2011 season and was chosen the Westside Warriors (BCHL) Rookie of the Year for 2010-2011 as well.

“Kevin Boyle was one of the top goaltenders in the league during his time with the Rockets,” commented New Jersey Rockets Head Coach and Director of Player Personnel Bob Thornton. “He went on to have a great year in the BCHL, as well as an impressive rookie season with UMASS. He will have a chance this week to impress Islanders scouts as he looks to work his way into the NHL.”

Boyle will share the ice with many of the top New York Islanders prospects and recent draft picks. Boyle will be the third Rocket in recent years to take part in this program as alumni TJ Sarcona (’92 birth year/West Islip, NY & committed to Niagara University) and Rudy Sulmonte (’92 birth year/Levittown, NY) also took part in the camp.

“It is the dream of every hockey player to play in the NHL,” commented Boyle. “This will be a great first step! It’s going to take me a little while to get acquainted with the style of play – every time you move up a level, the pacing is a little bit faster; as a goalie you have to learn the new angles and point of release of the shooters. I will definitely be nervous but playing in Hockey East, I played against some top competition, many pro prospects including (current N.Y. Ranger forward) Chris Kreider, so I’ve definitely been prepared for the pro game. So, I hope to have a good time, get my name out there and get positive feedback from the Islanders organization.”

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)