The U.S. National Team Development Program has churned out some of the top stars in the NHL as of late, with players like Patrick Kane, Auston Matthews, Jack Eichel, Charlie McAvoy and many more getting their start with the NTDP, usually playing for two years at USA Hockey’s top development program out in Plymouth, Michigan.
The case can be made that the 2018-19 U-18 NTDP might be the most talented squad that the program has had in years — headlined by the likely No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft in Jack Hughes.
Hughes might get most of the fanfare, but there’s a chance for a number of his teammates to get their names called on the first day of the 2019 Draft, with Sportsnet’s latest prospect rankings tabbing eight USA players in the top 31 spots.
One player that has seen his stock soar as of late is Millis native Matthew Boldy, who has tallied 12 goals through his first 14 games this season with Team USA. In Scott Wheeler's latest preliminary draft rankings for the Athletic, Boldy ranks No.3 overall.
The son of a college football player at the University of Maine, Boldy charted out his path with hockey, with the 17-year-old winger set to join Boston College next season as the Eagles’ top recruit.
Boston Sports Journal caught up with the potential top-10 NHL Draft pick to discuss his ties to New England and his decision to join the Eagles next year.
Growing up in Millis, when did you start playing hockey and what got you hooked on it?
“Growing up in Millis, it’s a really small town. There’s not too much going on. Hockey-wise, I got into it basically because my older brother Mike was playing by the time I was born. He’s four years older than me, so growing up, seeing him always playing hockey made it something that I always wanted to do.”
I know your father has a bit of a football past. Did he want you to follow in his footsteps?
“My dad, he never pressured me or my brother into anything growing up. It was anything that we wanted to do. We moved to Millis when I was in fourth grade. So growing up when I was really young, we lived in an even smaller town and they didn’t even have a football program to begin with. It wasn’t really any way to get into that.
What town did you originally grow up in?
“Millville, so it’s right near Rhode Island.”
Growing up as a New England native, were you a big Bruins fan growing up?
“I mean, yeah. Definitely a Bruins fan because I grew up in the area. We tried to get to games, but we went to a lot of Providence Bruins games with my dad — just because it was a little bit cheaper and easier for him.”
What was your most vivid memory of going to a pro hockey game?
“I wouldn’t say that there was one game in particular. I think just growing up and continuing to play hockey. Ever since I was a little kid, I wanted to play in the NHL. It’s always been a dream of mine. Watching the games, I think it helped me push myself to want to achieve that goal.”
Who was your favorite player growing up?
“I’d definitely say Sidney Crosby. I think he was a young guy when I first started to really understand hockey and everything. I think he was someone that I’ve always looked up to and the way he plays — he’s just so good everywhere on the ice.”
Growing up, what was your favorite rink to play in?
"I’d say Foxboro Sports Center. That’s where I spent most of my childhood with the (South Shore) Kings. That was definitely a place that I was at a lot. I’d probably go with there."
What was it like playing with the Kings?
“Yeah, growing up, our Kings team was stacked. We were really, really good. We’ve got kids like (Northeastern commit) Jayden Struble was on that team for a few years. (Northeastern commit) Chase McInnis, (Northeastern commit) Sam Colangelo, Jacob Flynn (Thayer Academy), Ben Meehan (UMass Lowell commit). We had a lot of good guys on that team.”
When you got the call to join the USNTDP, how was the transition from moving out of New England and spending a couple of years in Michigan?
“It was definitely special getting chosen. It was something that was one of my goals ever since I was very young, that I wanted to make the team. So when that came true, it was really special. Once it finally came true and I was out there, it’s definitely not easy. You have to come to the rink every day ready to work, but it’s something that’s helped my overall game a lot.”
What’s the most important thing that you’ve taken away from the program?
“I’d say two things. Every day, just coming to the rink and playing the best guys in the country every day, it’s definitely something that’s not easy. Just playing against the best defensemen, best forwards. Just looking at those guys and wanting to push yourself to be as good or better than them really helps you mature your game. And it helps you grow up a little earlier than some kids. Living on your own with a billet family is definitely something that’s a little unique that some people don’t understand, but it’s something that helps you grow up.”
What does it say about USA Hockey, and hockey in Massachusetts in general, that you’re now seeing so many skilled players rising up through the ranks over the past couple of years?
“They’re awesome here (at the NTDP). They know the right way to do it. They have the formula to produce these players, so I think the way they’re doing it is definitely not easy, but I think everyone that comes through here wants to be a hockey player. Everyone is willing to do what it takes to get to that next level. USA hockey really kind of has it figured out right now."
What an effort from Matthew Boldy!
He gives @USAHockeyNTDP a 3-2 lead #ClarkCup pic.twitter.com/Pc0I3QR61q
— USHL (@USHL) May 2, 2018
If you had to describe your game in one word, what would it be?
“Hmm. I’d probably say, ‘skilled.’ That’s the way I like to play, a skilled game. I can do stuff that some people can’t and that’s the stuff that I like to work on. That’s just how I want to play the game.”
Were you a BC fan growing up and what led to you committing there?
“I was definitely an Eagles fan growing up. My best friend, Chase McInnis. Obviously his dad, Marty, is the assistant coach there. We were there a lot growing up as kids and going to the games every Friday night. I think that definitely helped me decide that that was where I wanted to go, just because I was always there. Once I got the opportunity to go there, it was something that I definitely jumped on pretty quick.”
You were in Massachusetts a couple weeks ago for a few games with the NTDP, you had a few fans with banners welcoming you back home over at Agganis Arena. How excited are you to take the next step in your career back home in New England?
“It’s definitely going to be something special. Moving away from home these last two years hasn’t been super easy for everyone in my family. They definitely miss watching me play every day. Going home and having my parents getting the chance to come to every game, it’s definitely special. Having all of my friends there will be great as well.”