Declan Stewart '24 Recruiting Profile

Dear Coaches,

I am currently playing for the Utica Jr. Comets in the NCDC to continue advancing my hockey skills and level of play. I continue to focus on the aspects of my game that will make me an elite player and excellent teammate. I have had to navigate through some challenges over the last couple of years, not including COVID-19, changing high schools, and rapidly getting used to new teams and coaches, but I believe I have adapted well. I am contributing well to my current team and making an impact. The adversity that I faced has helped me on the ice as well, as change happens quickly on the ice, and being able to maneuver is a needed skill. I was fortunate to play high school hockey in the prep league back East in New Hampshire and Maine and feel that gave me a new perspective on the speed of the game. I have had the goal of playing college hockey since I began playing with the Los Angeles Jr. Kings as a Squirt. We traveled to my coach’s alma mater, Boston University, and I was hooked. We got a chance to meet the team, watch them work out, and do amazing drills. I knew then and I know now that I want to be a part of this level of competitive hockey.

I have been extremely fortunate to have played high-level hockey throughout my youth career as well. Playing   Tier I AAA hockey has given me a good sense of the hard work, dedication, focus, and determination it will require to be a successful college athlete. What separates me from others is my ability to remain positive in the face of adversity and the ability to keep my teammates positive. I enjoy winning and being the best, but I understand there are lessons to playing the game and lessons in losing as well. My coaches and teachers have commented on my positive outlook, work ethic, and my ability to be a good teammate and classmate. In my youth hockey career, I was fortunate to win the CAHA Championship four years in a row, as well as the Tier I Elite Championship and Pacific District Championship last year in 2020. Those have been really great and rewarding experiences on the ice. 

In 2020, I was drafted by the WHL Prince Albert Raiders and I have attended tournaments at CCM, Mid West, Western Select, USNDTP, and USHL development camps in the recent past. I also attended the USHL combine, spring camp for the Wenatchee Wild (BCHL), and the Global Las Vegas futures camp and received positive feedback from my on-ice coaches that I will be working on this season. In 2021-2023, I was invited to several NAHL pre-draft camps and Combines, the USHL Combine, and have played in the Junior Chowder Cup with the Florida Eels and Team Arsenal. These opportunities allowed me to work with great coaches and play with other players that I can learn from to achieve a higher level of play. I know that as I continue on my path, I will gather more skills that will make me a great asset as a collegiate hockey player, and when given the opportunity, I look forward to contributing to a high-level collegiate team.