Friday was a big night for Colorado Avalanche prospects

When the Colorado Avalanche selected Cale Makar fourth overall in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, he became the blue-chip defensive prospect Avs fans have been waiting for. Makar is going to spend the season developing in the NCAA while attempting to gain the strength necessary to be successful in the NHL.

Last night was a big one for Makar has he finally got his first goal as an NCAA player. By all accounts, he’s been getting better every game for UMass and this goal puts him up to 4 points in 7 games this season. In about five weeks, Makar will head to Hockey Canada’s selection camp, where he is expected to play a huge role at the World Junior Championship.

Friday night also marked a first for 2017 second round pick Conor Timmins as he finally scored his first goal of the season for the Soo Greyhounds. Timmins has been great all season, sitting 3rd in the OHL in 5v5 shots per game among defenders - it’s good to see him finally score one.

On to someone what has been scoring a lot more this season. Denis Smirnov, the 6th round pick this past summer continues to fill the net for Penn State. He is up to 5 goals and 11 points, 7 games into his sophomore season. His latest was this beautiful snipe from Friday night.

Staying in the NCAA, Cam Morrison scored a beautiful backhanded goal off the rush for his second of the season Friday night, helping lead Notre Dame to a 5-4 victory against the University of Nebraska-Omaha.

Topping off a great Friday night for Avs prospects, Penticton Vees defender Nick Leivermann continues to show some incredible playmaking skills with this beautiful seeing-eye pass through the slot. Leivermann is up to 2 goals and 9 assists in 13 games this season.