West Barnstable, Sandwich players selected for national hockey camp

Ben Nakata from West Barnstable will participate in the 2021 USA Hockey National Player Development Camp. Courtesy Photo

Ben Nakata said it was unbelievable to be chosen as a finalist for the 2021 USA Hockey National Player Development Camp.

Of the 240 players from Massachusetts to try out, only 17 made the cut. Two of those players are West Barnstable's Nakata and Josh Itri of Sandwich. 

"I had some pretty high expectations and it is really exciting to be chosen for this team. I knew if I worked hard enough I would get here, but I'm still a little surprised that I made it," Nakata said.

The 240 players were cut down to 60 players and then to 30, who competed in an all-star game. The final roster was chosen from the all-star game. The 17 finalists were selected to participate in the 2021 USA Hockey National Player Development Camp this week at Northtown Center & Daemen College in Amherst, New York.

"It feels good to be selected to this camp because I have been working hard for this, and I am really excited for it," Itri said. "I am just trying to improve and get better at my skillset and compete at the highest level during this camp."

Josh Itro plans to play hockey in college and says the 2021 USA Hockey National Player Development Camp will help his chances. Courtesy Photo

Beth Itri, Josh's mother, said their family expected Josh to make it to the top 60 but was surprised that he made the final cut.

"Our family has always known he was a great player," Beth said. "That was the best I have ever seen him play during those tryouts so he earned it."

For the players born in 2006, this is strictly a development process. During this week-long camp, players are evaluated by the national development program, college and junior coaches and professional scouts in practices, 3-on-3 small skill games and exhibition games, which is 5-on-5. 

"For our age group, since we are younger, this year is just for evaluation so they can decide who they want for next year," Nakata said. "Once you come back the following year, if you make it again, they select you for a tournament team and you go over to play in a tournament in Europe."

Nakata attended St. John Paul II last year and will attend Noble and Greenough School in Dedham in the fall as a freshman to play varsity hockey.

"It's going to be a lot harder because I be will playing hockey against kids older then me," Nakata said. "I have to do a lot of preparing because high school is going to be a lot tougher."

Itri played varsity hockey for Sandwich High School last year, but will play for Tabor Academy in Marion in the fall as a sophomore.

"I just wanted to play prep hockey because it's a very intense and competitive league, and the academics are very good there, too," Itri said. 

Beth said that Sandwich's hockey team was fantastic, fun, competitive and great, but that Itri wanted to step his game up.

"Josh wanted to play at the next level because his dream is to be recruited by a Division I college," Beth said.