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<p>Project 9 has long been one of the premier training experiences in the country—founded by Paul Rabil and Mark Millon and staffed by some of the game's best coaches. The invite-only event brought together top 2026s and 2027s, the majority of whom are already nationally ranked and committed to Division I programs. While the spotlight often lands on the five-stars and more established names, several 2026 offensive players quietly raised their stock with impressive performances throughout the weekend. <br><br>These are the playmakers that impressed me on Sunday night who may not have received as much attention yet, but showed they belong in the same conversation as some of the class's elite. </p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">The St. Louis native and Denver commit models his game after Mikey Sowers—and it shows. [player_tooltip player_id='166095' first='Steele' last='Crissman'] is a dynamic playmaker with elite quickness, vision, and the ability to put defenders on skates with sharp changes of direction. He posted an even 100 points as a junior at MICDS, including a state-record 64 assists, a testament to how effectively he creates for others.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">A natural lefty who's comfortable operating from X or the wings, Crissman is especially dangerous when working from goal line extended. With his head up, he picks apart defenses by hitting cutters or keeping goalies guessing with no-look shots. His ability to play with both hands only makes him more unpredictable. At Project 9, Crissman looked every bit the part of a high-level Division I attackman—creative, poised, and capable of elevating the players around him.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Few players were as entertaining to watch at Project 9 as Whitehorse. The Virginia commit is a true playmaker who combines creativity with efficiency. He's known for his flair—behind-the-back feeds, twisters, and shovels are all regular parts of his game—but none of it is for show. Every creative move has a purpose, whether it's to deceive a goalie, open a passing lane, or free up a shooting window. His play style is as productive as it is flashy.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">At 6'1", his sturdy frame allows him to handle contact without losing balance or control. His quick wrists and compact release make him a nightmare for goalies, as he can snap the ball off from any angle and place it precisely where he wants. Whitehorse's blend of size, creativity, and elite stickwork makes him one of the most dynamic offensive weapons headed to Charlottesville—and a player who will have an immediate impact at the next level.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='37803' first='Ted' last='Budreski'] proved at Project 9 that he's as slick and gritty as they come. He's the type of player who not only has a deep bag of offensive skills but also does the little things that often go unnoticed. One of the most impressive aspects of his game was his versatility in the two-man game. As a picker, he showed the ability to fly by, readjust, or slip depending on how the defense reacted—a level of nuance that makes him extremely difficult to defend.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">The lefty also showcased his ability to produce points in multiple ways. Off the dodge, he's dangerous with a strong on-the-run shot, but he's equally effective as a feeder, using his vision and feel to manipulate defenses and find skip lanes. In tight, he freezes goalies with his eyes before tucking shots past them into open nets. Budreski's creativity, toughness, and ability to adapt in live play make him one of the more polished and complete attackmen in the 2026 class.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='45462' first='Mack' last='Smink'] might not have been the biggest player at Project 9, but there's a strong argument that he was one of the slickest. The crafty attackman is especially dangerous when initiating from behind the cage or the lefty wing, where his combination of quickness and deception consistently gives defenders trouble. Smink has an exceptional feel for leverage—when bigger defenders try to body him, he absorbs the pressure, senses where it's coming from, and uses it to slip past or change direction, leaving opponents lunging at air.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">The most impressive part of his game at Project 9 was his finishing touch. He consistently manipulated goalies with subtle head and stick fakes before burying shots into the open net. With his craftiness, poise, and ability to create high-percentage looks, Smink proved he's one of the more dynamic offensive playmakers in the 2026 class.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">With his ability to find seams in the defense and finish plays in tight, [player_tooltip player_id='45456' first='Brady' last='Michaud'] has established himself as one of the more reliable off-ball scorers in his class—yet he's equally comfortable creating off the dodge. With the ball in his stick, he's especially dangerous as a dodger, showing a great sense for shifting defenders' weight and leaving them stuck in place as he explodes past for shot opportunities.</p>
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<p>Where Michaud truly separates himself, though, is with his off-ball play. He understands how to position himself for goals, whether it's cutting to the ball or setting his hips for a quick catch-and-shoot. When he cuts, he uses the same burst and timing he shows as a dodger, making it nearly impossible for defenders to get a stick on him. Michaud's mix of IQ, movement, and finishing ability makes him the kind of player who consistently finds ways to impact the game.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='123189' first='Luke' last='Koman'] was snatching ankles at the Project 9 event. While other players struggled to stay upright in the rain, Koman stayed composed, shifty, and unpredictable. This added level of slipperiness is a newer wrinkle in his game, as he's long been known more for his off-ball play and ability to create quality shots within the flow of an offense. Now, he's showing he can initiate and break down defenders off the dodge, adding another dimension to his game.</p>
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<p>Off the ball, Koman remains one of the more smart players on the field. His timing on cuts is precise—he knows when to slip behind defenders or sit in the gap. At 5'10”, he uses his compact frame and quick release to finish efficiently through traffic. He's also a reliable step-down shooter, getting the ball out in an instant with accuracy and poise. As his confidence as a dodger continues to grow, Koman's mix of IQ, craftiness, and finishing touch make him a complete and increasingly dangerous offensive threat. </p>
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Project 9 has long been one of the premier training experiences in the country—founded by Paul Rabil and Mark Millon and staffed by some of the game's best coaches. The invite-only event brought together top 2026s and 2027s, the majority of whom are already nationally ranked and committed to Division I programs. While the spotlight often lands on the five-stars and more established names, several 2026 offensive players quietly raised their stock with impressive performances throughout the weekend.
These are the playmakers that impressed me on Sunday night who may not have received as much attention yet, but showed they belong in the same conversation as some of the class's elite.
The St. Louis native and Denver commit models his game after Mikey Sowers—and it shows. Steele CrissmanSteeleCrissman
6'1" | A | Left Hand
MICDS | 2026 #88NationMO
is a dynamic playmaker with elite quickness, vision, and the ability to put defenders on skates with sharp changes of direction. He posted an even 100 points as a junior at MICDS, including a state-record 64 assists, a testament to how effectively he creates for others.
A natural lefty who's comfortable operating from X or the wings, Crissman is especially dangerous when working from goal line extended. With his head up, he picks apart defenses by hitting cutters or keeping goalies guessing with no-look shots. His ability to play with both hands only makes him more unpredictable. At Project 9, Crissman looked every bit the part of a high-level Division I attackman—creative, poised, and capable of elevating the players around him.
Evaluations are normally subscriber-only but when an athlete subscribes, theirs becomes free for all readers.
Subscribing doesn't change who the Scout covers, it changes who gets to see it.
Few players were as entertaining to watch at Project 9 as Whitehorse. The Virginia commit is a true playmaker who combines creativity with efficiency. He's known for his flair—behind-the-back feeds, twisters, and shovels are all regular parts of his game—but…
Ted BudreskiTedBudreski
6'0" | 185 lbs | M/A | Right Hand
Winchester | 2026 #14NationMA
proved at Project 9 that he's as slick and gritty as they come. He's the type of player who not only has a deep bag of offensive skills but also does the little things that often go unnoticed. One of the most impressive aspects of his game was his versatility in the two-man game. As a picker, he showed the ability to fly by, readjust, or slip depending on how the defense reacted—a level of nuance that makes him extremely difficult to defend.
The lefty also showcased his ability to produce points in multiple ways. Off the dodge, he's dangerous with a strong on-the-run shot, but he's equally effective as a feeder, using his vision and feel to manipulate defenses and find skip lanes. In tight, he freezes goalies with his eyes before tucking shots past them into open nets. Budreski's creativity, toughness, and ability to adapt in live play make him one of the more polished and complete attackmen in the 2026 class.
Evaluations are normally subscriber-only but when an athlete subscribes, theirs becomes free for all readers.
Subscribing doesn't change who the Scout covers, it changes who gets to see it.
Seniors at Project 9: Stock Risers and Top Performers on OffenseSeniorsat Project 9: Stock Risers and Top Performers on Offense
might not have been the biggest player at Project 9, but there's a strong argument that he was one of the slickest. The crafty attackman is especially dangerous when initiating from behind the cage or the…
With his ability to find seams in the defense and finish plays in tight, Seniors at Project 9: Stock Risers and Top Performers on OffenseSeniorsat Project 9: Stock Risers and Top Performers on Offense
has established himself as one of the more reliable off-ball scorers in his class—yet he's equally comfortable creating off the dodge. With…
Luke KomanLukeKoman
5'10" | 175 lbs | M/SSDM | Right Hand
Loomis Chaffee | 2026 CT
was snatching ankles at the Project 9 event. While other players struggled to stay upright in the rain, Koman stayed composed, shifty, and unpredictable. This added level of slipperiness is a newer wrinkle in his game, as he's long been known more for his off-ball play and ability to create quality shots within the flow of an offense. Now, he's showing he can initiate and break down defenders off the dodge, adding another dimension to his game.
Off the ball, Koman remains one of the more smart players on the field. His timing on cuts is precise—he knows when to slip behind defenders or sit in the gap. At 5'10”, he uses his compact frame and quick release to finish efficiently through traffic. He's also a reliable step-down shooter, getting the ball out in an instant with accuracy and poise. As his confidence as a dodger continues to grow, Koman's mix of IQ, craftiness, and finishing touch make him a complete and increasingly dangerous offensive threat.
Evaluations are normally subscriber-only but when an athlete subscribes, theirs becomes free for all readers.
Subscribing doesn't change who the Scout covers, it changes who gets to see it.
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Steele
Crissman
6'1" | A | Left Hand
MICDS | 2026
#88
Nation
MO
is a dynamic playmaker with elite quickness, vision, and the ability to put defenders on skates with sharp changes of direction. He posted an even 100 points as a junior at MICDS, including a state-record 64 assists, a testament to how effectively he creates for others.
Ted
Budreski
6'0" | 185 lbs | M/A | Right Hand
Winchester | 2026
#14
Nation
MA
proved at Project 9 that he's as slick and gritty as they come. He's the type of player who not only has a deep bag of offensive skills but also does the little things that often go unnoticed. One of the most impressive aspects of his game was his versatility in the two-man game. As a picker, he showed the ability to fly by, readjust, or slip depending on how the defense reacted—a level of nuance that makes him extremely difficult to defend.
Luke
Koman
5'10" | 175 lbs | M/SSDM | Right Hand
Loomis Chaffee | 2026
CT
was snatching ankles at the Project 9 event. While other players struggled to stay upright in the rain, Koman stayed composed, shifty, and unpredictable. This added level of slipperiness is a newer wrinkle in his game, as he's long been known more for his off-ball play and ability to create quality shots within the flow of an offense. Now, he's showing he can initiate and break down defenders off the dodge, adding another dimension to his game.
