Dimnaku put on a great performance over the three games I watched, as he and Finley McClintock dominated the face-off X for their squad. Having two FOGOs that can win with ease is a luxury and is in part due to why 3D New England had so much success. They were able to produce offensively and then get the ball right back from good FOGO and wing play. The Wellesley, MA native has quick reactions coupled with good stick skills and shows patience with the ball when he draws a long-stick. He has the strength and durability to grind out long face-off battles or grueling ground ball scrums and is able to absorb checks and blow past his defender to start a transition chance with his speed. He finished with 5 wins vs DC Express, 4 wins vs Sweetlax, and 4 wins in the title game vs BBL, consistently winning face-offs cleanly and getting it up and out to let the offense set up.

Dimnaku was named the Faceoff MVP after a strong performance in the Main Stage All-Star Game. He unofficially went 9-for-11 at the stripe and added a transition goal for good measure. Alex was the most dominant faceoff specialist at the event. He consistently beat his opponent to the clamp due to his quick hands and powerful exits. One unique aspect of his setup is how low he gets, with his knee almost touching the turf. This position allows him to burst into counters and redirect pressure easily. Dimnaku’s mix of technique, toughness, and transition awareness makes him one of the top faceoff prospects in the class.

Dimnaku was undoubtedly the most dominant specialist in attendance, going 22-for-26 at the X on Sunday. It’s clear how much confidence he gained as a freshman, facing off against many high-caliber (and older) opponents on Andover’s schedule to finish 64% last spring. Dimnaku first got on my radar with a lights-out performance in the Maverik Showtime All-Star Game, and he certainly didn’t disappoint in another showcase setting. On Sunday, he made it look downright easy and showed how polished he is with his skill set at the dot. He did a really good job with his counters and defensive exits, but really didn’t need to utilize them too often given how quickly he was winning the ball to himself. Everything about his game is clean, and the expectation is that he’ll be one of the more coveted face-off recruits when the time comes.