Another Thayer product, Wajda is in the mix this fall and is still looking for a program that he can slot into. A hybrid defenseman who can dole out big hits and also dislodge the ball with finesse checks, the only surprise right now is that Wajda is still uncommitted. He’s had some interest from schools in the New England area, which could work for him in the long run this fall, but maybe not in the way everyone thinks. The more teams that see him play, the more opportunities will come his way, which could force the coaching staff of those in-region schools to be less flirty and more committed in their pursuit.

One of those do-it-all poles who can fill and play multiple roles in settled sets, I think Wajda is set for a breakout season at Thayer in the spring. I mean, talk about exceptional footwork. Wajda doesn’t hang and bang as larger defensemen do, but he shuts the door with his positioning before his opponent even has an idea of how to dodge to the cage. He’s as tenacious as they come; whether he is playing LSM or at close, he’s always the first guy chasing the ball and the ball carrier. Wajda is also very patient carrying the ball, something that often gets overlooked when we evaluate defenders.

The Defensive MVP of The Show was Elliot Wajda Elliot Wajda 5'11" | D/LSM Thayer Academy | 2028 MA . He has the feet, physicality, and stick work to play down low or at LSM. He uses his stick well to make his matchup uncomfortable in 1v1 situations, and he is also strong, throwing a hard cross-check that makes life tough when his man is on the island or trying to get to dangerous spots. He is not the biggest defender, but he is super physical and can lay the wood as a slider or in the open field. What stands out is the control he has over his six-foot pole. He sneaks in takeaway checks, plays with confidence in his stick, and handles the ball well in tight spaces during the clear.