Baruch’s evaluation is overdue in my book, as he has consistently stood out to me since The Show and Best in Class events in the early season. There is a lot to like about him on the defensive end, and he has consistently found the back of the net in transition. On the ball, he is solid. He stays glued to dodgers without doing too much until it is time to get confrontational. You will see him rely on his lower body a lot to get into ball carriers with cross-checks, wraps, and timed stick checks that have a knack for ending possessions. Another consistent part of his game is his instincts and IQ off the ball, where he comes up with a ton of interceptions by anticipating skips. He seems good for at least one a game, and because of that, he gets a ton of transition opportunities where he slips through the teeth of the defense for shots frequently.

Will Baruch Will Baruch 6'0" | 175 lbs | D/LSM | Left Hand St. Christopher's School | 2028 #89 Nation VA is a 6’0 left-handed defenseman from St. Christopher’s who sets the tone as a true shut-down presence on the back end. An absolute lockdown defender, Baruch consistently takes on top matchups and limits opposing scoring threats with discipline, strong angle play, footwork, and overall strength. He plays a smart, focused game, showing strong awareness and positioning in both settled and unsettled situations. Baruch’s leadership is evident in how he communicates, competes, and holds the defensive unit to a high standard. With his combination of toughness, intelligence, and reliability, he serves as a defensive leader and anchor for the group.