Yale bringing in five recruits for this fall

Yale's incoming recruiting class with consist of five players -- three forwards and two defensemen -- all with the potential to contribute immediately.

The Bulldogs' class of 2018 is: Ryan Hitchcock, a forward with the U.S. National Developmental Program; John Baiocco, a forward who spent last winter in the USHL; Henry Hart, a forward out of Phillips Exeter; Nate Repensky, a defenseman from the NAHL and Adam Larkin, a defenseman from the USHL.

Hitchcock, 18, spent the past two seasons in the USNDP after skating with the New Jersey Rockets of the Atlantic Junior Hockey League. A play-maker noted for his vision, he scored eight goals with 30 assists in 41 games this winter, also helping the U.S. in February to win the Five Nations Tournament in Russia and the IIHF Under-18 World Championship in Finland last month. Though small (5-9, 170 pounds) he has a shot at being selected in the NHL Entry Draft next month.

Yale has enjoyed success recruiting out of New Jersey's Delbarton School -- Kenny Agostino, Matt Killian and Charles Orzetti are all recent alums. Baiocco, who turns 19 next month, was a two-time Jersey all-state selection and the Star-Ledger state player of the year as a senior. Delbarton won four state titles in Baiocco's four seasons. He spent this season in the USHL, splitting time between Fargo and Dubuque, combining for 10 goals and 25 points in 49 games.

Hart, small yet talented, fits the Yale mold. He was set on attending Division III Bowdoin until December, when the Bulldogs came in with an offer. He played high school hockey in Minnesota before traveling east to Exeter, one of the top New England Prep Schools. He finished the season with 58 points.

Repensky, 21, played for Bismarck of the NAHL and has battled injury the past few seasons. He missed 21 games in 2012-13, and recently broke a leg and is expected to be out two months. The injury shouldn't affect his status for this fall. His numbers -- 12 goals, 38 assists in 59 games -- are impressive.

Larkin, 19, had a 3-12-15 line for Muskegon of the USHL. In high school, he was first-team all-state in Michigan. He has a brother, Ryan, heading to Miami-Ohio and a cousin, Dylan Larkin, who is a Michigan recruit.