By: Kenny Kaminsky | Follow me on Twitter/X @KennyKaminsky

As the college hockey season winds down each year, some American Hockey League teams make out like bandits, signing top players as their NCAA commitments and respective teams’ regular seasons are over. The Providence Bruins are one of the teams that have benefited recently from the plentiful assortment of available developing talent. The B’s signed one free agent and three previously drafted players to contracts to help fill out their lineup for the remainder of the regular season and the upcoming 2025 Calder Cup Playoffs. It has been a great few weeks for these newcomers, and fans should know how well they’ve performed after making the big jump from the collegiate ranks to professional hockey.

The Providence Bruins wrap up their 2024-25 regular season tonight with the team’s final home game at the Amica Mutual Pavilion in downtown Providence, Rhode Island. The visiting Bridgeport Islanders come to town, and the top minor-pro affiliate of the National Hockey League Boston Bruins, have certainly had their way with the New York Islanders AHL club this season. In 11 games this season, Providence has an impressive 10-1-0 record against Bridgeport, and the AHL Bruins need to keep that good luck going with something to play for tonight in the final game of the season.

Jake Schmaltz

In 2019, the Boston Bruins selected Jake Schmaltz in the seventh round of the NHL Entry Draft out of the United States Hockey League. Schmaltz committed to the University of North Dakota, where he played four seasons with the Fighting Hawks. This season, the Wisconsin native tallied 6-10-16 in 38 games. Jake is no stranger to professional hockey, as his cousin Jordan Schmaltz was a first-round draft pick of the St. Louis Blues, and his other cousin Nick Schmaltz is currently playing with the Utah Hockey Club. 

Schmaltz is an underrated prospect, in my opinion. Some people like to jump the gun and write him off after seeing his stats at North Dakota, but he brings much more to the table than just goals and assists. The Green Bay Gamblers’ product is a team-first player who is not afraid to put himself on the line to block a shot or take a hit to make a play. Jake is very well-rounded defensively, which has been apparent in his short stint in Providence.

In just four games, he tallied his first professional goal. I’m intrigued to see how he develops because he could be a fantastic candidate for the Boston Bruins’ fourth-line center role. The penalty-killing ability is there while also being dominant on the face-off dot. The one knock on Schmaltz’s game is his lack of scoring. Regardless, he is highly responsible and will earn the organization’s trust in due time. 

Dalton Bancroft

Dalton Bancroft is the only free agent the organization has signed this season. Bancroft wrapped up a thrilling NCAA tournament where his Cornell Big Red played spoiler to the number two team in the country, the Michigan State Spartans. The Ontario native was at the Boston Bruins Development camp last Summer, so the staff was interested in keeping a close eye on his Senior season in the NCAA. Dalton contributed 15-12-27 numbers in 36 games this season with the Big Red, playing alongside another Bruins prospect, Ryan Walsh. 

Bancroft, like Schmaltz, has had a limited role in Providence so far. He only appeared in five games, in which he scored his first professional goal. The Trenton Golden Eagle product has earned his way onto the second power-play unit. After arriving in Providence, the former Ontario Junior Hockey League MVP said his favorite player is Tom Wilson, and he tries to mimic his game. The physicality hasn’t changed as Dalton embraces the contact in all situations. Like most Ivy Leaguers, Bancroft has a very high hockey IQ, particularly in offensive situations, and with his heavy and accurate shot, he is undoubtedly a threat in most areas of the offensive zone. 

Ty Gallagher 

Ty Gallagher was selected in the seventh round of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. Gallagher had a promising start to his college career at Boston University before it came crashing down in his Junior year when he only mustered 0-5-5 in 37 games with the Terriers. This concerned everyone, but Ty picked up the pieces and transferred to Colorado College this season. With the Tigers, the Michigan native finished the season third on the team in points, scoring 9-17-26 in 37 games. Watching the resilience Gallagher showed in his senior season was a treat; he undoubtedly earned this contract. 

Gallagher has been a vital part of this P-Bruins defense as some key backend players got called up to the big club. The USNTDP product tallied 1-4-5 in 11 games with Providence. Ty is another responsible player, making the right plays consistently. This jump to the next level hasn’t changed that part of his game, and he looks very comfortable out there. If you’ve been lucky enough to catch some of his recent games, you’ll see that he comes as advertised. Despite the Baby Bs getting all their players back from Boston, I can see Gallagher getting consistent minutes in the playoffs. 

Dans Locmelis

Dans Locmelis was selected in the fourth round of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. He has spent the past two seasons with the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, where he has elevated his game to new heights under Coach Greg Carvel. This past season, the Latvian scored 9-25-33 in 40 games. Locmelis also played a pivotal role in the Minutemen’s upset of Minnesota in the NCAA Tournament. Dans spent time representing his home country and helped earn them a spot in the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Dans Locmelis has made the most significant impact of any college signing in the AHL this season. He is averaging a whopping two points per game and has totaled 3-7-10 in just five games with Providence. A common question I get is, Can he play defense? Yes, he can. The Lulea product has earned his way onto the team’s power play and penalty kill units and is on the first line alongside Oliver Wahlstrom and Matthew Poitras.

The Jelgava native is versatile and has an impressive hockey IQ. At UMass, coaches praised his leadership abilities. It’s not hard to see that the kid has an elite vision, too. With Georgii Merkulov out with injury, it was interesting to see who could step up and complement Poitras’ elite skill set, but Locmelis has been so good that he may have beaten out Merkulov for his first-line spot. 

With only one game left before the Providence Bruins enter the Calder Cup Playoffs, it will be intriguing to see how the new players fit into the lineup. Like many fans, I’ve been impressed by how these individuals have stepped up and adapted to the fast-paced world of professional hockey. Keep an eye on these players during training camp next season.

As the Providence Bruins gear up for their last game against the Bridgeport Islanders tonight, fans are anticipating a thrilling game that could see the B’s beat Bridgeport for the 11th time this season. Much like the excitement of hockey, the world of online gaming offers its own rush of adrenaline, with players seeking big wins and memorable moments. Whether it’s a dominant performance on the ice, like Fraser Minten’s recent hat trick, or a winning streak on the reels of a top-rated slot, both sports and casino enthusiasts crave that feeling of success.

Speaking of success, the expert team at Gamble USA reviews each platform with the same level of scrutiny that coaches apply to their game strategy. If you want to make a bet via a mobile app, the site ensures that all sportsbooks listed are not only secure and fair but also licensed for responsible gaming. So, whether you’re a fan of hockey or the thrill of sportsbook wagering, make sure you’re playing at the most reliable and secure venues for a truly enjoyable experience. Just like the Bruins are striving to advance in the standings, we encourage you to gamble responsibly while enjoying the games.