Tennessee Hockey

Rising prospects.
Primed for the next level.

Scouting Tennessee’s top 16U and 18U prospects—the next names to watch on the path toward junior, collegiate, and professional hockey.

Standout talent

Top 20 Tennessee prospects

Ranking Tennessee’s top 16U and 18U prospects across Tier I and Tier II hockey. Placement considers live viewings, video review, current performance, strength of competition, development trajectory, and long-term projection—not tier designation or age alone. A younger prospect may rank ahead of an older one, and a Tier II prospect may rank ahead of a Tier I prospect, when the overall evaluation supports the higher placement. Rankings are updated as prospects develop and additional evaluations become available.

Board
Age group
Top-ranked skaterOcean McGillNashville Jr. Predators · 18U Tier IView featured deep dive
Top-ranked goaltenderNolan NilssonNashville Jr. Predators · 16U Tier IIView featured deep dive

Skater and goalie views show the position-specific order of prospects included in the overall Top 20.

01
OM

Ocean McGill

Forward

Nashville Jr. Predators · 2008

Nashville Jr. Predators · 18U Tier I

POSF
2025–26 PTS60
Top-ranked prospect
Scout’s read

Returning to Nashville’s current 18U Tier I roster, McGill recorded 30 goals and 30 assists for 60 points in 50 reported games in 2025–26, while also making three NAHL appearances. His production against older Tier I competition and experience at the junior level give him a strong case to lead the overall rankings. Further live and video evaluation will refine his long-term projection. Read the full report →

02
NN

Nolan Nilsson

Goaltender

Nashville · 2010

Nashville Jr. Predators · 16U Tier II

POSG
BIRTH YR2010
9/10 profile
Scout’s read

Technically polished and composed under pressure, with patient edges, strong tracking through traffic, efficient recoveries, and a proven ability to deliver in championship and elimination games. As a first-year 16U player, he faced a schedule made up largely of older, second-year 16U opponents. Selected to the USA Hockey Nationals All-South Team as the only 2010-born goaltender. Read the full report →

08
ZF

Zachary Fonnesbeck

Goaltender

Nashville · 2009

Nashville Jr. Predators · 18U Tier II

POSG
HEIGHT6′2″
18U Tier II goalie
Scout’s read

Fonnesbeck played 23 complete regular-season games for Nashville’s 16U Tier II team in 2025–26 and helped the Jr. Predators win the Tennessee state championship. The team’s goals-against record during that stretch points to a strong season in net. A 6′2″ left-catching goaltender, he plays big with a composed, aggressive hybrid style. He has since helped Nashville’s 18U Tier II team win two tournament championships in 2026–27, alongside fellow goaltender Miller Campbell, adding early team success to his prospect profile.

15
GS

Graham Sourek

Defense

Music City Marauders · 2010

Music City Marauders · 16U Tier II

POSD
2025–26 PTS42
16U Tier II producer
Scout’s read

On the Marauders’ current 16U Tier II roster after a 20-goal, 42-point season in 47 games at that level. His production as a 2010-born skater and early 2026–27 results warrant a place in the Top 20. Further viewings will help clarify his role and projection against the broader field.

03
DL

Draydon Larson

Forward

Nashville · 2009

Nashville Jr. Predators · 18U Tier I

POSF
BIRTH YR2009
High-output scorer
Scout’s read

Led last season’s Nashville 16U Tier I group with 24 goals while totaling 47 points, then opened 18U Tier I showcase play with three assists.

06
KK

Kirby Koenig

Forward

Nashville · 2009

Nashville Jr. Predators · 18U Tier I

POSF
BIRTH YR2009
Tournament scorer
Scout’s read

Produced 33 points in 46 games at 16U Tier I and opened 18U Tier I showcase play with two goals and four points.

17
MP

Mikey Peterson

Forward

Nashville · 2010

Nashville Jr. Predators · 16U Tier I

POSF
BIRTH YR2010
16U forward to watch
Scout’s read

On Nashville’s 16U Tier I roster after playing in the 2026 OHL Cup and being selected by the Chippewa Steel in the 2026 NAHL Futures Draft. His current 16U performances will help determine his next placement.

18
JW

Jude Whipple

Forward

Nashville · 2010

Nashville Jr. Predators · 16U Tier I

POSF
BIRTH YR2010
16U forward to watch
Scout’s read

2010-born forward on Nashville’s 16U Tier I roster. His role and performance against Tier I competition will guide his next evaluation.

20
MC

Miller Campbell

Goaltender

Nashville Jr. Predators · 2009

Nashville Jr. Predators · 18U Tier II

POSG
BIRTH YR2009
Hybrid goaltender
Scout’s read

Currently rostered with Nashville’s 18U Tier II team, Campbell brings a hybrid goaltending profile. Supplied scouting feedback highlights quick recoveries, efficient lateral movement, and effective use of his size without sacrificing crease mobility. Alongside Zachary Fonnesbeck, he has helped Nashville’s 18U Tier II team win two tournament championships in 2026–27. His technical profile and contribution to that early team success support his return to the Top 20; current-season workload and further evaluations will help refine his placement.

16
JK

Jack Karpynec

Goaltender

Nashville Flyers · 2010

Nashville Flyers · 16U Tier II

POSG
BIRTH YR2010
Young goalie to watch
Scout’s read

Also listed in statistical records as Theodore Karpynec, Jack returns to the Flyers’ 16U Tier II team after recording a .941 save percentage, 1.21 goals-against average, and three shutouts across 10 reported SESCL games in 2025–26. He helped the Flyers win a tournament championship last season. He has also helped the Flyers win a tournament championship in 2026–27. His championship contributions add context to his strong league performance and strengthen his prospect profile.

05
HW

Harrington Walker

Forward

Nashville · 2009

Nashville Jr. Predators · 18U Tier I

POSF
2025–26 PTS38
Proven producer
Scout’s read

Moves onto the current 18U Tier I roster after an 18-goal, 38-point season across 53 games at 16U Tier I. His established production makes him one of the clearest additions to the board.

07
JA

JT Apedaile

Goaltender

Nashville · 2009

Nashville Jr. Predators · 18U Tier I

POSG
2025–26 SV%.904
Five shutouts
Scout’s read

Apedaile played 30 games for Nashville’s 16U Tier I team in 2025–26, recording 20 wins and five shutouts. He delivered a defining performance in the Southeastern District championship game, stopping all 32 shots he faced to help Nashville secure the title. His full-season workload and championship-game result give him a strong foundation as he moves into 18U Tier I hockey.

09
CR

Cameron Ross

Forward

Nashville · 2009

Nashville Jr. Predators · 18U Tier I

POSF
2025–26 PTS22
Returning scorer
Scout’s read

Recorded nine goals and 22 points in 56 games at 16U Tier I. That full-season scoring base carries forward to his place on Nashville’s current 18U Tier I roster.

10
GS

Gregory Smith

Defense

Nashville · 2009

Nashville Jr. Predators · 18U Tier I

POSD
2025–26 PTS21
Productive defenseman
Scout’s read

Produced five goals and 21 points in 54 games from the blue line at 16U Tier I and now steps into Nashville’s current 18U Tier I group.

11
MB

Moses Brown

Forward

Nashville · 2009

Nashville Jr. Predators · 18U Tier I

POSF
2025–26 PTS20
Balanced scorer
Scout’s read

Finished with an even 11 goals and 11 assists in 42 games at 16U Tier I. That balanced production helped earn a place on the current 18U Tier I roster.

12
AG

Austin Gaca

Defense

Nashville · 2009

Nashville Jr. Predators · 18U Tier I

POSD
2025–26 AST15
Puck distributor
Scout’s read

Collected 15 assists and 16 points in 47 games at 16U Tier I. His assist-heavy production points to value moving pucks from the back end as he advances to 18U Tier I.

14
CE

Cade Ellenburg

Forward

Nashville · 2009

Nashville Jr. Predators · 18U Tier I

POSF
2025–26 PTS10
Versatile skater
Scout’s read

Logged 56 games and 10 points while listed on defense at 16U Tier I, then earned a forward spot on the current 18U Tier I roster—a notable sign of positional versatility.

13
OB

Owen Brought

Defense

Nashville · 2009

Nashville Jr. Predators · 18U Tier I

POSD
2025–26 GP56
Experienced defender
Scout’s read

Played a full 56-game 16U Tier I schedule, added seven points from the blue line, and appeared at USA Hockey Nationals before moving onto the current 18U Tier I roster.

04
IH

Isaiah Holte

Forward

Nashville · 2009

Nashville Jr. Predators · 18U Tier II

POSF
2025–26 PTS49
49-point season
Scout’s read

Produced 22 goals and 49 points in 47 games at 16U Tier I before joining Nashville’s current 18U Tier II roster. That verified scoring season moves him into the board’s top five.

19
CG

Carter Gilleece

Goaltender

Nashville Flyers · 2009

Nashville Flyers · 18U Tier II

POSG
BIRTH YR2009
Proven league performer
Scout’s read

Now with the Flyers’ 18U Tier II team, Gilleece posted a .955 save percentage, 0.93 goals-against average, and three shutouts across 10 reported SESCL games at 16U Tier II in 2025–26. That strong league sample supports his inclusion among Tennessee’s leading goaltending prospects. Full-season workload, competition, and further technical evaluations will refine his placement.

Eligibility is limited to prospects currently rostered on Tennessee 16U and 18U Tier I or Tier II teams. Roster and statistical information is reviewed as rankings are updated.

On the radar

Prospects gaining momentum

Emerging prospects, standout tournament performers, and young players strengthening their case for the next rankings update.

Send a nomination

Our process

Projection beyond production.

01

Live and video evaluation

We prioritize repeated in-person evaluations and supporting video review across league, tournament, playoff, combine, showcase, and other high-level competitive environments.

02

Complete toolkit

Evaluations account for position-specific skills. For skaters, that includes skating, processing, puck skill, competitiveness, and role projection; for goaltenders, movement, tracking, positioning, rebound control, save selection, composure, and consistency. Skating and game execution can carry as much weight as statistical production. Statistics are considered in context rather than on their own.

03

Ongoing context

Development isn’t linear. Rankings reflect current performance, trajectory, and projection, and may change as prospects develop and additional evaluations become available.

04

Competitive context

Age, birth year, team role, workload, level of play, and strength of competition are weighed together to place each performance in the proper scouting context.

Prospect submissions

Nominate a prospect

Share the information needed for an initial scouting review. Nominees must be currently rostered with a Tennessee 16U or 18U Tier I and Tier II team. Submitting a nomination does not guarantee placement in the rankings or a featured report.

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