College hockey is in full swing. After each series, we will be evaluating the performance of the Washington Capitals college prospects. Here is how the six prospects did during week one of the new season: 

Ryan Leonard, F, 2023 1st round, No. 4 Boston College Eagles

Leonard and the No. 4 Eagles were immediately put to the test, facing off against the defending national champions in the then-ranked No. 2 Quinnipiac Bobcats.

Leonard was immediately reunited with U.S. National Team Development Program linemates Will Smith and Gabe Perreault. He was on the right side, with Smith at center and Perreault on the left.

Absolutely lethal release ✂️ pic.twitter.com/WODaDJnrcc

— BC Men’s Hockey (@BC_MHockey) October 8, 2023

Leonard had the primary assist on Cutter Gauthier’s OT winner to give the Eagles a 2-1 win. 

David Gucciardi, LD, 2022 7th RD, No. 8 Michigan State Spartans

Gucciardi and the now-ranked No. 8 Spartans got off to a hot start, sweeping the Lake Superior State Lakers over the weekend.

In Game 1 of the series, Gucciardi had a secondary assist on Nico Mueller’s goal, which was the first of the Spartans’ season. He also had two shot attempts.

First goal of the season is a beauty! @NicolasMueller_ puts the Spartans up 1-0 over Lake State 🚨

🎥: @MSU_Hockey l @B1GHockey pic.twitter.com/6w9a2w127G

— EVERYTHING COLLEGE HOCKEY (@TeamECH) October 7, 2023

The Spartans dominated the Lakers in a 5-2 win.

In Game 2, the junior defenseman had five shot attempts and two shot blocks, along with taking a penalty in the third period. Michigan State swept LSSU with a 4-2 win.

Chase Clark, G, 2021 6th RD, Sacred Heart Pioneers

Clark and the Pioneers played an exhibition slate against the No. 14 Merrimack College Warriors. Clark got the starting job and made 28 saves in the 3-2 overtime loss. He also faced 15 shots in the third period.

Good effort this afternoon. Lots to build on moving forward.

RECAP ➡️ https://t.co/PNnKBwbORr

Back at it tomorrow, for another exhibition against Ottawa.#WeAreSHU pic.twitter.com/IaQomNGKhS

— SHU Hockey (@SHUHockey) October 7, 2023

Clark also got the nod in the Pioneers’ second exhibition contest against Ottawa, but only played the first period. He only stopped six shots and the Pioneers went on to win 8-2. 

Ryan Chesley, RD, 2022 2nd RD, No. 2 Minnesota Golden Gophers

Chesley and the now-ranked No. 2 Gophers took on the Bemidji State Beavers in an exhibition slate. Minnesota dominated the Beavers in a 5-2 win. 

Chesley skated on the second pair with Luke Middelstadt, and had the primary assist on Oliver Moore’s second goal of the game, on an empty net tally. 

The sophomore was a plus-3 and also blocked two shots. 

Brent Johnson, RD, 2021 3rd RD, No. 14 Ohio State Buckeyes

Johnson served as Ohio State’s seventh defenseman in the Buckeyes’ 4-3 win over the Mercyhurst Lakers. He did not register a point, but had three shots on goal and blocked one shot. 

Joaquim Lemay, LD, 2021 4th RD, Omaha Mavericks 

Lemay and the Mavericks beat the Minnesota State Mavericks 1-0 in an exhibition game. The left-shot rearguard was placed on the second pairing and registered one shot on goal. 

By Jacob Cheris