As the pre-season for CHL teams arrives, player commitments have started to wind down and players have decided where they will be taking their talents for the 2024-25 season.
With news regarding commitments aplenty, here is the latest update for CHL commitments:
OHL
Logan Hawery (F, L, 5’9″, 168, London Knights, 03/15/2008), London Knights
Drafted by the London Knights in the first round of the 2024 OHL Priority Selection, Hawery spent his draft year playing for the Barrie Colts U16 AAA where he collected 27 goals and 28 assists for 55 points in 31 regular season games.
Ranked a 4.5 star prospect, Hawery was described as an elite forward in the 2008 age group:
“Hawery continues to show as an elite forward in this age group. His hustle, 200-foot game, and ability to make plays in all three zones set him apart. He is one of those players who is noticeable on nearly every shift with his energy and pace.”
Max Bleicher (D, L, 6’0″, 180, Owen Sound Attack, 02/14/2007), Owen Sound Attack
Drafted by the Attack in the first round of the 2024 CHL Import Draft, Bleicher joins the team after spending the 2023-24 season with EV Füssen in Germany’s third-tier pro league. In 35 regular season games, he scored six goals and added eight assists for 14 points.
Igor Chernyshov (LW, R, 6’3″, 203, Saginaw Spirit, 11/30/2005), Saginaw Spirit
A San Jose Sharks prospect, Chernyshov was drafted by the Spirit in the first round of the 2024 CHL Import Draft. Having spent most of his time last season with Dynamo Moskva in the KHL, Chernyshov had four points in 34 regular season games.
Ranked a 4.25 star prospect, Chernyshov ranked seventh in NZ’s Top 300 for the 2024 NHL Draft. While he is expected to miss the foreseeable future after undergoing surgery, Chernyshov should be an instant difference maker for the Spirit.
Karlis Flugins (F, R, 5’10”, 185, Flint Firebirds, 11/11/2007), Flint Firebirds
Another selection in the 2024 CHL Import Draft, Flugins was taken by the Firebirds in the second round. Having spent with IK Oskarshamn J18, Flugins collected 26 points in 14 games.
David Holub (D, R, 5’11”, 185, Soo Greyhounds, 04/11/2007), Soo Greyhounds
Selected in the first round of the 2024 CHL Import Draft by the Greyhounds, Holub manned the blue line for HC Ocelari Trinec U17 in 2023-24, posting five goals and 23 assists for 28 points in 28 regular season games.
Holub was described by NZ’s scouts as someone who likes to play a physical game:
“David is a defenseman who loves the physical side of the game. He makes deep pinches and finishes his hits aggressively. He plays a pretty simple game, getting back quickly to retrieve the puck and coming around the post fast to make a quick, good first pass.”
Natan Teshome (RW, L, 6’0″, 174, North Bay Battalion, 06/09/2006), North Bay Battalion
Teshome joins the Battalion after playing for Jokerit U20 last season. A first round pick in the 2024 CHL Import Draft, Teshome collected 14 points in 37 regular season games.
Ranked a 4.25 star prospect, Teshome was described as a quick forward:
“Natan’s speed and hustle stood out in this viewing. He closes on defenders fast and aggressively on the forecheck, including when on the penalty kill.”
Noah Erliden (G, L, 5’11”, 183, Erie Otters, 09/09/2005), Erie Otters
Selected 30th overall by the Otters in the 2024 CHL Import Draft, Erliden joins the team after playing for HV71 J20 in 2023-24. In 24 appearances, he posted a 15-9-0 record to go along with a 2.88 GAA and a .902 SV%.
Given a star ranking of four, Erliden was described as an athletic goalie:
“Although the final score in this was a blowout 8-0 Swedish win, he faced some erratic pressure through the first five minutes of the game where he was solid and prepared. He stayed on his feet while battling incidental contact to find sight lines on point shots or when Canadian forwards rolled through the tops of the circles while cycling.”
Emil Pieniniemi (D, L, 6’2″, 175, Kingston Frontenacs, 03/02/2005), Kingston Frontenacs
A Pittsburgh Penguins prospect, Pieniniemi joins the Frontenacs after being selected 10th overall in the 2024 CHL Import Draft. He posted six points in 38 regular season games with Karpat in Finland’s top pro league (Liiga).
Given a four star rating, Pieniniemi was lauded as a smooth-skating defenseman:
“He is a long, smooth-skating left defenseman, who was on the top defensive pair all week. He always effectively shrinks the offensive zone by staying on top of his winger in the offensive zone. On rushes he has a tight defensive gap with his stick out in front of him. He presents himself and has a quick release on his one-timer. He likes to be an option up top on the power play to distribute and shoot.”
Gleb Semyonov (C, R, 6’3″, 183, London Knights, 02/17/2007), London Knights
Selected 118th overall by the Knights in this year’s CHL Import Draft, Semyonov comes over from Spartak Moskva U17 where he had 37 points in 23 regular season games.
QMJHL
David Bosson (RW, R, 6’2″, 194, Drummondville Voltigeurs, 01/17/2006), Drummondville Voltigeurs
Drafted by the Voltigeurs in the second round of the 2024 CHL Import Draft, Bosson spent the 2023-24 season playing for GCK Lions U20 in Switzerland. In 47 games, he scored five goals and added 15 assists for 20 points.
Ranked a four-star prospect, Bosson was praised for having a good nose for the net:
“David is a taller winger with a good nose for the net, more of a scorer than a playmaker. He possesses explosive first three steps and shows a willingness to engage physically all over the ice. David moves pucks quickly to teammates and loves heading to the net with his stick on the ice, aiming for the hard areas where he has a chance to score.”
Florian Schenk (C, L, 6’3″, 200, Saint John Sea Dogs, 04/25/2007), Saint John Sea Dogs
Another Swiss native, Schenk played for Bern U20 last season, collecting 25 points in 42 games. Drafted seventh overall in this past year’s Import Draft, Schenk heads to Saint John for his draft-eligible season.
Carlos Handel (D, R, 6’1″, 168, Halifax Mooseheads, 03/31/2007), Halifax Mooseheads
Hailing from Erlangen, Germany, Händel joins the Moosehads after playing for the Malmo Redhawks J18 this past season. In 28 regular season games, Handel had six goals and 17 assists for 23 points in 28 games. Though new to Neutral Zone, Handel caught the eye of our scouts at the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, and will be included in an upcoming report.
William Yared (F, R, 6’1″, 187, Saint John Sea Dogs, 01/22/2008), Saint John Sea Dogs
One of three Sea Dogs prospects to sign with the team recently, Jared was drafted by the team with the fifth overall selection in the 2024 QMJHL Entry Draft. With the Lac St-Louis Lions this past season, Yared had 10 goals and 32 assists for 42 points in 41 regular season games.
Given a 4.25 star rating, Yared was described as a player with elite hockey sense:
“He continued to showcase his exceptional hockey sense and knack for generating offensive opportunities seemingly out of thin air. Notably, his speed showed improvement compared to previous viewings, resulting in multiple scoring chances of the rush. Yared’s projection remains as a top-line, two-way center, possessing the necessary hockey sense and toolkit to become a highly effective cornerstone at both ends of the ice.”
Dylan Rozzi (F, L, 6’0″, 152, Saint John Sea Dogs, 03/08/2008), Saint John Sea Dogs
Eligible for the 2026 NHL Draft, Rozzi was drafted by the Sea Dogs with the eight overall selection in this year’s QMJHL Entry Draft. A fellow teammate of Yared on Lac St. Louis, Rozzi had 46 points in 42 regular season games.
Rated a 4.25 star prospect, Rozzi was given credit by NZ scouts for his clutch goal scoring ability:
“Tall, left-handed center Dylan Rozzi continued to demonstrate his clutch ability, delivering a critical goal tonight. He has a knack for finding the net in key moments, particularly on power plays, where he can be considered an offensive weapon. Dylan possesses exceptional agility and can elevate the pace of the game when he controls the puck.”
Cruz Scanzano (D, R, 6’3″, 201, Saint John Sea Dogs, 05/15/2008), Saint John Sea Dogs
The last of three Sea Dogs picks, Scanzano was selected in the second round of the 2024 QMJHL Entry Draft. A fellow teammate of Yared and Rozzi, Scanzano had six assists in 41 regular season games.
Given a star rating of 3.75, Scanzano was described as a defenseman with good size:
“Right-handed defenseman Cruz possesses good size. He effectively utilized his physical presence to add a defensive edge, prioritizing safe and reliable play in his own zone. An example of his smart decision-making was evident in the second period, where he scanned the ice, assessed the situation, and delivered an accurate pass after making a clear choice.”
Oliver Samson (D, L, 6’4″, 181, Baie-Comeau Drakkar, 02/09/2005), Baie-Comeau Drakkar
Hailing from Praha, Czechia, Samson joins the Drakkar after playing for HC Sparta Praha U20 in 2023-24. In 56 regular season games, he had 15 goals and 42 assists for 57 points.
Samson was drafted by the Drakkar in the first round of this year’s Import Draft.
WHL
Simon Pohludka (LW, L, 6’1″, 187, Victoria Royals, 02/10/2006), Victoria Royals
A product of Frydek-Mistek, Czechia, Pohludka joins the Royals after playing for Pelicans U18 in Finland last season. In 37 regular season games, he scored 23 goals and added 24 assists for 47 points.
Ranked a 4.25 star prospect, Pohludka was described as a smooth-skating forward:
“Pohludka is a long lean left shot forward who played primarily left wing. He showed a powerful knee over toe skating base with long strides that finished with a toe push. We feel his skating posture will allow him to gain speed and quickness as he gains strength and carries more weight. Offensively he showed good puck possession skills along the walls by using his hips to shield the puck and when he felt a defender get their shoulder in front of his Pohludka would spin back into the open ice.”
Miroslav Holinka (RW, R, 6’1″, 187, Edmonton Oil Kings, 11/10/2005), Edmonton Oil Kings
A Toronto Maple Leafs prospect, Holinka joins the Oil Kings after being selected by the team in the first round of the 2024 CHL Import Draft. In 29 games with HC Ocelari Trinec U20, Holinka collected 41 points.
Given a star rating of four, Holinka finished as the 93rd ranked prospect by NZ for the 2024 NHL Draft.
Robin Svancara (F, L, 6’4″, 190, Calgary Hitmen, 05/22/2007), Calgary Hitmen
Drafted 17th overall by the Hitmen in this past year’s Import Draft, Svancara joins the team after spending time with HC Ocelari Trinec U17 in 2023-24. In 25 regular season games with the team, he scored 19 goals and added 18 assists for 37 points.
Eli Tverdovsky (F, R, 6’0″, 154, OHA Penticton U15 Prep, 10/17/2009), Kamloops Blazers
The son of former NHLer Oleg Tverdovsky, Eli commits to the Blazers after being elected by the team in the first round of the 2024 WHL US Prospect Draft. In 27 games with Okanagan HA U15 Prep this past season, he collected 36 points.
Ranked a 3.75-star prospect, Tverdovsky is described as a power forward who goes hard to the net:
“Eli Tverdovsky is a power forward for Okanagan Hockey Academy, making an impact with the puck on his stick due to his sheer size and power in the offensive game. He consistently goes hard to the net, both with and without the puck, showcasing his willingness to create scoring opportunities in high-traffic areas.”
Landon DuPont (D, R, 5’11”, 175, Everett Silvertips, 05/28/2009), Everett Silvertips
Drafted first overall by the Silvertips in this year’s WHL Bantam Draft, the exceptional status defenseman collected 62 points in 30 games with Edge School U18 Prep in 2023-24.
Ranked a five-star prospect, DuPont is described as an elite skater who creates using his skating ability:
“Landon is an elite skater who is able to use his edges to escape pressure with ease before making a pass up to an open teammate to start the rush. Due to his speed as well as his intelligence, Landon was able to win races to loose pucks consistently, and pucks seemed to find him all over the ice.”
Vit Zahejsky (C, R, 5’11”, 170, Kamloops Blazers, 08/10/2007), Kamloops Blazers
Drafted second overall by the Blazers in this year’s Import Draft, Zahejsky played for HC Energie Karlovy Vary U20, collecting 39 points in 42 games.
Given a star rating of 4.25, Zahejsky was given credit for his great speed:
“Vit displayed great speed and the ability to handle the puck in full flight. His speed is also a big asset on the forecheck, where he chips the puck, pursues aggressively, and finishes his hits effectively.”
Adam Belusko (D, L, 5’11”, 195, Brandon Wheat Kings, 04/12/2006), Brandon Wheat Kings
Hailing from Kosice, Slovakia, Belusko was selected by the Wheat Kings in the first round of the Import Draft this past year. Having spent time between numerous teams last season, Belusko spent the most time with Team Slovakia U18 (Slovakia2), putting up 11 points in 24 games.
Given a star rating of four, Belusko was ranked 269th by NZ for this past year’s NHL Draft.
Gavin Garland (C, R, 5’10”, 187, Tri-City Americans, 02/08/2006), Tri-City Americans
Drafted by Tri-City in the second round of the 2021 WHL Bantam Draft, Garland comes to the team after spending last season with the Calgary Canucks (AJHL). In 52 regular season games, he put up 17 goals and 26 assists for 43 points.
Given a star rating of 3.5, Garland is described as a forward who can create off the rush and the cycle:
“Garland had a hand in both goals scored by the Canucks finding the back of the net once while also adding an assist. He is a smaller, speedy forward who is able to generate both off the rush and cycle, adding a hard stick and nose for the net.”
Marek Chaloupka (D, L, 6’0″, 188, Portland Winterhawks, 02/06/2006), Portland Winterhawks
Selected in the second round of the CHL Import Draft this past year, Chaloupka joins the Winterhawks after spending time with HC Vitkovice U20 in 2023-24. Chaloupka had 34 points in 51 regular season games from the backend.
Given a star rating of four, Chaloupka was described by NZ scouts as a steady physical defenseman:
“Marek is a steady defenseman, of average size at 5’11”, but he brings a physical presence to his position, whether in the neutral zone or his own end of the ice. He possesses good lateral mobility, plays a straightforward game, and is a strong competitor.”
Carter Bylycia (D, R, 6’1″, 161, Yale Hockey Academy U15 Prep, 09/30/2009), Tri-City Americans
Drafted by the Americans in the fourth round of the 2024 WHL Bantam Draft, Bylycia spent time with Yale Hockey Academy U15 Prep last season. In 25 regular season games, the Kamloops, B.C., product had 20 points.
Given a four star rating, Bylycia was described as a high impact defender:
“Carter is an in-your-face defenseman for Yale Hockey Academy, and he is utilized in every situation for his team. Carter plays heavy minutes due to what he brings in terms of his overall impact in all three zones. With an active stick and a keen sense of where to be, he effectively disrupts opposing plays and takes away space from attackers.”
Markus Loponen (C, L, 6’1″, 185, Victoria Royals, 06/17/2006), Victoria Royals
A Winnipeg Jets prospect, Loponen was drafted by the Royals in the first round of this past year’s Import Draft. Serving as the captain of Karpat U20 in 2023-24, Loponen collected 54 points in 45 regular season games.
Ranked as a four star prospect by NZ, Loponen was described as a player who goes hard to the dirty areas:
“He has a very powerful stride and closes gaps quickly when forechecking or angling off a rushing defenseman. On attacks, he creates net havoc and distraction by driving hard to the net without the puck, stick on ice, and pulling his defender with him, opening up slot ice for a trailing player or the puck carrier. On one particular rush, he was “Johnny on the spot,” stuffing home a rebound goal from the blue paint.”