
With Neutral Zone being the go-to place to stay up to date with commitments around the hockey world, here is the latest installment of players who have committed to the NCAA and CHL:
NCAA
Tommy Bleyl (D, R, 5’10”, 160, Mid-Fairfield Rangers U16, 12/01/2007, Michigan State)
Bleyl, committed to Michigan State, spent this past season playing for the Midfield Rangers 16U where he collected 10 points in 10 games.
Given a star rating of 3.75, Bleyl impressed scouts with his puck control:
“He has a knack for finding open space and can make defenders miss or separate on his own with quick, smooth movements. On retrievals, he can slow up to let the forechecker get close, fake one way, then grab the puck and explode out the other side to clean ice, easily breaking pucks out. Tommy has the ability to use his legs to carry the puck up the ice on his own, but he also adds a sharp, accurate first pass that he steps into.”
Nathan Bienstock (D, R, 5’9″, 175, Rockets Hockey Club U16, 05/22/2008, Quinnipiac)
Bienstock, a product of Hillsborough, N.J., played for the New Jersey Rockets 15U last season, collecting 17 goals and 32 assists for 49 points in 67 games.
Given star rating of 3.5, Bienstock was described as a two-way defender who does a bit of everything:
“Bienstock is a two-way defender who does a bit of everything for this Rockets team. We loved his movement along the offensive line; he was quick to jump into an open lane to take cross-ice passes. He’s a player who does take some risks with the puck on his stick but generally makes high-percentage plays.”
Connor Davis (RW, R, 6’1″, 185, Salisbury School, 11/09/2006, Northeastern)
Having played for Salisbury School this past season, Davis collected 30 points in 27 games.
Committed to Northeastern for next season, Davis was described as a player who has a knack for creating offense:
“Connor has a knack for producing offense; he has great edges that are smooth and helped him dominate the opposing defensemen, especially below the goal line. Connor was not the heaviest forechecker for Salisbury, but he was creative and sneaky in his body and stick position to create turnovers and quickly jolt out of the corner and up the wall to buy time and space. His hands stayed away from his body, and he got off a number of quick shots on the net that created chaos and produced some scoring chances that Brunswick turned away.”
Colin Feeley (D, L, 6’6″, 173, Mid-Fairfield Rangers U15, 03/07/2008, Harvard)
Having played for the Mid Fairfield Rangers 15U in 2023-24, Feeley had five goals and 23 assists for 28 points in 65 games.
Ranked a 3.75 star prospect, Feeley was lauded for his defensive acumen:
“Feeley is a long defenseman who steps into his passes and can wire them with a heavy carry to it. He contests gaps, utilizing his reach to jar pucks loose with his pokes. He has solid footwork for a bigger defenseman and keeps attackers in front of him while not getting crossed up. On countless occasions off the breakout, he looked to the wall to get defenders moving, then simply hit his middle swing support on the tape each time.”
Ben Macbeath (D, L, 6’0″, 157, Salmon Arm Silverbacks, 03/04/2008, Denver)
In 26 regular season games with Edge School U18 Prep last season, Macbeath put up six goals and 23 assists for 29 points. Macbeath is scheduled to suit up for the Salmon Arm Silverbacks (BCHL) this season.
Given a 4.25 star rating, Macbeath impressed NZ scouts with his speed:
“Due to his speed both forwards and backwards, he was able to stay gapped up to opponents and played a stifling defence. For example when the off-side winger flew the zone to look for the stretch pass Ben stayed right up next to him which took away the pass and helped Grey to maintain pressure in the offensive zone. Ben also defended a 2-on-1 rush against very well taking away the centring pass and thus stifling the chance against.”
Greg Najda (F, L, 6’1″, 186, Oakville Rangers U16, 01/17/2008, Yale)
Committed to Yale, Najda spent the 2023-24 season with the Oakville Rangers U16 where he collected 11 goals and 13 assists for 24 points in 23 games.
Ranked a 3.75 star prospect, Najda was described as a well-rounded forward:
“Najda is a good-sized, well-rounded 200ft forward who plays the game the right way. He had been a middle-of-the-lineup guy for much of the season, but in OMHA playoffs, he exploded offensively and kept that production up here with a 2-4-6 line in 7 games.”
Michael Polston (G, L, 5’11”, 170, Provo Predators, 10/07/2004, Long Island University)
Having suited up for the Provo Predators (NCDC) last season, Polston posted a 19-8-0 record to go along with a 2.62 GAA and a .926 SV% in 32 appearances.
Committed to Long Island for next season, Polston is ranked a 3.25 star prospect by Neutral Zone.
OHL
Sam Bowness (LW, L, 6’0″, 177, Soo Greyhounds, 04/29/2005)
Bowness, who hails from Clyde River, P.E.I., suited up for the Charlottetown Islanders and in Germany last season. Suiting up in two games with the Islanders, Bowness didn’t register a point. He has now signed with the Soo Greyhounds as a free agent.
Ranked a 3.5 star prospect, Bowness was described as a player who works hard in all three zones:
“Sam works very hard in all three zones; he plays a physical and gritty game and battles hard for all lose pucks and finishes his checks making contact and then being on the correct side to retrieve the puck. He is an above average skater and gets on lose pucks quickly and efficiently on the forecheck – he plays on edge and gets to lose pucks first or if second he takes the body effectively.”
Ryan Chamberlain (F, L, 6’1″, 164, Strathroy Rockets, 04/22/2008)
Drafted by the Sarnia Sting in the fifth round of the 2024 OHL Priority Selection, Chamberlain played for the Toronto Marlboros U16 last season. In 57 regular season games, he scored 12 goals and added 11 assists for 23 points.
Given a star rating of 3.75, Chamberlain was described as a tall, athletic centre:
“Chamberlain is a tall, highly athletic centerman with a long, fluid stride and speed to separate. He not only has straight-line speed but is also balanced and can ride his edges to the net. He’s not overly dynamic with the puck, but he protects it well. He drives wide on defenders and can power his way to the net or beat the defenseman with pure speed. He’s strong on pucks – won a lot of races to loose pucks. It is also tough to break the puck out against him because he’s fast, in your face and has an active stick.”
Stepan Chukharev (F, L, 6’2″, 165, Toronto Jr. Canadiens U18, 02/28/2007)
Drafted by the North Bay Battalion in the fifth round of the 2023 OHL Priority Selection, Chukharev played for the Toronto Jr. Canadiens U18 where he collected 26 points in 37 games.
Ranked a 3.75 star prospect, Chukharev was lauded for using his size to his advantage:
“Stepan is a big left-shot forward who uses his strength to his advantage. In the neutral zone, they run a play for him to get the puck in stride between the red line and blue line to gain the zone. On the power play, he is low on the strong side. When he got the puck, there was no direct lane to the net, so he put it back up top to his defenseman, who had time to get a shot off and score. He skates with a wide base and uses good balance to win one-on-one battles.”
Christian Colosimo (D, L, 6’5″, 218, Mississauga Rebels U16, 12/01/2008)
Drafted by the Flint Firebirds in the fourth round of this year’s draft, Colosimo played for the Mississauga Rebels U16 this past season. In 31 regular season games, he collected three goals and five assists for eight points.
Given a star rating of 3.75, Colosimo was described as a defenseman who uses his size wherever possible:
“Colosimo is a tall, physical defender who looks to use his size wherever possible. He used his reach to keep puck carriers wide on the rush and looked to finish players off into the boards if they tried to beat him wide. He made it hard for opposing players to gain positioning in front of the net, laying a big hit on a forward trying to crash the net.”
Josh Colosimo (F, L, 6’2″, 174, Brantford 99ers, 01/13/2006)
Splitting the 2023-24 season between the Georgetown Raiders and the Brantford 99ers, Colosimo collected 18 points in 52 regular season games.
Given a star rating of 3.75, Colosimo was ranked 166th in his OHL draft year by Neutral Zone and has now signed with the Flint Firebirds.
Liam Conway (G, L, 6’1″, 170, Mississauga Reps U18, 06/19/2007)
A product of Vaughan, Ont., Conway was drafted by the Ottawa 67’s in the first round of the 2024 OHL U18 Priority Selection. Conway played for the Mississauga Reps U18 in 2023-24.
Conway was described as a goalie who showed confidence in his game:
“We found it difficult to get a good read on goaltenders when only viewing one period each, but Liam showed confidence in challenging shooters and was good at cutting down angles. He only allowed 1 goal in his period of play.”
Brendan Cooke (F, R, 5’9″, 170, Leamington Flyers, 12/22/2007)
Drafted by the Flint Firebirds in the eight round of the 2023 OHL Priority Selection, Cooke played for the Blind River Beavers this past season, putting up 29 points in 55 games.
Given a star ranking of 3.75, Cooke was described as an offensively inclined player:
“Brendan is a young player who is an offensively inclined player. He was weaving his way through the Timmins team’s defensive setup and was making good decisions in tight spaces in the opposing team’s end. Brendan assisted on two goals in this win (5-2) and worked for his teammates to get easy tap-in goals.”
J.J. Franceschetti (F, L, 5’10”, 181, Toronto Patriots, 07/23/2005)
Franceschetti, who is a 2005 born player, committed to the Sarnia Sting after playing for the Toronto Patriots last season. In 35 games with the Patriots, he had four goals and 16 assists for 20 points.
Ranked a 3.25 star prospect, Franceschetti was lauded for his compete:
“He played with pace and a very high compete. During puck pursuit we liked how he initiated contact to bump his opponent off stride and then used his quickness to gain body position. He then looked over both shoulders so he was prepared to make a pass to an open teammate or use his quickness to create space for himself.”
Lukas Moore (D, R, 6’0″, 165, Haliburton County Huskies, 2007)
Drafted by the Kingston Frontenacs in the fourth round of last year’s draft, Moore spent time with the Lindsay Muskies in 2023-24, putting up two assists in 29 games.
Given a star rating of four, Moore was ranked 91st by NZ in the Top 300 for the 2023 OHL Priority Selection.
Erik Muxlow (F, L, 5’11”, 176, Compuware U16, 05/21/2007)
Suiting up for Compare 16U in 2023-24, Muxlow signs with the Soo Greyhounds after putting up 27 goals and 31 assists for 58 points in 62 games.
Ranked a 3.5 star prospect, Muxlow was described as a responsible two-way forward:
“Erik is a responsible two-way forward who plays an honest game. He is a well balanced skater with strong edges to be able to cut through the defense and maintain puck possession. He protected the puck well down low using good balance and puck away from the defender and then got it back to the point. He showed ability to quickly pull pucks across his body and away from defenders to slip by and get chances.”
Carter Nadon (G, R, 6’1″, 176, Haliburton County Huskies, 09/02/2007)
Nadon signs with the North Bay Battalion after playing for the Sudbury Wolves U18 this past season. He posted a 2.10 GAA and three shutouts in 18 appearances.
Nadon was described by NZ scouts as a goalie who is capable of making difficult saves.
Michael Newlove (G, L, 6’2″, 165, Georgetown Raiders, 01/14/2007)
Drafted first overall by the Windsor Spitfires in this year’s U18 Priority Selection, Newlove spent last season playing for the Halton Hurricanes U18 where he posted a 2.07 GAA in 21 appearances.
Newlove was described as a goalie who moves well in both directions:
“Knows how to use his stick either by poke checking or puck handling to help his defense. Moving well in both directions when he’s tracking the puck side to side or out to challenge the opposing team’s shooters. His catching glove is good and he secured the puck in it with no drops.”
Francis Parish (F, R, 5’9″, 150, Barrie Jr Colts U18, 03/06/2007)
Drafted by the Peterborough Petes in the 11th round of last year’s Priority Selection, Parish collected 82 points in 55 regular season games with the Barrie Colts U18 this past season.
Given a star rating of 3.75, Parish was lauded for being a rounded two-way player:
“Francis exemplifies a well-rounded two-way player. He showcased his offensive abilities with a quick-release shot on his goal. What truly impressed us was his relentless drive to the net. He actively challenges defenders one-on-one by driving wide and attacking the net with determination. A strong skater with excellent footwork, he maintains constant movement and pressure on the ice.”
Ben Pickell (F, L, 5’11”, 185, Pickering Panthers, 07/20/2005)
Having suited up for the Pickering Panthers and the Trenton Golden Hawks last season, Pickell had a combined 23 goals and 31 assists for 54 points in 40 games. Pickell has now signed with the Kingston Frontenacs.
Given a star rating of 3.75, Pickell was described as a hard-working forward:
“He competes hard and isn’t afraid to get into dirty areas to force turnovers on the forecheck. He is a good size for his age, and likely still has room to grow. He played up to the moment and made high-level plays all over the ice. He scored on a broken-up breakaway chance where he out-skated the defenseman to get a half step on him. He then beat the goalie cleanly in tight for the fourth Pickering goal.”
Noah Read (F, L, 5’10”, 159, St. Catharines Falcons, 01/06/2007)
Drafted by the London Knights in the 10th round of last year’s draft, Read collected 38 points in 48 games while playing for the St. Catharines Falcons this past year.
Ranked a four star prospect, Read was ranked 93rd on NZ’s final Top 300 rankings for the 2023 OHL Priority Selection.
Max Shewfelt (LW, L, 5’11”, 172, Rockland Nationals, 03/16/2007)
Scheduled to suit up for the Rockland Nationals this year, Shewfelt had 37 points in 30 regular season games with the Ottawa Myers Automotive U18 in 2023-24.
Shewfelt was drafted eight overall by the Kingston Frontenacs in this year’s U18 draft.
Jimmy Sutherland (F, L, 5’7″, 145, Strathroy Rockets, 02/14/2007)
Drafted by the Guelph Storm in the 13th round of the 2023 OHL Priority Selection, Sutherland had 31 points in 50 games with the Strathroy Rockets this past season.
Ranked a 3.75 star prospect, Sutherland was described by scouts as a versatile player:
“Sutherland is a good complimentary, and versatile player. He can play up-n-down the lineup and also on the wing or center. He brings good skill sets in skating puck skills shooting and passing although not high-end in any quality.”
Reid Thomas (G, 5’11”, 180, Ajax/Pickering Raiders U18, 2007)
Drafted by the Soo Greyhounds in the 15th round of last year’s draft, Thomas spent this past season with the Ajax-Pickering Raiders U18, posting a 1.47 GAA and a shutout in 15 appearances.
WHL
Kayson Anderson (D, R, 5’11”, 140, Prairie Storm U15, 01/04/2009)
Drafted by the Edmonton Oil Kings in the third round of the 2024 WHL Bantam Draft, Anderson played for the Prairie Storm U15 this past season where he had 23 points in 24 games.
Anderson was described by NZ scouts as someone who plays a smart defensive game:
“During our viewing, Kayson played an excellent game and stood out with his smart defensive play. He showed that he is a hard guy to play against in his own zone, having a hard, active stick in front of the net, and he did a good job of boxing out the opposition players to open up the sightline for his goalie to make easier saves. Along the wall, he closed his man out well and finished his checks effectively, knowing when to pin players or go stick on the puck to create a turnover.”
Arseni Anisimov (D, L, 5’11”, 154, Prince George Cougars, 11/25/2007)
Anisimov, who was drafted in the first round of the 2024 CHL Import Draft by the Prince George Cougars, played for Dynamo Moskva U17 this past season. In 26 regular season games, he scored one goal and added 17 assists for 18 points.
Ben Binder-Nord (F, L, 6’0″, 161, Edge School U18, 05/15/2007)
Playing for Edge School U18 Prep last season, Binder-Nord had 12 points in 26 regular season games. He has now signed with the Brandon Wheat Kings.
Jack Clark (F, L, 5’9″, 170, Neepawa Titans, 03/13/2007)
Suiting up for the Southwest Cougars U18 in 2023-24, Clark scored 25 goals and added 24 assists for 49 points in 44 regular season games. He has now signed with the Swift Current Broncos.
Ranked a 3.75 star prospect, Clark is described as someone who plays a well-rounded game:
“Jack plays a well rounded 200 ft game and he showed that over the course of the weekend but did so without a lot of flash. He has a great shot with a quick release that he got off on a couple of occasions but most of his good work this weekend was done away from the puck.”
Nathan Cole (F, L, 5’6″, 141, Edge School U15 Prep, 02/25/2009)
Cole, who played for Edge School U15 Prep last year, collected 14 goals and 16 assists for 30 points in 27 games. The Kelowna Rockets’ second round pick in 2024, has now signed with the team.
Given a star rating of 4.25, Cole impressed scouts with his strong two-way play:
“He spaced himself well all over the ice to get open as a passing option and worked well with his Edge teammate, Dufour. There were times when it was Nathan not Dufour who was pushing the pace of play, despite Dufour being the more prominent member of the Edge team. Defensively, Nathan came back hard to his end of the ice, and did a good job of engaging with opponents in scoring areas as he lifted their sticks and got into passing lanes.”
Ethan Creran (D, L, 6’1″, 181, Titans Hockey Union U18, 11/05/2008)
A product of Edmonton, Alta., Creran played for Titans Hockey Union U18 in 2023-24, collecting 16 points in 33 games. The Seattle Thunderbirds’ 2023 10th round pick has now signed with the team.
Matteo Di Stefano (F, R, 6’1″, 157, Yale Hockey Academy U15 Prep, 02/05/2009)
Di Stefano played for Yale Hockey Academy U15 Prep in 2023-24, collecting 34 points in 27 games. The Lethbridge Hurricanes’ sixth round pick has now signed with the team.
Ranked a 3.5 star prospect, Di Stefano was lauded for his ability to make quick plays:
“Matteo’s game is defined by his ability to make quick plays and move the puck with his head up, showcasing excellent awareness on the ice. He excels in the physical aspect of the game, demonstrating toughness in the corners that often leads to high-end scoring chances. Matteo’s strategic approach includes stretching out defensemen and utilizing his speed and positioning to create opportunities for himself and his teammates.”
Jake Evans (F, L, 6’0″, 155, Saskatoon Generals U15 AA, 09/23/2009)
Playing for the Saskatoon Generals U15 this past season, Evans put up 17 goals and 19 assists for 36 points in 17 games.
Drafted by the Lethbridge Hurricanes in the fourth round of the 2024 WHL Bantam Draft, Evans was ranked 136th on NZ’s Final WHL Rankings.
Ethan Hamilton (F, L, 5’10”, 154, Saskatoon Blazers U18, 02/17/2008)
Drafted by the Prince George Cougars in the fifth round of the 2023 WHL Bantam Draft, Hamilton collected 19 points in 40 games with the Saskatoon Blazers U18 in 2023-24.
Hamilton was lauded for his quickness by NZ scouts:
“A deceptively quick forward Hamilton has a clean fluid stride that allows him to get around the ice surface with relative ease and though he seems to not be moving with a lot of effort his speed borders on elite level and his ability to pick passes up with ease on both sides of his blade as well as using his feet to pick up passes show his ability to be an impact player both on and off the puck. Hamilton has a good awareness defensively seeming to jump into lanes with relative ease to pick off passes and engage physically while ensuring that he does not cheat to the offensive side of the puck.”
Preston Hoppe (F, R, 5’10”, 151, Humboldt Broncos U15 AA, 01/14/2009)
Playing for the Humboldt Broncos U15 in 2023-24, Hoppe was drafted in the sixth round of this year’s draft by the Moose Jaw Warriors.
Given a star rating of 3.5, Hoppe impressed scouts with his elusiveness:
“A shifty, elusive right winger, Hoppe has good acceleration off the puck, catching up to the play with good regularity throughout our viewing, providing good puck support on the rush offensively, closing gaps quickly defensively on the backcheck, and keeping his stick in a smart position on both sides, of the puck to remain an option for passes and defensive puck on stick play.”
Luke Jamieson (F, R, 5’7″, 158, Edge School U15 Prep, 03/16/2009)
Hailing from Calgary, Alta., Jamieson was drafted by the Red Deer Rebels in the sixth round of this year’s draft. With Calgary Edge School U15 Prep this year, he collected 26 points in 27 games.
Given a star rating of 3.75, Jamieson impressed scouts with his play at both ends of the ice:
“Luke scored off a passing play when Rishaug made a behind-the-back pass to Luke at the side of the net for the tap-in. On another shift, the trio were cycling the puck when Luke jumped out to clean ice near the net and had a grade-A chance that was stopped. Luke was also strong defensively, killing penalties and forcing turnovers with well-timed stick checks.”
Maxon Johnston (F, L, 5’11”, 154, Sask East Oilers U15, 12/02/2009)
Playing for the Sask East Oilers U15, Johnston scored 25 goals and added 19 assists for 44 points in 27 regular season games. The Moose Jaw Warriors’ fifth round pick in 2024 has now signed with the team.
Ranked a 3.5 star prospect, Johnston impressed with his size and strength:
“Maxon is a forward with size and strength, showing power-forward tendencies. He is hard on his stick and creates battles that he can turn into offensive possession. For a forward with size, he is crafty and good in tight with the puck, where he shows 1-1 skill.”
Madex Kabrud (G, L, 5’11”, 176, Saskatoon Blazers U18, 02/06/2008)
A product of Saskatoon, Sask., Kabrud played for the Saskatoon Blazers U18 in 2023-24, putting up a record of 20-2-0 to go along with a 2.81 GAA and a .909 SV% in 23 appearances. The Kamloops Blazers’ ninth round pick in 2023 has now signed with the team.
Jaxon Kehrig (F, L, 6’0″, 165, Melfort Mustangs, 08/12/2007)
Drafted by the Kelowna Rockets in the fourth round of the 2022 WHL Bantam Draft, Kehrig played for the Tisdale Trojans U18 last season. In 44 games, he put up 50 points.
Given a star rating of four, Kehrig was ranked 82nd by NZ in the WHL Draft Final Rankings for 2022.
Kristian Lacelle (F, R, 5’9″, 165, Saskatoon Blazers U18, 09/23/2007)
Playing for the Saskatoon Blazers U18 last season, Lacelle had 10 goals and 12 assists for 22 points in 36 regular season games. The undrafted free agent has now signed with the Regina Pats.
Jack Lavallee (D, R, 6’1″, 160, Warman Wildcats U18, 01/27/2008)
Drafted by the Saskatoon Blades in the fifth round of the 2023 WHL Bantam Draft, Lavallee spent this past season with the Warman Wildcats U18, collecting seven points in 38 games.
Lavallee was described by scouts as a physically imposing defender:
“Jack Lavallee, a defenseman for the Warman Wildcats, brings a formidable physical presence to the blue line with his imposing size. Notably, he displays an offensive mindset by effectively getting to the net when pinching in from the blue line.”
Ashton McCann (LW, L, 5’10”, 135, Edge School Prep U17, 07/21/2009)
Drafted by the Swift Current Broncos in the 10th round of this year’s draft, McCann put up 29 points in 23 games with the Okotoks Oilers U15 last year.
Ranked a 3.25 star prospect, McCann was described as someone who can cause damage with the puck:
“Ashton more than held his own this week, playing with and against some of the best players in the province. Ashton scored twice against Green in the opener, tapping in a puck off a passing play in tight and one-timing a cross-slot pass from John past the goaltender. He scored again against Green in the finals by going hard to the net with his stick on the ice and putting home a rebound.”
Triston Mitchell-McElhone (F, L, 5’11”, 160, Swift Current Legionnaires U18, 09/15/2008)
Hailing from Flaxcombe, Sask., Mitchell-McElhone was drafted by the Saskatoon Blades in the eleventh round of last year’s draft. With the Swift Current Legionnaires U18, he put up 33 points in 44 games.
Mitchell-McElhone stood out to NZ scouts as someone who plays the game with pace:
“Triston Mitchell-McElhone of the Swift Current Legionnaires is a forward who plays the game with notable pace, combining his size with an impressive ability to accelerate with the puck. In one particular play, Triston showcased his skill by executing a successful entry past a pinching defender along the wall, ultimately getting a shot off. His effectiveness extends to puck protection along the boards, where he utilizes his size and physicality to shield the puck from opponents.”
Rylan Ng (F, R, 5’9″, 140, Lethbridge Hurricanes U18, 09/22/2008)
Drafted by the Calgary Hitmen in the seventh round of last year’s draft, Ng had 29 points in 38 games with the Lethbridge Hurricanes U18 in 2023-24.
Given a star rating of 4, Ng impressed scouts with his skating:
“Rylan is an above-average straight-line skater for this level of play and he used his speed to get to loose pucks. From here he would get his head up and make an intelligent play to advance the puck up-ice or create offence. Despite being on the smaller side Rylan won his fair share of battles along the wall both in the offensive and defensive ends.”
Kyle Obobaifo (F, L, 5’11”, 166, Burnaby Winter Club U15 Prep, 11/12/2009)
Hailing from Calgary, Alta., Obobaifo spent this past season playing for Burnaby Winter Club U15 Prep, collecting 38 points in 27 games. The 2024 Prince Albert Raiders Third Round Selection has now signed with the team.
Ranked a four star prospect, Obobaifo was described as a physical, effective forward:
“Kyle played exactly as one would hope this week; he was extremely physical and won numerous puck battles down low in the offensive zone. He also took good lanes to the front of the net when he wasn’t carrying the puck and found quiet ice in transition to get open as a passing option for his teammates. Kyle’s skill with the puck stood out as well, as he routinely rushed through and around defenders and was extremely difficult to knock off the puck. Kyle was named to the Top 35 Shortlist, and after this performance, a roster spot is his to lose.”
Jayden Oleskiw (F, R, 6’2″, 181, Yale Hockey Academy U17, 08/02/2008)
Drafted in the 11th round of last year’s draft by the Swift Broncos, Oleskiw put up 15 goals and 33 assists for 48 points in 32 games with Yale Hockey Academy U18 Prep this past season.
Ranked as a 3.75 star prospect,. Oleskiw is described as a player who knows how to use his reach to his advantage:
“Jayden is a taller player with good reach which combined with his average to above-average straight-line skating helped him to be the first to loose pucks. He often head-checked before getting to or receiving a puck and this helped him to make quick decisions. Jayden showcased strong stick-handling and he was able to deke opponents and be effective off the rush.”
Nolan Pilsner (D, L, 6’1″, 168, Lethbridge Golden Hawks U15, 04/25/2009)
A product of Lethbridge, Alta., Pilsner was drafted by the Swift Current Broncos in the fifth round of this year’s draft. With the Lethrbdige Golden Hawks U15 this past year, he scored three goals and added 13 assists for 16 points.
Givne a star rating of 3.75, Pilsner is described as a defender with great gap control:
“He moves very well for a player of his size and is able to control the gap well with his speed and edges. Nolan was able to step up when defending the rush and threw a number of hard hits that separated the puck from the puck carrier.”
Cohen Poulin (F, L, 6’1″, 180, Fraser Valley Thunderbirds U18, 06/10/2007)
Playing for the Fraser Valley Thunderbirds U18 in 2023-24, Poulin collected 42 points in 36 games. The undrafted free agent has now signed with the Red Deer Rebels.
Given star rating of 3.5, Poulin impressed scouts with his well-rounded skillset:
“Cohen Poulin brings a well-rounded skill set to the ice. His ability to consistently win puck battles showcases a tenacious and determined style of play. Poulin’s impressive awareness is evident with his head up, allowing him to make sound decisions on the ice.”
Ryan Richter (D, R, 6’0″, 154, Delta Hockey Academy U18, 03/20/2008)
Playing for Burnaby Winter Club U17 Prep last season, Richter scored three goals and added 20 assists for 23 points in 31 games. The undrafted free agent has now signed with the Prince George Cougars.
Dylan Ronald (D, L, 5’11”, 187, Drumheller Dragons, 11/09/2006)
Ronald, a product of Ponoka, Alta., played the majority of last season with the Drumheller Dragons where he put up three points in 18 regular season games. The undrafted free agent has now signed with the Brandon Wheat Kings.
Ronald impressed NZ scouts with his skating ability:
“Since the Circle K Classic, Dylan has signed with the Drumheller Dragons of the AJHL and is now playing Jr. A full-time. The ’06 defender is a fluid skater who was able to defend the rush effectively with excellent gap control. His pivots were efficient, and this enabled him to defend the rush forward or backward depending on the situation. In the defensive end, he was able to win pucks down low and then make calm and controlled passes out of the zone.”
Nolan Schmidt (C, R, 6’0″, 173, OHA Edmonton U18, 03/08/2008)
Drafted by the Red Deer Rebels in the 10th round of last year’s draft, Schmidt put up 27 points in 30 regular season games with OHA Edmonton U18 Prep this past season.
Ranked a 3.75 star prospect, Schmidt impressed scouts with his offensive abilities:
“Nolan recorded 6 points in 4 games this weekend (including a 2-goal effort against RHA Kelowna), and now sits at 18 points in 20 games played. His first goal against Kelowna came off a rush as he exploded up ice and deked past defenders before tucking the puck five-hole. Nolan is an above-average straight-line skater for this level of play, and he is thus able to greatly impact the transition game with his speed.”
Layne Schofield (F, R, 6’1″, 172, Rink Hockey Academy Winnipeg U17, 04/08/2008)
Playing for RINK Hockey Academy Winnipeg U17 last season, Schofield collected eight goals and 15 assists for 23 points in 25 regular season games. The undrafted free agent has now signed with the Victoria Royals.
Given a star rating of 3.75, Schofield was described as a player with a high ceiling:
“An offensively minded player with a high ceiling Schofield has an electric release and a shot that jumps off his stick and seemed to be a threat to shoot everytime he was near the puck. He showed great pass reception skills on a pair of line rushes when he picked up a pass cross body before snapping shots on goal in one motion. He has plus hands with the puck which made him a threat to shoot or dangle at all times.”
Aidan Sexsmith (F, L, 5’7″, 130, Calgary Bulls U17, 01/08/2008)
Drafted by the Swift Current Broncos in the ninth round of last year’s draft, Sexsmith collected 22 points in 31 games with the Calgary Bulls U17 this past season.
Ranked a 3.5 star prospect, Sexsmith impressed scouts with his smarts:
” Sexsmith is a long, smart player who primarily played up the middle of the ice during our viewing, winning a vast majority of his faceoffs by closing off the Leduc players’ sticks and pushing forward and letting his feet and teammates win the loose pucks though he did show that he could win faceoffs clean by sweeping the puck quickly to his teammates.”
Eddy Spytz (F, R, 5’10”, 166, St. George’s School U15 Prep, 02/11/2009)
Drafted by the Everett Silvertips in the third round of the 2024 WHL Bantam Draft, Spytz played for St. George’s School U15 Prep in 2023-24 where he had 42 points in 27 games.
Given a star rating of 4, Spytz impressed scouts with his reliable two-way play:
“Eddy is a reliable two-way forward for St. George’s School, showcasing his ability to compete on the defensive side of the puck. He often helps out his defenders along the wall by using his stick to support down low and gain access to transition to offense. His jump when retrieving pucks reflects when there is a turnover as he separates himself quickly and gains a couple of steps trying to get open to receive a pass.”
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling