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. Players who commit after 12pm EDT on September 29th will be included in next week’s report.
NCAA
Blake Cash (F, L, 5’6″, 130, Seacoast Performance Academy U16, 05/09/2008, New Hampshire)
Having committed to the University of New Hampshire, Cash is playing for Seacoast Performance Academy 16U this season. In 12 games played so far, he has collected 11 goals and 11 assists for 22 points.
Given a star rating of 3.25, Cash impressed with his ability to use his speed to beat opponents wide:
“He utilized his quick feet to drive wide and beat defenders to the net. Blake is an undersized forward who shows great awareness in the attacking zone at this age level. That stat line for Seacoast Performance Academy bears out the fact that he not only sees the ice well but he takes advantage of it by making quick decisions with the puck on his stick.”
Caleb Elfering (F, R, 5’9″, 165, Chilliwack Chiefs, 09/15/2004, RIT)
Committed to RIT, Elfering is currently playing for the BCHL’s Chilliwack Chiefs where he has an assist in two games played so far. Last season with the Chiefs, Elfering had 32 points in 54 regular season games.
Ranked a 3.5 star prospect, Elfering impressed scouts with his quickness:
“Caleb is a skilled player who is not very big but uses his quickness and slick hands to be effective. He is a smart player with great vision he will cut back and dangle the defender. He has a quick, accurate release the ability to score goals as he scored a couple of timely goals for his team.”
Ivan Korodiuk (D, L, 6’5″, 197, Danbury Jr. Hat Tricks, 01/05/2004, Bowling Green)
Committed to Bowling Green, Korodiuk is suiting up for the Madison Capitols (USHL) this season. In one regular season game so far, Korodiuk has an assist.
Given a star rating of 3.25, Korodiuk stood out thanks to his frame and shot:
“Korodiuk has a huge frame to go along with a big-time shot from the point. Also has good passing ability and above-average hockey sense. More than once tonight he showed he can break down a forecheck moving the puck quickly and up the ice. Handles the puck with confidence.”
Leo Laschon (D, L, 6’2″, 190, USA NTDP U17, 03/19/2008, Northeastern)
A product of Pittsburgh, Pa., Laschon has committed to Northeastern. Currently playing for the U.S. NTDP U17, Laschon has been held pointless in three games so far this season.
Ranked a 3.75 star prospect, Laschon impressed with his ability to shut down the opposition:
“Leo Laschon is a big shutdown defenseman who also sees power play time in front of the net. He effectively uses his size to his advantage both in the defensive zone and on the power play. Leo excels at screening goalies, making their job more difficult and creating extra chances for his teammates.”
Landon Pappas (D, L, 5’11”, 165, Nipawin Hawks, 08/13/2005, Bemidji State)
A product of Airdrie, Alta., Pappas has committed to Bemidji State. Suiting up for the Fargo Force this season, Pappas has played one game so far but didn’t register a point.
Given a star rating of 3.25, Pappas impressed with his ability to defend:
“Pappas is a good-sized defender who is able to get his stick on pucks and cancel guys out from the play with an ease to it. He doesn’t blow guys up but simply gets them off pucks and forced turnovers with his strength. Landon makes mature decisions on the puck not forcing anything or putting it in trouble and utilizing the glass when needed but more often than not delivers an accurate pass to the tape.”
Casey Vandertop (F, L, 5’9″, 160, Edina HS, 04/21/2008, St. Thomas)
Vandertop committed to St. Thomas after having suited up for Edina High last season. In 31 games for Edina, he scored 12 goals and added 19 assists for 31 points.
Given a star rating of 4.25, Vandertop stood out thanks to his elusiveness with the puck:
“He’s elusive with the puck, can spin and curl off contact, has excellent change of direction and acceleration, and doesn’t have to slow down to make plays. He’s a heady player who has the rare ability at this age to play at different paces; he can play up-tempo and get defenders on their heels, and he can also slow it down, find open ice, and create space for himself.”
Wade Weil (D, L, 6’1″, 175, Maine Nordiques, 01/20/2006, Maine)
Committed to the University of Maine, Weil is currently playing for the Maine Nordiques (NAHL) where he has two assists in seven games played so far this season.
Weil impressed NZ scouts with his ability to be consistent:
“Is a strong-bodied defender who was one of the more consistent players we saw on the back end at this Select Camp. We believe this is his first appearance in the New England region as he previously had made National Camp out of New York. But, since the family has now moved to Maine he is playing with a whole new crop of players from this 2006 age group. His tenacity and strength was notable from the first game all the way through the All-Star Game. He was consistently able to use his physicality on the back end to deny opportunities and close up gaps quickly and efficiently.”
OHL
Noah Aboflan (F, L, 6’0″, 191, London Knights, 05/03/2005)
An undrafted free agent, Aboflan signs with the London Knights after spending last season split between the Elliot Lake Vikings (NOJHL) and the Pelham Panthers (GOJHL).
Aboflan impressed scouts with his no fear attitude on the ice:
“He is a good straight-line skater who has been showing no signs of fear and can score from the top of the circle in.”
Trent Gates (F, R, 5’10”, 150, St. Catharines Falcons, 09/17/2007)
Drafted by the Owen Sound Attack in the first round of the 2024 OHL U18 Priority Selection, Gates suited up for the Halton Hurricanes U18 in 2023-24, collecting 34 goals and 48 assists for 82 points in 33 games.
Ranked a 3.75 star prospect, Gates impressed with his skill level:
“Loaded with the ability and skills to play at the next level and is a very good scoring player when given the time and space. His shot is above average in the accuracy department and he has been showing that off especially when he is used as the player who finishes the PP setup.”
Rafik Varosyan (LW, L, 6’0″, 179, Owen Sound Attack, 10/01/2007)
Drafted by the Attack on the second round of the 2024 CHL Import Draft, Varosyan joins the team after playing for Taifun Primorsky Krai in the MHL last year. In 38 regular season games, he collected nine goals and 18 assists for 27 points.
WHL
Seth Badry (G, L, 5’11”, 150, Spruce Grove PAC Saints U15, 10/29/2009)
Drafted by the Victoria Royals in the fourth round of the 2024 WHL Bantam Draft, Badry suited up for the PAC Saints U15 last season where he posted a 3.22 GAA and a .919 SV%.
Badry stood out with his ability to move well in the crease:
“Seth moved well in his crease and pushed aggressively to get into position. On one save against Green, an opposing forward made a pass from behind the net to the slot against the grain of the play, and Seth read it perfectly to come across and make the save. Seth was intelligent in his positioning and controlled his rebounds well. On another save against Green, Seth had two opponents screening him but managed to still make the save.”