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.
Connor Hvidston (F, L, 6’3”, 176, Calgary Hitmen, 09/11/2004, Colorado College)
Hvidston was a 2022 fifth-round pick of the Anaheim Ducks, and will make the jump from junior hockey to college hockey where he will play at Colorado College. He had 19 goals with the Hitmen and amassed 56 points.
Hvidston is classified as a ‘great two-way forward.’
“Connor Hvidston is a reliable two-way forward who excels in his own end. His defensive responsibility often drives his offensive game, as he consistently stops on pucks, breaks up plays, and transitions quickly the other way. Hvidston plays a straightforward, physical style, always driving hard to the net.”
Lukas Klecka (F, R, 5’11”, 180, Sodertalje J20, 04/12/2005, UMass)
Klecka will play at the UMass next season, coming over from the Swedish junior leagues. He brings some international experience as well, playing in the World Junior Championships in Ottawa with Team Slovakia.
Pierce Mbuyi (F, L, 5’10”, 156, Owen Sound Attack, 04/17/2008, Penn State)
Mbuyi enjoyed a very successful rookie season in the OHL. He scored the most goals and had the most points for a rookie, and even took home the Rookie of the Year award. The GTA native will go over to the Big Ten in 2026 and play for Penn State.
His hockey sense allows him to be ‘such a gifted playmaker.’
“What really stands out in Mbuyi’s game is his vision and hockey IQ; he senses pressure, moves to space away from the puck, and can create space for his linemates and get them the puck in scoring areas. He’s a skilled passer; he can elevate the puck, hit targets over and under sticks, sneak pucks behind defenders, and hit the backdoor consistently on the power play. He engages his points in the offensive one and drives to the net immediately to take the goalie’s eyes away. He can create scoring chances off the rush of the cycle and from broken play in-zone. An honest 200 ft winger who has first-line skill with a fourth-line work ethic and creates a versatile, well-rounded prospect who has the potential to make an immediate impact at the next level.”
Tomas Mrsic (F, L, 6’0”, 177, Prince Albert Raiders, 02/26/2006, Colorado College)
Mrsic, who is a fourth round pick of the St. Louis Blues, had an excellent season in the WHL. He racked up 33 goals and 90 points, and next season will join a whole crop of newly recruited talent at Colorado College.
Mrsic is praised for his ability to play in any situation, and rack up points while doing so.
“Mrsic was able to capitalize on the insurance goal sealing the deal for his team tonight, but of course the goal itself was not the impressive part. Him being out on the ice, while also leading his team in points, is a role usually left for the lesser skilled players willing to do what it takes to be effective. The fact he was relied on in this situation says a lot about his game. Overall he was able to show tonight that he has chemistry with his line mates and the confidence top end offensive producers need, while also his defensive game allowed him to be a solid shutdown two way forward that can be relied on during important minutes.”
Jacob Oster (G, L, 6’3”, 189, Oshawa Genrals, 03/26/2004, Vermont)
Oster helped backstop his team to an OHL finals this season and held a .904 save percentage during the regular season. In 2023-24, Oster was named OHL Goaltender of the Year. In 2025, he will head to Vermont and suit up in the Hockey East conference.
After a playoff game, Neutral Zone scouts applauded his ability to track pucks.
“Jacob Oster showcased a steady performance in even-strength situations, demonstrating his ability to maintain focus and prevent goals from being scored against him. However, when playing shorthanded, he appeared uncertain about his positioning, which ultimately led to two goals being scored on him due to poor positioning and puck tracking. During power plays, Jacob was content to play back in his crease, allowing opponents to control the game and create scoring opportunities. His ability to track pucks effectively was a major factor in preventing saves, with rebounds often falling into the path of incoming attackers.”
Ryder Ritchie (F, R, 6’0”, 186, Medicine Hat Tigers, 08/03/2006, Boston University)
Ritchie has won almost everywhere he has played. With Team Canada, he has won a U18 gold medal and a Hlinka Gretzky gold medal, and recently won a WHL championship with the Tigers. A 2024 second round pick of the Minnesota Wild, he will play under Jay Pandolofo at BU next season.
In a game report, Ritchie was described as having ‘good hockey IQ on both sides of the puck.’
“Ryder Ritchie demonstrated his well-rounded skills in this game, showcasing his ability to read the play and make smart decisions. His defensive awareness was on point, as he effectively anticipated an opponent’s move and gained possession of the puck. Offensively, Ritchie was precise and calculated, using his speed and agility to create space and opportunities for himself and his teammates. He displayed a high level of skill and control when making passes and shooting, consistently placing the puck in tight spots.”
Spencer Sova (D, L, 6’1, 188, Brampton Steelheads, 01/10/2004, Nebraska-Omaha)
Sova joined the Brampton Steelheads this past season and put up good numbers with them, finding the net five times and having 32 total points. Sova was an eighth-overall pick of the Erie Otters in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection. Next season, he heads to the NCAA with Nebraska-Omaha.
He has developed into a solid defenseman who can compete at high levels.
“He has excellent balance and overall game strength. Gained confidence as his OHL rookie season progressed. Understands how to work to be an outlet for his defensive partner and how to provide support.”
By Sebastian Zucchet
Sebastian Zucchet is a freelance sports reporter from Toronto and someone who deeply enjoys hockey.