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.
Wilson Bjorck (F, L, 5’11”, 164, Djurgardens IF20, 01/13/2006, Colorado College)
Bjorck dominated the Swedish junior leagues this year, winning the top points, goals and assists titles with 28 goals and 67 points. Next season, he’ll play for Colorado College. It is also worth mentioning he is now a prospect of the Vancouver Canucks.
It will be interesting to see what Bjorck can bring to the North American game after dominating junior leagues in Sweden.
Alex Huang (D, R, 6’0”, 171, Chicoutimi Sagueneens, 08/30/2007, Harvard)
Huang was just drafted by the Nashville Predators in the fourth round of the 2025 NHL draft. Huang won two gold medals with Canada this year, one at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup and the other one at the World U18 Championships. In 2026, he heads to Harvard.
The Preds will definitely be hoping Huang can be part of their long term plans on the blueline.
“Huang is a clear draftable defenseman with a modern skill set built around skating, puck movement, and offensive reads. While his physical game and defensive-zone strength need work, his offensive IQ, vision, and ability to drive play give him real NHL upside as a puck-distributing third-pair defenseman or second-unit power play option. With targeted strength development and improved shot efficiency, Huang has the tools to work his way into an NHL lineup.”
Shane Kozlina (F, L, 5’11”, 180, Maine Nordiques, 06/23/2004, Colorado College)
Kozlina has been a solid forward with the NAHL’s Maine Nordiques for the last few seasons, but it is time for him to make the jump to the NCAA with Colorado College.
In a game evaluation, NZ scouts had this to say about Kozlina.
“Kozlina is a left-handed forward with average size who stood out with his speed and ability to attack the net with the puck. He was a pleasant surprise, as not much was known about his game, but he brought good pace and energy when in possession. While he didn’t get on the scoresheet, he managed to put defenders on their heels off the rush and get pucks to the net. He also used his speed on the forecheck to pressure the opposing defense and cause turnovers. Given 1st-line left-wing duties for the night, Kozlina showed his offensive skills and hockey sense, though he lacked consistency, as his contributions were noticeable only in certain spots and shifts.”
Justin Larose (F, L, 5’8”, 168, Drummondville Voltigeurs, 04/26/2005, Michigan)
Larose had a good year in the QMJHL, accumulating 26 goals and 61 points while splitting time between the Victoriaville Tigres and the Drummondville Voltigeurs. Next year, he will go play for Michigan.
NZ scouts broke down the positives and negatives of Larose’s game in a game report.
“Justin has a rocket of a shot, and he demonstrated his power by blasting a hard slap shot along the wall that was tough for the goalie to stop. His top-end speed is impressive, and he’s able to change gears quickly, enabling him to blow by defenders and create scoring opportunities. However, at times, he can be a bit too eager, rushing plays and throwing pucks away in the process. If he can slow down and make more composed decisions with the puck, Justin has the potential to be a dynamic offensive threat with the ability to generate scoring chances at will.”
Jimmy Lombardi (F, L, 6’0”, 175, Flint Firebirds, 02/16/2007, Michigan)
Playing for the OHL’s Flint Firebirds, Lombardi exploded offensively this season, more than doubling his points total compared to last year, going from 20 to 45. A fourth round pick of the Los Angeles Kings this past weekend, Lombardi is committed to play for Michigan in 2026.
The next few seasons in the OHL and NCAA will be crucial to Lombardi’s development.
“Lombardi has many pro-level qualities, particularly his hockey sense, skating, work ethic, and ability to play in all situations. However, his lack of finishing ability, passing inefficiencies, and struggles with physicality make him a project player rather than a sure-fire NHLer. If he can develop his shot and improve his puck management, he could become an effective bottom-six NHL forward who contributes on the penalty kill and as a depth playmaker. However, as of now, his offensive ceiling is questionable, which may limit his NHL upside.”
Max Matthews (D, R, 6’0”, 190, New Mexico Ice Wolves, 02/28/2004, Michigan Tech)
Matthews was originally committed to Lindenwood but has now decided to join Michigan Tech, who continue to build their blueline. Matthews had 191 penalty minutes in 56 games in the NAHL.
Matthews adds size and grit to Michigan Tech.
“Max is a tall, long, athletic right-shot defender who makes subtle plays to create offense. The 2004 moves well and has good edges and balance. Max stayed square on forwards through the neutral zone and maintained good gaps. He used an active stick to get in passing lanes, making it tough on opponents. He has some wiggle on the offensive blue line and froze the first man before walking around them and threading pucks to the net. He keeps his head up and sees the ice fairly well.”
Luke Mistelbacher (F, R, 6’0”, 196, Swift Current Broncos, 11/02/2005, Maine)
Mistelbacher was undrafted to the WHL but had four good seasons with the Swift Current Broncos. Next season, he is going to play one more year in the WHL with the Brandon Wheat Kings before heading to the NCAA in 2026 to suit up for Maine. He got a couple games with the Iowa Wild last season.
Mistelbacher will continue to try and prove teams who passed over him wrong.
“Luke Mistelbacher is a skilled, poised winger who can drive offense from the perimeter and half-wall, particularly on the power play. His shot, vision, and puck skill profile as a strong AHL contributor with potential to fill a scoring depth role. However, his average skating pace, limited physical engagement, and older draft age diminish long-term NHL projection. While not a priority pick, Mistelbacher warrants late-round consideration for teams needing mature offensive assets at the AHL level with potential to push for NHL depth minutes in a sheltered role.”
Tom Molson (F, L, 5’9”, 160, Victoria Grizzlies, 01/05/2005, Yale)
The Montreal native had an excellent season in the BCHL, registering 18 goals and 49 points in the regular season while putting up a point per game in the playoffs. Next season, he will play for Yale.
Molson’s speed and IQ will help him propel himself and Yale next season.
“Molson is a quick creative playmaker in his first season in junior hockey after a highly productive year at Deerfield (MA) where he compiled 43 points in 26 games and served as captain. He’s undersized but it didn’t impact him much because of his quickness and overall pace of play. He has excellent change of direction – can turn on a dime and is a dynamic puck handler especially on 1v1 moves where he can break down a defender and turn them inside out. His feet are always moving and he’s able to explode to open ice – get open for his linemates and stretch out the defense who have to respect his speed. Molson was always around the puck applying pressure on the penalty kill and winning races to pucks in the corners off dump-ins. He spun off checks and was able to find space and weave his way through traffic areas without having to slow down or look down at the puck. He not only has quick feet and hands but he also processes his options quickly and can make split second decisions under pressure.”
Drake Murray (D, R, 6’1”, 200, Sioux City Musketeers, 03/29/2006, Harvard)
Murray was a 2022 first round pick in the USHL but will go play at Harvard next season after one year with the Sioux City Musketeers.
Murray will be a steady player on the Harvard blueline.
“Murray is a reliable two-way defenseman who excels at the subtle details that make a big impact in the defensive zone. He avoids the common mistake of fly-bys, instead stopping on loose pucks and using his physicality and active stick to challenge opponents and win battles. Murray’s defensive presence is complemented by his ability to contribute offensively. His strong, steady play at both ends of the ice makes him a valuable asset on the back end.”
Kalem Parker (D, R, 6’0”, 190, Calgary Hitmen, 10/12/2004, Michigan Tech)
Parker leaves the WHL after five seasons and will embark on a journey to the NCAA with Michigan Tech. A 2023 sixth round pick of the Minnesota Wild, Parker helped Moose Jaw to their first WHL championship during the 2023-24 season.
NZ scouts highlighted Parker’s potential in a game report this past season.
“Kalem is a dynamic skater who made aggressive pinches to jump into the offense and hold the blue line. Upon gaining possession, he consistently cut to open space with his head up and made smart passes to his teammates. He also excelled at getting his shots through to the net from the point, showcasing intelligence and composure in the offensive zone. On the defensive side, Kalem used his stick effectively to knock pucks away. However, on one rush, he was beaten wide by an opposing attacker, highlighting an area for potential improvement. Overall, Kalem is an intelligent and smooth offensive defenseman who would thrive in the NCAA—if he does not turn pro next season.”
Luka Shcherbyna (C, R, 5’9”, 180, Wenatchee Wild, 06/01/2006, Colgate)
Shcherbyna had his best season offensively in the WHL last year, with 22 goals and 49 total points. He will look to carry that momentum over to the NCAA with Colgate.
Shcherbyna continues to grow as a player and could have a real impact in the NCAA.
“Shcherbyna is a right-shot forward with a lethal shot, capable of finding the back of the net whether it’s at even strength or on the power play. His one-timer is a notable weapon, but his quick-release wrist shot also stands out, with power and accuracy that generates chances even when he doesn’t score. Beyond his shooting ability, Shcherbyna is a well-rounded player who moves his feet and reads the play well, positioning himself in open areas to capitalize on opportunities. He’s also not afraid to drive the puck to the net, showing a willingness to battle in tight spaces to create offense.”
Isaac Suh (D, L, 5’10”, 167, New Jersey Rockets, 05/01/2007, Air Force)
Suh is joining the Air Force Academy in 2027, so he still has lots of time to develop his game in the NCDC with the New Jersey Rockets.
Mathieu Taillefer (D, R, 6’1”, 168, Halifax Mooseheads, 01/30/2006, UMass Amherst)
Taillefer split time between the BCHL and QMJHL this year but will be settled in at UMass in 2026. He joined the Mooseheads towards the end of the season and helped them in the playoffs.
Taillefer is an excellent player that will excel in the NCAA.
“Taillefer is a tall athletic right shot defenseman in his second season with the Bandits and has climbed the depth chart getting more ice time and playing against other teams top lines. He has a long wingspan and uses it to his advantage to get his stick on pucks and cut down angles. He is mobile and athletic – can cover a lot of ice and angled opponents away from the scoring areas. He’s not the most physical defenseman at this point but he’s calculated, well-positioned and plays a smothering style of defense where he gets on puck carriers quickly and takes away their time and space. His puck play is smart – he surveys the ice – makes quick reads and puts pucks in areas for his forwards to get to and showed touch and accuracy in his delivery. He’ll need to continue to develop his power and physicality to his ceiling but he’s already shown significant improvement at the offensive blue line creating lanes to the net – moving pucks to this forwards and in the scoring areas and getting shots through from the point for tips and screens. High ceiling given his range and athleticism.”
By Sebastian Zucchet
Sebastian Zucchet is a freelance sports reporter from Toronto and someone who deeply enjoys hockey.