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.
Dawson Cowan (G, L, 6’2”, 186, Spokane Chiefs, 09/28/2005, Nebraska Omaha)
Cowan heads to the NCAA after leading the Spokane Chiefs to the WHL finals, where they lost in five to Medicine Hat. Cowan was great in the regular season with a .905 save percentage but will face a new challenge with the Mavericks.
NZ scouts had this to say about Cowan’s performance in a 5-1 win over the Wenatchee Wild in February.
“After a shaky start, Cowan did a great job at collecting himself and responding with a stellar night saving everything but the first shot on net. Cowan did a good job tonight at facing the puck and stopping odd man rushes that came his way. He kept pucks close so he could pounce on second chances that landed at his feet. He needs to improve on his decision making when going back behind his nets for rims, too many times tonight he had some ‘right up’ plays that ended up around the yellow and ultimately became a turnover that went to the point of the opposing defender. As the literal last man back, smaller shorter pucks plays are going to benefit him.”
Beckham Dempsey (G, L, 6’1”, 179, Boston Jr. Rangers, 09/06/2004, Colorado College)
Dempsey will join the goalie fleet at Colorado College this fall after playing for the NCDC’s Boston Jr. Rangers this year. Over 14 appearances, Dempsey posted a .904 save percentage.
Matteo Mann (D, R, 6’6”, 227, Saint John Sea Dogs, 12/31/2004, Colorado College)
After five seasons in the QMJHL, the 6-foot-6 defenseman will move to the NCAA and play for Colorado College. A 2023 draft pick of the Philadelphia Flyers, Mann has played one professional game, lacing up for the Reading Royals of the ECHL in 2023-24.
Melvin Novotny (F, L, 6’1”, 190, Muskegon Lumberjacks, 04/03/2007, UMass)
Novotny will play for the USHL’s Muskegon Lumberjacks this upcoming season to get a taste of hockey outside of Sweden. The following season, he will suit up for UMass. Novotny, a seventh round pick of the Buffalo Sabres, won two silvers and a bronze medal at tournaments with Sweden last season.
Novotny’s game comes with a lot of expectation and high praise.
“Melvin Novotny is an intriguing two-way forward with a well-rounded skill set and excellent hockey IQ. His ability to impact both ends of the ice, combined with his strong frame and versatility, makes him a valuable asset for any team. While he may not be the flashiest player on the ice, Novotny’s detail-oriented game and consistency elevate his value. With development in skating explosiveness and improvements to his offensive finishing, he has the potential to be an effective middle-six winger at the NHL level.”
Julius Sumpf (F, L, 6’1”, 190, Moncton Wildcats, 01/11/2005, Providence)
The Munich native was marvelous during Moncton’s QMJHL championship run, where he scored 26 goals and had 65 points. Sumpf even won the Frank J. Selke Trophy, awarded to the most sportsmanlike player in the QMJHL.
A NZ scout had praise and criticism about Sumpf’s game but had belief in him.
“I was really high on this kid a season ago, and thought he might have done enough to go in the later rounds of the draft, he’s a solid two-way forward with a pro release and thinks the game incredibly well, His game did take a slight dip in late in the season, I’m not sure if injuries or stamina played a role in that, it’s going to be very interesting to see how he adapts this year with the new regime behind the bench. He played through the middle a ton last year, so far this year he has been called on to play both. He’s had tons of jumps and has looked very strong, a lot stronger than last year in one on one battles and more explosive in open ice. I think the big question mark right now is consistency and can bring that same drive and determination that he has right now and stretch that out for the full season. From what I’ve seen I think he’s capable of that, he just needs to deliver that, He needs to continue to go to the middle of the ice with poise and composure to generate offensive opportunities and time and space for his line mates, he’s a great passer of the puck as well, Here’s a kid that just has to put everything together and become ultra consistent.”
By Sebastian Zucchet
Sebastian Zucchet is a freelance sports reporter from Toronto and someone who deeply enjoys hockey.