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.
Brice Cooke (F, L, 6’1, 190, Toronto Patriots, 05/23/2004, Canisius College)
Cooke spent a few seasons in the OHL before joining the OJHL’s Toronto Patriots last year. With the Patriots, he had a great season, posting 36 goals and 69 points. In the fall, Cookie is going to Canisius College and will have another shot at top-level hockey.
NZ scouts evaluated Cooke this season and were impressed with his strong performance.
“A big, strong power forward who plays a physical game, finishing checks and skating surprisingly well for his size. He positions himself effectively in front of the net, where he scored a nice rebound goal, marking his 32nd goal of the year. Overall, he had a solid game, showing strength and consistency on both ends of the ice. The only downside was a penalty for roughing, where he didn’t back off, with the score at 3-1 and his team beginning to gain momentum. Despite that, his overall performance was strong, and he was a force on the ice.”
Jaden Dyke (F, L 6’4, 205, Rochester Jr. Americans, 08/06/2004, Long Island University)
Dyke spent time playing junior in both Canada and the U.S. but will now get a shot in the NCAA at Long Island University. He had a 20-goal and 55-point season in the NAHL last year.
Dyke works hard and uses his size effectively to his advantage.
“Standing as a big player, he uses his size to overpower opponents and win puck battles on defense through body contact. Dyke is a key figure in the forecheck when Rochester enters the offensive zone, often going into the corners to battle for the puck. Offensively, he is skilled on the rush, maintaining possession with an unconventional stick angle while using his body positioning to box out defenders. Dyke successfully pushes past the initial line of defense and helps set up offensive-zone possession.”
Jack Ivankovic (G, L, 6’0, 178, Brampton Steelheads, 05/23/2007, Michigan)
Ivankovic was a second-round pick by the Nashville Predators at the 2025 NHL Draft and has represented Canada at many tournaments, including the World Juniors. Next season, he will look to create an even stronger case for himself at Michigan.
NZ scouts had this to say about him in a draft preview:
“Jack Ivankovic is a technically sound, athletic, and poised goaltender who has handled a significant workload in the OHL this season with Brampton. He is intelligent in the crease, shows excellent positioning and rebound control, and gives his team a consistent chance to win. However, his sub-NHL-average frame, questions around long-term durability, and streaky confidence cast doubt on whether his style will scale at the pro level without focused development. While he is a clear goaltending prospect, we are cautious about projecting NHL starter upside and instead see him as a potential organizational depth goaltender or tandem backup with the right development.”
Ethan MacKenzie (D, L, 5’11, 171, Edmonton Oil Kings, 09/02/2006, North Dakota)
A solid defenceman, MacKenzie exploded offensively last season with the Oil Kings with 32 points. He will head to NoDak in 2 seasons in hopes of having an NHL team maybe take a shot at him.
NZ scouts were impressed with MacKenzie after watching one of his games last season.
“Mackenzie played really well defensively this game, showing great fundamentals at an impressive level. He maintains a close gap and as players try to take the puck to the outside, he is quick to swing his hip into them, checking them into the boards. Against fast skaters where he can’t close at the wall quickly enough, he keeps himself in the middle of the ice and can transition from backward to forwards without losing speed. As the last man back when regrouping, he’s comfortable holding onto the puck with pressure coming and waits until his team gets set up to then make a hard pass back up the ice. Mackenzie also had some powerplay time where he facilitated well from the point, quickly moving it off to his forwards on the half-wall.”
Porter Martone (F, R, 6’3, 208, Brampton Steelheads, 10/26/2005, Michigan State)
Martone was a top prospect for the 2025 draft and ended up going sixth overall to the Philadelphia Flyers. The big power forward had 37 goals and 98 points in the OHL last year and even played for Canada at the World Championships. Next year, he will take on the Big 10 with Michigan State.
Martone’s combination of size and skill will make him a problem for opposing teams.
“Porter Martone is a high-upside power forward with high end offensive instincts, a strong physical presence, and the ability to dominate one-on-one battles and games. At his best, he is a skilled, creative, and versatile forward capable of producing at an elite level while using his size and strength to control the boards and the net-front area. However, consistency and discipline remain concerns, as lapses in focus have impacted his overall game. With continued development in his defensive play, skating, and decision-making”
Ryan Starman (D, L, 6’1, 180, New Jersey Jr. Titans, 06/23/2005, Minnesota-Duluth)
Starman split lots of time this season between the NAHL, NA3HL and NCDC. Next season, he will hopefully stay in one spot with Minnesota Duluth.
Starman will provide good defensive stability for his new team.
“Ryan Starman is a strong-skating defenseman who likes to use his shot from the point. He possesses a hard, accurate shot that he can get through from the blue line, creating rebounds in front of the crease. His skating ability also allows him to defend the rush effectively, forcing attackers to the outside and limiting their options.”
by Sebastian Zucchet
Sebastian Zucchet is a freelance sports reporter from Toronto and someone who deeply enjoys hockey.