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.
Carter Casey (G, L, 6’2, 175, Medicine Hat Tigers, 10/03/2007, Minnesota)
The 17-year-old goalie will play one season with Medicine Hat before returning to his home state to play for the University of Minnesota.
In a Minnesota high-school game, NZ scouts were impressed with Casey despite his team losing that game.
“Carter Casey is a nicely sized goaltender, standing at 6’1″, who has recorded a .912 save percentage through two seasons of varsity hockey for Grand Rapids. He demonstrated good overall athleticism and was active in playing the puck out of his net to help his defense. Casey displayed a strong blocker and good rebound control, and he made very controlled movements in goal. He expertly tracked the puck and showed quick reactions to deflected shots, handling two high, tipped shots with ease in this game. Casey demonstrated strong leg pushes and quick lateral mobility, skillfully stopping a two-on-one opportunity by reading a pass across and sliding over to cleanly stop the shot.”
Maxwell Chakrabarti (D, R, 6’3, 180, Weyburn Red Wings, 06/21/2005, Augustana)
Chakrabarti had an excellent offensive season in the SJHL last season, potting 14 goals and 50 points, which lead to him committing to Augustana next year.
In an SJHL player evaluation, scouts highlighted his offensive abilities.
“Maxwell showed determined effort in all areas of the ice. Although he lost the race to the corner in his defensive zone off a dumped puck, he was able to win the battle on the boards and gain possession for his team. Offensively, Maxwell was persistent in getting shots through traffic from the blue line, especially on the power play, and he was able to connect on some one-timer opportunities.”
Gunnar Conboy (C, L, 6’3, 183, Lakeville North High, 04/02/2009, Minnesota)
Conboy was impressive while playing Minnesota high-school hockey last season, scoring 24 goals and adding 44 points in 27 games. Next year, he will play in the USHL with the Green Bay Gamblers before heading to Minnesota in 2027.
At USA camp, Conboy showed his true colours of being a top power forward in the country for his age.
“He is a true power forward, bouncing off or through defenders and driving the puck to the net with a purpose. He isn’t afraid to set his feet in front of the net and take contact to screen the goalie and create traffic. He reads plays well, picking off a pass on the penalty kill in the offensive zone and ringing the post hard with his wrist shot. Conboy will go to the “greasy” areas to score, and while he does have a bit of finesse to his game, he is more effective playing a direct, straight-line, north-south game. Conboy moves well enough, though another gear in his steps would be beneficial for higher levels.”
Rudy Guimond (G, L, 6’3, 180, Moncton Wildcats, 05/19/2005, Harvard)
Guimond is a 2023 draft pick of the Detroit Red Wings, and after starting out in the USHL last season, he returned to Canada and signed with Moncton – helping lead them to a QMJHL championship. He will play another year in Moncton before heading to Harvard.
Scouts have been impressed with Guimond’s game, which has led to his success.
“He relies on his size and play-reading ability to excel in net, staying relatively deep in his crease and minimizing movement, which allows him to stay square to shooters. Guimond uses his size to seal off the lower portion of the ice, limiting scoring opportunities in tight. He moves well post-to-post, effectively utilizing the RVH position and smoothly transitioning out of it when pucks move from low to high. His ability to battle in tough situations is evident, as he doesn’t give up on plays and continues to fight for every save.”
Brendan Holahan (G, L, 6’3, 190, El Paso Rhinos, 06/16/2004, Union)
Holahan split time with two NAHL teams this year, the New Mexico Ice Wolves and the El Paso Rhinos. In 15 games with the Rhinos, he had a .908 save percentage. Next year, he will play in the ECAC with Union.
Nicholas Johnson (F, R, 6’2, 205, Brandon Wheat Kings, 01/20/2005, Ferris State)
The big-framed Johnson had his most successful WHL season last year, putting up 16 goals and 43 points. This fall will be his last season in the WHL before he goes off to Ferris State in 2026.
In a game report from March, NZ scouts were particularly impressed with his all around game.
“Johnson displayed excellent edge work, particularly when gaining valuable zone entries off rush plays. He effectively drove wide and opened up his hips, buying himself more time and space. Strong on his skates, he was able to drive the net or make plays to the net-front area. His vision was impressive, and he didn’t hesitate to shoot the puck when the opportunity arose. He consistently played with his head up and kept his hands in strong positions to make plays.”
Tyler Martyniuk (D, L, 6’0, 180, U.S. National U17, 12/31/2008, Michigan State)
Martyniuk is preparing to join the US NTDP in the fall before setting off to Michigan State the year after. May have pegged him as a player to keep an eye.
NZ scouts highlighted his hockey IQ and athleticism in a game report from last season.
“Left-shot defenseman Tyler Martyniuk lined up on the NTDP’s top pairing and demonstrated excellent athleticism paired with a high hockey IQ. His anticipation and ability to read the play stood out, with several smart pinches to hold the offensive zone and timely steps up in the neutral zone to halt the rush. Martyniuk has good size, balance, and a solid base, relying more on smart positioning and excellent footwork with an active stick to contain opponents rather than playing an overly physical game. He excelled along the blue line, using his vision to move the puck quickly and making several accurate, quick D-to-D passes that set up his partner for shooting opportunities. Martyniuk displayed strong agility and acceleration in holding the zone, even sacrificing his body on one play by skating across quickly to keep the puck in while taking a check. His athleticism was evident on the breakout, as he was quick to retrieve pucks and evade pressure, starting the rush with crisp, effective passing. Martyniuk has room to grow in terms of physicality to improve his success in winning corner battles and clearing the net front.”
Brogan McNeil (F, R, 6’3, Shawinigan Cataractes, 09/04/2006, Alaska Fairbanks)
McNeil split time between the BCHL and QMJHL, ending last season off in Shawinigan. He was brought in to help in their playoff run and had one goal throughout the playoffs. He will suit up for the Cataractes again and then head to Alaska Fairbanks in 2026.
In a BCHL player evaluation, McNeil put in a decent performance.
“McNeil is a big forward who goes to the net hard. He scored the first goal of the game by moving into the high slot off the rush, quickly pouncing on a loose puck and finishing his chance. His presence around the net was felt all night as he consistently pressured his opponents.”
Caiden Pellegrino (C, L, 5’8, 152, St. Marks School, 02/10/2009, Providence)
Next year, Pellegrino will stay at St. Marks as well as suit up for the U16 Providence Capitals. He will head off to Providence in 2027.
Pellegrino was highly touted by NZ scouts at a USA camp this summer.
“Despite being undersized, he plays with a strong base and is deceptively heavy on his stick, allowing him to stay in battles and consistently impact the play. Even when not at top speed, he maintains his stride and has active feet to float over the ice. He can accelerate and hit top speed quickly, darting past defenders in the neutral zone. He thinks the game a step ahead, using unexpected delays, deceptive 90-degree lateral cuts, and tight-area puck control to create scoring chances for himself and his linemates. Pellegrino has situational awareness; he understands spacing and where to go for soft ice, and he plays well off his teammates, knowing where they are and how to create passing lanes to get them the puck. Offensively, he was slippery in transition, tough to contain on the rush, and able to create grade ‘A’ opportunities off both his forehand and backhand. He has a knack for drawing multiple defenders to him and finding seams when they are caught in no-man’s-land, delivering crisp, on-time passes in stride. While he will need to continue getting stronger and round out his defensive consistency at the next level, Pellegrino’s blend of intellect, creativity, and playmaking made him a top producer here and showed he can hang with the best in the country.”
Lukas Renaud (G, L, 6’2, 195, Calgary Canucks, 01/06/2004, Long Island)
The Montreal native starred in the AJHL last season, helping lead Calgary to a championship. He posted a 2.84 goals-against average and a .909 save percentage in the playoffs. Next year, he will tend the crease for Long Island University.
In an early season AJHL showcase, Renaud put on a good display for NZ scouts.
“Renaud delivered an impressive performance in his shutout against Fort McMurray. While he wasn’t overly busy, he was rock solid in net, showcasing his technical skills by making saves look effortless. Even when faced with tougher shots, he confidently swallowed up rebounds, preventing any momentum shifts for the opposing team.”
James Scantlebury (F, L, 5’9, 165, Bishop Kearney Selects U18 AAA, 01/15/2009, Boston University)
Scantlebury had an incredible season with Bishop Kearney, posting 35 goals and 100 points in 56 games. There’s no doubt he was going to be a first-round pick in the QMJHL. He was taken ninth overall by the Quebec Remparts but has opted to play with the USHL’s Chicago Steel.
Scantlebury is a top-scoring threat that can do some damage as he further develops.
“Scantlebury is a highly talented 5’9″, 170-pound left-shooting center. An elite skater with top-end speed, strong edges, agility, and balance, he demonstrates excellent mobility with swift direction changes and smooth crossovers. A hard competitor, his work ethic and grit stand out on every shift. Scantlebury’s puck control, hand-eye coordination, and playmaking abilities are elite, featuring a very precise passing game and a quick release shot.”
Reese Shaw (F, R, 6’2, 192, Des Moines Buccaneers, 02/28/2005, Lake Superior)
Shaw has spent the last few seasons in the NAHL and USHL. With five goals and 15 points last year for the Des Moines Buccaneers, Shaw will start afresh at Lake Superior University in the fall.
Evan Sercerchi (F, L, 5’9, 149, Fredericton Caps U18 AAA, 02/18/2009, New Hampshire)
The 16-year-old Sercerchi – a 2025 third-round pick of the Val-d’Or Foreurs – committed to play for the University of New Hampshire in 2027 but will presumably play in the QMJHL before that. It is worth noting that he was also drafted by the Campbellton Tigers in the MJAHL.
Sercerchi is a dynamic forward with good play making abilities at his young age.
“Sercerchi is a highly dynamic 5’9″, 141-pound left-shooting forward who impressed throughout the challenge with his near-elite skating, acceleration, speed, and agility—his greatest strengths. Using his quickness, he consistently beat defenders, applied pressure to create turnovers, and despite his smaller stature, played physically and finished his checks.”
Alex Theodore (F, L, 6’2, 183, Philips Academy Andover, 05/21/2008, Dartmouth)
Theodore played well for Philips Academy Andover in 2024-25, scoring 12 goals and collecting 31 points. In 2027, he will play at Dartmouth, but he has no commitments for where he will play next season.
Cannon Thibodeau (F, R, 5’9, 153, Toronto Marlboros U16 AAA, 12/10/2009, Notre Dame)
The young Thibodeau, who captains the Marlboros and hails from South Carolina, is certainly getting his career on track. Thibodeau had 29 goals and 66 points in the GTHL and will play for the NTDP in the fall. He has committed to Notre Dame for the 2027-28 season.
Thibodeau is impressing scouts despite only being 15-years old.
“Thibodeau is a skilled, smooth-skating forward who makes plays that few others can with the puck on his stick. With his ability to pick up speed in just a few steps, he is a threat in transition, diving into open lanes while looking to get the puck to the net for a scoring chance. If he found himself in a precarious position, he created space for himself thanks to his edgework, while also utilizing give-and-go’s to advance the puck into the offensive zone. His ability to hang onto the puck in the offensive zone also stands out, showing numerous times throughout the tournament that he can create and see plays develop before they do.”
Logan Wormald (F, L, 5’10, 165, Lethbridge Hurricanes, 08/12/2005, Nebraska Omaha)
The Langley native has been a top WHL player for the last few seasons, impressing many across the hockey world. His 2024-25 season was particularly impressive, as he had 30 goals and 70 points in the regular season and added 12 points in the playoffs. One more season out west awaits Wormald before he moves onto Nebraska Omaha for the 2026-27 season.
Wormald is an impressive player who will shine in the NCAA.
“Wormald has a refined skill set that allows him to slow the game down, control the pace, and make precise tape-to-tape passes that put his teammates in prime scoring positions. His hands are smooth and quick, as he threads the needle with perfect timing, setting up his teammates in dangerous areas.”
by Sebastian Zucchet
Sebastian Zucchet is a freelance sports reporter from Toronto and someone who deeply enjoys hockey.