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.
Sean Barnhill (D, R, 6’5, 205, Dubuque Fighting Saints, 01/08/2007, Michigan State)
The Arizona native was drafted in the third round of the 2025 NHL Draft by the New York Rangers and has committed to Michigan State for next season. Not a bad summer for Barnhill.
Barnhill is known for using his size to his advantage.
“Sean Barnhill is a raw, right-shot defenseman with prototypical NHL size and an intriguing defensive foundation. At 6’5″, he naturally clogs space with his reach and frame and has shown flashes of mobility and composure in the defensive zone. Barnhill plays a steady, if unflashy, game and projects as a long-term development bet with bottom-pairing potential. He logged modest minutes in Dubuque (14:11 TOI/game), was not leaned on for power play work, and rarely joined the rush, but was trusted situationally on the penalty kill and provided consistent structure defensively.”
David Bosco (F, R, 6’0, 173, Belmont Hill School, 02/08/2008, Harvard)
Recording 18 goals and 49 points last season for Belmont Hill, Bosco is a born goal scorer. He was also drafted in the tenth round of the 2025 QMJHL Entry Draft by the Gatineau Olympiques and will play at Harvard in 2027.
Bosco has been described as a “standout” from scouts watching his respective league.
“His elite skating, quick acceleration, and relentless footwork make him a constant threat. His high-level hockey IQ and hands allow him to capitalize on opportunities, both offensively and defensively. He anticipates plays effectively, creating breakaway chances by consistently stripping opponents. His vision and playmaking ability further elevate his offensive impact.”
Gavin Burcar (F, R, 6’2, 165, Chicago Mission U15 AAA, 01/08/2009, Michigan State)
Burcar was selected by the Prince Albert Raiders in the first round of the 2024 WHL U.S. Priority Draft. They traded him to the Spokane Chiefs, and that’s where he will play next season before going to Michigan State in 2027.
At an NTDP evaluation camp, Burcar was noticeable.
“Offensively he protects the puck well along the boards and when driving the net held his hands out and got his body into defenders to shield the puck and was able to get his shot off while taking contact which requires a level of strength and balance to pull off. Burcar competes hard – he plays up the middle of the ice – he’s strong on his stick and on his edges – he wants the puck and doesn’t overexpose it trying to make fancy plays like some of his counterparts here. He has more of a pro-style that will translate at a higher level particularly given his size and speed combination.”
Nathaniel Chizik (G, L, 6’3, 204, Mount St. Charles Academy U15 AAA, 02/15/2009, Notre Dame)
After a good season with Mount St. Charles, Chizik is going to play with the NTDP next year. He was also a seventh-round pick by the OHL’s Oshawa Generals. Chizik will play at Notre Dame in 2027.
Chizik was evaluated by NZ scouts at an NTDP camp.
“Chizik is smart, he’s fluid, he has all the physical tools from his footwork to his blocker and glove to his reflexes and flexibility and was sharp in his angling depth and post play. Really advanced goalie for this age group in his processing ability – size and athleticism and technical ability; despite letting in a high number of goals he snaps right back and ready for the next one and proved to be the top goalie in the country.”
Stephen Cover (F, R, 5’10, 177, Mount St. Charles Academy U15 AAA, 04/19/2009, Providence)
Cover put up 114 points this year at Mount St. Charles, beating out his 2023-24 point total of 105. He will play for the USHL’s Madison Capitals next year before heading off to Providence College in 2027.
Cover put on a good showing at the USA camp.
“Stephen is an average-sized forward with a mature, detail-oriented game built on hockey IQ, strength on the puck, and efficient two-way play. While not flashy or overly dynamic, Cover consistently impacted the game through a pro-styled first touch, puck protection, and well-timed plays in all three zones. He plays with strength and balance, able to absorb contact, protect possession along the boards, and drive the play to the net with purpose.”
Owen McHale (F, L, 6’0, 189, Dexter Southfield School, 02/17/2008, Northeastern)
McHale was drafted by the Chicoutimi Sagueneens in the tenth round of the latest edition of the QMJHL draft. In 2027, McHale will go and play for Northeastern.
NZ scouts were fairly impressed with McHale’s style of play during a Massachusetts hockey festival.
“McHale never missed a chance to make a hit, and he made close to 12 hard, heavy checks in the two games we watched. Saying he was tough to play against is an understatement. He was not in Marlboro to make friends but to show off his rugged style, speed, and ability to create. Beyond creating turnovers and knocking players down McHale made a slick behind-the-back pass and had sticky first touches. He stopped on the net and pucks and played equally hard in all three zones. He helped low in his zone and faced the pucks when moving to defend. Owen attacked the net in straight lines with speed and balance. his upper body was powerful and he could bully his way to the cage from the corners. His skating in open ice was smooth and he caught bad passes without losing pace. McHale got popped and knocked down on Sunday but popped up faster then he went down and got in the play. Owen worked off the wall through contact to pump shots on the net. He dragged and ripped pucks near his feet to disguise his release and protect the puck in crowds. He was on pucks in both games and may have scored but we missed it. Regardless he was noticeable and impacted the game every shift. Players like him win games and his style will transfer to higher levels.”
Oliver McKinney (F, R, 5’9, 171, Chicago Mission U15 AAA, 02/05/2009, Michigan)
McKinney was on fire for the Chicago Mission last season, scoring 90 points in 64 games. McKinney attended USA hockey camp this summer and will suit up for the Green Bay Gamblers next year before heading off to Michigan in 2027.
McKinney put on a strong showing at the USA hockey camp.
“While not flashy or physically dominant, McKinney stood out for his detailed approach, high-end anticipation, and ability to consistently play high-percentage hockey. He processed the game quickly, navigated traffic purposefully, and manipulated defenders with pace changes and subtle look-offs by staring a bit too long in the wrong direction. His first touch is excellent, allowing him to handle poor passes or bouncing pucks with ease. He showed off soft hands with quick one-touches and composed puck plays around the net. Defensively, he was reliable and disciplined, using a strong stick to disrupt plays, staying net-side through battles, and supporting his defensemen on breakouts with appropriate timing. He was also strong on face-offs, showed a willingness to block shots, and did the little things away from the puck that led to offense.”
Roger McQueen (F, R, 6’5, 200, Brandon Wheat Kings, 02/02/2006, Providence)
With possibly the coolest name in hockey, McQueen was drafted tenth overall by the Anaheim Ducks in 2025. He only played 17 WHL games last season for the Brandon Wheat Kings but managed 20 points. He will play at Providence this fall.
A NZ draft preview on McQueen said this:
“Roger McQueen is a physically imposing right shot center with a tantalizing blend of size, skill, and potential. His ability to dominate at the junior level, particularly in net-front situations and on the cycle, makes him a highly intriguing prospect for the 2025 NHL Draft. McQueen has showcased strong north-south play, an excellent shot release, and a physical presence. However, his level of success at the National League level hinges on improving his skating mechanics, consistency in puck battles, and expanding his offensive skill set. With focused development, McQueen projects as a middle-six NHL center with the potential to grow into a top-line role.”
Brooks Rogowski (C, R, 6’7, 240, Oshawa Generals, 06/24/2008, Michigan State)
Rogowski is an tall center who had 11 goals and 23 points in his rookie season with the Oshawa Generals. He will go to Michigan State in 2027.
Rogowski combines his size and skill to make a difference on the ice.
“Brooks Rogowski possesses impressive hands for a large player, allowing him to execute simple passes with ease. His long reach also enables him to stick handle around an opponent’s leg or arm, making him a threat in close proximity. Despite being big, Brooks is agile enough to skate effectively north-south. He has shown potential on the penalty kill, utilizing his length to create space and limit opponents’ movement within the box/diamond formation. While Brooks can be prone to stumbling, his overall skillset suggests he’s not out of place on the ice, particularly in key situations. His situational playing time as a rookie is well-used, indicating he’s being utilized effectively by the team.”
Drew Roscoe (D, R, 6’6, 177, Shattuck St. Mary’s U15 AAA, 03/05/2009, Michigan)
Roscoe is a massive defenceman who was taken in the second round of the OHL draft by the Saginaw Spirit. He has chosen to play there for two seasons before going to Michigan in 2027.
Roscoe’s size is a major talking point for scouts and was highlighted again by NZ scouts at the NTDP evaluation camp.
“Roscoe is the most intriguing prospect in this group given his 6 ‘6′ frame athleticism range and mobility. He’s not as offensive or as polished but he reminds us of Alex Vlasic at this age at this camp. He’s one of the better skaters in the group – fluid in his stride and transitions and has decent acceleration forward and backwards which is quite rare for someone of his stature. He’s not flashy with the puck but he uses his reach well to get back to pucks on retrievals – shields forecheckers and can turn up ice quickly and distribute the puck. He has a firm flat first pass and isn’t in a rush – he’ll look off passes – he’ll skate it out of his end and find the best option. His hands are softer than he gets credit for which can be seen by how well he receives passes on both sides of his blade and immediately positions the puck on his stick to move it. He doesn’t take unnecessary risks with the puck – utilizes his partner when pressured and will work the middle of the ice on both breakouts and in the neutral zone. Defensively he uses his reach to his advantage to get his stick on pucks – block passing lanes and also force puck carriers to the outside.”
Noah Survilas (F, R, 5’11, 178, Dexter Southfield School, 12/27/2008, Northeastern)
Survilas was over a point-per-game at Dexter Southfield this year, scoring 18 goals and collecting 41 points in 28 games. Survilas was also drafted into two different junior leagues this year, being selected by the Moncton Wildcats in the fifth round of the QMJHL draft while going 40th overall in the USHL draft to the Muskegon Lumberjacks.
Survilas was named NZ prep rookie of the year.
“Noah could receive an egg at top speed, and he could not break it; smooth, soft hands to make opponents miss and give him plenty of time to make plays rather than fumbling with passes on his tape. High IQ prospect with speed and wiggle.”
Kalder Varga (F, R, 5’11, 176, Kelowna Rockets, 06/24/2008, Denver)
Varga will play a few more seasons with the Kelowna Rockets before he goes down to Denver. Varga will also represent Team USA at the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup this summer.
Hopefully he can follow up his rookie season with an even better second year.
“A successful rookie season with Kelowna, Varga is a competitive, strong skating, skilled forward who plays with great energy.”
by Sebastian Zucchet
Sebastian Zucchet is a freelance sports reporter from Toronto and someone who deeply enjoys hockey.