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.
Dayne Beuker (F, R, 5’10, 158, U.S. National U17 Team, 03/23/2008, Denver)
Despite being born in Saskatchewan, Beuker is playing for the U.S. National Team Development Program. He was a first round pick to the WHL but never played a game in the league. In 2027, he will play for Denver.
Beuker is reliable in all aspects of the game.
“Beuker is a versatile two way forward who can play a number of roles with his energy game and touch around the net. He is strong and difficult to knock off the puck, also hard on the forecheck. He plays a high energy game and has the ability to play in all situations – five on five, penalty kill, and on the powerplay.”
Matthew Buckley (F, R, 5’10, 189, Oshawa Generals, 03/21/2005, RPI)
After four seasons with the Oshawa Generals, Buckley decided to take the collegiate route for the next chapter of his career and committed to RPI.
Buckley has the ability to be an impactful player on his new team.
“His hockey sense is on point, as he controls the play well, works the puck through his teammates, and takes smart shots when he can see an open spot in the net. He sees the ice well and works quickly to make his way up the ice and press high on the forecheck. He puts the pressure on in all areas of the ice and is able to recover the puck in the opposing end and create chances for himself.”
Alexander Dimitriadis (F, L, 5’8, 175, Sherwood Park Crusaders, 08/06/2004, Mercyhurst)
Dimitriadis was shipped to Sherwood Park mid season to help with their push for the playoffs but was unable to make a huge impact. After a nice junior career, he will play for Mercyhurst next season.
Dimitriadis brings a lot of experience to his new team.
“He wins draws he competes hard in front of both nets and supports the puck in all three zones. He has good speed – can pull away from defenders on the rush and compliments that with smooth hands and vision. He catches hard passes clean without having to look down to accept it makes short saucers passes in congested areas to get pucks over stick blades and makes quick and clever decisions with the puck.”
Leo-Gabriel Gosselin (F, R, 6’1, 174, Seminaire St. Francois Bliazzard, 05/19/2009, RPI)
The 16-year-old Gosselin, a second-round pick of the Chicoutimi Sagueneens in the QMJHL, has already committed to RPI (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute).
Gosselin is already big and will continue to grow, making him a possibly elite power forward.
“He is an above-average skater with strong, powerful strides and good balance, making him solid on his skates. A reliable two-way center, Gosselin shows shiftiness with the puck, a quick release, and a willingness to go to the net with purpose, battling hard for rebounds. He makes smart, efficient decisions in the defensive zone with short, accurate passes, and attacks the offensive zone with speed, creating space and opportunities for himself and his linemates. He finished the challenge with 4 points in 4 games and stands out as an intriguing prospect thanks to his size, position, skating ability, and dependable two-way game.”
Rennick Hendrickson (F, L, 5’11, 153, Shattuck St. Mary’s U16 AAA, 12/17/2008, Minnesota-Duluth)
Hendrickson had a decent but quiet season at Shattuck, collecting a lower point total than the season prior. With that said, he is still one of the most impactful players on his team. In 2028, he will join one of his home state’s top programs in Minnesota-Duluth.
Hendrickson was an impressive player when NZ scouts evaluated his game.
“Hendrickson may be the best skater on his team. The 9th-round USHL pick of Dubuque is elusive and creative with the puck on his stick. He consistently found open ice and created time and space with his skating and puck control. The nearly 6’0″ left-handed forward was an offensive threat not only for himself but also elevated his linemates nearly every shift. Hendrickson played with excellent speed and pace in a high-octane game.”
Braden Horton (F, R, 6’1, 178, Shattuck St. Mary’s U15 AAA, 04/17/2009, Penn State)
Horton starred for Shattuck and had a stellar offensive season, collecting 35 goals and 112 points. His performance impressed the Windsor Spitfires, who drafted him in the sixth round, but Horton will take a different route and play for the NTDP. In 2028, he will go to Penn State.
Horton is a strong, two-way forward.
“Horton has an expansive skill set that will translate at higher levels. He can handle the puck, has a long wingspan to shield it from defenders and has a rare power and finesse combination. He can win puck battles in the corner and then undress a defender coming out of the corner and attack the net. His camp was a bit of a mixed bag but when he was at his best he was one of the top 12 forwards and has the versatility to play up and down the roster. He’s proven this season he can play a top line role and open up space for his skilled linemates and has the passing ability to give them pucks in space and he can be a direct north-south energy game.”
Matthew Jovanovic (D, L, 6’2, 201, No team, 09/22/2004, RPI)
Jovanovic has not played a competitive game since the 2020-21 season as a member of the USHL’s Des Moines Buccaneers. He has been out all this time due to injury and never even got to play for the Saginaw Spirit – the OHL team that drafted him. RPI has given him a chance to comeback and play the game he loves again.
Cameron Kuzma (F, L, 6’2, 192, Seattle Thunderbirds, 07/17/2008, Lake Superior State)
Kuzma will play one more season in the WHL with the Seattle Thunderbirds before going to Lake Superior State. He was traded to Seattle in the off-season from the Regina Pats.
All of Kuzma’s skills and assets allow him to be a top player.
“Cameron Kuzma boasts impressive size, utilizing it effectively up the middle of the ice. He excels at defending his own zone, disrupting opponent’s scoring opportunities before they can develop. Kuzma is an energetic backchecker, consistently cutting off passing lanes and taking the puck carrier out of play, allowing his defensemen to focus on the puck handler. His speed allows him to quickly transition from defense to offense, making a crucial steal in the neutral zone that set up a scoring chance. With his aggressive forechecking, Kuzma creates turnovers and capitalizes on them with strong passing skills, showcasing his well-rounded skillset.”
Jacob LeBlanc (D, R, 6’1, 190, North Bay Battalion, 06/03/2004, Mercyhurst)
In his final OHL season, LeBlanc recorded his best point total, putting up 10 goals and 52 points. He’ll hope to keep that momentum up as he heads to Mercyhurst next season.
LeBlanc’s size and big-game experience can help him have an easy transition into NCAA hockey.
“LeBlanc has great size and strength for a defenseman, and he is not one to shy away from throwing the body around to win battles for pucks. That being said, his aggressive physical play style has meant that he struggles to hold on to the puck for extended periods of time. His game is risky given that he wants to create offense, and with that means making plays that sometimes looked forced. He has it in his game to make great plays with baby sauces and seam passes, but when they do not connect, the puck had a habit of going the other way, and with that, him chasing to get back in his own end.”
Andrew LeBlanc (F, L, 6’0, 189, North Bay Battalion, 06/03/2004, Mercyhurst)
Just like his twin brother Jacob, Andrew will depart North Bay and head to Mercyhurst to take on a new challenge. Andrew is a former first-round pick in the OHL draft.
Preston Lounsbury (F, L, 6’0, 175, Moncton Wildcats, 04/12/2005, Holy Cross)
With 14 points in 19 playoff games, Lounsbury was crucial in Moncton’s QMJHL title win. After three full seasons with the Wildcats, Lounsbury has made the jump to Holy Cross.
With Lounsbury’s experience, he can definitely excel in the NCAA.
“Lounsbury is a strong, 200 foot player that provides strong back pressure on the back check, and was not afraid to be a heavy F1 on the forecheck. Lounsbury has an active, and smart stick, allowing him to bait opposition players to open ice, before jumping and closing off time and space to create battles on the wall, and more often than not, came out with the puck on his stick.”
Marcus Magri (F, L, 6’0, 157, Oakville Rangers U16 AAA, 09/01/2009, UMass)
Magri was picked in the eighth round of the OHL Draft by the Kingston Frontenacs, but it seems like he will play at St. Andrew’s College next year. He committed to playing for UMass in 2028.
Magri showcased himself at the OMHA Championships.
“Throughout the OMHA Championships, Marcus showcased his strong shot, hockey sense, and puck skills. His shot was both deceptive and accurate, often using consistent head fakes to catch opponents off guard and open up shooting lanes. This deception allowed him to be patient and selective with his shot placement, which was evident on his goal against Ajax and again versus Grey Bruce. His strong vision enabled him to shoot effectively through traffic and generate second-chance opportunities by consistently hitting the net from long range. Regarding his hockey sense, Marcus made smart decisions with the puck when given space. He remained calm and poised in transition, assessing his options before distributing the puck—highlighted by a sharp cross-ice pass that led to a scoring chance against Grey Bruce. His puck skills were equally impressive; Marcus consistently sought out and attacked soft areas with control, using his quick hands to maintain puck possession along the boards and open up passing lanes. He executed controlled zone entries by protecting the puck with his body and positioning his stick away from defenders, allowing him to gain the zone and create space for his teammates to activate and facilitate play. With 1 goal and 2 assists for 3 points in 3 games, Marcus demonstrated an effective and reliable offensive game at the OMHA Championships.”
Isaac Menard (D, L, 5’10. 175, Shawinigan Cataractes, 04/08/2004, Alaska-Anchorage)
Ménard leaves the QMJHL after five seasons with the Cataractes and heads out west to play at Alaska-Anchorage.
Ménard was evaluated by NZ scouts in a QMJHL playoff game last season.
“For not being a bigger defenseman, he sure plays like it. Multiple times tonight, Menard sent people to the ice forcing turnovers but more importantly, momentum for his team. He is not the most offensive defenseman but has some offensive tendencies that can help forwards when looking to create. His game tonight was better in his own zone shown through shutting down rushes and extra possession time that the other teams top players were having. He can walk a blue line and a lot of his offensive came from moving the puck rather than finding any type of highlight reel play. Basically he plays a simple, yet effective game that does not have a lot of mistakes combined with being a physical force on the back end.”
Sean Miller (F, R, 5’11, 168, Long Island Gulls U16 AAA, 12/17/2008, Quinnipiac)
Miller had 59 points in 55 games for the U16 Long Island Gulls, which earned him a commitment to Quinnipiac in 2027.
Miller is still young, but his game shows promise.
“Sean Miller is a forward with a natural ability to control the puck and quickly turn possession into offensive chances. He moves well without the puck, finding open lanes and reading the play to stay in the right spots. His strong work ethic is evident in his battles for possession, as he hustles to regain control and support his teammates. Miller’s awareness and quick decision-making allow him to be a key contributor in all areas of the ice, making smart plays that keep his team on the attack.”
Logan Renkowski (F, L, 5’9, 172, Sioux Falls Stampede, 08/13/2005, Vermont)
Renkowski split time between the NAHL’s New Jersey Jr. Titans and the USHL’s Sioux Falls Stampede last season, playing in a combined 56 regular-season games. Next season, he will play at Vermont, even though he was originally committed to Harvard.
NZ scouts liked Renkowski’s game during an NAHL evaluation in January.
“Renkowski scored a well-timed goal in the middle of the first period to tie the game on the power play. The centerman was in the right place at the right time, burying a puck left at the top of the crease. After losing a 50/50 faceoff, the puck made its way back to the point, where the defenseman took a simple shot on net. Following a scramble, Renkowski drifted to the back door, controlled his skating to avoid getting too deep at the post, and finished the play with an easy goal. Despite his smaller stature, Renkowski plays hard, and this goal demonstrated his willingness to chase down and win back a puck he had lost during the draw. While it was on the power play, where offensive drive is heightened, he still made the effort to make this play happen.”
Brendan Russell (F, R, 5’11, 175, Cowichan Valley Capitals, 10/03/2008, St. Lawrence)
Russell played AAA with the Chicago Mission this season before heading off the BCHL with the Cowichan Valley Capitals. In 2027, he will go to St. Lawrence University.
Russell is a nifty player.
“Russell is lightning fast and relentless in puck pursuit as he wants the puck on his stick and finds ways to create with his pace. His best quality is his quickness as he can create shooting lanes for himself in any situation. Off the rush he can pop in any direction at high speeds to get defenders moving and create a gap then change the blade angle to deceptively release his shots on net with some zip behind them.”
Cole Sabourin (F, R, 5’10, 176, Mount St. Charles Academy U16 AAA, 01/23/2008, New Hampshire)
Sabourin impressed at Mount St. Charles, scoring 27 goals and 58 points in 57 games. He committed to the University of New Hampshire.
Sabourin was highly impressive at the NE Pack Pens Elite U16 & U18 Showcase.
“Sabourin played every shift of the showcase with speed, determination, tenacity, and hard work. He chipped in at least one goal, which started from strong positioning in the defensive zone. He worked hard, used his speed to support the breakout up the boards, won a foot race to the puck, cut to the middle, and stayed with a bouncy puck while fending off a defender to chip it over the goalie’s pad. He does everything with high pace and speed. On the defensive side of the puck, Sabourin was still blocking shots in the final period of the weekend. No matter the score or whether it was game one or five of the weekend, he played the same way—consistently hard—and thrived on doing the little things away from the puck.”
Rowen Sang (F, L, 6’3, 181, Kimball Union Academy, 03/03/2008, Dartmouth)
In 2024, Sang helped lead his Oakville Rangers to an OHL Cup title, and last season, he played at Kimball, putting up 31 points in 37 games. Starting in 2027, he is committed to play for Dartmouth.
Sang is a prospect for the 2026 NHL draft and was evaluated as one of the most intriguing players at a USA camp.
“Rowen Sang is a 6’3″, 181-pound left-shot winger with a projectable frame and a versatile game that allows him to contribute in all situations. He skates well for his size with a long, balanced stride and solid edgework, using his reach and frame effectively to protect pucks extending possession, create separation, and pressure defenders on the forecheck. Offensively, he shows flashes of creativity and poise, with soft hands in tight, a quick release, and the ability to distribute in stride. He was impactful in transition, slipped in and out of coverage, and showed good habits defensively with disciplined positioning and awareness. While his reach and stick were disruptive defensively, he still needs to get stronger on pucks and win more 50/50 battles to fully leverage his size advantage. Additionally, adding core strength and lower body power will allow him to play in a lower stance and improving his first touch will help him become more effective in traffic and along the walls. With continued strength development and more assertiveness in physical areas, Sang has the raw tools and skating base to emerge as a reliable power winger with two-way value and long-term upside that translates to the professional game.”
Finnegan Sears (F, L, 6’1 , 175, The Rivers School, 05/04/2009, Boston College)
Sears was a top performer at The Rivers School, posting 22 goals and 53 points. He was taken in the sixth round of the QMJHL draft, but it seems as though he will play for the NTDP. Sears will head to Boston College in 2027.
Sears had a standout season at prep school.
“Sears has had a great season playing against older and faster competition and he’s got all the physical tools you’d want to see in a top six forward in his speed, puck skill and shooting ability. If he’s not – he can still play a depth role because of his size, his powerful stride and ability to win races to pucks and win 50/50 pucks. He doesn’t need to be close to the net in order to score and he was able to generate offense off the rush off the cycle of broken plays and walking defenders off the wall which makes him a versatile multi-dimensional scorer.”
Matys St-Gelais (F, L, 5’10, 170, Pittsburgh Penguins Elite U15, 02/12/2009, UMass)
St-Gelais played with the Pittsburgh Penguins Elite and Seacoast Performance Academy last season, putting up 88 points in 59 games between the two teams. In 2028, the Quebec native will play at UMass.
With Seacoast, St-Gelais was evaluated at the QMJHL Cup.
“St-Gelais is a 5’10”, 170-pound left-shooting center who performed quite well and showed consistent play throughout the challenge. With above-average work ethic and effort, he was a visible and impactful presence on the ice, ranking as one of the best forwards on his team. His skating speed and edge work were above average, complementing his very good puck control, especially on the power play. St-Gelais demonstrated a precise passing game with the ability to find optimal passing lanes easily, while also applying significant pressure on the defense in the offensive zone. He possesses a hard shot with a quick release and plays a well-rounded game. Finishing the challenge with 2 assists in 4 games, St-Gelais is an interesting offensive prospect with the potential to be drafted as early as the second round.”
Michael Tang (F, R, 6’0, 160, Toronto Titans U16 AAA, 04/15/2009, Harvard)
Tang had a stellar season in the GTHL, scoring 52 goals and 128 points in 74 games. He was drafted in the fourth round of the OHL draft by the Niagara Ice Dogs but will suit up for the Madison Capitals of the USHL next year. He will go to Harvard in 2027.
Tang was invited to a USA camp this summer.
“Tang is a long, athletic, right-shot forward from the Toronto Titans, where he showed soft hands, creative puck skills, and a quick, accurate release. He moves well with strong edges and good balance but isn’t a burner and had to use his hockey sense to create space for himself. His soft hands were evident in his ability to maintain puck possession, fluidly curl away from pressure, or pull off a toe drag, along with the ability to slip passes through legs and triangles.”
by Sebastian Zucchet
Sebastian Zucchet is a freelance sports reporter from Toronto and someone who deeply enjoys hockey.