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.
Joshua Bostedo (D, L, 5’9, 155, Lovell Academy 16U AAA, 10/15/2008, Army)
Bostedo had 40 assists as a defenseman in 16U, and this upcoming season, he will play in the NAHL with the Johnstown Tomahawks. In 2028, he will join Army.
Bostedo is a calm, cool and collected defenseman.
“Joshua Bostedo is a defenseman who applies relentless pressure on opposing wingers, forcing them to rush their plays along the half wall when trying to break out. His strong gap control ensures that attackers have little time and space, making it difficult for them to create offense. He stays tall and composed on rushes against, maintaining solid positioning to steer opponents away from dangerous areas. Joshua also moves the puck quickly and efficiently, helping his team transition smoothly from defense to offense.”
Colt Carter (D, R, 5’8, 155, St. Albert Raiders U18 AAA, 07/23/2009, Denver)
Carter played AAA for the St. Albert Raiders last season but also made seven appearances for the Moose Jaw Warriors – the team he was drafted by. Carter will join Denver in 2027 after he spends some time in the WHL.
Carter was evaluated at the WHL Cup by NZ scouts.
“Colt had a quiet tournament by his standards, recording one assist in five games. With Alberta carrying seven defenders on its roster, ice time was limited, and Colt played more of a supporting role, which he handled well. He defended the rush effectively, using his strong skating to control gaps and stepping up to knock pucks away with his stick. Despite being listed at only 5’7”, Colt was comfortable playing in tight spaces, getting into opponents’ hands to disrupt plays and make stops. Offensively, his skill and creativity stood out. In the finals against Manitoba, Colt made an excellent cross-ice pass onto the tape of Pisani, who was activating into the rush. He also rushed the puck effectively, using his edges and speed to find open ice and attack lanes. As it stands, Colt is one of the top 2009-born defenders in Western Canada, and it will be exciting to see where he plays next season.”
Caden Dabrowski (F, R, 5’11, 176, Chicago Mission U16 AAA, 05/27/2008, Merrimack College)
Dabrowski had an impressive stat line with the Chicago Mission, scoring 51 goals and collecting 86 points in 67 games last season. In 2027, he will play at Merrimack College.
Dabrowski has good offensive abilities.
“Caden is an average sized, offensive minded forward with a right shot. He has a powerful wrist shot and with the confidence to drive the net and cut to the middle often. He has the ability to create numerous scoring chances night in and night out.”
Brooks DeMars (F, L, 6’2, 184, Long Island Gulls U16 AAA, 06/09/2009, North Dakota)
DeMars tore it up for the Long Island Gulls last season, and his talents have been rewarded with a commitment to North Dakota in 2028. Next season, DeMars will suit up for the WHL’s newest team, the Penticton Vees.
NZ scouts wrote a report on DeMars at a U16 USA Camp.
“Brooks led the team in scoring and was named to the U17 USA Select Team. The Long Island Gulls product earned a point in at least every game. At 6’2″, he played a direct game, with jam and a heavy shot. He used a strong stick in the defensive zone and stayed with his center. DeBoer had some “greasy” elements to his game and rubbed off opponents, winning ice position at the net front with some sandpaper and a balanced base. He generated chances off the rush or from below the goal line. His hands are clean, soft, and deceptive. Brooks could pull in poor passes, fire clean one-timers, and play one-touch hockey when under pressure. He showed scoring instincts and anticipation around the net, arriving in scoring areas with timing, a strong stick, and finishing with a heavy, accurate release. His puck pursuit, body positioning, and stick detail allowed him to overwhelm opponents and create turnovers. DeMars scored a goal in the first game against Lime Green. He came up the left wing and went past the defenseman at the blue line, did a stutter step, and drove across the net for the score. It was an elite play that happened quickly by a player of his size. The whole rink looked at their rosters. He made difficult plays look easy. The next day, he made a pass around a defender for a shot, which he then followed and rebounded home. He dominated at the net all week and was a top player in the age group. He is a high-ceiling player who will compete in the WHL for Penticton next season.”
Beckham Edwards (F, L, 6’1, 176, Sarnia Sting, 01/06/2008, Notre Dame)
Edwards had a good rookie season with the Sarnia Sting and was also included on Canada’s Hlinka Gretzky Cup roster, where he helped Canada capture a bronze medal. He will have a few more seasons in the OHL before heading to Notre Dame in 2027.
Edwards was evaluated after an OHL game by NZ scouts.
“Edwards has a quick first step that allows him to gain valuable ice on his opponents. His speed is a key asset, enabling him to create clean offensive chances by keeping his feet moving and attacking the net. He scored the second goal of the game for the Sting by receiving a pass in the slot and, with a quick flick of the wrist, rifling a shot past the goaltender. His release was impressively fast, as was the shot, showcasing his ability to capitalize on his opportunities.”
Benjamin Geiger (D, R, 6’1, 153, Northfield High, 01/21/2009, Minnesota)
Geiger enjoyed a good offensive year in Minnesota high-school hockey last season, putting up 22 goals and 61 points. He also made the State All-Tournament Team. Geiger will go to the NTDP next season and join the University of Minnesota in 2028.
Geiger is a smart hockey player, but with more development, he can take the next step very soon.
“Geiger is a smart, aware puck-mover who can run a power play – can break pucks out of his end with ease and efficiency and stretch the ice. He’s mobile and can defend 1v1 and against odd-man rushes – makes intelligent reads and is well positioned. He’s had success at the high school level against older and stronger competition so his lean build may be lesser concern. He’s the type of player that would benefit greatly from a strength and conditioning program and his best hockey is ahead of him so long term he’s a player with a long runway.”
Landon Jackman (F, L, 6’2, 212, Little Caesars U15 AAA, 06/03/2009, Quinnipiac)
Jackman put up absurd numbers for Little Caesars, collecting 83 goals and 183 total points in 85 games. He was drafted in the second round of the 2025 OHL draft by Owen Sound, which is where he will play next season. In 2027, he will join Quinnipiac.
Jackman can become a dangerous player.
“Jackman is a big-framed power forward coming off a highly productive season at Detroit Little Caesar’s who plays a man’s game. He has a rare combination of size, skill, toughness, and deceptive finesse that makes him dangerous in all situations. He can bounce off a check and score from beyond the dots and also maneuver in traffic, protect the puck, and make a skilled move in tight to beat the goalie. A top-five USHL Draft pick by Lincoln, he signed with Owen Sound in the OHL and has the frame, toughness, and scoring ability to play in the OHL next season. His stride is powerful with some straight-line speed, although he will need to develop a separation gear as he advances to higher levels.”
Hugo Marcil (D, R, 5’9, 185, Sherbrooke Phoenix, 08/07/2004, Alaska-Fairbanks)
Marcil was undrafted to the QMJHL but still had three solid seasons there. Next season, he will head to the opposite end of the continent to suit up for the University of Alaska-Fairbanks.
Marcil’s skill and experience will help him massively in the NCAA.
“Hugo Marcil is a skilled defenseman known for his dynamic playmaking abilities, showcasing quick bursts of speed to create scoring chances through the neutral zone. His agility allows him to navigate the ice with ease, making precise passes to set up teammates. Marcil’s physical presence on the ice is notable, as he is willing to step up and make contact with opponents to gain an advantage. This ability to combine skating and physicality makes him a valuable asset in defending against opponents while also contributing to the team’s transition game.”
Broden McArthur (D, R, 5’10, 173, Dallas Stars Elite 16U AAA, 02/24/2009, Minnesota)
McArthur had a point per game with the Dallas Stars Elite 16U, recording 47 points in 47 games. Next season, he will join the NTDP U17 team, and the University of Minnesota awaits his arrival in 2028.
All of McArthur’s skills can take him far with further development.
“McArthur is one of the best skaters in the defensive group, he’s one of the strongest, he’s one of the most offensively gifted and he’s one of the toughest. Put that all together and he’s got a variety of skill sets that can be used to help this team over the next two years playing a multitude of roles. He’s an alpha and plays like – strong and balanced on his edges- high percentage in 50/50 scrums facilitates offense from the backend and passes like a veteran junior player. He’s one of the most junior ready prospects in this entire group regardless of position with his size, strength skating ability and experience playing up a level this year.”
Hunter McInnes (D, R, 6’1, 183, Chilliwack Chiefs, 04/30/2005, Nebraska-Omaha)
McInnes spent four seasons with Chilliwack in the BCHL but now sets off for a new adventure with Nebraska-Omaha.
This is what NZ scouts had to say about McInnes’ game in a BCHL player evaluation.
“McInnes picked up a loose puck in the neutral zone, immediately attacked the net on a two-on-one, looked off his partner, and fired one low to the blocker. It was a great and timely goal that put his team back in the lead and ultimately became the game-winner. McInnes is a two-way defender but showed a bit of offense here, proving that he is capable of creating when the pressure is on. He is at his best in the neutral zone, where he can steer and control the game’s shape and tempo with his poise, footwork, and heads-up plays. He excels on his edges, gapping and re-gapping, or falling back onto his heels to accept passes and move them back up ice quickly. He demonstrated tonight that he is very difficult to beat off the rush, as he has a long reach and can skate with nearly every forward.”
Sam Pandolfo (F, L, 6’4, 180, The Rivers School, 07/02/2009, Boston University)
Pandolfo commits to BU, where his father, Jay Pandolfo, is the head coach. Sam will join the Terriers in 2027, and next season, he will play with the NTDP.
Pandolfo impressed at a USA camp this summer.
“Pandolfo is a pro style forward with a 6 ‘3′ frame and a well-rounded 200ft game. In some regards he’s a no-brainer if the program is committed to developing NHL prospects. His skating still has room to improve but he’s noticeably better this year than he was last year and if he takes a similar jump next year then he’s well on his way to reaching his potential. His skill set is versatile; he can adjust and adapt like he did here and play for power in certain situations and he’s also got a finesse component with his puck touch and passing ability that makes him rare for his age and his build.”
Matt Paranych (D, L, 5’8, 157, Regina Pats, 04/23/2007, Bowling Green)
Paranych joined the Regina Pats midseason from the Medicine Hat Tigers, the eventual WHL champs. He will play out west for one more season before heading across the border to play for Bowling Green.
Paranych is a good quarterback for the powerplay.
“Paranych demonstrated solid vision and agility on the ice, consistently carrying the puck out of his own zone with poise. His ability to dump the puck over the red line effectively showcased his comfort level with dump-and-chase plays. However, there was room for improvement in terms of controlled zone entries, as he occasionally struggled to generate movement into open space. In the offensive zone, Paranych utilized his speed to create scoring opportunities, often circling around the top and releasing pucks to forward teammates. He also displayed a strong shot from the high slot, demonstrating confidence in his ability to make plays from a distance.”
Stephen Peck (G, L, 6’2, 180, Muskegon Lumberjacks, 01/18/2005, Michigan)
Peck became a Clark Cup Champion with the Muskegon Lumberjacks, serving a key part of their title-winning success. Peck will stay in the state of Michigan, joining the Wolverines this fall.
Peck shows top-level fundamentals in goal.
“Stephen Peck is known for playing a calm and well-rounded game that allows him to effectively control rebounds and movement in the crease. His ability to set his feet on threats and center his body enables him to make powerful and precise movements, resetting his stance to stay reactive. Strong tracking skills allow him to visually watch everything in and out of the zone, making it difficult for opponents to find scoring opportunities. He also exhibits comfortability in awkward angles, using an overlap and reverse when necessary. Peck’s ability to identify threats outside of the puck carrier and maintain a balanced stance creates power and precision movement. His frequent scans of the ice aid in his overall game, but there is room for improvement in line rush situations. Staying within his game and consistency are key areas where Peck finds success, and he has shown significant growth in these aspects.”
Noah Reinhart (F, R, 6’1, 202, Val-d’Or Foreurs, 05/09/2005, Michigan Tech)
Reinhart had a massive final season in the QMJHL, scoring 41 goals and adding 80 points in 63 games between Val-d’Or and Cape Breton. Next season, he will go play at Michigan Tech.
NZ scouts had praise for Reinhart after a QMJHL match report.
“Noah is a highly dangerous presence in the slot, consistently finding open space and capitalizing on scoring opportunities. He showcased his offensive instincts early, slipping away from his defender to receive a perfect pass before burying a shot over the glove for his first goal. His ability to get behind defenders makes him a constant threat, and his teammates are recognizing his positioning, feeding him with quality passes. He also demonstrated strong puck awareness and creativity, stealing the puck and driving to the net before using a defender’s stick to create a deflection that resulted in a goal. With his knack for finding soft spots in coverage and finishing plays, Noah is a highly effective offensive weapon.”
Cooper Soller (F, R, 5’11, 172, Shattuck St. Mary’s U16 AAA, 08/11/2008, Western Michigan)
Soller scored 30 goals and added 71 points with Shattuck last season. He also got into one game with the USHL’s Sioux Falls Stampede. He was drafted in the first round of the 2023 WHL draft but did not choose that route. In 2028, he will join reigning national champions Western Michigan.
Soller is a consistent threat on offense.
“He hides his release well, can change the angle, and snap pucks through bodies to get on net like a marksman. Cooper isn’t the biggest guy, but has a firm presence and explosive stride to get through contact. He is not afraid to carry pucks through the tall trees and is able to find tight seems to deliver on target passes with his head up as he scans and processes what is in front of him so quickly.”
by Sebastian Zucchet
Sebastian Zucchet is a freelance sports reporter from Toronto and someone who deeply enjoys hockey.