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.
Spencer Anderson (F, L, 6’2, 187, Thief River Falls High, 09/08/2009, Miami (Ohio))
Anderson, the first-overall pick in the 2025 NAHL Futures Draft, spent last season playing Minnesota high-school hockey, scoring 17 goals and 27 points in 21 games. In 2028, he will play at Miami (Ohio).
Anderson impressed NZ scouts at the USA 16U National Camp.
“He finished National Camp with five goals. He looked comfortable playing center or wing. Anderson used his strength, reach, and powerful stride to protect pucks, win battles along the wall, and drive to the net with force and purpose. He played with an edge and physicality, finishing checks and delivering big hits that were meant to send a message, while maintaining discipline and an active stick defensively. Offensively, the Thief River Falls, MN native showed good puck patience, a quick release, and the ability to produce grade ‘A’ scoring opportunities in different ways—off the rush, around the net, and by stopping on pucks for second chances after outmuscling defenders. His awareness off-puck allowed him to find soft spots and arrive in scoring areas just before the puck. While his puck play at top speed and lateral agility still need development, Anderson plays a heavy, reliable game with legitimate upside as a two-way, north-south power forward who can impact the game physically and offensively.”
Brock Cheslock (F, L, 5’11, 183, Rogers High, 03/10/2008, Augustana)
With 17 goals and 39 points in 30 games, Cheslock was an offensive threat for Rogers High last season. He also got into five games with the Omaha Lancers. Cheslock will play at Augustana in 2027.
Cheslock has the potential to be make some noise.
“Cheslock is an athletic, skilled forward who makes plays in all three zones. The 2008 left-shot player has a smooth stride and is able to get up to speed easily with little wasted movement. He maintains his speed well through the neutral zone and uses his long frame and strong base to gain an edge on defenders. He plays physically down low and is hard on the puck, pressuring defenders into turnovers. He has a long reach and skilled puck handling, which allow him to make plays in tight spots and in open space. He is competitive and aggressive and appears to be at the beginning of his development curve.”
Max Cullen (F, L, 6’1, 168, Moorhead High, 11/27/2008, Minnesota Duluth)
Cullen helped lead his high-school team to a Minnesota state championship last season, putting up 11 goals and 28 points in 31 games. He is committed to Minnesota-Duluth for 2027.
Cullen was evaluated by NZ scouts during the quarterfinals of the tournament.
“Cullen delivered two of the game’s most impactful hits, including a clean body check on a defenseman behind the net that he had lined up from approximately 30 feet away. Max also delivered a heavy hit on another defenseman, demonstrating his willingness to engage physically and use his size. In possession, he remained calm and exhibited sophisticated puck protection, preventing opponents’ sticks or bodies from influencing his decision-making. He could extend plays and find teammates in scoring areas, spinning away from checks and creating additional maneuvering space.”
Joseph Henneberry (F, L, 6’2, 194, Cape Breton Eagles, 12/20/2004, Merrimack)
Last season, Henneberry had his best year in the ‘Q’ in terms of offensive output. Splitting time between the Cape Breton Eagles and the Victoriaville Tigres. Henneberry had 29 goals and 58 points. This fall, he will play at Merrimack.
Henneberry can be a difference maker at his new program.
“Henneberry has a good combination of speed and size where he was able to show that he can be effective in small areas while also pushing the pace off the rush.”
Owen Koller (D, L, 5’10, 167, Oakland Jr. Grizzlies 16U AAA, 03/02/2009, Bowling Green)
After suiting up for the Pittsburgh Penguins Elite 15U team in 2024-25, Koller made the move to the Oakland Jr. Grizzlies 16U this year. In 2028, he will play at Bowling Green.
Koller had an impressive USA camp, showcasing his skill and making a name for himself.
“Koller played a poised, high-percentage game built on strong skating, balance, defensive positioning, and quick puck movement. Throughout the U16 National Camp, he consistently displayed calm under pressure, scanning for the second layer of the forecheck on retrievals, making firm, flat first passes, and maintaining tight defensive gaps both off the rush and in his own defensive zone. His skating was a strength, as he was agile with quick first three steps and used edge control to create space from forecheckers. His heel-to-heel transitions also allowed him to play “in-your-face” defense. Defensively, he was tough in one-on-one battles, used a detailed stick to force opposing forwards where he wanted them to go, and engaged physically without forcing his partner to defend odd-man rushes. He was one of the more reliable defenders in terms of shutting down zone entries in the neutral zone and establishing his ice when boxing out in front of the net, showing maturity and situational awareness beyond his age. Offensively, he made smart decisions from the blue line, got pucks through traffic to the net, used the end boards to his advantage, and moved the puck well on the power play. Owen snapped a perfect pass to Collins to send him off for a goal against Team Columbia. However, at this point, he’s not a dynamic puck carrier, and he is still developing power in his point shots. We feel his upside lies in his ability to log 20 minutes and be a trusted presence in all situations. To reach his potential, Koller will need to continue getting stronger, improving his shot and release, and developing confidence as a more assertive offensive option without losing the discipline and composure that make him effective.”
Parker Lalonde (F, R, 6’2, 197, Brooks Bandits, 01/22/2004, Merrimack)
After multiple years in the BCHL and AJHL, Lalonde has committed to play at Merrimack. Lalonde had 32 goals and 62 points last season.
Lalonde is known as a reliable player all over the ice.
“Lalonde is a quietly effective player who excels in his two-way game, demonstrating a strong commitment to both offensive and defensive responsibilities. He is a balanced skater, showcasing impressive top speed while he maintains a solid 200-foot game which makes him reliable in all areas of the ice. Lalonde’s ability to make timely and intelligent plays often goes unnoticed due to his unflashy style yet he consistently comes through when it matters most.”
Elliot Lennon (G, L, 6’4, 185, Deerfield Academy, 05/05/2008, Brown)
While at Deerfield Academy last season, Lennon posted a 2.03 goals-against average, a .926 save percentage and was named the USHS prep goalie of the year. In 2027, he will play at Brown.
Lennon was evaluated by NZ scouts in a game report during his time at Deerfield.
“Elliot Lennon kept his hands out, taking away shooting angles and limiting the net his opponents had to look at. He moved well side to side, staying square to the puck and controlling his crease efficiently. Early in the game, he made the key saves his team needed to stay in it, keeping momentum on their side. His highlight moment came in the third period when he made an incredible backdoor glove save, robbing a sure goal and preserving his team’s lead.”
Filip Nordberg (D, L, 6’5, 216, Sioux Falls Stampede, 03/05/2004, Merrimack)
Nordberg, a native of Stockholm, spent his first full season in the USHL last year and will be another addition to Merrimack’s roster this fall. Nordberg was a 2022 second-round pick of the Ottawa Senators.
Nordberg has all the right tools to be an effective NCAA defenseman.
“Nordberg is a towering defender who surprises with his mobility for his size. In the defensive zone, he effectively shuts down plays, using his strength and positioning to smother opponents and make it difficult for them to find space. His size allows him to dominate battles along the boards and clear the crease, giving his team a solid presence on the back end. In the offensive zone, Nordberg transitions the puck smoothly, carrying it out in front of him while avoiding checks and minimizing turnovers. His ability to keep his feet moving and create space for himself allows him to open up lanes and make smart plays. When the opportunity arises, he throws pucks on net through traffic, creating chaos in front of the goaltender and generating offensive chances for his team.”
Brock Schultz (F, R, 5’8, 185, Waterloo Black Hawks, 07/10/2005, North Dakota)
After only having one goal in 19 games in 2023-24, Schultz scored ten goals in his first full USHL season. This fall, Schultz will play hockey at the University of North Dakota.
Schultz is a crafty hockey player.
“Schultz is a smaller and quicker forward and plays with this type of agility throughout his game. He does a good job at making moves at the last second or in tight, he is able to keep the puck close to his body and in a spot where he can stick handle effectively.”
Nolan Snyder (F, R, 5’10, 169, Pittsburgh Penguins Elite 15U, 04/13/2009, Penn State)
With 34 goals and 96 points in 62 games last season, Snyder was a difference maker of the Penguins Elite program. An eighth-round pick of the Kingston Frontenacs, Snyder will suit up for them this year. Penn State awaits him in 2028.
Snyder put up a decent showing at the USA 16U Camp.
“Snyder is a decent-sized, right-shot forward who is successful with a blend of skills, instincts, and strength. He is smart, finding the soft and open spots in the offensive zone to receive the puck. He will battle for pucks in the corners and along the wall, which leads to possession and finding his teammates’ sticks for scoring chances moments later.”
by Sebastian Zucchet
Sebastian Zucchet is a freelance sports reporter from Toronto and someone who deeply enjoys hockey.