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.
Cole Hajt (F, L, 6’5, 183, Prince George Cougars, 01/10/2009, Princeton)
A first-round pick in the 2024 WHL US Prospects Draft by the Prince George Cougars, Hajt is currently playing for the team. A product of El Segundo, Calif., Hajt is committed to Princeton for 2028.
Hajt can become a great power forward.
“His size and reach allow him to effectively shield pucks against the largest defenders and win net-front battles by establishing his position before a defender can arrive. He flashes strong puck-protection skills, a heavy shot, and smart vision. Hajt wins faceoffs with decently quick hands and is highly disruptive low in the offensive zone. Hajt shows glimpses of dominance when he lowers his shoulder and drives the net with authority or leans into defenders to create space. However, he struggles with consistency in physical assertiveness, often deferring to play on the perimeter despite his clear size advantage. His skating is linear and builds speed once he gets going, but his edgework and first few strides will continue to improve as he grows into his body.”
Easton Johnson (D, L, 6’0, 169, U.S. National U17 Team, 07/30/2009, Michigan)
Johnson, a first-round pick in the WHL and former standout with the Sioux Falls Power, has started his season with the NTDP. Johnson will play at the University of Michigan in 2027.
Johnson is a hard defenceman to play against.
“Johnson is a mature two-way mobile defender. He’s got four way mobility which allows him to gap up tight on puck carriers – take away their time and space and has the balance and edge control to seal them off along the boards and take back possession. He’s calm on retrievals – keeps his eyes up ice – doesn’t get distracted by forecheck pressure and has the skill and skating ability to escape and pull away. His poise isn’t just with the puck but defensively – he doesn’t chase after pucks – he doesn’t get distracted puck watching – he keeps his head on a swivel and shadows his opponents around the net front. Johnson is one of the most well-rounded defenseman in the country who can play any role on the backend.”
Caelan Joudrey (F, R, 6’4, 181, Wenatchee Wild, 01/17/2008, Quinnipiac)
After collecting five goals and 16 points through 66 games last season, Joudrey is playing in his second full year with the WHL’s Wenatchee Wild. In 2027, he will join Quinnipiac.
Joudrey can be impactful for his team on both sides of the puck.
“Joudrey has significant upside, using his size and reach effectively to disrupt plays and maintain possession of the puck. While not the quickest skater, Joudrey compensates with his ability to control the pace of the game, leveraging his physicality and skill to make an impact both offensively and defensively.”
Maxime Lafond (F, L, 6’5, 202, Drummondville Voltigeurs, 03/28/2006, Northeastern)
Lafond is entering his fourth and final season with the QMJHL’s Drummondville Voltigeurs, as he joins Northeastern next year.
Lafond’s size allows him to be physical.
“Maxime Lafond is a physically imposing power forward with a relentless work ethic and strong hockey intangibles. He excels in board battles, protecting the puck, and driving to the net, creating scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.”
Nathan Lecompte (F, R, 5’10, 168, Chicoutimi Sagueneens, 01/19/2007, Northeastern)
Lecompte, a former fourth-overall pick in the QMJHL draft, is off to a pretty good start this season, posting nine points in eight games. Next year, he will play for Northeastern.
Lecompte has good hockey sense and skill.
“Lecompte is a diminutive right-shot center who logs over 16 minutes per game for Chicoutimi, including nearly three minutes on the power play. He plays a high-tempo, offensively tilted game, showing creativity and quickness in transition. While his hockey sense and skill level are readily apparent, concerns about size, puck battle effectiveness, and physical projection raise questions about his ability to withstand the demands of pro hockey.”
Victor Mannebratt (D, R, 6’1, 191, Maryland Black Bears, 04/16/2005, Alaska-Anchorage)
Mannebratt made the switch to North American hockey last season, posting 12 goals and 41 points for the NAHL’s Maryland Black Bears. He will suit up for the Black Bears for one more year before heading off to play at the University of Alaska Anchorage next fall.
Mannebratt is a fluid player.
Mannebratt has good size and can generate heat on his shot. The Swedish-born defender is a smooth skater in all directions, and his first step in every direction creates space and separation. He can create the rush with his skating or join and add an extra layer to the attack.
Thaddeus McMahon (D, L, 5’11, 168, Omaha Lancers, 02/21/2009, Quinnipiac)
The first overall pick in the 2025 USHL Futures Draft and a seventh-round pick of the OHL’s Sudbury Wolves, McMahon is a highly touted player. In 2027, he will suit up for Quinnipiac.
McMahon has great upside with many years left for development.
“McMahon is an athletic, instinctual, smooth-skating, left-shot defenseman. He utilizes his strong stride in puck retrievals to escape pressure and initiate the breakout with a crisp, accurate first pass or by using his skating ability to carry pucks to safe spots.”
Wassim Rabbath (D, L, 6’1, 155, Gatineau Olympiques, 03/05/2008, Dartmouth)
After appearing in three games for Gatineau last season, Rabbath is playing in his first full year in the ‘Q’. Rabbath represented Lebanon in a tournament in 2023-24, and in 2028, he will play at Dartmouth.
Rabbath’s skill could lead to him becoming a top defenseman.
“While he exhibits strong passing ability and awareness on the ice, there’s room for development, particularly in his mobility, especially when it comes to retrieving pucks behind him. Physically, Rabbath has potential for growth, which could help him define his game more clearly as he progresses.”
Tucker Sinclair (F, L, 5’5, 124, St. Andrew’s College, 07/16/2009, Princeton)
Sinclair, a native of Nova Scotia, is playing for St. Andrew’s College in Ontario this season. A 2025 fifth-round pick of the QMJHL’s Rimouski Oceanic, Sinclair is committed to Princeton University for 2028.
Sinclair is a nifty forward with great potential and athleticism.
“Tucker is an exceptionally quick forward with a keen sense of timing, consistently capitalizing on loose pucks. His exceptional hands and puck-handling skills are evident. He displays fluid movement with the puck, showcasing impressive agility and stickhandling. Tucker possesses a high hockey IQ, consistently identifying and executing accurate passes to create scoring chances. His quickness allows him to evade defenders and deliver rapid snap shots. Despite his smaller stature, Tucker plays with confidence and a strong desire to shoot. His combination of speed, skill, and awareness makes him a formidable offensive threat.”
by Sebastian Zucchet
Sebastian Zucchet is a freelance sports reporter from Toronto and someone who deeply enjoys hockey.