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.
Sam Caulfield (G, L, 6’0, 185, Chicago Steel, 08/29/2006, Colgate)
Caulfield has been drafted into three different junior leagues. He now finds himself with the Chicago Steel and will play at Colgate in 2027.
Nathan Hauad (F, R, 5’11, 177, Des Moines Buccaneers, 09/23/2008, UConn)
Suiting up for the USHL’s Des Moines Buccaneers, Hauad has two goals and three points in his first eight games. In two seasons, he will play for the University of Connecticut.
Hauad is a promising forward.
“Nathan is a skilled playmaking forward. He shows good patience with the puck, can manipulate the defense, and find open passing lanes. He is able to make swing passes around defenders and through seams to set up scoring chances.”
Ryan Hecker (D, R, 6’0, 173, Northern CT Nor’Easters 18U AAA, 06/27/2008, RPI)
Drafted by the USHL’s Waterloo Black Hawks, Hecker is still playing minor hockey this season. In 2028, he’ll attend RPI.
NZ scouts watched Heckler play at the Avon Old Farms Christmas Classic last year.
“Hecker logged quality minutes on the back end for Avon as a 2008-born defenseman. Standing around 6 feet tall, he displayed slick footwork and the mobility to evade the forecheck, transitioning the puck out of his zone with either a quick skate or an accurate pass. Ryan defended well, utilizing quick stop-and-start movements and maintaining tight gaps. He showed impressive recovery speed and frequently led the rush. His ability to snap passes at top speed stood out, as he consistently delivered accurate tape-to-tape passes across the neutral zone. Ranked among our top 300 USHL prospects last year, Hecker demonstrated why he earned that recognition, appearing athletic with quick feet, good size, and agility. He skated with a smooth stride in open ice and showed poise with the puck. Ryan is an intriguing player in his first year at Avon and one to watch closely.”
Brady Knowling (G, L, 6’4, 190, U.S. National U18 Team, 03/09/2008, Boston University)
Knowling played four games for Team USA at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup this summer, helping his team win the gold medal. Despite being born in Toronto, Knowling has chosen to represent the U.S.
Knowling will play at Boston University starting in 2028.
“A bigger goalkeeper who moves well, giving up too many rebounds and his ability just depends on where he’s going next season to develop his team game. Tons of potential. Should focus on the here and the now and try to make a difference for his team.”
Sam McCue (F, L, 6’2, 190, Brantford Bulldogs, 10/03/2005, Bowling Green)
A 2024 seventh-round pick of the Toronto Maple Leafs, McCue has played for four different OHL teams. Currently a point-per-game player with the Brantford Bulldogs. McCue will head to Bowling Green next fall.
Ethan Piercy (D, R, 5’11, 158, Cedar Rapids RoughRiders, 10/27/2007, Lindenwood)
A 13th round pick of the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders, Piercy has made his debut with the team. In 2027, he will play at Lindenwood.
Piercy was evaluated by NZ scouts at the USA Hockey 18U Nationals tournament.
“Piercy is an average-sized right-shot defenseman who showed good mobility and puck-handling abilities. He was good at making quick puck decisions from the backend and in transition. He plays the role of an efficient, poised, puck-moving blueliner. He made good puck decisions in breakout transitions through the neutral zone, on re-groups, and on the power play as a puck distributor.”
Antoine Proulx (G, L, 5’11, 171, Newfoundland Regiment, 07/11/2008, Clarkson)
Proulx is in his rookie campaign with the QMJHL’s newest team, the Newfoundland Regiment. He has committed to Clarkson.
Proulx was evaluated by NZ scouts at the Quebec U18 tournament.
“He is an extremely talented goalie, a fact he proved with his shutout tonight. Proulx moved extremely well in his crease, and his lateral movements from post to post were quick. He is athletic and demonstrated good balance in both his stand-up and butterfly positions. Despite being a smaller goalie, he still covered his angles effectively and challenged shooters by playing at the top of his crease. His rebound control was excellent. He looked very calm and in control, and he was very quick to get back into position.”
Jack Torr (F, R, 6’2, 190, Fargo Force, 07/29/2008, UConn)
The 17-year-old Torr is playing with the USHL’s Fargo Force right out of high school. His game has earned him a commitment to the University of Connecticut in 2028.
Torr’s development shows promise.
“Torr is a big body forward whose game is entirely predicated on raw power. He is still continuing to develop his two-way game but offensively he is going to be a weapon as the season rolls along and he will help to wear down the opposing defenders with his physicality and bruising style.”
Cameron Wilson (F, R, 6’0, 174, Philadelphia Rebels, 09/09/2008, Lindenwood)
A 2024 draft pick of the USHL’s Madison Capitols, Wilson is currently playing for the NAHL’s Philadelphia Rebels, collecting two goals in his first 12 games. He will play at Lindenwood in 2027.
Wilson is a talented forward whose game will continue to grow.
“Wilson has a great first step that generates a lot of speed. When he can wind up from his own zone, he generates even more speed with quick crossovers that allow him to blow by opponents, even when the puck is on his stick. When he drives wide, he has excellent puck control and can hang the puck out in places no one else can reach, then reel it back in with his big reach, making it hard to defend him at full speed. He has a heavy shot and quick release on the move, easily creating offense off the rush.”
Eli Winters (G, L, 6’1, 166, U. S. National U17 Team, 03/30/2009, Wisconsin)
Despite being picked by the OHL’s Saginaw Spirit, Winters is playing for the NTDP this season. He has committed to Wisconsin for 2028.
Winters is a well-liked, technical goaltender.
“He is well-positioned – he’s poised and doesn’t overcommit – made smart reads to get square to the shooter but also aware of where the other players are on the ice so if there is a pass against the royal road he’s ready for it and not scrambling. He is economical in his movements – sharp on his angles – compact – doesn’t leave many holes to shoot at and showed good depth in the crease.”
by Sebastian Zucchet
Sebastian Zucchet is a freelance sports reporter from Toronto and someone who deeply enjoys hockey.