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.
Rowan Calvert (F, L, 5’11, 191, Saskatoon Blades, 10/01/2005, Maine)
Currently in his final WHL season with the Saskatoon Blades, Calvert broke out last year with 24 goals and 53 points in 64 games. He will hope to keep that up this season before heading off to Maine.
Calvert was evaluated in a game against the Prince Albert Raiders last season by NZ scouts.
“Calvert was strong on the puck, using his size and balance to protect possession in tight spaces. He controlled pucks well in the corners, making tight turns to evade defenders while keeping his feet moving. His ability to handle physical play made him difficult to knock off the puck, and he helped sustain offensive pressure by cycling effectively.”
Jack McAra (F, L, 6’1, 188, Cowichan Valley Capitals, 09/13/2005, R.I.T)
Suiting up for the Cowichan Valley Capitals of the BCHL, McAra has four goals and 16 points through 14 games so far. Next season, he will head to New York and play for R.I.T.
A game report by NZ scouts revealed that McAra is an effective two-way centerman.
“McAra played a steady, composed game in the middle of Cowichan’s top line. He provided structure, battled on draws, and tracked back hard defensively. Offensively, he made simple but effective plays to maintain possession and connect entries. He rarely overcomplicated situations, instead relying on quick reads and smart support positioning. His routes through the middle were clean, helping Fazio and Hall find space off the cycle. A quietly efficient two-way centerman, McAra elevates his linemates through attention to detail and effort.”
Nicklas Nelson (D, L, 6’0, 172, Team Spade, 08/11/2008, UConn)
Currently playing for Team Spade in the Upper Midwest High School Elite Hockey League, Nelson has committed to the University of Connecticut for 2028-29.
Nelson can be a reliable two way defenseman.
“Nelson is a big-bodied defenseman with solid lateral agility and deception, especially when working along the blue line. He moves the puck well and has the ability to get low, well-placed shots on net to create rebound chances. He showed glimpses of his offensive potential.”
Landon Pickersgill (D, R, 6’1, 181, Leamington Flyers, 10/30/2008, Lake Superior State)
A seventh-round pick of the Flint Firebirds and playing in his first OJHL season, Pickersgill has five goals and 13 points in 17 games. He has committed to Lake Superior State for 2028.
Pickersgill was evaluated by NZ scouts at a showcase in Detroit last season.
“Landon is a well-sized left-shot defenseman. He played with good positioning, took smart angles to the puck, and used his stick effectively to defend. He moved his stick in and out of passing lanes and demonstrated good strength, easily pushing opposing forwards off balance.”
Sam Schulte (D, R, 6’2, 183, Chippewa Steel, 03/20/2007, Army)
Currently playing for the NAHL’s Chippewa Steel, Schulte has two goals and seven points through 12 games. He will join Army next year.
Schulte is a good puck mover and has great hockey IQ.
“Schulte is a well-sized, athletic 2007 defenseman who plays wisely beyond his years, showing no lack of confidence against older competition and demonstrating significant upside. His active stick effectively pokes pucks away from a distance, lunging only when the opportunity is right and without getting beat behind him. His edgework allows him to engage attackers while also spinning away from contact on retrievals to initiate clean breakouts up ice.”
Nolan Stevenson (D, R, 6’2, 175, Penticton Vees, 01/04/2005, St. Cloud State)
A current member of the newest WHL franchise, the Penticton Vees, Stevenson will play at St. Cloud State next year. Stevenson was originally drafted by the Swift Current Broncos but never played for them.
Stevenson is a smart and skilled defenseman.
“Nolan Stevenson is a skilled defenseman who excels in both offensive and defensive situations. His ability to move pucks and contribute to the attack is notable, as he ranks second on his team in assists. With highly mobile skating, Stevenson can transition effectively during offense and handle opposing attacks with agility. He relies on excellent positioning and strategic defense to compensate for lack of physicality. Stevenson’s puck-handling skills allow him to execute plays effectively, and he demonstrates confidence with the puck. As a key contributor on the power play, he excels at quarterbacking the first unit. Defensively, he is a competitor who wins battles consistently, maintaining a strong season average.”
Charlie Sullivan (D, L, 6’1, 183, St. Andrew’s College, 03/21/2009, Cornell)
A draft pick of the Guelph Storm, Sullivan is currently playing at St. Andrew’s College. In 2028, the defenseman will head to Cornell.
Sullivan put in a great performance at the OHL Cup, where his Don Mills Flyers placed second.
“Throughout the OHL Cup, Charlie showcased his strong compete level, skating, and shot. Looking at his compete level, Charlie backchecked consistently. He rarely trailed the play and was consistently one of the first players back to limit zone entries for his team. Charlie won numerous puck battles. Due to his strong physical game, Charlie delivered many hits to opponents away from the puck, enabling him to gain puck possession and initiate breakouts. Charlie frequently positioned himself in shooting lanes, demonstrating a willingness to put his body on the line. He blocked many shots, limiting scoring chances against his team. Regarding his skating, he was agile. Charlie demonstrated the ability to utilize both his inside and outside edges effectively.”
by Sebastian Zucchet
Sebastian Zucchet is a freelance sports reporter from Toronto and someone who deeply enjoys hockey.