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.
Brian Cooke (G, L, 6’1, 165, Minot Minotauros, 04/21/2008, Holy Cross)
Drafted by the USHL’s Muskegon Lumberjacks, Cooke is playing for the Minot Minotauros of the NAHL this season. In 2028, he will go play at Holy Cross. Cooke is already a large goalie at his age, with lots of room for growth.
Hayden Harsanyi (F, L, 5’9, 175, Saskatoon Blades, 01/10/2007, Colorado College)
A 2022 first-round pick of the WHL’s Medicine Hat Tigers, Harsanyi is currently suiting up for the Saskatoon Blades in what will be his final WHL season. Next fall, Harsanyi will head to Colorado College.
Harsanyi was evaluated in a game report last season by NZ scouts.
“Harsanyi was one of the most noticeable players on the ice, showcasing his exceptional skating ability. His stride is smooth, allowing him to glide effortlessly and pick up speed without wasting movement. He used this ability effectively to create space for himself and his teammates, taking advantage of open lanes in the offensive zone. Whether carrying the puck through the neutral zone or making quick cuts in tight spaces, he constantly applied pressure on defenders. Defensively, he demonstrated strong positional awareness. He tracked back well and provided reliable support in his own zone, taking straight lines to loose pucks and tying up his man in front of the net.”
Carter Hicks (D, R, 6’1, 181, Windsor Spitfires, 02/20/2008, UConn)
In his second season with the Windsor Spitfires. Hicks has already collected his share of accomplishments, including being named to OHL second all-star team last year and representing Canada Red at the U17 World Championship.
Hicks was evaluated by NZ scouts at the U17 World Challenge.
“This lanky, right-shot defenseman steadily improved as the tournament progressed. He played a stay-at-home defensive role and played tough in his own zone. He showed a strong physical presence, used his length and reach to effectively compete along the boards and disrupt opposing players. He was most effective in the defensive zone, showed good gap and closed quickly on attackers, limiting scoring chances. Early in the tournament overhandled the puck at times, turned over a few pucks, and got caught out on long extended shifts in his zone. Hicks was able to make adjustments in this play and simplified his game. He showed he could contribute offensively by making simple, accurate passes and joined the rush when opportunities arose. He was also effective at making timely pinches and reading plays on the offensive blue line to extend offensive zone time for Team Red.”
Alexander Sokolov (F, L, 6’2, 190, South Kent School 18U Prep, 10/29/2007, Brown)
Currently playing for South Kent School 18U Prep, Sokolov is a well-built 18-year-old who has 31 points through 20 games this season. In 2028, he will play for Brown.
Charlie Vig (F, L, 5’9, 130, Omaha Lancers, 02/01/2007, Bemidji State)
In his second season with the USHL’s Omaha Lancers, Vig has two goals and nine points through 17 games. Next fall, he will head to Bemidji State.
by Sebastian Zucchet
Sebastian Zucchet is a freelance sports reporter from Toronto and someone who deeply enjoys hockey.