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.
Heath Bogart (D, L, 5’11, 167, Collingwood Blues, 06/02/2008, Lake Superior State)
A tenth-round pick of the OHL’s Brantford Bulldogs, Bogart has yet to suit up for the team and is currently in his first season with the OJHL’s Collingwood Blues. In 2028, he will go across the border to play at Lake Superior State.
Bogart is very responsible on the defensive side of the puck.
“He skates very well and effectively shoulder-checks to evade pressure. His first passes out of the defensive zone are consistently good. He boxes out players effectively in front of the net and can play physically when necessary.”
Luke Brierley (D, L, 6’1, 180, Dubuque Fighting Saints, 02/07/2007, Brown)
A second-round pick in the 2023 USHL draft, Brierley is in his first full season with the Dubuque Fighting Saints, collecting one goal and three points in 12 games so far. He will attend Brown University in 2027.
Brierley is described by NZ scouts as more of a “stay-at-home defenseman.”
“With skilled hands and quick feet, he showcased a smooth walk and a quick release on the blue line, generating a dangerous shot on goal vs. Sioux City. Quick on his weak-side pinches, he was decisive, led with his stick, and consistently won races to loose pucks. He retrieved pucks efficiently, closed quickly on puck carriers, and could shake off forecheckers while keeping his head up and delivering snaps passes with pace and accuracy. Not overly physical and more of a controlled, stay-at-home defenseman, Briarly needs to limit turnovers and continue developing the ability to buy himself more time and space to make plays.”
Cole Davis (F, L, 5’10, 175, Windsor Spitfires, 06/22/2006, UConn)
Having posted 45 points with the OHL’s Windsor Spitfires last season, Davis has been producing again this year, collecting eight goals and 14 points thus far. Next season, he will be joining a UConn program that is on the rise.
Davis uses his speed and skating skills to his advantage.
“Cole is a very fast center with good edgework and a hard, quick-release shot. He uses his speed through the neutral zone and can move laterally on his edges to manipulate defenders. He also uses his good edge-work to make cut-backs and Gretzky turns on zone entries to shake defenders and find trailers. He uses his good speed to be very effective on the penalty-kill as well where he looks to be a threat to attack offensively if the opponent turns the puck over.”
Harper Frey (D, L, 6’1, 197, Madison Capitols, 04/16/2007, Wisconsin)
A Madison, Wis., native and a 2023 third-round pick of the Capitols, Frey is currently suiting up in the USHL. The tall defenseman committed to the Wisconsin Badgers for 2027.
Frey is strong defensively and moves the puck well.
“We were impressed by his physicality and hard-nosed approach, particularly in defending down low and in front of the net. He stood up opponents on zone entries and consistently displayed good gap control through center ice. He executed strong pinches and maintained the offensive blue line effectively. On one strong-side pinch, Frey battled two Fargo forwards, emerged with his head up, and delivered a bullet pass to his wing below the goal line, which was converted to a goal, earning him an assist. Quick on retrievals, he moves the puck with purpose, can wheel the net, gain the neutral zone, and deliver precise seam passes, such as a quick pass versus Lincoln to initiate the rush. Frey shows excellent stick posture in 1-on-1 battles, angling, riding out, and pinning opponents effectively. He also saved a potential goal by redirecting a dangerous scoring chance from Fargo. On the offensive blue line, he displayed poise, opening his hips, walking the line, keeping his shoulders square, and firing shots on net. With long strides and solid technique, Frey’s game is well-suited to make an impact this season.”
Nathan Leek (F, L, 6’2, 204, Charlottetown Islanders, 09/16/2005, Ferris State)
Having started his major-junior career with the OHL’s Peterborough Petes, Leek has since moved on to the QMJHL. With the Charlottetown Islanders this year, Leek has 12 goals and 20 points in 21 games. Ferris State awaits Leek next season.
Kade Meyer (D, L, 5’8, 156, Waterloo Black Hawks, 11/05/2008, St. Thomas)
A member of the gold medal-winning squad at the Hlinka Gretzky, Meyer did not record any points but was still an important contributor for his team. Currently suiting up for the USHL’s Waterloo Black Hawks, Meyer will play at the University of St. Thomas in 2027.
Meyer is known to be an unreal puck mover.
“Kade was an elusive puck mover and defended best when he had possession. Tough to forecheck, Meyer was a swift passer who zipped pucks up the middle and processed his options rapidly. He could pick pucks cleanly off the wall and shake off forecheckers with quick first steps and escape moves. While being slick, Meyer also used his teammates effectively and saw the whole ice, threading sauce passes over stick blades. Defensively, he moved quickly to defend with solid angles, and his gaps were generally tight. However, being undersized at times, Meyer struggled in 1v1 situations against net drives and power forwards. That is an area he can improve with additional core strength and better use of leverage. His game was unique, as few defensemen move the puck as well as Kade.”
Andrei Nikolayev (G, L, 6’4, 165, New Jersey Jr. Titans, 06/03/2009, Boston University)
A current member of the NAHL’s New Jersey Jr. Titans, Nikolayev came over to North America last season and has impressed scouts. Through 13 games, he has a 2.56 goals-against average and a .918 save percentage. In 2027, Nikolayev will be between the pipes for Boston University.
As a large goaltender, his potential is very high.
“Andrei Nikolayev is a big goalie who recorded a shutout, showcasing his dominance in net. He uses powerful pushes and smooth movements to track the puck efficiently, maintaining control and balance throughout the game. Technically sound with excellent angles, Nikolayev swallows pucks effectively, minimizing rebounds and limiting scoring opportunities for the opposition.”
Alex Pelletier (F, L, 5’10, 189, Lincoln Stars, 06/01/2005, Boston College)
With 16 goals and 24 points in 16 games, Pelletier is putting on a show with the USHL’s Lincoln Stars this season. Pelletier will head to Boston College next year and is looking like he will be a great addition to the team.
Pelletier is a quick and skilled forward.
“He plays fast, uses his reach and strong core to extend possession, and isn’t afraid to take hits to get pucks deep. His puck play is slick and composed, rarely exposing the puck unnecessarily.”
Jackson Schneider (D, L, 6’0, 181, Waterloo Black Hawks, 05/16/2007, Robert Morris)
Schneider enjoyed a decent season in the AJHL last season but now finds himself in the USHL. He will head to Robert Morris in 2027.
by Sebastian Zucchet
Sebastian Zucchet is a freelance sports reporter from Toronto and someone who deeply enjoys hockey.