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.
Rian Marquardt (D, L, 5’11, 175, White Bear Lake High, 07/14/2009, Arizona State)
Drafted by the Waterloo Black Hawks in the third round of the 2025 USHL Futures draft, Marquardt is currently playing high-school hockey in his home state of Minnesota. In 2028, he will head out to Arizona State.
Marquardt went to a USA camp this summer and was evaluated by NZ scouts.
“He is a balanced and smooth skater with good mobility in all directions. His game was not flashy, yet it was efficient in puck retrievals, breakouts, and transporting up-ice. A smooth, fluid skater with excellent edgework and balance, he pre-scanned the entire sheet, played with his eyes up, moved pucks when his forwards could make the next play, and consistently made the high-percentage play. Marquardt defended well with his feet, using angling, body positioning, and a stick-on-puck style that enabled him to steer opponents wide and disrupt plays without relying heavily on physicality.”
Hayden Reid (F, L, 5’11, 183, Niagara Ice Dogs, 08/23/2006, Clarkson)
Reid started his junior career in the USHL but has played in the OHL since last season. Currently with the Niagara IceDogs, Reid he has three goals and seven points this season. Next year, he will suit up for Clarkson
Leyton Rinehart (G, L, 5’11, 177, Woodbridge Wolfpack 18U AAA, 06/29/2008, Maine)
Currently playing for the Woodbridge Wolfpack 18U AAA team in New Jersey, Rinehart has a 2.50 goals-against average in four games and has earned himself a commitment to the University of Maine in 2027.
Zach Wooten (F, L, 6’1, 175, Green Bay Gamblers, 02/21/2006, Wisconsin)
A member of the USHL’s Green Bay Gamblers, Wooten is having a great year so far, putting up 11 goals and 17 points in 19 games. Wooten had originally committed to Maine but will go to Wisconsin next season.
Wooten is a playmaker with lots of potential.
“He has the speed to separate and effectively changes speeds to manipulate defenders. He maneuvers well in traffic, maintaining possession through contact with quick hands, executes stick checks, and forces defenders to miss on line rushes. Wooten can play at a high tempo when needed and possesses strong natural offensive instincts.”
by Sebastian Zucchet
Sebastian Zucchet is a freelance sports reporter from Toronto and someone who deeply enjoys hockey.