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.
Gabriel Frasca (F, L, 6’0, 191, Erie Otters, 02/18/2006, Quinnipiac)
A current member of the OHL’s Erie Otters, Frasca has 11 goals and 24 points in 25 games this season. He’ll head off to join Quinnipiac next fall.
Frasca has always been an important and reliable player on his teams.
“Gabriel is relied on by his team in all situations, playing a major role on the special teams units and being a go-to player in all important situations.”
Josh Frenette (F, L, 6’4, 205, Maryland Black Bears, 04/19/2006, Long Island University)
A standout player for the NAHL’s Maryland Black Bears, Frenette is over a point per game right now, posting eight goals and 26 points in 25 games. In 2027, he will play at Long Island University.
The big forward was evaluated by NZ scouts during an NAHL game.
“Josh tied the game at 5-5 in the third period with a power play goal. Being a net-front presence, he picked up a rebound in front of the goalie and spun it to his right, and as he was falling to the ice, he tucked the puck in just inside the right post. It was a great effort and a highlight-reel goal. He dominated throughout the game down low in the offensive zone. He seems to love playing in the greasy areas of the ice and making the hard plays.”
Sebastien Gervais (F, L, 6’1, 190, Saginaw Spirit, 04/11/2005, Clarkson)
A 12th round pick in the 2021 OHL draft, Gervais has been a solid player with the Saginaw Spirit ever since. He even won a Memorial Cup with them. Next season, he will play at Clarkson University.
James Guo (D, R, 5’11, 183, Saginaw Spirit, 04/02/2005, R.P.I)
In his last season of junior hockey, Guo will head off to play for RPI next season. He currently has one goal and 16 points in 24 regular-season games with the OHL’s Saginaw Spirit.
Eli Johnson (D, R, 5’11, 185, Prince George Cougars, 01/14/2008, St. Cloud State)
Currently suiting up for the WHL’s Prince George Cougars, Johnson picked up several awards for his performances in the Telus Cup and SMAAAHL last season. He helped lead his team to a Telus Cup and league championship and was named the top defenseman in both. St. Cloud State awaits him in 2028.
The offensively gifted Johnson was evaluated by NZ scouts at the Circle K Classic.
“Eli, a right-handed defenseman, showcased exceptional playmaking abilities with an impressive eight assists in five games. He consistently demonstrates excellent vision and awareness, evidenced by his accurate and well-directed passes. Eli’s puck-moving skills are a significant asset, as he effectively initiates breakouts with crisp first passes. He is a strong skater, confidently carrying the puck up the ice and utilizing his skating to evade pressure and control the pace of play. Eli exhibits a high level of engagement, readily joining the rush while maintaining the awareness to transition back to defense quickly. He possesses a strong defensive stick, effectively breaking up passes, disrupting scoring chances, and neutralizing rushes with well-timed stick checks and excellent gap control.”
Louis Jonerheim (F, L, 6’4, 207, Trail Smoke Eaters, 07/07/2006, RIT)
In his first BCHL season since coming over from Sweden, Jonerheim is off to a good start, having posted six goals and 16 points. In 2027, he will play at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT).
Jonerheim is a big, playmaking power forward.
“He immediately stands out physically, but the real surprise is his very smooth, powerful stride and mobility for his size. He pairs above-average puck skills with a willingness to engage physically—consistently winning puck battles along the boards and showing effective pushback in scrums—and he’s happy to attack seams and drive to the net. His shooting and finishing remain question marks, as he currently looks more like a high-effort playmaker and second-wave driver who creates space and retrieves pucks for teammates than a pure goal scorer. He projects as a middle-six power winger who can play physically, forecheck hard, and make plays off the wall while his scoring touch continues to develop.”
Teddy Lechner (D, R, 6’2, 164, Academy of Holy Angels, 08/22/2008, Augustana)
A fifth-round pick by the USHL’s Muskegon Lumberjacks, Lechner is still playing high-school hockey in Minnesota. He has committed to Augustana for the 2027-28 season.
With development in his game, Lechner can be a really good stay-at-home defenseman in the future.
“Lechner offers strong defensive instincts, elite puck retrieval metrics, and a mature approach to managing play in his own end. His offensive ceiling is limited, but his projection as a reliable, low-risk, competitive right-shot defender carries tangible value for teams prioritizing stability and detail on the back end.”
William Samuelsson (F, L, 6’0, 185, Green Bay Gamblers, 09/27/2005, Lake Superior State)
A Dallas Stars pick, Samuelsson is currently in his second season with the USHL’s Green Bay Gamblers. He has committed to play at Lake Superior State next season.
Samuelsson plays with a lot of skill and grit.
“Samuelsson plays a hard-nosed, physical game that sets the tone for his team. He’s not the biggest player, but he plays with a power-forward mentality, using his strength to lean on defenders and create space for himself in key areas. Whether he has the puck or not, he’s always working to get to the front of the net or into other high-danger scoring positions, often using his body to establish position and make plays.”
Noah Roberts (D, L, 6’0, 195, Owen Sound Attack, 12/02/2005, Sacred Heart)
Currently in last OHL season with the Owen Sound Attack, Roberts will play at Sacred Heart next season.
Roberts is very solid defensively, but his game can still improve.
“When Noah uses his very good skating ability and heavy checking strength, to neutralize the oncoming rush, he keeps the game in front of him and within his comfort area. Occasional miscues while handling the puck, usually when Noah is transitioning backwards, are all part of the learning curve. His deep end coverage is getting very good and the opposing players are not as eager to venture to his side of the ice.”
by Sebastian Zucchet
Sebastian Zucchet is a freelance sports reporter from Toronto and someone who deeply enjoys hockey.