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.
Vashek Blanar (D, L, 6’5, 192, HV71 U20, 04/22/2007, UMass)
Blanar, who was born in the United States but plays for Czechia, is currently playing with HV71 in the J20 Nationell, Sweden’s top junior league. A 2025 fourth-round pick of the Boston Bruins, Blanar will head to UMass next fall.
Justin BriseBois (G, L, 6’2, 173, Sherbrooke Phoenix, 06/12/2007, Yale)
The son of Tampa Bay Lightning GM Julien BriseBois, Justin is in his rookie season with the QMJHL’s Sherbrooke Phoenix. BriseBois will go to Yale in 2027.
NZ scouts were in attendance at the USA development camp and got to watch BriseBois.
“BriseBois is a tall, smart positional goalie who did an excellent job here reading the play, making smooth and economical movements to stay square and stop pucks. He made saves look easy because of his puck-tracking hockey sense and being in position to make the save initially. He didn’t give up much for rebounds; he utilized his stick and his glove hand to either poke pucks away or pounce on them in the slot area. He was patient, held his depth in the crease, was quick post to post, and covered his posts well, not giving up the high short-side option.”
Owen Drury (F, R, 6’3, 205, Maryland Black Bears, 04/26/2005, Stonehill)
Having moved around a lot last season, Drury has found a home with the NAHL’s Maryland Black Bears, putting up six goals and 19 assists for 25 points in 27 games. Next year, he will play at Stonehill.
Drury was a part of an NAHL showcase report from NZ scouts.
“Drury is a right-handed forward with good size and strength. He used both well in board battles, rode players down the wall, and won many tough wall battles in the defensive zone. Paired with his size are speed and a quick-release shot. He showcased that shot off a nice give-and-go and snapped the shot off—the goalie barely got a piece of it. While he does have a nice shot, his passing ability is just as good. He showed patience around the back of the net on his team’s first goal and made an excellent play out front. He uses his reach to create space and draws everyone to him up the boards to open up space for his teammates down low. For his second assist of the game, he showed his quick feet and edgework to cut back and create space along the wall to find an open teammate. Drury was creative and driven in this game to create offensive opportunities.”
Aidan Dyer (F, R, 5’10, 165, Chicago Steel, 12/28/2005, Ferris State)
In his second full season with the USHL’s Chicago Steel, Dyer has two goals and seven pints through 23 games this season. Last year, he had ten goals and 26 points. He will play at Ferris State next fall.
Dyer was evaluated by NZ scouts in a game report.
“Dyer has a straight-ahead skating style. However, he varies his puck play upon zone entry. He delivered a short feed up ice when on the charge to set up his teammate, while other times he rushed the net for his own scoring chance. He made a nice play midway through the game, turning to get set for a quick shot while sliding neatly into position, forcing the goalie to an impressive glove save. He has a compact, athletic frame. In the third he took a big hit going for the puck along the far boards (opponent was called for holding as he slammed Dyer to the ground), but bounced right back into action. Dyer is a developing forward who showed speed control and offensive IQ tonight.”
Teddy Merrill (F, R, 6’0, 186, Dubuque Fighting Saints, 05/08/2005, Arizona State)
Currently the captain of the USHL’s Dubuque Fighting Saints, Merrill already has 25 points in 21 games this season. A native of Scottsdale, Ariz., Merrill will go home and play hockey at Arizona State next year.
In a USHL showcase, Merrill showed NZ scouts how good he can be.
“He was hard to play against, consistently positioned to disrupt opponents and deliver solid hits. Teddy skated with a balanced stride that generated pace in open ice and displayed physicality and a versatile, well-rounded style of play throughout the game.”
Samuel Pisarcik (F, L, 5’10, 165, Team Slovakia U18, 03/09/2009, St. Lawrence)
After a season playing for the Cleveland Barons 15U, Pisarcik is back playing in Slovakia. In the fall of 2027, he will head back over to North America and suit up for St. Lawrence.
When he played with the Cleveland Barons 15U, Pisarcik was evaluated by NZ scouts .
“Sam displayed impressive puck-handling skills, skating up ice with quick, rangy hands to maneuver around defenders in open space. His constant movement and smart angles allowed him to close down puck carriers with his active stick, forcing them into difficult spots. He contributed to their 1st goal in the championship game, using his speed and slick moves—such as a few hip flips—to drive the puck down the left side before getting a shot on net, which created a rebound and led to the goal.”
Nicholas Sima (F, R, 6’3, 206, Saginaw Spirit, 03/31/2005, Michigan)
A Memorial Cup champion with the OHL’s Saginaw Spirit, Sima is in his final season with the team. Next fall, Sima will go to play for the Michigan Wolverines.
Sima is a useful power forward.
“A big forward with great edges to go along with a long powerful stride. When he passes the puck it is hard and accurate. Uses his big body to protect the puck and keep possession. Hard player for opposing defensemen to handle. Will net drive with or without puck.”
Zac Zimmerman (F, R, 5’10, 178, Fargo Force, 05/03/2008, Minnesota State)
Zimmerman has spent the majority of this season with the USHL’s Fargo Force but has also played high school hockey at Moorhead High. In 2027, he will play at Minnesota State.
Zimmerman outworks and competes harder than most of his opponents.
“The best part of Zimmerman’s game has always been that he plays a simple, clean, crisp, heavy brand with few mistakes and a high compete.”
Riley Zupfer (F, L, 6’0, 172, Des Moines Buccaneers, 12/17/2007, Notre Dame)
An 2024 eight-round draft pick of the USHL’s Des Moines Buccaneers, Zupfer has four goals and 14 points with the team this season. In 2027, he will head to Notre Dame.
Zupfer is someone who can be relied on in any role.
“Not flashy, but a hockey player who has a high ceiling as someone who can play in multiple situations. His game had diversity and some pop.”
by Sebastian Zucchet
Sebastian Zucchet is a freelance sports reporter from Toronto and someone who deeply enjoys hockey.