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.
Caine Bickel (F, L, 5’5, 140, Seacoast Performance Academy 16U, 08/13/2009, New Hampshire)
With 67 goals and 116 points in just 48 games, Bickel is putting up ridiculous numbers on his 16U team. He is committed to the University of New Hampshire for 2028.
Bickel is small, but that doesn’t hinder his incredible offensive abilities.
“Bickel is a smaller left-shot forward that is quick and makes plays in-stride. Light and athletic and has a quick stick. He has a great first step to separate and he gets to speed easily. He carries his speed well through the neutral zone and attacks defenders directly. He can break down opponents in tight spots. He sauces pucks and uses the give and go to manipulate coverages. He changes pace well to confuse defenders and has above average balances and edges to cut to open space. Always in motion creating offensive chances.”
Grayson Burzynski (D, L, 6’4, 212, Brandon Wheat Kings, 06/04/2005, RPI)
Burzynski was a second round-pick to the Swift Current Broncos back in 2020, and after many years in the WHL, he will find himself at RPI next season, along with many other WHL talents.
Burzynski had a great game when NZ scouts evaluated him this season.
“Grayson is an offensive defenseman who reads plays well and consistently attacks with his forwards. Both of his goals tonight came from sneaking backdoor as his forwards rolled high, burying rebounds that popped out to him. His breakouts were crisp and simple-finding teammates early before joining the rush. At one point, as his partner made the breakout, Grayson did exactly what coaches ask from an off-side defenseman: he instantly joined the rush as the fourth man. On the power play he worked the blue line and at times was overly eager to shoot, firing pucks with no screen and getting blocked. Later, he redeemed himself by faking a shot and snapping a pass backdoor for what should have been a tap-in, if not for a bad bounce. Despite two goals, he finished even, suggesting defensive areas to improve. He’s strong in corner battles and handles one-on-ones well, but adding a bit more toughness in front of the net would benefit him, as Moose Jaw wasn’t shy about driving the crease.”
Levi Eiter (F, R, 6’0, 190, Victoria Grizzlies, 04/25/2006, Bentley)
Currently suiting up for the BCHL’s Victoria Grizzlies, Eiter has six goals and 16 punts this season. Prior to heading off the B.C., Eiter grew up playing hockey in Minnesota. He heads off to Bentley next year.
Josh Evaschesen (F, L, 6’2, 191, Kamloops Blazers, 08/11/2006, RPI)
After being drafted in 2021, Evaschesen is finally getting his shot in the WHL, putting up 11 goals and 31 points in 30 games. RPI awaits his arrival next season.
Evaschesen can be a great addition in the center department for RPI.
“He is a dependable left shot two-way center who competes hard over the full 200 feet; he consistently pursues loose pucks, wins board battles and takes responsibility in his own zone. Reliable on the defensive zone coverage, he also drives play from the middle and is on his team’s top power-play unit thanks to above-average vision and playmaking — he routinely finds teammates and creates scoring chances, as he did finding line mate Behm in front of the net wide open for a goal. Skating is his main limitation: stride is somewhat choppy and his top-end speed is average, though he shows quickness and maneuverability in tight spaces. Projects upside as a steady, competitive two-way pivot.”
Elliot Gulley (F, L, 5’10, 183, Green Bay Gamblers, 12/29/2005, Union College)
With 14 goals and 31 points in 29 games, Gulley is currently over a point per game with the USHL’s Green Bay Gamblers. After originally being committed to UMass-Lowell, he will play at Union College next season.
Gulley has all the traits to be an effective goal scorer.
“Gulley skates well and uses his edge work to cut in and out of traffic, weaving around defenders to create space both off the rush and during 5-on-5 play. On the power play, he’s effective at finding soft pockets, where he can catch and release pucks quickly on net.”
Felix Lacerte (F, L, 5’10, 167, Shawinigan Cataractes, 06/14/2006, Vermont)
With 25 goals and 41 points in just 28 games, Lacerte has been a solid player for the QMJHL’s Shawinigan Cataractes this season, continuing the trend from the last few years. After four QMJHL seasons, he will head off to Vermont next season.
Lacerte has many strengths in his game.
“Felix Lacerte’s skill set, characterized by vision, playmaking ability, and two-way reliability, indicate success with improvements in speed and strength. His off ice commitment and dedication will dictate if and when he could become a formidable player at the professional level. His offensive creativity and power play prowess highlighted his ability to make a substantial impact, making him an interesting prospect for higher levels of competition.”
Tommy Lafrenière (F, R, 6’0, 177, Kamloops Blazers, 01/16/2007, Western Michigan)
Lafrenière had a breakout season with the WHL’s Kamloops Blazers in 2024/25, scoring 24 goals and collecting 56 points. A 2025 third-round pick of the Edmonton Oilers, he will play at Western Michigan next season.
Lafreniere is a versatile forward who can punish opponents in the offensive zone.
“He offers high-end hockey sense, strong puck skills, and a competitive motor, though his physical game, battle consistency, and defensive reliability remain areas requiring improvement. He plays at pace, supports well in transition, and has shown flashes of offensive creativity, but his ability to impact the game consistently when the puck isn’t on his stick is still developing.”
Mathis Langevin (G, L, 6’4, 182, Rimouski Oceanic, 06/18/2006, Miami (OH))
Langevin played in the Memorial Cup last season with the QMJHL’s Rimouski Oceanic and previously played with two other QMJHL teams. He will go and play at Miami (Ohio) next fall.
Max Lavoie (D, L, 6’4, 209, Brandon Wheat Kings, 02/22/2006, Princeton)
After previously playing for the MJHL’s Winkler Flyers, this is Lavoie’s rookie season in the WHL, where he has three goals and six points. Lavoie will play at Princeton next season.
Raiden LeGall (G, R, 5’11, 176, Everett Silvertips, 09/16/2006, Minnesota State)
In his rookie season with the WHL’s Everett Silvertips last year, LeGall had a WHL-best goals-against average and save percentage. He will look to continue that success this year before heading to Minnesota State in 2026.
Earlier this season, LeGall was reviewed and rated by NZ scouts for a game report.
“LeGall is a bit undersized for a goalie, but he makes up for it with solid athleticism and strong mental toughness. That showed after giving up a weaker goal, he settled right back in and kept making saves the rest of the way. He seems like he stays calm in net, which is huge for a goalie who relies on movement to cover space. He is not overly athletic and does not aggressively shut down every chance, but he battles and holds his ground.”
Harrison Lodewyk (F, L, 5’11, 206, Calgary Hitmen, 03/01/2005, RPI)
Lodewyk was traded from the Prince Albert Raiders to the Calgary Hitmen midway through the WHL season. This will be his final year of juniors before heading to RPI.
Lodewyk was evaluated by NZ scouts in a game this season.
“Power forward with high compete and strong checking. Finished checks aggressively on the forecheck and provided solid net front presence on the PP, burying a far-side crease pass from Dach over a sliding Tigers goalie for the tying goal.”
Sullivan Miller (F, R, 6’0, 189, Cedar Rapids RoughRiders, 03/10/2006, Bemidji State)
After a season in the NAHL, Miller signed with the USHL’s Cedar Rapids RoughRiders, putting up seven goals and 11 points so far. Bemidji State is where he will call home next season.
Miller is a hard worker in the offensive zone.
“Sullivan is a true crease-driver, constantly on the move with or without the puck, always looking to get to the net. His relentless ability to create separation and find space is a major asset, not just for himself but for his linemates as well.”
Austin Moline (D, R, 6’4, 193, Madison Capitals, 11/21/2005, Michigan Tech)
A 2024 seventh-round pick of the Philadelphia Flyers, Moline is a tall defenceman enjoying life with the Madison Capitals. The Las Vegas native will look to further his development when he joins Michigan Tech next season.
Moline can become a top collegiate defenceman.
“Very physical, he steps into puck carriers and maximizes inside leverage. Moline moves well for his size, showing speed from point to point, clogs lanes, and is unafraid to block shots. While his footwork is still raw and he can struggle under pressure, he plays heavy, is tough to play against, and is a noticeable presence on the ice.”
Luke Posthumus (F, R, 5’11, 196, Oshawa Generals, 03/21/2005, St. Lawrence)
After being slected by the OHL’s Oshawa Generals in the seventh round back in 2021, Posthumus is suiting up for the team for the first time this season. He will depart for St. Lawrence University in the fall.
Posthumus is an under-the-radar player who can be dangerous offensively.
“His skating is good, though he lacks the high-end speed to drive offense through the neutral zone, and he isn’t very physical on the forecheck. Posthumus excels at finding soft spots in defensive coverage, allowing him to get open in the offensive zone where he can unleash his effective shot.”
Cooper Simon (F, L, 6’0, 165, Cedar Rapids RoughRiders, 09/20/2007, Western Michigan)
A 2025 second-round pick of the RoughRiders, Simon has three goals and five points in 15 games this season. In 2027, he will head off to Western Michigan.
Simon is a good two-way forward.
“Simon is an undersized, speedy forward who demonstrated quick decision-making and explosiveness with the puck. He could accelerate from zero to 100 in a flash. Defensively, he effectively seals the middle of the ice with an active stick and supports well in his own zone, while popping out to his point man to prevent clean shots through to the net.”
Carter Sproule (F, L, 6’3, 208, Watertown Shamrocks, 02/11/2005, UConn)
The captain of the NAHL’s Watertown Shamrocks, Sproule had ten goals and 30 points in 19 games. He will join the University of Connecticut for the rest of the season.
Earlier this year, Sproule’s game was recorded by NZ scouts.
“With twenty seconds left in the first period, Sproule scored a decisive goal that put his team up by three. He executed a nice one-timer from the flanker position on the power play, sneaking one past the goalie’s six-hole. Immediately after, Sproule pounced on a loose puck and buried the rebound. This goal was a perfect example of the importance of quickness over precision—getting the shot off quickly, rather than waiting for the perfect placement, allowed him to take advantage of the goalie being out of position. Sproule uses his larger frame to make it difficult for smaller defensemen to maintain positioning. He did a good job tonight along the wall, recognizing with shoulder checks who was defending him and how to respond. Against smaller defensemen, he extended possession and looked to make a play. Against larger defensemen, he drew them in but then quickly moved the puck, forcing them to chase.”
Max Weilandt (G, L, 6’1, 190, Des Moines Buccaneers, 07/29/2006, Northern Michigan)
In his second season with the USHL’s Des Moines Buccaneers, Weilandt has posted a 2.85 goals-against average and an .877 save percentage. Next season, he will join Northern Michigan.
Weilandt has good size and potential but must find the right consistency in his game.
“Max Weilandt is a physically gifted goaltender with an athletic playstyle that allows him to move quickly and effectively around the crease. He has strong feet and good balance, which enables him to cover pucks and eliminate rebounds easily. However, his rotational ability and hip mobility are limited at times, causing him to lose power and widen his feet without regaining center. Weilandt’s stick control is also an area for improvement, particularly when it comes to sealing his midsection on lower shots. He has the ability to drop into pucks, which is a valuable skill, but it isn’t used consistently. His movement in and out of his posts is precise and powerful, and he excels at using an overlap in high-to-low situations.”
by Sebastian Zucchet
Sebastian Zucchet is a freelance sports reporter from Toronto and someone who deeply enjoys hockey.