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.
Olivier Beaulieu (D, L, 5’11, 168, Chilliwack Chiefs, 01/07/2005, Northern Michigan)
Beaulieu has had a good career with the BCHL’s Chilliwack Chiefs and was even named an all-star this season. But his time in Canada is up, and he will play for Northern Michigan for the remainder of the year.
Beaulieu is reliable on both sides of the puck.
“Olivier Beaulieu has a strong one-timer and consistently gets shots through from the point. He takes his ice well and demonstrates excellent vision, controlling pucks on his backhand and managing the flow of the game. Beaulieu excels on the powerplay, using his ability to carry the puck, dump it, or find an outlet pass to keep the penalty kill guessing.”
Talon Brigley (F, R, 5’11, 173, Red Deer Rebels, 02/16/2005, Sacred Heart)
A 2020 second-round pick of the WHL’s Red Deer Rebels, Brigley has been a reliable servant to the team ever since. Next year, he will leave Red Deer for Sacred Heart.
Earlier in the season, Brigley was evaluated by NZ scouts.
“Talon played a strong 200-foot game for the Rebels tonight. He excels at reading the play and anticipating how it would develop. In the defensive zone, he consistently disrupted seam passes by getting his stick in lanes, and early in the game he sacrificed his body to block a shot. Offensively, Talon played well away from the puck, finding holes and lanes to jump into. As the high forward in the offensive zone, he broke up a cross-ice pass and then drove down his off-side. Coming down the left dot as a right shot, he showed quick hands with a backhand-forehand move that nearly beat the goaltender. Although he didn’t record a point, Talon finished +1 and demonstrated veteran leadership for Red Deer.”
Linden Burrett (D, R, 6’1, 180, Prince Albert Raiders, 02/06/2006, Alaska-Fairbanks)
In his second WHL season, Burrett has already made a significant jump points-wise, collecting three goals and 19 points – compared to last year’s five total points. Next year, he will play at the University of Alaska-Fairbanks.
Burrett has the potential to be a solid collegiate player if he cleans up his game just a little bit.
“Although it might seem that Burrett, as a two way defender, is slow but that is not the case, as he positions himself and uses his stick well that he does not need to go at top speed. His strides are long which allows him to get more power out of his skating, but preferably needs to be lower in his stance to maximize his skating ability. He can get caught flat footed at times but when he reads the play and can get his momentum, his gaps are tight for the most part. He needs to make better plays with the puck on his stick and not throw so many away. He has more time and space than he is aware off and has to get his head around the puck more often.”
Luke Carrithers (G, L, 6’1, 186, U.S. National U18 Team, 01/11/2008, Western Michigan)
Carrithers has been enjoying regular game time with the NTDP for the last few years. His development will help to prepare him in the fight to win the job at Western Michigan in two years.
Carrithers’ athleticism allows him to be competitive.
“Carrithers is not overly big, yet he does have some size at the 6-foot mark. He plays the butterfly style with a quick glove, agility, and quick lateral slides, allowing him to cover the net. Carrithers is a goalie to keep a radar out for in the coming years.”
Tristan Delisle (F, L, 5’11, 183, Owen Sound Attack, 05/15/2007, Michigan Tech)
Delisle has broken out of his shell this season, recording 21 goals and 40 points in 36 games. Next season, he will head across the border to play at Michigan Tech.
Delisle’s game has really improved over the past few seasons.
“Tristan skates well and has good speed. He has a quick first step and can beat defenders to the outside. He is creative and has the vision to make plays or finish them off. He is willing to go into the greasy areas of the ice and has the hands and stick skills to control pucks in small spaces and get shots on goal. He has a physical presence about him that he can use as a catalyst for his team. He does not mind body contact and can deliver a hit with purpose.”
Oscar Hemming (F, L, 6’4, 190, Sherwood Park Crusaders, 08/13/2008, Boston College)
After having difficulty finding a home this season, the Finnish forward has still earned a commitment and will suit up for Boston College next fall. Hemming is projected to be a first-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.
Hemming is a large player who can use that to his advantage for success.
“Hemming’s future is built on power-forward attributes: at 6’4″ he stands out physically, uses his frame comfortably in high-traffic areas and consistently finds soft ice for scoring opportunities. What sets him apart from other big men is his puck anticipation and timing to arrive at the scoring area just as the puck does.”
Ty Henry (D, R, 6’3, 212, Erie Otters, 07/19/2006, St. Thomas)
Ty Henry has been out with an ankle injury all season but has earned a commitment to the University of St. Thomas. His father played in the CFL, and Henry himself was drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks in the sixth round of the 2024 NHL draft.
In one of Henry’s last appearances, NZ scouts evaluated his game.
“Henry has some unteachable size and solid footwork to go with it, this made him a great two way player tonight with a ton of upside to have more of an offensive impact. Where he needed to be better was picking and choosing his spots. After he was able to find the back of the net, he took more chances when he did not need too. This caused turnovers and transition hockey back at his goalie with him chasing pucks.”
Torkel Jennersjö (F, L, 5’10, 181, Blainville-Boisbriand Armada, 10/02/2007, UMass)
A second-round pick in the 2025 CHL Import Draft, Jennersjö is currently in his rookie QMJHL season. He has represented Sweden in many tournaments and will play at UMass next year.
Cash Koch (F, L, 5’11, 197, Tri-City Americans, 03/31/2007, New Hampshire)
In this third season with the WHL’s Tri-City Americans, Koch has six goals and 14 points. Next year, he will play at New Hampshire.
Koch is a player that can grind his way to the top.
“Bottom-six energy winger who plays a heavy game and can kill penalties, agitate, and bring momentum-shifting hits. With development, he could carve out a role similar to NHL fourth-line forecheckers who provide physicality and tempo without hurting their team defensively. Must prove he can stay on the right side of the puck and stay out of the penalty box unless he is bringing an opponent with him.”
Joseph McGraw (F, R, 6’0, 184, Sioux Falls Stampede, 12/13/2005, St. Cloud State)
The Texas native has committed to a third different school in the last two years, with the other two being Army and Ohio State. He will finish up the season with the USHL’s Sioux Falls Stampede and then head off to St. Cloud State.
McGraw has all the makings to be a threat up front.
“A hard, accurate shot and smart positioning make him a top-circle option on the power play. McGraw’s game is fundamentally sound and plays the right way; continuing to develop his scoring touch will make him even more dangerous.”
Cameron Merrick (D, L, 6’1, 173, Minnetonka High, 11/10/2007, Ferris State)
The Boston native is currently playing Minnesota high-school hockey with Minnetonka High, posting an assist in 10 games. Ferris State awaits Merrick in 2027.
Merrick was evaluated in an MN Elite League game.
“Cam Merrick is a reliable left-shot defenseman who played with poise and controlled the blue line nicely with strong awareness of knowing when to activate. He used his 6’2″, 179-pound frame effectively, showing strength and physicality by clearing out the net front and winning board battles. He maintained sound defensive positioning throughout the game and was effective stopping the rush with his physicality and long reach. Merrick’s skating speed and stride were solid, and he made crisp passes from the back end which helped generate several clean breakouts. While he made responsible decisions with the puck, he at times defaulted to safe options rather than taking calculated risks, and on the power play, he forced a couple of low-percentage shots into heavy traffic.”
Andre Mondoux (D, L, 6’4, 197, Kingston Frontenacs, 03/16/2007, Notre Dame)
After splitting time with the OHL’s Kingston Frontenacs and the OJHL’s Pickering Panthers last season, Mondoux is in his first full OHL season with the Frontenacs. In 2027, he will play at Notre Dame.
NZ scouts watched him in a game for Kingston earlier in the season.
“Strong defender who uses his length very well. He has a very good stick and used his stick and length to close time and space and break up a lot of plays. His gap in the NZ was strong and aggressive and he defended his own blue line well. No power play time but was on the PK. Made a lot of good retrieval and bump plays and used his body to protect the puck in his own zone. Not a lot of offensive plays but did have one good in zone net attack. He got the puck at the blue line and cut through a seam to the net and hit the crossbar.”
Thomas Neu (F, R, 5’10, 175, Blackfalds Bulldogs, 06/14/2005, Army)
A BCHL all-star this season, Neu has 14 goals and 33 points with the Blackfalds Bulldogs. Next year, he will play at Army.
Neu’s skill and hockey IQ are not to go unnoticed.
“He is a sturdy skater who can maneuver in high-traffic areas with his head up, and the puck seems to stick to his blade. He can sauce passes on both sides of his blade with ease and had one impressive play where he walked a defender out of the corner and sauced the puck to the weak-side point for a catch-and-shoot opportunity. Neu is highly aware of where everyone is on the ice and can place pucks anywhere he wants; he can put them in space or right on the tape, showing real poise and control in pressure situations. He has swift hands, can make defenders miss, and possesses the rare ability to slow the game down and pick teams apart with his passing.”
Ben Pickell (F, L, 5’10, 187, Sarnia Sting, 07/20/2005, Robert Morris)
A 2021 third-round pick of the OHL’s Barrie Colts, Pickell is currently playing for his third OHL team. Next year, he will play at Robert Morris.
Pickell can be found at all ends of the ice trying to make the right plays.
“Pickell is a hard-working forward who consistently keeps his feet moving and drives play with energy. He challenges opponents by chipping pucks behind them and hustling to regain possession, creating momentum for his team. On offense, he’s a key driver of cycles with his linemates and actively gets pucks to the net. He also finds his own scoring opportunities, moving into the slot and generating quality looks, forcing the goalie to make challenging saves.”
Jack Solomon (G, L, 6’3, 200, Austin Bruins, 02/17/2005, Air Force)
Currently with the NAHL’s Austin Bruins, Solomon is having a decent season between the pipes, posting a 2.98 goals-against average and a .909 save percentage in 11 games. Next year, he will play at Air Force.
Solomon was evaluated by NZ scouts earlier in the season.
“He came up with big saves during seven penalty kills. He played with a lot of poise and confidence and was never rattled by anything going on around him. He has good rebound control and controlled movements. He has a good glove, and he catches pucks.”
Jacob Terpstra (F, R, 6’0, 194, Alberni Valley Bulldogs, 05/11/2005, Alaska-Anchorage)
One of the top players on his team, Terpstra was named a BCHL all-star this year, posting 17 goals and 39 points in 29 games. He will be leaving to Bulldogs to join the University of Alaska-Anchorage.
In a BCHL game report, Terpstra was evaluated and praised by NZ scouts.
“Terpstra was arguably Alberni Valley’s most dangerous forward and led the attack with two well-earned goals. His first came on a crafty finish in tight, where he showed great goal-scoring ability. His second came on a speedy break where he pulled away from coverage and beat the goalie clean with a quick, twitchy release. He plays with confidence and poise, handling the puck smoothly through traffic and making high-skill plays without hesitation. He consistently found ways to impact shifts offensively and was a major difference-maker throughout the game. He is a very talented player.”
Parker Von Richter (D, R, 6’1, 206, Brampton Steelheads, 05/17/2006, New Hampshire)
After four seasons with the OHL’s Brampton Steelheads, Von Richter has his sights set on new challenges. Next season, he will play at the University of New Hampshire.
Von Richter can be a tough player to defend against, especially when he finds the right lanes.
“Parker is a tough-defender who has a high hockey IQ and moves the puck well to create offensive chances. He jumps up in the play any chance he gets and is involved in rushes. He angles off opponents and finishes his checks along the wall. Parker quarterbacks the powerplay for his team, distributing the puck well and also being a shooting threat when lanes open up. He keeps his gaps tight but needs to make sure people can’t get in behind him, especially to the middle of the ice.”
Rhys Wallin (F, L, 6’3, 172 Des Moines Buccaneers, 08/03/2005, Army)
Wallin was originally committed to UMass, but a change of heart will see the young forward head to Army next year.
Wallin can be a force all over the ice.
“He can impact games without scoring and has plenty of room to get stronger. Rhys’ best hockey is ahead.”
Mason Zebeski (F, L, 6’2, 202, Brampton Steelheads, 10/04/2005, New Hampshire)
Zebeski has eight goals and 21 points for the Steelheads this season. He will look to add a few more before joining his teammate Parker Von Richter at New Hampshire next year.
Zebeski is a quick and illusive player.
“Mason uses his speed and shiftiness through the neutral zone to put pressure on opponents. He attacks with speed but does not do so in a straight-line, instead using quick crossovers and shifts on his edges to mix up the defensemen’s feet.”
Cole Zurawski (F, R, 6’1, 193, Owen Sound Attack, 02/06/2008, Notre Dame)
Zurawski has been lighting the lamp for the OHL’s Owen Sound Attack this season, putting up 17 goals and 30 points in 31 games. Last season, he won gold with Canada at the World U-17 Hockey Challenge. Next year, he will play at Notre Dame.
Zurawski was scouted by NZ recently in a game against Ottawa.
“Cole is a hard-working and skilled winger who possesses a dangerous quick-release shot. He scored the game-winning goal on a zone entry by pulling the puck in towards his body and getting it past the defender and the goalie. The puck was well-placed off of the post and the change of angle made it hard for the goalie and defenseman to get in the lane. He was able to get a lot of power on the shot even though it got off of his stick in a hurry. Cole also forechecked hard to win pucks in the corners. He made a nice pass in the offensive zone to a defenseman cutting in on the weak side.”
by Sebastian Zucchet
Sebastian Zucchet is a freelance sports reporter from Toronto and someone who deeply enjoys hockey.