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.
Teo Besnier (D, R, 5’9, 173 Dubuque Fighting Saints, 08/19/2005, Lake Superior State)
Currently playing for the USHL’s Dubuque Fighting Saints, Besnier played in the QMJHL last year but made the cross-border trek this season. Besnier has also represented his native country of France in many tournaments. Next year, he will play at Lake Superior State.
Besnier turned heads at the USHL Showcase in September.
“The 2005-born French player was all over the ice, defending with speed and a sharp stick while generating clean zone exits and entries. Not a tall player, he relied on quickness, agility, and smart use of leverage to evade contact and limit opponents’ time and space. His game was clever and slick at both blue lines, and he stood out on every shift. He demonstrated the ability to take calculated risks and recover quickly. Teo played in the QMJHL last season and brings international experience with Team France. He stepped up to intercept pucks in the neutral zone and displayed fast hands, delivering accurate passes quickly in transition. His athletic feet were particularly noticeable on the power play, where he thrived with possession. His two-way game was strong, and he consistently pumped several shots on net in his two Pittsburgh games, marking him as an intriguing prospect.”
Owen Corkish (F, R, 5’10, 154, Prince Albert Raiders, 06/04/2007, St. Thomas)
Currently suiting up for the WHL’s Prince Albert Raiders, Corkish has scored seven goals and collected 17 points this season. In 2027, he will play for St. Thomas.
Corkish impressed in his WHL debut.
“Corkish is a young playmaker with good puck protection and offensive vision. In his first WHL game, Corkish looked comfortable alongside veteran linemates, showing strong puck pursuit on the forecheck and good puck protection along the walls. His balance on his edges and confidence with the puck stood out, as did his ability to make smart plays in the offensive zone. He displayed good IQ and vision, suggesting he can adjust quickly at this level and contribute as a reliable playmaking option. Continuing to improve in quick decision making will help his game overall.”
Maxim Dirracolo (D, L, 6’4, 220, Kitchener Rangers, 06/29/2006, St. Lawrence)
Dirracolo was undrafted in the OHL but has enjoyed three seasons with the Kitchener Rangers. Next year, he will attend St. Lawrence.
Dirracolo’s game continues to improve.
“This big young defenseman continues to show a foundation of physicality and skill. He has size, reach, and willingness to engage in physical play along the walls and in front of the net. Dirracolo is showing maturity in his all-around game and growing confidence with his gap management and defending against pace. He has a long active stick and his improved footwork has allowed him to get tighter to opponents on the attack. He is not only showing a heavy game in his own zone, but also increased confidence and poise with the puck. He keeps the game simple on puck retrievals and outlets in transition. He is also seeing more time on the powerplay and holding the offensive blueline as his confidence grows. He has a heavy shot and can zip passes towards the offensive net with good velocity. Look for continued improvement in this area as the season progresses.”
Max Hense (D, L, 6’3, 200, Trail Smoke Eaters, 05/01/2006, St. Lawrence)
A big defenseman from Düsseldorf, Germany, Hense is currently representing his country at the world juniors in Minnesota. He is committed to St. Lawrence for 2027.
Hense uses his size to his advantage.
“Big, lanky stay-at-home defenseman. He uses his long reach to hold the puck away from pressure. He won’t wow you with skating or offensive ability.”
Dante Josefsson Westling (F, L, 6’2, 197, Dubuque Fighting Saints, 08/17/2006, Niagara)
The big Swede was drafted by Dubuque this year and is doing well for his first season in North America. Next year, he will play at Niagara.
Josefsson Westling impressed NZ scouts at the USHL Showcase.
“Dante consistently found open ice without the puck and made plays off the cycle. Strong on the puck, he protects it along the boards and drives effectively to the net. He brings north-south power to his game, playing more as a direct goal scorer than a perimeter playmaker. Around the net, he combines skill with strength to gain inside leverage and get his stick on loose pucks. Overall, Dante displayed a well-rounded game and had a strong start to the season.”
Brayden Klimpke (D, L, 5’11, 166, Saskatoon Blades, 10/08/2007, North Dakota)
Klimpke is having a career year with the WHL’s Saskatoon Blades, collecting three goals and 28 points through 36 games. In two seasons, he will play at the University of North Dakota.
The more Klimpke’s game continues to grow, the more attention he is going to garner from scouts.
“Klimpke is a skilled defenceman who excels through his mobility and poise under pressure. He demonstrates smart playmaking skills on the power play, delivering low and accurate shots that create scoring opportunities. On breakouts, he shows patience to move the puck effectively, keeping possession and creating chances. Defensively, Klimpke’s skating ability allows him to close gaps at the blue line and finish checks with confidence. His active stick-play is a key asset on penalty kill, disrupting opponents’ plays and creating turnovers. With a calm presence both with and without the puck, Klimpke is effective in multiple special teams roles. His well-rounded skills make him a valuable asset to his team.”
Peter Legostaev (F, L, 6’2, 194, Gatineau Olympiques, 10/02/2007, Union)
Despite being drafted to the OHL in 2023, this is Legostaev’s first major junior season, and it is in the QMJHL. After a unique journey in Canadian hockey, he will play at Union College next fall.
Lucas Moore (D, R, 5’9, 203, Oshawa Generals, 06/07/2005, Niagara)
Moore has had five solid seasons in the OHL, but his hockey journey isn’t over yet. He will suit up for Niagara University next season.
Moore was evaluated by NZ scouts in an April game report.
“Moore was able to show tonight that he is a natural skater and uses his effortless stride and good vision to play a puck moving style, and be an asset in transition. That being said, Moore does not have the raw offensive upside to be a massive point producer every night. His offense is usually held to being able to get the puck in the hands of his forwards, which he was able to do effectively tonight. His defensive zone positioning is fine, and he’s smart enough to be in the right place at the right time but he needs to add more to his game than just being ok at everything.”
Ihnat Pazii (F, L, 5’9, 161, Flint Firebirds, 12/04/2006, St. Lawrence)
Pazii was traded from the North Bay Battalion to the Flint Firebirds mid-season and has nine goals and 20 points between the two teams. He has also represented his native Ukraine at international tournaments in the past. He will play at St. Lawrence next year.
Pazii showcased his skill for NZ scouts.
“Pazii consistently put himself in scoring positions by driving toward the middle of the ice. With or without the puck, he found his way into dangerous areas where he could release quick, accurate shots.”
Will Schlechtweg (F, L, 6’1, 189, Yale Jr. Bulldogs 18U AAA, 04/16/2008, Maine)
Schlechtweg is lighting it up with the Yale Jr. Bulldogs 18U, with 22 goals and 51 points in 26 games. He also has signed with the USHL’s Muskegon Lumberjacks but has yet to play for them. He will play at Maine in 2028.
Schlechtweg inflicts pain on teams he plays against by putting up points.
“Consistently delivers his shots on net with authority. With his large frame and high energy, he easily navigates the ice and creates scoring opportunities. He works well with his linemates.”
Brecken Smith (F, R, 5’10, 189, Tri-City Storm, 12/13/2006, Ferris State)
Currently playing for the USHL’s Tri-City Storm, Smith was originally committed to Miami (Ohio) in 2023 but will now join Ferris State. He will become a member of the Bulldogs next fall.
Smith has high-end offensive skill.
“He’s got a powerful stride, stays low in his stance and bounces off body-checks. He’s got touch on his passes both forehand and backhand and a sneaky release that he gets off in stride without any windup or indication that a shot is coming.”
by Sebastian Zucchet
Sebastian Zucchet is a freelance sports reporter from Toronto and someone who deeply enjoys hockey.