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.
Caden Brown (F, R, 6’0, 196, Regina Pats, 03/22/2005, Lindenwood)
A current member of the WHL’s Regina Pats, Brown is producing at a point per game, with 32 points in 32 games. Lindenwood secured his services for next season.
Brown is able to play in many different situations.
“Brown plays with a high motor and consistently applies pressure in all situations. He possesses strong straight-line speed, which he uses effectively on the forecheck, backcheck, and penalty kill. He can make plays through traffic and has a hard, accurate shot when given time.”
Vincent Collard (F, R, 6’2, 194, Blainville-Boisbriand Armada, 01/03/2005, St. Thomas)
The third-overall pick in the 2021 QMJHL draft, Collard won the QMJHL championship with the Moncton Wildcats last season. He will head off to St. Thomas this fall.
Collard plays a really good two-way game and is reliable defensively.
“Collard displays many power forward traits, using his size and strength to protect the puck and get it to the net. His physicality is a key part of his game, as he isn’t afraid to engage along the boards and battle for key possessions. His will and want to get to the net is what allows him to get great opportunities for himself and his linemates. Defensively, Collard is efficient, playing a strong, physical game. He excels in killing pucks with an active stick and is particularly effective on the penalty kill. His quick, aggressive movement on the PK makes it difficult for opponents to find space or time to set up plays, as he pressures the puck carrier relentlessly.”
Masun Fleece (F, R, 5’9, 176, Dubuque Fighting Saints, 01/26/2007, Maine)
An important piece for the USHL’s Dubuque Fighting Saints, Fleece has 16 goals and 26 points in 28 games this year. Fleece also suited up for Team USA at the World Junior A Challenge, where they won gold. The Black Bears await Fleece next season.
Fleece impressed NZ scouts at the USHL Showcase.
“Fleece displayed excellent vision and playmaking ability at the USHL Showcase. Against Sioux City, he made a quick cross-crease pass that nearly resulted in a goal and consistently showed the ability to push pace, shift direction on his edges, and keep his eyes up. His vision was elite in all three zones, highlighted by a perfect stretch pass that sent Merrill in alone. The Rolling Hills, CA native and Penn State commit also showed grit and physicality while battling for pucks, including a massive open-ice hit. He finished the weekend with two primary assists against Sioux City: first, a crisp cross-ice tape-to-tape pass to Melvin Ekman, and then winning a puck battle along the wall before threading a slick pass to Merrill for a goal that made it 4-0 for the Fighting Saints.”
Ryan Franks (F, L, 6’4, 190, Maryland Black Bears, 06/30/2005, Canisius)
Franks has been an integral part of the NAHL’s Maryland Black Bears this season, recording 17 goals and 27 points in 19 games. Next season, he will play at Canisius.
Franks has great size and skill.
“Hard-working and competitive, he drives to the net and uses his reach and active stick to win battles and disrupt plays. With good hands, he moves the puck well and makes smart plays along the wall.”
Justin Graf (F, L, 6’0, 173, Cedar Rapids RoughRiders, 07/10/2007, Harvard)
Currently in his first USHL season, Graf is doing well with Cedar Rapids, having put up 15 goals and 33 points in 26 games. Graf was originally a Merrimack commit but will now head to Harvard next year.
Graf is a playmaker who can also make a difference on the other side of the puck.
“Graf plays a well-rounded, 200-foot game, killing penalties and contributing offensively whenever the opportunity arises. His ability to play the game the right way consistently makes him a reliable and effective presence on the ice.”
Noah Laberge (D, L, 6’1, 187, Newfoundland Regiment, 10/09/2006, Northeastern)
A 2025 fifth-round pick of the Buffalo Sabres, Laberge has been producing for the QMJHL’s Newfoundland Regiment, putting up 31 points in 35 games. Next season, he will head to Northeastern.
Laberge is a well-rounded defenceman who is continuing to develop.
“He doesn’t have elite traits, but he plays a reliable, pro-style game and checks a lot of boxes for depth organizational value. His physical maturity and game management suggest he could earn an NHL look with continued development in skating and pace handling.”
Tre Peck (F, L, 5’8, 162, Spruce Grove Saints, 04/29/2007, Army)
A current member of the BCHL’s Spruce Grove Saints, Peck is playing a big role this year. He will play for Army this fall.
Peck finds success on the ice through his work ethic and determination.
“Tre Peck is a shifty, energetic forward with soft hands and good offensive instincts. Tre is a pest on the forecheck, using his work ethic and quickness to disrupt opposing defenders and force turnovers. He knocks pucks out of the air, works hard away from the puck, and consistently gets to the right spots on the ice, making himself effective in all three zones.”
Rhett Sather (D, L, 5’11, 178, Spokane Chiefs, 09/25/2008, Nebraska Omaha)
In terms of offense, Sather had a quiet rookie season with the WHL’s Spokane Chiefs last year. This season, though, he has taken off a bit, having collected 28 points in 38 games. In 2027, he will suit up for the University of Nebraska Omaha.
Sather may not be the biggest defenseman, but his hockey IQ and skill make up for it.
“Rhett Sather is a skilled left defenseman with excellent mobility, allowing him to skate well and maintain separation on the ice. He possesses poise when carrying the puck, making clean first passes and utilizing his speed to create scoring opportunities. On the blue line, he excels at getting open and firing pucks through to the net. Sather is a confident and comfortable player with strong puck skills, making quick and accurate outlet passes. He shows good gap control and positioning in battles along the boards, even under pressure. His hockey IQ, mobility, and transition game make him a reliable top-four puck mover, capable of quarterbacking breakouts and playing key roles in crucial situations.”
Thomas Verdon (F, L, 6’0, 188, Rouyn-Noranda Huskies, 07/07/2005, Bowling Green)
In his fourth full season with the QMJHL’s Rouyn-Noranda Huskies, Verdon is once again having a good year, with 19 goals and 51 points in 35 games. Unfortunately for the Huskies, it is Verdon’s last season, and he will play at Bowling Green in the fall.
Verdon is smooth with the puck and can make big plays.
“Verdon is a dynamic force on the ice, showcasing his skillset through impressive playmaking and scoring abilities. His ability to create opportunities for himself and his teammates is evident in his aggressive approach, which involves consistently seeking out possession and driving towards the net. Verdon’s size and strength also allow him to compete for space along the boards, where he can use his physicality to gain an advantage. His confidence at the net front is notable, as seen in a particularly impressive goal that showcased his hand-eye coordination and determination.”
by Sebastian Zucchet
Sebastian Zucchet is a freelance sports reporter from Toronto and someone who deeply enjoys hockey.