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.
Brady Arneson (F, L, 5’10, 184, Omaha Lancers, 02/11/2005, Air Force)
Currently playing for the USHL’s Omaha Lancers, Arneson has six goals and 10 points this year. He will play for Air Force next season.
Arneson showed what he was capable of at the USHL Showcase.
“He separated from pressure enough to give himself the option of shooting to either side of the net and kept his head up while moving at a high rate of speed. He showed pace, fluid hips, and could catch and shoot a puck quickly. He looked dangerous through the neutral zone with pace and the ability to cut in either direction or dangle through an opponent’s triangle.”
Joby Baumuller (F, R, 5’11, 192, Brandon Wheat Kings, 07/19/2007, Colorado College)
A former first-round pick in the WHL draft, Baumuller has broken out this season for the Wheat Kings, recording 28 goals and 46 points in 39 games. Colorado College awaits him in the fall.
NZ scouts witnessed Baumuller record a hat-trick earlier in the season.
“Baumuller had an excellent two-way game, combining pace, puck skill, and defensive details. On the penalty kill, he was active with his stick and cleared pucks effectively, using his speed to take away lanes on the up-ice pressure. Offensively, he showed his quick, hard shot, net front presence, and forechecking ability. He scored on a backdoor pass on a 2-on-1, a great 3-on-1 play with a give-and-go to the high guy for a quick shot upstairs, and a net-front deflection goal late that hit his torso with good body positioning on the net front defenceman. He was a penalty kill specialist in this game and showed his scoring touch, capping off a great hat-trick performance.”
Morgan Brady (D, R, 6’3, 208, Waterloo Black Hawks, 05/21/2005, Michigan Tech)
Selected by the USHL’s Waterloo Black Hawks in two separate drafts, Brady has spent time in the AJHL, BCHL and USHL. He will join Michigan Tech next season.
Brady has more offense to his game than some people may think.
“Brady is a defender with good mobility for his size and more offense to his game than you would think. His game really relies in his own end where he can showcase his dominance over opponents playing them hard along the walls and in front of the net but you can expect a little puck logging here and there. He outlets the puck well and fast, he’s got a heavy shot, and with his frame and mobility, he can construct space low along where he was pinching a couple times tonight.”
Cody Costello (D, R, 6’2, 179, Woodbridge Wolfpack 16U AAA, 04/22/2009, New Hampshire)
Currently playing for Woodbridge Wolfpack 16U, Costello is a large defender with a bright future ahead of him. In 2028, he will join New Hampshire.
Costello’s game is already good, but it will get even better with time.
“Cody Costello is a mobile defenseman who effectively controls pucks with his feet and makes strong first passes. He sets up breakouts and regrouping plays while supporting his defensive partner. Cody contributes in all situations and executes plays with confidence. He consistently demonstrates poise, skill, and hockey IQ. His mobility, awareness, and decision-making make him a dependable two-way defenseman.”
Chase Coughlan (F, R, 5’11, 200, Sudbury Wolves, 06/01/2005, Bowling Green)
Currently in his overage season with the OHL’s Sudbury Wolves, Coughlan has 10 goals and 18 points this year. Bowling Green awaits him next season.
Coughlan uses his size and skill to his advantage.
“Coughlan is a power forward who battles hard in the corners and uses his body and physicality to make plays. He is always noticeable on the forecheck and along the walls, using his body and toughness to separate opponents from the puck. He is not big but he doesn’t let that hold him back. He is the net-front player on the powerplay, using his body to make himself available for passes and his stick available for tips.”
Gavin Ewles (D, R, 6’0, 202, Sudbury Wolves, 01/01/2005, Robert Morris)
Currently with his third OHL team, Ewles has three goals and nine points for the Sudbury Wolves this season. He will play at Robert Morris in the fall.
Ewles was evaluated by NZ scouts in a game report earlier this year.
“Very nice skater. Smooth and effortless getting around the ice. His goal was a summary of what he can do on a shift. He used his skating ability to defend a rush and break up the play in the D-Zone and then joined the counter attack getting all the way up the ice to score as the trailer entering the zone. Great play!. He had a good shot block late in the game and looked comfortable with the physicality too. Nice player.”
Keets Fawcett (F, L, 5’11, 171, Regina Pats, 02/23/2006, Bowling Green)
Fawcett was undrafted into the WHL but has managed to carve out a role for himself. This year with the Regina Pats, he has put up 35 points in 29 games. Next season, he will play at Bowling Green.
Fawcett has overcome quite a bit of adversity in his career.
“Fawcett is a skilled offensive driver. He showed strong IQ, puck skills, and a hard, accurate shot. He displayed speed on breakouts and consistently found shooting lanes for high-quality chances in the offensive zone.”
Linards Feldbergs (G, L, 6’1, 201, Sioux Falls Stampede, 08/16/2005, Merrimack)
Feldbergs backstopped Latvia to a shootout win over Canada at the 2025 World Junior Championship, making 55 saves in that game. He has committed to Merrimack for next season.
Feldbergs is a standout goaltender.
“With a powerful, athletic frame and strong skating ability at 6’1″, he relies on his movement and size to control the crease and limit scoring chances. The Stampede netminder effectively manages rebounds, directing pucks away from traffic and reducing second-chance opportunities.”
Seth Fryer (D, R, 6’7, 197, Victoria Royals, 06/23/2006, Alaska-Fairbanks)
A solid presence with the WHL’s Victoria Royals, Fryer has one goal and five points through 34 games. He will continue his hockey journey with Alaska-Fairbanks next season.
Fryer is a massive player who brings value to his team through his intelligence.
“While Fryer is not overwhelmingly skilled, instead uses his mobility and intelligence to bring value to his team, along with his towering size. He can cover a lot of ground thanks to his skating, and while his puck skills are not exactly incredible, he can help out his team’s transition game. Fryer struggles in the tough areas of the ice, and is not nearly as physical as you would like. That being said, he can still manage to kill penalties thanks to his reach and awareness, making him a plus defensive defenseman. With his size though, he needs to do a better job at the physical side of his game, that does not mean destroy players at all times, but more of an influence of rushes and in front of the net.”
Shaan Kingwell (F, L, 6’0, 160, Ottawa 67s, 02/07/2007, Princeton)
In his first full season with his hometown Ottawa 67’s, Kingwell has been producing, scoring 10 goals and collecting 23 points. He has committed to play for Princeton next season.
Kingwell is a power forward with skill.
“He has soft hands, can corral bad passes, and extends his reach to shield the puck from defenders. He can pull and drag the puck around opponents, using his long wingspan to prevent poke checks. He’s smart in his read of the play, knowing where to go without the puck to get open and make himself a passing option for his linemates.”
Oleg Kulebyakin (F, L, 5’10, 178, Halifax Mooseheads, 01/11/2008, UMass)
Drafted ninth overall in the 2025 CHL Import Draft, Kulebyakin is having a good season with the QMJHL’s Halifax Mooseheads, putting up 21 goals and 41 points in 38 games. The Russian will head to UMass in 2027.
Kulebyakin is gifted offensively.
“Kulebyakin loves offense and looks like he tolerates defense. When they play it looks like it will go in his favor, his motor is on high, otherwise he relies on being in the right place at the right time defensively, and this does not always go his way. He is young but the effort needs to be there 200ft to be solidified as a more complete player.”
Tynan Lawrence (F, L, 6’0, 171, Muskegon Lumberjacks, 08/03/2008, Boston University)
A projected top-ten pick in the upcoming NHL draft, Lawrence won the USHL championship with Muskegon last season and was named playoff MVP. He has since left the team to join Boston University and has already logged two games for the Terriers.
Lawrence turned heads at the U17 World Challenge earlier this year.
“He is a dynamic center with a high hockey IQ and exceptional skill set. He’s a natural leader with his strong work ethic and was a cornerstone player for Canada White in their tournament win. Lawrence is creative playmaker who excels at finding teammates with timely passes. He ran the powerplay for White and showed good vision as a set up guy for the big shooters.”
Mathias Loiselle (F, L, 6’3, 209, Quebec Remparts, 10/18/2005, Vermont)
A current member of the QMJHL’s Quebec Remparts, Loiselle has six goals and 17 points this season. He will suit up for Vermont in the fall.
Loiselle isn’t the most offensively gifted player on his team, but he can still make a difference out there.
“He does a really good job at playing with size and while he can play through the middle of the ice, he has the skill to hold on to pucks and play with time and space.”
Ephram McNutt (D, R, 6’0, 183, Regina Pats, 05/04/2005, Bentley)
A fifth-round pick in the 2020 WHL draft, McNutt has eight goals and 28 points for the WHL’s Regina Pats this season. He will play at Bentley in the fall.
McNutt was evaluated by NZ scouts during a game report.
“As captain, Ephram led by example with his steady two-way play. Defensively, he maintained tight gaps and pressured opponents directly. With the puck, he controlled the pace—slowing it down when needed or pushing it forward with powerful strides. He wasn’t afraid of contact and engaged physically when required. On the power play, Ephram moved the puck effectively and even jumped into the rush, creating a prime scoring chance. His composure and consistency in his fifth and final WHL season deserve recognition.”
Noah Mertz (D, R, 6’0, 178, Blackfalds Bulldogs, 08/19/2005, Army)
Named a BCHL all-star this season, Mertz has an impressive 27 assists in 34 games for the Blackfalds Bulldogs. He will join Army next season.
Mertz is a difference-maker for the Bulldogs.
“Mertz is a 6-foot, right-shot defenseman who does a little bit of everything for the Bulldogs…very well, and regularly eats big minutes; he profiles as a very good two-way blueliner. His skating is a strength – very good mobility, quick first step and solid top-end speed – which allows him to evade pressure, accelerate out of trouble and join the rush. He shows strong puck retrieval instincts (head on a swivel), consistently makes smart, on-target passes and quarterbacks both the top power play and the penalty kill effectively.”
Olivers Murnieks (F, L, 6’0, 201, Saint John Sea Dogs, 07/31/2008, Boston College)
Murnieks represented Latvia at the latest edition of the world juniors, where he recorded one goal and helped Latvia reach the quarterfinal round. In 2027, he will play at Boston College.
Murnieks’ speed is one of his best abilities.
“This kid has phenomenal speed, type of player that can skate for days, needs to engage more and get to the middle with more frequency, great instincts for the game and position, good distributor of the puck, it’s going to be very interesting to see how this player continues to adjust and adapt to the playing in the Q and where he will slot in the Sea Dogs line up as the season progresses, Reliable and responsible in all three zones, but needs to bring more jam to the game in certain sequences.”
Kason Muscutt (F, L, 5’11, 170, Sioux City Musketeers, 02/03/2005, Michigan)
Currently in his third USHL season, Muscutt has five goals and 11 points with the Sioux City Musketeers. He will play for Michigan next season.
Muscutt showed off his game at the USHL Showcase.
“Muscutt was decent on the faceoff dot and seemed to have a play once he received a pass. He was excellent on the power play and was on the ice to kill a vital power play in a tight game. Kaso played a relentless game, annoying the opposing team with his persistent work on the forecheck and attention to detail. He stopped on pucks and flew to win puck races. The 2005 won wall battles but can improve there. He will be a plus player this season, capable of playing on the power play or penalty kill effectively, with a decent processor.”
Luke Osborn (F, L, 5’10, 176, Fairbanks Ice Dogs, 02/12/2008, Alaska-Fairbanks)
Currently playing for the NAHL’s Fairbanks Ice Dogs, Osborn has six points in 22 games this season. He will head to Alaska-Fairbanks next fall.
Osborn will be a good addition to the NCAA.
“Luke plays with speed skill and a little aggression. He has a long powerful stride and good speed which he uses to attack on the rush or get in hard on the forecheck. He makes smooth transitions and pivots without losing speed. He plays with good positioning smart angles and gets on forecheck quickly. He also has good length and pressures with a long active stick which helps him get on the defense fast and force turnovers. He is willing to play with some grit and finish checks.”
Easton Rye (G, L, 6’0, 194, Peterborough Petes, 10/28/2006, Bentley)
Rye has played in 32 games this season for the OHL’s Peterborough Petes, posting a 2.77 goals-against average and a .918 save percentage. He will be between the pipes for Bentley next year.
When NZ scouts watched Rye earlier this season, he had a solid game.
“Sub 6′ goalie but covers the net well and has a tall stance reminiscent of Jussi Saros from Nashville. He has powerful lateral movement and good post work. He used the RVH and Overlap on bad angle shots and made good decisions with both save selections. He made several saves from above the crease on high danger rush chances as well as a big breakaway save in the third period when the game was still up in the air. He handled the puck a lot in this game and looks to be a capable puck handler but kept it simple and effective. Allowed 2 goals in this game 27/29. Looks like a veteran Major Junior goalie.”
Grady Schaefer (F, R, 6’0, 175, Oakland Jr. Grizzlies U16 AAA, 01/23/2009, Bowling Green)
Currently playing with the Oakland Jr. Grizzlies 16U, Schaefer has 30 goals and 56 points and shows no signs of slowing down. Him and his twin brother, Jackson, have committed to Bowling Green for 2028.
Schaefer has lots of offensive skill.
“He has a strong base and is tough to knock off the puck. Keeps his feet moving to escape pressure and get to areas to make plays. He has good agility, balance and edges and cuts away from pressure. Uses good timing to slide in-and-out of areas and get to spots just before the puck. He has a quick release on his shot and gets to areas where he can quickly snap the puck on net. He rolls off pressure and quickly snaps passes back to his defenders or to the slot. Good angles pressuring the puck and used an active stick to get in lanes and strip pucks.”
Jackson Schaefer (D, R, 5’10, 155, Oakland Jr. Grizzlies U16 AAA, 01/23/2009, Bowling Green)
Another member of the Jr. Grizzlies, Schaefer has seven goals and 39 points this season. Jackson is joining his twin brother at Bowling Green in 2028.
Schaefer impressed at the USA 16U National Camp.
“He anticipated plays, intercepted passes, and held pucks to make smart transition passes. He moved from back to front with possession and looked sharp running the power play. Schaefer is a poised, right-shot defenseman with excellent vision, strong mobility, and a high hockey IQ, making him one of the more impactful blueliners at the U16 National Camp. Offensively, he excelled on the power play by moving laterally along the blue line and delivering crisp, accurate passes into shooting pockets, consistently putting pucks in the wheelhouse for one-timers.”
Ethan Semeniuk (F, R, 6’0, 193, Moose Jaw Warriors, 04/21/2005, Sacred Heart)
A veteran of five WHL seasons between the Vancouver Giants and Moose Jaw Warriors, Semeniuk helped the Warriors win a WHL title in 2023-24. Next season, he will be at Sacred Heart.
In a game report, Semeniuk showed how versatile he can be.
“Ethan Semeniuk competed hard, finished checks, and used his heavy shot effectively. He picked up a puck high in the zone, moved laterally, and ripped a hard far-side shot through traffic from the top of the circles. He showed his compete and pressured hard on the PK, pushing play up ice to clear the zone and eliminate plays. He is an energy forward with good puck handling and creates from dirty areas.”
Matthew Soto (F, R, 5’11, 168, Peterborough Petes, 08/31/2005, Bowling Green)
A former fifth-overall pick in the OHL draft, Soto has 13 goals and 37 points in 40 games with the Peterborough Petes. He will play at Bowling Green in the fall.
Soto is hoping his game will translate at the NCAA level.
“Matthew is a fast, high-energy winger who plays many roles for his team. He uses his speed to drive wide around defenders on zone entries and also to pressure hard on the forecheck. He also handles the puck well and can receive passes from all areas of his body. Matthew is also a very effective penalty-killer because of his speed and high energy style, disrupting plays on the forecheck and winning footraces to loose pucks.”
Colton Whitfield (D, L, 6’1, 177, Trail Smoke Eaters, 04/10/2006, Army)
Having spent multiple seasons in the USHL with the Tri-City Storm, Whitfield is now playing with the BCHL’s Trail Smoke Eaters. He will join Army next season.
by Sebastian Zucchet
Sebastian Zucchet is a freelance sports reporter from Toronto and someone who deeply enjoys hockey.