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.
Cooper Conway (F, L, 6’1, 193, Dubuque Fighting Saints, 06/08/2005, Holy Cross)
In his first full USHL season, Conway had made an impact for the Dubuque Fighting Saints, scoring six goals and adding 15 assists for 21 points. He is off to Holy Cross in the fall.
Conway showed off his skill at the USHL Showcase.
“A patient player with soft hands, he was able to slow the play and find seams to move pucks effectively in the neutral zone and on zone entries. More of a passer than a shooter, his vision and playmaking ability stood out in Pittsburgh.”
Dylan Edwards (F, L, 5’8, 172, Kitchener Rangers, 06/20/2005, Quinnipiac)
A 2021 eighth-round pick in the OHL draft, Edwards has suited up for the Erie Otters and Kitchener Rangers across his major-junior career. This year, Edwards has 25 goals and 55 points. He will play for Quinnipiac next season.
Edwards was evaluated by NZ scouts in a game report.
“Edwards demonstrated a well-rounded skillset on the ice, showcasing his versatility in various power play scenarios. He effectively moved through different positions, creating opportunities for himself and his teammates. His quick one-timers generated quality chances, often leading to second-scoring opportunities around the net. Edwards’ ability to deceive defenders with his release allowed him to create space and confusion on the ice. His combination of speed, agility, and hockey IQ enabled him to make precise passes that caught opponents off guard. Overall, Edwards’ unique blend of shooting and passing abilities made him a challenging player to defend against.”
Brennan Faulkner (F, L, 5’11, 159, Peterborough Petes, 12/28/2005, Robert Morris)
In his overage season with the OHL’s Peterborough Petes, Faulkner has 16 goals and 26 points this season, a career best for him. Next season, he will suit up for Robert Morris.
Harrison Franssen (F, R, 6’3, 202, Oshawa Generals, 05/04/2006, UMass-Lowell)
In his second season with the OHL’s Oshawa Generals, Franssen has more than doubled his points tally from last season, posting 17 goals and 26 points. Next year, he will play at UMass-Lowell.
Franssen is a physical force on the ice.
“Franssen is a big forward who plays a heavy game where he uses a longer stride and larger size to create his space.When he knows the physical altercation is coming, there is a good chance he is able to get his body around the puck and stay square over it to protect it and the space he is commanding. When he is surprised by the contact, which was more often than it should have been, this is where he gets into trouble and loses the one on one battle.”
Ryan Kroll (D, L, 6’1, 190, Des Moines Buccaneers, 04/04/2006, UMass-Lowell)
While he began the season with the USHL’s Des Moines Buccaneers, Kroll has since joined UMass-Lowell, having already logged two games for the program.
Kroll is a tough player to play against.
“Kroll played a throwback style of defense where he protected the net front with snarl and was ultra-physical all over the ice to create turnovers and send messages. He stepped up hard and with the intention of heavy contact to stop the rush. He looked to make big hits while also taking angles to cut off puck carriers’ hands. The 2006 blocked off opponents before they arrived at his net front with balanced edges and a nasty attitude. His puck play was simple, sharp, and he showed the wheels to jump up and join the rush with recovery speed to get back.”
Ethan Moore (F, R, 6’0, 176, Calgary Hitmen, 02/23/2005, Lake Superior State)
A current member of the WHL’s Calgary Hitmen, Moore has 17 goals and 30 points this season. He will play at Lake Superior State next season.
Moore was great when NZ scouts went to watch him.
“Ethan played a smart and simple game tonight. He excelled at his corner puck protection, moving the puck high to his defenseman as he went to the net. Ethan regularly looks to pass, looking for open teammates in the offensive zone and off the rush. With decent speed off the rush, Ethan likes to enter the zone and wait for his teammates to join, as he pulls opponents toward him then moves the puck. The small details were the difference maker tonight, and Ethan’s experience showed as he made sure to follow through on these details. Finally, Ethan did a great job of keeping his composure while frustrating his opponents. He took some of the Raiders off their game when they should have been focused on tying the game.”
Christopher Thibodeau (F, R, 5’9, 167, Flint Firebirds, 10/13/2005, Lindenwood)
Someone who collects points wherever he goes, Thibodeau has 12 goals and 22 points with the OHL’s Flint Firebirds this season. He heads to Lindenwood in the fall.
Thibodeau has what it takes to make a difference in the NCAA.
“Christopher plays with an urgency to get to the net and has quick, hard wrist shot. He rushes and takes his ice in the middle, driving inside the dots to make plays on zone entries.”
Charlie Tritt (G, L, 6’1, 170, Flin Flon Bombers, 03/02/2005, Lake Superior State)
Prior to recently making the move to the SJHL’s Flin Flon Bombers, Tritt suited up for the Humboldt Broncos, posting a 2.14 goals-against average and a .940 save percentage. He will play at Lake Superior State next season.
Niko Tsakumis (D, L, 5’9, 147, Portland Winterhawks, 07/05/2005, Alaska-Anchorage)
A veteran of five WHL teams, Tsakumis is currently playing for the Portland Winterhawks, where he has collected two assists through six games. He will play at the University of Alaska-Anchorage next season.
Tobias Tvrznik (G, R, 6’3, 181, Wenatchee Wild, 07/29/2007, Ohio State)
Tvrznik is in his first season with the WHL’s Wenatchee Wild after coming over from Czechia. He’s posted a 2.89 goals-against average and a .919 save percentage thus far. He will play at Ohio State in 2027.
Tvrznik got a B+ game rating by NZ scouts in their game against Seattle.
“Tvrznik played a quick and reactive game, showing sharp movement and strong east-west tracking. He read a cross-ice pass early, pushed hard, and got set for the stop. He also made a quick reaction save on a net-front tip. After allowing two goals close together, he settled in and responded well, showing good body language, staying composed and giving his team stability. Early rebounds were a bit loose with pucks bouncing off him into the slot, but he tightened up as the game went on.”
by Sebastian Zucchet
Sebastian Zucchet is a freelance sports reporter from Toronto and someone who deeply enjoys hockey.