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.
Charles Béland (F, L, 6’4, 200, Nanaimo Clippers, 10/18/2006, Alaska-Anchorage)
A valuable member of the BCHL’s Nanaimo Clippers, Béland has ten goals and 19 points this season. Alaska Anchorage awaits him in the fall.
Béland uses his size and strength to make an impact.
“Charles Beland is a big, strong forward who uses his size and physicality to create impact in all areas of the ice. He demonstrates strong power moves to the net and establishes a presence in front of the goal, consistently challenging defenders and goalies. Beland’s physical style, combined with his strength and hockey sense, allows him to maintain puck possession in tight areas and contribute offensively while also supporting his team defensively.”
Nick Cirka (G, L, 6’2, 160, Halifax Mooseheads, 03/24/2008, Cornell)
A current member of the QMJHL’s Halifax Mooseheads, Cirka has recorded a 3.77 goals-against average and an .873 save percentage in 19 games. He will play at Cornell next season.
Ashton Dahms (F, L, 6’0, 191, Tri-City Storm, 02/13/2005, Sacred Heart)
Currently suiting up for the USHL’s Tri-City Storm, Dahms has 12 goals and 19 points this season. Next season, he will play for Sacred Heart.
Dahms exhibits a good skill set when he steps foot on the ice.
“Dahms has got an appetite for mixing up his speed and angles upon entry, getting defenders to commit to him and dish little drop passes back behind into the space he just created. This allows for Dahms to not only create shooting lanes for teammates, it gives himself avenues to work through layers and room to present himself as an option to again be involved in the play.”
Christian Kirsch (G, L, 6’4, 204, Kitchener Rangers, 06/18/2006, Quinnipiac)
In his rookie season with the OHL’s Kitchener Rangers, Kirsch played for Switzerland at the world juniors. A San Jose Sharks prospect, Kirsch will head to Quinnipiac in the fall.
Kirsch is a technically sound goaltender.
“He’s a big goalie who understands his game well – he doesn’t over-challenge, instead playing a bit deeper in his crease and relying on his reads rather than chasing plays. He gets hit in the belly often, which is a good sign that he stays square to shots. He’s not the type to make flashy saves because he rarely puts himself out of position. He also uses the RVH frequently, which helps him seal off plays down low. For a goalie his size, though, there may be times when staying on his feet would benefit him more, keeping him available, square, and big to pucks – especially on low-to-high sequences.”
Maxim Masse (F, R, 6’2, 192, Chicoutimi Sagueneens, 04/07/2006, UMass)
A 2024 third-round pick of the Anaheim Ducks, Masse has had a great career in the QMJHL. Through 44 games with the Chicoutimi Sagueneens this year, he has 35 goals and 64 points. He will take his talents to the UMass next season.
Massé is a consistent point producer.
“Maxim Masse is a 6’2″, 185 pound right shot right wing who, once he gets going, possesses good straight line speed. His puck skills are top-notch, consistently showing patience and creativity in traffic. He is particularly effective on the half boards in his own zone. There is little doubt in his potential to develop into a power forward in the professional game as Masse plays a heavy two-way game. With that said we feel there is room for improvement in foot speed and explosiveness to maximize his effectiveness at the professional level.”
Pavel McKenzie (F, L, 6’0, 174, Moose Jaw Warriors, 10/08/2005, Alaska Fairbanks)
A difference-maker for the WHL’s Moose Jaw Warriors, McKenzie has 13 goals and 49 points, his highest point total in a WHL season. Next year, he will play at Alaska Fairbanks.
McKenzie was evaluated by NZ scouts during a game against Brandon.
“McKenzie scored a nice goal using his size and out muscling a defender to the net and the far post where he was able to beat the goalie on a little forehand backhand move. He has the size and the strength to to make plays under pressure when smaller defenseman are looking to play him one on one. He needs to improve his foot speed, when he is at top speed he is hard to control but it takes an extra second to get there. His ability to stay on top of pucks while taking contact was a skill that was quickly recognized.”
Doogan Pederson (D, L, 6’4, 187, Penticton Vees, 06/27/2006, Lake Superior State)
Selected by the WHL’s Penticton Vees in the expansion draft, Pederson has made his impact felt so far, collecting four goals and 19 points. He will play at Lake Superior State next season.
Pederson is a reliable defenseman.
“Doogan Pederson is a 6’3″ left-shot defenseman known for his reliable gameplay. He consistently makes steady, reliable plays and outlet passes, showcasing strong puck-battle and takeaway skills. His good puck skills allow him to transition cleanly through the neutral zone, often rewarded with offense. Pederson excels in key defensive minutes, using his smooth skating to defend on the body effectively. He also demonstrates mobility and strong skating ability, getting to pucks quickly on retrievals and consistently moving pucks through to the net. On defense, he handles one-on-ones well against quick attackers, using his stride and positioning to steer plays away from danger. Pederson’s overall skillset suggests a transition-driving, two-way blueliner who can log minutes in all situations.”
Anthony Pellitteri (D, R, 6’0, 216, Maryland Black Bears, 05/02/2007, Alaska Anchorage)
In his first season with the NAHL’s Maryland Black Bears, Pellitteri has five goals and 12 assists for 17 points in 29 games. He will play at the University of Alaska Anchorage next season.
Pellitteri can contribute both offensively and defensively.
“Anthony Pellitteri is a defenseman who consistently attacks the middle off the boards with strength and purpose, protecting the puck effectively under pressure. He plays an aggressive style and is strong on the penalty kill, using his awareness to disrupt opponents and regain possession.”
Joshua Ravensbergen (G, R, 6’5, 192, Prince George Cougars, 11/27/2006, Michigan State)
A 2025 first-round pick of the San Jose Sharks and one of the top young goaltending prospects in the world, Ravensbergen represented Canada at the latest edition of the World Junior Championship, taking home bronze in the process. Next season, he will be between the pipes at Michigan State.
Ravensbergen can make game-changing saves.
“Joshua Ravensbergen has all the physical and technical tools needed to succeed as a goaltender at the highest level. With improvements in key areas such as rebound control, puck handling, and mental sharpness, he has the potential to evolve into a reliable, game-changing starter in the NHL.”
by Sebastian Zucchet
Sebastian Zucchet is a freelance sports reporter from Toronto and someone who deeply enjoys hockey.