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.
Zachary Bowen (G, L, 6’3, 198, Brampton Steelheads, 04/25/2005, RIT)
A current member of the OHL’s Brampton Steelheads, Bowen has a 3.33 goals-against average and an .894 save percentage this year. He will play at the RIT next season.
NZ scouts watched Brampton take on Saginaw in January and gave Bowen a “B” game rating.
“This game showcased Zachary Bowen’s ability to make big saves despite facing quality shots and chances against a high-scoring opponent. His positioning and movement allowed him to cover a lot of net space, giving him opportunities to make impressive stops on breakaway attempts. Bowen displayed confidence in his ability to shut down scoring chances, consistently staying focused and composed under pressure. While he may have some minor positioning issues at times, his overall athleticism and calm demeanor enable him to put himself in good spots to make saves.”
Mikhail Cherepanov (D, L, 5’9, 178, New Hampshire Mountain Kings, 02/15/2008, Lake Superior State)
A product of Yekaterinburg, Russia, Cherepanov is a current member of the NAHL’s New Hampshire Mountain Kings, where he has three goals and 18 points. In 2027, he will play at Lake Superior State.
Cherepanov displays a lot of skill on the back end.
“Mikhail is a highly intelligent defenceman with strong reads in all three zones. His head is always moving, scanning pressure, and anticipating where he needs to be next. Cherepanov’s stride is smooth and efficient, allowing him to close space defensively and stay involved offensively without exerting extra effort. He supports the puck well on exits and regroups, moving it quickly to maintain pace and possession. When mistakes happen, he has the mental strength to move past them instantly, showing quiet confidence. His decision-making and feel for the game make him a calming presence on the backend as well as dependable in structure and effective with the puck.”
Calvin Crombie (F, R, 6’0, 188, Barrie Colts, 09/03/2005, Robert Morris)
A 15th round selection in the 2022 OHL draft, Crombie has been a solid presence on every team he’s played for. He will head to Robert Morris in the fall.
Crombie had a good performance when NZ scouts watched him this season.
“Calvin was very noticeable on rushes, creating lots of chances with his patience and smart passes. He assisted one of the goals by passing back to a trailer. He also an entry where he drove wide, waited for the defenseman to finish sliding and then cut into the middle and deked. When he didn’t have numbers on rushes he used delays and Gretzky turns to give his teammates time to get into the zone. He also works very hard on the defensive side of the puck, finishing checks and sacrificing his body to make plays.”
Owen Crudale (G, L, 6’0, 181, Dubuque Fighting Saints, 05/26/2005, Army)
Currently manning the crease for the USHL’s Dubuque Fighting Saints, Crudale has posted a 3.17 goals-against average and an .892 save percentage in 14 games. He will suit up for Army next year.
Crudale needs to find some consistency to bring his game to the next level.
“He plays an aggressive, powerful, and athletic style while maintaining a strong fundamental base, making him exciting to watch in the crease. While his dynamic movements are entertaining, they sometimes require elite play-reading ability; at times, he can be caught outside of his crease or off angles. Tracking pucks in traffic was inconsistent.”
Max Curran (F, L, 6’3, 187, Edmonton Oil Kings, 08/27/2006, UMass)
A 2024 fifth-round pick of the Colorado Avalanche, Curran helped his native Czechia to a silver medal at the latest edition of the world juniors. Currently suiting up for the WHL’s Edmonton Oil Kings, he has 14 goals and 41 points. He will play at UMass next season.
NZ scouts were impressed with Curran’s creativity when watching him this season.
“Maximilian Curran demonstrated good vision and passing ability, showing strong puck movement on the power play. He used his size and reach to protect pucks down low and create plays off the wall. In the third period, he recorded an assist by scanning the ice and finding a shooting lane through traffic, leading to a deflection goal. Curran showed confidence distributing the puck and made several clean plays in tight areas.”
Drew DellaSalla (F, L, 6’0, 185, Lincoln Stars, 05/08/2006, Holy Cross)
In his first full season with the USHL’s Lincoln Stars, DellaSalla has two goals and 10 points in 33 games. He will suit up for Holy Cross next season.
DellaSalla pairs a high hockey IQ with speed and physicality.
“DellaSalla is a skilled, rangy forward who uses his size and skating ability to create space and generate offense. He’s particularly effective at carrying the puck into the offensive zone, where his edge work and deceptive moves allow him to navigate through defenders. He excels at driving wide, then quickly stopping on a dime to curl back up the ice, where he can hit a trailer or find teammates entering the zone with speed.”
Caleb Hadland (F, R, 5’10, 186, Brandon Wheat Kings, 03/06/2006, RPI)
A 2021 first-round pick of the WHL’s Brandon Wheat Kings, Hadland has 14 goals and 41 points for them this year. He will play at RPI next season.
Hadland possesses a high hockey IQ and is consistently a threat in the offensive zone.
“Caleb is another Wheat Kings forward with high end offensive skill and a will to win battles. He consistently wins one on one confrontations through sheer determination before finding teammates quickly to extend zone time. Without the puck, he’s underrated in how well he sneaks around the ice. At times he relaxes his posture, appearing non-threatening, only to explode into space for quick shots or to make himself available as an outlet.”
Landon Hanson (F, R, 6’1, 181, Edmonton Oil Kings, 01/09/2006, Sacred Heart)
Hanson is having a career year with the Edmonton Oil Kings, having put up 18 goals and 41 points so far. He is off to Sacred Heart in the fall.
Hanson possesses an ability to create offense.
“Hanson’s work ethic is evident as he consistently pursues loose pucks, wearing down opponents with his relentless energy. What sets him apart is his tendency to take shots on goal that may seem unconventional for his playing style, but ultimately led to impressive results.”
Roberto Leonardo Henriquez (G, L, 6’1, 165, Green Bay Gamblers, 04/29/2007, New Hampshire)
In his first full season with the USHL’s Green Bay Gamblers, Leonardo Henriquez has posted a 2.18 goals-against average and .920 save percentage across 23 games. He will head off to New Hampshire next year.
Henriquez relies on positioning to make saves.
“This young goaltender showcases a solid foundation in his game, with effective use of depth and presence on the ice. He moves powerfully and adds size to create a seal on the ice, making him comfortable around his posts. His tracking ability is sound, and he can effectively control rebounds.”
Jack Lisson (G, R, 6’2, 180, North Bay Battalion, 03/31/2006, Canisius)
A member of the OHL’s North Bay Battalion, Lisson has been playing well this year, posting a 2.33 goals-against average and a .917 save percentage. Next year, he will play for Canisius.
Cole Longacre (D, L, 6’2, 190, Salmon Arm Silverbacks, 05/26/2006, Army)
A member of the BCHL’s Salmon Arm Silverbacks, Longacre has three goals and 14 points this season. Next season, he will play at Army.
Longacre is a solid defenseman.
“Longacre is a steady, reliable presence on the Silverbacks’ blue line who skates well with excellent maneuverability combined with good puck skills; he moves the puck with poise, is evasive when pressured, and consistently makes plays instead of simply dumping pucks away. He displays patience and seldom commits turnovers that lead to high-danger chances, delivering dependable play every shift.”
Garin Ludwig (D, L, 5’9, 172, Vernon Vipers, 02/17/2006, Air Force)
Having split time between the USHL (Sioux City Musketeers) and BCHL (Nanaimo Clippers and Vernon Vipers) this year, Ludwig has six points across a combined 32 games. Next season, he will join Air Force.
Ludwig is a two-way defenseman who can contribute in any situation.
“Garin Ludwig is a mobile defenseman who consistently controls pucks in his feet and makes strong first passes on the breakout. He demonstrates poise under pressure and excels at retrieving pucks in tight situations. Ludwig’s soft hands and smart play allow him to generate opportunities offensively.”
Matthew Martin-Gaudreault (F, L, 6’6, 220, Aberdeen Wings, 09/13/2005, Alaska-Anchorage)
Martin-Gaudreault is having a great season with the NAHL’s Aberdeen Wings, putting up 20 goals and 53 points in 40 games. Next season, he is suit up for Alaska-Anchorage.
Martin-Gaudreault is a relentless worker who can put the puck in the back of the net.
“He has tremendous size and isn’t afraid to get into the hard areas of the ice. Matthew attacks with the puck and drives to the net with or without it. He plays with a strong competitive edge and physicality that can be intimidating. His big frame and long reach make him an effective net-front presence, allowing him to get to or poke at loose pucks.”
Camden McCuaig (F, L, 6’1, 196, Cornwall Colts, 06/19/2008, St. Lawrence)
A current member of the CCHL’s Cornwall Colts, McCuaig has also seen time with the OHL’s Kingston Frontenacs this season. He is committed to play at St. Lawrence.
Braedyn Rogers (D, R, 6’0, 169, Owen Sound Attack, 11/21/2006, RIT)
A 2022 second-round pick of the OHL’s Owen Sound Attack, Rogers has five goals and 15 points this year. He will play at RIT next season.
Samuel Rousseau (F, L, 5’11, 193, Halifax Mooseheads, 06/08/2005, Long Island)
While he started out the season with the BCHL’s Victoria Grizzlies, Rousseau has since made the trek back to the ‘Q’ to join the Halifax Mooseheads, where he has eight goals and 17 points. He will play at Long Island University in the fall.
Rousseau is a hard worker who can impact the game.
“Samuel Rousseau is strong on faceoffs and pays attention to the small details that help his line succeed. He consistently catches pucks in his skates and moves them quickly to his stick, allowing his team to maintain speed and control in the offensive zone.”
Melker Sigurd (D, L, 6’1, 174, Rögle BK U20, 04/27/2006, Holy Cross)
Currently playing in his native Sweden, Sigurd has three goals and 22 points for Rögle BK. When he heads to Holy Cross in the fall, it will make his first time playing in North America.
Sigurd is a reliable player for his team.
“Sigurd is a sturdy two-way defenseman with a big frame and smooth skating. He played positionally sound defense and was able to angle opponents away from the net in transition. He moved the puck around well, but his decisions could be made quicker to help spark breakouts.”
Cole Slobodian (D, L, 6’2, 193, Portland Winterhawks, 04/02/2006, Alaska-Fairbanks)
In his second full season with the WHL’s Portland Winterhawks, Slobodian has set a career high with 16 points. He will play at Alaska-Fairbanks next season.
Slobodian is a solid shutdown defenseman.
“Slobodian is a very good defensive defenseman who projects as a reliable, steady top-four presence; at 6’2′ he skates well, defends physically in the defensive zone-finishing checks hard along the walls-and consistently makes plays with good puck skills and is a reliable outlet passer. He isn’t flashy, but his game-to-game dependability stands out.”
Carson Woodall (D, L, 5’11, 188, Windsor Spitfires, 05/26/2006, Boston College)
A difference-maker for the OHL’s Windsor Spitfires, Woodall has ten goals and 55 points in 51 games from the back end. He will play at Boston College next season.
Woodall’s skill has become more noticeable as time goes on.
“Woodall is a well-rounded two-way defender known for his strong defensive game. He consistently brings intensity to the walls, using an active stick and physicality to shut down opposing plays. His hockey IQ is solid, allowing him to make quick and effective outlet passes or join the rush at the right moments. What sets Woodall apart is his excellent skating ability, which enables him to contribute both offensively and defensively. He is not afraid to take advantage of scoring opportunities and can put pucks on net with precision. His all-around skill set makes him a reliable presence on the ice in both defensive and offensive roles.”
by Sebastian Zucchet
Sebastian Zucchet is a freelance sports reporter from Toronto and someone who deeply enjoys hockey.