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.
Parker Alcos (D, R, 6’3, 181, Kelowna Rockets, 07/20/2006, Quinnipiac)
A 2024 sixth-round pick of the Vancouver Canucks, Alcos has split his time this year between the WHL’s Edmonton Oil Kings and Kelowna Rockets, posting 25 points in 49 games. He will suit up for Quinnipiac next season.
Alcos is known for being a great skater.
“Alcos’s skillset is characterized by his reliable 200-foot game, where he defends physically and with excellent positioning. He consistently takes away space in the neutral zone and shuts down chances along the walls in the defensive zone with physicality. He showcases impressive skating and mobility, featuring confident first steps and range to join or lead breakouts. Alcos demonstrates a willingness to carry pucks out of the zone and jump into the play as an extra attacker. Offensively, he is active at the blue line, displaying a good release for goals. Strong on-ice vision and pre-scan awareness also enable him to make subtle plays.”
Justin Bloink (D, L, 5’10, 147, Janesville Jets, 06/10/2007, Alaska-Fairbanks)
Currently in his first NAHL season, Bloink has recorded four goals and 19 points in 39 games for the Janesville Jets. He will play one more junior season before joining Alaska-Fairbanks in 2027.
Bloink is a smooth-skating ‘D’ who makes an impact for his team.
“A good skating mobile defenseman. He used his good skating ability to maintain tight gaps not give away free ice and stay with rushing attackers. He showed good speed with his ability to beat a Biggby defender wide down the right side and get a backhand chance on goal in-tight. He scored their 1st goal vs Biggby with a wrister from the top of the left circle that simply found its way through traffic and into the back of the net. Improving his strength and balance would improve his ability to defend.”
Benjamin Brunelle (F, L, 6’4, 196, Rouyn-Noranda Huskies, 06/07/2005, Canisius)
In his overage season with the QMJHL’s Rouyn-Noranda Huskies, Brunelle has 12 goals and 22 points this year. Throughout his career, he has helped the Huskies make the playoffs in every season he’s been with them. He will join Canisius starting next season.
Brunelle’s size and skill makes him tough to play against.
“He possesses strong fluid strides for a player his size, demonstrates good four-way agility and an above average first touch. His quick hands in tight situations will allow him to win more than his fair share of 50/50 pucks once he gains the strength to battle.”
Weston Cameron (F, L, 6’3, 175, Kitchener Rangers, 01/01/2008, UMass)
A 2024 third-round pick of the OHL’s Kitchener Rangers, Cameron is in his first full season with the team, having collected five goals and 13 points thus far. He will play at the UMass next season.
Cameron was watched by NZ scouts during the GOHL playoffs last season.
“Cameron showed strong awareness through smart positioning, good play processing, and situational awareness, hinting at above-average hockey IQ and growth. He attacked with pace, created routes by crashing the net, and largely served as the bumper in the zone with effective positioning, though balance was an occasional issue. His shot was around average, and improvements in puck handling—particularly decision-making and reducing puck bobbles—could elevate his game further.”
Connor Dale (F, L, 6’2, 186, Tri-City Americans, 01/29/2005, Merrimack)
In his final WHL season, Dale has 20 goals and 48 points in 45 games with the Tri-City Americans. His play this season has earned him a commitment to Merrimack.
Dale is an offensive threat when he is on the ice.
“This player possesses a well-rounded skill set, particularly on the offensive end. He is able to utilize his size effectively to detach from defenders and drive towards the net. His puck skills are notable, allowing him to finish around the net and thrive in tight spaces. He also displays good playmaking instincts, often accelerating through the slot to draw defenders and set up teammates for scoring opportunities. However, areas for improvement include consistency in board battles and 50/50 situations, where he struggled to gain an advantage. Despite this, his ability to create scoring chances and compete with his linemates is a strength.”
Hudson Darby (F, R, 6’0, 177, Swift Current Broncos, 12/01/2006, Ferris State)
In his third full WHL season (and first with the Swift Current Broncos), Darby has collected 14 goals and 36 points so far. He will play at Ferris State in September.
Ryerson Edgar (F, R, 5’11. 168, Niagara IceDogs, 07/30/2009, Michigan)
The 10th-overall pick in the 2025 OHL draft, Edgar has 18 goals and 39 points with the Niagara IceDogs this season. In 2028, he will play for Michigan.
Edgar plays like a waterbug when he is on the ice.
“One of the immediately observable things with Edgar’s forecheck and backcheck is his ability to calculate angles, implement an active stick, and strip pucks from opponents that lacked puck protection mechanics. He showed flashes of good situational awareness through these take aways. In the defensive zone Edgar looks to be more cautious and lacks significant compete, with a lower end motor, limited play engagement, and overall just an evidently passive game overall. In offensive transition the 2009 born forward does a good job of option creation, responsible positioning, and displays evident lane awareness. These senses blend well with decent decision making leading to multiple dumps in this one, capable handling, and adequate puck protection mechanics. Upon zone entries does a decent job establishing body positioning on opponents and play reading for options.”
Melvin Ekman (F, L, 5’11, 163, Dubuque Fighting Saints, 05/16/2006, Minnesota State)
In his second full season with the USHL’s Dubuque Fighting Saints, Ekman has posted 16 goals and 33 points in 46 games. He has earned himself a move to Minnesota State in the fall.
Ekman has really stepped up his game after a slow rookie season.
“Ekman reads spacing exceptionally well, always knows where his teammates are in all three zones, finds quiet ice, and plays effectively off the puck. He can make high-end plays in tight spaces and processes the game at a high level.”
Jordan Gavin (F, L, 5’11, 188, Brandon Wheat Kings, 11/13/2006, RPI)
The second-overall pick in the 2021 WHL draft, Gavin has 14 goals and 48 points with the WHL’s Brandon Wheat Kings this season. He will play at RPI in September.
Gavin plays with lots of confidence and is a workhorse out there.
“Jordan Gavin showcases a well-rounded skill set that makes him a valuable asset on the ice. His soft hands allow him to make intricate passes in tight spaces, creating scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. Gavin’s elusiveness also makes him difficult to defend against, as he can evade contact with his quick movements. His speed is a significant strength, enabling him to create breakaways and odd man rushes by beating bigger defenders. When on the attack, Gavin takes calculated risks, often finding creative ways to get past opponents. Defensively, Gavin’s intelligence and work ethic make up for any size disadvantage, as he pressures the puck carrier relentlessly and makes smart decisions with possession.”
Niklas Gudmundson (F, L, 5’10, 187, Winkler Flyers, 05/22/2005, Northern Michigan)
A member of the MJHL’s Winkler Flyers, Gudmundson is having a stellar season, collecting 28 goals and 68 points in 44 games. He will be playing at Northern Michigan next season.
Gudmundson was given an A- game rating by NZ scouts.
“Gudmundson had a strong, typical performance for himself, with a goal and two assists. He scored Winkler’s third goal by coming out of a board battle with the puck and passing to the point. As the defenseman carried the puck along the blueline, the opposing players sagged off, allowing Gudmundson to receive a return pass at the left circle. He controlled the puck and beat the goaltender cleanly from the left dot. He earned the primary assist on the game-winning goal by carrying the puck up the boards in the defensive zone to initiate a rush, and picked up a secondary assist on Winkler’s empty-net goal in a similar manner to help secure the victory.”
Neilan Johnson (G, L, 6’2, 172, Hotchkiss School, 08/01/2008, Northeastern)
Currently suiting up at Hotchkiss, Johnson has appeared in 19 games and has posted an impressive .947 save percentage. He will head off to Northeastern next year.
NZ scouts watched Johnson in the New England prep league and were impressed with his abilities.
“Johnson had a strong game for the Bearcats, posting a 24-save shutout. Although he wasn’t heavily tested, he consistently made the necessary saves and limited second chances with excellent rebound control. He moved efficiently towards pucks, tracking them from a distance and either absorbing them into his body or directing them safely to the corners with minimal movement, avoiding erratic positioning. Johnson took effective angles to direct pucks into his chest and was difficult to beat on straight shots. He tracked the puck well and could make quick post-to-post movements to square up to shooters. Johnson made a key save sequence on a 2-on-1, stopping the initial shot and then aggressively sliding across to deny the rebound, preserving a 2-0 lead in the third period. He remained calm and composed throughout the game, playing mistake-free in the crease.”
Layne Loomer (F, L, 5’11, 187, Lincoln Stars, 07/17/2005, Miami (Ohio))
In his overage season with the USHL’s Lincoln Stars, Loomer has 21 goals and 57 points in 46 games. He will look to keep his offensive touch going next season when he joins Miami (Ohio).
Loomer was impressive at the USHL showcase in September.
“He took efficient routes through the neutral zone, cutting hands and creating transition chances. Loomer stopped on pucks, finished checks, and showed a high skill level with clear offensive upside. An honest, reliable player, he was trusted to play as one of three skaters on a 5-on-3 penalty kill.”
Noah Mazzola (D, L, 6’2, 168, Seacoast Performance Academy 16U, 04/24/2009, Quinnipiac)
A member of Seacoast Performance Academy 16U, Mazzola has been on the scoresheet quite often this season, posting 14 goals and 83 points in only 56 games. He’s committed to Quinnipiac for 2028.
While Mazzola is great at putting up points, he is also very reliable on the defensive side of the puck.
“Noah Mazzola is a mobile, two-way defenseman who effectively navigates the offensive blue line. He settles pucks well, remains calm under forechecking pressure, and executes smart pinches. Noah joins the play without sacrificing his defensive responsibilities and consistently supports his teammates. He balances offensive contributions with strong defensive play. His mobility, awareness, and hockey IQ make him a key presence.”
Luka Rohloff (D, L, 6’0, 195, Tri-City Storm, 10/06/2006, Bemidji State)
In his rookie season with the USHL’s Tri-City Storm, Rohloff has three goals and eight points through 31 games. He will play at Bemidji State in 2027.
Rohloff is a solid two-way defenseman.
“Rohloff has a solid frame with strength that allowed him to consistently separate the opposition from the puck, combined with a strong lower body and balance. He demonstrated good knee bend with a smooth stride and strong use of his edges. Rohloff kept his head on a swivel during puck retrievals and quickly identified passing lanes before firing off crisp, tape-to-tape passes. He showcased a high comfort level in leading the rush and made smart decisions with the puck; however, there were times when he was too offensive-minded and got caught deep in the offensive zone.”
Nicky Romeo (F, L, 6’0, 181, Cedar Rapids RoughRiders, 05/02/2005, New Hampshire)
A difference-maker for the USHL’s Cedar Rapids RoughRiders, Romeo has 20 goals and 38 points in 45 games this season. He will play for the New Hampshire in the fall.
Romeo has the skills required to be a good playmaker.
“He clearly leans toward a pass-first approach, using his quick hands, high hockey IQ, and excellent vision to consistently create scoring opportunities for others.”
William Tomko (F, R, 6’0, 186, Sioux City Musketeers, 10/17/2006, Ohio State)
Having joined the USHL’s Sioux City Musketeers from the Chicago Steel at the beginning of the season, Tomko has been a consistent offensive contributor, collecting 18 goals and 47 points in 44 games. He will play at Ohio State in the fall.
Tomko is good at generating offense.
“Tomko is a playmaker who elevates those around him. He is an offensive driver, consistently funneling pucks into dangerous areas through a combination of skating, puck skill, and high-end vision. Whether creating off the rush or from set offense, he has a knack for dictating pace and pulling defenders out of position.”
Mans Toresson (F, L, 6’1, 184, Frolunda HC U20, 02/03/2006, Lake Superior State)
Currently playing in the top junior league (U20 Nationell) in his native Sweden, Toresson has 22 goals and 35 points in 26 games. Toresson has played 16 games in the SHL this year. His first taste of North American hockey will be next season at Lake Superior State.
by Sebastian Zucchet
Sebastian Zucchet is a freelance sports reporter from Toronto and someone who deeply enjoys hockey.