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.
Raoul Boilard (F, L, 6’1, 188, Cape Breton Eagles, 01/07/2006, Lake Superior State)
A 2024 fourth-round pick of the New York Rangers, Boilard has 13 goals and 34 points this season between the QMJHL’s Shawinigan Cataractes and the Cape Breton Eagles. He will play at Lake Superior State next season.
Boilard is a versatile forward who possesses good skill.
“Raul Boilard is a 6’1″, 190 pound left shot center with exceptional skating and puck poise, demonstrating the ability to execute plays at top speed while processing the game effectively. His hockey IQ and puck skills are standout attributes, contributing to his creativity and vision on the ice. Boilard possesses a smooth quick release, though he will need to add strength to become an effective top-six forward or second/third-line center at the professional level.”
Sam Caulfield (G, L, 6’3, 186, Baie-Comeau Drakkar, 08/29/2006, Northeastern)
A former member of the USHL’s Chicago Steel, Caulfield made the move to the QMJHL’s Baie-Comeau Drakkar this season. Through 14 appearances, he has posted a 2.72 goals-against average and a .926 save percentage. He will play at Northeastern next season.
Caulfield received an A- game rating from NZ scouts.
“Despite getting the loss tonight, Caulfield definitely deserves his flowers. He played a strong game that kept his team in the trenches as long as he could, it is hard to win when the players in front of you do not score any goals. Where Caulfield was very strong tonight was how hard he battled for second chance pucks. He uses his mobility to pop back up when he is down and dives for pucks laying in his crease. Both goals scored back door goals that started from odd man rushes to begin with, hard to make those stops as it is.”
Callum Hughes (F, L, 6’0, 186, Erie Otters, 01/22/2006, Cornell)
A product of Basking Ridge, N.J., Hughes joined the Erie Otters last season after spending time in the BCHL. In 52 games this year, he has collected 18 points. He will play at Cornell next season.
Hughes is skilled and has the ability to make high-end plays.
“Hughes is a well-rounded forward who consistently demonstrates skill and tenacity in his game. He excels at supporting puck battles and creating turnovers through his relentless forechecking and tenacious pursuit of pucks. His speed allows him to create scoring chances on the rush, while his quick hands enable him to evade pressure situations. On defense, Hughes is responsible and proactive, stopping plays and clearing ice. While he may not be overly flashy, he consistently makes smart, hard plays that allow his team to maintain possession. His vision on the power play is also notable, as he can catch opponents off guard with quick, precise passes.”
Nikita Ivashchenko (F, R, 6’0, 190, Blackfalds Bulldogs, 02/08/2005, Stonehill College)
A current member of the BCHL’s Blackfalds Bulldogs, Ivashchenko is having a great season, having put up 29 goals and 66 points in 49 games while also being named an all-star. He will play at Stonehill next season.
Ivashchenko is a skilled forward who has a knack for scoring goals.
“Ivashchenko is a hard-working 6’0′ right winger who plays with pace and intent – a high-end skater with excellent top speed, strong puck skills and a quick, powerful release. He uses his speed to pressure the forecheck, engages physically at times and aggressively backtracks to recover possession.”
Frankie Marrelli (D, L, 5’11, 187, Ottawa 67’s, 02/16/2006, Ohio State)
A 2022 first-round pick of the OHL’s Ottawa 67’s, Marrelli has 12 goals and 37 points in 60 games this season. He will play for Ohio State in the fall.
Marrelli is a good skater who can make a difference at both ends of the ice.
“Marrelli is known for his precise playmaking abilities, often snapping crisp passes that lead to scoring opportunities in all three zones. He excels at reading the ice and making smart decisions, which allows him to maintain a fast pace without hesitation. Marrelli’s puck handling skills are also noteworthy, as he consistently gets shots on net by identifying and exploiting shooting lanes.”
Ryland Randle (D, L, 5’10, 169, Des Moines Buccaneers, 05/16/2006, Cornell)
In his rookie season in the USHL, Randle has 10 goals and 28 points with the Des Moines Buccaneers this year. He will play at Cornell in 2027.
Randle had a good showing at the USHL Showcase.
“He moved quickly with excellent edges, balance, and a quick first step. He looked elusive as he shook forecheckers and led the rush in both games we watched. He was a key component to the Bucs’ power play and seemed to thrive in his new surroundings after a Prep Championship last season. Randle showed off quick feet, a quick processor, and slick hands. He stood the puck up at his blue line as he trusted his feet. Ryland’s gaps were tight all the way up ice as he held the offensive blue line and kept opponents close.”
Dominic Somma (D, R, 6’2, 190, Berkshire School, 07/16/2007, Army)
Hailing from Rye, N.Y., Somma is currently playing prep hockey for Berkshire School, where he has three goals and 20 points. He will play at Army in 2027.
Somma is a strong player who uses his size to his advantage.
“A big, strong defenceman, he effectively shuts down rushes early and transitions the puck to his forwards. He plays with a physical edge, easily separating opponents from the puck.”
Carter Sotheran (D, R, 6’3, 202, Edmonton Oil Kings, 06/26/2005, Nebraska-Omaha)
A 2023 fifth-round pick of the Philadelphia Flyers, Sotheran has 19 goals and 68 points with the WHL’s Edmonton Oil Kings this season. He will play for the University of Nebraska-Omaha next season.
Sotheran is a threat to produce offensively from the backend.
“Sotheran is a composed 2005-born defenseman for the Winterhawks who provides a steady, reliable presence on the backend; he reads the game well in his own zone, moves the puck cleanly and consistently, and rarely puts his team in trouble. Calm with the puck, he shows the vision and timing to find open teammates—highlighted by a play where he picked up the puck on his own blue line, pre-scanned, spun and fired a perfect stretch pass to an uncovered winger at the far blue—and he can also carry the puck out of danger when needed.”
William Yared (F, R, 6’1, 197, Saint John Sea Dogs, 01/22/2008, Penn State)
The fifth-overall pick in the 2024 QMJHL draft, Yared has 10 goals and 25 points with the Saint John Sea Dogs this year. He is committed to Penn State for 2027.
Yared has great awareness when he’s on the ice.
“William Yared is a highly competitive forward with strong awareness in the offensive zone. He consistently engages in play, wins battles, and creates space for his teammates through his grinder’s mentality and high level of energy. His vision and puck sense are notable, particularly as a passer, allowing him to make smart, purposeful decisions on the ice.”
by Sebastian Zucchet
Sebastian Zucchet is a freelance sports reporter from Toronto and someone who deeply enjoys hockey.