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.
Adam Benak (F, L, 5’7, 166, Brantford Bulldogs, 04/10/2007, Western Michigan)
A 2025 fourth-round pick of the Minnesota Wild, Benak was instrumental in helping Czechia take home a silver medal at the world juniors, putting up eight points. With the OHL’s Brantford Bulldogs this year, he has collected 26 goals and 70 points in 45 games. He will play for Western Michigan next season.
Benak is a playmaker who can make a difference on both sides of the puck.
“Adam is a play-making and hard-hitting center who plays with high energy. He moves his feet with the puck which opens up passing lanes and he is able to move the puck without missing a step. He never stops moving his feet with or without the puck and is a nightmare on the forecheck for the opponent. He delivers big hits and always finishes his checks. When he is in a race for the puck he initiates contact and works to win the lane to the puck, being completely unafraid to sacrifice his body to win a puck. Adam uses a strong wide base and gets lots to use all of his strength to win pucks and to protect it when it is on his stick. He is confident in his puck-handling and will make quick cuts and fakes to open up passing lanes.”
Will Bishop (D, R, 6’6, 217, Kingston Frontenacs, 03/17/2005, St Lawrence)
In his overage season with the OHL’s Kingston Frontenacs, Bishop has recorded one goal and 11 points this year. He will play at St. Lawrence next season.
Bishop’s size allows him to be a force in the defensive zone.
“Bishop is a towering right-shot defender who is reliable in the defensive zone. He rarely gets out of position during five-on-five in-zone play, showing an understanding of when to stay patient rather than chase, allowing the puck to come to him before making plays. He’s extremely effective boxing out, using his strength to establish early body position, and few opponents are able to get inside position at the front of the net. Offensively, his game is straightforward rather than flashy, but he will activate selectively. He showed the ability to pinch down the walls and generate chances by getting shots through to the net with traffic, contributing to offensive zone pressure without compromising his defensive responsibilities.”
Rylan Bydal (F, R, 5’10, 180, Anchorage Wolverines, 01/01/2007, Long Island University)
In his first season with the NAHL’s Anchorage Wolverines, Bydal has 14 goals and 47 points in 51 games. He’s also appeared in five games with the USHL’s Green Bay Gamblers this year. In 2027, he will for Long Island.
Bydal has a great skill set and is often on the scoresheet.
“His great skating ability coupled with precise edge control allows him to glide effortlessly on the rink. Bydal’s head is always up and he consistently delivers quality passes demonstrating a keen understanding of the game’s flow. He plays with a high tempo and applies relentless pressure on opponents creating turnovers and scoring opportunities. Bydal boasts an accurate shot making him a dangerous offensive threat.”
Christian Humphreys (F, R, 5’11, 165, Kitchener Rangers, 02/04/2006, Minnesota)
A 2024 seventh-round pick of the Colorado Avalanche, Humphreys is lighting it up with the OHL’s Kitchener Rangers, having collected 27 goals and 82 points in 61 games. He will join Minnesota next season.
William Prowse (G, L, 6’0, 184, Lincoln Stars, 12/18/2006, Boston University)
A current member of the USHL’s Lincoln Stars, Prowse has posted a 2.72 goals-against average and a .907 save percentage this season. He will play at Boston University next year.
Prowse plays with intensity and has great positioning.
“He has quick hands and consistently caught pucks through traffic, limiting rebounds and providing steadiness in net. In tight, he battles for pucks-especially laterally-getting there with no holes and pouncing on loose pucks in close. He’s fast on his feet, whether it’s low-to-high or side-to-side, and that quickness allows him to reach pucks, stay square, and choose the proper save selection based on the play.”
by Sebastian Zucchet
Sebastian Zucchet is a freelance sports reporter from Toronto and someone who deeply enjoys hockey.