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.
Tyler Challenger (F, L, 6’2, 202. Sarnia Sting, 04/13/2008, Michigan State)
A member of the OHL’s Sarnia Sting, Challenger split time this year between the Sting and the Erie Otters, putting up 11 goals and 18 points. He will play one more season in Sarnia before going to Michigan State in 2027.
Challenger plays an energetic game.
“This player’s skill set is characterized by a commanding presence on the ice, driving to create plays with the puck and establishing position in high-danger areas. He effectively uses his size to push defenders back and gets to the slot, utilizing his long reach to locate loose pucks for scoring opportunities. He demonstrates impressive puck-handling ability, navigating through traffic with confidence and making extra plays when presented with opportunities. His agility allows him to separate from opponents using his edges, despite being a larger forward. While not fully polished at times, his raw talent is evident, suggesting a high ceiling for this player’s development.”
Nico Ciardiello (F, R, 5’11, 175, Avon Old Farms School, 11/10/2008, Brown)
Ciardiello split time this season between Avon Old Farms and Northern CT Nor’Easters 18U. With Avon, he had 16 goals and 32 points in 28 games, while collecting 16 goals and 38 points for the Nor’Easters. He will join Brown next year.
Ciardiello is consistently involved in generating scoring chances.
“His keen sense for finding the net is complemented by his ability to locate open lanes and seams, allowing him to develop those opportunities effectively. Moreover, his vision on the ice helps facilitate plays, making him a pivotal player in offensive situations.”
Jaxon Cover (F, L, 6’2, 182, London Knights, 02/13/2008, Penn State)
Having recently wrapped up his first season with the OHL’s London Knights, Cover made his impact felt, scoring 20 goals and collecting 52 points. He will stay in London for one more year before joining Penn State in 2027.
In a game report, Cover impressed as a young player in the OHL.
“The puck seemed to follow this player around, and his ability to make high-skill moves to create space in tight situations is beyond what you typically see from a first-year player. He generated a handful of quality looks tonight and worked actively for loose pucks in the offensive zone.”
Kim Elfving (D, L, 6’4, 209, Södertälje SK U20, 07/19/2005, Lindenwood)
Elfving appeared in 16 games for the BCHL’s Coquitlam Express before heading back to Sweden. In that span, he collected six goals and 16 points. He will head to Lindenwood next season.
Jack Fichthorn (G, L, 6’0, 173, Sioux City Musketeers, 05/10/2007, Sacred Heart)
In 36 games with the USHL’s Sioux City Musketeers this season, Fichthorn posted a 3.57 goals-against average and an .889 save percentage. He will play at Sacred Heart next year.
Fichthorn received a “B” rating by NZ scouts in a game between Sioux City and Fargo.
“Fichthorn showed strong movement through out the game, utilizing powerful pushes to maintain an aggressive depth position. His ability to read plays and arrive early at shots was impressive, allowing him to control rebounds on most shots faced. He demonstrated good situational awareness, making key saves on quality scoring chances at critical moments. While not overly flashy with the puck, he did so effectively when given opportunities.”
Onni Kalto (F, L, 6’1, 187, Oshawa Generals, 12/14/2006, Bowling Green)
A native of Finland, Kalto made to move to North America this past season, joining the OHL’s Oshawa Generals. Across 62 games, he collected 29 points. He also represented Finland at the world juniors in Minnesota. He will play at Bowling Green in the fall.
Kalto showcases good speed and skill with the puck.
“Onni Kalto showcases a well-rounded skill set that enables him to be an effective player. His speed is particularly notable, allowing him to drive past defenders with ease and generate scoring opportunities. He also demonstrates grit and determination, often taking on opponents in the corners and near the net. Kalto’s ability to transfer the puck quickly from one hand to another and maintain possession of the puck is impressive. When he does possess the puck, he makes calculated plays that showcase his potential. On the penalty kill, his speed and toughness allow him to pressure opponents effectively, making him a valuable asset in this capacity.”
Axel Löfgren (D, L, 6’3, 201, Fargo Force, 06/22/2005, Minnesota)
A 2025 first-round pick of the Fargo Force, Löfgren collected 10 goals and 33 points this season. He will play for Minnesota in the fall.
Löfgren reads the game well and is reliable on both ends of the ice.
“Axel Lofgren showcases a well-rounded skill set as a defenseman, combining size, poise, and agility. He excels in the neutral zone, leveraging his reach and puck placement to control the play and limit opponents’ access. With a smooth skating stride, he can seamlessly transition from defense to offense, often initiating attacks with precise puck placement. Lofgren is also mindful of his own end zone responsibilities, looking to create turnovers and jump-start his team’s offense. His awareness and willingness to take on these challenges demonstrate significant upside potential in his development as a defenseman.”
Joseph McGraw (F, R, 6’4, 184, Sioux Falls Stampede, 12/13/2005, UMass-Lowell)
Currently suiting up for the USHL’s Sioux Falls Stampede, McGraw put up 13 goals and 33 points in 49 regular-season games. He will join UMass-Lowell next season.
McGraw is a strong shooter.
“A hard, accurate shot and smart positioning make him a top-circle option on the power play. McGraw’s game is fundamentally sound and plays the right way; continuing to develop his scoring touch will make him even more dangerous.”
Ethan Miedema (F, L, 6’5, 218, Guelph Storm, 02/22/2005, Bemidji State)
A 2023 fourth-round pick of the Buffalo Sabres, Miedema spent this past season playing for the OHL’s Guelph Storm, putting up 47 points in 68 games. He will play at Bemidji State in the fall.
Miedema protects the puck well and uses his size to his advantage.
“Miedema is a solid power forward with a strong skill set that allows him to contribute in various ways on the ice. He excels at puck protection, capable of safeguarding pucks along walls and in open space, which enables him to access scoring areas. In the slot, he has shown the ability to adapt his body positioning to evade checks and generate shots. While there is room for improvement in his skating, Miedema’s understanding of his game allows him to maintain a good pace by leveraging his size.”
by Sebastian Zucchet
Sebastian Zucchet is a freelance sports reporter from Toronto and someone who deeply enjoys hockey.