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.
Jesse Allecia (F, R, 6’0”, 188, Drummondville Voltigeurs, 10/12/2005, Dartmouth)
In his first full QMJHL season with the Drummondville Voltigeurs, Allecia posted 23 goals and 65 points in 64 games. He will play at Dartmouth next season.
Allecia was given a B+ game rating by NZ scouts in a game against Victoriaville.
“Allecia was able to show tonight that he is a high volume shooter, and is very good at moving into space to get his shot off. When he was at his least effective, his pace was low, and he was not driving the play on his stick in the offensive zone. doesn’t play a particularly physical or imposing game for a player his size, but he’s got real skill and feel on the puck. If he could use his speed and size to impose a physicality presence more, his two way game would sky rocket.”
Egor Barabanov (F, L, 6’0”, 177, Saginaw Spirit, 05/01/2006, UMass)
Having recently wrapped up his first OHL season with the Saginaw Spirit, Barabanov had an excellent year, recording 28 goals and 91 points in 68 games. Barabanov will head to UMass in the fall.
Barabanov possesses the ability to create chances for himself and others.
“Egor is a skilled center with confidence when possessing the puck, using his speed to push the pace through the neutral zone but ultimately relying on his hands and decision-making to execute plays.”
Gavin Hodnett (F, L, 5’7”, 158, Edmonton Oil Kings, 04/09/2006, Nebraska-Omaha)
A 2021 first-round pick of the WHL’s Edmonton Oil Kings, Hodnett scored 12 goals and collected 50 points in 41 games with the team this season. He will play for Nebraska-Omaha next season.
Hodnett plays with tenacity.
“The smaller forward plays a gritty style, countering his size with grit and a willingness to get to the hard areas on the ice. His speed usually puts him in a position to maneuver the bigger players on the ice but there are times when a bigger defenseman is able to get a step on him and eliminate him from the play.”
Eli Molde (F, L, 5’8”, 145, Okotoks Oilers, 07/01/2007, Air Force)
Molde, a product of Plymouth, Minn., spent the majority of the year suiting up for Wayzata High, posting 16 goals and 35 points in 28 games. He finished the season off with the BCHL’s Okotoks Oilers, collecting an assist in two games. He will join Air Force in the fall of 2027.
Molde impressed NZ scouts this season.
“His playmaking vision was evident, and he transitioned the puck efficiently at top speed through the neutral zone on the attack. Though smaller in stature and not overly physical, Molde competed hard and excelled in the little details. He was strong on faceoffs, provided consistent support to his defense in defensive zone corner battles, and applied smart pressure on the penalty kill. He is on the smaller side and was occasionally easily overpowered in puck battles, but his effort level never wavered. Selected as team captain for the second straight season, Molde demonstrated leadership through his compete as he continued to battle and backchecked with urgency even when down six goals late in the game.”
Marco Senerchia (D, L, 5’9”, 159, Chicago Steel, 07/04/2007, Brown)
In his first full season with the USHL’s Chicago Steel, Senerchia recorded four goals and 22 points. He is committed to Brown University for next year.
Senerchia is a great skater with good vision.
“Marco Senerchia is a compact, two-way defenseman with impressive skating abilities that allow him to excel in his defensive role. His ability to keep moving his feet while engaging opponents makes him a formidable opponent in board battles, often forcing them out of position. This, combined with smart angles and decision-making, enables him to effectively defend against opposing forwards. Offensively, Senerchia’s agility and mobility make him a threat every time he touches the puck, allowing him to evade pursuers and create scoring opportunities.”
Vann Williamson (D, R, 6’1”, 187, Kingston Frontenacs, 07/14/2006, Clarkson)
Having served as captain of the OHL’s Kingston Frontenacs this past season, Williamson collected three goals and 37 points. He will play for Clarkson next season.
Williamson is reliable in the defensive zone.
“Williamson is a reliable defender who excels at reading plays and retrieving loose pucks from his own end. He plays a physical game but maintains control by staying within established defensive structures, often sacrificing over-commitment for more effective results. His ability to anticipate and react quickly allows him to stay in front of opponents and disrupt their offense.”
Jack Willson (D, L, 5’8”, 176, Youngstown Phantoms, 04/15/2005, Arizona State)
Having recently wrapped up his overage season with the USHL’s Youngstown Phantoms, Willson was outstanding, taking home the USHL Defenseman of the Year Award while collecting 47 points in 57 games. He will play at Arizona State next season.
Willson put on a good showing at the USHL Showcase.
“Michigan native Jack Willson is a puck-moving defenseman who delivers quick, accurate passes with zip. On retrievals, he showed the ability to shake off attackers with smart escapes and immediately looked to stretch the ice, hitting several teammates on time and on the tape. He takes pucks off the wall and attacks middle ice with his head up, searching for passing lanes. Willson activates in the offensive zone and consistently looks to find quiet ice. Comfortable carrying the puck, he executed a smooth spin move through the neutral zone, gaining the zone with speed against Cedar Rapids. With timely pinches and a strong ability to win puck battles, Willson played physical when necessary and was sound defensively, employing a simple yet effective game.”
by Sebastian Zucchet
Sebastian Zucchet is a freelance sports reporter from Toronto and someone who deeply enjoys hockey.