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.
Talan Blanck (F, R, 5’11”, 178, Minnesota Wilderness, 09/28/2005, Wisconsin)
An overager with the NAHL’s Minnesota Wilderness this past season, Blanck collected 28 goals and 66 points in 58 games. He also added six goals and 11 points in six playoff games. He will play for Wisconsin next season.
Blanck was given an A- rating by NZ scouts in a game report.
“He was always in motion tonight and was aggressive on offense. He delivered a perfectly timed open-ice check to interrupt a Janesville breakout pass attempt. Blanck had two points, assisting on the first couple of Wilderness goals tonight. Blanck is a busy forward for the Minnesota Wilderness who plays a crowd-friendly style.”
Alex Bosland (D, R, 6’0”, 179, Blackfalds Bulldogs, 04/14/2005, Army)
Having spent this year as a member of the BCHL’s Blackfalds Bulldogs, Bosland had three goals and 22 points in 54 games. He will play at Army next season.
Bosland is a reliable defender.
“Bosland is a steady and reliable presence on the Bulldogs’ blue line, making solid contributions both at even strength and on the second power play unit. While his skating is good, though not elite, he defends the rush effectively. He is comfortable skating backward, getting aggressive in the neutral zone, and using a strong stick and smart angles to break up plays. Though not an overly physical defender, he finishes checks along the wall and uses his body effectively in board battles, reflected in an impressive battle win rate of approximately 60% this season. Bosland is poised with the puck and retrieves pucks with strong situational awareness, consistently locating teammates. He is a very good passer who moves the puck cleanly and keeps play flowing. Overall, he is a dependable, low-risk, game-managing defenceman who provides consistent minutes.”
Shawn Carrier (F, L, 5’10”, 185, Halifax Mooseheads, 03/14/2007, Boston University)
Drafted sixth overall by the Moncton Wildcats in the 2023 QMJHL draft, Carrier recently finished his second season with the Halifax Moosehads, putting up 37 goals and 65 points in 61 games. He will join the Terriers next fall.
Carrier plays at a high pace and is a volume shooter.
“Shawn Carrier is a high-compete, high-usage left shot forward with explosive skating, strong offensive instincts, and the willingness to play in hard areas. While undersized relative to pro benchmarks, Carrier’s tenacity, transition speed, and power play volume make him one of the more impactful puck-driving forwards in Halifax’s lineup. He plays in all situations and logs nearly 20 minutes per game, contributing as both a forechecker and creator off the rush.”
Dmitrijs Dilevka (F, L, 5’11”, 170, Brooks Bandits, 10/13/2006, Stonehill)
In his first season with the BCHL’s Brooks Bandits, Dilevka collected 13 goals and 32 points in 40 regular-season games. He also added 23 points in 13 playoff games. He will play at Stonehill next season.
Dilevka is a smart player who is great at creating opportunities.
“A smooth, shifty winger with great edges and deception who stood out for his poise and creativity. He has a calm presence with the puck, slowing the game down to open seams and create east–west offense. He handles the puck confidently in tight spaces and can beat defenders with subtle fakes and body control.”
Blake Fiddler (D, R, 6’5”, 222, Edmonton Oil Kings, 07/09/2007, Denver)
The son of longtime NHLer Vernon and a 2025 second-round pick of the Seattle Kraken, Fiddler played for the Edmonton Oil Kings this past season and put up 36 points in 63 games. He will join the Pioneers next season.
Fiddler knows how to use his size to his advantage.
“Blake Fiddler is a physically imposing, mobile, two-way defenseman with significant pro potential. His size, skating, and physical presence make him a true National League prospect.. Fiddler’s future lies in his defensive game, particularly his ability to stifle rushes, protect the net-front, and deliver crisp breakout passes when given time and space. Offensively, he must improve his decision-making under pressure, puck-handling and first-touch consistency, and offensive execution to fully realize his potential as a top-pairing NHL defenseman.”
Nathan Free (F, R, 5’10”, 163, Portland Winterhawks, 06/23/2006, Union College)
A rookie with the WHL’s Portland Winterhawks this year, Free flourished on the scoreboard, collecting 28 goals and 53 points. It will be his only WHL season, though, as he will play at Union College in the fall.
Free has a strong work ethic and is great with the puck on his stick.
“Nathan Free is a dynamic skater who excels on the rush, generating offense with his speed and agility. His ability to quickly change direction and create chaos makes him a threat in the offensive zone. However, he sometimes takes risks that lead to turnovers due to overplaymaking. On defense, he can be vulnerable to physical battles and relies heavily on his linemates to provide support. While he demonstrates impressive footwork skills, particularly in his own end, where he uses his acceleration to escape pressure, he occasionally struggles with managing the puck responsibly and covering for his teammates.”
Carter Klippenstein (F, L, 6’3”, 182, Brandon Wheat Kings, 11/25/2006, Providence)
A 2025 fourth-round pick of the Minnesota Wild, Klippenstein collected 11 goals and 28 points in 38 games for the WHL’s Brandon Wheat Kings this season. He will play at Providence in the fall.
NZ scouts praised Klippenstein in a pre-draft report.
“NHL-caliber size and strength—long frame that can add weight and muscle. Responsible two-way game—trusted defensively and contributes positively in even-strength situations. Hard worker and physical presence—plays a heavy, forechecking style that can translate to a bottom-six NHL role. Projects as a reliable depth forward who can forecheck effectively, potentially intimidate through physicality, and provide secondary offense.”
Nathan Kydd (F, L, 5’8”, 142, Sherwood Park Crusaders, 09/25/2009, Merrimack)
Having spent the majority of the season with Weeks Major Midgets U18, Kydd had a great season, putting up 27 goals and 42 points in 29 games. He also played a few games with the BCHL’s Sherwood Park Crusaders. He will join Merrimack in 2028.
Kydd put on a good performance for NZ scouts at the Quebec CCM M18 AAA Challenge.
“Kydd, a left-shot center, stood out as the most dangerous and explosive player on his team. He showed quick, agile hands and the ability to distribute the puck through the neutral zone, including cross-ice passes, while also being reliable in the faceoff circle. He demonstrated straight-line speed and lateral agility, darting in and out of lanes, with a strong first step that allowed him to separate and drive play up ice. On the power play, he carried the puck end-to-end with control and decent pace, showing some touch and vision on his passes. His stick skill at speed was evident, though he tended to get isolated in one-on-one situations at times. Constantly in motion, he clearly wanted to make a difference despite his team being the tournament underdog. He never quit and managed to dominate certain shifts, but often tried to do too much on his own, showing limited trust in teammates to support the play.”
Lance McCloskey (D, R, 5’11”, 192, Vancouver Giants, 09/13/2007, Army)
Undrafted into the WHL, McCloskey played 60 games for the WHL’s Vancouver Giants this year, recording four goals and seven points. He will play at Army next season.
McCloskey keeps his game simple and defends well.
“McCloskey showed solid skillset as a stay-at-home defenseman, consistently getting shots on net when presented with open lanes. His ability to generate second-chance opportunities for his forwards was notable, particularly in front of the net. While he may not be agile, his mobility allows him to participate more effectively in play.”
Cooper Michaluk (G, L, 6’2”, 179, Trail Smoke Eaters, 01/23/2005, Bowling Green)
After four seasons in the WHL, Michaluk played his last season of junior hockey with the BCHL’s Trail Smoke Eaters, compiling a 3.07 goals-against average and a .899 save percentage. He will join Bowling Green next season.
Tanner Morgan (F, L, 5’9”, 180, Omaha Lancers, 07/18/2006, Army)
A member of the USHL’s Omaha Lancers, Morgan recently finished his second season with the team, compiling 31 points in 59 games. He’ll join Army next season.
Morgan uses his base and agility to win puck battles.
“Morgan is not the fastest skater but has good edges and agility. He has a low center of gravity due to his size which helps him not to be beaten to pucks. He does however display a strong base which allows for him to cut and launch off of his edges and from irregular footings, seeing him somewhat offset his lack of acceleration.”
Evan Nee (F, L, 5’9”, 171, St. Mark’s School, 08/12/2007, Long Island)
A product of Arlington, Mass., Nee spent the majority of the season playing for St. Mark’s School, where he put up 25 goals and 57 points in just 30 games. He also appeared in four games for the USHL’s Tri-City Storm. Nee will play in the QMJHL next season before joining Long Island in 2027.
Nee is a consistent threat in the offensive zone.
“Nee isn’t afraid to shoot from anywhere on the ice. He delivers the puck on net with good velocity and accuracy, often from unexpected angles that can catch goalies off-guard. His constant presence around the puck and the play explains his impressive point totals for St. Mark’s this season.”
Carson Pilgrim (F, R, 5’11”, 176, Tri-City Storm, 02/20/2006, St. Cloud State)
A member of the Storm, Pilgrim collected 18 goals and 41 points in 52 games this year. He also won a gold medal with Team USA at the World Jr. A Challenge. He will play at St. Cloud State next season.
Pilgrim possesses high-end skill and is a solid finisher.
“Pilgrim can make high-end plays, making him a threat every time he’s in the offensive zone. He has a knack for being in the right position and letting pucks find him, especially in scoring areas. Whether it’s 5-on-5 or on the power play, he consistently gets to dangerous spots and isn’t afraid to shoot. He has a quick release and a heavy shot, which creates second-chance opportunities even without screens.”
Evan Sofikitis (D, R, 5’9”, 181, Tri-City Storm, 12/02/2006, Robert Morris)
Another member of the Storm, Sofikitis collected eight points in 45 games this season. He will join Robert Morris in 2027.
Sofikitis had a good showing for NZ scouts at the USHL Showcase.
“Our very first note on Evan read “PITA,” aka pain in the a** to play against. Relentless defending in the holes deep in his end, with a low center of gravity and firm edgework. He got off checks quickly and often with possession. His game was clean, with few mishaps—versatile and gritty, combining skill with a powerful stride. Sofikitis only played against Des Moines, so our viewing was somewhat limited, but there were plenty of positive notes. Evan looked stout and balanced. He was excellent 1v1, keeping his eyes on the opponent’s chest and using his strength to knock puck carriers off track. He didn’t chase pucks and took care of the net front. Picked pucks off the wall and wheeled out of his end, showing deceptive pace with quick starts to escape forecheck pressure.”
Owen Tylec (F, L, 5’11”, 175, Des Moines Buccaneers, 10/16/2006, St. Lawrence)
A key cog for the USHL’s Des Moines Buccaneers, Tylec put up 20 goals and 45 points this season. Tylec will play at St. Lawrence in the fall.
Tylec is good at creating scoring opportunities for others.
“Tylec is a speedy forward who can weave in and out of traffic with the puck, making him a dangerous threat-especially off the rush. He’s equally effective attacking defenders with pace or stopping on a dime, cutting back, and finding the second wave of offense. He shows poise with the puck, holding onto possession under pressure and calmly distributing to open teammates in scoring areas, or delivering clean, tape-to-tape passes through the neutral zone to maintain control.”
by Sebastian Zucchet
Sebastian Zucchet is a freelance sports reporter from Toronto and someone who deeply enjoys hockey.