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.
Ethan Belchetz (F, L, 6’5”, 227, Windsor Spitfires, 03/20/2008, Michigan State)
A protected top-15 pick in the upcoming NHL draft, Belchetz scored 34 goals and 59 points with the OHL’s Windsor Spitfires this season. He will play at Michigan State in the fall.
Belchetz has a great shot, and his size makes him tough to play against.
“Ethan Belchetz is a physically gifted forward who combines size, toughness, and offensive ability. He effectively uses his body to win pucks in the corners and along the walls, which contributes to his team’s scoring chances. Ethan finishes his checks well in both the defensive and offensive zones, making him difficult to play against down low. He displays strong passing skills, particularly on the powerplay, where he takes advantage of opportunities at the net front and flanks.”
Cody Butikis (G, L, 6’3”, 214, Austin Bruins, 03/18/2005, Lindenwood)
An overager with the NAHL’s Austin Bruins, Butikis posted a 2.39 goals-against average and a .914 save percentage in 29 games this year. He will play for Lindenwood next season.
When NZ scouts went to watch Butikis, he collected a win and was named the third star of the game.
“Cody Butikis is an aging-out (2005) puck-handling goalie for the NAHL’s Austin Bruins. He plays with an upright but relaxed stance and is comfortable handling the puck. Often found out of his net or behind it, Butikis uses a swift backhand to clear the puck from danger. He demonstrated good puck control with an outstretched, palmed stick, allowing him to play the puck quickly and casually. However, his relaxed style resulted in a cheap goal for Watertown, as a tipped puck trickled past him while he was sprawling for a save.”
Jordan Charron (F, R, 6’1”, 201, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, 06/21/2007, UMass)
A 2025 fifth-round pick of the Pittsburgh Penguins, Charron scored 25 goals and 47 points with the OHL’s Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds this year. He will play at UMass next season.
Charron mixes speed and skill when he takes to the ice.
“He’s tough to knock off the puck and consistently leans into defenders, wearing them down over the course of a shift. He’s got that blend of skill and power-forward mentality, and you can tell he has a shoot-first mindset whenever he gets the puck on his stick, creating first and second hand chances.”
Jan Golicic (D, L, 6’5”, 202, Blainville-Boisbriand Armada, 06/30/2006, Quinnipiac)
A 2024 fourth-round pick of the Tampa Bay Lightning, Golicic split time this season between the QMJHL’s Gatineau Olympiques and the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada, collecting 44 points across 57 games. He will play at Quinnipiac next season.
Golicic uses his size to his advantage.
“Jan is a big, physical defenseman with a strong presence on the ice. He excels at using his reach to make it difficult for opponents to beat him wide, keeping his man on the outside effectively. His physicality is an asset, as he’s quick to throw big hits and is tough to separate from the puck once he gains possession. Jan’s ability to step up on zone entries and use his stick to prevent opponents from setting up is a key strength.”
Sean Matthew Goyette (D, R, 5’11”, 178 Brampton Steelheads, 05/15/2008, Merrimack)
A 2024 sixth-round pick of the OHL’s Brampton Steelheads, Goyette split time this year between Brampton and the OJHL’s Burlington Cougars. He will play at Merrimack in 2028.
Goyette has the ability to make an impact at both ends of the ice.
“Goyette is a good-sized, heads-up puck mover in his first year of junior hockey with the Cornwall Colts. He held pucks in at the point, walked the line, and zipped tape-to-tape passes in all three zones. He carries the puck with his head up, processes the play quickly, and makes crisp, accurate first passes. He wasn’t overly physical here but defended with his stick, broke up passes in his own end, and maintained a good gap through the neutral zone. His best attribute was his breakout play—he was poised under forecheck pressure, kept his eyes up ice, and didn’t hesitate when he saw a seam to move the puck.”
Aiden Grossklaus (F, R, 5’11”, 181, Wenatchee Wild, 02/23/2007, St. Thomas)
A prouduct of Woodbury, Minn., Grossklaus played one season with the WHL’s Wenatchee Wild, scoring 17 goals and 34 points. He will play for St. Thomas next season.
Grossklaus has a good two-way game and competes every night.
“Grossklaus is a hard-working, high-effort forward who skates well – very good edge work with strong top-end speed that he consistently uses to pressure opponents on the forecheck and drive to loose pucks; he plays a gritty grinding style and posts roughly a 50% success rate in battles this season.”
Ben Hrebik (G, L, 6’2”, 209, Barrie Colts, 04/04/2006, Providence College)
Hrebik had a good year for the OHL’s Barrie Colts, accumulating a 2.81 goals-against average and a .920 save percentage in 43 appearances. He will join Providence in the fall.
NZ scouts liked Hrebik’s game when they watched him against Flint this season.
“Ben Hrebik displayed strong positioning and anticipation skills throughout the game, consistently making difficult saves despite facing multiple backdoor shots. His quick movements across the net allowed him to get into position before shots were taken, showcasing his awareness and reaction time. When handling pucks, he is confident and effective in starting breakouts with precise passes and accurate rim plays. This ability to read the play and react quickly was a key factor in Barrie’s success, making him a valuable asset on the team.”
Will Kortan (F, R, 6’0”, 177, Lincoln Stars, 05/23/2007, Air Force)
A 2024 12th round pick of the USHL’s Lincoln Stars, Kortan just finished his first full season with the team, scoring 10 points in 50 games. He will join the Air Force Academy next year.
Kortan helps give his team a chance to win every night.
“Kortan competes hard, shift in and shift out. No matter what zone he’s in, he’s moving his feet, finishing his checks, and consistently doing the little things right. He plays fast, plays the game the right way, and brings reliable value on both sides of the puck.”
Jasper Kuhta (F, L, 6’3”, 196, Ottawa 67’s, 10/28/2006, UMass)
In his first and only OHL season with the Ottawa 67’s, Kuhta proved to be a key piece, with 32 goals and 63 points in 62 games. He also represented Finland at the world juniors, where the team finished fourth. He will play at UMass next season.
Kuhta is always a threat when he is in the offensive zone.
“Kuhta is a dynamic playmaker who consistently finds ways to impact the game with the puck on his stick. He has a knack for being in the right place at the right time, which makes it seem as though the puck naturally finds him. Whether at even strength or on the power play, he generates scoring chances through his smooth puck control, quick hands, and sharp edgework. Kuhta uses his poise to buy time, read the ice, and make smart, calculated plays.”
Darik Olson (D, L, 6’1”, 180, Sioux City Musketeers, 05/03/2006, Northern Michigan)
Olson split time this year between the BCHL’s Chilliwack Chiefs and the USHL’s Six City Musketeers, scoring a combined 26 points across 55 contests. Olson will join Northern Michigan in the fall.
Olson makes quick plays with the puck.
“His consistent, clean breakout passes to his wingers and center on neutral zone regroups were a highlight, as was his effective use of his stick to disrupt opponents on rushes and in the defensive zone. He maintained excellent gap control, and whenever he was beaten, he recovered quickly with strong skating and pressure from his stick. He played in all situations and was on the first unit for both the power play and penalty kill. He used his size to his advantage, outmuscling opponents in puck battles, clearing attackers from in front of the net, and using his reach to keep opponents to the outside. His edgework and skating ability in tight spaces were impressive for his size, and he used these skills effectively in the offensive zone, creating space for himself to make plays and find open teammates. A prime example of this was when he collected a loose puck at the top of the offensive zone circles. He faked a move down the wall, then quickly pivoted back toward the blue line, drawing the winger up to defend him. He then made a quick lateral move along the blue line and found his teammate open in the space he had just vacated.”
Noel Pakarinen (F, L, 6’2”, 191, Kiekko-Espoo U20, 07/09/2008, Michigan Tech)
Pakarinen spent the majority of the season playing with Kiekko-Espoo U20, collecting 13 goals and 30 points and winning the rookie of the year. He will join Michigan Tech in 2027.
Felix Plamondon (D, L, 6’1”, 193, Shawinigan Cataractes, 03/18/2006, UMass-Lowell)
A member of the QMJHL’s Shawinigan Cataractes, Plamondon collected seven goals and 32 points and won the Kevin Lowe Trophy as the QMJHL’s best defensive defenseman this season. He will suit up for UMass-Lowell in the fall.
Plamondon is a physical player.
“Félix Plamondon’s playing style is characterized by his ability to move the puck effectively and maintain good awareness on both sides of the ice. He is an aggressive player with a strong shot, which sometimes leads to defensive lapses as he tends to be too physical in pursuit of the puck. Despite this, he shows promising signs of offense when given simple opportunities. His mobility is somewhat limited, but he can create space for himself by positioning correctly and exploiting defensive vulnerabilities.”
David Rozsìval (F, L, 6’1”, 180, Green Bay Gamblers, 06/01/2007, St. Thomas)
A 2025 sixth-round pick of the New Jersey Devils, Rozsival’s first season with the USHL’s Green Bay Gamblers was quite successful for him, as he recorded 23 goals and 37 points. He will play for St. Thomas in 2027.
NZ scouts watched Rozsìval at the USHL Showcase.
“His combination of athleticism and hockey savvy made him difficult to defend. David curls and delays on zone entries, consistently looking for seams to attack the net, and he forces opponents into switches both on the rush and in the zone. A balanced skater with soft hands, the Liberec, Czechia native and Devils draft pick is able to slow the game down and dictate pace. Rozsival changes speeds in the neutral zone and on zone entries to disrupt defenders’ gaps, showing poise and vision with the puck. He is heady, looks to make plays with quick hands, and consistently catches hard passes cleanly. With a high hockey IQ and a skill set still developing, his best hockey appears to be ahead of him.”
Egor Shilov (F, L, 6’1”, 177, Victoriaville Tigres, 04/30/2008, Penn State)
Shilov lit up the QMJHL this season with the Victoriaville Tigres, collecting 32 goals and 82 points in 63 games while taking home rookie of the year. He will play at Penn State in 2027.
Shilov is a gifted playmaker with high-end speed.
“2008-born forward Egor is a highly skilled and dynamic offensive player with elite puck control and timing. His confidence with the puck stands out — he carries it smoothly through traffic and makes creative plays, such as a slick cut across the slot to draw in a defender before dropping a perfect pass.”
Kade Stengrim (F, L, 6’4”, 205, Medicine Hat Tigers, 06/09/2007, St. Thomas)
Having made the move from the USHL to the WHL this season, Stengrim found his scoring touch, collecting 44 points in 66 games. He will play at St. Thomas next season.
Stengrim has good size and can score.
“At 6’4″, 205 lbs, Stengrim is already built like a pro and shows an understanding of how to use his frame. He consistently positions himself net-front on the power play, reverses pressure in board battles, and uses his backside to shield pucks and create space in tight. His puck protection game is advanced for a player in his draft class, even if he’s still learning how to win with leverage.”
Xavier Villeneuve (D, L, 5’11”, 162, Blainville-Boisbriand Armada, 09/29/2007, Boston University)
A top prospect for the upcoming NHL draft, Villeneuve has been great for the Armada, putting up six goals and 38 points in 37 games. He will play for Boston University next season.
Villeneuve had a good showing at the QMJHL Prospects Game.
“Villeneuve showed his full talent with the puck in this game. He displayed high-level stickhandling at full speed both on the rush and in the offensive zone, controlling the puck at the blue line and easily handling pressure from defenders. The left-handed offensive-minded defenseman also proved effective in his own zone, staying in front of his goalie and preventing opponents from recovering rebounds. He positioned himself well near his opponents, giving them little room to generate offense. Throughout the game, he used precise and effective one-handed poke checks to disrupt plays. Late in the game, he had a chance in the shootout but was stopped by the goalie.”
Matthew Virgilio (D, L, 6’0”, 200, Moncton Wildcats, 03/24/2006, Yale)
A product of Vaughan, Ont., Virgilio spent this season with the QMJHL’s Moncton Wildcats, putting up 19 points in 62 games. He will play at Yale next season.
Virgilio moves the puck well.
“He can quickly change the games pace with precise, long range passes and consistently generates offense from the blue line with his playmaking skills. However, his mobility could use improvement. Despite not being an overly large defensemen, he is not afraid to play the body, but adding strength and size would further enhance his game.”
Kuzma Voronin (F, L, 5’11”, 173, Moncton Wildcats, 07/27/2006, UMass-Lowell)
Voronin was an integral piece for the Wildcats this season, putting up 25 goals and 60 points in 58 regular-season games and 19 points in 20 playoff games. He will play at UMass-Lowell next season.
Voronin is a highly skilled playmaker.
“Voronin will be a problem for the opposition all season long, he’s a fiery elusive two-way winger that’s probably best described as a ‘skilled shit disturber’ that plays on the edge and doesn’t back down from anything. He’s been known to cross that line at times by taking a few ill-advised penalties so far, but it appears it’s all business for now when comes to his style of play which is great to see. Voronin is a highly skilled scoring winger that is fantastic in open ice and can really create scoring chances with his speed to the outside and isn’t scared to go to the middle, at times he has lost puck battles along the halfboards due in large part to potentially underestimating the strength of other players which is part of the adjustment period for any player new to the league.”
Paul Wiczek (F, R, 6’5”, 206, Langley Rivermen, 02/23/2006, Army)
A product of Park City, Utah, Wiczek spent the majority of the season with the BCHL’s Langley Rivermen, putting up 12 points in 38 games, but also got into five WHL contests with Wenatchee. He will play for Army next season.
NZ scouts wrote a report on Wiczek when he played for Wenatchee.
“Paul is a very large and strong forward at 6’4”. He is not easy to move and uses his body well in front of the net. In the second period, he did exactly that when he planted in front, tipping a blue line shot. It was a great hand eye coordination play from Paul which helped to create some momentum for the Wild. Paul also showed some quickness when he caused a turnover on the forecheck. With his big size it was an explosive move the Everett defense was not ready for. Paul used his long reach to cause the turnover. He then handled the puck and fed a nice pass creating a chance for Wenatchee, yet again. Even though it was a tough game for Wenatchee against a strong Everett team, and obviously frustrating for Wenatchee, we would like to see Paul control his emotions a little more late in the game.”
Kieran Witkowski (F, L, 5’11”, 182, Brampton Steelheads, 02/07/2007, RPI)
Having recently completed his third OHL season with the Brampton Steelheads, Witkowski scored 14 goals and added 20 assists for 34 points in 62 games. He will play for RPI next season.
Witkowski works hard and is often rewarded for it.
“Witkowski plays with pace. He is a north-south type player who uses his speed to get into scoring areas. With or without the puck, he drives the net and finds ways to create havoc around it. He has some skill and can make plays in tight, but he is more noted for his work ethic and compete level. He brings that consistently, shift in and shift out, creating energy every time he’s on the ice.”
by Sebastian Zucchet
Sebastian Zucchet is a freelance sports reporter from Toronto and someone who deeply enjoys hockey.