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.
Carson Campbell (D, R, 6’0”, 197, Kitchener Rangers, 06/08/2006, Bowling Green)
A newly minted Memorial Cup champion, Campbell had two goals and 18 points in 51 regular-season games with the OHL’s Kitchener Rangers. He will play at Bowling Green in the fall.
Campbell is a leader on the ice.
“Campbell’s defensive skills are solid, with an active stick that helps him disrupt opposing players’ plays in his own end. His ability to maintain a physical presence along the boards is noteworthy, as it allows him to effectively block shots and protect against counter-attacks on the penalty kill. On offense, Campbell’s skating is a significant asset, enabling him to quickly retrieve pucks and separate from defenders, which facilitates efficient transitions up the ice. He also demonstrates vision by making tape-to-tape passes to his teammates. While he occasionally takes risks in joining the rush, he tends to prioritize playing it safe and maintaining defensive responsibilities.”
Adam Csabi (F, L, 5’11”, 170, Cranbrook Bucks, 02/17/2005, Northern Michigan)
A product of Karvina, Czechia, Csabi collected 22 goals and 49 points in 53 games with the BCHL’s Cranbrook Bucks this year. He will play at Northern Michigan next season.
Csabi shows consistent effort when he is on the ice.
“He consistently impacts the game with his high-end skating, showcasing excellent top speed and burst, making him a real threat on the attack and allowing him to forecheck effectively. Csabi pairs strong puck skills and elusiveness with a willingness to work in the dirty areas. He is dangerous down low, competes to the net, and isn’t afraid to engage physically, earning a roughly 45% puck-battle success rate through smart body positioning.”
Barrett Dexheimer (D, L, 5’10”, 167, Des Moines Buccaneers, 05/30/2006, Massachusetts)
Having split time between the USHL’s Muskegon Lumberjacks and the Des Moines Buccaneers, Dexheimer collected two goals and 16 points in 52 games. He will join UMass next season.
Dexheimer impressed NZ scouts with his defensive play at the USHL Showcase.
“His feet made it difficult to get around on the rush as he could stay with speed and skill, eventually rubbing puck carriers off, often before his blue line. He made quick reads in his end and in transition on turnovers. He saw plays and quickly moved pucks up through seams. Dexheimer skated with a deep knee bend, and his low center of gravity proved essential in winning puck battles in tough areas. His strength has improved, and Barrett played a more physical brand of hockey than last season. His stick placement and positioning at his end were excellent.”
Émile Guité (F, L, 6’1”, 177, Chicoutimi Sagueneens, 05/31/2007, New Hampshire)
A 2025 fifth-round pick of the Anaheim Ducks, Guité posted 32 goals and 65 points with the QMJHL’s Chicoutimi Sagueneens in the regular season and was an instrumental part of their championship-winning team. He will play at New Hampshire next season.
Guité uses his size and work ethic to make an impact.
“Émile Guité showcased his overall skill set, particularly in tight spaces where he demonstrated composure and confidence. His ability to hold onto pucks and find outlets on breakout plays was a notable aspect of his performance. Guité also displayed the physicality needed for defensive play, though occasional positioning issues hindered this effort.”
Max Heise (F, R, 6’3”, 176, Prince Albert Raiders, 02/26/2006, Denver)
A 2025 fifth-round pick of the San Jose Sharks, Heise had 29 goals and 63 points in 63 games with the WHL’s Prince Albert Raiders this season – all the while helping the team go on a deep playoff run. He will suit up for Denver in the fall.
Heise is a versatile player who can take over games.
“Heise’s skills on the ice are marked by his physical presence, which allows him to control possession and outmaneuver opponents. His tall stature and reach give him an advantage in warding off foes and finding open space in the offensive zone. This enables him to create scoring opportunities with his precision passing and ability to redirect shots. Heise’s speed and agility also allow him to drive through defenders and create scoring chances on his own. His will to succeed and ingenuity make him a formidable opponent, as he is not afraid to pursue opponents aggressively and force them to react. Overall, Heise’s combination of physicality and finesse makes him a skilled player who can dominate games.”
Anders Miller (G, L, 6’1”, 194, Everett Silvertips, 10/04/2006, Lake Superior State)
Coming over from the Calgary Hitmen in October, Miller helped lead Everett to a WHL championship, posting a 1.91 goals-against average and .932 save percentage in 18 playoff games. He will play at Lake Superior State next season.
Miller is a force in the net.
“He displays outstanding quickness and read-and-react ability, moving laterally with pace while maintaining net coverage and staying between the posts with movement. His glove work is reliable with several strong catches, he competes aggressively in tight and battles for loose pucks, and he generally limits rebounds, giving his team strong, consistent goaltending under pressure.”
Kaden Pitre (F, L, 5’11”, 182, North Bay Battalion, 02/08/2006, Penn State)
Acquired by the OHL’s North Bay Battalion in a mid-season trade, Pitre posted 37 points in 37 games with his new team. He will join Penn State next season.
Pitre has good hockey IQ and forechecks well.
“Pitre is a reliable two-way forward who competes in all three zones. He finishes his checks and consistently engages in puck battles, even if he doesn’t play an overly physical game. His compete level and detail away from the puck are defining elements of his identity.”
Daxon Rudolph (D, R, 6’3”, 206, Prince Albert Raiders, 03/06/2008, Denver)
One of the top prospects for the upcoming NHL draft, Rudolph had 28 goals and 78 points for the Raiders this season. He will join Denver in the fall.
Rudolph makes a difference in all situations.
“Rudolph is a dynamic defenseman who excels in his ability to drive play from the back end through clever passing and physical defense. He positions himself well, recognizes threats, and uses his stick effectively to control lanes. While he may rely on instinct rather than calculated decision-making, he consistently works to improve his game. Notably, Rudolph showcased his speed and agility by creating a scoring opportunity off the boards, showcasing his ability to get lateral on the blue line. His size allows him to be effective against both bigger and smaller opponents. Overall, Rudolph’s game is well-rounded, with strengths in both defensive and offensive aspects of his play.”
by Sebastian Zucchet
Sebastian Zucchet is a freelance sports reporter from Toronto and someone who deeply enjoys hockey.