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.
Jalen Bianchet (F, L, 6’0”, 170, Whitecourt Wolverines, 12/18/2005, Alaska-Anchorage)
A product of Pickering, Ont., Bianchet had a very successful season in the AJHL, putting up 46 goals and 87 points in 53 games. Alaska-Anchorage awaits him in the fall.
Bianchet impressed NZ scouts when they went to watch him.
“Jalen Bianchet is a star forward for the Wolverines. He was a scoring threat throughout the game as he is the league-leader in goals, scoring in the first period of tonight’s contest, as he straight-up beat the goalie on an instant wrister from the slot. Bianchet has decent size and an athletic build; holding his own against physicality and plays bigger then his measurables. He stays upright and engaged against contact. He shows some straight-line speed, but it mostly a thoughtful skater who slides into position on offense. Playing center, he was average at faceoffs, finishing under 50%. Bianchet is an aging-out and uncommitted forward who is a high-end scoring threat for Whitecourt.”
Michael D’Alessio (D, R, 6’1”, 161, Erie Otters, 12/03/2008, Quinnipiac)
A 2024 fourth-round pick of the Erie Otters, D’Alessio had a goal and 16 points in 48 games during his rookie season in the ‘O’. He will join Quinnipiac in 2027.
D’Alessio is solid defensively.
“Michael combines tough defense with confidence to rush and handle the puck. He has an active stick that he uses to poke away pucks while defending rushes and rarely lets pucks get through to the net. When he collects the puck he is patient and confident with it while skating up ice.”
Hayden Fechner (F, L, 6’2”, 180, Nanaimo Clippers, 07/25/2005, Stonehill)
A big part of the BCHL’s Nanaimo Clippers’ deep playoff run, Fechner scored 26 goals and 54 points in 53 regular-season games and was named a BCHL all-star. He will play at Stonehill in the fall.
Fechner’s competitiveness stands out when he takes to the ice.
“Displaying soft hands for a player of his stature, he is a capable playmaker with a smooth passing touch. He can carry the puck effectively, execute clean zone entries, and drive to the net. His speed and agility enable him to make sharp cuts and attack the inside.”
Ryan George (D, R, 6’3”, 181, Alberni Valley Bulldogs, 01/27/2007, Army)
A product of Delray Beach, Fla., George split time between the NAHL’s Minnesota Mallards (15 points in 23 games) and the BCHL’s Alberni Valley Bulldogs (10 points in 22 games) this season. He will play at Army next season.
George moves the puck well.
“Ryan is a smooth-skating defenseman. He has quick feet that allow him to escape pressure. His mobility is noticeable as he can pivot and transition well and accelerate up the ice. His outlet passes are crisp and accurate, and he can sort out his options quickly, which assists him in his transition game. He is not flashy, but he brings stability and solid play to the backend.”
Luke Lepper (D, L, 6’0”, 185, Salmon Arm Silverbacks, 10/10/2005, Stonehill)
In his overage season with the BCHL’s Salmon Arm Silverbacks, Lepper had nine goals and 42 points and was named a BCHL all-star. He will play at Stonehill next season.
Lepper can play in all situations.
“Not overly physical, he defends with smart body positioning and an active, effective stick—evidenced by 10 takeaways—while excelling as a puck handler who consistently makes clean short outlets or accurate stretch passes. He can also carry the puck out of trouble and can lead or join the rush effectively, displaying good mobility along the offensive blueline and the footwork to get shots through to the net.”
Caleb Matthews (F, R, 6’2”, 174, Victoria Royals, 06/04/2007, Robert Morris)
Matthews’ second full WHL season saw him score 15 goals and 36 points in 65 games as a member of the Victoria Royals. He will play at Robert Morris in 2027.
NZ scouts gave Matthews a B- rating in a game report.
“Matthews showed his ability to create offense on the rush when he started a 2 on 2 chance. As his defenseman started to close in on him at the blue line, he made a beautiful pass behind both defenders and onto his teammate’s tape where he was only able to get it, which led to a great chance right in front of the net. He picked up a goal for his team when he tipped a shot from the point in after battling in front, keeping his eyes on the play and found the shot coming through.”
Jack Pridham (F, R, 6’1”, 182, Kitchener Rangers, 10/08/2005, Denver)
A driving force for the OHL’s Kitchener Rangers during their run to an OHL championship and a Memorial Cup, Pridham had 46 goals and 90 points in 65 regular-season games. He also added five goals and nine points at the Memorial Cup. A Tampa Bay Lightning prospect, he will join Denver next season.
Pridham displays great skill, speed and agility.
“Pridham is a versatile forward who excels with his physical presence and skillset. He consistently wins puck battles and makes smart plays in all three zones, relying on his size and agility to outmaneuver opponents. His ability to create separation allows him to receive pucks and get them towards the net, making him a reliable contributor. In the offensive zone, Pridham’s passing and shooting abilities are notable assets.”
Akseli Pulkkanen (F, L, 5’10”, 172, KalPa U20, 08/07/2006, Ferris State)
A member of KalPa U20 this season, Pulkkanen had eight goals and 49 points in 33 games and won the Jere Lehtinen Award as gentleman of the year. He will play for Ferris State next season.
Pulkkanen can impact the game with his skill.
“Akseli is a really good skater with very good agility and quick changes of direction, both with and without the puck. This allowed him to move effectively from tight to open space, for example on the boards, where he often escaped pressure and carried the play to the middle of the ice.”
Alisher Sarkenov (F, L, 6’0”, 172, Prince Albert Raiders, 12/15/2007, Western Michigan)
In his first season with the WHL’s Prince Albert Raiders, Sarkenov scored 21 goals and 41 points and helped Prince Albert reach the WHL championship, where they ended up losing to the Everett Silvertips. He will play at Western Michigan in 2027.
Sarkenov works hard and drives the middle to create chances for himself.
“Sarkenov is a smooth skater who shows strong speed and control in transition. While his first few steps could be quicker, once he reaches top speed he is tough off the rush. He consistently looks to attack the middle, using his playmaking ability to create seams and odd-man rushes and get pucks through traffic. He also has a strong shot and quick release, showing he is a threat from a distance.”
by Sebastian Zucchet
Sebastian Zucchet is a freelance sports reporter from Toronto and someone who deeply enjoys hockey.