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.
Landon DuPont (D, R, 5’11”, 187, Everett Silvertips, 05/28/2009, Michigan)
A top prospect for the 2027 NHL draft, DuPont had a dominant season with the WHL’s Everett Silvertips, posting 73 points in 63 games and helping guide them to a WHL championship and a spot in the Memorial Cup. He will play at Michigan this upcoming season.
DuPont is a difference-maker and has an incredible work ethic.
“Dupont is a well-rounded player with elite skating and puck-handling abilities, allowing him to navigate the ice with ease. He excels in all facets of the game, making accurate first passes out of the zone and consistently finding stretch options thanks to his excellent vision and hockey IQ. On offense, he’s smooth and decisive, getting across quickly and firing heavy shots through traffic. Defensively, he plays with purpose and physicality, finishing checks along the boards and pushing back in scrums. He also showcases his ability to absorb contact from forecheckers while maintaining possession and making smart plays.”
Ethan Eskit (G, L, 5’11”, 184, Victoria Royals, 01/07/2006, UMass)
A former member of the WHL’s Victoria Royals, Eskit posted a 2.99 goals-against average and a .904 save percentage in 53 games last season. He will play for UMass in the fall.
Eskit is a mobile goalie who has the ability to play big.
“Ethan is an undersized goalie who plays very big due to his movement and ability to stay square. He is strong in his crease, taking away time and space while moving side to side extremely well.”
Alexis Fortin (D, L, 6’3”, 222, Shawinigan Cataractes, 10/04/2007, Vermont)
Having spent last season with the QMJHL’s Val-d’Or Foreurs, Fortin collected four goals and nine points in 63 games. The big defenseman will play for the Shawinigan Cataractes this year before joining Vermont in 2027.
Fortin is good at slowing down his opponents and using his size to his advantage.
“Alexis Fortin is a defenseman with a strong foundation in physical play and positioning. He consistently uses his contact effectively to disrupt opposing forwards and is difficult to beat on the outside. When carrying the puck, Alexis shows confidence and makes smart decisions, such as setting up teammates for passes.”
Matthew Gard (F, L, 6’5”, 197, Seattle Thunderbirds, 04/07/2007, Michigan State)
A 2025 second-round pick of the Philadelphia Flyers, Gard split time between the WHL’s Red Deer Rebels and Seattle Thunderbirds last season, putting up 33 points in 55 games. He will play another season in Seattle before going to Michigan State in 2027.
Gard is a strong skater and a great defensive center.
“Matthew Gard’s ability to control the puck and create scoring opportunities is a notable aspect of his game. He effectively utilizes his size to his advantage, using a combination of speed and agility to outmaneuver opponents. Gard’s long stride allows him to maintain a safe distance from defenders, making it difficult for them to keep up with him.”
Liam Ruck (F, R, 6’0”, 177, Medicine Hat Tigers, 02/21/2008, North Dakota)
A 2026 first-round pick of the Pittsburgh Penguins, Liam Ruck was world class for the WHL’s Medicine Hat Tigers last season, potting 45 goals and 104 points. The WHL all-star will play one more season with the Tigers before joining North Dakota in 2027.
Ruck knows how to create scoring chances and has great chemistry with his twin brother, Markus.
“Liam Ruck’s skillset is showcased in his ability to create scoring opportunities with his head-up movement and deception on the ice. He consistently uses his body positioning and size to gain an advantage in front of the net, allowing him to outmuscle smaller defenders for position. Ruck also demonstrates impressive straight-line speed, using his leg extension to generate power and build up momentum when skating past opponents. His shot placement is a key aspect of his game, as he can accurately pick corners and shoot from various spots within the offensive zone.”
Markus Ruck (F, L, 6’0”, 177, Medicine Hat Tigers, 02/21/2008, North Dakota)
A 2026 second-round pick of the Penguins, Markus Ruck had the most points and assists in the WHL this season, collecting 21 goals and 87 assists for 108 points with the Tigers. He will play at North Dakota in 2027.
Markus is a great playmaker and drives the net without hesitation.
“One of the better parts about his game is how consistent he is moving his feet and wanting the puck on his stick. He has the confidence to shoot the puck and make a play, whatever the coverage calls for.”
Frederick Schneider (F, R, 5’11”, 150, U.S. NTDP, 02/16/2009, Minnesota)
A member of the U.S. NTDP U17s, Schneider collected 10 goals and 24 points in 43 games last season. He will join Minnesota in 2028.
Schneider is effective in all areas of the ice.
“His skating is a clear strength, with strong agility and lateral quickness that allow him to shift into lanes, change direction quickly, and maneuver through traffic. He plays with a waterbug-style motor that applies constant pressure and disrupts play in small areas. To complement his pace, he shows strong awareness and feel for the game, reading, developing plays well and adjusting his speed to either slow the game down or push the pace when opportunities present themselves.”
Dawson Sharkey (F, R, 6’1”, 191, Newfoundland Regiment, 07/23/2006, Northeastern)
A 2025 sixth-round pick of the Dallas Stars, Sharkey scored 33 goals and 62 points in 60 games with the QMJHL’s Newfoundland Regiment last season. He was also the league’s most penalized player with 128 penalty minutes. He is committed to Northeastern for the fall.
Sharkey makes great decisions and is good at controlling the puck.
“Sharkey demonstrates ability to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates, using his skating ability to move the puck up the ice effectively. He is also skilled at reaching his teammates with precise passes, creating space and allowing the puck to do the work. With confidence, Sharkey can make small area plays that outmaneuver defenders.”
Brock Stevenson (F, L, 5’11”, 168, Sioux City Musketeers, 05/18/2009, UMass)
A product of Littleton, Colo., Stevenson spent the majority of last season with Okanagan HA Colorado 16U, collecting 85 points in 53 games. He also got into three games with the USHL’s Sioux City Musketeers, scoring twice. He will play at UMass in 2028.
Stevenson is a nifty player who creates offense whenever he touches the puck.
“Brock possesses a quick release on his shot and is able to utilize it within different angles of his attack. His ability to get around pucks, such as utilizing the corkscrew or mohawk movements in transition further made him dangerous on the rush.”
Jakub Vaněček (D, L, 6’2”, 193, Tri-City Americans, 02/25/2008, Western Michigan)
A 2026 second-round pick of the Stars, Vaněček had a good year with the WHL’s Tri-City Americans last season, scoring 14 goals and 35 points in 59 games. He will play at Western Michigan in 2027.
Vaněček skates well and has great puck skills.
“Vanecek is a well-rounded player with a strong skill set that includes excellent skating, mobility, and puck skills. He excels in both offense and defense, making smart first passes and subtle plays to trigger breakouts. In the defensive zone, he demonstrates strong gap control, pinning and finishing hits effectively without being overly physical.”
by Sebastian Zucchet
Sebastian Zucchet is a freelance sports reporter from Toronto and someone who deeply enjoys hockey.