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.
Alessandro Di Iorio (F, R, 6’0”, 193, Sarnia Sting, 03/17/2008, Boston University)
A 2026 third-round pick of the Columbus Blue Jackets, Di Iorio had a solid season with the OHL’s Sarnia Sting, scoring 12 goals and 31 points. He will play another year in Sarnia before joining the Terriers next fall.
Di Iorio is described as an elite skater.
“Alessandro is a skilled and deceptive center. He has the tools to beat opponents in one versus one situations and to create time and space for himself by using his strong puck-handling and fakes but this seems to come in spurts. He shows good patience on zone entries to delay and hit trailers coming into the zone late.”
Colin Dustin (F, R, 5’11”, 170, Rochester Jr. Americans, 03/19/2007, Niagara)
An important member of the NAHL’s Rochester Jr. Americans, Dustin scored 20 goals and 40 points in 53 games last season. He will suit up for Niagara next season.
Dustin doesn’t back down from physicality.
“He plays with a lot of pace, finishes his checks, and has a good physical presence on the ice. He is a problem for defenders down low around the net.”
Levi Harper (D, R, 5’11”, 172, Saginaw Spirit, 10/03/2008, Michigan)
A product of Tampa, Fla., Harper had 12 goals and 57 points with the OHL’s Saginaw Spirit last season. He will join Michigan in 2027.
Harper is a skilled offensive defenseman.
“Levi Harper is a skilled defenseman who excels in creating scoring opportunities from the offensive blue line and on rushes. He possesses excellent skating and edgework, allowing him to effectively maneuver around defenders and control the puck. His strong puck-handling skills enable him to make plays with precision and accuracy. On offense, Levi scores goals with power and finesse, including a highlight-reel wrist shot goal on the powerplay.”
Brayden Willis (D, R, 5’8”, 161, U.S. National U17 Team, 09/16/2009, Minnesota)
A member of the U.S. NTDP U17s last season, Willis collected 20 goals and 48 points in 51 games. He also got into 10 games with the U18s, putting up five points in the process. He will play at the University of Minnesota in 2028.
Willis impressed NZ scouts at a development camp.
“He walked defenders off the wall – curled off checks and could beat defenders wide with pure speed. He was able to breakdown defenders off the rush – could handle the puck and access his full set of skills at top speed. He also showed he can settle wobbly pucks – receive hard passes clean on his backhand and pull and drag the puck before he lets it go to disguise his release and trick the goalie.”
by Sebastian Zucchet
Sebastian Zucchet is a freelance sports reporter from Toronto and someone who deeply enjoys hockey.