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.
Mack Diggins (F, R, 5’11”, 161, Owen Sound Attack, 05/31/2008, Minnesota-Duluth)
A former member of the NAHL’s Fairbanks Ice Dogs, Diggins played 58 games for the team last season and recorded 47 points. He is joining the OHL’s Owen Sound Attack this season before going to play at Minnesota-Duluth next fall.
Diggins contributes to his team in many ways.
“Diggins is a skilled winger who plays with a mean streak. He is physical in all three zones and finishes numerous hits on his opponents. He fights to get to the front of the net in the offensive zone and is not afraid to take a hit to make a play.”
Ryan Howard (F, L, 6’1”, 201, Saint John Sea Dogs, 01/16/2008, Merrimack)
A product of Kirkland, Que., Howard scored nine goals and 20 points with the QMJHL’s Quebec Remparts last season. He is going to play another year in the ‘Q’ (this time with the Saint John Sea Dogs) before joining Merrimack in 2027.
Howard plays with a lot of grit and has an ability to make plays.
“Ryan is a hardworking forward who brings physicality, determination, and strong puck awareness to his game. He tracks the puck well and stays disciplined in his lanes, contributing effectively on both sides of the puck. At his best, Ryan plays a tough, hard-nosed style—he’s willing to bang bodies and crash the net to create chaos.”
Jack Laferriere (D, L, 6’3”, 185, Elmira Aviators, 04/08/2005, Providence)
An overager with the NAHL’s Elmira Aviators last season, Laferriere collected two points and 53 PIM in 38 games. He will play at Providence this fall.
Laferrière uses his size well and plays a simple game.
“Laferriere is a mobile, athletic defenseman who plays with some bite on the back end. His size allows him to take away time and space with his lengthy reach, and he doesn’t need to blow opponents up to force pucks loose. Jack is able to ride players out along the wall to strip them of possession, then make the simple pass to his partner or move the puck up ice.”
Keaton Orrey (D, L, 6’1”, 201, Des Moines Buccaneers, 01/12/2006, Merrimack)
A member of the USHL’s Des Moines Buccaneers last season, Orrey scored seven goals and 22 points in 59 games. The Minnesota native will play at Merrimack this year.
Orrey had a nice showing for NZ scouts in a game against Green Bay.
“The smooth-skating, athletic, left-shot defenseman utilized his mobility and puck-handling skills to retrieve pucks quickly in the defensive zone and he made solid puck decisions as a puck mover or transporter on the night. He showed a 2-way game, although he kept his game fairly simple and steady with a good first pass and defended well through the neutral and defensive zones.”
Will Sharpe (D, L, 6’0”, 197, Vancouver Giants, 03/07/2007, St. Cloud State)
A 2025 seventh-round pick of the Los Angeles Kings, Sharpe split time between the WHL’s Vancouver Giants and Kelowna Rockets last season, collecting 29 points in 59 games. He will play at St. Cloud State this year.
Sharpe has strong situational awareness and prioritizes defense.
“William Sharpe is a mobile and well-rounded defenseman whose skating ability and puck skills make him an effective player both offensively and defensively. He excels at handling the puck in transition play and can transport it out of his own zone with ease. Sharpe’s physical edge and competitive nature also contribute to his success, as he competes hard along the boards and pushes back in scrums.”
by Sebastian Zucchet
Sebastian Zucchet is a freelance sports reporter from Toronto and someone who deeply enjoys hockey.