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.
Alexis Bourque (F, L, 6’1”, 201, Victoriaville Tigres, 05/26/2005, Alaska-Fairbanks)
In Bourque’s overage year with the QMJHL’s Victoriaville Tigres last season, he scored 21 goals and 42 points in 57 games. He will play at Alaska-Fairbanks this season.
Bourque received a game rating of “B” from NZ scouts in a game report.
“Bourque scored a bit of a lucky goal off a three on one rush. His skill showed through looking pass to his first and second option, then ripping the puck under the goalies pad, almost looked like a far pad shot that snuck in. His deception he was able to add in this goal was the main reason it went in, while shooting at the goalie, he was still looking at his teammates as a late wave chance. One of the smoother goals of the night. He needs to add a little more poise to his game, too many pucks thrown when he had time and space to make a play and find outlets leading into rushes.”
Luke Goukler (F, L, 5’11”, 177, Chicago Steel, 08/11/2006, RPI)
In his second season with the USHL’s Chicago Steel last season, Goukler had 12 goals and 31 points in 56 games. The Georgia native will play at RPI this year.
Goukler is a skilled playmaker.
“Luke Goukler is a dynamic player who excels in controlling the puck and creating scoring opportunities. His exceptional speed allows him to weave through defenders, while his agility enables him to create space and evade opponents. He possesses a strong wrist shot that can be used from various angles, making him a reliable threat on the power play.”
Alan Lendak (G, L, 6’1”, 177, Des Moines Buccaneers, 07/24/2006, Ferris State)
A product of Nitra, Slovakia, Lendak split last season between the USHL’s Fargo Force and the Des Moines Buccaneers. He will play for the Buccaneers this year before joining Ferris State in 2027.
Lendak has good rebound control and plays the puck well.
“Alan Lendak is a reliable goaltender who excels in positioning and precision, allowing him to create a calm presence in the crease. He sets his feet well on pucks and makes precise movements to control rebounds and direct them to low-traffic areas. With his 6’1′ frame, he cuts angles at the top of his crease and gains depth to make use of his medium build.”
E.J. Paddington (F, L, 6’4”, 205, Austin Bruins, 03/20/2005, St. Cloud State)
A member of the NAHL’s Austin Bruins last season, Paddington had 38 goals and 72 points in 58 games. He will suit up at St. Cloud State this upcoming year.
Paddington is a great skater.
“Offensively, he uses his size and reach effectively to shield defenders and work his way into dangerous areas. Where he can be the most effective is in transition; he can use that combination of mobility and puck protection to create space and generate shots while opponents are gathering their footing.”
Matthew Perreault (D, R, 5’11”, 166, Peterborough Petes, 07/28/2009, UMass)
A rookie with the OHL’s Peterborough Petes last season, Perreault scored five goals and 30 points. He will head to UMass in 2028.
Perreault is a great skater and makes smart plays with the puck.
“Perreault is a well-rounded right-shot defenseman who consistently demonstrates confidence and control in his playmaking and defensive responsibilities. He excels at transitioning from defense to offense, using his agility and awareness to join plays and support teammates without compromising his defensive duties.”
Mathieu Plante (D, L, 6’0”, 180, Shawinigan Cataractes, 09/09/2006, Vermont)
In his second full year with the QMJHL’s Shawinigan Cataractes last season, Plante scored nine goals and 35 points in 59 games. He will play at Vermont this season.
Joshua Ravensbergen (G, R, 6’5”, 192, Prince George Cougars, 11/27/2006, Michigan State)
A 2025 first-round pick of the San Jose Sharks, Ravensbergen is one of the top goalie prospects in the world. In 46 games with the WHL’s Prince George Cougars last season, he posted a 2.51 goals-against average and a .919 save percentage. He will play at Michigan State in the fall.
Ravensbergen has the potential to be a starting goaltender in the NHL.
“Ravensbergen’s 6’5″ frame fills the net and makes him naturally intimidating to shooters. He utilizes his size effectively by maintaining a solid stance and staying square to the shooter, forcing opponents to aim for smaller targets.”
Jacob Reese (D, R, 6’0”, 190, Sarnia Sting, 06/08/2006, UConn)
A product of Boston, N.Y., Reese had five goals and 20 points in 66 games with the OHL’s Sarnia Sting last season. He will play at UConn in the fall.
Reese has a “B-“ game rating from NZ scouts in a game against Sault Ste. Marie.
“Reese defends well with his stick, taking away passing and shooting lanes. He blocked a shot on the rush because his stick was on the puck and he also picked off a pass because his stick was in the right lane. He made some nice cross-ice breakout pass but also had some turnovers on the breakout. One of these turnovers could have been costly as it was a backhand up the middle that was intercepted. On the offensive blue line he showed some good movement and opened up a shooting lane by moving laterally towards the middle and then stopping and taking a step back towards the outside.”
KJ Sauer (F, R, 6’3”, 202, Edmonton Oil Kings, 10/24/2007, Minnesota-Duluth)
Hailing from Andover, Mina., Sauer split time last season between Andover High and the USHL’s Lincoln Stars, collecting a total of 30 points across 20 games. He will suit up for the WHL’s Edmonton Oil Kings this season before joining Minnesota-Duluth in 2027.
Sauer was watched by NZ scouts during Minnesota’s high-school playoffs.
“He showcased impressive balance and a robust frame, using his toughness and physicality to disrupt opponents on the forecheck. Sauer created significant disruption around the net, demonstrating excellent hand-eye coordination with a shot deflection. He effectively protected and maintained possession along the boards, absorbing and deflecting physical pressure with his strong frame.”
Matias Vanhanen (F, L, 5’11”, 176, Everett Silvertips, 09/11/2007, Boston College)
A 2026 second-round pick of the New Jersey Devils, Vanhanen helped Everett win the WHL championship in his rookie season by posting 24 points in 18 playoff games. He will play at Boston College in 2027.
Vanhanen is an impact player.
“Matias Vanhanen is a skilled right wing with a high hockey IQ, showcasing his ability to make plays in tight spaces. He excels at finding open teammates through excellent vision and stick work, often threading pucks through seams with precision. His skating skills are solid, providing top-end speed and quickness that allows him to navigate the ice effectively.”
by Sebastian Zucchet
Sebastian Zucchet is a freelance sports reporter from Toronto and someone who deeply enjoys hockey.