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.
Hagan Bach (G, L, 6’1”, 196, Collingwood Blues, 04/17/2009, Cornell)
A member of the OJHL’s Collingwood Blues during the 2025-26 season, Bach posted a 2.25 goals-against average and a .915 save percentage in 16 appearances. He will play at Cornell in 2028.
Bach played well when NZ scouts watched him.
“Bach, a confident athletic goalie who challenges shooters at the top of his crease stopped 19 of 22 shots in the game for the Blues. Hagan is composed in scrambles and able to recover quickly and reset to face shooters. He showed this when he stoned Shuler on a breakaway by doing the splits and kicking the puck out, he quickly recovered and stayed square losing his stick in during in the crease and maintaining his form to face the next shot.”
Michael Barrett (F, L, 6’1”, 188, Phillips Academy Andover, 05/17/2010, Yale)
As a member of Phillips Academy Andover and the NY River Rats 15U, Barrett had 20 goals and 44 points in 62 combined games last season. He will join Yale in 2029.
Barrett was evaluated by NZ scouts in a tournament.
“Barrett is a long, strong, aggressive left-shot that plays in straight lines. He was arguably the most physical player at the event. He finished everything in sight. He initiated contact in all areas (line changes, faceoffs, forecheck) and brought a relentless, disruptive presence every shift.”
Nathan Brisson (F, L, 5’10”, 176, Val-d’Or Foreurs, 09/22/2006, Dartmouth)
A product of Deux-Montagnes, Que. Brisson put up 20 goals and 64 points in 50 games with the QMJHL’s Val-d’Or Foreurs last season and won the Marcel Robert Trophy, awarded to the QMJHL’s scholastic player of the year. He will join Dartmouth next year.
Brisson impressed NZ scouts during a game this season.
“Brisson showed that he has good size but he is not the most physical player. Instead, he uses his intelligence and defensive awareness to be in the right place at the right time in his own end. Thanks to his ability to pickpocket pucks defensively, which he did a couple times tonight, and facilitate zone exits, he created a transition game that helped facilitate offense. His game is in the offensive zone though, and tonight the risks he took with cross ice passes or looking to beat guys one on one just did not work. You can see the skill he has when he handles the puck just the decision making could have been better.”
Ryan Brown (F, L, 5’11”, 177, London Knights, 10/26/2007, Ohio State)
A 2026 fifth-round pick of the Dallas Stars, Brown had a breakout year in the OHL, collecting 63 points in 67 games with the London Knights and Sarnia Sting. He will head to Ohio State next year.
Brown has a lot of speed and can beat his opponents off the rush.
“Brown always has his feet moving. It doesn’t matter what zone he’s in – he’s constantly moving at pace. He’s strong on the back-check, coming hard into his own end to support his defenseman, and he’s capable of wheeling the puck out of the d-zone and turning it into an offensive opportunity. He attacks wide and has the skill to beat defenders one-on-one when he chooses to challenge.”
MJ Campbell (F, L, 5’10”, 170, Mount St. Charles Academy, 04/03/2010, Notre Dame)
The Chicago Steel’s fifth-overall pick in the 2026 USHL draft, Campbell scored 45 goals and 101 points in 51 games with Mount St. Charles 15U last year. He will go to Notre Dame in 2028.
Campbell is a highly skilled playmaker.
“He is a chameleon of a forward that can diversify his game with pace or a more controlled speed where he doesn’t shy away from any situation and can make plays at a high gear or when the game is slowed down. His motion opens up tiny holes at the interior where he can zip dimes to on his targets tape for clean scoring looks at the net as he either touches puck with perfectly rotated sauce or can snap them with some zing behind it.”
Colton Cleaves (F, L, 5’11”, 160, Brunswick School, 08/31/2009, Dartmouth)
A member of both Brunswick School and Mid Fairfield HC 16U last season, Cleaves scored 10 goals and 23 points in 45 games. He will join Dartmouth in 2028.
Cleaves is a tough player to play against.
“Cleaves is an average-sized, thin player with high-end processing ability. He thinks the game at a different pace, consistently identifying late options, second-wave support, and finding the wide dot lane with poise and deception. His feet are smooth and he’s stronger on pucks than his frame suggests, allowing him to stay involved and play through the middle of the ice. Constantly around the play and influencing possession. He plays quickly under pressure and in traffic.”
Colby Coombe (F, L, 6’3”, 188, Chicago Reapers 16U AAA, 12/15/2009, Quinnipiac)
Coombe, a member of the Chicago Reapers 16U last season, scored 35 goals and 68 points. He will play with the OHL’s Ottawa 67’s next season before joining Quinnipiac in 2028.
Coombe blends his size and skill together.
“Coombe is a sizable, left-shot winger who embraces a power-forward style, driving straight lines and using his strength to maintain possession and direct play toward the net. He demonstrates a hard-nosed approach in all three zones, battling along the boards, getting into shooting lanes, and doing the gritty work that influences possession.”
Logan Cotter (D, L, 5’11”, 167, St. Mark’s School, 08/17/2010, Northeastern)
As a member of St Mark’s School and East Coast Militia 15U last season, Cotter had 15 goals and 55 points across 54 combined games. He will join Northeastern in 2029.
Cotter is an excellent skater.
“He is a smooth, fluid, skilled left-shot defender that has elite feet and skating. He effortlessly gets around the ice. Uses his edges and balance to make opponents miss. He wheels his net and gets north south easily. Creates easy breakouts by putting pressure on opponents. Will either dish to the open man or attack directly into the neutral zone.”
Dylan Delgado (F, L, 5’9”, 165, Honeybaked 15U AAA, 06/20/2010, Western Michigan)
Having played an important part for the OHL Cup-winning Honeybaked 15U team last season, Delgado scored 56 goals and 115 points in 82 games. He will play for the USHL’s Sioux Falls Stampede before joining Western Michigan in 2029.
Delgado is a difference-maker.
“The best part of Delgado’s game is that he works to win. Delgado’s compete level is off the charts and is not a one-way player. He will win puck battles and races. NZ Director of Scouting, Brendan Collins, added, “His IQ and edgework with vision and a slick stick are all elite. Highly confident, he is a winner and makes all of his teammates better. Keep a close watch in Buffalo as he should shine.”
Charlie Durkin (G, L, 6’1”, 183, Lincoln Stars, 01/26/2006, Merrimack)
Durkin moved around a lot last season, suiting up for the BCHL’s Alberni Valley Bulldogs and Cowichan Valley Capitals, the NAHL’s Houston Bulls and the USHL’s Lincoln Stars. He found the most success with the Bulls, posting a .906 save percentage in 20 games. He will play at Merrimack in the fall.
Kohyn Eshkawkogan (D, R, 5’10”, 177, Ottawa 67’s, 11/19/2008, Penn State)
A 2024 first-round pick of the Ottawa 67’s, Eshkawkogan had eight goals and 53 points last year. He will suit up for another OHL season this year before joining Penn State in 2027.
Eshkawkogan is a great puck-mover and can quarterback the power play.
“Kohyn Eshkawkogan is a skilled defenseman known for his ability to control the play from the back of his own end zone. He excels at making deceptive passes that open up space on the regroup, often using ‘no-look’ moves to catch opponents off guard. Kohyn’s dynamic nature allows him to make agile escape moves around forecheckers and evade pressure with ease. His puck-handling skills also enable him to quickly transition from defense to offense, as seen in his assist on a quick transition pass.”
Hunter Harper (F, L, 5’10”, 160, Brunswick School, 10/21/2008, Union College)
Having split time between Brunswick School and the Connecticut Jr. Rangers 16U last season, Harper collected 18 points across a combined 40 games. He will join Union in 2027.
Harper was given a “B” rating by NZ scouts at the Junior Chowder Cup.
“He showed a clean and lean skating stride which he was able to utilize in open ice numerous times as he brought the puck up in transition. He always presented his stick as an option on the pass and when he let it go he had one of the more dangerous shots on this team. He shows a quick and strong shot release with great velocity when he lets it rip.”
Jesse Heslop (F, L, 5’11”, 178, Everett Silvertips, 04/18/2006, UConn)
An important member of the WHL’s Everett Silvertips last season, Heslop produced 15 goals and 56 points in 62 games. He will join UConn in the fall.
Heslop finds ways to get shots off at all angles.
“Heslop’s skillset is centered around making smart, impactful plays without drawing unnecessary attention to himself. He excels at reading the game and positioning himself well, which allows him to contribute effectively in various situations. His hockey sense, paired with a strong work ethic and high energy level, makes him a challenging opponent to match up against.”
Andrew Krochalk (D, L, 5’10”, 154, Fox Motors 15U AAA, 04/18/2010, Michigan State)
A future member of the U.S. NTDP, Krochalk played for Fox Motors 15U last year and collected 12 points in 28 games. He will go to Michigan State in 2029.
NZ scouts noted Krochalk’s play at a camp.
“Krochalk is long, athletic, versatile, left-shot defenseman out of Fox Motors where he’s developed somewhat dramatically from the summer at Select 15 USA Hockey Development camp where he earned a ‘B’ grade and had a solid performance but has quickly climbed the ladder this season. He’s sharper on his transitions and pivots playing a tighter gap, defends with an active stick and was able to break up passes all over the ice.”
Logan Lutner (D, R, 5’10”, 171, Madison Capitols, 02/21/2008, Minnesota-Duluth)
A member of the U.S. NTDP’s U18 team last year, Lutner had five goals and 15 points in 62 games. He will play at Minnesota-Duluth next fall.
Lutner is a well-rounded, mature defenseman.
“He’s a balanced skater who trusts his feet, which allows him to gap up tight and play in the opponent’s face. He’s calculated. He has stick and body positioning and doesn’t take himself out of the play trying to make the hit – he rides opponents off the puck, makes clever steals, and can anticipate where the puck is going and intercept passes.”
Henry Meier (F, R, 5’11”, 163, Shattuck St. Mary’s 16U AAA, 01/18/2010, Minnesota)
Hailing from Woodbury, Minn., Meier had 27 goals and 64 points in 54 games with Shattuck St Mary’s 16U last season. He will join reigning the Everett Silvertips before heading to Minnesota in 2028.
Meier is a smart playmaker.
“He’s creative, he’ll make his linemates around him better to get the best out of them and he’s got finishing ability which is rare in this group as well.”
Mason Martin (G, R, 6’1”, 141, Fox Motors 15U AAA, 02/10/2010, Michigan State)
A member of Fox Motors 15U last season, Martin posted a 1.74 goals-against average and a .908 save percentage across seven games. He will join the NTDP before heading off to Michigan State in 2028.
Martin is an athletic goalie who can steal a game for his team.
“He’s positional, plays sharp angles, is intentional in all he does, light on his feet, athletic and able to extend the pad and make tough saves. He’s composed – doesn’t panic under pressure – absorbs pucks and limited rebound chances. He plays out at the top of the crease to cut down the angle and stayed square to the shooter leading to several shots going wide. He has very little movement in his upper body and his low body is athletic, good knee bend and able to spring laterally quickly.”
Will Mikan (F, L, 6’1”, 165, St. Thomas Academy, 12/17/2009, Yale)
Mikan found himself on the scoresheet quite often for St. Thomas Academy last season, scoring 19 goals and 52 points in 28 games. He also had 25 points with SDP 16U. He will play at Yale in 2028.
Mikan has a great work ethic when he takes to the ice.
“He’s a full 200-foot player who is constantly attacking plays and pucks and is successful in doing so. His hustle is noticeable; his first three strides are quick and powerful, and his top-end speed is fast. He rarely loses a foot race to a puck, even when starting out behind. He uses his speed to take opposing defencemen wide and will blow by them the second they commit to him.
Justin Moon (F, R, 5’11”, 170, Burnaby Winter Club U18 Prep, 02/21/2010, Yale)
A member of Burnaby Winter Club 18U Prep last year, Moon collected 12 goals and 36 points in 27 games. He will play for the WHL’s Tri-City Americans next season and head to Yale in 2029.
Moon is a talented two-way player.
“Justin Moon is a confident, highly intelligent two-way forward whose game is defined by elevated mobility and consistent puck management. He utilizes fantastic route creation and changes of pace to attack angles efficiently, enhancing both his puck protection and lane-driving ability. Moon thrives as a net-crasher, combining smooth, high-pace handling with confident decision-making to generate quality scoring chances. He is equally significant on the defensive side of the puck, engaging heavily on the backcheck with an active stick to cut off passing lanes and pressure opponents.”
Luke Pietila (F, L, 5’9”, 184, Oakland Jr. Grizzlies 16U AAA, 06/01/2009, Wisconsin)
Hailing from Hartland, Mich., Pietila scored 31 goals and 98 points in 64 games for the Oakland Jr. Grizzlies last season. He will play with the USHL’s Green Bay Gamblers next season and will join Wisconsin in 2028.
Pietila is a consistent player.
“Pietila is a smaller, high compete forward that breathes a winning hockey mentality as he does everything with speed, purpose and effort when it comes to the fine details of the game. His engine is always revved up high with calculation but knows when to slow it down if needed. He can fly around the ice with quick feet, acceleration and straight line pace to push the tempo of the game. He displayed his quick cerebral senses to touch pucks to space under pressure to advance the play under harassment on breakouts then immediately get up and involved to be an added layer.”
Nash Roed (F, L, 5’11”, 185, White Bear Lake High, 09/25/2009, Minnesota)
Recently named a member of the United States’ Hlinka Gretzky roster, Roed spent the majority of last season playing for White Bear Lake High, putting up 20 goals and 47 points in 28 games. He also played with Team MPLS Magazine and the USHL’s Waterloo Black Hawks. He will play at Minnesota in 2028.
Roed is a hard worker on the ice.
“His attention to the little details of the game was significant. He continues to be one of the strongest skaters in the group, where his agility is still noticeable, while he has added more power and efficiency to his stride. His skill set is well-rounded, and he can simply dominate shifts.”
Jack Rosensteel (F, L, 5’11”, 172, Brooks Bandits, 08/30/2006, Niagara University)
A member of the BCHL’s Brooks Bandits last season, Rosensteel helped lead the team to its second championship, collecting 26 goals and 50 points in 44 games. He will play at Niagara this season.
Rosensteel has a great compete level.
“He competes in all three zones, wins his share of draws, and works responsibly on the right side of the puck. He brings consistency and presence every shift.”
Jason Segal (D, L, 5’11”, 177, Kent School, 01/02/2009, Vermont)
Hailing from Abington, Penn., Segal for Kent School and the Yale Jr. Bulldogs 16U last season, putting up 43 points in a combined 38 games. He will join Vermont in 2027.
Segal performed well in front of NZ scouts when evaluated last season.
“Segal played a solid, two-way game. He wasn’t afraid to contribute offensively but remained committed to his defensive responsibilities. He broke up several plays at his own blue line, effectively neutralizing the opposing team’s speed on the attack. Overall, Segal delivered a strong performance.”
Harrison Smith (F, R, 5’10”, 165, Chicago Steel, 02/07/2006, St. Thomas)
A product of Jupiter, Fla., Smith had an exceptional season with the NAHL’s Maryland Black Bears last season, helping them to a championship while putting up 24 goals and 96 points in 49 games. He will play with the Chicago Steel next season, then head off to St. Thomas.
Smith is a crafty player with a nose for the net.
“He’s always creating opportunities on offense, making creative passes to teammates and getting himself into top-notch scoring positions. Creates time and space with his smooth stickhandling and change of speed.”
Alex Strug (F, L, 5’9”, 157, Deerfield Academy, 05/01/2009, Yale)
A member of Deerfield Academy and the Yale Jr. Bulldogs 16U last year, Strug had 42 points across 45 games. He iss committed to Yale for 2028.
Strug is tough to play against.
“Strug is a disruptive, detail-oriented winger who pressures defenders with purposeful angles on the forecheck, tracks well on the backcheck, and brings a two-way game driven by quickness and hockey IQ. His low stance and quick feet give him a burst that creates breakaway chances and odd-man rushes, and he consistently found ways to impact shifts even when he wasn’t on the scoresheet.”
Jack Trupiano (F, R, 6’0”, 183, Little Caesars 15U AAA, 06/11/2010, Michigan State)
As a member of Little Caesars 15U last year, Trupiano had 23 goals and 41 points in 20 games. He will join Michigan State in 2029.
Trupiano performed in front of NZ scouts at the U.S. NTDP Showcase.
“Trupiano is a tall, strong, physically imposing power center out of Little Caesars who leads their team in points and has been a consistant, direct and hard-nosed throughout the season. This style of play doesn’t play to his strenghts -he’s better in a structured environment where he can get pucks in deep, work the cycle and create offense from off the boards and attacking the net but despite that he still showed well here. He was strong on his skates and on his stick and was able to protect the puck and ride his edges to the net. He even showed some finesse at times on subtle moves walking defenders off the wall.”
Ryan Wachtel (F, R, 5’9”, 161, Prince George Spruce Kings, 04/25/2006, Army)
In his second season with the BCHL’s Prince George Spruce Kings, Wachtel scored 23 goals and 44 points. He will play at Army this season.
Wachtel can impact the game in all areas of the ice.
“Ryan Wachtel is a high-motor forward who works hard in all three zones. He is slippery in the corners, using soft hands and strong puck protection to create space and maintain possession under pressure. Wachtel is responsible defensively, hustling back to support the play while consistently applying pressure on the forecheck.”
by Sebastian Zucchet
Sebastian Zucchet is a freelance sports reporter from Toronto and someone who deeply enjoys hockey.