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.
Devon Beck (F, R, 6’2”, 170, Mid Fairfield HC 15U AAA, 04/28/2010, Union)
A product of Ballston Spa, N.Y., Beck suited up for Mid Fairfield HC 15U last season, collecting five points in 10 games. He will play for Union in 2029.
Beck knows how to use his size to his advantage.
“Beck is a tall, athletic right-shot forward who combines long, powerful strides with strong straight-line speed that can back defenders off and create problems in transition. He uses his length effectively to protect pucks, absorb pressure, and work through traffic, showing flashes of creativity and touch in tight spaces around defenders.”
Joey Cullen (F, L, 5’11”, 173, U.S. National U17 Team, 04/17/2010, Minnesota)
The son of longtime NHLer Matt Cullen, Joey spent last season playing for Moorhead High and Honeybaked 15U, collecting 92 points across 40 games. He will play for Minnesota in 2027.
Cullen has the ability to create plays for himself and others.
“Dynamic offensive skill set – the puck sticks to his blade – his head is always up – doesn’t have to look down to locate the puck. The puck dies on his stick, soft hands, touch on his passes and the ability to thread a pass through tight windows, zip it cross ice or sauce it to space. He makes passes that very few players this age can even recognize let alone have the skill to make the delivery on the tape.”
William Esterbrooks (D, R, 5’10”, 190, Maryland Black Bears, 08/06/2005, Alaska-Anchorage)
An overager with the NAHL’s Kenai River Brown Bears and Maryland Black Bears last season, Esterbrooks collected 50 points in 50 regular-season games and 10 points in 10 playoff games. He will play at Alaska-Anchorage this season.
Esterbrooks looks to create with the puck on his stick.
“Has good vision and mobility, and likes to rush the puck through the neutral zone looking for his options. Has quick feet and good edgework, which allows him to change directions quickly with and without the puck. His good vision is evident in his accurate, hard, flat passes on his exits, his reading of developing plays, and his good decision-making. Effective on the power play, where he leads the charge playing the quarterback position.”
Lincoln Hjelm (F, R, 6’0”, 175, Tri-City Storm, 04/07/2006, Nebraska-Omaha)
Hjelm scored five goals and 14 points with the USHL’s Tri-City Storm last season. He will play at Nebraska-Omaha this fall.
Arvin Jaswal (G, L, 6’1”, 160, Barrie Colts, 03/29/2008, Yale)
A rookie wth the OHL’s Barrie Colts last season, Jaswal collected a 2.45 goals-against average and a .922 save percentage in 24 appearances. He was also named OHL goalie of the week this season. He will play at Yale in 2028.
Jaswal displays an ability to read plays before they develop.
“Jaswal plays a cool, collected game. He doesn’t over-challenge and allows much of the play to come to him. He stays tight in scramble scenarios…shows strong hockey IQ, reading plays before they develop, which allows him to stay square and make difficult saves look easy.”
Gerrit Lansing (D, R, 6’0”, 185, New Jersey Jr. Titans, 07/31/2005, Brown)
Hailing from New York, N.Y., Lansing collects five assets in 15 games with the NAHL’s New Jersey Jr. Titans last season. He will play for Brown this season.
Lansing was evaluated at the Lawrenceville Invitational by NZ scouts.
“Gerrit played a solid smart game seeing the ice well, and made good decisions on the point nothing fancy but consistent and solid. On defense, he has a good stick and covers the front well with strong coverage in front.”
Arseni Marchenko (D, R, 6’6”, 208, Fargo Force, 09/10/2006, Nebraska-Omaha)
A product of Minsk, Belarus, Marchenko suited up in 59 games with the USHL’s Fargo Force last season, collecting 11 points. He will play for Nebraska-Omaha this season.
Marchenko is a well-rounded asset on the blueline.
“Marchenko is a towering defenseman known for his physical and aggressive play in his own end. He consistently finishes checks along the walls, using his large frame to separate opponents from the puck effectively.”
John Queally (F, L, 5’11”, 185, St. Sebastian’s School, 07/27/2010, Boston College)
A product of Milton, Mass., Queally suited up for the NV River Rats 15U and St. Sebastian’s School last season. Across 59 total games, he collected 42 goals and 89 points. He will join Boston College in 2029.
Queally has a good combination of size and skill.
“He has great hands for someone of his build, he’s produced against older and stronger competition and has been leading underdog teams to success this season. Queally has the frame to play at the next level this fall and most of his faults are things that can be coached up and improved rather quickly.”
Devin Shakar (G, R, 6’1”, 163, Omaha Lancers, 03/13/2005, Brown)
A member of the USHL’s Omaha Lancers last season, Shakar posted a 4.08 GAA and a .888 SP in 33 appearances. He will join Brown in the fall.
Shakar controls rebounds well.
“Shakar plays a very calm and patient game, setting himself up for success. He is remarkably steady in net, allowing plays to develop and reacting accordingly. He reads plays effectively and demonstrates impressive lateral agility.”
Colton Sommer (F, R, 5’10”, 170, Mount St. Charles Academy, 05/10/2009, St. Lawrence)
As a member of Mount St. Charles’ 16U team last season, Sommer scored 22 goals and 57 points in 50 games. He will play at St. Lawrence in 2028.
Sommer displays good hockey sense when he takes to the ice.
“Sommer is a responsible, detail-oriented forward who consistently drives into the middle of the ice and applies pressure on opposing defenders with smart positioning and pace. He contributes in subtle but effective ways, including tipping pucks, supporting the forecheck, and staying engaged defensively through strong backchecking efforts.”
Brayden White (F, L, 6’1”, 176, Williston Northampton School, 02/16/2009, Holy Cross)
Having split time last season between Williston Northampton School and the NV River Rats 15U, White had 26 goals and 58 points across a combined 51 games. He will join Holy Cross in 2028.
White competes in all three zones and received a B- rating from NZ scouts at the U.S. NTDP Showcase.
“A tall, lean forward with a clean, efficient, powerful stride, he consistently played with pace and showed confidence carrying the puck through the neutral zone and into the high slot, looking to generate a grade ‘A’ scoring opportunity. White has a deceptive, quick release and is willing to shoot from anywhere, keeping goaltenders off balance and guessing.”
by Sebastian Zucchet
Sebastian Zucchet is a freelance sports reporter from Toronto and someone who deeply enjoys hockey.