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.
Colin Fitzgerald (F, R, 6’2”, 211, Soo Greyhounds, 04/01/2008, Providence)
A 2026 seventh-round pick of the St. Louis Blues, Fitzgerald had 33 points in 63 games with the OHL’s Peterborough Petes and Soo Greyhounds last season. He will play for the Greyhounds this year before going to Providence next fall.
Fitzgerald is turning into a reliable two-way forward.
“Fitzgerald plays a hard, honest, two-way game built on effort, structure, and maturity. He doesn’t rely on flash or finesse to beat opponents one-on-one; instead, he plays a straight-line, north-south style that emphasizes pace, puck protection, and getting pucks on net.”
Ethan Gingeleskie (F, R, 5’11”, 163, Avon Old Farms School, 06/02/2009, Yale)
Hailing from West Hartford, Conn., Gingeleskie suited up for Avon Old Farms School and Northern CT Nor’Easters 18U last season, posting 22 goals and 44 points cross a combined 45 games. He is committed to Yale for 2028.
Gingeleskie was evaluated by NZ scouts at the Avon Old Farms Christmas Classic.
“Gingeleskie has taken a step forward since our last observation, as evidenced by his increase in production. He consistently posed a threat in the offensive zone, making it essential to keep an eye on him when he has the puck near the net. His impressive puck-handling skills, combined with improved shooting accuracy, suggest he is poised to put up outstanding numbers for AOF for the remainder of the season. Additionally, his playmaking abilities allow him to create opportunities for his teammates, further enhancing his value to the team.”
Rowan Henderson (F, L, 5’11”, 187, Sudbury Wolves, 12/10/2007, Merrimack)
In his second year with the OHL’s Sudbury Wolves last year,, Henderson scored 12 goals and had 32 points in 62 games. He will play for the Wolves again this season, then join Merrimack next fall.
Henderson is a solid all-around player.
“Henderson is a responsible two-way centreman who plays a mature game and impacts all three zones. He skates well, showing good mobility and pace, allowing him to support defensively and transition up ice efficiently. He’s reliable on the penalty kill and strong on the forecheck, disrupting plays and creating turnovers with an active stick and good anticipation. Offensively, he has the tools to contribute when given space—making smart decisions with the puck and supporting the play.”
Diego Johnson (F, R, 5’11”, 178, Penticton Vees, 09/07/2006, Michigan State)
In his only WHL season with the Penticton Vees last year, Johnson collected 25 goals and 46 points in 68 games. He is joining Michigan State this season.
Johnson is great on the forecheck.
“Diego Johnson is an energetic right winger who brings high compete and strong skating to every shift. His top-end speed allows him to drive possession through the neutral zone and create quick transition chances. He excels in puck pursuit and net-front activity, particularly on special teams.”
Quinn Norman (D, L, 6’0”, 174, Newfoundland Regiment, 12/22/2009, Boston University)
A member of the QMJHL’s Newfoundland Regiment, Norman posted one goal and 13 points in 58 games last season. He also recently represented Canada at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, going pointless in five games. He will play for Boston University in 2028.
Norman impressed at the World U17 Challenge.
“His poise with the puck allows him to find early outlets and drive clean transitions, moving play up ice with efficiency. Defensively, he makes subtle but effective plays, using quick chips, reverses, or small positional adjustments to escape pressure and relieve the forecheck. He uses his feet well to shift across the blue line, opening passing options and giving attacking flank forwards room to work. He can also create shooting lanes and relies on wrist shots and low, sifting releases to put pucks through traffic. His skating is fluid, supported by a strong stride that helps him move up and down the ice with ease and stay with opposing forwards who possess both speed and skill.”
Briggs Orr (D, R, 6’2”, 205, Aberdeen Wings, 03/28/2005, Ferris State)
In his overeager season with the NAHL’s Aberdeen Wings, Orr put up one goal and 15 points in 43 games. He is off to play for Ferris State this season.
Orr is quick and has good size.
“Briggs is difficult to beat off the rush or with wide speed thanks to his stick length and wingspan. He sees the ice well, makes smart decisions, and delivers accurate passes. While not flashy, he is a dependable two-way defender who contributes in all areas of the game.”
Tyler Poti (D, L, 6’3”, 187, The Winchendon School, 05/20/2010, Quinnipiac)
The son of longtime NHLer Tom Poti, Tyler spent last season playing for The Winchendon School, posting one goal and 17 points in 33 games. He is committed to Quinnipiac for 2029.
Poti is a player who continues to improve.
“The Winchendon School defenseman has terrific size and, after a terrific NE Prep season with a top 5 team, Poti broke through this Spring with excellent performances at the Mass High Performance event. He oozes upside and again is a player with excellent bloodlines, as his Dad (Tom) played over 800 games in the NHL.”
Hudson Salvador (F, L, 6’0”, 176, USNTDP Juniors, 07/30/2009, Harvard)
The son of former NHLer Bryce Salvador, Hudson spent last season with the U.S. NTDP U17 Team, collecting three goals and 10 points in 41 games. He will head off to Harvard in 2028.
Salvador’s power game is evident when he steps onto the ice.
“He’s a powerful skater strong on his stick and able to protect pucks in contested areas. While most of the offense in this type of game comes off the rush and in transition – Salvador was able to create offense from in-zone off the cycle and from broken plays. He has a long wingspan – craddles the puck wide to shield it from defenders and pull and drag before he releases the puck to change the shot angle and make it harder for goalies to predict the release point. He is a power forward who can drive the net – protect the puck – win 50/50 battles and get inside positioning on defenders at the net front.”
Cole Swanson (F, L, 6’0”, 181, Hibbing/Chisholm High, 08/12/2009, Western Michigan)
A product of Hibbing, Minn., Swanson scored 29 goals and 63 points in 29 games with Hibbing/Chisholm High last year. He also posted 11 points in 18 games with Team TDS Transportation. He will play for the USHL’s Sioux Falls Stampede this season and will go to Western Michigan in 2028.
Swanson has a lot of creativity and is a crafty playmaker.
“Cole is a dynamic forward who plays a full 200-foot game and is not afraid to mix it up. He is a high-end skater with a smooth stride, strong edges, a balanced centre of gravity, and deceptive speed. He covers ice with purpose and attacks pucks and plays with purpose and intent. When he gets the puck on his stick, he is constantly scanning the ice to see what outlets are available and where plays are unfolding.”
Xavier Wendt (G, L, 6’0”, 179, Tri-City Americans, 01/24/2008, St. Thomas)
A rookie with the WHL’s Tri-City Americans last season, Wendt posted a 3.25 goals against average and a .905 save percentage in 43 appearances. He will play at St. Thomas in 2027.
Wendt received a “B” game rating by NZ scouts.
“Xavier Wendt demonstrated solid net-minding skills in his game, showcasing athletic ability and sharp movements. He exhibited good tracking and puck control, making several key saves throughout the contest. Notably, he stopped a breakaway and controlled the rebound cleanly, and also tracked a puck through traffic with ease. His reflexes were quick, as seen on a deflection save in front of the net, and he remained composed during scrambles for the puck.”
by Sebastian Zucchet
Sebastian Zucchet is a freelance sports reporter from Toronto and someone who deeply enjoys hockey.