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.
Kaden Aucoin (D, R, 6’1”, 185, Sarnia Sting, 08/14/2009, Boston University)
The son of longtime NHLer Adrian Aucoin, Kaden had two goals and seven points in 61 games with the OHL’s Sarnia Sting. He will play at Boston University in 2028.
Aucoin continually puts on great defensive displays.
“His strong footwork allows him to shift into lanes and finish checks, which can create turnovers and force early dump-ins. He cuts off rushes early and guides attackers into low-danger areas on the perimeter. Along the walls, he pins opponents effectively and holds plays until support arrives, while eliminating skilled forwards. He competes well in 50/50 situations, wins pucks in traffic, and turns those wins into efficient retrievals and clean breakouts. Through the neutral zone, he tracks opponents with control, using an active stick to surf and guide play, disrupting entries.”
Anthony Bongo (D, R, 5’10”, 168, Sioux Falls Stampede, 05/16/2007, Union)
A key part of the USHL’s Sioux City Stampede’s championship run, Bongo put up five goals and 30 points in 62 regular-season games and six points in 14 playoff games. He will join Union next fall.
Bongo is a great skater.
“Bongo is a smaller, right-handed defenseman who isn’t shy about using the puck to his advantage. A strong skater, he excels at pushing the pace up the ice, often leading breakouts and gaining zone entries with ease. His smooth skating allows him to quickly transition from defense to offense, creating sustained pressure in the offensive zone. Bongo makes clean, accurate passes and has the vision to join the rush as the second wave of offense when the opportunity arises.”
Benjamin Collins (F, R, 6’0”, 155, Brampton Steelheads, 04/21/2009, Cornell)
A product of Franklin, Tenn., Collins spent last season suiting up for the Nashville Jr. Predators, collecting 58 points in 49 games. He will join Cornell alongside his twin brother, Peyton, in 2028.
Collins is a good skater and is strong in the face-off dot.
“Collins is a lean, fast, puck-controlling forward who can generate plays at high speed and create scoring chances with his vision, touch, and effort. When carrying the puck, he sometimes seems to effortlessly glide through defenders, reaching scoring areas without relinquishing possession.”
Peyton Collins (F, R, 6’1”, 165, Brampton Steelheads, 04/01/2009, Cornell)
Collins spent last season suiting up for the Jr. Predators, collecting 74 points in 56 games. He will join Cornell in 2028.
Collins is a consistent presence whenever he is on the ice.
“He plays the game at a high pace and doesn’t slow down with the puck on his stick, showing an ability to create off of unpredictable transitions with explosive acceleration out of hard hockey stops and quick lateral cuts to manipulate the gap in his favor. Collins is highly effective off the rush, using his edge control, deceptive head twists, and over-exaggerated moves to beat defenders, generating space and Grade-A opportunities. His compete level stands out, as he wins races to pucks, battles for his ice in traffic, and plays with energy no matter the situation.”
Alexander Donovan (F, R, 5’11”, 187, Saint John Sea Dogs, 04/08/2007, Providence)
In his first season with the QMJHL’s Saint John Sea Dogs last year, Donovan scored 25 goals and 53 points in 63 games. He will play one more season in the ‘Q’ before joining Providence in 2027.
Donovan is a natural goal-scorer.
“Alexander Donovan is a dynamic right-shot winger with a balanced blend of skill, pace, and goal-scoring instinct. Donovan is a legitimate scoring winger with pro release mechanics, a quick brain in transition, and competitive drive around the net.”
Easton Dozark (D, R, 6’0”, 186, Honeybaked 15U AAA, 01/15/2010, Western Michigan)
In 89 games with Honeybaked 15U last season, Dozark scored 50 goals and had 134 points. He will play at Western Michigan in 2029.
Dozark is great offensively.
“A strong and well-balanced skater, he utilizes his edges effectively to evade pressure and penetrate the defence with the puck. Dozark is a high-volume shooter from the point, adept at keeping his head up and employing subtle pivots and delays to open shooting lanes. He boasts a quick, heavy release that gets pucks on net rapidly.”
Louis-Émile Dumais (F, R, 5’9”, 155, Shawinigan Cataractes, 05/19/2009, Quinnipiac)
Dumais split time last season between the QMJHL’s Shawinigan Cataractes and Seminaire St-Francois Blizzard, collecting 63 points across a combined 46 games. He will play at Quinnipiac in 2028.
Dumais is an explosive center who has the ability to be an impactful player.
“He can break through defensive structures with just a few puck touches, using his body as a complementary tool to his dekes rather than relying solely on finesse. He rolls off checks effectively, creating time and space to extend possessions and make plays under pressure. His stick skills are clearly above average, particularly in one-on-one situations where his evasive puckhandling allows him to beat defenders cleanly.”
Henri Giroux (D, R, 5’8”, 135, WB/Scranton Knights 16U AAA, 06/07/2009, Yale)
As a member of the WB/Scranton Knights 16U last year, Giroux had four goals and 17 points in 29 games. He will play at Yale in 2028.
Giroux was evaluated by NZ scouts at the NE Pack Pittsburgh 16U Showcase.
“Giroux is a right-shot defenceman with quick feet, which he used to close gaps and disrupt plays at pinch points. He delivered crisp transition passes and led rushes with his skating and puck control. He made clean zone entries with speed, driving wide to create space until support arrived, often connecting with a late-arriving teammate. Defensively, his strong skating made him difficult to beat, and he recovered quickly from missteps. He also demonstrated physicality by pinning opponents along the boards to win battles. Giroux finished the weekend with two assists.”
Ayden Heron (F, R, 6’0”, 175, The Lawrenceville School, 06/08/2007, Harvard)
Heron suited up for The Lawrenceville School, Woodbridge Wolfpack 18U and the BCHL’s Powell River Kings last season, scoring seven goals and 27 points in 34 total games. He will join Harvard in 2027.
Heron received a “B+” rating in a game report by NZ scouts.
“Heron consistently stood out as his team’s best forward. He scored two goals, the first a shot from the top of the circles that found the top left corner. For his second goal, he beat the opposing centreman on an offensive zone face-off and skated directly to the net, finishing with a backhand shot. Heron is skilled, with a good understanding and high hockey IQ.”
Zachary Howard (F, R, 6’0”, 183, Springfield Jr. Blues, 03/12/2005, Alaska-Fairbanks)
An overeager with the NAHL’s Springfield Jr. Blues last season, Howard scored 23 goals and 49 points in 59 games. He will play at Alaska-Fairbanks this year.
Howard will be important to the Nanooks this season.
“Zach is consistently around the puck. He is smart, skilled, and creative, with a quick stick and a keen sense for finding the net. He possesses good hockey sense during rushes and plays at a strong pace. His combination of size and speed allows him to drive lanes and attack the net effectively. His instincts enable him to position himself continuously for scoring opportunities.”
Zachary Lansard (F, R, 6’0”, 177, Regina Pats, 07/29/2008, Minnesota-Duluth)
A 2026 third-round pick of the Carolina Hurricanes, Lansard had 24 goals and 56 points in 68 games with the WHL’s Regina Pats last season. He will join Minnesota-Duluth in 2028.
Lansard had a solid performance in front of NZ scouts.
“Lansard is a dynamic forward with impressive skills on display. He consistently showcased his speed, agility, and ball-handling abilities throughout the game. His soft hands allowed him to create scoring opportunities in tight spaces, and he demonstrated creative vision in beating defenders to generate chances. Lansard also displayed strong compete level, using his strength to win battles for loose pucks at the net front.”
Alexis Lemire (D, L, 6’1”, 181, Rouyn-Noranda Huskies, 04/27/2007, Bowling Green State)
Hailing from Niocolet, Que., Lemire had three goals and 22 points with the QMJHL’s Rouyn-Noranda Huskies last year. He will play for Bowling Green this season.
Lemire does well to close out opponents in his own zone.
“It was very difficult for forwards to get a foothold in the crease when they were battling against Lemire, and as a result he is an asset in his own end and especially on the penalty kill where he can set himself up in front of the net and ensure nobody gets prime position in front of his goalie.”
Charlie MacLeod (F, L, 6’0”, 179, Kimball Union Academy, 07/21/2009, Princeton)
A product of Sydney, N.S., MacLeod scored nine goals and 22 points in 35 games with Kimball Union Academy last year. He will join Princeton in 2028.
MacLeod impressed NZ scouts at a game in the New England Prep league.
“MacLeod is a smart, hardworking forward with a heavy, accurate shot who scored the first goal of the game for Kimball Union. Always seeking loose pucks and opportunities to create offence, he played hard every shift, causing chaos in the corners and in front of the net. He possesses solid hockey IQ and good positioning in all areas of the ice. In the first period, he found a seam between two defencemen, splitting them after receiving an accurate pass right on his stick. He separated and unleashed a rocket snap shot that easily beat the Phillips Andover goaltender.”
Joey Macrina (F, R, 5’7”, 150, Sioux Falls Stampede, 01/09/2006, Brown)
A first-year player with the Stampede last season, Macrina scored 19 goals and 41 points in 59 games. He will join Brown in 2027.
Macrina impressed NZ scouts at the USHL Showcase last season.
“Joey Macrina is a speedy, high-energy forward who plays with noticeable jam despite his 5’7″ frame. His exceptional compete level stood out as he attacked the net with pace and determination. A scrappy, tenacious player with excellent edges, he consistently finished his checks, stopped on the puck, won races and battles, and was a constant nuisance all weekend in Pittsburgh.”
Julien Maze (F, L, 5’9”, 167, Calgary Hitmen, 12/07/2007, Quinnipiac)
Hailing from Edmonton, Alta., Maze split time between the Pats and Calgary Hitmen last season, putting up 38 goals and 78 points. He is joining Quinnipiac this season.
Maze is a good playmaker.
“Maze can be shifty with his movements and edge work, fending off pressure and creating more space for himself and for his teammates to make quick touch passes or finding open seams. He is a quick and agile skater breaking free from defenders in an instant.”
Cade Nystrom (G, L, 5’9”, 155, Shattuck St. Mary’s 16U AAA, 08/07/2009, Arizona State)
A product of Chanhassen, Minn., Nystrom spent last season playing for Shattuck’s-St. Mary’s 16U, Nystrom posted a 1.58 goals-against average and a .934 save percentage in 28 appearances. He will play Arizona State in 2028.
Nystrom is a composed shot stopper.
“He is excellent at tracking the puck, which isn’t just about his vision but more to do with his hockey IQ and sense to read the rush. He knows where to position himself and keeps an eye on whether the weak-side forward is a righty or a lefty. He’s focused and looks the same after a goal goes in as he does when he makes a big save. That level of composure and calmness permeates through the rest of his team.”
Whitaker Rewertz (D, L, 5’9”, 153, Hibbing/Chisholm High, 08/18/2009, Minnesota-Duluth)
Rewertz split time last season between Hibbing/Chisholm High and Team TDS Transportation, putting up 73 points in a combined 60 games. He will play join Minnesota-Duluth in 2028.
Rewertz was evaluated by NZ scouts at a Minnesota high-school game.
“A strong skater with good overall mobility, he displayed intelligent activations from the point, exemplified by the opening goal where he slid into open ice and beat the goaltender low with a quick release. Rewertz consistently moved pucks quickly and accurately, demonstrating strong passing vision out of the defensive zone. He also patrolled the blue line effectively, utilizing efficient footwork and keeping his head up.”
Joey Rocha (G, L, 6’2”, 192, Weyburn Red Wings, 01/22/2005, Alaska-Anchorage)
In his final year of junior hockey last season, Rocha split time between the WHL’s Swift Current Broncos and the SJHL’s Weyburn Red Wings. He will play at the University of Alaska-Anchorage this season.
Rocha positions himself well.
“Rocha plays with good depth, sharp movement, and strong reads, controlling rebounds reasonably well.”
Sawyer Schmidt (F, L, 5’11”, 172, Saginaw Spirit, 12/29/2009, Quinnipiac)
A 2025 seventh-round pick of the OHL’s Saginaw Spirit, Schmidt split time last year between the Spirit and the OJHL’s Buffalo Jr. Sabres, collecting 29 points across 58 games. He will join Quinnipiac in 2028.
Schmidt is a versatile player.
“Schmidt is a mobile, left-shot forward who combines speed, strength, and puck skill to pressure defenders and generate offense off the rush. He attacks with purpose through open ice, using a powerful stride and strong puck control to drive wide lanes, get to the net, and create space for both himself and his linemates. Defensively, he stays engaged and positioned well, using an active stick and awareness to force turnovers and quickly transition play the other direction.”
Liam Schultz (F, R, 5’10”, 166, Minnetonka High, 10/30/2008, Minnesota-Duluth)
Having suited up for Minnetonka High, Team The Base and the USHL’s Waterloo Black Hawks, Schultz had 21 goals and 53 points in 54 combined games. He will play at Minnesota-Duluth in 2027.
Schultz uses his speed and hockey IQ to take over games.
“Schultz is a small, shifty, agile forward who is light on his feet and slippery with the puck on his stick. He plays the game at pace, is smart and aware, can read the whole sheet, and makes instantaneous decisions with the puck. A high-IQ player, he finds soft areas away from the puck and can manipulate defenders’ gaps with quick cut-in moves and changes of speed.”
Nolan Shorter (F, L, 6’7”, 196, Chicago Steel, 10/07/2009, Notre Dame)
As a member of the Chicago Reapers 16U last year, Shorter put up 14 goals and 26 points in 42 games. Shorter will play for the USHL’s Chicago Steel and jin Notre Dame in 2028.
Shorter’s physical attributes help make him a force on the ice.
“Shorter is an imposing 6’7″ left-shot winger whose considerable length and reach are immediately noticeable, even as his overall game continues to develop. His skating is a work in progress, but he is beginning to harness his footwork, using his long stride to efficiently cover ground and gain space. Below the dots, he shows promise, shedding checks, leaning on opponents, and driving to the net with force.”
Trevor Shorter (D, R, 6’8”, 210, Chicago Steel, 10/07/2009, Notre Dame)
Standing at 6-foot-8, Trevor Shorter spent time with the Steel and the Reapers last year, collecting 28 points in 75 combined games. He will join his twin brother, Nolan, at Notre Dame in 2028.
Shorter’s size and physicality immediately impact the game when he is on the ice.
“Shorter is an imposing, right-shot defenceman whose size and physical presence immediately influence how opponents attack. His long reach helps him close down space, disrupt entries, and win board battles.”
Cam Springer (F, R, 5’11”, 188, Tri-City Storm, 05/24/2006, Vermont)
A member of the USHL’s Tri-City Storm last season, Springer had 11 goals and 25 points in 61 games. He will play at Vermont this season.
Springer’s effort is noticeable.
“Springer is a dependable, hard-nosed two-way forward who consistently sets the tone for his line. He leads by example and excels in doing the little things that don’t show up on the scoresheet. His forecheck is relentless, he finishes his checks with purpose, and he plays with strong puck discipline-rarely forcing risky passes or giving the puck away.”
Ethan Sung (F, R, 5’7”, 180, Sioux Falls Stampede, 08/15/2009, Wisconsin)
Sung split time between the Stampede and Shattuck-St. Mary’s 18U Prep last year, collecting 59 points in 55 combined games. He recently won silver at the Hlinka Gretzky and is committed to Wisconsin for 2028.
Sung received a game rating of “A” by NZ scouts in a two-game series against St. Andrew’s College.
“Sung’s strong offensive instincts and skating ability made him a key offensive driver for Shattuck. He is agile and difficult to strip of the puck, demonstrating excellent balance. Sung had ample puck possession and effectively drove play in the offensive zone. He consistently got shots on net and battled for second chances in the slot and around the face-off circle. In this game, he was a reliable offensive threat, while also providing defensive coverage in his own zone. His speed made him difficult to contain.”
Tate Swanson (F, L, 5’9”, 166, Hibbing/Chisholm High, 11/28/2007, Air Force)
Having suited up for Team TDS Transportation and Hibbing/Chisholm High last year, Swanson had 84 points in 52 combined games. Swanson will play with the BCHL’s Nanaimo Clippers this season and will join Air Force next fall.
Swanson is competitive and works hard to win.
“Swanson is a left-shot centre who consistently impacts the game with his compete level, creativity, and offensive skillset. Despite being undersized, he plays with grit and applies constant pressure on pucks, making hard, determined drives to the net.”
Angelo Zol (G, L, 6’0”, 170, West Kelowna Warriors, 07/30/2005, Augustana)
An overeager with the BCHL’s West Kelowna Warriors last year, Zol had an outstanding season, posting a 1.98 GAA and a .925 SP across 36 appearances. He will play at Augustana this season.
Zol is a solid goaltender.
“He maintains composure in tense situations, exhibiting controlled, crisp movements and a strong push from either skate for lateral movement. His quick feet and pads are effective for low shots. Zol plays his angles well, making difficult saves appear routine.”
by Sebastian Zucchet
Sebastian Zucchet is a freelance sports reporter from Toronto and someone who deeply enjoys hockey.