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April Commitments: 3.5 Stars Highlight this Month – Brown and UWO Both Sign Three

April’s college commitments are highlighted by nine Canadian players (Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta), two American players (NE Prep, NGHL), and one Swedish player (SDHL). Five of the twelve players listed are commits for the 2025-26 season, while everyone else is a 2024-25 commit. The top star ratings begin at 3.5 stars. Brown University and the University of Western Ontario signed the most players this month, with three each. Congratulations to all of these talented players and your commitment to your education and hockey careers. 

Jocelyn Orr F (★★★1/2) – Commits to St. Olaf College ‘24

Orr hails originally from South Dakota but has competed the last two seasons in the New England Prep league for Phillips-Exeter Academy. She captained her prep school squad in her senior year to an 11-10 record. Next season she will make the trek back to the Northern Midwest where she will suit up for St. Olaf College in Minnesota in the MIAC. There Orr will look to bring her scoring touch and leadership to help aid the team back to the MIAC playoffs. 

NZ Scouts say: “Orr is a strong and balanced skater with very good mobility and a nice stride. Plays strong along the boards and is sturdy when challenged. She wins puck battles and is not afraid to mix it up. Hustles to win foot races and will separate the defender from the puck showing will to win. Handles the puck with fluidity and is rewarded with first unit PP time.”

Zoe Li – F (★★★1/2) – Commits to Brown University ‘25

Li was nearly a point-per-game player this season for the Central York Panthers. While she still has another season to hone her skills in the OWHL, Li will look to add to her scoring arsenal. So when it’s time to join her team at Brown University, she will contribute on both sides of the puck.   

NZ Scouts say: “She gets inside body position to separate a player from the puck for a turnover. She is patient and willing to take space back if she needs it. Plays with her head up and is a reliable decision-maker. Li is a hardworking player who forces opposing team turnovers. She follows her team’s system well, and she can capitalize on the mistakes of opposing defenders. When with the puck, she is poised and doesn’t rush her options. Li can be hard to handle around the net, and her relentlessness is noticeable.”

Linnea Natt och Dag – D (★★★1/2) – Commits to University of Minnesota-Duluth ‘25

The 5’9” Swedish defender has not lit up the scoresheet in the SDHL. However, her game lies in the defense-first mentality. That kind of game aided in her team winning a silver medal in the U-18 World Championships. The strong defender who makes an excellent first pass will continue to grow her game another season before joining the Bulldogs in the 2025 season, where she will fit right in with other players who have international experience as well. 

NZ Scouts say: “Natt Och Dag gets pucks through traffic and to the net for chances with a hard slapshot, a quick snapshot, and an accurate wrist shot from the point. Her stretch pass hits wingers on the fly to move the play-up ice quickly. She uses her size to her advantage to take the body. Natt Och Dag plays a heads-up game, making accurate and timely stretch passes to create speed on the rush.”

Martina Accardi – F (★★★1/4) – Commits to Brown University ‘25

Accardi is a 2007 who has been playing up on the U22 squad for the Durham-West Lightning in the OWHL. She had a breakout year with 26 points as she begins to find her game at this level. She still has another year to hone her skills before bringing that fast pace of play to Brown University in 2025.

NZ Scouts say: “She consistently wins draws cleanly, giving her team a significant advantage in gaining possession and initiating plays. Her agility is highlighted by her quick reactions to loose pucks in the offensive zone, ensuring she can pounce on opportunities and maintain offensive pressure. Her strong net presence allows her to get her stick on the puck, and create scoring opportunities. Her tenacity in battles, whether in the corners or throughout all three zones, shows her commitment to winning puck battles and maintaining control of the game. Accardi has a laser of a shot.”

Grace Campbell – F (★★1/4) – Commits to University of Western Ontario ‘24

Campbell is a Kingston Jr. Ice Wolves product of the U22 OWHL. Campbell will swap out her Wolves logo for a Mustang one next season as she will look to help the 2015 National Champions regain that title. 

NZ Scouts say: “Grace is a taller forward who utilizes it well to bully herself into high danger and traffic areas. She is good in front of the net for tips and screening. She is also strong along the boards. ”

Ella Warcop – (F) – Commits to Brown University ‘25

Warcop who is from Mississauga, Ontario is a tough forward for the Culver Military Academy in Culver, Indiana. The junior had a strong season for Culver and will continue to strengthen her game for another season before she joins the Bears at Brown University in 2025. 

NZ Scouts say: “Warcop relentlessly pursues in the neutral zone to cause turnovers and transition into the attacking end to create chances off rebounds or the cycle.”

Lauren Hernick – (G) – Commits to Penn State University ‘24

Hernick spent last season back-stopping the U19 Biggby Coffee team out of the NGHL. The Michigan netminder will embark on a journey to “Hockey” Valley next season and represent the Blue and White of the Nittany Lions. She will look to battle and earn her playing time with other incoming freshmen and the lone Junior netminder that will be ahead of her on the depth chart.  

NZ Scouts say: “Hernick has a crease top challenge that she holds during a rush and net drive, cutting the angle on first shots and holding the rebound. She moves quickly with short lateral movements and seals the post tight. ”

Mackenzie Lizotte – (D) – Commits to University of Western Ontario ‘24

Lizotte will jump provinces next season as she will join the University of Western Ontario Mustangs. She has a lot of skill to bring to the table in hopes of helping the Mustangs get back to the playoffs and regain championship levels. 

NZ Scouts say: “Lizotte is a composed player, she’s always calm and will never (or rarely) panic no matter the situation. She’s responsible defensively, getting in the opponent’s shooting lane and blocking shots. Lizotte does have speed and a decent set of hands… Lizotte controls the puck with soft hands, gaining smooth zone entries and dangling through traffic for quality shots on net or crisp passes to set up linemates. She is often first to the puck on the chip and chase.”

Bridget Pringle (F) – Commits to Dartmouth College ‘24

Mikayla Christmann (G) – Commits to MacEwan University ‘24

Madison Berven (F) – Commits to University of Ottawa ‘24

Presley Daschuk (G) – Commits to University of Western Ontario ‘24

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