Another batch of talented players committed this month to universities both in the NCAA as well as USport. However, this month a special mention commit goes out to a Tier 2 player from the Philadelphia Little Flyers program as she heads off to educate and play hockey at the U.S. Naval Academy. Best of luck to all of these players continuing their education and hockey careers.
Rose Dwyer – D (★★★★) – Commits to Cornell University ‘24
Dwyer made the move from the Philadelphia Flyers to the BK Selects this season and has been a solid mainstay on the backend all year. The nearly 6 foot tall Pennsylvania born defender was also a member of Team USA U18 team this season, where she dressed in 5 games for her country. She will have one more crack at Nationals before heading off to upstate New York and pull over a Big Red’s jersey in the ECAC.
NZ Scouts say: “Dwyer has size, speed, and can stop and go on a dime. She makes smart decisions with the puck exiting her own zone. Defensively, she is strong and again has a great reach to keep opponents at bay. No matter what she gives 100% effort in her own zone and does everything in her power to keep the puck out of her net.”
Laralee Rizarri – F (★★★1/2) – Commits to University of Toronto ‘24
Rizarri has been heating up with the Calgary Fire the last two seasons. The ‘06 Alberta born forward will look to torch Western Canada for one more season before jet setting across the country to continue her education and hockey career at the University of Toronto. The 3 ½ star might have to fly to get there, but she will bring her wheels to speed by opponents.
NZ Scouts say: “Rizarri doesn’t let her size inhibit her. In fact, her low center of gravity allows her to frequently out-muscle much bigger opponents. However her speed and quickness with and without the puck are her biggest strengths.”
Kayla Kondo– F (★★★1/4) – Commits to Toronto Metropolitan University ‘23
TMU will gain a 3 ¼ star next season, in the Ontario born Kondo. She has put up 25 points in the 17 games this season for the Central York Panthers and will look to bring that scoring touch to the Mattamy Athletic Centre in the upper levels of the Maple Leaf Gardens where the TMU Bold play.
NZ Scouts say: “Kondo sets up a good net front presence to tip pucks in for goals. She has a quick release to get quality shots on net and is able to receive pucks on the move and maintain speed to capitalize on the breakaway. She is adept at making quick passes in the neutral zone and offensive zone to shift the defense around.”
Janique Labossiere – F (★★★) – Commits to University of Western Ontario ‘23
The nearly 6 foot tall, left handed shot from Manitoba came across the border to play for the Windy City Storm this season, where she put up a strong performance. But next year she heads back to her home country and she may still be sporting the purple and white, but the logo front will be of the Mustangs of Western Ontario.
NZ Scouts say: “LaBossier has the size and strength of a solid power forward. She checks through hands, forcing turnovers along walls, and on the forecheck. She does a nice job of working out of corners and finding lanes to make plays. Offensively, she makes cerebral plays that will generate quality scoring opportunities for her team.”
Syrine Kacem – D (★★★) – Commits to McGill University ‘23
Kacem put up 26 points in 30 games this season in the QCHL. She will head just down the road next season in her home Province of Quebec and sport the red and white of the McGill Redbirds. McGill will gain a solid 3 star defender to their roster for the next 4 seasons.
NZ Scouts say: “Is an agile skater and displayed some nice hands with a slick deke to undress a Sudbury defender for a short breakaway.”
Megan Bergmanis – F (★★3/4) – Commits to Toronto Metropolitan University ‘23
Bergmanis swapped jerseys this year from the Toronto Leaside Wildcats to the Durham West Jr. Lightning. And it seemed to pay off as she nearly tripled her point total from her previous season. However, next season she will head back to Toronto only at TMU where she will lace them up for her freshman year at university.
NZ Scouts say: “She has a functional skill set but contributes most with her grit and smart checking ability to create open ice for teammates. Bergmanis battles hard in all three zones, forcing errors on the forecheck, battling along the boards in the neutral zone, and applying pressure on the backcheck.”
Kylie Logan – F (★★1/4) – Commits to the University of Western Ontario ‘23
The right handed Whitby, Ontario born forward put up 22 points in 15 games for the Central York Jr. Panthers this season. All of her hard work was noticed and she has committed to join a number of other Canadian players this month with the Western Ontario Mustangs.
NZ Scouts say: “Logan is a strong quick skater with good hockey sense and she plays with energy. She can handle the puck, will carry into the zone, curl up, and look for the late coming player. She will roll off her check on the boards to go to the net for a pass. She is a strong defensive player.”
Kayla D’Eletto (F) – Commits to US Naval Academy ‘23
NZ Scouts say: “While this commitment list does not typically include ACHA commits, we wanted to make an exception for Kayla D’Eletto from the Philadelphia Little Flyers Tier 2 program. The speedy forward will not only continue her education in the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, but she has committed to playing hockey for the Midshipmen as well. While it is a daunting task and an extensive commitment of self to pursue an education and the rank of an Officer from any of the U.S. military academies, D’Eletto has taken it one step further by playing hockey and continuing to grow her game at the university level. Neutral Zone salutes you soon to be Midshipmen Kayla D’Eletto and thank you for service.
Pusle Dyring-Andersen – D (★★★1/4) – Commits to St. Francis of Xavier ‘23
Clara Genier (G) – Commits to University of Ottawa ‘23
Naomi Morin (F) – Commits to University of Ottawa ‘24
Charley Healy (F) – Commits to University of Ottawa ‘23
Ella Chambers (F) – Commits to St. Thomas University ‘23
Neely Van Volsen (F) – Commits to Toronto Metropolitan University ‘23
Justina Valentini (D) – Commits to Assumption College ‘23
Rebecca Noble (G) – Commits to University of Windsor ‘23
Molly Heighgton (F) – Commits to University of Ottawa ‘23
Amelia Laplante (D) – Commits to University of Ottawa ‘23