Connecticut Nor’easters‘ 2nd year defenseman Kai Skilbeck(9) commits to Western New England University Golden Bears for 2025/2026.
The big 6’3″ 195 lbs. blue liner will help their zone’s ability to clear.
Last season, he scored a junior best 1 goal and 13 assists in 24 EHL games.
From Burlington, ON, the 20-year will be a welcome addition to CNE play.
Northern Cyclones‘ 2nd year USPHL Premier assistant captain, defenseman Rory Hammersmith(77) takes a junior best scoring 2 goals and 21 assists in 44 games to a 2025/2026 commit at Assumption University Greyhounds.
The 5’9″ 165 lbs. blue liner came up through the Chicago Fury youth program before juniors.
From Glen Ellyn, IL, the 20-year old should do well with his new college team.
University Of Wisconsin-Superior Yellowjackets‘ graduate defenseman Blake Holmes(16) takes a college best 13 assists last season to a 1st pro contract with Fayettesville Marksmen.
In 10 SPHL games, he had 1 assist with a 0 rating.
The big 6’2″ 209 lbs. blue liner did 2 successful frames of NAHL junior hockey before heading to Utica College Pioneers through his junior session.
From Apple Valley, MN, the 25-year old looks to be off and running.
Northern Cyclones‘ 2nd year center Michael Markowski(18) posts junior high scoring 27 goals and 25 assists in 54 USPHL/NCDC games, then another 4-4 in 10 playoff matchups before bowing out late.
The big 6’2″ 192 lbs. forward left a strong USHS-Prep frame before juniors.
He commits to St. John Fisher University Cardinals for 2025/2026.
From Spring Lake, NJ, we look for the 24-year old to do really well there.
Albertus Magnus College Falcons‘ senior center Tim Manning(12) signed a pro contract with Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs upon finishing up tournament play.
The 5’10” 181 lbs. gritty forward has skated 12 SPHL games, scoring 2 goals and 2 assists before opting out of the playoffs.
He scored an identical 7 goals and 10 assists as a junior and senior, but scored best, 11 goals and another 10 assists as a sophomore.
From Concord, OH, he scored big at USHS-Prep before juniors.
The 24-year did 1 year of EHL junior hockey for Valley Jr. Warriors and was a lead for that team.
No surprise, he is finding room as a pro.
Elmira Aviators‘ 1st year left wing Jeff Otwell(28) takes some best NAHL scoring, 14 goals and 16 assists in 53 games to a 2025/2026 commit at eastern powerhouse, Curry College Colonels.
The 6′ 174 lbs. forward should add even more depth to an already good squad up front.
From Frisco, TX, the 21-year old cycled through a few junior teams before arriving where he did.
We look for him to contribute quickly.
New Jersey 87’s 1st full year left wing Aidan Elbrecht(19) has new junior best scoring, 4 goals and 14 assists in 43 EHL games.
The 6’1″ 174 lbs. forward commits to Framingham State University Rams for 2025/2026.
From Hoffman States, IL, the 21-year old will add some scoring depth to the MASCAC club.
Endicott College Gulls‘ senior right wing Andrew Kurapov(12) is looking to best his 13 goals and 18 assists he set as a junior with 5 goals and 9 assists in 12 games with a +5 rating to start this campaign.
The 5’10” 170 lbs. forward blew out scoring his 2nd frame of USPHL/NCDC for Twin City Thunder, amassing 22 goals and 39 assists after a year earlier had 1 goal and 2 assists in 35 games.
From Corvallis, OR, the 24-year old.
He does a graduate frame and comes away with a new college best 14 goals in the process.
Upon finishing up tournament play, he signs an ato with Reading Royals and has gotten into 1 ECHL before playoffs.
Plymouth State University Panthers‘ junior defenseman Donte DiPonio(79) spent the last 2 seasons at University Of New England Nor’easters, but figured into only 16 games overall with 1 goal and 2 assists, so entered the transfer portal to arrive at his new college hockey home.
He’s already skated 17 in the current frame, so obviously made a good decision, but he also has 5 goals and 11 assists with a +16 rating in just 17 games.
The small-ish 5’9″ 175 lbs. blue liner did mostly 2 USPHL/NCDC seasons, but never quite struck for any points.
From Trenton, WI, the 23-year old has made a smart choice about where he is playing his hockey.
He skates 26 games in his senior year for 2 goals and 10 assists with a +10 rating and takes it to a 1st pro contract with Quad City Storm.
In 3 SPHL games, he records no points, but is likely a good signing going forward.
Lebanon Valley College Dutchmen graduate left wing Darion Benchich(13) signs a 1st pro contract with Binghamton Black Bears.
The 5’8″ 174 lbs. forward has skated 4 FPHL games, recording an assist.
He only played just over a half of a season in USPHL Premier junior, blowing up scoring before he was wooed to come to college.
The 24-year old should do well as a pro.
