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.
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.
Boston Jr. Rangers‘ 1st year, South Korean-born left wing Jaeseok Lee(85) commits to New England College Pilgrims for 2025/2026.
The 5’11” 170 lbs. forward scored 5 goals and 13 assists in 53 USPHL/NCDC games last season.
He played some of his youth hockey in Russia before leaving to Quebec for high school.
