Take a look at this week's top NCAA committed players in junior hockey, ready to make their mark at the collegiate level.
The next generation of NCAA Division I Hockey players almost always go through junior hockey at one of the six top junior leagues in North America. These leagues are the Western Hockey League, Ontario Hockey League, Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League, United States Hockey League, North American Hockey League and BCHL. The top players this week are listed are in alphabetical order by their last name, not their league.
Troy Hunka: Forward, El Paso Rhinos (NAHL). Robert Morris University
Hunka has a heck of a week. He earned seven points (3 goals + 4 assists) during El Paso's three game play-in series win versus Oklahoma. These seven points put him in second place among all North American Hockey League players this postseason. The Rhinos will meet the New Mexico Ice Wolves in the South Division Semifinals starting Friday April 17. As a 2006 birth year, Hunka still has one more year of junior hockey eligibility remaining. With only two seniors suiting up for Robert Morris this year, it is possible that a USHL team may take a flyer on Hunka for the 2026-27 campaign.
Layne Loomer: Forward, Lincoln Stars (USHL). Miami University
This is the second appearance for Loomer on Committed Corner. Loomer looked excellent for the Stars during their first round win over the Des Moines Buccaneers. Through those trio of playoff games Loomer recorded seven points (3 goals + 4 assists), currently leading the USHL's postseason point race. Lincoln matches up against the top seeded Sioux Falls Stampede with game one commencing Friday April 17. As an age out player, Loomer will join a resurgent Miami University team next season.
Jack McAra: Forward, Cowichan Valley Capitals (BCHL). Rochester Institute of Technology
If there's one player that has picked up the pace for the 2026 Rogers BCHL Playoffs, it's Jack McAra. After averaging over a point per game this regular season, McAra has racked up 8 points (2 goals + 6 assists) in a quartet of contests for Cowichan Valley. His 11 total playoff points are second best in the BCHL. The Capitals are getting set for a second round showdown with the Nanaimo Clippers, game times TBA. RIT will greatly appreciate McAra's scoring services next season, given they were eighth of ten teams with only 93 goals on the year.
Ethan Moore: Forward, Calgary Hitmen (WHL). Lake Superior State University
Moore has been on fire for Calgary, singlehandedly driving their offense despite being down three games to none against Medicine Hat. While the team around him hasn't performed up to par, Moore leads the WHL in playoff goals with eight goals, including four points (3 goals + 1 assist) last weekend. With a crucial game four tonight at 8pm CT, Moore looks to galvanize his teammates in hopes of a rally. Like the other 21 year olds on this list, Moore will head to the NCAA next season. His offensive touch should fit in well at Lake Superior State.
Mason Zebeski: Forward, Barrie Colts (OHL). University of New Hampshire
Zebeski has been a reliable presence for the Barrie Colts during their playoff run. His seven points (2 goals + 5 assists) in eight games isn't too shabby, but Zebeski shines with his intangibles. He currently leads the OHL with a +19 rating, a figure that is thoroughly impressive in such a fast paced junior league. Currently, Barrie leads their second round series against the Ottawa 67s two games to one with an all important game four tomorrow at 6pm CT. Whenever the Colts conclude their campaign, Zebeski will depart for the Live Free Or Die state.
Thomas Verdon: Forward, Rouyn-Noranda Huskies (QMJHL) Bowling Green State University.
Another CHL at the top of his league, Verdon is lighting up the QMJHL. Currently, the Cleveland, OH native leads the QMJHL with 16 points in 10 games. Eight of those points (1 goal + 7 assists) came during games one, two and three against the Shawinigan Cataractes. Rouyn-Noranda and Verdon look to sweep Shawinigan tonight at 6pm CT. I am intrigued to see how Verdon integrates into Bowling Green's CHL heavy roster in the fall. Playing in his home state should be a morale booster.