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.
Melvin Ekman: Forward, Dubuque Fighting Saints (USHL). Minnesota State University
Ekman had an impressive performance during the last week of the USHL's regular season. He racked up five points (3 goals + 2 assists) in a trio of games this past week. The Swede's progression from 13 points in 2024-25 has been remarkable. Just a year later, Ekman earned 48 points (23 goals + 25 assists) through 62 games. This is over a 180% increase in his production! Dubuque has a first round bye in the USHL Playoffs and will face the lowest remaining seed in the second round.
Noah Jettelson: Defenseman, Cape Brenton Eagles (QMJHL). College of the Holy Cross.
Despite Cape Brenton's playoff elimination at the hands of Newfoundland, Jettelson had an impressive string of games. The Mount Kisco, NY, native dished out seven assists over the course of the series, including four in the past three games. At the time of publication, these numbers have Jettelson second in QMJHL playoff assists. Jettelson does have one year of junior eligibly remaining, but given Holy Cross' blue line had three seniors this past season, he could depart for the NCAA.
Isaac Johnson: Forward, Brooks Bandits (BCHL). Bemidji State University.
The future Beaver has been on a tear to start the Rogers BCHL Playoffs. Brooks is up 3-0 in their series against the Spruce Grove Saints, with Johnson being a driving force behind the lead. Johnson has seven points (2 goals + 5 assists) in this span. The Bandits have a chance to complete the sweep tonight at 8pm CT and I full expect Johnson to play an important role. As an age-out player, Johnson will join Bemidji State this fall.
Jack Solomon: Goaltender, Austin Bruins (NAHL). Air Force Academy
Solomon was the picture of perfection between the pipes last weekend! The Air Force commit stopped all 59 shots on goal in back to back shutouts for the Bruins. His immaculate performances over the Bismarck Bobcats allowed Austin to lock up the Central Division's top spot. The 21 year old will head to Colorado Springs to begin his colligate career at the end of this season.
Ben Wilmott: Forward, Barrie Colts (OHL). Ohio State University
The OHL's Player of the Week is my pick for the league's Committed Corner entry. Wilmott was a difference maker for the Barrie Colts, racking up eight points (4 goals + 4 assists) in three postseason outings. This offense helped the Colts advance past the Niagara IceDogs in the OHL Playoffs. I watched Wilmott a lot last year the USHL, and it's great to see him developing well north of the border. The Colts match up against the Ottawa 67s in the OHL Quarterfinals starting tomorrow night.
Logan Wormald: Forward, Spokane Chiefs (WHL). University of Nebraska-Omaha
Wormald, like Jettelson had been passing the puck to great effect in his respective league's playoffs before being eliminated. During Spokane's six game series with the Prince George Cougars, Wormald sent seven assists to his teammates. This figure leads the WHL Playoffs in assists. The Langley, BC native heads to the University of Nebraska-Omaha for the 2026-27 campaign amongst many other CHL alumni.