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.
Dylan Edwards: Forward, Kitchener Rangers (OHL). Quinnipiac University
Edwards is having one of the best weeks of his career. First he was named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week on Monday. Then, he and the Kitchener Rangers swept the Barrie Colts last night en route to their fifth OHL Championship and a Memorial Cup berth. The round robin begins on May 22 at Kelowna's Prospera Place. Whenever the Rangers' run comes to a close, Edwards will join Quinnipiac after aging out of junior hockey. I can't wait to hopefully see Edwards on a line with Ethan Wyttenbach.
Patrick Fortune: Forward, Nanaimo Clippers (BCHL). College of the Holy Cross
Fortune was an impactful presence for Nanaimo. His 3 point (2 goals + 1 assist) evening on May 6 helped the Clippers complete their sweep over the Prince George Spruce Kings. During the regular season, he notched a team high 36 assists in 49 outings, finished just above a point per game. With the series win, Nanaimo advanced to the Rogers BCHL Cup Finals against the Brooks Bandits. Game one is Friday at 9pm CT. As a 20 year old, it isn't clear if Fortune will use his final year of junior eligibility before heading to Holy Cross. What is certain, is that Fortune's timely passes could be difference maker in a potential Clipper championship.
Zach Homer: Forward, Minnesota Wilderness (NAHL). Canisius University
This Canisius commit has been on a tear! His offensive performance was invaluable in helping Minnesota rally from 0-2 to a 3-2 series win and Robertson Cup berth. During the Wilderness' three game rally, Homer put up 4 points (3 goals + 1 assist). These tallies has Homer in first place of the NAHL's playoff scoring race. Homer's track record during the regular season was just as good. Throughout 57 contests he racked up 66 points (39 goals + 27 assists). If Homer keeps his pace up, the Robertson Cup may head back to the State of Hockey.
Teddy Mutryn: Forward, Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL). Boston College. San Jose Sharks 2025 3rd Round, 95th Overall.
Mutryn has taken his game to the next level this postseason. Just look at the leaderboard. His 5 point (2 goals + 3 assists) week helped Mutryn carve out some stellar rankings. The future Boston College Eagle is tied for the playoff lead with 27 points, second via 18 assists and has a fourth best +15 rating. Currently, the Gilles-Courteau Trophy Final between Mutryn's Moncton Wildcats and Chicoutimi Saguenéens is tied at one game each. Game three is tonight at 6pm CT.
Melvin Novotny: Forward, Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL). University of Massachusetts. Buffalo Sabres 2025 7th Round, 195th Overall
UMass is getting a cerebral player that can dish it out on the forecheck. In games three through five of the USHL's Eastern Conference Final, the young Swede totaled five assists. His nine total playoff helpers currently are first in the USHL Novotny's 35 regular season assists also led the Lumberjacks. As a freshly turned 19 year old at the beginning of April, Novotny has a choice on what he does next season. However, his most pressing task is to help the Muskegon Lumberjacks repeat as Clark Cup Champions. Game one against the Sioux Falls Stampede is Friday, May 15 at 7:05pm
Aiden Oiring: Forward, Prince Albert Raiders (WHL). University of Nebraska-Omaha.
The WHL Final has been a fairly close affair with many of the top performers having either under contract or uncommitted. Still, Aiden Oiring had a solid few games. Three games into the series, he has a goal and an assist. During the regular season, Oiring put up stellar numbers. In 68 games, he accumulated 69 points (28 goals + 41 assists) and 58 penalty minutes. These figures tied for second in goals, while finishing fourth in assists and penalty minutes. Prince Albert currently trails the Everett Silvertips 2-1 in series with a crucial game four tonight at 8:30pm CT.