As the summer continues along, incoming recruiting classes are rested and ready for their first taste of collegiate action. We shift our focus to the freshmen entering their respective institutions this fall. Players are listed alphabetically by last name.

Colgate looks to bounce back following a disappointing 13-20-3 season and a quarterfinal exit. These two freshmen look to provide inject youth into the Raider lineup, helping bring an ECAC Title back to Hamilton, NY.

Nathan Larioza: Defenseman, Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL)

Larioza had an interesting season. The Los Gatos, CA native started 2025-26 as captain of the BCHL's Nanaimo Clippers in his second campaign of junior hockey. He had 27 points (5 goals + 22 assists) in 30 games at the halfway mark.

However, on Jan 6., Larioza left for the USHL's Muskegon Lumberjacks. Muskegon Head Coach Colten St. Clair called Larioza a "experienced and mature presence on the back end." Nanaimo Clippers' General Manager Colin Birkas said Larioza "led by example, competed hard, and was a trusted voice."

Larioza was primarily on the top two parings for Muskegon but spent some time down on the third as well. He was an integral part of the blue line, but did not have the same offensive success for the Lumberjacks as he did in Nanaimo. Across 29 games, Larioza earned just 9 points (4 goals + 5 assists)

The departures of Jacob Napier, Michael Neumeier and Bobby Metz have given Colagte defensive questions. Larioza could potentially be part of the answer if he returns to his BCHL form.

Luka Shcherbyna: Forward, Wenatchee Wild (WHL)

While Wenatchee had a rebuilding year, Luka Shcherbyna had a remarkable season. He led the Wild with a career high 23 goals in 62 outings, four better than second place. This includes a Nov. 29 hat trick against Regina. 

Originally drafted by Spokane in 2021, the Chiefs' scouting staff said called him a player with "soft hands and lots of skill." They added that Shcherbyna "plays with high energy and motor, great work ethic.” 

The Raiders lost their top goal getter in Simon Labelle to the ECHL's Jacksonville Icemen. Shcherbyna has a stronger supporting cast at Colagte which could allow him to blossom in the absence of Labelle.