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.
Zachary Benayon: Forward, Langley Rivermen (BCHL), Long Island University.
The BCHL’s leader in goals earned four points versus Coquitlam this past weekend, including tallies number 29 and 30. This continues his seven game point streak, where he has earned 13 points (5 goals + 8 assists). The Sharks will no doubt embrace his offense, as Benayon ages out of junior hockey this season.
Ryder Fetterolf: Goaltender, Ottawa 67s (OHL). Penn State University.
Fetterolf allowed just one goal in two games last weekend. His 28 save shutout against the Sarnia Sting on March 1 was his fifth on the season, leading the OHL in that category. The rookie netminder also holds the OHL lead with a 0.922 save percentage through 36 outings and a second best 2.11 goals allowed average.
Jacob Kvasnicka: Forward, Penticton Vees (WHL). University of Minnesota. New York Islanders 2025 7th Round.
Another CHL rookie, Kvasnicka, earned four points (1 goal +3 assists) in two games against Prince Albert and Moose Jaw. The future Golden Gopher has 13 points (5 goals + 8 assists) in his last 10 games. He now sits with 34 markers on the season, two behind the rookie leader, JP Hurlbert.
Maxim Massé: Forward Chicoutimi Saguenéens (QMJHL). University of Massachusetts-Amherst. Anaheim Ducks 2024 3rd Round.
A veteran in his fourth season with Chicoutimi Saguenéens, Massé looks to take over the scoring side of the QMJHL’s leaderboard. He bolstered his chances with a six point game (4 goals + 2 assists) against Drummondville on Feb. 27. As a 2006 birth year, Massé still has one more year of junior eligibility.
Harrison Smith: Forward, Maryland Black Bears (NAHL). Sacred Heart University.
The North American Hockey League’s leader in assists (59) and points (81) added four helpers to his ledger during a weekend sweep of the New Hampshire Mountain Kings. With another year of juniors possible, it would not surprise me if Smith heads to the USHL or Canada for his age out season.
Drew Stewart, Forward Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL) Dartmouth College.
Stewart has become an integral part of the forecheck since arriving in Muskegon early last season. His smaller frame lets him slip by players and drive to the net. The future Big Green forward had three helpers in two games against Omaha, extending his assist streak to six games. Throughout that six game span, Stewart has eight assists.