CHL to NCAA Recruiting Megathread

[NEW Friar]

Machu played in the second game of the season against ASU. So he didn’t sit more than 1 game it seems. That must mean Macias is capable of playing NCAA with minimal games to sit out if any.

I believe Machu sat out game 1 because the NCAA didn’t make their decision in time, not because that was the sanction. My understanding is that he was granted 3 years of eligibility instead of 4, but that his eligibility could start right away. I thought the number of pro games was a lot more than 11 though. Good result for PC because he is a very good Dman and would likely leave early as a drafted player anyway.

 

[cinnamoroll]

I believe Machu sat out game 1 because the NCAA didn’t make their decision in time, not because that was the sanction. My understanding is that he was granted 3 years of eligibility instead of 4, but that his eligibility could start right away. I thought the number of pro games was a lot more than 11 though. Good result for PC because he is a very good Dman and would likely leave early as a drafted player anyway.

Interesting- I didn't realize that was one of the options for a sanction.

The 11 game number is only his amound in the top Extraliga, total pro games likely includes the 23 games in the 2nd tier league.

 

[cinnamoroll]

C Nathan Quinn from the Québec Remparts announces commitment to Northeastern.

Significant commit picked up by Northeastern, who was previously one of the remaining teams without a commit from the CHL directly, as well as an 07, 2025 draft eligible. Projections have him going in 2nd or 3rd round, ranked 56th in central scouting's most recent rankings of North American players. 46 points in 52 games, and Hadi Kalakeche (EP scout, focus on QMJHL) loves his defensive game, thinks it's a great fit.

Another one of the early pickups we have begun seeing, this time picking up someone who is already one of the best players on their team– albeit a fairly shallow one. EVG is also draft eligible but he's usually far down the lists, flies under the radar. Quinn is more widely known.

 

[Sparkee]

Here is the link to the game tonight between Kelowna Rockets and Victoria Royals

Wednesday Night in The Dub: Victoria Royals at Kelowna Rockets – March 19, 2025

Tune in for a B.C. Division contest as Nashville Predators prospect Hiroki Gojsic and the Kelowna Rockets host Utah HC prospect Justin Kipkie and the Victori...

www.youtube.com

I’ll be watching Kenta Isogai. He’s a technically sound skater. Plays controlled and has poise.

Kenta Isogai(Victoria(WHL)), 8/28/04, LW, NZ 4.0, 5’9″, 175 lbs, excellent skating, fast first few strides, quick hands, sharp edges, good penalty killer

https://youtu.be/wyGX1UODnNI?si=S177x9YxawaUakmN
https://youtu.be/3j9U_dNrR7M?si=92wK6ohqhuEf9iGK

 

[cinnamoroll]

Looks like for the final day of the regular season, Sunday's Calgary Hitmen v Medicine Hat Tigers game will also be on youtube. March 23rd 5pm MT. They're currently duking it out for 1st in the Central Divison.

Calgary Hitmen college commits:

G Daniel Hauser (Wisconsin)
F Oliver Tulk (Wisconsin)
F Carson Birnie (Michigan Tech), 05
F Ethan Merner (Merrimack), 06, committed in 22

Their remaining OA without a commit is F Connor Hvidston. 3rd round pick of Ducks in 2022. Merner joined this year from BCHL. Tulk is a big scorer. Michael Hauser is on the verge of the career WHL wins record. (Check back in under an hour if the Hitmen don't blow this 5-0 lead) He's been outstanding and an important add to a contender.

Medicine Hat Tigers college commits:

F Mathew Ward (Northern Michigan)

...that's it. Their other OAs are their captain, F Oasiz Wiesblatt, and G Harrison Meneghin. Meneghin was drafted as a double overager 2024 by Tampa. Wiesblatt has gone to a few development camps and is very scrappy, has a great family story. He is the youngest of 4 brothers (plus 1 sister) who was raised by their deaf single mother, so they learned to sign before learning to speak. His older brother Ozzy was drafted by the Sharks in 2020 and made his NHL debut this season with Nashville.

Bonus amongst all of this.... you can marvel at Gavin McKenna. Almost certainly the future 2026 NHL Draft first overall. Last week he had a 7 point game. I don't think that will happen again but he's still fun to watch.

 

[Sparkee]

Looks like for the final day of the regular season, Sunday's Calgary Hitmen v Medicine Hat Tigers game will also be on youtube. March 23rd 5pm MT. They're currently duking it out for 1st in the Central Divison.

Calgary Hitmen college commits:

G Daniel Hauser (Wisconsin)
F Oliver Tulk (Wisconsin)
F Carson Birnie (Michigan Tech), 05
F Ethan Merner (Merrimack), 06, committed in 22

Their remaining OA without a commit is F Connor Hvidston. 3rd round pick of Ducks in 2022. Merner joined this year from BCHL. Tulk is a big scorer. Michael Hauser is on the verge of the career WHL wins record. (Check back in under an hour if the Hitmen don't blow this 5-0 lead) He's been outstanding and an important add to a contender.

Medicine Hat Tigers college commits:

F Mathew Ward (Northern Michigan)

...that's it. Their other OAs are their captain, F Oasiz Wiesblatt, and G Harrison Meneghin. Meneghin was drafted as a double overager 2024 by Tampa. Wiesblatt has gone to a few development camps and is very scrappy, has a great family story. He is the youngest of 4 brothers (plus 1 sister) who was raised by their deaf single mother, so they learned to sign before learning to speak. His older brother Ozzy was drafted by the Sharks in 2020 and made his NHL debut this season with Nashville.

Bonus amongst all of this.... you can marvel at Gavin McKenna. Almost certainly the future 2026 NHL Draft first overall. Last week he had a 7 point game. I don't think that will happen again but he's still fun to watch.

I mentioned Weisblatt in the Maine recruits thread. I like how scrappy and fearless he is for his size. Really hoping he’s being recruited by Maine. He’s the type you could see being a fan favorite.

 

[Ditra]

Report out of two USHL teams (Muskegon and Youngstown ) have been approved by OHL to swap leagues but is being blocked USAH.

 

[Patman]

Report out of two USHL teams (Muskegon and Youngstown ) have been approved by OHL to swap leagues but is being blocked USAH.

Interesting new line in this fight

 

[cinnamoroll]

I think that was a while ago, and USHL got a commitment for next year from both of them. NHL asked all the major junior leagues to slow down on expansion. Predicting the only immediate one will be Penticton Vees stopping their constant dominance in their BCHL for a more level playing field in the WHL.

A piece of MASSIVE news for the availability of WHL games: Victory+ will carry games for free from Playoffs on. Has ads, no geo restrictions, multi year deal. Love to see this.

 

[cinnamoroll]

OHL Friday Night Faceoff, last of the regular season, is Kingston Frontenacs vs Brantford Bulldogs at 7pm ET

This is a battle for the East Division title. A win gets Brantford the title, a loss leaves room for Kingston to potentially win it.

Kingston Frontenacs Commits:

C Cedrick Guindon, UVM, OA
RW Landon Wright, Maine, 06

Wright joined from Penticton in January.

Kingston's remaining OAs G Charlie Schenkel and RW Gage Heyes.

Brantford Bulldogs Commits:

RW Cole Brown, Notre Dame, 05

All their OA are not committed. D Tommy Budnick, C Ben Bujold, C Patrick Thomas. There is also an 04 Tomáš Hamara that actually fills an import pick spot instead of OA spot, plus he already has his ELC signed. Thomas was drafted by Washington in 2023 as D+1 so he could still be signed by the Caps.

 

[HighToTheGloveSide]

This is a great thread - thanks for sharing!!!

 

[Sparkee]

OHL Friday Night Faceoff, last of the regular season, is Kingston Frontenacs vs Brantford Bulldogs at 7pm ET

This is a battle for the East Division title. A win gets Brantford the title, a loss leaves room for Kingston to potentially win it.

Kingston Frontenacs Commits:

C Cedrick Guindon, UVM, OA
RW Landon Wright, Maine, 06

Wright joined from Penticton in January.

Kingston's remaining OAs G Charlie Schenkel and RW Gage Heyes.

Brantford Bulldogs Commits:

RW Cole Brown, Notre Dame, 05

All their OA are not committed. D Tommy Budnick, C Ben Bujold, C Patrick Thomas. There is also an 04 Tomáš Hamara that actually fills an import pick spot instead of OA spot, plus he already has his ELC signed. Thomas was drafted by Washington in 2023 as D+1 so he could still be signed by the Caps.

Patrick Thomas is a great ‘04 that will be good recruit for someone.

*********

Patrick Thomas(Brantford(OHL)), 8/21/04, LC, NZ 4.25, 6’0″, 180 lbs, wears C, power forward, gritty, good on face offs, strong puck possession, makes plays from below the dots, pass first type player

Six point night: https://youtu.be/q7Y25Ytm_HY?si=IIOONeSbkQM1ITjZ
Cuts up, shoots against grain: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=943939493828451&wtsid=rdr_0kVfwY5LyyjcItPVF
Nifty backhander in OT: https://youtu.be/OA9uaYXbLOE?si=S_Lvgz_0GZzZk_KQ
A couple goals at the doorstep: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1318428386068965&wtsid=rdr_0o3erxhizsZUGyKYt
Doorstep on pp: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=876742641297064&wtsid=rdr_0YEhxuSpzCRK7sEMw
Wrister against the grain: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1046332220355036&wtsid=rdr_07fgl6SIFQ62K1sV3
Fall away goal from doorstep: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2385915555081709&wtsid=rdr_0IxJkLfhatsklMp0j
Turn shoot through screen from high slot: https://youtu.be/bSWVsd83bYs?si=tArS9mOj05EPkqLI

 

[Sparkee]

Here is the link to the free WHL game today at 7 pm est between Medicine Hat Tigers and Calgary Hitmen: https://www.youtube.com/live/7QI6s2E06lg?si=qdzVsls9TMz1ps4w

 

[cinnamoroll]

Calgary announced Daniel Hauser is day to day. He left their last game after 1 period. Might be extra caution to rest up before the game.

Also, Penticton Vees to WHL will be officially announced during a livestream on the WHL youtube , tomorrow at 10:30 am PT. Friedge also mentioned last night on HNIC after confirmed that news, seems the WHL is searching for ownership for a Chilliwack expansion team in 2026-2027. This comes after news of the City of Chilliwack retaking full control of their arena, previously under public-private ownership with the Chiefs org. This allows them to accept other tenants than the Chiefs.

 

[cinnamoroll]

CHL Playoffs begin tomorrow for some series, fridays for the others. OHL is classic 1-8 in conferences, with the caveat that 1st and 2nd seed must be the two division leaders. This is why Kitchener is the 3 seed in the west even though they have more points than 2nd seed Windsor- they have the misfortune of being in the same conference as London. All series are best of 7. Listing the matchups, the time of the first game, and all the current commits as of March 26th, via rinknet college commitments.

2025 OHL Playoffs Tracker

East:
(1) Brantford Bulldogs vs. (8) North Bay Battalion
Game 1 – Friday, March 28 at Brantford, 7:00pm
Brantford:
RW Cole Brown, Notre Dame, 05
North Bay:
C Zachary Wigle, RIT, OA
RW Nicholas Wellenreiter, Maine, 06

(2) Barrie Colts vs. (7) Niagara IceDogs
Game 1 – Thursday, March 27 at Barrie, 7:00pm
Barrie:
LW Owen Van Steensel, Clarkson, OA
D Ethan Armstrong, Minnesota State, 07
Niagara:
D Noah Van Vliet, Sacred Heart, OA

(3) Kingston Frontenacs vs. (6) Sudbury Wolves
Game 1 – Friday, March 28 at Kingston, 7:00pm
Kingston:
C Cedrick Guindon, UVM, OA
RW Landon Wright, Maine, 06
G Charlie Schenkel, Robert Morris, OA
Sudbury:
D Donovan McCoy, Providence, OA
D Nick DeAngelis, UNH, OA
G Nate Krawchuk, RPI, 05
C Kocha Deliv, Miami, OA
C Jack Ziliotto, RPI, 05

(4) Oshawa Generals vs. (5) Brampton Steelheads
Game 1 – Friday, March 28 at Oshawa, 7:05pm
Oshawa:
D Wang Haoxi (Simon Wang), BU, 07
Brampton:
none

West:
(1) London Knights vs. (8) Owen Sound Attack
Game 1 – Friday, March 28 at London, 7:00pm
London:
G Austin Elliott - UMass Lowell, OA
D Andoni Fimis - UVM, 06
F Blake Montgomery - Wisconsin, 05
F Evan Van Gorp - Maine, 06
Owen Sound:
D Alec Leonard, Bentley, OA
C Masen Wray, Holy Cross, 06
C Bruce McDonald, Robert Morris, OA
D Lenny Greenberg, Sacred Heart, 05

(2) Windsor Spitfires vs. (7) Soo Greyhounds
Game 1 – Thursday, March 27 at Windsor, 7:05pm
Windsor:
C Noah Morneau, BGSU, OA
Soo:
D Caeden Carlisle, Notre Dame, OA
RW Jordan Charron, St Lawrence, 07
D Chase Reid, Michigan State, 07

(3) Kitchener Rangers vs. (6) Flint Firebirds
Game 1 – Friday March 28 at Kitchener, 7:00pm
Kitchener:
C Adrian Misaljevic, Clarkson, OA
G Jackson Parsons, Clarkson, OA
C Haeden Ellis, Northeastern, 07
RW Jack Pridham, BU, 05
Flint:
D Nolan Collins, Penn State, OA
RW Evan Konyen, RIT, OA
LW Hayden Reid, Minnesota, 06

(4) Saginaw Spirit vs. (5) Erie Otters
Game 1 – Thursday, March 27 at Saginaw, 7:05pm
Saginaw:
G Andrew Oke - LSSU, OA
D PJ Forgione - UVM, OA
F Calem Mangone - LSSU, OA
Erie:
C Pano Fimis, Notre Dame, OA
D Quinn McCall, Holy Cross, 05
D Garrett Frazer, Northeastern, 06
C Callum Hughes, BU, 06

WHL and QMJHL versions coming shortly

 

[cinnamoroll]

WHL Playoffs game 1 round 1 all are this friday. like the OHL, WHL is classic 1-8 in conferences, with the caveat that 1st and 2nd seed must be the two division leaders. This is why Prince Albert is the 2 seed in the east even though they have less points than both the 3rd seed Calgary (by 12 points!!!) and the 4th seed Lethbridge. Same with making Victoria the 2nd seed in the West despite 3rd seed Spokane having 2 points above. All series are best of 7.

As announced earlier, every playoff game is free to watch on Victory+.

WHL Playoff Bracket

West:

(1) Everett Silvertips vs (8) Seattle Thunderbirds
Game 1: Friday March 28, 7:05 pm PT
Everett:
D Eric Jamieson, DU, 05
F Shea Busch, Penn State, 07
G Raiden LeGall, BSU, 06
Seattle:
C Nathan Pilling, St Thomas, OA

(2) Victoria Royals vs (7) Tri-City Americans
Game 1: Friday March 28, 7:05 pm PT
Victoria:
C Brayden Boehm, Michigan Tech, OA
C Brandon Lisowsky Colorado College, OA
G Johnny Hicks, Tennessee State, 05
Tri-City:
D Austin Zemlak, ASU, 05
LW Brandon Whynott, BGSU, OA
LW Carter MacAdams, Northern Michigan, OA
C Jake Sloan, BGSU, OA
G Ryan Grout, UNH, 07
RW Savin Virk, Michigan State, 07

(3) Spokane Chiefs vs (6) Vancouver Giants
Game 1: Friday March 28, 7:00 pm PT
Spokane:
F Shea Van Olm, Penn State, OA
D Brayden Crampton, BGSU, OA
Vancouver:
C Ty Halaburda, Colorado College, 05
D Mazden Leslie, BGSU, OA
LW Maxim Muranov, Niagara, OA
C Connor Levis, BGSU, OA

(4) Prince George Cougars vs (5) Portland Winterhawks
Game 1: Friday March 28, 7:00 pm PT
PG:
C Ben Riche, Quinnipiac, 05
Portland:
C Joel Plante, Omaha, 05
RW Ryan Miller, DU, 07
LW Josh Zakreski, UND, 05
C Kyle Chyzowski, DU, OA
D Ryder Thompson, Miami, OA
C Diego Buttazzoni, UML, 06
D Tyson Jugnauth, Michigan State, OA

East:
(1) Medicine Hat Tigers vs (8) Swift Current Broncos
Game 1: Friday March 28, 7:00 pm MT
Medicine Hat:
F Mathew Ward (Northern Michigan)
Swift Current:
C Rylan Gould, Michigan Tech, 05
C Carlin Dezainde, UConn, OA
C Brady Birnie, BSU, 05
C Otto Hanson, Western Michigan, 06

(2) Prince Albert Raiders vs (7) Edmonton Oil Kings
Game 1: Friday March 28, 7:00 pm MT
Prince Albert:
D Justice Christensen, Omaha, 05
RW Braden Dube, BSU, 05
C Aiden Oiring, Omaha, 05
RW Niall Crocker, Ohio State, OA
G Max Hildebrand, BSU, OA
Edmonton:
D Josh Mori, UML, OA
RW Marshall Finnie, Niagara, OA

(3) Calgary Hitmen vs (6) Saskatoon Blades
Game 1: Friday March 28, 7:00 pm MT
Calgary:
G Daniel Hauser (Wisconsin), OA
F Oliver Tulk (Wisconsin), OA
F Carson Birnie (Michigan Tech), 05
F Ethan Merner (Merrimack), 06
Saskatoon:
D Grayden Siepmann, Minnesota-Duluth, OA
RW Tyler Parr, Union, 05
D Benjamin Saunderson, Quinnipiac, OA
C Tanner Scott, BGSU, OA

(4) Lethbridge Hurricanes vs (5) Brandon Wheat Kings
Game 1: Friday March 28, 7:00 pm MT
Lethbridge:
none
Brandon:
D Lukas Shipley, UML, OA
RW Marcus Nguyen, Omaha, OA

 

[cinnamoroll]

QMJHL Playoffs start tomorrow, one game 1 is on thursday and all the others are on friday. like the OHL and WHL, QMJHL is classic 1-8 in conferences, with the caveat that 1st and 2nd seed must be the two division leaders. There is one extra caveat because the amount of teams that make it from each conference is off by 1. One of the Eastern teams has to cross over to play the 1 seed in the west. Halifax Mooseheads get that honor. Rimouski, 2nd seed in the East, is this year's Memorial Cup host, so no matter where they get eliminated if they don't win the championship, they have the auto spot. all the other teams need the championship to get in.

QMJHL Playoffs Bracket, full 1st round schedule
Remember that most of these will be covered in mostly french, except for maritimes which will be mainly english, some will announce in both languages. All times will be in ET except for the home games of those Maritimes teams, which are all AT. only one is a top seed, but keep in mind for the later series.
Maritimes teams: Halifax, Moncton, Charlottetown, Acadie-Bathurst, Cape Breton

round 1 matchups
Western Conference

1- Drummondville Voltigeurs vs 8- Halifax Mooseheads (crossover)
FRI 2025-03-28 19:00 Halifax @ Drummondville
Drummondville:
C Luke Woodworth, Omaha, OA
C Sam Oliver, UNH, OA
RW Jesse Allecia, UNH, 05
Halifax:
D Brady Schultz, Quinnipiac, OA
G Jacob Steinman, BGSU, OA
D Mathieu Taillefer, Penn State, 06
C William Bent, Providence, 08

2- Rouyn-Noranda Huskies vs 7- Gatineau Olympiques
FRI 2025-03-28 19:00 Gatineau @ Rouyn-Noranda
Rouyn-Noranda:
D Ty Higgins, BGSU, OA
C Rémi Gélinas, Clarkson, 05
D Alex Carr, UNH, OA
RW Lucas Veilleux, Colgate, 05
Gatineau:
C Jérémie Minville, BGSU, OA

3- Shawinigan Cataractes vs 6- Val-d’Or Foreurs
FRI 2025-03-28 19:00 Val-d’Or @ Shawinigan
Shawinigan:
C Louis-Philippe Fontaine, Lindenwood, OA
Val-d'Or:
RW Noah Reinhart, Michigan Tech, OA

4- Blainville-Boisbriand Armada vs 5- Sherbrooke Phoenix
THU 2025-03-27 19:00 Sherbrooke @ Blainville-Boisbriand
Blainville-Boisbriand:
C Vincent Desjardins, Omaha, 06
LW Rafael Cloutier, Clarkson, 07
Sherbrooke:
G Kyan Labbé, Union, 07
C Robin Benoit, Omaha, 07

Eastern Conference

1- Moncton Wildcats vs 8- Québec Remparts
FRI 2025-03-28 19:00 AT Québec @ Moncton
Moncton:
C Markus Vidicek, Quinnipiac, OA
C Simon Binkley, Alaska-Fairbanks, 06
G Rudy Guimond, Yale, 05
Québec:
C Nathan Quinn, Northeastern, 07
LW Justin Côté, Clarkson, OA
D Benjamin Vigneault, BSU, OA

2- Rimouski Océanic vs 7- Charlottetown Islanders
FRI 2025-03-28 19:00 Charlottetown @ Rimouski
Rimouski:
C Jonathan Fauchon, Providence, OA
C Thomas Belzil, UMass, 06
LW Jacob Mathieu, Northeastern, OA
Charlottetown:
D Jonathan Lanza, Yale, 05
C Jude Herron, Maine, 08

3- Chicoutimi Saguenéens vs 6- Acadie-Bathurst Titan
FRI 2025-03-28 19:00 Acadie-Bathurst @ Chicoutimi
Chicoutimi:
D Loic Usereau, Maine, OA
RW Christian Maro, Holy Cross, 05
D Julien Wasmer, Maine, 05
Acadie-Bathurst:
G Joshua Fleming, Penn State, OA
G Mikus Vevanags, Maine, 06
RW Maddex Marmulak, Cornell, 07

4- Baie-Comeau Drakkar vs 5- Cape Breton Eagles
FRI 2025-03-28 19:00 Cape Breton @ Baie-Comeau
Baie-Comeau:
C Skogen Schrott, Michigan Tech, 05
Cape Breton:
D Andrew Brown, St Lawrence, 05
C Jacob Newcombe, UNH, OA

OHL and QMJHL playoffs can be found on CHL TV, which requires a subscription. The league websites sometimes have links to the radio feed as well. WHL playoffs are free on Victory+.

 

[pdt1081]

2- Rouyn-Noranda Huskies vs 7- Gatineau Olympiques
FRI 2025-03-28 19:00 Gatineau @ Rouyn-Noranda
Rouyn-Noranda:
D Ty Higgins, BGSU, OA
C Rémi Gélinas, Clarkson, 05
D Alex Carr, UNH, OA
RW Lucas Veilleux, Colgate, 05
Gatineau:
none

Gatineau has Jeremie Minville, an over ager committed to BGSU.

 

[cinnamoroll]

Gatineau has Jeremie Minville, an over ager committed to BGSU.

Many thanks! Looks like it isn't in rinknet for some reason, but it is elsewhere. I'll add him to the post

 

[cinnamoroll]

Aaron Portzline (CBJ writer for The Athletic) reports 2024 4th overall pick by CBJ, C Cayden Lindstrom should be heading to Michigan State in the fall. Great player, big body center, potential for power forward, also a lot of injury issues kept him out for big chunks of the past 2 seasons- including this entire season. Wonder if the thinking is a shorter season plus the facilities could help him attempt to stay healthy. He’s currently playing for Medicine Hat… well, not playing, but if he wore healthy he would.

Massive get. Good thinking for CBJ to not give him his ELC yet.