As the college hockey landscape continues to evolve, the Ontario Hockey League player pool is becoming increasingly valuable for college hockey programs. Clarkson, Penn State, Michigan, Notre Dame, and Michigan State are among the teams that have landed several big commitments from the league. Here’s a closer look at how each school is benefiting from the new OHL-to-NCAA pipeline.
Clarkson | Grade: A
Clarkson has built one of the more intriguing OHL-driven classes in the country, landing four 2004-born players. Headlining the group is forward Owen Van Steensel, former North Bay captain posted 53 points in 67 games for North Bay/Barrie and brings a reliable two-way game. He’s joined up front by Adrian Misaljevic, a goal-scoring forward who registered 31 goals this season with Kitchener and adds finishing ability to Clarkson’s lineup.
On the back end, Matthew Mayich, a St. Louis Blues sixth-round pick, brings a mix of modern NHL defenceman qualities and shutdown ability after logging major minutes for the Ottawa 67’s. In net, Jackson Parsons rounds out the group — a poised and technically sound goaltender who saw 52 regular season games this season with Kitchener and posted a .920 save percentage with a 2.24 goals against average.
Penn State | Grade: A
Leading the group is Luke Misa, a dynamic playmaker and Calgary Flames prospect who tallied 85 points in 67 games for the Brampton Steelheads. Misa’s high-end skating and creativity will make him an immediate impact player for the Nittany Lions.
Joining him on the blue line is Nolan Collins, a 6-foot-4 right-shot defenseman and Pittsburgh Penguins draft pick. Collins brings a steady, physical presence, playing heavy minutes on Flint’s back end this season. He should slot into the Nittany Lions top 4 right away.
Rounding out the group is 2025 Draft Eligible Prospect Lev Katzin, playing for Guelph last season posting 48 points in 44 games. He brings elite offensive instincts and high end playmaking ability. Still just 17, Katzin is a projectable piece for the future who adds offensive firepower to the Nittany Lions' future.
Michigan | Grade: B+
Michigan has landed two of the league’s most coveted 2006-born prospects in Malcolm Spence and Henry Mews.
Spence, a powerful winger from the Erie Otters, is coming off a strong season where he posted 73 points in 65 games, showcasing elite skating, puck protection, and the ability to create offense. His blend of physicality and offensive instincts makes him a perfect fit for the Wolverines top 6.
On the back end, Mews brings high end offensive instincts and projectable power play traits. The Sudbury Wolves defenseman put up 82 points in 68 games and consistently logged top-pair minutes. A Calgary Flames third-round pick, Mews plays with poise, vision, and a high hockey IQ, making him a potential power-play quarterback at the next level. He should slot onto the top pair for the Wolverines next season.
Notre Dame | Grade: B
Leading the way for the Fighting Irish is Pano Fimis, a former second overall OHL Draft pick by the Niagara Icedogs, who posted 86 points in 68 games this season with the Erie Otters. The 2004-born skater is a smart, two-way center with leadership qualities with potential to slot into the Fighting Irish' top 6.
Alongside Fimis is Cole Brown, a 6-foot-3 winger from the Brantford Bulldogs and a 2023 NHL Draft pick of the New Jersey Devils. Brown is a skilled finisher with a deceptive set of hands and edges. His frame and scoring touch make him an ideal fit for the Fighting Irish.
On the back end, Notre Dame adds Caeden Carlisle, a right-shot defenseman who’s logged over 240 OHL games. His maturity and reliability should allow him to step in and contribute early. Looking ahead, Eric Frossard, a 2007-born defenseman from Guelph, is committed for the 2026–27 season and projects as a shutdown blueliner who brings size and puck moving ability.
Michigan State | Grade: B-
One of the more recent commits is Anthony Romani, one of the top offensive producers in the OHL two seasons ago and a sixth-round pick of the Vancouver Canucks in the 2024 NHL Draft. Romani exploded for 111 points in 68 games with North Bay in the 2023-24 season and put up 35 points in 35 games this season. He has an elite shot release and offensive instincts. He brings a pure scoring element that should immediately boost the Spartans offence.
Joining him is 2026 NHL Draft Eligible Chase Reid, a younger, right-shot defenseman from the Soo Greyhounds committed for 2027–28. Reid posted 40 points in 39 games this season and brings mobility and some elite puck moving habits that allowed him to excel in his first season in the OHL.