It was a big week across the college hockey world, with storylines that highlight just how quickly the game—and its recruiting landscape—is changing. Penn State made a big splash by landing five-star forward Luke Misa, continuing their hot streak on the recruiting trail. Several more CHL players have opted to continue their careers by choosing the NCAA path, including two highly touted goaltenders in Sam Hillebrandt and Jackson Unger. And at Notre Dame, the Nelson family story added another chapter, as Sammy Nelson announced his commitment to join his two older brothers in South Bend. From major commitments to growing trends, its clear momentum is building as summer approaches.
Penn State’s Recruiting Push Picks Up Steam
Penn State made a major splash this week, securing a commitment from five-star forward Luke Misa of the Brampton Steelheads. A dynamic offensive talent, Misa is coming off a standout season in the OHL, where he racked up 85 points in 67 games. Selected in the fifth round of the 2024 NHL Entry Draft by the Calgary Flames, Misa is expected to make an immediate impact in Hockey Valley. Misa's commitment pushed Penn State's 2005-born class from #9 in the country to #4 in our 2005-born recruiting class rankings. Along with Misa committing, there was some chatter that five-star forward and top 2025 NHL Draft prospect Porter Martone— could potentially following suit. Sources indicate Penn State has ramped up its NIL efforts in pursuit of top-tier CHL talent.
Family Ties: Sammy Nelson Commits to Notre Dame, Joins Brothers
Four-star forward Sammy Nelson became the latest in his family to commit to Notre Dame, announcing his decision earlier this week and following in the footsteps of his older brothers, Danny and Henry. The 2008-born Nelson is coming off a great season with the U.S. National U17 Team, where he recorded 50 points over 88 games. His brother Danny, a second-round pick of the New York Islanders in the 2023 NHL Draft, tallied 26 points in 36 games for the Irish this season, while Henry contributed 8 points over 30 games on the Notre Dame blue line. Sammy adds to the growing Nelson legacy in South Bend—and the Irish appear to have landed another key piece for the future.
CHL to NCAA: Commitments Continue to Surge
The wave of CHL commitments to NCAA programs shows no signs of slowing, with several high-profile names announcing their decisions this week. Two standout goaltenders came off the board, as Sam Hillebrandt committed to Ohio State and Jackson Unger is headed to Colorado College. Hillebrandt was a member of Team USA’s back-to-back gold medal runs at the World Juniors and brings international pedigree to the Buckeyes. Unger, meanwhile, backstopped Lethbridge to a deep playoff run and is a former WHL champion, adding experience and stability to the Tigers' crease. Up front, four-star prospect Ethan Hay, committed to Miami University, while Tyler MacKenzie, another impact forward, will head to Western Michigan. With momentum building, the CHL-to-NCAA pipeline continues to grow stronger by the week.