What’s the latest on Gavin McKenna and other top CHL prospects going to the NCAA? (#566)

Just as we’ve predicted for months, several top CHL players are announcing commitments to NCAA schools now that the season is wrapping up (the Memorial Cup will finish on Sunday).

Michigan added 18-year-old goaltender Jack Ivankovic, who is projected to go in the late first or second round of the NHL Draft in a few weeks. Ivankovic had a .903/.305 season for the Brampton Steelheads (OHL) and was lights out (.967/0.75) for Canada’s U18 team at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup.

North Dakota landed two top recruits from the Victoria Royals (WHL). Cole Reschny is a forward projected to go in the middle of the first round in the 2025 draft. He had 92 points (26g-66a) in 62 games for the Royals this season and wore an “A” for the team.

16-year-old defenseman Keaton Verhoeff (he’ll turn 17 years old in a few weeks) also committed to the Fighting Hawks. Verhoeff is one of the top prospects available for the 2026 NHL Draft (most outlets have him going No. 2 behind Gavin McKenna).