NCAA D-1: Former UVM Forward Commits to Miami

Click on the player’s name to view a full profile, including links to every scouting report we have on these players, their current star rating, and much more info.

Raimonds Vitolins (F, R, 6’0″, 181, Green Bay Gamblers, 01/12/2002) to Miami

Vitolins (★★★★) began his career at Vermont in 2020 but left the team at the end of last season and entered the transfer portal. This season he has suited up for the Green Bay Gamblers (USHL) for 16 games and he has 12 points (2g, 10a).

Vitolins was ranked No. 20 in NZ’s 2002 Top 300 National Rankings, which were released last week. Vitolins has a long history of playing junior hockey in his native Latvia and he had 15 games of USHL experience with Sioux Falls before he began playing for UVM in 2020.

NZ Scouts (USHL Report): “Has that hunger for the puck that allows him to win battles with the intent to go play offense right away. Loved his ability to come up with pucks in all three zones and make quick passes to start the offensive game. Utilized short chip passes to the wingers drove the middle of the ice and tried to create chances off the rush. Went hard to the net with his stick on the ice in hopes of a high tip or a rebound play. Can pass the puck but also shoot it. A dual threat that is hard to defend against because of his unpredictability.”

Brody Mortensen (D, L, 6’1″, 187, Canmore Eagles, 09/07/2004, Lindenwood) to Lindenwood

Mortensen (★★★¼) is a 6-foot-1 Sask. native who has six points in 24 games for the Cranmore Eagles (AJHL) on the back end this season. This is Mortensen’s first season in the AJHL after he played in the SMAAAHL the last two seasons for the Warman Wildcats. Last season he had 31 points (5g, 26a) in 39 games.

Mortensen played for the Humboldt Broncos U15 and U18 teams before he joined the Wildcats in 2020.

Jacob Fowler (G, L, 6’2″, 201, Youngstown Phantoms, 11/24/2004, Boston College) to Boston College

Fowler (★★★¾) was one of the top goalie recruits on the market after he de-committed from Clarkson. According to multiple sources, Fowler was choosing between Boston College and Michigan. The 6-foot-2 goalie from Florida will likely fill the slot that was left open when Dylan Silverstein left school just prior to the start of this upcoming season. BC’s currently starting goaltender – Mitch Benson – is a grad student who will graduate this spring.

In 11 games this season for the Youngstown Phantoms (USHL) Fowler has a 3.10 GAA and .898 save percentage.

NZ Scouts (USHL Goalie Report): “Fowler put together a strong game for his team allowing only 1 goal on 33 shots to pick up the win. The big goalie is off to a strong start in the USHL, and showed some great ability in this game. He played with great composure throughout the game, especially during in-tight battles. He adjusted his positioning well, and cut down angles on shooters in the slot. He controlled his rebounds well, and showed a great ability to track pucks through screens. It was a very impressive game for Fowler and he will be one to keep an eye on down the stretch of this season.”

Carter Oakenfold (F, L, 6’0″, 148, Spruce Grove Saints, 04/30/2005) to RPI

Oakenfold (★★★¼) is in his first season with the Spruce Grove Saints in the AJHL. In 20 games he has seven points (2g, 5a). He did appear in three games for the Okotoks Oilers last season but this is his first full season in the AJHL.

Prior to the AJHL Oakenfold played several seasons for the Edge School on the U15, U17, U16, and U18 teams.

In an AJHL preseason report, our scouts noted that it’s possible he hit a recent growth spurt.

NZ Scouts: “Oakenfold is a crafty playmaker with quick, nimble hands. He has a quick first step and strong, powerful edges which give him the balance to stay on the puck and maneuver in traffic. He’s poised, he’s smart with the puck, he can stretch the ice with his vision and passing ability and outworks opponents all over the ice.”

Ryan Seelinger (F, R, 5’10”, 168, Team Illinois U15, 08/07/2005) to Miami

Seelinger has eight points (3g, 5a) in nine games for the Windy City Storm this season in the HPHL. He’s currently in his first season for the 18U team after he played for the 16U team last season. In 32 games, Seelinger had 30 points (15g, 15a).

NZ Scouts: “Seelinger is a good-sized, athletic forward out of Team Illinois with puck skill and passing ability. He worked the puck well behind the net and off the cycle and was able to carry pucks up through the neutral zone and feed his teammates off zone entries.”

Joey Sylvester (D, R, 5’6″, 155, Chippewa Steel, 01/12/2005, Wisconsin) to Wisconsin

A diminutive defenseman from Inver Grove Heights, Minn., Sylvester (★★★¾) has eight points (1g, 7a) in 16 games for the Chippewa Steel of the NAHL this season. This is Sylvester’s first season of junior hockey after he played for Cretin-Derham Hall (HS-MN) last season.

NZ Scouts: “The 2005 is not a big player but he caught our eyes a ton. He defended and distributed with quick athletic feet. He reacted and anticipated to plays as quickly as any player in Blaine. He kept tight gaps as he trusted his feet. In his end he gave up some weight but took lots of time and space away from opponents before they could get comfortable or established. He jumped opposing forwards with a quick stick and intensity. On the first day against Johnstown he played the top of the power play. He showed quick hands and processed his offensive options rapidly. He was able to fire shots on goal and one time the puck with power. He dragged and snapped shots to change his release point and disguise his shot. He also was terrific on the penalty kill where he jumped on puck carriers and made quality clears but also was poised enough to pass to his forwards to either create or make an easier ice down the other end.”

Max Lundgren (G, L, 6’5″, 234, Des Moines Buccaneers, 04/03/2002, Merrimack) to Merrimack

Lundgren (★★★★) is currently in his first season playing for the Des Moines Buccaneers in the USHL. Through nine games he has a 2.77 GAA and .910 save percentage. Previously, Lundgren had played in his native Sweden for Rogle BK’s junior team.

Last week in NZ’s Top 300 2002 National Rankings Lundgren was ranked No. 5 overall. He was the top-ranked goalie on the list as well as the top-ranked uncommitted player on the list.

“In Max, Merrimack is getting a tremendous goalie and person, someone who will lead them on and off the ice as he has done with us,” said Des Moines head coach Matt Curley. “I am extremely happy and proud of Max on his commitment to Merrimack College.”

Lundgren is 6-foot-5 and 230 pounds.