Chicago, IL – June 11, 2026 – Paragon Sports Consulting is proud to congratulate four clients who were selected in the 2026 QMJHL Draft, marking another major milestone in their hockey journeys and reinforcing the organization’s commitment to player-first development.

The following athletes were selected by Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League organizations:

• Jackson Smail – Halifax Mooseheads
• Jamie Calla – Halifax Mooseheads
• Mason Stonacek – Moncton Wildcats
• Mason Wohlers – Charlottetown Islanders

Each player has demonstrated outstanding talent, work ethic, and character throughout their development. Their selections are a testament to years of dedication and the support of their families, coaches, and the Paragon Sports Consulting team.

Founded in 2019 by Colby Drost, Paragon Sports Consulting has built a reputation for providing honest, player-centered guidance while helping athletes and families navigate the increasingly complex path to junior, NCAA Division I, and professional hockey opportunities. These four selections represent another example of the organization’s commitment to personalized advising and long-term player development.

Paragon Sports Consulting is especially excited to see Jackson Smail and Jamie Calla join the Halifax Mooseheads, Mason Stonacek begin his career with the Moncton Wildcats, and Mason Wohlers continue his development with the Charlottetown Islanders. Each organization provides a strong environment for growth, and Paragon looks forward to supporting these athletes as they take the next step in their hockey careers.

This achievement reflects not only the commitment of the players themselves, but also the support system around them and the entire Paragon Sports Consulting network. The organization remains dedicated to redefining player advising by putting athletes first every step of the way.

For more information about our athletes, services, and how Paragon Sports Consulting can support your family’s hockey journey, visit paragonsportsconsulting.com/athletes.

Paragon Sports Consulting – Redefining Player Advising. Official NHLPA Partner via Edge Sports Management.

Northeastern University has strengthened its future goaltending depth with the addition of highly regarded prospect Neilan Johnson, who recently announced his commitment to join the Huskies’ men’s hockey program.

The 2008-born goaltender shared the news publicly after reports first surfaced from recruiting coverage earlier in the week. Johnson is currently developing his game at The Hotchkiss School, a Connecticut prep program known for producing high-level college hockey talent.

Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing approximately 175 pounds, Johnson catches with his left hand and is considered one of the top young goaltenders in prep hockey. Originally from Annapolis, Maryland, he has posted impressive numbers this season for Hotchkiss, including a .943 save percentage across 21 appearances.

Johnson’s strong play recently earned him Most Valuable Player honors at the 2025 Flood-Marr Tournament, an event that features many of the top prep school programs in New England.

Before arriving at Hotchkiss, Johnson played with the Pittsburgh Penguins Elite 16U program, where he competed alongside fellow Northeastern commit Leo Laschon. Earlier in his development, he played youth hockey in Pennsylvania before moving into the elite national development pipeline.

Johnson has also participated in USA Hockey’s Select 16 and Select 17 development camps, events that gather many of the top prospects in his age group.

His performances have not gone unnoticed by NHL scouts. The NHL Central Scouting Service recently listed Johnson among goaltenders to monitor for the 2026 NHL Draft.

He was also selected in the 2025 USHL Entry Draft when the Green Bay Gamblers chose him in the sixth round.

Recruiting services have consistently ranked Johnson among the top goaltenders in his age group. Neutral Zone currently rates him as a 3.75-star prospect and one of the best 2008-born players competing in prep hockey.

Scouting reports highlight Johnson’s calm approach in the crease and his ability to track pucks effectively. Evaluators have noted his strong positional play, efficient movement, and ability to control rebounds while maintaining composure during high-pressure moments.

Observers also point to his size and athleticism as key advantages. At 6-foot-3, Johnson already fills the net well and uses his footwork to cut down shooting angles while maintaining strong lateral movement.

During recent evaluations, scouts praised his puck tracking and ability to move quickly from post to post, traits that allow him to stay square to shooters and recover quickly during scrambles in front of the net.

Additional scouting coverage from New England Hockey Journal has similarly highlighted Johnson as one of the top goaltenders currently playing prep hockey in the region. Analysts have described him as an athletic and composed netminder who consistently manages rebounds and tracks shots effectively.

Statistically, Johnson’s performance has placed him among the top starting prep goaltenders in the United States this season. His strong numbers have even led to speculation that he could be a candidate for New England Prep Player of the Year honors.

Johnson is currently expected to graduate from Hotchkiss in 2027. Depending on his development path, he could join Northeastern as early as the 2028 season or potentially delay enrollment until 2029 if he spends additional time in junior hockey.

Should he continue progressing at his current pace, Johnson could eventually form a strong goaltending tandem at Northeastern alongside fellow future Husky Samuel Meloche, another highly regarded goaltending recruit.

With Johnson now committed, Northeastern continues to build a promising pipeline of young talent for the coming seasons.

The Barrie Colts mounted a comeback victory Thursday night, defeating the Owen Sound Attack 4–3 in a shootout after peppering the opposing net with a season-high 61 shots.

Despite the loss, Owen Sound goaltender Trenten Bennett delivered an impressive performance, stopping 57 shots, the most saves of his career. The towering netminder faced relentless pressure throughout the game as Barrie generated chances from nearly every angle inside Sadlon Arena.

Cole Beaudoin ultimately secured the win for Barrie in the shootout after a night in which he was heavily involved offensively, recording six shots on goal. The victory extended the Colts’ winning streak to eight games.

Barrie’s 61 shots on net marked the highest single-game total in the Ontario Hockey League during the 2025–26 season. The previous mark of 60 shots had been set earlier in the month by the North Bay Battalion.

Owen Sound appeared to be in strong position midway through the game, holding a 3–1 lead late in the second period. However, Barrie began to control play as the game progressed and gradually shifted momentum in its favor.

The Attack are currently enduring an eight-game losing streak, though the single point earned from the overtime loss helps maintain their hold on the final Western Conference playoff spot ahead of the Sarnia Sting and Erie Otters.

Barrie’s comeback effort was sparked by contributions from its depth lines rather than the team’s recent offensive leaders. The Colts had been relying heavily on players such as Beaudoin, Kashawn Aitcheson, and Emil Hemming in recent games, but it was the fourth line that helped turn the tide.

With Owen Sound leading 3–1, Jaiden Newton cut the deficit with a quick shot from a sharp angle that surprised Bennett and found the top corner of the net.

Barrie completed the comeback in the third period when Nicholas Desiderio scored to tie the game 3–3. The Colts dominated the final frame, outshooting Owen Sound 28–4.

Overall, Barrie held a 56–28 advantage in shots during regulation.

Both teams had chances during overtime but were unable to convert. Barrie’s Joe Salandra and Beaudoin nearly ended the game, while Owen Sound’s Harry Nansi rang a shot off the post.

The shootout ultimately decided the outcome. Barrie goaltender Ben Hrebik stopped attempts by Easton Mikus and Cole Zurawski, while Emil Hemming and Beaudoin both scored to secure the win in front of a crowd of 3,764.

The Colts opened the scoring midway through the first period when Joe Salandra slipped behind the Owen Sound defense to convert a long pass from Brad Gardiner for his ninth goal of the season.

Owen Sound responded quickly. Just 17 seconds later, Easton Mikus scored after receiving a creative behind-the-back pass from teammate Langdon.

Langdon later gave Owen Sound the lead himself, skating down the wing before cutting toward the middle and finishing the play for his fourth goal since joining the Attack earlier this year.

In the second period, Langdon’s aggressive drive to the net drew a penalty, leading to a power-play goal from Tristan Delisle, who scored his 27th of the season to extend Owen Sound’s lead to 3–1.

Harry Nansi recorded assists on both goals and extended his assist streak to five games.

Barrie, however, quickly shifted momentum with two unanswered goals and carried that energy through the remainder of the game.

With the loss, Owen Sound falls to 20-30-2-4 on the season.

The Attack will attempt to snap their losing streak Saturday when they host the Brampton Steelheads at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre.

Rogers High School defenseman Jayden Kurtz continues to draw attention from NHL scouts thanks to his rare combination of size, skating ability, and two-way play.

The 18-year-old blueliner stands 6-foot-3 and 190 pounds, a frame that already fits the mold NHL teams often seek in defense prospects. That physical profile, paired with his skillset, helped earn Kurtz a spot in NHL Central Scouting’s Midterm Rankings earlier this season, where he was listed as the No. 77 North American skater eligible for the upcoming NHL Draft.

What makes Kurtz’s rise notable is that much of his exposure has come while playing high school hockey in Minnesota rather than full-time junior competition.

Before the Rogers season began, Kurtz spent time with the Chicago Steel of the United States Hockey League after being selected in the league’s Phase II Draft. During a four-game stretch in November, he gained valuable experience competing against older and stronger players at the junior level.

Kurtz said the jump from high school hockey to the USHL required an adjustment.

“The pace of the game and the strength of the players are definitely different,” Kurtz said. “It’s a big step up, but I felt like I adjusted well and focused on making the simple plays.”

Although he did not record a point during those games, Kurtz logged significant minutes, averaging more than 17 minutes of ice time while contributing on both the power play and penalty kill. Coaches with the Steel were encouraged by what they saw and expect him to make an immediate impact once his high school season concludes.

Steel associate head coach and general manager Tyler Haskins said the organization looks forward to adding Kurtz back to the lineup.

“Jayden gave us a steady presence during his time with the team earlier this year,” Haskins said. “He skates extremely well and moves the puck effectively out of our zone. We expect him to step in and contribute right away when he returns after the high school season.”

At Rogers, Kurtz serves as an alternate captain and plays a central role in the team’s success. He is used in nearly every situation and is relied upon to drive play from the blue line.

Through 24 games this season, Kurtz leads all Rogers defensemen with 11 goals and 33 points, production that highlights both his offensive ability and his importance to the team.

One of the biggest reasons scouts are intrigued by Kurtz is his skating ability. For a defenseman of his size, his mobility stands out.

To improve that part of his game, Kurtz spent the offseason attending weekly power-skating sessions to work on explosiveness and agility.

“I think my skating is something that really separates me,” he said. “You don’t always see bigger players who can move that well.”

That mobility, combined with strong hockey sense, allows Kurtz to control the pace of play from the back end. He is comfortable handling the puck, moving it quickly out of the defensive zone, and joining the attack.

He is also a key part of Rogers’ power play, where his shot and ability to read the ice make him a constant threat.

“I feel confident shooting the puck and picking my spots,” Kurtz said. “I also think my vision helps me see plays develop from the defensive zone all the way up the ice.”

Kurtz models parts of his game after NHL defensemen Cale Makar and Brock Faber, players known for their ability to influence the game in all three zones.

Regardless of the situation, Kurtz aims to be a player coaches can trust in critical moments.

“It means a lot when your coach sends you out in big situations,” he said. “Whether it’s the power play, penalty kill, or late in a game, you want to make the right play for your team.”

Rogers head coach Dave Brown believes Kurtz’s leadership and understanding of the game are just as valuable as his physical tools.

“Jayden has a natural ability to help his team succeed in a lot of different ways,” Brown said. “He moves the puck well, sees the game clearly, and performs well in pressure situations. He’s a leader both on and off the ice.”

Brown also believes Kurtz’s skillset will continue to develop as he climbs to higher levels of competition.

“With his hockey IQ and ability to read the game, he’s the type of player who will keep improving as he moves up,” Brown said.

Interest from NHL scouts has grown steadily as Kurtz’s profile rises. His size and right-handed shot already make him an intriguing prospect, and his continued development has kept him on draft radars.

Despite the attention, Kurtz remains focused on the present.

“It’s definitely cool to see your name on those lists,” he said. “But there’s still a lot of work ahead. My focus right now is finishing the high school season strong.”

Kurtz hopes to help lead Rogers on another run to the Minnesota state tournament and is considered a candidate for several major individual honors, including the Reed Larson Award, given annually to the state’s top senior defenseman.

Once the high school season ends, Kurtz plans to return to the Chicago Steel to continue the year in the USHL and further build his case as a prospect for the NHL Draft.

ROGERS, Minn. — For Rogers High School defenseman Jayden Kurtz, last March marked a milestone moment. The junior helped the Royals reach the 2025 Minnesota State High School League Class 2A boys hockey tournament, the first appearance at state in the program’s 22-year history.

Kurtz said the team’s close chemistry played a major role in getting them there.

“We were a really tight group,” he said. “That helped push us past some tough moments.”

One player Kurtz studies closely is Colorado Avalanche star defenseman Cale Makar. Makar has quickly become one of the NHL’s most decorated young blue-liners, winning multiple Norris Trophies as the league’s top defenseman and capturing the Conn Smythe Trophy during Colorado’s 2022 Stanley Cup run.

Kurtz said watching Makar’s style has influenced how he approaches the game.

“I like watching him play and learning from what he does,” Kurtz said.

Through the early portion of the current season, Kurtz has contributed eight goals and 16 points in 17 games for the Royals. During his junior campaign a year ago, he recorded five goals and 20 points in 29 games while helping Rogers reach the state tournament at St. Paul’s Xcel Energy Center, now called Grand Casino Arena.

Kurtz credits the Rogers coaching staff with helping him develop his overall game. Head coach Dave Brown and assistant coach Joonas Donskoi have emphasized the importance of details, from defensive positioning to creating offensive opportunities.

“All the little things matter,” Kurtz said. “Those are the plays that end up deciding games.”

On the blue line, Kurtz is paired with sophomore defenseman Jake Burmis, who said playing alongside the upperclassman has helped him grow quickly at the varsity level.

“If I make a mistake, he’s always there to cover for me,” Burmis said. “He keeps the bench positive and brings the energy back when we need it. He’s competitive at everything too. I once had him down big in ping-pong and he still came back and won.”

Coach Brown believes Kurtz has continued to elevate his game as his role with the team has grown.

“He’s always been a strong player, but this season he’s taken another step,” Brown said. “Last year he was more under the radar, but he still led by example in tough situations. Now he brings a lot of pace and energy every day, and he makes the game look simple while still being able to take control of it.”

After graduating this spring, Kurtz plans to continue his hockey development in the United States Hockey League with the Chicago Steel.

Away from the rink, his favorite subjects include physical education and sports and business marketing. If his hockey career doesn’t lead to the professional level, Kurtz said he could see himself pursuing opportunities in business or sports broadcasting.

For Brown, Kurtz’s biggest strength is his willingness to put the team first.

“He’ll do whatever is needed to help us win,” Brown said. “That’s the kind of player and teammate he is.”

Zach Wooten’s rise as a 2026 NHL Draft candidate has been fueled by steady growth and increased impact, a progression that has begun to draw consistent attention from NHL scouts, even after he was not included in Central Scouting’s Midterm Rankings earlier this month.

The Apple Valley, Minnesota native has taken on a larger role this season with the Green Bay Gamblers and turned that opportunity into tangible results. His strong play recently earned him a spot in the Chipotle All-American Game, further solidifying his standing among draft-eligible forwards.

Now 19 years old, the 6-foot-2, 209-pound forward has developed into a dependable offensive presence whose game continues to trend upward.

After finishing last season with nine goals and 13 points in 36 games, Wooten has made a noticeable jump. This year, he has recorded 21 goals and 36 points while logging increased minutes and responsibility. His goal total ranks among the league leaders, and his shot volume places him near the top of USHL forwards, production that has become difficult to overlook.

Last season was largely about adjustment.

Wooten opened the year in Omaha before being dealt to Green Bay in December, requiring him to adapt not only to the pace of the league but also to a new team environment. As he settled in, his offensive output came in stretches rather than consistently.

“It was my first year in the league,” Wooten said. “I was still getting used to everything and adjusting after the trade.”

That experience proved valuable. Returning to Green Bay this season with a full year of junior hockey behind him, Wooten played with greater confidence from the start. That mindset showed early at the USHL Fall Classic, where he scored twice and helped set the stage for his offensive breakout.

Offseason preparation also contributed to his development.

Wooten trained with East Hockey Group in South Saint Paul alongside teammate Gavin Katz, but the most significant improvement came mentally. Following discussions with the coaching staff last season, he made a deliberate decision to become more aggressive offensively.

“I wanted to shoot the puck more,” he said.

That change has paid off. Wooten has nearly doubled his shot total compared to last season through the same number of games, leading to more goals and a greater overall impact along Green Bay’s top line. Rather than waiting for plays to develop, he has become more assertive, attacking scoring areas and consistently putting pucks toward the net.

Beyond the numbers, Wooten points to consistency as the biggest difference in his game. While last season featured highs and lows, this year his performances have been more steady, earning him increased trust from the coaching staff.

That trust has expanded his role.

Wooten now sees regular time on both the power play and penalty kill, a notable shift from last season when his special teams usage was largely limited to penalty-killing situations. The expanded responsibilities reflect his growth into a reliable, all-situations forward.

“It’s definitely nice to be trusted in all areas of the game,” he said. “I’m glad the coaches have confidence in me this year.”

That progress was recognized during the USHL’s holiday break, when Green Bay head coach and general manager Pat McCadden informed Wooten that he had been selected for the Chipotle All-American Game, an annual showcase featuring the league’s top NHL draft-eligible players.

The news caught him off guard.

“I really wasn’t expecting it,” Wooten said. “I didn’t even know when the game was, so it was pretty cool to hear.”

For Wooten, who had not previously attended USA Hockey national camps, the event offered a new experience. He focused on playing his game and soaking in the opportunity, traveling and rooming with teammate Landon Hafele, who helped guide him through the process.

On the ice, Wooten lined up against some of the top players in his age group. He nearly converted on an early shorthanded breakaway and later was credited with a goal when a shot deflected off his stick and into the net, a fitting moment in a season defined by persistence and growth.

Back in the Gamblers lineup, Wooten has continued to build momentum. He scored in his return against the NTDP U17 team, helping Green Bay earn a point and moving closer to a personal milestone.

“I’m aiming for 30 goals,” he said. “That would be pretty cool.”

With his current pace and expanded role, Wooten has firmly positioned himself as a re-entry candidate for the 2026 NHL Draft. If his production continues, he will remain firmly on the radar of NHL scouts.

Paragon Sports Consulting is thrilled to celebrate our client, Landon Nycz, who was recently highlighted in Scott Wheeler’s 2026 NHL Draft ranking article in The Athletic. As a standout defenseman, Nycz earned a spot among Wheeler’s preseason top 32 prospects with an honorable mention among 39 additional players to watch for the 2026 NHL Draft.

This season, Nycz will take the ice for UMass Amherst as the second-youngest player in the NCAA, showcasing his elite talent and readiness to compete at the collegiate level. Wheeler’s recognition underscores Nycz’s dynamic defensive play and bright future, positioning him as a top prospect in a draft class led by players like Gavin McKenna.

At Paragon Sports Consulting, we are dedicated to supporting Landon’s development, both on and off the ice, as he continues his journey toward the NHL. Congratulations to Landon on this well-deserved recognition, and we look forward to his success at UMass Amherst and beyond!

We are thrilled to announce that Paragon Sports Consulting has been recognized as one of the top 14 sports consulting firms in an article by Management Consulted, a leading resource for consulting career insights. This prestigious acknowledgment was also referenced by the Yale Office of Career Strategy, highlighting our commitment to excellence in the sports industry.

At Paragon Sports Consulting, we pride ourselves on delivering professional, results-oriented, and player-focused guidance, specializing in hockey player advising. Our tailored approach, driven by expertise, experience, and data, empowers athletes to achieve their goals both on and off the ice. This recognition underscores our mission to redefine the landscape of sports consulting by fostering trust, respect, and personalized strategies for every client.

We are honored to be included among the industry’s best and remain dedicated to helping our clients reach the highest levels of success. Thank you to Management Consulted and the Yale Office of Career Strategy for this distinction, and to our clients and partners for their continued trust in Paragon Sports Consulting.