2025 NHL Draft prospect Jack Ivankovic to commit to Michigan
One of the top goaltending prospects heading into this year’s NHL Draft has seemingly found a spot to continue his hockey career while pursuing an education.
According to Daily Faceoff insider Frank Seravalli, Brampton Steelheads goaltender Jack Ivankovic has committed to the University of Michigan.
More CHL➡️NCAA happenings: Hearing @OHLSteelheads goaltender Jack Ivankovic has committed to @umichhockey.
With .961 at U18s, Ivankovic has first round potential in June’s #NHLDraft. He is ranked 42nd on @SEllisHockey list – but Steven thinks he could be the next Dustin Wolf ⬇️ https://t.co/UDW005DZHS
Ivankovic would head to Ann Arbor to fill a massive hole between the pipes that the Wolverines have had for the past few years. While Jake Barczewski played well enough for the team to the Frozen Four two years ago, the lackluster play this past season from transfer Logan Stein and Cameron Korpi led to the Wolverines missing out on the NCAA Tournament for the first time in a non-COVID year since 2019.
Ivankovic started his Ontario Hockey League career last season in his hometown when the Steelheads were based in Mississauga. He had a solid rookie year in 2023-24, he posted a 14-5-4 record with a .272 goals-against average, a .915 save percentage and one shutout.
In more of a No. 1 role this season, the 18-year-old went 25-12-5 with 3.05 GAA, a .903 SV% and two shutouts. The Steelheads were knocked out in the first round of the OHL Playoffs each year.
The 5-foot-11 netminder’s draft stock has risen thanks to his play on the international stage. He played in one game for Canada at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship but was a standout performer at the IIHF Under-18 Men’s World Championship this spring. The former Mississauga Senator went 6-0 in the tournament, posting a 1.05 GAA and a .961 SV%, leading the Canadians to the gold medal. He earned a spot on the tournament all-star team while being named the tournament’s top goaltender.
Ivankovic also led Canada to gold at the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup.
DFO draft expert Steven Ellis has Ivankovic listed as the 42nd-best prospect heading into this year’s draft and arguably the second-best netminder available.
Ivankovic is part of a wave of players who have played in the Canadian Hockey League who are electing to take the college route before turning pro. It follows the NCAA DI Advisory Council’s decision to permit major junior players to compete in the collegiate ranks in the United States. A few other OHLers have already committed to play for the maize and blue next season, including Malcolm Spence of the Erie Otters and Sudbury Wolves defenseman Henry Mews. Aidan Park from the Western Hockey League’s Calgary Hitmen has also chosen to play at Michigan next year.