Mares Commits to Penn State Hockey
Czech forward Maxmilian Mares, 17, announced his commitment to Penn State on Instagram.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Hockey
Forward Maxmilian Mares announced on Instagram on Monday night that he has committed to Penn State hockey. The 17-year-old currently plays for the Rimouski Océanic in the QMJHL.
Why it matters
The commitment adds a young, 6-foot-6 Czech forward to Penn State's pipeline, drawing from a player who developed through European youth programs before moving to North America. It reflects continued recruiting interest in international talent by U.S. college programs.
Mares recorded 23 goals and 19 assists in 53 games with Bílí Tygři Liberec, and has posted 16 points in 15 games this season with Rimouski Océanic. He also scored three goals and added three assists in four games at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup.
The players
Maxmilian Mares
A 17-year-old Czech forward from Ostrava who plays junior hockey in the QMJHL and has been developed through European youth programs.
Penn State
The Pennsylvania State University athletic program, a Division I college hockey program that recruits international players.
Rimouski Océanic
A junior ice hockey club in Rimouski, Quebec, competing in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.
The details
Mares announced the commitment on Instagram after moving up through HC Vítkovice's youth ranks from the under-15 to under-17 team. He moved to the Bílí Tygři Liberec program for the 2025-26 season before joining the Rimouski Océanic of the QMJHL.
Timeline
2025-26 season: Mares joins the Bílí Tygři Liberec program.
2026-27 season: Mares moves to the Rimouski Océanic.
Monday night, November 2, 2026: Mares announces his Penn State commitment on Instagram.
Market Landscape
Mares's route from the Czech Republic through the QMJHL to Penn State follows a well-worn path for European prospects seeking college hockey placements. The move reflects how U.S. college programs increasingly compete for international talent developed in junior leagues abroad.
For Penn State hockey followers, the commitment signals a future roster addition, though Mares will not be available until he completes his junior and enrollment timeline. Fantasy and recruiting trackers can note his current QMJHL production as the best available indicator of his development.
The takeaway
Commitments from players this young often reflect long development timelines, so the immediate on-ice impact will depend on how Mares progresses through junior hockey before reaching Penn State.
Further reading
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Source note: This article includes information reported by Onward State.
