NCDC Commitment Profile: Pics Travis Raisanen Commits to SUNY Canton

Springfield Pics defenseman Travis Raisanen is excited to announce his NCAA Division III commitment to SUNY Canton for the 2026-27 season.

Raisanen, who hails from Drumheller, AB, CAN played 42 games for the Springfield Pics premier team for the 2024-25 season tallying 23 points. He signed with the Springfield Pics NCDC team for the 2025-26 season, which is their first as an organization. In 20 games played so far, Raisanen has eight points. 

“The Pics are a great organization,” said Raisanen. “They have deep rooted culture and history which is something that makes playing for them special. The biggest reason I signed here was the coaching staff. They genuinely care about all the guys and want everyone to succeed regardless of the path they take. Each and every member of the staff has helped me to get where I am.”

Raisanen started his communication with the SUNY Canton coaching staff at the Hitmen Classic at the beginning of the season and they have been able to build a relationship for the past few months.

“From my conversations with the coaches, I’d say they like how I utilize my skating ability to break up plays and advance the puck quickly,” said Raisanen. “I am someone who can transition and move the puck quickly.”

Right away Raisanen got a good impression of SUNY Canton from their facilities, to their hockey program and their academics. 

“I liked the coaches,” said Raisanen. “Their outlook on the game is similar to how I see the game and I believe I can learn lots from them. I got the chance to meet some of the guys on the team and they had a good impression on me and seemed like great guys. I really liked the campus as well. Their facilities are unreal and the rink is right on campus. On the academic side, they offer smaller class sizes so I can get a more hands-on understanding of my classes.”

Before he gets to the college level of play, Raisanen wants to focus on his playmaking abilities.

“To be an impact player I need to continue to work on my play making,” said Raisanen. “I said it in my NCDC advancement article that every step up my decision making needs to get quicker so I’m excited for the challenge. Overall, I think my speed is my biggest asset and I’m excited to utilize it at the next level.”

With his commitment already secured, Raisanen wants to focus on finishing out his juniors career with the Pics. Despite their slow start, he believes good things are coming.

“I want this team to succeed,” said Raisanen. “We started the year off slow but we are starting to get our feet underneath us. I want this team to secure a playoff spot. We have a lot of work to do but I believe every player in this room can help make that happen.”

The NCDC congratulates Travis Raisanen, his family, the Springfield Pics and SUNY Canton for his commitment.