The college hockey landscape is seeing standout performances as teams advance through tournament play. Several players are making significant contributions, earning accolades and driving their teams toward championship contention.
Key Players Emerge
Johnny Hicks of the University of Denver stepped into the starting goalie position following an injury to Quentin Miller. Hicks then achieved a 12-0 record with one tie in 17 games, maintaining a .958 save percentage and a 1.14 goals-against average. He secured 41 saves in Denver’s 4-3 overtime victory against Minnesota Duluth in the National Collegiate Hockey Conference championship game.
T.J. Hughes, a center for the University of Michigan, has consistently delivered strong performances throughout his four seasons, accumulating 175 points in 153 games. This season, he has 53 points in 37 games and is second nationally in points, trailing only Ethan Wyttenbach of Quinnipiac. Hughes is also a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award.
Jake Livanavage, a junior defenseman from the University of North Dakota, has earned All-NCHC First Team honors for the second consecutive season. He has 25 points in 37 games and contributed three shots on goal during North Dakota’s 3-0 win against Merrimack.
Gavin McKenna of Penn State University has quickly made an impact after transitioning from the Western Hockey League. The 18-year-old forward is tied for third in the country with 51 points in 34 games and is a Hobey Baker Award Top 10 Finalist. He was also named Big Ten Freshman of the Year and is currently ranked No. 1 by NHL Central Scouting for the 2026 NHL Draft.
Max Plante of the University of Minnesota Duluth, a Hobey Baker Award Finalist, was named NCHC Forward of the Year. The sophomore has 49 points in 38 games and was selected by the Detroit Red Wings in the 2024 NHL Draft.
Lukas Swedin, a freshman goalie for Bentley University, has won five consecutive games, allowing only seven goals. He recorded 24 saves in a 3-2 win against Sacred Heart and was named Most Outstanding Player in the Atlantic Hockey championship.
A junior forward at Western Michigan has 34 points in 38 games. He previously played at Wisconsin and Michigan before transferring to Western Michigan, where he was drafted by the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2023.
Ethan Wyttenbach, a freshman forward from Quinnipiac, leads all NCAA players with 59 points in 39 games. He is a Hobey Baker Award Top 10 Finalist and was named ECAC Rookie of the Year. Wyttenbach was drafted by the Calgary Flames in 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
What impact did Quentin Miller’s injury have on the University of Denver?
An injury to starting goalie Quentin Miller opened the door for freshman Johnny Hicks, who went on to achieve a 12-0 record with one tie in 17 games.
Which player is currently leading the NCAA in points?
Ethan Wyttenbach, a freshman forward from Quinnipiac, leads all NCAA players with 59 points in 39 games.
Who are some of the Hobey Baker Award finalists?
T.J. Hughes, Max Plante, Gavin McKenna, and Ethan Wyttenbach are all finalists for the Hobey Baker Award.
As these players and their teams continue to compete, the path to the championship remains open. The coming games will reveal which athletes and programs can maintain their momentum and ultimately claim the title.
