Gavin McKenna, a top-rated prospect and projected No. 1 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, has earned an A rating on NHL Central Scouting's preliminary watch list, highlighting his potential as a first-round pick. The list features draft-eligible players from North America and Europe, with McKenna standing out as a highly skilled and intelligent player making an impressive transition to NCAA hockey from the WHL.
Gavin McKenna, a highly touted 17-year-old hockey prospect considered a top pick for the 2026 NHL Draft, has announced he will play NCAA hockey at Penn State, citing the competition level and facilities as key reasons for his decision. His move marks a significant shift as the first CHL player to choose NCAA hockey following a rule change, and he aims to develop further before entering the NHL.
Gavin McKenna, a highly touted 17-year-old hockey prospect projected as the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, will announce his NCAA college choice between Michigan State and Penn State on ESPN's 'SportsCenter,' with both schools eager to secure his talent.
The University of Denver Pioneers claimed their record 10th NCAA hockey title by defeating the No. 1-ranked Boston College Eagles 2-0 in the 2024 championship game. Goalie Matt Davis made 35 saves, while Jared Wright and Rieger Lorenz scored to secure the victory. The Pioneers' defensive prowess and offensive depth were key factors in their historic win, solidifying their status as the best program in college hockey.
Jimmy Snuggerud, the St. Louis Blues' first-round pick, has decided to remain with the University of Minnesota for his junior season, expressing a commitment to the team and a desire to pursue unfinished business. The Blues organization fully supports his decision and looks forward to his continued development as he plays a lead role for the Golden Gophers against top college competition next year.
Michigan State's hockey team fell to Michigan in the NCAA tournament regional final, ending their season with a 25-10-3 record after winning the Big Ten regular season and tournament championships. Michigan's two quick goals in the third period secured a 5-2 win, sending them to the Frozen Four for the third straight year. Junior forward Dylan Duke and sophomore forward Gavin Brindley scored the crucial goals for Michigan, while MSU's season ends despite a strong performance.
Ryan Leonard sets a new freshman goal-scoring record at Boston College with 31 goals, helping the Eagles secure a 5-4 overtime victory over Quinnipiac to advance to the Frozen Four. Leonard, a top prospect for the Washington Capitals, was named the Most Outstanding Player of the Providence Region after his stellar performance. As he heads into the Frozen Four, he has the option to sign an entry-level contract with the Capitals, potentially forgoing the rest of his college career.
Michigan and Michigan State will face off in the NCAA regional final for the first time, with a spot in the Frozen Four at stake. The game will air on ESPN2 at 6:30 p.m. at Centene Community Ice Center in Maryland Heights, Mo. Michigan, the No. 3 seed, advanced by defeating North Dakota, while top-seeded Michigan State rallied to beat Western Michigan. The Spartans lead the season series 4-1, but the Wolverines are known for their high-scoring offense. Viewers can also stream the game on FuboTV, Sling, DirecTV Stream, or ESPN+.
Boston University's men's ice hockey team defeated Minnesota Gophers 6-3 to win the NCAA Sioux Falls Regional, securing a spot in the Frozen Four for the 24th time. Freshmen Jack Harvey and Shane Lachance contributed to the victory, with Macklin Celebrini earning Most Outstanding Player of the regional. The Terriers will face Denver in the national semifinals, with Lane Hutson scoring his 30th goal of the season and junior Mathieu Caron making 25 saves in the game.
The University of Michigan ice hockey team is set to face off against rival Michigan State in the NCAA Midwest Regional final, with the winner advancing to the Frozen Four. This marks the 343rd all-time meeting between the two teams and the first in the NCAA tournament. Michigan's recent victory over North Dakota showcased strong performances from key players, and the team's impressive statistics and history in the NCAA tournament highlight their competitive edge.
Michigan State and Michigan will face off for the sixth time this season in an NCAA tournament regional final, with a Frozen Four berth at stake. Both teams secured close wins in the regional semifinals, setting the stage for another intense matchup. Michigan has a 4-1 record against Michigan State this season, and the rivalry is expected to continue with high stakes on the line.
Michigan and Michigan State hockey will face off in the NCAA tournament quarterfinals with a trip to the Frozen Four at stake, marking their sixth meeting of the season. The Spartans seek to continue their recent dominance over the Wolverines, while Michigan aims to avenge previous losses. The game will be televised on ESPN2 at 6:30 p.m. Sunday from Maryland Heights, Missouri.
Jaxon Nelson's two goals in the final 11 minutes propelled the No. 7 Minnesota men's hockey team to a 3-2 victory over No. 11/12 Omaha in the NCAA Sioux Falls Regional, with the Golden Gophers moving one win away from a spot in the NCAA Frozen Four. Nelson's goals, along with a crucial goal from Jimmy Clark, helped Minnesota secure the come-from-behind win, setting up a matchup against Boston University in the regional final.
The 2024 NCAA men's hockey tournament is set to begin, featuring top NHL prospects from various teams, with more NHL teams increasingly seeking out players from the NCAA in both the draft and free agency. Boston College's Cutter Gauthier (Anaheim Ducks) and Will Smith (San Jose Sharks) are among the highly touted prospects to watch, reflecting the growing trend of college hockey as a viable path to the NHL.
Cutter Gauthier, the fifth pick in the NHL draft by the Flyers, forced a trade to Anaheim after making it clear he didn't want to play in Philadelphia. This rare move could signal a trend of college hockey players using their leverage to choose where they play, challenging the NHL draft system. The Flyers traded Gauthier to Anaheim for young defenseman Jamie Drysdale and a second-round pick. Meanwhile, the Cubs made a move by selecting pitcher Shota Imanaga from Japan, and Chelsea struggled to score in a recent game.
