General | 10/9/2025 2:18:30 PM
College hockey is back. With the 2025–26 NCAA Men’s Hockey season getting underway, the United States Hockey League (USHL) will be well represented with more than 800 alumni on Division I college hockey rosters.
From newcomers to returners, Ryan Sikes highlighted some top USHL alumni to watch in college hockey this season.
James Hagens, F, Boston College (NTDP)
Hagens was a point-per-game player as a freshman for Boston College last season, recording 11 goals and 37 points. Before BC, the Boston Bruins draft pick spent two years with the U.S. National Team Development Program (NTDP), where he totaled 18 goals and 47 points in USHL play with the U18s in 2023–24.
Sacha Boisvert, F, Boston University (Muskegon Lumberjacks)
Boisvert transfers from North Dakota after being named NCHC Rookie of the Year. The Quebec native had 18 goals and 32 points with the Fighting Hawks last season. Previous to collegiate hockey, Boisvert spent two seasons with the Muskegon Lumberjacks, where he notably put up 68 points in 61 games during the 2023-24 season.
Cole Hutson, D, Boston University (NTDP)
Hutson is one of the top returning defensemen in the country. The Washington Capitals draft pick recorded 48 points on 14 goals and 34 assists in 39 games as a freshman. Before joining BU, Hutson stood out with the NTDP, where he posted 12 points in 19 USHL games with the U18 team.
Michael Hage, F, Michigan (Chicago Steel)
Hage is expected to be in the Hobey Baker conversation this season after a strong freshman campaign in which he scored 13 goals and added 21 assists for 34 points in 33 games. The Montreal Canadiens draft pick spent two seasons with the Chicago Steel, finishing with 33 goals and 75 points in 2023-24 before enrolling at the University of Michigan.
Ryker Lee, F, Michigan State (Madison Capitols)
Lee arrives in East Lansing with high expectations following a standout season in the USHL. The Wilmette, Illinois, native scored 31 goals and added 37 assists for 68 points in 58 games with the Madison Capitols and was named the league’s Rookie of the Year. His performance led to his selection in the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft by the Nashville Predators.
Cole Eiserman, F, Boston University (NTDP)
Eiserman returns to Boston University as one of the top players in college hockey. The New York Islanders draft selection had an impressive freshman year, posting 25 goals and 36 points in 39 games. Before his time at BU, Eiserman was a standout with the NTDP, where he set a new program record with 127 career goals, surpassing the mark previously held by Cole Caufield.
Joey Muldowney, F, UConn (Des Moines Buccaneers)
Muldowney has developed into one of the top players in college hockey. The San Jose Sharks draft selection recorded 29 goals and 47 points as a sophomore at UConn last season. Before starting his college career, Muldowney played one season with the Des Moines Buccaneers, where he tallied 15 goals and 29 points in 61 games during the 2022–23 season.
Will Zellers, F, North Dakota (Green Bay Gamblers)
Zellers comes to Grand Forks with plenty of excitement after a monster season in the USHL. The Boston Bruins draft prospect led the league with 44 goals scored to pair with 71 points. Zellers was named the league’s Forward and Player of the Year.
Logan Hensler, D, Wisconsin (NTDP)
Hensler will look to build on a solid freshman season at Wisconsin, where he registered two goals and 10 assists for 12 points in 32 games. The Ottawa Senators draft pick previously spent two seasons with the NTDP, where he recorded three goals and 16 points in USHL play with the U18 team in 2023–24.
Will Horcoff, F, Michigan (NTDP)
Horcoff returns to Michigan for his first full season after joining the team midway through last year. The Pittsburgh Penguins draft pick recorded 10 points in 18 games. Before college, Horcoff played for the NTDP, where he tallied two goals and three points in seven USHL games with the U18 squad.
About the USHL
The United States Hockey League (USHL) and its 16 teams are committed to being the world's leading 16–to 20-year-old junior hockey league. During the 2024-25 season, USHL alumni held over 50% of NCAA Division I roster spots, and over 25% of NHL players had USHL experience. With 10 first-round selections and 49 total picks in the 2024 NHL Draft, the USHL has developed the most draft choices of any junior hockey league since 2012.
Elevated through the recently announced Declaration of Excellence with the NHL and USA Hockey, the league's player-first approach, including a 2:1 practice-to-game ratio and a schedule with 92% of games played on weekends, provides its players with the optimal environment for athletic and personal growth, creating pathways for the next generation of stars like Kyle Connor (Youngstown Phantoms), Macklin Celebrini (Chicago Steel), Matthew Knies (Tri-City Storm), Adam Fantilli (Chicago Steel) and Jeremy Swayman (Sioux Falls Stampede). More.