Men's Ice Hockey | 3/19/2026 10:30:00 AM
Six USHL alumni have been named top 10 finalists for the Hobey Baker Memorial Award, recognizing college hockey’s top player. Trey Augustine, James Hagens, Max Plante, Eric Pohlkamp, Charlie Stramel, and Ethan Wyttenbach highlight the league’s continued impact on the NCAA stage.
Each year, the Hobey Baker Memorial Award is presented to the player who best exemplifies strength of character both on and off the ice, contributes to the integrity of the game, and demonstrates outstanding skill in all facets of play. Augustine, Hagens, Plante, Pohlkamp, Stramel, and Wyttenbach represent the continued success of the USHL pipeline at the NCAA level.
Trey Augustine, Michigan State (NTDP, 2021-23)
Augustine has been one of the top goaltenders in the nation, posting a 2.09 goals-against average and .929 save percentage in 32 games during the 2025–26 season at Michigan State. The netminder has been a steady presence for the Spartans, building on a strong collegiate career. Before college, Augustine played with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program (NTDP), where he posted a 3.03 goals-against average and a .908 save percentage in 24 games.
James Hagens, F, Boston College (NTDP, 2022-24)
Hagens has been one of the most dynamic offensive players in college hockey, recording 23 goals and 22 assists for 45 points in 33 games during the 2025–26 season at Boston College. The forward has made an immediate impact with his elite playmaking ability and scoring touch. Before college, Hagens starred for the NTDP, recording 35 goals and 52 assists in 57 USHL games.
Max Plante, F, Minnesota Duluth (NTDP, 2022-24)
Plante has been one of the top offensive producers in college hockey, recording 23 goals and 25 assists for 48 points in 37 games during the 2025–26 season at Minnesota Duluth. The forward has taken a major step offensively, showcasing his playmaking ability and consistency. Before college, Plante developed with the NTDP, where he posted 11 goals and 42 assists over 57 USHL games.
Eric Pohlkamp, D, Denver (Cedar Rapids RoughRiders, 2021-23)
Pohlkamp has been a key contributor from the blue line, recording 17 goals and 20 assists for 37 points in 38 games during the 2025–26 season at Denver. The defenseman has taken a major step offensively while continuing to provide stability on the back end. Before college, Pohlkamp played two seasons in the USHL with the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders, recording 23 goals and 46 assists in 120 games.
Charlie Stramel, F, Michigan State (NTDP, 2020-22)
Stramel has taken a major step offensively, recording 19 goals and 25 assists for 44 points in 35 games during the 2025–26 season at Michigan State. The forward has developed into a strong two-way presence, combining size and skill to make an impact in all situations. Before college, Stramel played for the NTDP, where the power forward made an impact with 8 goals and 15 assists in 38 USHL games.
Ethan Wyttenbach, F, Quinnipiac (Sioux Falls Stampede, 2024-25)
Wyttenbach has emerged as a key contributor as a freshman at Quinnipiac for the 2025–26 season, providing consistent offensive production and versatility up front with 24 goals and 34 assists in 38 games. The forward continues to make an impact with his playmaking ability and hockey IQ. Before college, Wyttenbach developed in the USHL with the Sioux Falls Stampede, where he established himself as a reliable offensive presence and won the inaugural Gaudreau Award after posting 24 goals and 27 assists in 44 games.
About the USHL
The United States Hockey League and its 16 member clubs are committed to being the leading 16–20-year-old junior hockey league in the world. More than half of Division I men’s hockey roster spots are held by USHL alumni and more than 195 alumni were listed on NHL rosters at the start of the 2024-25 season.
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), Cole Caufield (NTDP), Adam Fantilli (Chicago Steel) and Jeremy Swayman (Sioux Falls Stampede). More.