Quinnipiac Freshman Leads Nation in Scoring

19-year-old Ethan Wyttenbach has 51 points in 32 games for the No. 5 Quinnipiac men's ice hockey team.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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The Quinnipiac men's ice hockey team is having a standout season, led by 19-year-old freshman Ethan Wyttenbach who is currently the nation's leading scorer with 51 points in 32 games. Head coach Rand Pecknold credits Wyttenbach's rapid development and impressive play for the team's success, which has them ranked 5th nationally in the ECAC.

Why it matters

Wyttenbach's breakout freshman campaign has put him in contention for the prestigious Hobey Baker award, given to college hockey's top player. His performance has also helped elevate Quinnipiac into the national spotlight as a top-5 program.

The details

Wyttenbach, a 5-foot-11 forward drafted by the Calgary Flames in 2025, has played beyond his years and carried himself maturely. He credits his upbringing and family support for his rapid development. Coach Pecknold noted that while Wyttenbach still has room to improve defensively, his late-season surge has been a key factor in Quinnipiac's success.

  • Wyttenbach joined the Quinnipiac team in August 2025.

The players

Ethan Wyttenbach

A 19-year-old freshman forward for the Quinnipiac men's ice hockey team who is currently leading the nation in scoring with 51 points in 32 games.

Rand Pecknold

The head coach of the Quinnipiac men's ice hockey team, whose squad is ranked 5th nationally in the ECAC.

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What they’re saying

“Obviously, it's a pretty cool thing. If you said I was leading freshman, I think that would have been more realistic. As I got comfortable and continued to produce, it got in my head, 'okay, maybe I can be at the top with everyone.'”

— Ethan Wyttenbach (WTNH)

“Thought it might happen sophomore or junior year. He's ahead of pace, he's done a really good job of buying and getting better.”

— Rand Pecknold, Head Coach (WTNH)

What’s next

Wyttenbach will look to continue his strong play as Quinnipiac pushes for a top seed in the NCAA tournament.

The takeaway

Ethan Wyttenbach's breakout freshman season has been a revelation for the Quinnipiac men's ice hockey team, putting him in contention for the Hobey Baker award and elevating the program to new heights as a top-5 national power.