Northeastern Hockey Legends Madigan and Nilan Inducted into Mass Hockey Hall of Fame

Longtime Huskies coach and player to be honored at ceremony in May.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 2:19am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey game or match, with sharp, overlapping planes of navy blue, crimson red, and white, conveying the dynamic energy and movement of the sport.The induction of two Northeastern hockey legends into the Massachusetts Hall of Fame honors their lasting impact on the sport in Boston.Boston Today

Northeastern University men's hockey alumni Chris Nilan and Jim Madigan will be inducted into the Massachusetts Hockey Hall of Fame, the organization announced. Madigan has been a fixture of Northeastern athletics since 1981 as a player, head coach, and now director of athletics, while Nilan played for the Huskies in the late 1970s before a long NHL career.

Why it matters

The induction of Madigan and Nilan into the Massachusetts Hockey Hall of Fame recognizes their significant contributions to the sport at the collegiate and professional levels, as well as their lasting impact on the Northeastern hockey program and the broader Boston hockey community.

The details

As Northeastern's head coach from 1994 to 2021, Madigan compiled a 174-132-39 record, leading the team to three Beanpot Championships, two Hockey East titles, and three NCAA tournament appearances. He also coached the program's first and only Hobey Baker Award winner, Adam Gaudette. Nilan, known for his physical 'Knuckles' playing style, scored 20 goals and 28 assists in 66 games for the Huskies from 1976 to 1979 before embarking on a 15-year NHL career, winning the Stanley Cup with the Montreal Canadiens in 1986.

  • Madigan and Nilan will be inducted into the Massachusetts Hockey Hall of Fame on May 2, 2026.
  • Madigan was the Northeastern men's hockey head coach from 1994 to 2021.
  • Nilan played for the Northeastern Huskies from 1976 to 1979.

The players

Jim Madigan

A longtime fixture of Northeastern athletics, Madigan has served as a player, head coach, and currently the director of athletics and recreation for the university. As head coach from 1994 to 2021, he led the Huskies to three Beanpot Championships, two Hockey East titles, and three NCAA tournament appearances.

Chris Nilan

A Boston native, Nilan played for the Northeastern Huskies from 1976 to 1979, scoring 20 goals and 28 assists in 66 games. His physical 'Knuckles' playing style earned him a 15-year NHL career, including a Stanley Cup championship with the Montreal Canadiens in 1986.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

The takeaway

The induction of Madigan and Nilan into the Massachusetts Hockey Hall of Fame celebrates their lasting impact on the Northeastern hockey program and the broader Boston hockey community, serving as an inspiration for current and future Huskies players.