Dylan James Named to Inaugural NCHC Academic All-Conference Team

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Senior forward Dylan James of the University of North Dakota was one of nine players selected to the inaugural NCHC Academic All-Conference Team, as announced by the league office. The new academic honor recognizes the student-athlete with the highest cumulative GPA on each NCHC team, with James boasting a 3.89 GPA while majoring in kinesiology and minoring in communications.

Why it matters

The creation of the NCHC Academic All-Conference Team highlights the conference's commitment to recognizing the academic achievements of its student-athletes, not just their on-ice performance. James' selection demonstrates the ability of North Dakota hockey players to excel both in the classroom and on the ice.

The details

To be eligible for the inaugural NCHC Academic All-Conference Team, student-athletes must be at least a junior, have spent a full academic year at their current institution, and have the highest cumulative GPA on their respective NCHC team. James, a four-time NCHC Distinguished Scholar-Athlete and three-time AHCA All-American Scholar, is also a finalist for the NCHC Senior Scholar-Athlete Award and the NCHC Defensive Forward of the Year this season.

• The inaugural NCHC Academic All-Conference Team was announced on March 6, 2026.
• The cumulative GPAs used to determine this award are based on grades at the end of the fall/first semester for the current 2025-26 academic year.

What’s next

James will be recognized for his academic accomplishments at the NCHC awards ceremony later this spring.