Top NCAA Hockey Standouts Shine in Tournament

Several players are making significant contributions, earning accolades and driving their teams toward championship contention.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 4:39am

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The college hockey landscape is seeing standout performances as teams advance through tournament play. Several players, including Johnny Hicks, T.J. Hughes, Jake Livanavage, Gavin McKenna, Max Plante, and Lukas Swedin, are making significant contributions, earning accolades and driving their teams toward championship contention.

Why it matters

The emergence of talented players, including several freshmen, highlights the ongoing influx of skilled talent into the college hockey system. This influx often creates competitive dynamics within teams and elevates the overall level of play, potentially leading to unpredictable tournament outcomes.

The details

Johnny Hicks of the University of Denver stepped into the starting goalie position following an injury to Quentin Miller and achieved a 12-0 record with one tie in 17 games. T.J. Hughes of the University of Michigan has 53 points in 37 games and is a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award. Jake Livanavage of the University of North Dakota has earned All-NCHC First Team honors for the second consecutive season. Gavin McKenna of Penn State University is tied for third in the country with 51 points in 34 games and is a Hobey Baker Award Top 10 Finalist. Max Plante of the University of Minnesota Duluth, a Hobey Baker Award Finalist, was named NCHC Forward of the Year. Lukas Swedin, a freshman goalie for Bentley University, has won five consecutive games, allowing only seven goals.

  • Johnny Hicks stepped into the starting goalie position following an injury to Quentin Miller.
  • T.J. Hughes has accumulated 175 points in 153 games over his four seasons with the University of Michigan.
  • Jake Livanavage has earned All-NCHC First Team honors for the second consecutive season.
  • Gavin McKenna, an 18-year-old forward, is tied for third in the country with 51 points in 34 games.
  • Max Plante was named NCHC Forward of the Year.

The players

Johnny Hicks

A freshman goalie for the University of Denver who stepped into the starting role following an injury to Quentin Miller and achieved a 12-0 record with one tie in 17 games.

T.J. Hughes

A center for the University of Michigan who has consistently delivered strong performances throughout his four seasons, accumulating 175 points in 153 games.

Jake Livanavage

A junior defenseman from the University of North Dakota who has earned All-NCHC First Team honors for the second consecutive season.

Gavin McKenna

An 18-year-old forward for Penn State University who is tied for third in the country with 51 points in 34 games and is a Hobey Baker Award Top 10 Finalist.

Max Plante

A sophomore forward for the University of Minnesota Duluth who was named NCHC Forward of the Year and is a Hobey Baker Award Finalist.

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What they’re saying

“The emergence of talented players, including several freshmen, highlights the ongoing influx of skilled talent into the college hockey system. This influx often creates competitive dynamics within teams and elevates the overall level of play, potentially leading to unpredictable tournament outcomes.”

— Samantha Carter, Chief Editor

What’s next

As these players and their teams continue to compete, the path to the championship remains open. The coming games will reveal which athletes and programs can maintain their momentum and ultimately claim the title.

The takeaway

The college hockey tournament is showcasing a new generation of standout players who are driving their teams toward championship contention. This influx of talent is creating an increasingly competitive landscape and the potential for unpredictable outcomes in the tournament.