UND's Jake Livanavage Named to CCM/AHCA All-America West First Team

The junior defenseman becomes the sixth player in program history to earn multiple All-America honors.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 1:04am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey defenseman in action, with sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the player's movement and energy on the ice.Livanavage's dynamic defensive play earns him a second career All-America selection, reflecting his exceptional talent and impact on the ice.Las Vegas Today

University of North Dakota junior defenseman Jake Livanavage has been named to the CCM/AHCA All-America West First Team, announced at a ceremony in Las Vegas. Livanavage is the sixth defenseman in UND history to earn multiple All-America selections and the second this century. He finished the season with 5 goals and 20 assists for 25 points in 39 games, with a +15 rating and 51 blocked shots.

Why it matters

Livanavage's selection to the prestigious All-America team is a significant individual honor that reflects his standout play and leadership for the Fighting Hawks. UND has produced several elite defensemen over the years, and Livanavage's inclusion in this exclusive group further cements the program's reputation for developing top-tier talent.

The details

Livanavage is coming off another stellar season, finishing third on the team among blueliners with a +15 rating while his 51 blocked shots were second on the squad. He became the first player in program history to be named a finalist for both the NCHC Defensive and Offensive Defenseman of the Year awards, and averaged over 25 minutes of ice time per game, second-most among all NCHC defensemen.

  • Livanavage was named to the CCM/AHCA All-America West First Team on April 10, 2026.
  • Earlier on April 10, 2026, Livanavage signed a two-year, entry-level deal with the Pittsburgh Penguins and is expected to make his NHL debut this weekend.

The players

Jake Livanavage

A junior defenseman for the University of North Dakota Fighting Hawks hockey team, Livanavage has been named to the CCM/AHCA All-America West First Team for the second time in his career.

University of North Dakota

A NCAA Division I hockey program that competes in the National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC). The Fighting Hawks have a long history of producing elite defensemen, with Livanavage being the latest to earn multiple All-America honors.

Pittsburgh Penguins

A professional ice hockey team in the National Hockey League (NHL) that has signed Livanavage to a two-year, entry-level contract.

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What’s next

Livanavage is expected to make his NHL debut with the Pittsburgh Penguins this weekend after signing a two-year, entry-level contract with the team.

The takeaway

Jake Livanavage's selection to the CCM/AHCA All-America West First Team for the second time in his career is a testament to his exceptional play and the continued excellence of the University of North Dakota hockey program in developing elite defensemen. His transition to the NHL with the Pittsburgh Penguins will be closely watched as he looks to make an immediate impact at the professional level.