Hamilton College wins NCAA Division III hockey title in OT

Freshman Curtiss Sturgeon scores game-winning goal to defeat Hobart College

Apr. 1, 2026 at 2:56pm

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The Hamilton College Continentals defeated the Hobart College Statesmen 2-1 in overtime to win the NCAA Division III men's ice hockey national championship on Sunday. Freshman Curtiss Sturgeon scored the game-winning goal for Hamilton, continuing his standout playoff performance.

Why it matters

Hamilton's championship victory caps off a successful season for the small liberal arts college, which won the NESCAC conference title last year and entered this season with high expectations. The overtime thriller against rival Hobart provided an exciting conclusion to the Division III hockey season.

The details

In the NCAA Division III championship game played in Utica, New York, Hamilton College freshman Curtiss Sturgeon scored the game-winning goal in overtime to defeat Hobart College 2-1. Sturgeon's goal came after the teams were tied 1-1 at the end of regulation.

  • The NCAA Division III men's ice hockey championship game took place on Sunday, April 6, 2026.
  • Hamilton College won the NESCAC conference title in the 2024-2025 season.

The players

Curtiss Sturgeon

A freshman on the Hamilton College men's ice hockey team who scored the game-winning goal in overtime to clinch the NCAA Division III national championship.

Hamilton College

A small liberal arts college located in Clinton, New York that won the NCAA Division III men's ice hockey national championship.

Hobart College

A private liberal arts college located in Geneva, New York that was defeated by Hamilton College in the NCAA Division III men's ice hockey national championship game.

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What’s next

Hamilton College will look to defend its national championship next season as it aims to build on its recent success in Division III men's ice hockey.

The takeaway

Hamilton College's overtime victory in the NCAA Division III men's ice hockey national championship game capped off an impressive season for the small liberal arts school, which won its conference title last year and entered this season with high expectations that it was able to fulfill.