EASTON, Mass. (July 3, 2025) – Freshman forward Zach Aben of the Stonehill men’s ice hockey program has been named to the American Hockey Coaches Association (AHCA) Krampade All-American Scholars List, as announced by the organization last week.
 
To qualify for the honor, student-athletes must have achieved a 3.75 GPA or higher in each semester of the academic year and appeared in at least 40% of their team’s games. Exceptions were made for injured players and backup goaltenders. Schools must also be AHCA members to be eligible.
 
Aben, a sports management major and two-time Dean’s List honoree, earned his first AHCA Scholar recognition after posting a stellar 3.94 cumulative GPA during his freshman year. On the ice, he appeared in 30 games and recorded 11 points on four goals and seven assists—leading all Stonehill freshmen in scoring. He was also one of just two Skyhawks to net a shorthanded goal, joining recent graduate Henri Schreifels, who scored short-handed against Union.
 
Stonehill wrapped up the 2024-25 campaign with a program-record 12 victories, a 10-win improvement from the previous season. The Skyhawks went 7-7 at home and notched 10 wins against Division I opponents—up from just one a year prior. On the road, Stonehill secured five Division I victories, including wins over Merrimack, Lake Superior State, UMass Lowell, and LIU, setting a new program benchmark for road success.
 
For the latest on Stonehill Athletics, follow the Skyhawks via social media on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
 

Vancouver Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin announced on Tuesday, July 1 that the club has agreed to terms with defenseman Jimmy Schuldt on a two-year, two-way contract.

Schuldt, 30, appeared in eight games for the San Jose Sharks in 2024-25, recording four shots on goal and averaging 13:47 of time on ice. He also skated in 64 games for the AHL’s San Jose Barracuda, 15 assists, 21 points, 34 penalty minutes and was a plus-22, while serving as the team’s captain.

The 6-foot-1, 203-pound Schuldt has played in nine career NHL games, split between the Vegas Golden Knights and Sharks, registering one assist, five shots on goal, and averaging 14:35 of time on ice.

He has also appeared in 354 career AHL games, split between the Chicago Wolves (2019-20), Henderson Silver Knights (2020-21), Rochester Americans (2021-22), Coachella Valley Firebirds (2022-24) and Barracuda, collecting 129 points (36-93-129), 222 penalty minutes and is a plus-70. The Minnetonka native has also played 65 career Calder Cup Playoff games, adding 19 points (9-10-19), 16 penalty minutes, and a plus-23 rating.

Schuldt was originally signed by the Vegas Golden Knights as an undrafted free agent on April 3, 2019.

Schuldt played for St. Cloud State from 2015-19. He is the program’s career leader in goals by a defenseman (38) and points by a defenseman (118). He is also tied for second in career assists by a defenseman (80) and played in a school-record 156 straight games.

Among all SCSU players, he is tied for 12th in career assists, 23rd in points and tied for 11th in career games.

He is one of the school’s most honored players. In 2019, he was a top three finalist for the Hobey Baker Award after having 10 goals, 35 points and was a plus-24 in 39 games. In 2018, he was a top 10 finalist for the Hobey Baker after having 10 goals, 38 points and was a plus-19 in 40 games.

He was a two-time West First Team All-American, a two-time All-NCHC First Team pick, was named to the NCHC All-Rookie Team in 2016. In 2019, he was named the NCHC’s Best Defensive Defenseman and Player of the Year.

He was also a four-time NCHC Distinguished Scholar-Athlete and is one of two players in SCSU’s NCAA Division I era to be named a captain for three years (Spencer Meier, 2020-23).

In 2014-15, he was named to the All-USHL Third Team with the Omaha Lancers after having 13 goals, 39 points and being a plus-13 in 59 games.

Before playing juniors, Schuldt was a three-year letterwinner at Minnetonka High School before graduating in 2013.

Clemson Facing NIL Pressure in Battle for Five-Star DL Bryce Perry-Wright originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

Clemson may be in danger of losing its grip on one of the top defensive prospects in the 2026 recruiting class. Bryce Perry-Wright, a five-star defensive lineman out of Buford, Georgia, is set to make his college commitment on July 5—and what once looked like a strong lead for the Tigers now feels far less secure.

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For months, Clemson appeared to be in prime position to land Perry-Wright. The Tigers were the unanimous Crystal Ball pick on 247Sports, and their geographic advantage was undeniable.

Clemson’s campus sits just over an hour from Perry-Wright’s hometown—far closer than Texas A&M, Miami, or Texas, each requiring double-digit-hour drives. That proximity, along with Clemson’s defensive tradition, made the Tigers a logical favorite.

But the SEC is making a late push. Texas A&M, in particular, has surged into the picture thanks to rising momentum and the backing of one of recruiting’s most respected voices. Rivals analyst Steve Wiltfong, known for his 91% accuracy rate on predictions, now projects Perry-Wright to land with Mike Elko and the Aggies.

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This shift comes just days after On3’s Pete Nakos made waves by saying, “There is more fake cash being thrown around right now than there was four years ago.” And now, word of Texas A&M making a serious move for Bryce Perry-Wright? The timing feels more than coincidental.

It wasn’t long ago that Perry-Wright was projected to choose Clemson. Then came the delay in his commitment date. And now—just days before the announcement—he’s been Crystal Balled to Texas A&M.

Can’t beat that Texas oil money.

Clemson’s staff has invested significant time into this recruitment, eyeing Perry-Wright as a potential difference-maker in the trenches. The 6-foot-2, 250-pound disruptor posted 57 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, nine sacks, and 17 quarterback hurries last season while helping Buford High reach the Georgia 7A state semifinals.

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His high motor, elite get-off, and ability to shoot gaps have drawn comparisons to past Clemson greats.

But with Perry-Wright’s decision set for Saturday—broadcast live on 247Sports YouTube and CBS Sports HQ—there’s increasing uncertainty in Tiger Town. If Texas A&M closes the deal, Clemson could find itself reassessing how it holds off late SEC surges for top-tier defensive linemen, especially in the talent-rich state of Georgia.

This recruitment might not be over until the ink is dry. But for now, the Tigers’ once-comfortable lead appears to be fading fast.

Related: Former Clemson Star Spencer Strider One of Few Braves Starters Left After Latest Injury News

Related: Clemson Facing NIL Test as New Threat Emerges for 5-Star LB Tyler Atkinson

Related: FSU QB’s Trash Talk Gives Clemson Major Motivation for November Showdown

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 3, 2025, where it first appeared.

After a few days golfing, go-karting, working out and meeting — but not skating — with players he hopes will be future Minnesota Wild teammates, forward prospect Ryder Ritchie is headed home to British Columbia and will soon figure out where he’s playing next season.

On a Medicine Hat team that finished second in the Memorial Cup, which crowns the champion of Canadian major junior hockey, Ritchie averaged better than a point a game. Amazingly, that was only good for third offensively for the Tigers, who were led by Gavin McKenna’s 129 points in 56 games — which is why McKenna is the early consensus for the first overall pick in the 2026 NHL entry draft.

Ritchie, picked in the second round by the Wild in 2024, spoke to reporters at the team’s annual Development Camp at TRIA Rink on Wednesday. He said despite reports that he has committed to Boston University, he is still working on a final decision.

“I’m still kind of looking at my options,” he said.

Ritchie, who turns 19 in August, said he has not set a deadline for a final decision on his 2025-26 hockey destination. He has spent the past three years in the Western Hockey League.

“I just haven’t made up my mind yet,” Ritchie said. “I think I’ve still got to kind of think things through and talk to my family.

Ritchie’s father, Byron, played more than 300 NHL games for a quartet of teams, and played pro hockey in Europe before retiring in 2017.

A year ago at this time, American college hockey would not have been an option for Ritchie, as players in Canadian major junior hockey were considered professionals by the NCAA and were therefore ineligible. But a lawsuit and a rules change handed down in November 2024 has opened college hockey to players in the three Canadian major junior leagues.

Before he started playing major junior for Prince Albert in 2022, Ritchie took a look at his college options, taking official visits to schools such as Michigan and Wisconsin. Since the 2024 ruling, that world is again an option on his road that he and the Wild hope will eventually land him in St. Paul.

“I tried not to think about it until after the year, because I was focusing on trying to win a championship, so I think that’s kind of why I’m still in the deciding factor right now, and trying to figure out what I want to do,” Ritchie said. “It’s obviously appealing. A lot of guys are leaving, so it’s going to be a tough decision.”

McKenna is reportedly weighing his college options, as well, considering an offer from Penn State, and visiting the Michigan State campus earlier this week to meet with the Spartans’ coaches.

The three-day Development Camp for the Wild took a different route in 2025, with just 15 players invited and no on-ice work. Instead the players did off-ice workouts, video study, seminars about nutrition and social media, and had fun away from the rink at a go-kart track, a golf course and an escape room.

Most agreed it was a fun break from the on-ice work that is usually a part of the summer get-together.

“Obviously, everyone likes to skate. That’s what we do. We’re hockey players,” said Wild prospect Riley Heidt, who played major junior last season for Prince George. “But it’s good to get in the gym and kind of focus on that stuff, too, especially earlier in the summer.”

Defenseman Theodor Hallquisth and forward Adam Benak, picked by the Wild in last weekend’s NHL Draft, were both camp participants, making their first visits to Minnesota.

More free agent moves

The Wild addressed some depth needs on Wednesday, signing a half-dozen free agents who likely to play the bulk of their time in Iowa. Among their moves:

– They inked a one-year entry-level contract for good-sized forward Bradley Marek, who played 50 games for the Iowa Wild last season, and is a former CCHA rookie of the year at Ferris State.

– Goalie depth was handled with the addition of Cal Petersen, an Iowa native who starred at Notre Dame a decade ago and has played in more than 100 NHL games for the Kings and Flyers. He signed a one-year contract.

– Forward Nicolas Aube-Kubel signed a one-year contract after the Albertan played 22 games for the Sabres and Rangers last season. He has more than 300 NHL games on his resume.

– Ben Gleason signed a one-year contract following 36 games in the AHL last season in the Edmonton and Philadelphia systems. His only NHL experience is four games with Dallas in 2018-19.

– Defenseman Matt Kierstad, who is originally from Elk River and played collegiately at North Dakota, signed with the Wild for two years after spending last season in the AHL with the Charlotte Checkers. He has played in 39 career NHL games with the Florida Panthers.

– Veteran forward Tyler Pitlick, who played prep hockey at Centennial and a season at Minnesota State, Mankato, signed a two-year contract with the Wild. He has logged more than 400 games for eight different NHL teams over the past dozen seasons.

EASTON, Mass. (July 3, 2025) – A program-record seven members of the Stonehill College women’s ice hockey team have been named to the 2024-25 American Hockey Coaches Association (AHCA) Krampade All-American Scholars List, as announced by the organization on Wednesday afternoon.
 
To qualify for the honor, student-athletes must have achieved a 3.75 GPA or higher in each semester of the academic year and appeared in at least 40% of their team’s games. Exceptions were made for injured players and backup goaltenders. Schools must also be AHCA members to be eligible.
 
Of the 349 NCAA Division I women recognized nationally, 55 hailed from the New England Women’s Hockey Alliance (NEWHA), including student-athletes from Post (14), Sacred Heart (11), Long Island (9), Assumption (8), Stonehill (7), and Saint Michael’s (6).
 
Stonehill’s honorees include juniors Mia Kenmore, Hannah Squires, and Brianna Walkom, who each earned the honor for the third straight year. They were joined by classmate Bailey Feeney and sophomore Makenna Slocum, both receiving the recognition for a second time. First-time selections include recent graduate Sarah Taylar and rookie goaltender Alexsa Caron.
 
Kenmore, a management major, earned her third AHCA/Krampade Scholar distinction after posting a perfect 4.0 GPA during the 2024-25 academic year. A Chi Alpha Sigma Honor Society inductee, she has played in 105 career games, recording 12 points (5G, 7A), including a highlight-reel shorthanded goal against then-No. 12 Penn State.
 
Walkom, also a three-time honoree, recorded consecutive 4.0 GPA semesters while majoring in biology. On the ice, she finished the 2024-25 campaign second on the team in faceoff win percentage (54.3%) and ranked fourth in total faceoff wins (153). A consistent contributor, she has appeared in 114 games over three seasons, tallying 25 points (6G, 19A). Walkom is also a three-time NEWHA All-Academic Team selection and a member of the inaugural Stonehill Chi Alpha Sigma induction class.
 
Squires, a biology major with a 3.96 GPA, also received her third AHCA honor. She was named to the NEWHA All-Academic Team for the third time and has skated in 93 games, contributing two goals and five assists as a steady presence on the blue line.
 
Feeney, a biology major and 2024 College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District® At-Large Team honoree, earned her second AHCA Scholar honor with a 3.80 cumulative GPA. On the ice, she was named All-NEWHA Second Team and ranked second in the conference in scoring with 25 points (11G, 14A), including eight multi-point games. Feeney helped anchor Stonehill’s power play, which led the NEWHA (21.1%) and ranked 12th nationally.
 
Slocum, named to the NEWHA All-Sportswomanship Team, earned her second consecutive honor after posting a 3.81 GPA. The sophomore forward has appeared in 74 career games, including all 38 this season, totaling eight points (4G, 4A) while ranking as one of the least penalized players on the team.
 
Caron, who holds Stonehill single-season records for saves (1,141) and shutouts (4), achieved a perfect 4.0 GPA in her first year while earning AHCA/Krampade Scholar honors. The rookie goaltender made history as the first Skyhawk netminder to earn All-NEWHA recognition and was named NEWHA Goaltender of the Week six times. She posted a .943 save percentage, 10 conference wins, and set a program single-game saves record with 61 against Ohio State at the 2024 Women’s Ice Breaker Tournament.
 
Taylar, a neuroscience major and Chi Alpha Sigma Honor Society inductee, earned the academic distinction for the first time after maintaining a GPA above 3.75 in both semesters. She concluded her collegiate career with 112 games played, tallying 11 points (3G, 8A) and registering 70 blocked shots.
 
Stonehill concluded the 2024-25 season with a 14-19-5 overall record and a 13-10-5 mark in NEWHA play to earn the No. 4 seed in the conference tournament. Despite falling to Saint Anselm in the quarterfinal round, the Skyhawks ranked among the top three in the league in several statistical categories, including shot attempts (1,225), power-play goals (20), saves (1,224), and penalty kill percentage (86.7%).
 
For the latest on Stonehill Athletics, follow the Skyhawks via social media on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
 

The University of Maine women’s ice hockey team is bringing in eight freshmen as the Black Bears look to improve upon last year’s 11-21-3 campaign.

Fourth-year head coach Molly Engstrom has four defensemen and four forwards joining the program.

“It’s going to be a good class,” said Engstrom, who expects her freshmen to be impactful and contribute right away.

One of the four defensemen, Lulu Rucinski, is from Orono but it’s Orono, Minnesota, not Maine.

The other three defensemen are Paige Fong from Pickering, Ontario, Sade Sandilands from Carstairs, Alberta and Camille Dubuc from Edina, Minn. Dubuc will be a redshirt next season.

The forwards are Isabelle Michaud from Drummond, New Brunswick, Mackenzie Podewell from

Wheaton, Illinois, Darragh Browne from Oakville, Ontario, and Ali Altiman from Thamesville, Ontario.

Engstrom said they wanted to bring in players who could help the team “get better overall” with goal scorers being at the top of the priority list.

“We need a high end forward and we’re getting much closer to that,” said Engstrom, whose Black Bears managed to score only 65 goals in 35 games a year ago.

And they have lost players who combined to score 23 of them.

Michaud could be one of the answers to their goal scoring problems as she is coming off a season at Standstead College where she scored 29 goals and assisted on 34 more for 63 points in 66 games. Stanstead College is a boarding high school in Quebec.

“She has a nice touch on the puck,” said Engstrom. “She was one of the leading scorers on her team and in that league last year. Darragh Browne should bring some speed for us.”

Altiman had 13 goals and eight assists in 40 games for the London Devilettes in the Ontario Women’s Hockey League.

Podewell highlighted her senior year by scoring three goals and adding an assist in four games during the USA Under 19 nationals.

She played for the Chicago Mission.

Browne notched nine goals and 18 assists in 37 games for the Burlington Barracudas in the OWHL.

The incoming defensemen also have offensive components in their games.

Rucinski racked up 15 goals and 24 assists for 39 points in 25 games for Benilde-St. Margaret’s prep school in Minnesota.

Fong had six goals and 14 assists in 41 games for the Whitby Wolves in the OWHL. Sandilands had four goals and 18 assists in 40 games for Etobicoke Dolphins in the OWHL

Dubuc tallied five goals and 14 assists in 26 games for Edina High School.

“Sade was with the Canadian U-18 national team last summer, Lulu has been in the development program for USA Hockey, and Paige is a big, skilled defenseman,” said Engstrom.

Engstrom noted that she may have one of the biggest defense corps in the country with all but one of her blue-liners standing at least 5-foot-7. Junior Sophia Johnson is 5-foot-11 and Fong is 5-10.

Engstrom pointed out that the Black Bears finished strong a year ago, going 3-1-2 in their last six games including an impressive performance in a 4-3 loss at third seed Boston College in the Hockey East quarterfinals, and that they are looking to build on that this coming season.