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Morgan Stallings of Northwest Guilford ignores evaluators, proves she's a DI soccer prospect

BRYANT ROCHE Staff Reporter Morgan Stallings said that it hurt mentally that evaluators didn’t have her pegged as a Division I soccer prospect as recruiting heated up her junior year. But while she and her parents were disappointed, the Northwest Guilford standout said avoiding stress was the key to getting where she wanted to be, […]

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Morgan Stallings of Northwest Guilford ignores evaluators, proves she's a DI soccer prospect

Morgan Stallings said that it hurt mentally that evaluators didn’t have her pegged as a Division I soccer prospect as recruiting heated up her junior year.

But while she and her parents were disappointed, the Northwest Guilford standout said avoiding stress was the key to getting where she wanted to be, eventually signing to play on scholarship for Appalachian State.

“It definitely took a toll because then you start to doubt yourself in the moment,” Stallings said. “But I think the biggest thing was people and coaches saying that kind of gives you a goal to work at and prove them wrong. It definitely took a toll and did not make my parents happy, but I think it honestly was the thing that I needed to get me going and start working towards the goal.”

Stallings has long held a passion for soccer, with her sister Eliza, three years her senior, and twin sister Lindsay also playing the sport. Morgan describes the siblings as being tight, particularly her twin, who played with her at Northwest through their senior season.

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“I always loved playing with her (Lindsay) just because I know her, she knows me, and she was that person on the field I could turn to in hard moments just to look for motivation, because she knows how to handle me and how to just get my mindset back on track,” Stallings said. “There were multiple games I remember that if I was struggling, she would just tell me to keep going and keep pushing because at some point I would get it, and so for her, I am really grateful for those moments.”

In four years on the team, Northwest went a combined 65-13-8, with two conference championships and two conference runner-ups. The Lady Vikings made the 4A playoffs every season, including a fourth round trip her sophomore season in 2023. In 2023 and 2024, she was named Metro 4A Conference Offensive Player of the Year, and pending this year’s release, has twice been named all-state and all-region by the NC Soccer Coaches Association.

Stallings’ strongest traits may be in her mental skillset, even over her physical attributes. A student of the game, she aims to be an analyst of the sport for an English Premier League team when she is done playing. As a player, the graduating senior demanded any kind of information possible to get an edge on an opponent.

An A-B honor roll student at Northwest, the skilled multitasker often studies the game when not doing classwork. When preparing for her own opponents, she likes looking at formations and how individuals like to set up, blending full-game films with a keen eye on how adversaries approach key moments.

“One girl, she was like, ‘You’re addicted to this,’ because on the personal school computer I had my own film, and then on the school computer in the computer lab, I had a Champions League football game on,” Stallings said. “So I definitely get told I watch too much, but it’s just something that is fun to me, and I like looking at the data in terms of patterns and players.”

She says that her favorite professional player to watch is Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne but says her own playing style is often compared to UNC-Chapel Hill midfielder Tessa Dellarose.

“I wouldn’t say I was the most physical person, but I think for me, my biggest asset was just being able to get everyone involved and lead them as a team,” said Stallings of her high school career. “If I saw someone getting through, I tried to get an assist or just tried to make an impact on the game. I never tried to be really down on anyone because I know what it feels like to have someone yell at you, so I would just say for me, my biggest asset was just what I could provide to the table as far as passing and just what difference can I make in helping other people get into the game.”

Stallings described herself as being timid when she first joined the Northwest team as a freshman varsity player but said older teammates like Darby Woyahn viewed her not in terms of her age but in terms of her capabilities.

As a freshman, she started on a conference title team at center back, not her typical position, but she believes the change benefited her as a player and person. It forced her to not be shy as the role required being the defense’s communicator.

“The biggest thing is that not only my high school coach but my club coach put me there for someone to be able to control the game,” she said. “They said with the vision that I have, it was just key to have me there because there are times that I can just hit a ball that no one really expects, and I just know my teammates will get on the end of it. …”

The versatile player shifted to holding midfield as a sophomore, then as a junior moved to attacking midfield, where she again played primarily as a senior.

“I never really played center back, so when I first got put there I was a little nervous, but as it went on, I got more comfortable, and it kind of felt like holding mid,” she said. “It kind of just felt natural to me to be able to turn and pass the ball, and what really worked for us that year was just coach Murphy trusting me to just release and to go forward and leave the area knowing I could get back if needed.”

Stallings said that Appalachian State first contacted her with interest in January of her junior year when she was playing at a club event, ECNL Florida. She said that the Mountaineers were the last program to give her an offer but felt right about it.

When it came time to decide, her parents suggested thinking about it for a couple days before telling anyone. She signed with App State in November.

“I remember I was in my room that night, and I kind of was just pondering between choices, and App just felt more like home to me,” Stallings said. “It felt like an area that I could grow not only as a soccer player but as a person, and it gave me options to do things outside of soccer to grow academically in what I want to go through.”

Cooper’s Question, Presented by PF Plumbing

Q: If you could have dinner with any three people, living or dead, who would they be and why?

A: I would probably say Messi, just because I think everyone wants to meet him, probably Kevin De Bruyne, just because he is my favorite player to watch, and then for the women’s side, Alex Morgan because she has always been my favorite player to watch in the women’s game.

Bryant.roche@greensboro.com

@BRocheSports



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What’s Up, NEPA? — Week of June 12, 2025

GREATER WILKES-BARRE Vacation Bible School at New Covenant Christian Fellowship Church, 780 South Main St., Wilkes-Barre, from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 17 through Friday, June 20. For ages 5 through 16, with a variety of lessons, crafts, songs and games. Bible School will hold a final celebration noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, […]

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GREATER WILKES-BARRE

Vacation Bible School at New Covenant Christian Fellowship Church, 780 South Main St., Wilkes-Barre, from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 17 through Friday, June 20. For ages 5 through 16, with a variety of lessons, crafts, songs and games. Bible School will hold a final celebration noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 21 at the church. To enroll a child, please call (570) 822-9605.

Lasagna Dinner at Saints Peter & Paul Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, take-out only, pick-ups 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 18 in the school hall, corner of North River and West Chestnut streets in Wilkes-Barre, near the General Hospital Parkade. Dinners are $15 and include meat lasagna, garden salad, bread and dessert. Please pre-order by calling the school hall kitchen at (570) 829-3051.

Marymount High School alumni will hold their annual picnic beginning at noon on Saturday June 21 at Mikielski’s pavilion. For more information please respond on the Marymount Facebook page.

29th annual Luzerne County SPCA Ride, sponsored by the Wyoming Valley Motorcycle Club (WVMC), will take place June 22, starting and ending at the Polish American Veterans, 2 S. Oak St., Wilkes-Barre. 100% of the proceeds are donated to the Luzerne Co. SPCA. We’ll have an after party with food, drinks, raffles, and the band “Shaken.” Registration will be 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The club encourages any small businesses or local craft vendors to bring out a tent with their items for sale.

Lithuanian Women’s Club of Wyoming Valley will meet at 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 25, at the Cafe, Highway 315, Plains Township. New members are always welcome. For more information call Betty at 570-868-3852.

GAR High School Class of 1952 will hold a luncheon meeting at 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 25, at the Wyoming Valley Country Club.

Wyoming Valley Chapter of the Embroiderers’ Guild of America public stitch-in 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 28, at the Barnes & Noble Bookstore in The Arena Hub Plaza, Wilkes-Barre Township. The public is invited to come and bring something to stitch, or just stop by see what we’re doing.

Central Catholic High School class of 1973 will hold a 70th (71st for Bernie) birthday celebration 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, July 19, at Patte’s Sports Bar deck, 65 West Hollenback Ave., Wilkes-Barre. Tailgate-type food will be provided; cash bar. Please e-mail us at [email protected] with the number attending by July 1. Visit us on Facebook @ Central Catholic High School Class of 73.

Hanover Area Class of 1975 Reunion will be held on Aug. 2 at West Side Park, Nanticoke. $50 per person. Classmates who have not sent their check are asked to do so to Beth Verazin 215 East Union St., Nanticoke 18634.

GAR Memorial High School class of 1973 will hold a 70th Birthday Bash at 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, at Slocum Street Bar & Grill, Slocum Street, Swoyersville. For details and reservations, classmates may visit the Facebook page GAR Class of 1973 70th Year Birthday Party, email [email protected], or call (570) 301-3712.

BACK MOUNTAIN

Dallas Eastern Star will sell Welsh cookies during the Market on the Pond at the Meadows Nursing Home, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 14. Watch for our sign. In case of rain, visit Dallas Eastern Hall on Foster Street (behind CVS drug store.)

Bingo Night at Northmoreland Volunteer Fire Co., 1618 Demunds Road, Centermoreland, will be held June 16 and June 30. Doors and kitchen open at 5:30 p.m. Call Jim for information: 570-520-9741, No reservation is needed for Monday Night Bingo.

Junk in the Trunk Flea Market, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, July 11, in parking lot of Dallas Eastern Star Building Association Hall, Foster Street, Dallas, behind CVS drug store. Vendor cost is $10 for a space behind your vehicle. Provide your own table and chairs. Lunch and Welsh cookies will be available for sale that day. Application will be on Facebook page. More info, Dianne Corby 570-675-4893 or [email protected].

​ Roast beef dinner at Northmoreland Volunteer Fire Co., 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 25, at 1618 Demunds Road, Centermoreland. Eat in or take out, $14. Dinner includes roast beef, real mashed potatoes and gravy, vegetable and dessert.

Gate of Heaven Church, 40 Machell Ave., Dallas, will host a Summer Music Camp “Treasure Hunt” from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Monday July 28 through Friday, Aug. 1. For ages 8-15, with a variety of singing, games, crafts, lessons and a daily snack. Participants will sing at 9 a.m. Mass on Sunday, Aug. 3. To register, call (570) 675-2121 or register online at the church website www.goholv.org by clicking on the scrolling image on the home page and supplying the required information. There is no fee to attend, but donations of snacks or drinks for the campers are appreciated.

GREATER NANTICOKE

​ 27th annual Flea Market & Collectibles Show, sponsored by Luzerne County Community College Alumni Association, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 14, with antiques, collectible, crafts, jewelry, direct sales, food vendors and more. Hi-Lites Car Cruise will be 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., LCCC Educational Conference Center Parking Lot, Nanticoke. More info or to register, call 570-740-0734 or see luzerne.edu/alumni/fleamarket

All-Class Reunion of Hanover Township Memorial High School, 2 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23 at R & D Memories, Fellows Avenue, Hanover Township. Family-style dinner at 4 p.m., followed by music by Tom Slick and the Converted Thunderbolt Greaseslappers. Reservations can be completed by sending a check for $45 per person made out to Audrey Wysowski to 1087 West Mountain Road, Plymouth PA 18651. For more info, call or text 570-262-8056. Early responses are strongly encouraged.

KINGSTON/WEST SIDE

Sons of the American Legion, Squadron 644 of Swoyersville will meet 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 18, at the post home. All members are encouraged to attend. 2025 membership dues are still being accepted. Election of Officers for the 2025-2026 year will take place. Commander Thomas Walsh will preside.

Kingston Historical Society will hold their annual dinner 6 p.m. Thursday, June 26, at Theo’s Metro on Schuyler Avenue. The dutch- treat dinner will be a select menu. Reservations are requested by Thursday, June 12 by calling 570-885-1856, leave message with number attending. At the dinner the Society will award their second annual scholarship to a graduating senior.

Edwardsville Hometown Committee 11th Annual Edwardsville Pierogi Festival will be June 13 and 14 with more than 80 vendors expected, carnival rides, a pierogie cookoff and parade. Visit edwpierogi.com for more details.

Dr. Edwards Memorial Congregational Church will sell Welsh cookies during the Edwardsville Pierogie Festival on June 13-14.

Wyoming Valley West Class of 1973 will have a 70th birthday bash, 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept 6, at Keeley’s Alehouse & Grille, Division St., Kingston, with food, beverages, and DJ. The party will be free for class members and their guest. For details and and to update our class directory classmates may visit our Facebook page Wyoming Valley West class of 1973, or email [email protected] or phone 570-266-8912. Reservations are required by Aug. 6.

MOUNTAIN TOP

Christ United Methodist Church, 175 South Main Road, Mountain Top, will hold Vacation Bible School “Road Trip, On the Road with God,” 6 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, June 16 through Friday, June 20, with Bible stories, recreation, crafts and music, at the soccer field. Children from pre-K through 6th grade are invited. To register, call 570-474-6060 or visit christontheMountain Top.org or register in person at the event. There is no cost to attend. A can of juice and donations are appreciated.

Mountain Top American Legion Auxiliary Mountain Unit 781 is raffling off tickets for (3) $1,500 prizes. Tickets are $50 each, with only 200 tickets being sold. The raffle will help establish a play area for children by the Upper Grove at the Legion. Raffle drawing will be 3 p.m. Sunday, July 27. Please contact an Auxiliary member for tickets, or you can call or text Antoinette Smith at (570) 332-8962 or Katie Chado at (570) 332-2822.

TUNKHANNOCK AREA

Evans Falls United Methodist Church Bake Sale, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 14 at 2000 SR29S, Monroe Township, Pa. There will be a Flea Market, Crafts by Project Donating Joy and handmade jewelry by MRhea Designs.

LACKAWANNA COUNTY

The Babas of St. John’s Cathedral in Mayfield will sell gently used books and puzzles on Aug. 9. Donations of books and puzzles (no missing pieces) will be accepted 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 25 through Aug. 3 in the foyer at St. John’s Center, Hill Street, Mayfield. Any questions, call Sandy at 570-876-3576.

Captains of St. John’s 300 Club of St. John’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral, Mayfield, are accepting “renewal” and “new” memberships for the next session which will begin in August. If you are not a member and wish to join the next Club session, send your name, address and payment of $25 to St. John’s Rectory, 706 Hill Street, Mayfield, PA 18433 or to Alexandra Sorochka, 422 Callahan Drive, Jermyn, PA 18433. Membership cards will be sent upon receipt of payment. Checks should be made to: ST. JOHN’S 300 CLUB Any questions, please contact Alexandra at 570-335-2128.

STATE PARKS

Tremendous Trees, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Thursday, June 12. Meet in the Amphitheater in Ricketts Glen State Park. Learn to identify trees that grow in the park.

Earth Day Everyday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 14. Park at Beach Lot #2 and go to Pavilion #1 by the beach in Ricketts Glen State Park. Experts will education you on what can be done to protect natural resources, with hands on activities for all ages. More info, contact Rhiannon Summers at 570-477-7780 or [email protected].

Intro to Kayaking. Participants will learn kayak terminology and basic paddle skills before heading out on the water. Ages 12 and older. Wear shorts and shoes that can get wet. Friday, June 20, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Park and meet at Western Boat Launch in Ricketts Glen State Park. Registration recquired at events.dcnr.pa.gov by emailing [email protected] or calling 570-477-7780.

Hike It Baby. Join the park naturalist in hiking the Beach Trail at Ricketts Glen State Park, 10:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 21. This hike is for pregnant couples and families with babies. Older siblings are welcome to come along! Up to 2 miles of easy hiking, depending on everybody’s comfort level, and the trail is stroller-friendly. Park at Beach Lot #1 or #2 and meet in front of the Beach House along Lake Jean Beach. Registration required at events.dcnr.pa.gov or by emailing [email protected] or calling 570-477-7780.

Explore Archery. If you’ve ever thought about shooting a bow and never had the chance, then this program is for you. Stop by, get some basic instruction, and then actually try your skill at hitting a target. This program is not for experienced archers, but you must be age 8 or older. 1:30 to 3 p.m. Wednesday, June 25 at Ricketts Glen State Park. Park and meet at the Visitors Center. Contact Rhiannon Summers at 570-477-7780 or [email protected] for more information.

Summer Wildflower Walk. Hiking the Laurel View Trail to see the mountain laurel and other wildflowers in bloom at Ricketts Glen State Park, 9:30 to 11:30 Thursday, June 26. Park and meet at the Shale Pit Parking Lot along Route 487. Bring your cameras and bug spray. This is a 2-mile moderate hike. Contact Rhiannon Summers at 570-477-7780 or [email protected] for more information.



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Union men’s hockey releases 2025-26 schedule – Troy Record

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. – The Union College men’s hockey team unveiled its 2025-26 schedule on Wednesday afternoon, highlighted by 18 regular-season games and one exhibition contest at the brand-new M&T Bank Center as well as the program’s second trip across the pond for the annual Friendship Four in Belfast. “We are incredibly excited for the 2025-26 season […]

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SCHENECTADY, N.Y. – The Union College men’s hockey team unveiled its 2025-26 schedule on Wednesday afternoon, highlighted by 18 regular-season games and one exhibition contest at the brand-new M&T Bank Center as well as the program’s second trip across the pond for the annual Friendship Four in Belfast. “We are incredibly excited for the 2025-26 season […]

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Men’s Ice Hockey: 22 Cadets Named to NEHC All-Academic Team

Story Links NORTHFIELD, Vt.- The New England Hockey Conference (NEHC) announced its 2024–25 All-Academic Team selections on Wednesday, with 22 Norwich University men’s ice hockey student-athletes earning recognition for their academic achievements. To be eligible, student-athletes must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 and have completed at least one full academic […]

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NORTHFIELD, Vt.- The New England Hockey Conference (NEHC) announced its 2024–25 All-Academic Team selections on Wednesday, with 22 Norwich University men’s ice hockey student-athletes earning recognition for their academic achievements.

To be eligible, student-athletes must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 and have completed at least one full academic year at their institution. Norwich’s 22 honorees reflect the program’s strong commitment to educational excellence and leadership development, tying the Cadets with New England College and Salve Regina for the most representatives.

 


























Name Hometown Class Major
Cooper Bertrand Caledon, On. So. Management
Jed Brazo Homer, N.Y. So. Management
Nick Cordeiro Mississauga, On. Jr. Management
Holden Doggett Oakville, On. Sr. Management
Colin Elliott Peterborough, On. So. Management
Nick Foster Amherst, Mass. So. Computer Security – Info Assurance
Jason Galotti Hanover, Mass. Sr. Management
Owen Hains Lebanon, Pa. Jr. Accounting
Brady Harroun St. Albert, Alb. So. Management
Matt Harvey Fort Covington, N.Y. Jr. Construction Management
Hayden Heinrich Richmond Hill, On. So. Management
Harris Hilfiker Middletown, N.J. So. Management
Johnny Johnson Naperville, Ill. Jr. Management
Clark Kerner Kansas City, Kan. Sr. Management
Alex Lewis Moncton, N.B. Sr. Management
Sami Molu Toronto, On. So. Health Science
Zach Ophoven Burlington, On. So. Accounting
Joe Schubert Oconomowoc, Wis. So. Accounting
Owen Scisizzi Milton, On. So. Management
Adam Shuchart Marietta, Ga. Jr. Management
Devon Thibodeau Pelham, On. Jr. Architectural Studies
Ben van Waterschoot Whitby, On. So. Electrical and Computer Engineering

Eleven cadets make their first appearance on the list as sophomores, while Kerner, Lewis, Doggett, and Galotti each make their third appearance during their senior years.

In the final season of NEHC competition, the Cadets finished with a berth in the conference title game. The maroon and gold look to continue their excellent tradition in the Little East Conference (LEC) under new Head Coach Dominick Dawes.

 



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NCAA hockey shifts landscape with CHL eligibility rule change

College hockey has become a completely new playing field for all teams alike.  On Nov. 7, 2024, it was announced that players in the Canadian Hockey League – which includes the QMJHL, OHL and WHL – would now have the opportunity to step into another league before heading onto professional hockey, allowing for those who […]

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College hockey has become a completely new playing field for all teams alike. 

On Nov. 7, 2024, it was announced that players in the Canadian Hockey League – which includes the QMJHL, OHL and WHL – would now have the opportunity to step into another league before heading onto professional hockey, allowing for those who desire to play NCAA hockey and experience the culture of college hockey. The ruling means big changes in the world of college hockey.

With the desire to head to college and play at another level before signing professional contracts, an expansion of National Collegiate Athletic Association hockey could be coming sooner than some think. This could lead to teams heading to the south and stretching across the United States. NCAA hockey opening up to the CHL will allow for talent to swarm the league, but with the incoming talent comes more challenges. The difficulty of play could see a potential heighten. 

But the potential of Michigan State hockey’s future is as bright as a team can be. With a top recruiting class, a strong swing at needed spots in the transfer portal and two of the top players in their respective positions returning for one more season, the 2025-26 team is one that could look to bring home a national championship. 

Cayden Lindstrom has been the biggest name to announce a commitment to Michigan State. While the numbers on the score sheet may not be as impressive as a number of others in the CHL, his skill makes up for it. The six-foot-four center had 27 goals and 19 assists during the 2023-2024 season, unfortunately missing the 24-25 season to a back surgery. He stepped back onto the ice for the WHL playoffs and made an immediate impact with two goals and two assists. 

With the loss of former center Karsen Dorwart to a professional contract with the Philadelphia Flyers, the position of a first line center could be a spot Lindstrom takes. The center’s defensive ability tags him as a strong two-way center, using his strong forecheck to bring the puck back into the offensive zone, while seeing the ice really well and creating cross ice passes to make room for others to take the puck to the net. The one-time shot of Lindstrom is also another strong spot, serving well on the power play as a goal scorer. 

Lindstrom told The Columbus Dispatch about his commitment to the Spartans, knowing that any school in the NCAA would have been happy to have him on the team. He told the publication that MSU seemed like it was the best fit for him and his development. 

Residing from Pickering, Ontario Canada and chosen as a 2024 sixth round pick to the Vancouver Canucks in the NHL draft, Anthony Romani joins the Spartans for his freshman year in the green and white this upcoming season. Playing a majority of this past season with the Barrie Colts, Romani grabbed 19 goals and 12 assists during his season, including an impressive post-season run, totaling 12 goals and 24 points. 

Defenseman Chase Reid resides from Chesterfield, Michigan and committed for the 2026-27 season. Reid played with the Soo Greyhounds during 24-25, putting up seven goals and 33 assists. The right handed defenseman is eligible for the 2026 NHL draft.  

One of the hottest players off of the CHL market happens to be a former teammate of Lindstrom, that being Gavin McKenna – the projected No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. McKenna played in 56 games for the Medicine Hat Tigers, putting up 41 impressive goals and 88 assists, putting him at 129 points through the season. He added an additional 38 points during the WHL playoffs.

McKenna is crafty. With speed, agility and impressive above-all-else stick handling, the six-foot, 165 pound left winger is a player that could fit into a starting position with the Spartans. His next-step decision remains uncertain, exploring other options such as the University of Michigan and Penn State, but Michigan State remains in the rumor of names that have struck McKenna’s interest. 

The Wolverines and Nittany Lions have been two teams that have been in the spotlight of the Big Ten when it comes to CHL recruiting. The biggest name between the two continues to be McKenna, whose name has continuously swirled around the Big Ten. Originally, it was certain that McKenna would be bringing his talents to Ann Arbor, but now the question remains up in the air.

While Michigan has done stellar recruiting in the CHL department, picking up a forward and a defenseman for the upcoming season, as well as a commit for the 2026-27 season, Penn State has been a team that has continued to stick out greatly. 

The Nittany Lions have grabbed three forwards, two defenseman and a goaltender for the upcoming season, while also making sure to create waves in the transfer portal. One pick in the portal was Mac Gadowsky, the son of Penn State head coach Guy Gadowsky. 

With the second half of the season from the Nittany Lions still looming into next season, riding high on their first Frozen Four appearance in school history, the Big Ten will yet again be a tough conference to play in, continuing to get harder with new additions. 

College hockey has made major developments over the last number of years. Between moving teams from Division III to Division I, conferences making additions by adding new NCAA programs and now adding the ability to recruit top tier talent, collegiate hockey is set to only make strides forward.

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College commitment day at Fort Hamilton High

For the first time, staff at Fort Hamilton H.S. decided to celebrate all the students that had earned athletic college scholarships to join together in one event for the outgoing seniors. Organized by Jennifer Izzo, the college and career counselor put out the following announcement: “On May 22, 2025, Fort Hamilton High School celebrated our […]

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For the first time, staff at Fort Hamilton H.S. decided to celebrate all the students that had earned athletic college scholarships to join together in one event for the outgoing seniors. Organized by Jennifer Izzo, the college and career counselor put out the following announcement:

“On May 22, 2025, Fort Hamilton High School celebrated our seniors’ academic and athletic achievements. Decision Day is a special time to recognize and showcase their dedication and excellence with many earning acceptance into competitive universities such as Cornell, Columbia and Binghamton, and securing spots on NCAA Division I, II and III programs.”

The college bound seniors and their sport are:

Tim Tan – Stony Brook University NCAA Division I football; Aidan Farley – Houston Christian University NCAA Division I football; August Porter – Lane College NCAA Division II football and baseball; Pedro Gil Padilla – Monroe University NJCAA Division 1 JUCO baseball; Johan Reyes – St. Joseph University NCAA Division III baseball; Alexander Pope – Binghamton University NCCA Division I track & field; Sofia Polizzi – Connecticut College NCAA Division III ice hockey; Jayden Yiu – Hunter College NCAA Division III volleyball; Isabella Tchij – Hunter College NCAA Division III tennis; Loredonna Wolovich – St. Joseph’s University NCAA Division III flag football; and Mari Gveilani – Penn State NCAA Division I tennis.



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Where the 2025 NHL award winners played college hockey

Share With the Stanley Cup Finals in full swing, the NHL has announced its awards for the 2024-25 season. Among the winners are three former NCAA DI hockey players: Connor Hellebuyck, Cale Makar and Lane Hutson. Let’s take a look back at the college achievements and stats of these NHL stars. 🏒 MORE COLLEGE HOCKEY […]

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With the Stanley Cup Finals in full swing, the NHL has announced its awards for the 2024-25 season. Among the winners are three former NCAA DI hockey players: Connor Hellebuyck, Cale Makar and Lane Hutson.

Let’s take a look back at the college achievements and stats of these NHL stars.

🏒 MORE COLLEGE HOCKEY 🏒

Connor Hellebuyck, G, UMass-Lowell, 2012-2014 

Connor Hellebuyck at UMass-Lowell and for the Winnipeg Jets

Connor Hellebuyck capped off a career-best season by winning his second consecutive Vezina Trophy as the NHL’s best goaltender. He also won his first Hart Trophy as the league’s most valuable player. He finished the 2024-25 season with career-bests in wins (47), goals-against average (2.00), save percentage (.925) and shutouts (8).

In college, Hellebuyck spent two seasons at UMass-Lowell, where he played 52 games and posted a 38–12–2 record. He collected several awards in his college career, including the 2012 NCAA Tournament Northeast Regional MVP, leading the River Hawks to the Frozen Four in his rookie season. In his second season, he received the inaugural Mike Richter Award as the most outstanding goalie in DI NCAA men’s ice hockey in 2013-14.

➡️ More Stanley Cup: former NCAA players in the 2025 Stanley Cup Final

Connor Hellebuyck’s stats in college:

Season Record gaA sv% SO
2012-13 20-3-0 1.37 .952 6
2013-14 18-9-2 1.79 .941 6
TOTAL 38-12-2 1.60 .946 12

Cale Makar, D, UMass, 2017-2019 

Cale Makar as a player at UMass and as a member of the Colorado Avalanche

Cale Makar posted career highs in points (92) and goals (30) on his way to winning his second James Norris Memorial Trophy as the NHL’s best defenseman. His 2024-25 campaign marks the first time a defenseman has scored 30 goals in a season since Mike Green in 2008-09. Makar also becomes just the fifth NHL defenseman to record back-to-back 90-point seasons.

Makar also finished third in voting for the Ted Lindsay Memorial trophy for the league’s most outstanding player as voted by the NHL Players’ Association.

Cale Makar has been collecting hardware since his college days at UMass Amherst. In his sophomore season, Makar won Hockey East Player of the Year and the 2019 Hobey Baker Award and was selected for the Hockey East First All-Star Team.

▶️ Watch Cale Makar’s 2019 Frozen Four highlights

Cale Makar’s stats in college:

Season GP G A PTS
2017-18 34 5 16 21
2018-19 41 16 33 49
TOTAL 75 21 49 70

Lane Hutson, D, Boston University, 2022-2024

Lane Hutson as a member of Boston University and the Montreal Canadiens

Lane Hutson’s excellent skating and offensive skills transitioned seamlessly to the NHL level, helping him to win the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL’s top rookie in 2024-25. Hutson led all rookies in scoring with 66 points and helped the Montreal Canadiens reach the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2020-21.

Hutson’s smooth and creative play style made him a hot prospect to watch in his two seasons at Boston University. He was twice named a First Team All-American and a top-10 finalist for the Hobey Baker Award. He was also a two-time Hockey-East First Team All-Star, among several other honors.

Lane Hutson’s stats in college:

Season GP G A PTS
2022-23 39 15 33 48
2023-24 38 15 34 49
TOTAL 77 30 67 97

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