We also got some big midseason recruiting news recently, as Boston College added Finnish national Oscar Hemming, while crosstown rival Boston U. brought in center Tynan Lawrence. Hemming, the younger brother of Dallas Stars prospect Emil Hemming, had been searching for a North American home since splitting with his Finnish club back home. He’s a potential first-round draft pick in 2026. Meanwhile, Lawrence will battle Penn State’s Gavin McKenna for the first slot overall in that same draft. He was previously in the USHL with Muskegon.
In the meantime, here’s a look at the top teams in the nation:
1. Michigan Wolverines (18-4-0)
Michael Hage (MTL) had a monster world juniors for Canada, leading the tournament in scoring and earning himself a bronze medal in the process. But Michigan got some bad news on the weekend when star netminder Jack Ivankovic (NSH) was injured during a sweep of Notre Dame.
2. North Dakota Fighting Hawks (17-5-0)
The Hawks have won nine of their past 10 games and have carved a path to the top of the NCHC in the process. It’s been a total team effort, but two of the notable contributors of late are forward Dylan James (DET) with five points in his past three games and defenseman Abram Wiebe (VGK) with three in the same span.
3. Western Michigan Broncos (16-6-0)
The defending champs are coming off a sweep of Denver and that’s no easy feat. Pesky forward William Whitelaw (CBJ) has been a terror of late, while goaltender Hampton Slukynsky (LA) has only surrendered a total of four goals in his past five outings – all wins, mind you.
4. Wisconsin Badgers (15-3-2)
Should the Wolverines falter without Ivankovic, the Badgers will be ready to pounce. Wisconsin has a tough schedule, however, with Michigan State and Penn State on consecutive weekends. Quinn Finley (NYI) has been a point-per-gamer for the squad and is currently on a four-game point streak.
5. Quinnipiac Bobcats (16-4-2)
An ECAC fan’s worst nightmare is a hot Quinnipiac team and unfortunately for them, the Bobcats are back at it. The 2023 national champions have won nine of their past 10, getting some incredible performances along the way. Freshman Ethan Wyttenbach (CGY) leads the charge with 31 points through 22 games.
6. Michigan State Spartans (15-5-0)
Splitting with Ohio State on the weekend wasn’t ideal, but a number of Spartans have been busy lately, from Sweden’s Eric Nilson (ANA) to Canada’s Porter Martone (PHI) and Team USA’s Ryker Lee (NSH). That showdown with Wisconsin next weekend will be a great acid test for both programs.
7. Penn State Nittany Lions (14-6-0)
It was a long, long break for the Nittany Lions, but at least a bunch of them were busy: Gavin McKenna (2026) ripped it up at the world juniors, while a number of Penn State players and coach Guy Gadowsky stole the hearts of the local Swiss fans at the Spengler Cup as part of a U.S. college selects team.
8. Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs (16-6-0)
Bulldogs fans must have held their collective breath when Max Plante (DET) got hurt at the world juniors with Team USA, but luckily it wasn’t serious. He was back this weekend in a sweep of Lindenwood, doing what he does best: Racking up points. And of course, Jayson Shaugabay (TB) was in on the action, too.
9. Cornell Big Red (11-4-0)
It’s never fun to play big, bad Cornell and now the team is on a roll with five straight wins. The Big Red just swept back-to-back non-conference series against Omaha and Alaska, with a big match looming soon against Quinnipiac. Forwards Ryan Walsh (BOS) and Jonathan Castagna (UTH) are leading the offense.
10. Boston College Eagles (11-6-1)
The addition of Oscar Hemming (2026) will be very intriguing for the Eagles, who have some great offensive weapons already. James Hagens (BOS) didn’t exactly dominate at the world juniors, but there’s no need rushing him to the pro ranks anyway. Dean Letourneau (BOS) continues to thrive as a sophomore.
