Forward Threat
The 2026 recruiting cycle is already buzzing with excitement as a new generation of American forwards prepares to make their mark on college hockey. Among them, Joey Cullen stands out not only for his skill but also for his family’s deep roots in the sport; his brother Wyatt was drafted No. 10 overall in the NHL Draft, while their parents, Matt and Bridget Cullen, have nurtured a competitive environment that includes brother Brooks. Drew Daley, the top defenseman in this class and the only 2010‑born player to earn a spot on Shattuck‑St. Mary’s 18U prep team last season, adds a two‑way presence that could reshape defensive strategies at the next level.
Defensive Architects
On the blue line, Nash Roed brings a family pedigree that includes brothers Lleyton and Nolan, both of whom have carved out successful college careers at Bemidji State University and St. Cloud State University respectively. R.J. Thompson, who broke Danny Kristo’s freshman scoring record at Eden Prairie High School, carries a connection to Grand Forks that could influence his development path. Carter Morris, a star for Shattuck‑St. Mary’s 16U team, posted 81 points in 51 games, signaling a potent offensive upside that may translate well to higher competition.
Will Losauro is expected to be one of the U.S. Under‑17 Team’s top scorers this season, while Levi Ellingson, the No. 1 pick in the Western Hockey League’s U.S. Prospect Draft in 2025, already commands attention. Jack Queally led St. Sebastian Prep School in scoring last season and will join the Under‑17 squad this year, joining a cohort that includes Mason Schemenauer, a big, physical defenseman with a mean streak, and Landon Knott, a smart, poised defender whose uncle Todd serves as associate head coach at the University of Wisconsin.
Between the Pipes
Between the pipes, Mason Martin emerges as the top goaltending prospect, having starred for the Fox Motors 15U team and earning a spot on the U.S. Under‑17 Team. Ryan Teuscher, a big‑time scorer who potted more than a goal per game for Fox Motors last season, also heads to the Under‑17 roster, while Gavin Godbout averaged just under a point per game for Hill‑Murray last season. Liam Brooks contributed 15 goals and 27 points in 22 games for Duluth East, and Cayden Jackman, son of longtime Blues defenseman Barret Jackman, adds another generational link to the blue line.
The depth of talent extends to other notable names such as Ethan Sung, who finished tied for third in scoring on Shattuck’s 18U prep team and will play for Sioux Falls in the USHL, and Parker Colmer, whose history of big offensive productions began at Shattuck’s 14U and 15U levels. Jack Trupiano was the leading scorer for Little Caesars’ 15U team last season and is headed to the Under‑17 Team this year, while Dylan Delgado, a smart, offensively gifted goal‑scorer, has tendered with Sioux Falls. Ben Slavick, a skilled forward from Little Caesars, has committed to Green Bay in the USHL, and Andrew Krochalk, a two‑way defender, will also join the Under‑17 squad this fall.
Other prospects making noise include Eli Bimmerle, who scored 32 goals in 59 games for the Dallas Stars Elite 16U team and has signed to play for Des Moines in the USHL, and Avery Hanowski, a power forward who can operate at both center and wing, posting 23 points in 31 games for Rosemount High last season. The goaltending pipeline also features Mason Martin and Ryan Teuscher, while defensemen like Easton Dozark, who scored 50 goals from the back end last season and signed with Portland in the WHL, and Jack Riehl, a big offensive producer who led the Pittsburgh Penguins 15U in goals and points, round out a formidable group. The breadth of talent is further highlighted by players such as Tyler Kunz, Jackson Kunz, Rylan Aufderheide, Matty Lynn, Cam Minella, Deverin Warner, Cameron Evans, M.J. Campbell, Blake Wilichoski, Connor Dwyer, John Gramer, Drew Kortan, Nolan Marto, Henry Meier, Nolan Shorter, and Griffin Carver, each bringing distinct skills that could shape the collegiate landscape over the next few years.