A Fresh Face for the Minutemen
The University of Massachusetts announced that Czech forward Max Curran will join the Minutemen for the 2026‑27 season, adding a blend of size, skill, and international pedigree to the program.
Standing at 6‑3 and weighing 187 pounds, Curran shoots left and is celebrated for his playmaking instincts. He grew up in Prague, Czechia, before moving to North America to develop his game in the Western Hockey League.
Curran’s draft pedigree includes a fifth‑round selection (161st overall) by the Colorado Avalanche in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, making him a recognized prospect within the Colorado organization and a Calgary Flames affiliate.
During his WHL career with the Tri‑City Americans and the Edmonton Oil Kings, he recorded 150 points across 141 games, including 42 goals and 108 assists, earning WHL Scholastic Player of the Year honors in 2024‑25.
Internationally, Curran represented Czechia at multiple junior levels, capturing silver medals at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup and the 2026 World Junior Championship, where he contributed five points in seven games.
A January injury cut short his most recent WHL campaign, but the forward has used the setback as motivation to prepare for his collegiate debut.
He will be joined by fellow freshman defenseman Barrett Dexheimer, forming a promising young core for the Minutemen.
Coach Greg Carvel expressed excitement about the new talent, noting that Curran’s experience on the world stage will complement the team’s depth and competitiveness.