The countdown to the 2026 recruiting cycle is ticking, and with official campus visits set to open on August 1, a fresh cohort of American prospects is poised to make their marks. Coaches across the country are already circling a handful of names that blend elite skill with hometown pride, promising a new wave of talent for collegiate programs and beyond.
Forwards and Scorers
Among the most talked‑about forwards, Joey Cullen stands out as the best of Matt and Bridget’s children, while his brother Wyatt was drafted No. 10 overall in the NHL Draft. R.J. Thompson broke Danny Kristo’s freshman scoring record at Eden Prairie High School and carries ties to Grand Forks. Avery Hanowski powered Rosemount High with 23 points in 31 games last season, and Eli Bimmerle netted 32 goals for the Dallas Stars Elite 16U before committing to Des Moines in the USHL.
Defensive Architects
On the blue line, Drew Daley leads the class as the top defenseman, having posted 37 points in 54 games. Easton Dozark, a physically dominant defenseman, recorded 50 goals from the back end last season, while Jack Queally will transition to the U.S. Under‑17 Team after leading St. Sebastian Prep in scoring. Mason Schemenauer brings size and a mean streak, Landon Knott offers poise, and Tyler Kunz tallied 61 points for Shattuck‑St. Mary’s 15U, rounding out a deep pool of defensive talent.
Between the Pipes
Between the pipes, Mason Martin is heralded as the top goaltending prospect and will don a U.S. Under‑17 jersey this fall. Ethan Sung finished tied for third in scoring on Shattuck’s 18U prep team and will head to Sioux Falls in the USHL, while Levi Ellingson, the No. 1 pick in the Western Hockey League’s U.S. Prospect Draft, adds another layer of depth.
Pathways and Programs
Many of these prospects will travel through established pipelines such as the United States Hockey League and the Western Hockey League, while others will commit to collegiate routes that include the University of Minnesota, Bemidji State University, St. Cloud State University, and the University of Wisconsin. The connections to institutions like Shattuck‑St. Mary’s School and the broader network of USHL and WHL teams create a fertile environment for development.