Cole Tuminaro, a 6‑foot‑2 defenseman from New York, heard his name called 140th overall in the 2026 NHL Draft, a moment that capped a whirlwind year for the incoming Cornell Big Red.
He spent two seasons with the Chicago Steel of the United States Hockey League, registering 16 points in 54 regular‑season games while earning a spot on the league’s All‑Academic Team for the 2024‑25 campaign.
A Milestone in Cornell Hockey
Tuminaro becomes the fifth Cornell player to be selected by the Colorado Avalanche, joining alumni Ryan Hughes, Vincent Auger, Mark McCutcheon and Matt Stienburg among the franchise’s draft history.
The selection also marks the sixth consecutive NHL draft in which at least one Big Red prospect has been chosen, underscoring the program’s sustained pipeline to the professional ranks.
Beyond the draft, Tuminaro’s academic performance and community involvement reflect the university’s emphasis on developing well‑rounded student‑athletes.
Looking Ahead
Coaches at Cornell say the defenseman’s blend of size, skating and hockey sense should translate well to the Avalanche’s system, where he will compete for a spot on the club’s blue line in the coming years.
The news also highlights the growing partnership between USA Hockey, the United States Hockey League and collegiate programs in nurturing talent for the next generation of NHL players.