Three members of the Hobart College men’s hockey team have been named to the 2026 Academic All‑America squad, a testament to the program’s blend of athletic prowess and scholarly achievement.
Scholar‑Athlete Spotlight
Kahlil Fontana, Conor Lally and Damon Beaver each received honors that reflect their performance both in the classroom and on the rink, with Fontana and Lally earning first‑team recognition and Beaver securing a second‑team slot.
Fontana graduated with a degree in business management and entrepreneurship and was crowned the 2026 SUNYAC Men’s Hockey Scholar‑Athlete of the Year. He capped his final season with 21 goals and 21 assists, totaling 42 points, and his clutch performance included the game‑winning goal in the 2025 national championship.
Lally, an economics major, contributed 14 goals and 25 assists during his last year and helped the Statesmen post an 87‑4‑2 record over three seasons. His defensive work anchored what the college describes as the nation’s top scoring defense.
Beaver, a graduate in psychological science, finished his career with a 20‑1 record, a 0.99 goals‑against average and a Division III record 26 shutouts. His 20‑win season paired with a career‑high 26 clean sheets underscored his dominance between the pipes.
The trio’s accomplishments add to a storied legacy; since 2006 Hobart has placed players on the Academic All‑America list 12 times, and the program has captured NCAA Division III championships in 2023, 2024 and 2025. In total, Hobart‑William Smith student‑athletes have earned 81 Academic All‑America awards since 1979.
College officials praised the student‑athletes for embodying the institution’s commitment to developing leaders who excel in competition and scholarship. The recognition also highlights the role of College Sports Communicators, which administers the honor.
The achievement underscores the broader impact of the program within the region, reflecting the strong academic standards of Hobart College and its partner institution, Hobart and William Smith, both located in Geneva, New York.