The University of Michigan announced this week that seven new freshmen will join the Wolverines' ice hockey squad for the 2026‑27 campaign, each bringing a distinct set of achievements from the junior ranks.
Among them, forward J.P. Hurlbert arrives from Allen, Texas, where he earned a spot in the 2026 NHL Draft after a standout season in the USHL, and he now hopes to translate that prospect status into collegiate success.
Defenseman Brandt Harper, a Tampa, Florida native, spent the last two years with the North Bay Battalion of the OHL, where his physical play and offensive instincts drew attention from several NHL clubs.
Landon Dupont, hailing from Calgary, Alberta, was granted exceptional status in 2024 and has already logged extensive minutes with the Everett Silvertips of the WHL, a trajectory that culminated in a draft‑eligible year for the upcoming NHL entry draft.
Forward Jack Nesbitt, a Sarnia, Ontario product, was selected by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2025 NHL Draft, a testament to his scoring prowess in the OHL and his potential to contribute immediately at the collegiate level.
Defenseman Cam Reid, from Aylmer, Ontario, earned a 2025 NHL Draft pick by the Nashville Predators after a breakout season with the OHL's London Knights, where his defensive reliability was a key factor.
Left winger Kieren Dervin, a Gloucester, Ontario native, was drafted by the Vancouver Canucks in the 2025 draft, bringing a blend of speed and playmaking that made him a standout for the Ottawa 67's.
Finally, Nic Sima, a Mississauga, Ontario forward, has compiled OHL experience with North Bay, Saginaw and Ottawa, offering a versatile offensive skill set that could diversify the Wolverines' attack.
A Talent‑Rich Incoming Class
Coaches and analysts alike see the class as one of the most talent‑laden freshmen groups in recent memory, with multiple players already holding NHL draft status and a history of competing at the highest levels of junior hockey.
The influx of players from diverse regions — spanning Texas, Florida, Alberta, and Ontario — reflects the program's expanding recruiting footprint and its ability to attract prospects who have already tasted professional draft attention.
As the Wolverines prepare for the upcoming season, the blend of seasoned junior experience and fresh draft energy is expected to elevate the team's competitiveness within the Big Ten conference.