A historic academic milestone
The 2025-26 ECAC Hockey All-Academic Team showcases a new high for Union College, with 25 student-athletes earning the distinction. This marks the largest cohort in the program's history and underscores the growing emphasis on academic excellence within the program.
To qualify, each player must maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, reflecting a rigorous standard that blends classroom dedication with on-ice performance.
Four seniors — Ethan Benz, Carter Korpi, Cal Mell, and Nick Young — stood out by securing spots on the team for the fourth consecutive season. Their sustained achievement illustrates a rare blend of longevity and scholarly consistency in collegiate hockey.
Freshman Brandon Buhr also received recognition, earning a place on the Commissioner's List for the second straight year. The list honors those who have previously been named to the All-Academic Team, with an asterisk denoting the number of prior honors.
Implications for the program
The collective honor not only celebrates individual accomplishment but also reinforces Union College's commitment to developing well-rounded athletes. As the program continues to attract talent, this academic milestone serves as a benchmark for future teams aiming to balance competitive success with scholarly rigor.