Sun Devil Hockey announced Wednesday that it has inked seven promising freshmen to its roster for the upcoming 2026‑27 campaign, a move that bolsters the program’s depth at both forward and defense.
A Deep Dive into the Freshman Class
The incoming group comprises five forwards and two defensemen, each bringing a distinct set of achievements from junior leagues across North America.
Michael Barron, a forward hailing from Canton, Michigan, topped his junior team with 68 points during the 2025‑26 season, underscoring his offensive reliability.
Nathan Behm, a Calgary‑born forward who earned a spot on the Chicago Blackhawks’ draft list, posted 86 points in his final junior year, positioning him as a top offensive prospect.
Landon Hafele, representing Fairbanks, Alaska, arrives as the No. 64 North American skater per NHL Central Scouting, a ranking that highlights his defensive readiness.
Teddy Merrill, a Scottsdale native, enjoyed a point‑per‑game season with 60 points and captured the Curt Hammer Award, a testament to his all‑around contribution.
Lukas Sawchyn, also from Calgary, finished eighth in the WHL with 87 points in the 2025‑26 season, adding a high‑caliber scoring touch.
On the blue line, Jack Willson from Northville, Michigan, was named USHL defenseman of the year after compiling 47 points in the 2025‑26 campaign.
Completing the defensive duo, Jonas Woo from Winnipeg, Manitoba, set a franchise record for points by a defenseman with 86 points in a single season.
Together, these recruits promise to inject a blend of scoring depth, defensive stability, and international experience into the Sun Devil lineup.