The University of Massachusetts announced that it will welcome a twelve‑player recruiting class for the upcoming 2026‑27 men’s ice hockey season, a move that promises to bolster the program’s depth and competitiveness.
Key Additions
Among the newcomers, Maxim Masse stands out as the QMJHL’s most prolific scorer, having captured the league’s MVP award after posting 102 points in 63 games, while Czech goaltender Tobias Trejbal brings a 2.16 goals‑against average and a .916 save percentage from 42 appearances.
International Reach
The class also features forward Samu Alalauri, a top‑20 international prospect from Finland, and additional talent from the Czech Republic, Sweden, Russia and the United States, highlighting the program’s global scouting network.
Development Paths
Players such as Max Curran, who averaged more than a point per game in two of his three WHL seasons, and Melvin Novotny, who recorded 57 points in 48 games for the Muskegon Lumberjacks, illustrate the diverse junior league backgrounds that will join the roster.
Veteran presence will come from Mathieu Talliefier, expected to inject maturity and leadership, while Gavin Cornforth’s 30 points in 29 games for the Moncton Wildcats and Egor Barabanov’s 91 points in 68 games for the Saginaw Spirit add offensive depth.
Draft and Experience
Additional contributors include Jasper Kuhta, who tallied 63 points in 62 games for the Ottawa 67’s, John McNelis, who appeared in 19 games for Boston University last season, and Ethan Eskit, who posted a 2.99 GAA and .904 save percentage in 53 games.
With a blend of high‑scoring forwards, steady defensemen and promising goaltenders, the Minutemen hope the new class will translate into a stronger performance in the upcoming season and beyond.