The University of New Hampshire revealed that a record 21 players from its men’s hockey team have earned spots on the Hockey East All‑Academic Team for the 2025‑26 season. Each honoree posted a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0, meeting the league’s strict academic standards while competing at the Division I level.
Excellence on the Ice and in the Classroom
Hockey East instituted the All‑Academic honor to recognize student‑athletes who excel academically and athletically. To qualify, a player must maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher for each semester and be enrolled full‑time, demonstrating that the rigors of Division I hockey can coexist with top‑tier scholarship.
Among the honorees, senior goaltender Jared Whale from Calgary, Alberta, stood out with a flawless 4.0 GPA. His academic prowess also earned him the Hockey East Top Scholar Athlete award and a place on the Academic All‑Star Team, highlighting a rare combination of athletic skill and scholarly distinction.
The list also celebrates repeat achievers. Junior forward Jason Siedem from Madison, New Jersey, and sophomore defenseman Ryan MacPherson from Windsor, Ontario, join senior defenseman Nick Ring from Hingham, Massachusetts, and senior forward Kristaps Skrastins from Grobina, Latvia, as two‑time recipients of the All‑Academic honor.
A Culture of Scholarship
Beyond the multi‑time honorees, the team welcomed a wave of first‑time recipients, including seniors Kyle Chauvette of Goffstown, New Hampshire, and Morgan Winters of Osprey, Florida, as well as freshmen such as Reid Conn of Littleton, Colorado, and Félix Gagnon of Jonquière, Quebec. Their inclusion reflects a program that values intellectual growth as much as physical performance.
University officials praised the students for embodying the Wildcats’ mission to develop well‑rounded leaders. Athletic Director Jeff Hayes noted that the team’s academic success is a testament to the support structures in place, from tutoring services to flexible scheduling, which enable athletes to thrive in demanding academic environments.
The recognition extends beyond individual accolades, reinforcing the University of New Hampshire’s reputation as a powerhouse that excels both on the rink and in the classroom. As the season progresses, the team aims to translate this dual excellence into continued competitiveness within Hockey East and beyond.