A Season of Recognition
Union College’s men’s hockey program concluded its 2025‑26 campaign by honoring a select group of student‑athletes who combined competitive success with scholarly commitment. The awards ceremony, held on campus, underscored the program’s emphasis on holistic development.
Senior forward Brandon Buhr stood out with a third consecutive Thomas Van Arden Dukehart Academic Award, reflecting his sustained classroom excellence. His on‑ice contributions were equally impressive, as he posted 19 goals and 17 assists en route to being named the team’s most outstanding player. Buhr also took a next step off the ice, signing a professional contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs on March 18.
Sophomore Lucas Buzziol earned the Scott Richardson Unsung Hero Award, a testament to his durability and work ethic. An active Ironman streak now spans 60 games, and his 14‑goal, 13‑assist line produced an eight‑game point streak that helped stabilize the squad during a critical stretch.
Defensive standout Drew Sutton captured the Charlie N. Morrison Award for the second straight year. In 33 appearances he contributed three goals and seven assists, consistently logging heavy minutes and penalty‑kill responsibilities.
Blueliner Tyler Dunbar was presented with the Coaches Award after setting a program record with 12 goals from the defensive position. His 33 points rank among the top single‑season performances by Union defenders, underscoring his offensive impact from the back end.
Rookie Etienne Lessard received the Rookie of the Year honor, finishing the season with 19 assists and a total of 24 points. He highlighted his breakout with four assists in a victory over Clarkson on February 7, a performance that helped swing the game in Union’s favor.
Finally, Troy Pelton was recognized with the Most Improved Player Award. In his inaugural collegiate season he recorded two goals and seven assists, showing marked growth across both ends of the rink.
The accolades were announced in conjunction with Union College, ECAC Hockey, and the broader collegiate circuit, reflecting the program’s integration within the ECAC framework and its ties to institutions such as Colorado College.