Cornell Hockey Stars Nick DeSantis & Hoyt Stanley Lead New Generation: Devlin & Rising Talent’s Path to Glory

The American Hockey Coaches Association (AHCA) and Krampade Sports have named four Cornell men’s hockey players to the 2026 AHCA/Krampade All-American Scholars team, marking the first time in program history that four Big Red players have received the honor in a single year.

According to the AHCA announcement, former Cornell players Nick DeSantis and Hoyt Stanley—both of whom played for the team between 2019 and 2023—were recognized alongside rising senior forward Luke Devlin and rising junior forward Jack McCarthy. The award, given to student-athletes who excel both on the ice and in the classroom, underscores Cornell’s continued dominance in academic hockey.

DeSantis, who graduated in 2023 and now plays professionally with the ECHL’s Orlando Solar Bears, was named to the team for his academic achievements while at Cornell, where he graduated with a degree in Industrial and Labor Relations. Stanley, who also graduated in 2023 and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Sports Management, earned the honor for his 3.9 GPA and leadership on the ice.

Devlin, a 6-foot-1 center from North Smithfield, Rhode Island, is entering his final season with the Big Red after a standout junior campaign in which he recorded 15 goals and 22 assists. McCarthy, a 5-foot-10 winger from Avon, Connecticut, was named to the team for his 3.8 GPA and strong offensive production this season, where he has already contributed 12 points in 15 games.

Why This Matters: Cornell’s Academic Hockey Legacy

The 2026 All-American Scholars team selection highlights Cornell’s long-standing tradition of academic excellence in hockey. The Big Red have produced 11 AHCA/Krampade All-Americans since the award’s inception in 2003, more than any other program in the ECAC Hockey conference. This year’s four honorees tie the school record for the most players named in a single season, previously set in 2018 when four Big Red players were recognized.

“This is a testament to the commitment of our student-athletes to both their hockey careers and their academic pursuits,” said Cornell head coach Mike Santorelli in a statement to the Ithaca Journal. “Our program has always prioritized the student-athlete experience, and these four individuals embody that philosophy.”

How the Award Is Determined

The AHCA/Krampade All-American Scholars team is selected annually by a panel of Division I men’s ice hockey coaches based on academic achievement, athletic performance, and leadership. To qualify, players must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 while competing in at least 60% of their team’s games during the season.

This year’s selection process included nominations from head coaches across the country, with the finalists reviewed by a committee of AHCA members. The award carries significant prestige, as past recipients have gone on to achieve success in professional hockey, coaching, and academic leadership roles.

What Comes Next for the Honorees

For DeSantis and Stanley, the recognition comes as they transition into professional and graduate careers. DeSantis, who was a two-time ECAC All-Star during his time at Cornell, has already made an impact in the ECHL, where he led the Solar Bears in scoring during the 2025-26 regular season. Stanley, meanwhile, is expected to leverage his Cornell degree and hockey experience in a front-office role within the next year.

Devlin and McCarthy, still active in the program, will look to build on their academic and athletic achievements in their final seasons. Devlin, who was named to the ECAC All-Rookie Team in 2024, has drawn interest from NHL scouts, while McCarthy’s strong start to the season has solidified his status as a key playmaker for the Big Red.

Cornell will host its annual Academic All-Star Game on January 15, 2027, where the four honorees will be formally recognized alongside other top academic performers from across the country. The event, held in conjunction with the AHCA’s annual convention, serves as a platform to celebrate the intersection of athletics and academics in college hockey.

A Comparison: Cornell’s Academic Hockey Success Over Time

Cornell’s 2026 All-American Scholars team is the latest in a long line of academic achievements for the program. Below is a comparison of the Big Red’s most recent honorees and their academic records:

• Nick DeSantis (2023): 3.7 GPA, Industrial and Labor Relations major, ECAC All-Star (2022, 2023)
• Hoyt Stanley (2023): 3.9 GPA, Sports Management major, ECAC First Team All-Star (2021, 2022)
• Luke Devlin (2026): 3.5 GPA (projected), Industrial and Labor Relations major, ECAC All-Rookie Team (2024)
• Jack McCarthy (2026): 3.8 GPA, Applied Economics major, ECAC Honorable Mention (2025)

This year’s honorees continue a trend of high academic achievement among Cornell’s hockey players, with all four maintaining GPAs above the 3.5 threshold. The program’s emphasis on balancing hockey and academics has contributed to its success in producing well-rounded student-athletes who excel in both arenas.

According to Cornell’s athletic department, 98% of Big Red hockey graduates from the past decade have secured employment or admission to graduate school within six months of graduation, a figure that underscores the program’s commitment to academic excellence.

The 2026 AHCA/Krampade All-American Scholars team announcement was made on June 28, 2026, following a review process that included input from coaches, athletic directors, and academic advisors from programs across the country. The full list of honorees, which includes players from 12 different schools, was published on the AHCA’s official website.