University of Massachusetts Hockey Team Sets Program Record with Five NHL Draft Picks

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Five members of the University of Massachusetts hockey team were selected in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, setting a program record, according to University of Massachusetts Athletics. The announcement, made on June 27, 2026, marks the highest number of UMass players drafted in a single year, surpassing the previous mark of three selections in 2018.

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How does this record compare to previous drafts?
The 2026 class includes forward Jake Reynolds, defenseman Ethan Cole, and three other players whose names were not immediately disclosed by the university. Prior to 2026, the program’s highest draft haul was three players in 2018, including forward Tyler Grant, who was selected by the New York Rangers in the third round. The 2026 total also exceeds the 2022 and 2024 classes, which each produced two selections.

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What are the implications for the program?
The achievement highlights the growing visibility of the UMass hockey program, which has steadily improved its national rankings over the past decade. Head coach Don Lucia, who has led the team since 2015, attributed the success to the program’s emphasis on player development and recruitment. “This reflects the hard work of our players, coaches, and the entire UMass community,” Lucia said in a statement. The university’s athletic department did not provide further details on the specific teams that selected the players or their draft positions.

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What does this mean for the players?
Reynolds, a junior, was the first UMass player selected in 2026, according to the university. Cole, a senior, and two other players were chosen in subsequent rounds. While the NHL draft typically includes 210 total selections, the exact round numbers for the UMass players were not disclosed in the initial announcement. The players are expected to begin training with their respective teams in the coming months.

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How does this fit into the broader context of college hockey?
The 2026 draft marked a record-breaking year for collegiate hockey programs, with 27 total selections across Division I teams. The University of Minnesota led all schools with five players drafted, followed by Boston University and Michigan, each with four. UMass’s five selections placed it among the top 10 programs nationally, according to NHL.com’s draft analysis. The success of the Minutemen underscores the increasing competitiveness of the Atlantic Hockey Association, the conference in which UMass competes.

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What are the next steps for the program?
The university plans to celebrate the achievement with a public recognition event later this month, according to a statement from the athletics department. Lucia emphasized that the focus remains on the upcoming 2026-27 season, which begins in October. “We’re proud of this milestone, but our goal is to continue building a championship-caliber program,” he said. The team’s performance in the 2026-27 season could further influence future draft prospects.

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The record-setting draft class follows a season in which UMass finished with a 24-12-3 overall record, including a third consecutive Atlantic Hockey championship. The team’s success has drawn increased attention from NHL scouts, with multiple players earning All-American honors. The university’s athletic department did not comment on whether the 2026 draft numbers could impact future recruitment strategies.

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“Every player who gets drafted is a testament to their dedication and the support they’ve received,” said UMass athletic director Kate Bock. “This is a proud moment for our program and our students.”