I have always wanted to count down the best colleges for college hockey, and most people don't realize that college hockey is just getting bigger and better with NIL deals like crazy.
Michigan
We all know this choice was kind of a no brainer for people that know hockey, with tons of players going to the NHL every year including Luke Hughes, Kent Jhonson, Adam Fantilli, and more. I just visited their hockey arena called Yost ice arena, and it was awesome. Imagine it being packed for a playoff game. Michigan is always that one school that dominates in sports 90% of the time, and many Alumni hockey players from there say it;s an awesome place to be for school and sports. ( despite being a Notre Dame fan)
2. Boston College
All the colleges I pick are based on how good they are, and how many NHL players they have produced. Boston College is also a hot place for NTDP prospects to go after their time playing for the US, speaking of that I mentioned James Haegan in the 2025 NHL draft who just committed to BC a month ago. BC features Jack Eichel, Jhonny Gaudreuo, Chris Kreider, Alex Tuch, and more. The Boston schools are always big on hockey and Boston College is a popular destination for US born players. BC has also won 6 national championships for hockey and is looking for way more to come in the future.
3. Notre Dame
With missing the NCAA tournament last year, this year Notre Dame is looking to charge back in with Jeff Jackson and the fighting Irish. They have an intense rivalry between Michigan, which is a game you want to watch every year at Yost arena or Compton Family ice arena. Notre Dame is a no-brainer a for young USHL players to go, along with Michigan and BC. Hopefully the boys can crack the playoffs this year. Also to mention that their uniforms are sick with the Gold helmets.
Why college hockey is the best
For American kids research shows that about 60% of American kids play in the USHL and go to college and 30% of Canadians play College hockey. Well people ask me why play College hockey when you could just play Major Juniors in Canada? Well Major Juniors are good for kids who have an elite skill set like Connor Bedard, or have a back up plan for their career, the OHL, WHL and QMJHL is probably for you, but if you're normal or an a little above average NHL'er, then college is the best option because you can play for 1-2 years and work on your degree, and dominate college hockey.
4. Minnesota
Minnesota was a huge team last year with Logan Cooley and Matthew Knies. But one thing you might now remember is them losing in the NCAA national championship in April.
They had a huge chance but just missed it. They had two Hobby Baker award finalist's as you know Logan Cooley and Matthew Knies, but the award ended up going to Adam Fantilli which a lot of my respect goes to. Minnesota is up for another great year in recruiting and dominating even though they lost Logan Cooley to the Arizona Coyotes.
5. North Dakota Univ
North Dakota just got to have an elite hockey team recently. But they are rising in the ranks here every year. I saw a drone tour of their facilities, and oh man it is fancy. They had ice baths, zero gravity beds, and more. It's weird how random west cost hockey schools like Colorado, Arizona State, and North Dakota who have good D1 hockey schools. North Dakota produces about 10 players in the draft each year, along with kids coming from the USHL to play there every year.
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