Back in 1980, the best NCAA hockey players in the United States shocked the world with the “Miracle on Ice.” While this isn’t the Olympics, another historic moment for college hockey is coming this December.
The U.S. Collegiate Selects Team — a hand-picked all-star roster of 25 elite NCAA Division I players — has been announced for the 102-year-old Spengler Cup in Davos, Switzerland. The tournament begins Dec. 26 and is widely considered the oldest and one of the most prestigious invitational hockey tournaments in the world.
Six top club or national teams from around the globe will compete, but for the first time ever, the NCAA will send an all-star team. Previous NCAA involvement came only from full teams — Minnesota in 1981 and North Dakota in 1982. This, however, is different. This is the best collection of NCAA talent ever sent to the Spengler Cup.
Led by Penn State head coach Guy Gadowsky — with New Hampshire’s Mike Souza and Niagara’s Jason Lammers as assistants — the Selects are expected to make an immediate impact. Naturally, Penn State leads all schools with five selections, including Aiden Fink, Charlie Cerrato, JJ Wiebusch, Matt DiMarsico, and defenseman Mac Gadowsky (the coach’s son).
Cerrato has already posted 20 points in 14 games, Wiebusch leads the Nittany Lions with nine goals, and DiMarsico sits right behind him with eight.
Michigan star forward TJ Hughes, one of the biggest NIL names in college hockey, headlines the roster. After dominating in Canadian Juniors, Hughes has become one of Michigan’s most reliable scorers, leading the Wolverines with 15 goals last season and helping Michigan reach a No. 2 national ranking this year.
Defensively, the Selects are stacked as well. Denver’s Eric Pohlkamp anchors a blue line that also features Boston University’s Gavin McCarthy and North Dakota’s Abram Wiebe. In goal, Minnesota Duluth’s Adam Gajan, Augustana’s Josh Kotai, and Minnesota State’s Alex Tracy will split duties.
U.S. Collegiate Selects Roster
Forwards & Defensemen
| Position | Player | School |
|---|---|---|
| F | Owen Beckner | Colorado College |
| F | Quinn Finley | Wisconsin |
| F | Martins Lavins | New Hampshire |
| F | Joey Muldowney | UConn |
| F | Jack Musa | UMass |
| F | Cole Knuble | Notre Dame |
| F | Danny Nelson | Notre Dame |
| F | Zam Plante | Minnesota Duluth |
| F | Jack Stockfish | Holy Cross |
| F | Ryan Walsh | Cornell |
| F | Aiden Fink | Penn State |
| F | Charlie Cerrato | Penn State |
| F | JJ Wiebusch | Penn State |
| F | Matt DiMarsico | Penn State |
| F | TJ Hughes | Michigan |
| D | Vinny Borgesi | Northeastern |
| D | Mac Gadowsky | Penn State |
| D | Larry Keenan | UMass |
| D | Jake Livanavage | North Dakota |
| D | Gavin McCarthy | Boston University |
| D | Eric Pohlkamp | Denver |
| D | Abram Wiebe | North Dakota |
Goaltenders
| Position | Player | School |
|---|---|---|
| G | Adam Gajan | Minnesota Duluth |
| G | Josh Kotai | Augustana |
| G | Alex Tracy | Minnesota State |
Coaching Staff
Head Coach: Guy Gadowsky — Penn State
Assistant Coach: Mike Souza — New Hampshire
Assistant Coach: Jason Lammers — Niagara
The U.S. Collegiate Selects will open Spengler Cup play on Dec. 26 against Canada. With NHL-level talent, elite coaching, and some of the biggest names in college hockey, this is the strongest American collegiate team ever assembled for the tournament — and one that could make history in Europe.
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