Ten years ago, a remarkable underdog story unfolded on the ice of Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. On April 12, 2014, the Union College Dutchmen (now known as the Garnet Chargers) etched their name into NCAA hockey lore by capturing the national championship in stunning fashion, defeating the mighty Minnesota Gophers 7-4.
As the puck dropped that fateful night, few gave Union a fighting chance against the powerhouse Gophers, stacked with NHL prospects and sporting a legacy of excellence.
Rutger McGroarty has his sights set on one goal this season - winning the NCAA hockey championship with the Michigan Wolverines. The 20-year-old forward, drafted 14th overall by the Winnipeg Jets in 2022, has been a driving force behind the Wolverines’ run to the Frozen Four, the NCAA’s equivalent of the Stanley Cup.
After a heartbreaking semifinal loss last year, McGroarty is determined to go one step further and capture the coveted national title.
In the world of college hockey, the Hobey Baker Award is the ultimate prize, honoring the top player in NCAA Division I men’s hockey each year. This season, three high-scoring forwards have emerged as the top contenders for this prestigious accolade: North Dakota’s Jackson Blake, Boston University’s Macklin Celebrini, and Boston College’s Cutter Gauthier.
The Hobey Baker Award is more than just a recognition of on-ice talent; it also considers character, sportsmanship, and academic achievements.
