UNH Hockey Off Season Thread 2026

[HockeyRef]

Hello All,
Felt it was time to start the 'off season' thread. Hope that those who have info about incoming players etc post any news here.

 

[Chuck Murray]

It will be very interesting to see how many current UNH players hit the transfer portal after it opens on April 13th ...

 

[Chuck Murray]

This never gets old ...

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

www.youtube.com

 

[Robert Balin]

So lets see what UNH has coming in for recruits for next season. Nico Tournas is their prize recruit 62-41-31-72 He's ranked #81 for the draft this year. Nicky Romeo 55-27-23 A late bloomer who can score goals and a good two way forward. Mason Zebeski has split time with 2 teams in the Q 65-19-27-46 very physical foward who's good in the trenches. Parker Von Richter defense teammate of Zebeski 65-12-37-49. UNH is fortunate to grab him a very dependable defender and great playmaker on the PP. I would imagine Leonardo Heniquez will come in this year as Ryan Grout has had a tough season. Price Grimes and Kole Hyles more than likely will be brought in in 2027. Connor MacPherson was sent to Jrs after a year at UNH has a 62-12-14-26 in the Q.I just don't see him coming back but who knows. Who knows who will stay and who goes in the portal and things will have to be adjusted in that matter. I'm sure snag a goalie in the Portal and hopefully a established goal scorer .

 

[Potluck]

i would like to see Lavins at Providence, BU, or BC so he could play big games and in the NCAA tourney. Other than Fitzgerald, Lavins and Philbrick and perhaps Newcombe (I doubt it) I doubt any other schools are serious about UNH transfer candidates.

UNH would love some goal scorers since this years team couldn't score. Scoring cost NIL money so there's little real help that is likely coming.

 

[Robert Balin]

i would like to see Lavins at Providence, BU, or BC so he could play big games and in the NCAA tourney. Other than Fitzgerald, Lavins and Philbrick and perhaps Newcombe (I doubt it) I doubt any other schools are serious about UNH transfer candidates.

UNH would love some goal scorers since this years team couldn't score. Scoring cost NIL money so there's little real help that is likely coming.

If your a UNH fan why would you want Lavins leaving?. I feel Fitzgerald might be a flight risk with his BC connections he was solid this year.

 

[FlagUp17]

Gagnon is one I’m worried about. I bet we lose another 2-3 games this year if we weren’t as good at the dot as we were…

Good teams will see that, and I presume he will get some interest on the market. I hope he plans to stay though.

Jellsville also brought up a really interesting point about STH prices going up after 3/21 (right at the end of the last thread). You wonder if the school will see another drop in STH sales, and maybe that prompts them to make some changes?

If they drop Souza I bet they will be astounded by the sales that immediately proceed, even before a new coach is hired!

 

[TheGrouchyCat]

i would like to see Lavins at Providence, BU, or BC so he could play big games and in the NCAA tourney. Other than Fitzgerald, Lavins and Philbrick and perhaps Newcombe (I doubt it) I doubt any other schools are serious about UNH transfer candidates.

UNH would love some goal scorers since this years team couldn't score. Scoring cost NIL money so there's little real help that is likely coming.

Felix was in the top three nationally in face off win %. My contacts in Duluth have said they'd love to get their hands on him.

 

[Robert Balin]

Felix was in the top three nationally in face off win %. My contacts in Duluth have said they'd love to get their hands on him.

Faceoff Performance Highlights
As of March 16, 2026, Gagnon's performance at the dot established him as a premier specialist:

• National Ranking (Wins): Ranked 48th in the NCAA with 315 faceoff wins.
• Win Percentage: Maintained an elite 61.5% faceoff win rate through 29 games, significantly higher than most regular centers.
• Team Impact: Led the University of New Hampshire (UNH) in faceoff efficiency, often taking critical draws in defensive situations.
  NCAA.com +2

 

[Potluck]

If your a UNH fan why would you want Lavins leaving?. I feel Fitzgerald might be a flight risk with his BC connections he was solid this year.

I'm a real fan. Lavins is a first rate player that has given his heart and soul to the program. He has nothing to show for it. Wearing the C for what likely is his coach's final season for a likely 9-11 place team isn't right. His is team first winning player that should play in the championship game of the HE tourney and in the NCAA tourney. Not going to happen in Durham. Lavin reminds me a lot of Savo Mitrovic, who was a wonderful team first player in the late 80s early 90s.

 

[Potluck]

Gagnon is a nice player but his upside is really limited and his offense just didn't surface like it should have. There was a ton of power play time available for the taking and none of the forwards on the roster took advantage of it.

 

[TheGrouchyCat]

Gagnon is a nice player but his upside is really limited and his offense just didn't surface like it should have. There was a ton of power play time available for the taking and none of the forwards on the roster took advantage of it.

You nailed it...none took advantage and seized the opportunity

 

[FlagUp17]

Saw Hrabal was named HE player of the year. Not surprised at all I think the guy is a stud and likely has a bright future in the NHL. It doesn’t hurt being 6’7” as a goalie either haha.

I’m guessing he goes pro after this year, given his standing as a junior.

Good goaltending can get you far in the NCAAs, I wouldn’t be surprised if he helps carry them to a FF.