HCA Year Closes With Men’s March-April Honors
Thursday, April 16, 2026
Memorable post-season perfromances are highlighted in the March-April honors announced today by the Hockey Commissioners Association.
Men’s Co-Forwards of the Month: Zam Plante, SO F, Minnesota Duluth
(Hermantown, MN) and
TJ Hughes, SR F, Michigan
(Hamilton, ON)
Both of these talented forwards put up a line of 4-6-10 in six games played. Plante tallied at least one point in each of his games, His 10 points tied him for best in the nation as well as best in the NCHC in March/April. Hughes took his squad to the Big Ten Tournament Championship and on to the Frozen Four. Tied for NCAA lead in March/April.
Runner-Up:
Michael Mesic, SO F, Bentley
(Plymouth, MI) (5 GP, 5-3-8)
Men’s Goalie of the Month: ohnny Hicks FR G, Denver
(Kamloops, BC)
Named Most Outstanding Player of the Frozen Four as he made a career-high 49 saves in a 4-3 2OT win over Michigan in the semifinals and then stopped 29 of 30 shots in a 2-1 championship game victory. He was also MOP of NCHC Frozen Faceoff and the NCAA Regional. Numbers: 8-0-0, .956, 1.24.
Runners-Up:
Emmet Croteau, JR G, Dartmouth
(Bonnyville, AB) (4-1-0, 1.16, .953)
Max Lundgren, JR G, Merrimack
(Angelholm, Sweden) (4-1-0, .951, 1.59)
Ajeet Gundarah, SO G, Sacred Heart
(richmond, BC) (4-2-0, 1.68, .943)
Men’s Defender of the Month: Ben Dexheimer, SR D, Wisconsin
(Edina, MN)
Dexheimer captained the Badgers to within a goal of the national championship. He scored the GWG in OT against Michigan State in the Regionals, and assisted on the GTG. He also set up the GWG in Wisconsin’s 2-1 semifinal win over North Dakota. He finished the month with 1-5-6 in seven games.
Runners-Up:
Garrett Brown, JR D, Denver
(San Jose, CA) (5 GP, 0-5-5)
David Helledy, SO D, Bentley
(Milwaukee, WI) (6 GP, 3-5-8)
Tim Busconi, SO D, Dartmouth
(Milton, MA) (5 GP, 1-2-3)
Men’s Co-Rookies of the Month: Clarke Caswell, FR F, Denver
(Brandon, MB)
Caswell tied for the NCAA lead among rookies with nine points (4-5-9 in eight games). Had two points in the NCHC Championship Game, including setting up the GWG. Had 1-1-2 in 4-3 2 OT win over Michigan in NCAA semifinal.
Jake Karabela, FR F, Ohio State (Guelph, ON)
Karabela had 4-5-9 in just five games for Ohio State. His 1.8 points per game led the NCAA.
Runner-Up:
Gavin Bryant, FR F, Sacred Heart
(Ingersoll, ON) (6 GP, 1-4-5)
