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JUNE 2026 USAHOCKEYMAGAZINE.COM // 39 Caleb Heil was one of the nation's top junior goaltenders during the 2025-26 season, starring for both the USHL's Madison Capitols, as well as the U.S. National Junior Team at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship. The Victoria, Minnesota, native posted a 2.34 goals-against average and .905 save percentage across 41 regular-season appearances for Madison. His goals-against average ranked third in the USHL and was the best mark among American goaltenders. He also finished tied for third in the league with three shutouts, while his 24-13-3 (W-L- OTL) record helped lift the Capitols to a Clark Cup playoff berth. He elevated his play in the postseason, backstopping Madison to the USHL Eastern Conference Finals while posting a 7-4-0 (W-L- OTL) record, a league-best .944 save percentage, and a 1.95 goals-against average that ranked second among qualified playoff goaltenders. His postseason run was highlighted by a 40-save shutout in an overtime victory over the Youngstown Phantoms in the second round. On the international stage, Heil represented Team USA at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship in Minnesota. The University of North Dakota commit and Tampa Bay Lightning draft pick earned USHL Goaltender of the Week honors four times during the 2025-26 campaign. P Max Plante, a soph- o m o r e f o r w a r d f o r t h e U n i v e r s i t y o f M i n n e s o t a D u l u t h , m a d e h i s p r e s e n c e k n o w n o n t h e i c e during the 2025-26 season. An alternate captain for the Bulldogs, Plante was named the 2026 Hobey Baker Memorial Award winner and was as an elite offensive threat every time he touched the puck. Plante finished the season third in the nation in total points (52) and second in goals (25). His 1.30 points per game ranked eighth in NCAA Division I and first in the National Collegiate Hockey Conference. A difference maker, Plante tallied six game-winning goals on the season, best in the NCHC and third nationally. The Hermantown, Minnesota, native, was named a 2025-26 CCM/ AHCA Hockey West First Team All-American, College Hockey News Player of the Year, NCHC Conference Player of the Year and was Minnesota Duluth's first-ever NCHC Forward of the Year as well. He continued his excellence into the postseason, recording seven points (3g, 4a) in six games across the NCHC and NCAA tournaments. He propelled the Bulldogs to a 3-1 victory over Penn State in the first round of the NCAA Tournament with a goal and an assist, leading his team to an NCAA Regional Final for the first time since 2022. For his efforts, Plante was named to the Albany Regional All-Tournament Team. On the international stage, Plante was named to the U.S. National Ju n i o r Te a m t h a t t o o k p a r t i n t h e 2 0 2 6 I I H F Wo r l d Ju n i o r Championship in his home state of Minnesota. Max Plante Jim Johannson College Player of the Year Caleb Heil Dave Peterson Goaltender of the Year Alex Pelletier was a force throughout the 2025-26 season for the USHL's Lincoln Stars, earning USHL Player and Forward of the Year honors after a historic offensive season. The Granby, Connecticut, native led the USHL with 48 goals, the second-most in the league's history (1979-present), and led the league in points with 85, 11 more than the next closest player. His 1.44 points per game also led the USHL. A consistent offensive threat, Pelletier recorded a league-leading 270 shots in the regular season. The forward was trusted in all situations for Lincoln throughout the year, recording 12 power-play goals and a pair of shorthanded tallies, while finishing the season with a plus/minus of +17. Pelletier, an alternate captain, was a crit- ical player for the Stars, recording 18 more goals and 13 more points than his next high- est-scoring teammate. His efforts led Lincoln to a Clark Cup Playoff appearance, as he became the first player from the program honored as the USHL Player and Forward of the Year since 2011-12. The All-USHL First Team selection con- tinued his stellar play into the postseason, leading his team to a first-round victory over the Des Moines Buccaneers in a close three- game series. He closed the playoffs with eight points (4g, 4a) in eight contests. Pelletier is set to continue his hockey career at Boston College next year. Alex Pelletier Dave Tyler Junior Player of the Year Click to read more on Plante Click to read more on Pelletier Click to read more on Heil