COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – After announcing its All-Rookie Team on Monday, the National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) unveiled its three 2025-26 All-Conference Teams on Tuesday. Seven different NCHC teams are represented on at least one of the three All-NCHC Teams, including five different squads on the First Team. Two sets of brothers were named all-conference this year, as well.
 
Penrose Cup champion North Dakota was the lone team to place two players on the All-NCHC First Team in junior defenseman Jake Livanavage (8 first-team votes) and freshman goaltender Jan Špunar (8 first-team votes). Livanavage is the lone player to repeat his First-Team All-NCHC selection from last year, while Špunar is only the fourth freshman in NCHC history to earn First-Team honors and the first goaltender to do so.
 
Minnesota Duluth sophomore forward Max Plante was the lone unanimous selection to the All-NCHC First-Team, receiving all 17 possible first-team votes. St. Cloud State junior Tyson Gross (15 first-team votes) and Arizona State senior Cruz Lucius (8 first-team votes) round out the First-Team forwards, while Denver junior defenseman Eric Pohlkamp (16 first-team votes), who was nearly unanimous, completes the First-Team blueline. Pohlkamp was a Third-Team All-NCHC honoree last year, while Plante was named to the All-Rookie Team.
 
North Dakota leads all NCHC teams with five all-conference players overall, followed by three each from Minnesota Duluth and Western Michigan. Arizona State, Denver and St. Cloud State have a pair of all-conference honorees each, while Miami has one representative.
 
Landing on the All-NCHC Second Team is Arizona State senior Bennett Schimek (6 first-team votes), North Dakota senior Ben Strinden (2 first-team votes) and St. Cloud State sophomore Austin Burnevik (1 first-team vote) at forward. On the Second-Team blue line are another Fighting Hawk in junior Abram Wiebe (6 first-team votes) and Minnesota Duluth sophomore Ty Hanson (3 first-team votes). Western Michigan sophomore Hampton Slukynsky (8 first-team votes) repeats as the Second-Team All-NCHC goaltender, finishing one point in voting behind Špunar. In addition to Second-Team honors last year, Slukynsky was also tabbed to the 2024-25 NCHC All-Rookie Team along with Burnevik and Max Plante.
 
Five different teams are also represented on the All-NCHC Third Team, including a pair of Broncos. Garnering Third-Team All-NCHC accolades at forward are Minnesota Duluth sophomore Zam Plante, Western Michigan junior Grant Slukynsky and North Dakota senior Ellis Rickwood. Making up the Third-Team blue line are Denver junior Boston Buckberger and WMU senior Samuel Sjolund, while Miami sophomore Matteo Drobac gloved Third-Team goaltender honors.
 
FIRST-TEAM ALL-NCHC
Max Plante (Hermantown, Minn.) is a finalist for NCHC Player of the Year and Forward of the Year. The Detroit Red Wings draft pick leads the NCHC with 47 points (1.31ppg) in 36 games this season, with his 22 goals also first in the conference and his 25 assists seventh. His five game-winning goals tie for second in the NCHC, while he has one hat trick and carries a +14 plus/minus. In conference play, Plante finished fifth with both 12 goals and 25 points, including a trio of game-winners, while adding 13 assists. He was the NCHC and National Forward of the Month back in October.
 
Gross (Calgary, Alberta) is a finalist for NCHC Player of the Year, Forward of the Year and Defensive Forward of the Year. The SCSU captain had a stellar conference season, leading the way with 16 goals in 24 NCHC games, while his 28 points (16g/12a) were second in conference play. All three of his game-winning goals this season came in NCHC play, as well. Overall, Gross tied for fifth in NCHC scoring with 41 points in 36 games (1.14ppg), with his 18 goals tying for sixth in the conference and his 23 helpers tenth. In the center circle, he led the NCHC with 489 faceoff wins, while his .589 win percentage is fourth. Gross was named Forward of the Week in February when he scored both of his short-handed goals on the year.
 
Lucius (Grant, Minn.), who is a finalist for NCHC Forward of the Year, shined in his second season with the Sun Devils, racking up 27 points (7g/20a) in conference play, which ranked third. His 20 assists were tops in NCHC games. Overall, the Pittsburgh Penguins prospect finished the season with 46 points in 36 games (1.28ppg), which ranks second in the NCHC. Lucius scored 15 goals, including three game-winners, while dishing out an NCHC-best 31 assists. The ASU assistant captain finished with a +1 plus/minus on the year and was named Forward of the Week in late February.
 
Pohlkamp (Baxter, Minn.) is a finalist for NCHC Player of the Year and Offensive Defenseman of the Year. The San Jose Sharks draft pick has been electric from the blue line, breaking the NCHC single-season record for goals by a defenseman with 17 this year. His 36 points overall lead all NCHC rearguards, handing out 19 assists and averaging 0.97 points per game. He has three game-winning goals and became one of only five NCHC defensemen ever to record a hat trick. His +24 plus/minus and 67 blocked shots are both second in the NCHC, as well. In conference play, Pohlkamp led blueliners with both 22 points and nine goals in 24 games. His +15 plus/minus was third among defenseman in NCHC action. Pohlkamp is a three-time NCHC Defenseman of the Week this year and was the November NCHC and National Defenseman of the Month.
 
Livanavage (Phoenix, Ariz.) repeats on the First Team after totaling 25 points (5g/20a) in 35 games this season. His 20 assists tie for third in the conference this year. The UND assistant captain carries a +19 plus/minus, which is third among defenseman, while blocking 44 shots on the year. In conference play, Livanavage was fifth among blueliners with 17 points (4g/13a) in 23 games, with his 13 helpers third. He led the NCHC with a +16 plus/minus in conference games. Livanavage is a finalist for both Offensive and Defensive Defenseman of the Year, the lone player to do so. He was also the NCHC and National Defenseman of the Month in December.
 
Špunar (Olomouc, Czechia), who earned NCHC All-Rookie Team honors yesterday, backstopped North Dakota to the Penrose Cup. In 23 overall games this season, he leads the NCHC with a 1.93 goals-against average while going 18-3-1 in net. His .915 save percentage is fourth in the NCHC among all goalies, while his four shutouts tie for the conference lead. In conference play, Špunar went 12-3-1 in 17 appearances, ranking second with a 2.15 GAA and fourth with a .910 save percentage. He was the only goalie with two shutouts in conference play this season. Špunar was the NCHC Rookie of the Month in December and a one-time Rookie of the Week, while he was the lone goalie from the NCHC named a Mike Richter Award Semifinalist. He’s also a finalist for NCHC Rookie of the Year and Goaltender of the Year.
 
SECOND-TEAM ALL-NCHC
Schimek (Mendota Heights, Minn.) captured the NCHC scoring title with 29 points in 23 NCHC games (1.26ppg). His 19 assists tied for second in conference play, while his 10 goals were tenth. Overall this season, Schimek totaled 43 points (13g/30a) to rank fourth in the NCHC, with his 30 assists tying for third in the conference. The ASU captain was a two-time Forward of the Week this season and the NCHC December Forward of the Month.
 
Strinden (Fargo, N.D.) had a breakout season, finishing fourth in conference scoring with 26 points in 24 games. The UND assistant captain scored 11 goals in NCHC action and added 15 assists, both of which ranked in the top seven. His +15 plus/minus in NCHC play was second among forwards. Overall this season, Strinden has compiled 33 points in 34 games on 15 goals and 18 assists. He was the NCHC November Forward of the Month and a two-time Forward of the Week this season, as well.
 
Burnevik (Blaine, Minn.) upped his game even more his sophomore season, totaling 38 points (20g/18a) in 36 games this season, to rank eighth in scoring in the NCHC. His 20 goals tie for second in the NCHC, including three game-winners. In conference play, the Anaheim Ducks draft pick was also eighth with 23 points in 24 NCHC games, tallying eight goals and adding 15 assists.
 
Wiebe (Mission, B.C.) had a massive season on the UND blue line, finishing second in conference-only scoring among defensemen with 19 points (4g/15a). His 15 helpers led blueliners in NCHC action, while he tallied an overtime game-winner and finished with a +7 plus/minus. Overall this season, the Calgary Flames prospect ranks third among NCHC blueliners with 27 points (5g/22a), with the 22 assists second. Wiebe became only the second NCHC player ever to win three straight Defenseman of the Week honors this season, while he was also the NCHC and National Defenseman of the Month for February.
 
Hanson (Hermantown, Minn.) is a finalist for NCHC Offensive Defenseman of the Year after putting up 32 points in 36 games this season. His 24 assists lead all NCHC blueliners, while he’s also scored eight goals, including two game-winners, and is +13 overall. In conference play, Hanson finished third among defensemen with 18 points on six goals and 12 assists, with the six goals second among rearguards. Hanson was a three-time Defenseman of the Week this season and the NCHC Defenseman of the Month in October.
 
Hampton Slukynsky (Warroad, Minn.) repeats on the All-NCHC Second Team after backstopping WMU to a third-place finish in the NCHC, while posting a 16-7-1 record. The Los Angeles Kings draft pick was one of only two goalies to start all 24 NCHC games this year (Miami’s Drobac). He finished with a 2.57 goals-against average and a .908 save percentage in NCHC action, both of which ranked fifth. Overall, Slukynsky is 26-9-1 this season, starting every game, while leading the NCHC in wins and tying for the lead with four shutouts. He carries a 2.27 GAA and .915 save percentage into the Frozen Faceoff Semifinals, both of which rank third in the NCHC. Slukynsky is a finalist for Goaltender of the Year and the NCHC’s Three Stars Award. He was also a five-time NCHC Goalie of the Week and its January Goaltender of the Month.
 
THIRD-TEAM ALL-NCHC
Zam Plante (Hermantown, Minn.) was not far behind his brother, ranking third in the NCHC in overall scoring with 45 points in 36 games (1.25ppg). His 20 goals this year tie for second in the NCHC while his 25 assists are seventh. The Pittsburgh Penguins draft pick also has five game-winners, which tie for second in the NCHC, including both OT winners in the NCHC Quarterfinals last weekend. He is also +12 this season and is fourth in the NCHC with 380 faceoff wins. In conference play, Plante was sixth with 24 points in 24 games, tallying nine goals and adding 15 assists, which tied for fifth.
 
While his brother was busy tending the net, Grant Slukynsky (Warroad, Minn.) was producing at the other end for the Broncos, totaling 22 points (4g/18a) in conference play to rank tenth in scoring. His 18 assists were fourth in NCHC games. In 36 games overall this season, the WMU assistant captain has racked up 40 points (10g/30a) and a +17 plus/minus, both of which rank in the top nine in the NCHC. His 30 assists tie for third in the NCHC. Slukynsky is a finalist for the NCHC Sportsmanship Award this year.
 
Rickwood (Brantford, Ontario) made an impact in his lone season in Grand Forks, racking up 34 points in 31 games this season (1.10ppg). The Clarkson transfer has eight goals to go with 26 assists, which are sixth in the NCHC, and a +13 plus/minus. In the center circle, he is third in the NCHC with a .602 win percentage and sixth with 337 faceoff wins. In conference play, Rickwood totaled 21 points in 21 games, including six goals and 15 apples. He was the NCHC’s January Player of the Month, as well.
 
Buckberger (Saskatoon, Sask.) has been a force on the blue line, totaling 26 points in 37 games to rank fourth among NCHC defenseman in scoring. His eight goals tie for second among NCHC blueliners, while he’s dished out 18 assists, as well. The Denver assistant captain leads the entire NCHC with a +28 plus/minus this season. In conference play, Buckberger finished with 14 points (5g/9a) to tie for sixth among blueliners, with his five goals third. He tied for the best plus/minus in conference play, as well, at +16, and was twice tabbed Defenseman of the Week.
 
Sjolund (Stockholm, Sweden) has anchored the WMU blue line this season, tying for third in conference play with 18 points (4g/14a). His 14 assists in NCHC action were second among defensemen. Overall this season, the senior assistant captain is fifth among NCHC blueliners with 26 points (6g/20a), while his 20 assists tie for third. Sjolund boasts a +10 plus/minus on the year to go with 28 blocked shots.
 
Drobac (Oakville, Ont.) helped Miami to a turnaround season, posting a 17-16-2 record in 35 games this year, while recording three shutouts (third in the NCHC). The sophomore transfer compiled a .913 save percentage this year, which was fifth in the NCHC, to go with a 2.69 GAA, which ranked sixth in the conference. In conference play, Drobac went 9-13-2 while starting all 24 games, with a .909 save percentage, which also ranked fifth, and a 2.80 GAA. His 671 saves in conference action led the league. Drobac was a four-time NCHC Goaltender of the Week this season, as well.
 
The All-Conference Teams were voted on by the NCHC’s nine head coaches and one media member covering each team (18 voters total). Coaches and media voted for nine forwards, six defensemen and three goaltenders, awarding first-team, second-team and third-team votes for six players (three forwards, two defensemen and one goaltender) for each team. A first-team vote was worth 5 points while a second-team vote was worth 3 points and a third-team vote worth 1 point. Coaches could not vote for their own players, making 17 first-team votes and 85 points a unanimous selection. The highest point totals earned all-conference honors.
 
Individual award winners will resume being released tomorrow, Wednesday, March 11 with the NCHC Sportsmanship Award and Three Stars Award. Thursday the NCHC Goaltender of the Year will be revealed, while on Friday Offensive Defenseman and Defensive Defenseman of the Year will be handed out. Individual NCHC award winners will continue to be revealed through Thursday, March 19.
 
2025-26 All-NCHC First Team
F: Max Plante, Minnesota Duluth, So. – 85 points (17 first-team votes) – unanimous
F: Tyson Gross, St. Cloud State, Jr. – 81 (15)
F: Cruz Lucius, Arizona State, Sr. – 57 (8)
D: #Eric Pohlkamp, Denver, Jr. – 83 (16)
D: *Jake Livanavage, North Dakota, Jr. – 60 (8)
G: Jan Špunar, North Dakota, Fr. – 60 (8)
 
2025-26 All-NCHC Second Team
F: Bennett Schimek, Arizona State, Sr. – 56 points (6 first-team votes)
F: Ben Strinden, North Dakota, Sr. – 34 (2)
F: Austin Burnevik, St. Cloud State, So. – 34 (1)
D: Abram Wiebe, North Dakota, Jr. – 55 (6)
D: Ty Hanson, Minnesota Duluth, So. – 49 (3)
G: ^Hampton Slukynsky, Western Michigan, So. – 59 (8)
 
2025-26 All-NCHC Third Team
F: Zam Plante, Minnesota Duluth, So. – 29 points (1 first-team vote)
F: Grant Slukynsky, Western Michigan, Jr. – 28 (2)
F: Ellis Rickwood, North Dakota, Sr. – 21 (1)
D: Boston Buckberger, Denver, Jr. – 39 (2)
D: Samuel Sjolund, Western Michigan, Sr. – 19 (1)
G: Matteo Drobac, Miami, So. – 12
 
* 2024-25 First-Team All-NCHC
^ 2024-25 Second-Team All-NCHC
# 2024-25 Third-Team All-NCHC