The Union College men's hockey team has announced its 2025-26 team award winners, recognizing six players for their athletic and academic achievements. Senior Brandon Buhr earned the Thomas Van Arden Dukehart Academic Award and the team's Most Outstanding Player title, tying for team leads with 19 goals and 17 assists. Sophomore Lucas Buzziol was honored with the Scott Richardson Unsung Hero Award for his consistent performance, while three others – Drew Sutton, Tyler Dunbar, and Etienne Lessard – received various accolades reflecting their contributions on and off the ice.

By the Numbers
  • Brandon Buhr scored 19 goals and 17 assists, with six game-winners (third-most in Division-I).
  • Tyler Dunbar set a program record for defenders with 12 goals, scoring 33 points total.
  • Lucas Buzziol has an active Ironman streak of 60 games played.
Yes, But

Despite the recognition, questions arise about sustaining high performance and academic excellence amid increasing competition in collegiate hockey.

State of Play
  • Buhr signed a professional contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs, highlighting players' paths from college to professional leagues.
  • The program is building momentum with several key players receiving national recognition for their individual performances.
What's Next

The team will look to build on this recognition in the upcoming season, as they aim to improve their overall performance and possibly secure more individual accolades while preparing for potential professional opportunities.

Bottom Line

The Union men's hockey awards reflect a blend of academic success and on-ice talent, showcasing how the program fosters well-rounded student-athletes who contribute significantly to their team's culture and performance.