Shayne Gostisbehere, a former Union College men's hockey player, clinched the Stanley Cup with the Carolina Hurricanes after defeating the Vegas Golden Knights 3-0 in Game 6. This victory makes him the 35th player in NHL history to hold both a Stanley Cup and an NCAA Championship, which he achieved with Union back in 2014. Notably, in the playoffs this season, he contributed significantly with 12 points, ranking second among defensemen in Carolina's playoff history. Gostisbehere's achievement marks him as the first player from Union College to win the prestigious Stanley Cup.

By the Numbers
  • 12 points scored by Gostisbehere in the Stanley Cup Playoffs (3 goals, 9 assists).
  • 29 points in 66 career NHL playoff games (8 goals, 21 assists).
Yes, But

While Gostisbehere's triumph is celebrated, it highlights the broader competitiveness of the Hurricanes, which boasted nine former NCAA Division-I players, suggesting a strong collegiate influence in their success.

State of Play
  • Gostisbehere completed his 13th NHL season and continues to set records for Union College alumni.
  • The Hurricanes solidified their roster with dual NCAA champions like Eric Robinson alongside Gostisbehere.
What's Next

Following this season’s success, expectations for Gostisbehere and the Hurricanes will rise, as they aim for a repeat performance in the upcoming NHL season. His ongoing contributions may ensure a key role in future playoff runs.

Bottom Line

Shayne Gostisbehere's Stanley Cup victory not only cements his legacy but also serves as a testament to the talent emerging from collegiate hockey programs. His performance will likely inspire future athletes from Union College and similar institutions to pursue excellence in both college and professional arenas.