UMass junior goaltender Michael Hrabal has been named Hockey East Player of the Year for the 2025-26 season. The first European-born player to earn this honor, Hrabal also clinched Goaltender of the Year and became the third Minuteman to achieve this recognition, following Cale Makar and Bobby Trivigino. He achieved a standout season with a 12-5-1 record in Hockey East play, posting remarkable stats including a 1.55 goals against average and a .952 save percentage, the best in the league.

By the Numbers
  • Record: 19-8-1 over the season
  • Goals against average (GAA): 1.98, ranking 7th nationally
  • Save percentage: .936, ranking 2nd nationally
  • Shutouts: 4, ranking 6th nationally
Yes, But

Despite Hrabal's achievements, UMass's team performance fluctuated, as they climbed from last to second place in Hockey East during the season's second half, indicating a dependency on his standout goaltending.

State of Play
  • Hrabal is riding a hot streak, going 13-3-1 since January 1.
  • He has delivered 10 games with 30+ saves and a career-high 50 saves in one match against UConn.
What's Next

As UMass heads into the playoffs, Hrabal鈥檚 performance will be crucial. His ability to maintain high-level play will impact the team's postseason success and potential run for a championship.

Bottom Line

Michael Hrabal's impressive breakout season cements his place as a key player for UMass. His historic achievement as the first European-born Hockey East Player of the Year is a legacy milestone, but his continued performance is vital for the Minutemen鈥檚 success moving forward.