Saint Mary's men's hockey team has made headlines with two players, Joona Juntunen and Cole Mickel, being named First Team All-Americans by the AHCA. This achievement marks a historic moment for the program, being the first time since 1996-97 that two players have received this honor. Juntunen excelled offensively, leading Division III in goals and points per game, while Mickel anchored the defense and was recognized as the Defensive Player of the Year in the MIAC. Their contributions led the Cardinals to a commendable 14-10-2 record, showcasing their combined impact on the team's success.

By the Numbers
  • Juntunen scored 21 goals and tallied 25 assists in 26 games, averaging 1.77 points per game, the second-best in the country.
  • Mickel provided 3 goals and 25 assists, contributing to a team total of 26 blocked shots throughout the season.
Yes, But

While the recognition of Juntunen and Mickel is a significant milestone, there's a larger context of NCAA Division III hockey where talent depth is increasing. Many programs are becoming more competitive, which could mean tougher challenges ahead for Saint Mary's in maintaining this level of performance.

State of Play
  • Saint Mary's finished the season with a 14-10-2 record, securing the No. 3 seed in the MIAC playoffs.
  • The Cardinals have not had multiple All-Americans since the 1996-97 season, highlighting the rarity and significance of this achievement.
What's Next

As both Juntunen and Mickel look forward to potential professional careers, their departure could shift team dynamics. The Cardinals will need to cultivate new talent to maintain competitive standings in future seasons, especially without their top players.

Bottom Line

The selection of Juntunen and Mickel as All-Americans not only underscores their individual excellence but also represents a pivotal moment for Saint Mary's men鈥檚 hockey. The program now faces the challenge of building on this success while adapting to the loss of its star players.