Hughes Named Finalist for 2026 Hobey Baker Memorial Award
3/18/2026 4:17:00 PM | Ice Hockey
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- T.J. Hughes of the University of Michigan ice hockey team has been named a top 10 finalist for the 2026 Hobey Baker Memorial Award, it was announced by the Hobey Baker Committee Wednesday afternoon (March 18).
The Big Ten Player of the Year, Hughes has totaled 50 points in 36 games this season, averaging 1.39 points per game, and has amassed 170 career points. A four-year member of the Michigan program and captain of the 2025–26 Wolverines, he has led the team in scoring in back-to-back seasons.
As a junior, Hughes recorded a 15-game scoring streak -- the longest in the NCAA in 2024-25 and the longest by a Wolverine since the "CCM Line" in 2015-16. He also carried a 10-game point streak through the heart of his senior campaign.
A native of Hamilton, Ontario, Hughes has been the picture of consistency throughout his career. After establishing a strong baseline as a freshman with 13 goals and 23 assists for 36 points, he has never fallen below point-per-game production in a season. His yearly point totals stand at 36, 48, 38 and 50 as a senior, entering the Big Ten championship game.
Hughes ranks among the NCAA's most productive active players with 172 career points in 152 games, including 66 goals and 106 assists. His goal totals include 27 power-play goals, nine game-winners and one hat trick. In all, he has 47 total multiple-point games in his career. He has also been dominant in the faceoff circle, winning more than 1,400 draws with a 56 percent success rate while posting a +34 career rating.
A four-time All-Big Ten selection and All-Academic honoree, Hughes ranks 23rd in Michigan program history in career scoring and leads all active NCAA skaters in total points. He has helped guide the Wolverines to back-to-back Big Ten Tournament championships and consecutive Frozen Four appearances in 2023 and 2024.
Hughes is the all-time Big Ten scoring leader with 108 points in conference-only games. He holds the league record for assists with 64 and is second in goals with 44. He has also consistently delivered against conference rivals, including 25 points in 19 games against Penn State, 21 points against both Michigan State and Wisconsin, and 20 points against Notre Dame and Ohio State. He carries an active 14-game point streak against Penn State, has recorded points in 15 of 18 games against Michigan State, and has scored in five straight contests against Minnesota.
Hughes has also been a driving force behind Michigan's community service initiatives throughout his career. He has played a significant role in the program's partnership with Team IMPACT and has been actively involved with Werenski's Warriors, helping connect the team with families and young fans in meaningful ways. Hughes regularly visits patients at C.S. Mott Children's Hospital, bringing encouragement and positivity to children and their families. He also helped organize a sled hockey event at Yost Ice Arena, creating an inclusive opportunity for athletes of all abilities to experience the game. Beyond athletics, Hughes is involved with church groups, where he speaks with youth and community members about the importance of faith and living with purpose in everyday life. His commitment to service reflects his leadership and dedication to making a lasting impact both on and off the ice.
Michigan has had 22 different players named finalists since the award was first given out in 1981. Three Wolverines have won the prestigious award: Brendan Morrison in 1997, Kevin Porter in 2008 and Adam Fantilli in 2023.
