Hughes Named Hobey Hat Trick Finalist
4/2/2026 4:18:00 PM | Ice Hockey
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- T.J. Hughes of the University of Michigan ice hockey team was named a Hobey Hat Trick finalist -- one of three players with the opportunity to be named the Hobey Baker Award winner -- the Hobey Baker Committee announced on Thursday (April 2).
Michigan's trip to Las Vegas, Nev., its record-setting 29th appearance in the NCAA Frozen Four, could be even more special on Friday, April 10, when the winner of the Hobey Baker Award will be announced live on NHL Network.
The Big Ten Player of the Year, Hughes has totaled 56 points in 39 games this season, averaging 1.44 points per game and amassing 178 career points. A four-year member of the Michigan program, he has helped the Wolverines to three Frozen Four appearances. The captain of the 2025-26 squad, Hughes has led the team in scoring in back-to-back seasons.
Hughes is the NCAA's leading active scorer with 178 points in 155 games, including 68 goals and 110 assists. He also leads all active players in this year's Frozen Four with 10 points in NCAA Tournament games. His career goal totals include 27 power-play tallies and 10 game-winning goals. A center, Hughes has a 56.3 percent success rate at the faceoff dot, winning more than 1,450 draws.
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.
A four-time All-Big Ten selection and All-Academic honoree, Hughes ranks 20th all-time in Michigan's 104-year program history and has the third-most points among Wolverines who have played in the 21st century.
Adding to his impressive resume is his production in Big Ten games. Hughes holds the Big Ten record for points with 108 in conference-only games, as well as the league record for assists with 64, and is second in goals with 44.
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 (1997), Kevin Porter (2008) and Adam Fantilli (2023).
Michigan Hobey Baker Memorial Award Finalists
1991 - Denny Felsner
1992 - Denny Felsner
1994 - David Oliver
1994 - Steve Shields
1994 - Brian Wiseman
1995 - Brendan Morrison
1996 - Brendan Morrison
1997 - Brendan Morrison (winner)
1997 - John Madden
1998 - Bill Muckalt
2000 - Mike Comrie
2001 - Andy Hilbert
2005 - T.J. Hensick
2007 - T.J. Hensick
2008 - Kevin Porter (winner)
2009 - Louie Caporusso
2012 - Shawn Hunwick
2015 - Zach Hyman
2016 - JT Compher
2016 - Kyle Connor
2016 - Tyler Motte
2019 - Quinn Hughes
2022 - Matty Beniers
2022 - Luke Hughes
2023 – Adam Fantilli (winner)
