Senior, Forward, Hamilton, Ontario

During his collegiate career at the University of Michigan from 2022 to 2026, T.J. Hughes developed into one of college hockey’s premier offensive centers and game-managers. After putting up 36 points in his 2022–23 freshman campaign and helping Michigan win a Big Ten tournament title, he raised his production to 48 points as a sophomore and 38 points as a junior. Serving as team captain during his senior 2025–26 season, Hughes delivered a career-best performance with 22 goals and 35 assists for 57 points in 40 games, finishing fourth in the nation in points per game (1.42). His dominant final collegiate campaign saw him lead Michigan to another Big Ten championship while earning Big Ten Player of the Year, Big Ten Tournament MVP, AHCA West First Team All-American honors, and selection as a top-three finalist for the prestigious Hobey Baker Award. He finished his Michigan career with 179 points in 156 games, ranking among the top scoring leaders in modern program history. Throughout his time at Michigan, Hughes was also heavily committed to off-ice community involvement and volunteer work, which included:

• C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital Visits: Spending time with pediatric patients and supporting children’s healthcare programs in Ann Arbor.
• Team IMPACT Partnership: Engaging directly with children facing serious or chronic illnesses matched with the Michigan hockey program.
• Student-Athlete Mentorship: Participating in Michigan Athletics leadership programs, including the Career Center subcommittee and Athletes in Real Estate Club.