UConn adding defenseman Brendan Dunphy to 2025-26 roster

UConn men’s hockey will add Brendan Dunphy to its 2025-26 roster to fill out its defensive corps for the upcoming season, the UConn Hockey Hub learned. The Huskies considered bringing in a new recruit for the spot but ultimately decided that the previously-committed Dunphy was the best option available.

Listed at 6-5, 207 pounds with a left-handed shot out of San Diego, Dunphy originally picked UConn back in October 2023. He started last season with the BCHL’s Langley Rivermen but moved to the WHL’s Wenatchee Wild after the NCAA changed a rule that allowed major-junior players to retain college eligibility.

The move paid off as he raised his draft stock with four goals and 18 assists in 47 games. He was ultimately picked in the seventh round (197th overall) by the Florida Panthers in the 2025 NHL Draft.

Dunphy is considered an ultra-physical defensive defenseman who moves well for his size. With Tom Messineo, Viking Gustafsson Nyberg, Kai Janviriya and Trey Scott projected for the top two blue line pairings this season, Dunphy will likely compete with fellow newcomer Anthony Allain-Samaké, redshirt freshman Kevin Fitzgerald and junior Owen Simpson for playing time.

The Huskies now have eight defensemen and need to make one final addition — a forward — to reach the new 26-player roster limit.