UConn picks up commitment from '06 forward Diego Johnson

UConn men’s hockey picked up a new commitment from ‘06 forward Diego Johnson. Listed at 5-11, 179 pounds with a right-handed shot from Fort St. James, British Columbia, he currently plays in the USHL for the Madison Capitols. This season, he has 18 goals, 25 assists and 43 points in 59 games to go with a whopping 74 penalty minutes.

Johnson is in his third full season of juniors. He suited up for the BCHL’s Merritt Centennials in 2022-23 then split last year between the AJHL’s Sherwood Park Crusaders and the Capitols. Johnson was previously committed to Wisconsin.

Given he doesn’t turn 19 until September, it seems likely Johnson will join the Huskies in the fall of 2026 — especially if UConn opts into the House settlement and operates with a roster limit of 26. In that case, the Huskies would have just three openings up top next season.

UConn racks up more awards

UConn received three awards from the New England Hockey Writers Association last week. Mike Cavanaugh earned Coach of the Year, Hudson Schandor received Best Defensive Forward while Joey Muldowney took home Most Improved Player.

Cavanaugh and Schandor received the same respective honors from Hockey East.

Matthew Wood makes NHL debut

There’s another Husky in the NHL — technically, at least. On Sunday, Matthew Wood made his debut with the Nashville Predators, playing 13:14 across 20 shifts. He attempted a single shot and did not record a point.

Wood is the 10th player who came through the program to make it to the NHL, though the previous nine all turned pro after their time with UConn. Wood committed to the Huskies and played two seasons before transferring to Minnesota for the 2024-25 campaign.

Don’t expect the team to include him in any displays that commemorate the other UConn players in the NHL.