UConn unveils new jersey numbers

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UConn men’s hockey finally released its official roster for the upcoming season and unveiled the jersey numbers for its seven new players in the process.

Using an offseason addition to the UConn Hockey Hub archives, let’s dive into the (Hockey East Era) history behind each player’s number.

No. 1 — Kam Hendrickson

Most notable: Tanner Creel (2014-18)
Others: Tom Comunale (2011-15), Ryan Keane (2019-23), Ethan Haider (2023-24)

Throughout his career, Hendrickson has donned No. 1 at every level. He wore it at Chanhassen High School in Minnesota, with Team USA at the 2023 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, in juniors with the Omaha Lancers and now with the Huskies. Unsurprisingly, No. 1 has been the most popular jersey number among goalies during UConn’s Hockey East Era.

No. 2 — Brendan Dunphy

Most notable: Yan Kuznetsov (2019-21)
Others: Derek Pratt (2014-18), Corson Green (2018-19), Jack Pascucci (2022-25)

A staple digit for defenseman, Dunphy picks up No. 2 from Pascucci, who left for Canisius over the offseason. At 6-5, he’ll be the biggest player to wear it, narrowly beating out the 6-4 Yan Kuznetsov.

No. 22 — Alexandre Blais

Most notable: Hudson Schandor (2020-25)
Others: Marco Richter (2015-16), Justin Howell (2016-20)

Aside from UConn’s first year in the league, 22 has been in constant use during the Hockey East Era. Blais keeps the same jersey number that he had in juniors, though it carries added significance with the Huskies since Schandor just vacated it.

While the number shouldn’t be retired in honor of Schandor, it should be the first one inducted into a hockey version of the Huskies of Honor at Toscano Family Ice Forum — alongside John Spetz’s No. 18, of course.

No. 24 — Carlin Dezainde

Most notable: Ben Freeman (2016-20)
Others: Ben Kirtland (2012-16), Sasha Teleguine (2021-22), Mark D’Agostino (2022-24)

Dezainde has rocked a handful of digits throughout his career — 9, 19, 39 — but sticks with his most recent number, which he wore after being traded to the Swift Current Broncos midway through last season. While D’Agostino had it last, 24 hasn’t been worn in a game for UConn since Mar. 5, 2022 — Teleguine’s last appearance with the Huskies.

No. 27 — Joseph Odyniec

Most notable: Max Letunov (2015-18)
Others: Harrison Rees (2019-24), Nick Carabin (2024-25)

Odyniec, a Connecticut native, has a lot to live up to with No. 27. All three players who wore it previously were major contributors — Letunov departed as the Hockey East Era leader in career points, Rees has played the second-most career games while Carabin was a key blue liner in UConn’s magical season.

No. 28 — Anthony Allain-Samaké

Most notable: Ryan Tverberg (2020-23)
Others: Joey Ferriss (2012-16), Brian Morgan (2016-17), Hugh Larkin (2024-25)

While Allain-Samaké wore No. 26 with the Sioux City Musketeers last season, that number is taken by Mike Murtagh. Instead of opting for a number in the 40s, which he wore on other previous stops, he’ll become the first d-man to wear No. 28 for the Huskies.

No. 31 — Ryan Sanborn

Most notable: Rob Nichols (2013-17), Callum Tung (2024-25)
Other: Matt Pasquale (2019-24)

Though a popular number for goalies, it hasn’t been used much at UConn. Regardless, Sanborn benefits from Tung’s decision to turn pro after last season. While the Connecticut native has typically rocked No. 30, those digits belong to fellow goaltender Tyler Muszelik at the moment.

Other fun facts

• None of UConn’s returners changed their number.

• Though not a new player, Kevin Fitzgerald is No. 2. He missed all of last season with a torn ACL.

• Every number 1-24 has been worn by at least two players.

• Only three players have picked a jersey number above 35: Jarrod Gourley (60), Matthew Wood (71) and Ethan Whitcomb (71).

• No. 6 has been used continuously by four good defensemen: Johnny Austin (2014-18), Ryan Wheeler (2018-22), Andrew Lucas (2022-24) and Viking Gustafsson Nyberg (2024-present).

• No. 8 has produced a lot of goals — 117 to be exact. All three players currently in the top 10 for career goals in UConn’s Hockey East Era: Spencer Naas (49, first), Carter Turnbull (34, tied for sixth), Joey Muldowney (34, tied for sixth).

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