MENOMONIE — With a deep returning core and several key newcomers, the UW-Stout men's hockey team enters the 2025-26 campaign aiming to contend in the always-tough Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) and make a postseason push under sixth-year head coach Mike MacDonald.
Last season, the Blue Devils finished 12-13-2 overall and 5-9-1 in WIAC play, earning the No. 5 seed in the conference tournament. The group played seven overtime games and faced 12 nationally ranked opponents, highlighted by an impressive 5-1 victory over No. 2 St. Norbert.
Veteran Core Returns
Stout brings back 20 letterwinners, including 11 forwards, seven defensemen, and both goaltenders. Senior forward Nicolas Pigeon (Gatineau, Quebec) headlines the offense after leading the team with 28 points (12 goals, 16 assists) last season. He'll be joined by fellow double-digit scorers Nicholas Stevens (21 points, 8g, 13a), Hayden Stocks (18 points, 9g, 9a), and Kullan Daikawa (18 points, 9g, 9a), forming one of the most experienced forward groups in the WIAC.
On the blue line, captain Gunner Moore (Las Vegas, Nev.) anchors a defensive unit that blends toughness with offensive ability. Moore totaled 14 points (4g, 10a) last season and led the team with a +7 rating. He's joined by steady contributors Sam Kroon (12 points, 4g, 8a) and Tyler Pfister (6 points).
In net, Ryan Knight (So., San Jose, Calif.) and Dawson Green (Sr., Brandon, Manitoba) provide a reliable tandem. Knight posted a .922 save percentage and 2.09 goals-against average in eight starts last season, recording two shutouts.
New Faces
Stout adds four newcomers,Evan Luxford (Sun Prairie, Wis./Sun PrairieThunder Hockey Club - NCDC), forward Arhip Sidarovich (Minsk, Belarus/Minnesota Mallards - NAHL) and defenseman Will Sinclair (Erie, Colo./Minnesota Mallards - NAHL).. Freshman goaltender Sebastian Monaco (Caledon, Ontario) also joins the roster after a strong season with the Toronto Jr. Canadiens (OJHL).
Schedule Highlights
The Blue Devils opened the season in October with a pair of exhibitions before officially starting the campaign on Nov. 7. Stout's schedule once again features a challenging mix of non-conference opponents and a grueling WIAC slate, including home series against UW-Stevens Point and UW-Eau Claire at Fanetti Community Center.
