Introducing the Army Hockey Class of 2030: Part 1 – Forwards

Reception Day has arrived at West Point, and with it comes the dawn of a new era at Tate Rink: the Army hockey Class of 2030 is officially locked in.

Entering his second season leading the Black Knights, head coach Zach McKelvie welcomes 12 freshmen to West Point. Assembled by McKelvie and assistant coaches Brian Gibbons, Riley McVeigh, and Jack Riley, the incoming class features six forwards, five defensemen, and one goalie.

Leadership is a prerequisite at West Point, and this incoming class is no exception. Continuing a proud tradition of those who have worn the black and gold, seven of these new cadets arrive having already captained their minor hockey, high school, or junior programs, with two more wearing an ‘A’ as alternate captains.

For McKelvie, a 2009 graduate of the Academy, he’s excited about this freshman class arriving at West Point. “Moving forward, we’re really excited about the group coming back, and the guys that we had have coming in this summer,” McKelvie explained. “Our program is in a place where we have the talent, we have the culture. I believe we have the buy-in. And so I think we’re ready to take off here. We’re really excited about this class and the value that these players can bring to the program.”

This marks McKelvie’s first full recruiting cycle since legendary coach Brian Riley retired in May 2025. While several players were already committed to the Academy, keeping that incoming core intact provided a crucial foundation for what McKelvie and his staff intend to build for the 2026-2027 campaign.

“I think this happens a lot in our business—coaching changes, de-commitments, recommitments. It’s kind of the ‘Wild West’ in college athletics right now. I tell our guys you’re committing to a school. The coaching staff matters, for sure, and oftentimes for many college athletes, you commit based on your relationship with the coach. But more importantly, we try to get them to see the big picture: you’re committing to West Point. I think we’ve done a good job with that, and that’s a big reason why all the guys committed under Coach Riley are still committed here. As a staff, we hope to be here for a long time and build this into a championship-caliber program, but we will always want them to commit to the school more so than the coaching staff.”

With the foundation for the future firmly in place, it is time to meet the newest Black Knights ready to hit the ice at Tate Rink this fall. As Army looks to boost its offensive production within Atlantic Hockey, these incoming plebes could become key pieces to Coach McKelvie’s roster this season. To give you a closer look at this 12-man class, we are splitting their introductions into two parts. Up first: the six forwards ready to join an Army lineup that is set to return nine of its top ten point producers from last season.

Cade De St. Hubert

• Hometown: Hopkins, Minnesota
• Team: Des Moines Buccaneers, USHL
• Position: Center/Right Wing
• Height & Weight: 6’0, 181 lbs
• Date of Birth: May 30th, 2006
• 2025-2026 Stats (Total): 49 Games, 26 Points (11 Goals & 15 Assists), 80 PIM, +4
• Commitment: February 8th, 2026

As we begin our list of incoming freshmen, we head out to the “State of Hockey” to meet our only 2006-born forward in the class, Cade De St. Hubert. The Hopkins, Minnesota, native is a late addition to the class, going public with his commitment in early February. As De St. Hubert recounted, his visit to West Point solidified his decision to attend the United States Military Academy.

“My visit to campus was absolutely unreal! The coaching staff was incredibly welcoming to my mom and me, and I truly fell in love with everything West Point has to offer,” De St. Hubert emphasized. “Between the amazing facilities, the faculty, and the elite education and opportunities that come from attending such a prestigious institution, I knew this was the perfect fit. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity.”

De St. Hubert isn’t the flashiest player on the ice, but for head coach Zach McKelvie, he’s ready to play wherever the team needs him to play this fall. “I like to think of my game like a Swiss Army knife; I am willing to play whatever role the team needs me to play that will help us win,” explained De St. Hubert. “I try to replicate my game around players like Zack Parise and Vincent Trocheck, who both go to the hard areas on the ice and play a solid 200-foot game.”

He might not become a 20+ goalscorer playing at Tate Rink, but De St. Hubert has a different way to affect the game on his terms. “I think the fans can expect someone who will always bring the energy and give it his all every single night.” If it’s up to Cade, he’ll have the crowd and his teammates on their feet every time he steps onto the ice.

Like many Minnesota players before him, De St. Hubert played varsity hockey in high school. He spent his first two years locally at Hopkins High before transferring to Wayzata High School after his sophomore season. There, he joined fellow Army commit Rhys Wallin.

Playing alongside his brother Finn, a 2007-born defenseman, De St. Hubert flourished at Wayzata. Cade produced more than a point per game as a junior, racking up 30 points (14 goals, 16 assists) in 28 games. While those numbers served as a strong foundation in his new environment, his true breakout—both on and off the ice—came in the fall of 2023. Ahead of his senior campaign, De St. Hubert received the honor of a lifetime as he was named one of the team captains alongside Wallin.

“It was an honor to be named a captain at such a prestigious program like Wayzata. The history runs so deep with unbelievable hockey players coming through the program. However, more than that, it was special that my teammates trusted me and believed in me to fill that role. We had an incredible group of players, so it truly meant a lot to be named captain of such an incredible group of guys.”

On the ice, De St. Hubert’s production jumped 60% up to 48 points (16 Goals & 32 Assists) in 28 games. As the No. 1 seed that season, Wayzata went on to lose to Edina in the section championship, a bitter end to Cade’s high school hockey journey.

The next step in De St. Hubert’s career was junior hockey, as he headed north of the border to play with the Trail Smoke Eaters in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL). The transitional period from high school to junior wasn’t out of the ordinary for De St. Hubert, but after a “few months”, he said he found his game. “Like any other jump in level, the game got faster, mistakes were magnified, and players were better,” De St. Hubert explained.

His rookie season in the BCHL didn’t produce those “eye-popping” numbers that he saw in his past two years in high school, just 19 points (8 Goals & 11 Assists), but De St. Hubert found a role for himself under head coach Tim Fragle. “It wasn’t always easy. It definitely took time to adjust to the level of competition and earn my way into the lineup. However, I had a great support group up in Trail, British Columbia, and after a few months, I found myself settled into a solid role on the team.” De St. Hubert finished the year off in the playoffs, scoring once, while providing two more assists in Trail’s six-game series loss to the Cranbrook Bucks.

Returning to Trail for his second year, De St. Hubert found that spark and got off to a hot start offensively. In the first two months, he scored nine goals and had 17 points for the Smoke Eaters, catching the attention of teams back home.

Just after Thanksgiving, De St. Hubert got the opportunity to join the Des Moines Buccaneers in the United States Hockey League (USHL), the only “tier one” junior hockey league in the United States. That was a chance that De St. Hubert wasn’t going to pass up. “I think, like almost every kid in the US, my goal was always to play in the USHL. I always understood my path may take a little longer to get there, but when the opportunity arose, and I got the call from Des Moines, I was very excited for what was to come.”

Following his mid-season move to Des Moines, Iowa, De St. Hubert had to reset and hit the ground running in a whole new environment and a much tougher league. But it also reunited him with one of his best friends and co-captains at Wayzata, Rhys Wallin, who was traded to Des Moines in the offseason. However, just as he did in the BCHL, De St. Hubert found a role for himself under new head coach Derek Damon.

De St. Hubert would become a regular fixture in the bottom six for Coach Damon, finishing the regular season in Iowa with 2 goals and 7 assists. He was even involved in three fights for the Buccaneers. In the playoffs, De St. Hubert took his game to another level, ending with three points (2 Goals & 1 Assist) in three games, tied for the team lead.

The season in Des Moines might have ended earlier than expected, losing to the Lincoln Stars in three games, but De St. Hubert called it a “great” experience in Iowa. “I can’t speak highly enough of the staff… ranging from the coaches to the trainer, everyone was incredible. Along with having an amazing group of guys, I definitely had a great time.”

With his junior hockey career now behind him, De St. Hubert has his eyes focused on West Point. He won’t be making the journey alone, as his teammate, Rhys Wallin, is also set to play for Army. De St. Hubert noted that having a familiar support system makes the daunting process of preparing for R-Day and Beast Barracks much easier. “Rhys is one of my best friends from high school, and knowing he is making this transition with me is definitely helpful.”

In addition to Wallin, De St. Hubert has another familiar face from Wayzata who can help him navigate his journey as a plebe. Adam Marshall, a rising junior, knows exactly what it takes to make it through a first year at West Point, and De St. Hubert has been all ears this summer back home in Minnesota. “He has been super helpful in giving us advice and support before we go into R-Day,” De St. Hubert said.

When De St. Hubert steps onto the ice at Tate Rink this fall, he’ll be bringing a relentless, 200-foot game tailor-made for Atlantic Hockey. Surrounded by familiar faces from home and fueled by a team-first mentality, willing to do whatever it takes to win, De St. Hubert is ready to set the tone whenever his name is called. If his junior career proved anything, it’s that being a “Swiss Army knife” is going to set him up for success as a plebe and will make him a fast favorite at West Point.

Sean Gibbons

• Hometown: Southport, Connecticut
• Team: New Mexico Ice Wolves, NAHL
• Position: Right Wing
• Height & Weight: 5’8 & 175 pounds
• Date of Birth: August 21st, 2005
• 2025-2026 Stats: 52 Games, 59 Points (29 Goals & 30 Assists), 45 PIMS, +/- +7
• Commitment: November 8th, 2023

The local pipeline to West Point remains as vital as ever. With Upper Saddle River, New Jersey, standout Sean Vlasich graduating, Sean Gibbons, a native of Southport, Connecticut, is stepping in to keep that local pipeline thriving. It’s a destination Gibbons has envisioned for himself ever since his initial campus visit, where a firsthand look at the culture convinced him he wanted to join the long gray line.

“After attending a recruiting visit, one thing that stood out to me was the conversations I had with the upperclassmen at the time. I admired their discipline, courage, and kindness. Following the visit, I wanted to be in their shoes one day.”

Since giving his verbal commitment to then-head coach Brian Riley in the fall of 2023, Gibbons—the first 2005-born player in this recruiting class—has remained fiercely loyal to the Academy. That pledge held firm through the spring of 2025, when Riley announced his retirement and Zach McKelvie was elevated to lead the program.

While the transition to a new head coach can sometimes shake a recruit’s pledge, Gibbons found daily inspiration in an unexpected place: his billet home. While playing for the Ice Wolves in New Mexico, Gibbons lived with a service academy graduate who reinforced his desire to pursue a military path. “The more time went on, the happier I was with my decision. After committing, I was blessed to live with a service academy graduate while in New Mexico. He was a source of inspiration to me every day. With that and building a good relationship with Coach McKelvie, I couldn’t be more excited to join the team this fall.”

Offensive production was a glaring issue for Army last season, as their 91 total goals ranked second-to-last in Atlantic Hockey. Gibbons arrives to help fill that void, bringing a proven scoring touch after a 29-goal season with the New Mexico Ice Wolves. “I am a right-handed winger who enjoys making plays, while also taking pride in playing bigger than my size,” said Gibbons. “I try my best to make my teammates around me better and do whatever it takes to win.” Those words describe a player whose game and character will fit perfectly into the culture at West Point.

After his high-school career at the Brunswick School, Gibbons made the jump to the NAHL in 2024-2025 and got his feet wet. “It was a big change. The NAHL South Division was extremely physical and based on a simple style,” explained Gibbons. “As a first-year player, I leaned on my teammates and coaches throughout that season to steadily improve as the year went on. I definitely felt more confident in myself each game, especially after Christmas break.” Gibbons went on to finish his rookie season playing in 46 games, scoring 9 goals and recording 27 points. It was a good start to his two-year junior career.

This past season, Sean Gibbons returned to New Mexico and was named captain of the Ice Wolves before the 2025-2026 season. “It was an honor. I loved my teammates, coaches, and everyone involved in the Ice Wolves organization. I was extremely grateful for the opportunity and cherished each day I had with my brothers.”

On the ice during his age-out season with the Ice Wolves, Gibbons flourished, finishing second on the team in scoring with 59 points.

Gibbons was also dynamite on the power play for New Mexico, helping the team to a top-10 finish. His 10 goals accounted for more than 25% of the team’s 39 goals on the man advantage last season. He credits head coach Kyle McKenzie for his success in New Mexico.

“Coach McKenzie instilled confidence in me from day 1 of this season, and got the most out of me as a player. I was also fortunate to play with some awesome teammates who made it easier on me. My growth this past season stemmed from those two things, along with a great support system from my family and billets in Albuquerque.”

Capping off a fantastic 2025-2026 season and an excellent junior career, Gibbons received the Ice Wolves’ “Graziano Award”, awarded to the player who exemplifies great leadership, exhibits exceptional character, has a tremendous work ethic, and brings a team-first approach both on and off the ice.

As Gibbons prepares for the grueling reality of Beast Barracks, he has been leaning on rising sophomore Lukas McCloskey—who successfully navigated the jump to West Point as a 2005-born and played in 27 games last season for the Black Knights—for guidance. “I’ve gotten to know Lukas McCloskey over the past two years. He’s been helpful with whatever questions I’ve had. I think what I’ve taken away from our conversations is having confidence in myself, along with the knowledge that my classmates and I are all in it together.”

Plebe year at West Point is a grind for every freshman who makes it past “R-day”. These are the types of intangibles that will help Gibbons toward a productive four years in the classroom, in training, and on the ice starting this Fall at the United States Military Academy.

Gibbons has been one of the faces of this 2030 class for years. Now he’s just weeks away from freshman year and that much closer to puck drop at Tate Rink. “I pride myself on bringing positive energy to the rink every day. Next season, my focus is on doing whatever I can to help this team win. I’m really looking forward to meeting the guys and getting started.”

Connor Jalbert

• Hometown: Marblehead, Massachusetts
• Team: Langley Rivermen, BCHL
• Position: Right Wing
• Height & Weight: 5’11, 180 lbs
• Date of Birth: April 11th, 2005
• 2025-2026 Stats (Total): 54 Games, 54 Points (7 Goals & 47 Assists), 12 PIMS
• Commitment: May 19th, 2025

The third forward on our list, Connor Jalbert, was one of the first official commitments head coach Zach McKelvie landed after taking over for the retiring Brian Riley on May 1, 2025. Just eighteen days later, Jalbert committed to the United States Military Academy. He described his visit to the campus as “eye-opening,” citing it as one of the main reasons he chose Army.

“I decided to commit to playing at West Point because of its history and the leadership qualities ingrained in the cadets. On my visit, I heard some stories about what cadets have done while at West Point, and what they have gone on to do after graduating was pretty eye-opening.”

On the ice, the Black Knights are getting a dynamic playmaker who can dictate the pace of a game. When asked to describe his style, rather than leaning on a specific archetype, Jalbert described his game as simply: “a forward who tries to use my pace and passing ability to make plays.” That’s exactly how he plays the game, and it’s reflected in his offensive productivity over his last two years in junior hockey.

A native of Marblehead, Massachusetts, Jalbert followed a classic New England hockey path. He skated for three seasons at Marblehead High and, out of season, skated for the Northeast Generals AAA program. To finish his minor hockey career, in 2023-2024, Jalbert moved to Michigan for a season to play at Biggby Coffee AAA 18U, posting 70 points (21 Goals & 49 Assists) in 47 games.

Jalbert transitioned to junior hockey full-time in the fall of 2024 after signing a tender with the Anchorage Wolverines. While the adjustment period varies for every player, Jalbert noted it took him just a few games to find his rhythm at the junior level. “It was definitely an adjustment going from 18U to the NAHL. Guys are just bigger and stronger, so you’re forced to bear down more on pucks, and there’s less time and space. It probably took me a few games to settle in and get used to the speed.”

His time in juniors showed just how talented Jalbert is. In two years between the North American Hockey League (NAHL) and the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL), Jalbert racked up 100 points (23 Goals & 77 Assists) in 104 games.

While being a productive player in juniors, it was also a turbulent time for Jalbert. In his rookie season, he split time between Anchorage and Chippewa, scoring 16 goals and 46 points in 50 games. This season, the same thing happened except in reverse, with Jalbert going from Chippewa back to Anchorage. But the movement didn’t stop, as he made the switch to the Langley Rivermen in the BCHL just after the New Year.

Jalbert’s goal count dropped to just seven, but he still tallied 47 assists in 54 games. Despite a season defined by constant transition, Jalbert still averaged nearly a point per game during his age-out campaign—a feat made even more impressive by the sheer logistics of his year. Playing for three teams over the course of an entire junior career is difficult enough, let alone three in a single season. Such frequent movement might take a toll on most players, but Jalbert quickly found the silver lining.

“The movement definitely can impact you. It can be hard, but it can also be a lot of fun,” said Jalbert. “I was fortunate enough to play with some really good players and meet a lot of great people, which made the transition as easy as it can be.”

North of the border, Jalbert went on to finish his junior career playing under head coach Brad Rihela, an experience he looks back on fondly. “I had a great experience playing under coach Rihela. He cared a ton about our team as players and as people, and worked to get the best out of us.” Jalbert played in only 23 games for the Rivermen, but was one of the team’s most productive players during that span with 18 points (two goals and 16 assists).

In the playoffs, Langley was matched up against the top-seeded Prince George Spruce Kings and took the series to the limit. However, the Rivermen saw their season come to an end after dropping Game 7 by a score of 4-1.

Although his team came up short in their quest for a Rogers Cup, Jalbert feels he took a massive step forward in his overall development. “I think my game away from the puck has improved a ton these past two years. I’ve had great coaching, and they’ve worked to help prepare me for college hockey.”

While good players make things happen with the puck on their stick, elite players separate themselves away from the puck. Jalbert already possesses the tools to be an impact player at West Point from day one, but if he continues to refine his off-the-puck habits, he has the potential to become one of the top players in Atlantic Hockey.

Steve Dougherty, Jalbert’s former head coach at the Chippewa Steel, is bullish on his ability to step right into the lineup and become an impact player for Zach McKelvie. “Our staff could not be more proud of Connor’s recent commitment to play at West Point. He’ll make an immediate impact once he arrives on campus. Connor’s playmaking ability is extremely impressive, making it very easy to complement an elite-level scorer with how he’s able to create plays.”

With his junior career coming to a close, the Marblehead kid is happy to be back on the East Coast. “The time difference [out West] can make it hard to communicate with people from back home, and I’m sure my parents are happy about not having to stay up for 11 o’clock puck drops.” You can bet we’ll see a Momma Jalbert appearance at Tate Rink this fall.

Kellen Murphy

• Hometown: Roseau, Minnesota
• Team: Maine Nordiques, NAHL
• Position: Left Wing
• Height & Weight: 5’10, 185 lbs
• Date of Birth: February 8th, 2004
• 2024-2025 Stats: 23 Games, 20 Points (10 Goals & 10 Assists), 3 PIMS, +9
• Commitment: September 8th, 2023

Kellen Murphy is the fourth incoming freshman in our series, and his path to Tate Rink has been anything but linear. One of two players at the United States Military Prep School (MAPS) last year, Murphy has decided to continue into the Academy this fall. As one of the older players in the class, Murphy gave his verbal commitment to the Academy in the fall of 2023. Everything felt like a fit for the Minnesota native, but his visit to West Point solidified his decision.

“I committed to the United States Military Academy because I’ve always wanted to be successful in life,” Murphy explained. “Getting to play Division I hockey while preparing to serve in the Army at an institution like West Point is a true blessing. I toured the campus after my first year of juniors, and the day I left, I knew it was where I belonged. There was something about the presence of West Point that drew me in and made me realize I could be a part of something bigger than myself.”

Murphy’s commitment would be tested with the “surprising” retirement of head coach Brian Riley following the 2024-2025 season. Although Coach Riley was a major reason he committed in the first place, Murphy stated that his “faith” kept him on his path towards West Point.

“Ultimately, my faith in God is what kept me locked into my commitment. I believe He guides my path, and no matter what happens along the way, I have to stand firm and trust Him. Obviously, Coach Riley was a huge part of the recruiting process, and his departure was a surprise. However, given all he has done for the program and how long he was there, I completely understood. Coach McKelvie is another staple of Army hockey, and I knew I wanted to play for him as well.”

Murphy grew up with the sport all around him. His minor hockey began with the Roseau YHA, a program that produced Stanley Cup winner Dustin Byfuglien. He’s not the same physical specimen that “Big Buff” is, but standing at 5’10 and 185 pounds, Murphy describes himself as a “pretty tenacious and skilled” player who always tries to be the guy that stands out because of “work ethic and hockey IQ.”

In a city of just 2,700 residents, there was one goal on Murphy’s mind in Roseau, Minnesota: play varsity high school hockey. Murphy accomplished that dream, playing three years with a Rams team he grew up watching. “Growing up in a small hockey town, every player’s ultimate goal was to make the varsity team at Roseau High School. It was incredibly special to come up through minor hockey with the same group of guys and eventually reach that level together. We constantly pushed each other to improve, which paid off for our careers in the long run. Putting on the Rams jersey was one of our proudest moments. We wore it with heart, and we carry that Ram pride with us to this day.”

During his career at Roseau, Murphy recorded 102 points (26 goals, 76 assists) in 72 games, highlighted by a 58-point senior campaign (15 goals, 43 assists). Following his high school career, he transitioned to the junior ranks, gaining early experience with the Chippewa Steel of the North American Hockey League (NAHL).

While Murphy didn’t register a point in his six games with the Steel, the brief call-up served as a crucial learning curve. “The transition to juniors was tough. The NAHL is a physical league with older players,” Murphy explained. “But playing those games showed me what the next level looked like. It taught me what to expect and what to focus on in my training, setting me up for future success.”

His stint with Chippewa was short-lived as he signed with the Maine Nordiques for the 2022-2023 season. Maine turned out to be a fantastic situation for the Minnesota native. In three seasons with the Nordiques, Murphy was a key cog in the team’s play, collecting 114 points (52 goals and 62 Assists) in 138 games.

Murphy’s success began under head coach Matt Pinchevsky during his first full season in the league. As a rookie, Murphy hit the ground running, tallying 40 points (17 goals, 23 assists) in 55 games. When Maine hired Nick Skerlick the following year, Murphy faced the challenge of adjusting to his second coach in as many seasons. Instead of regressing, he excelled in the new system, increasing his production to 54 points (25 goals, 29 assists) in 60 games. By the end of the 2023–2024 season, Murphy finished second on the team in scoring, trailing only captain Charles-Edward Tardif.

“I think the success I had between both Coach Pinch and Coach Skerlick was because they both knew how to push me in different ways and help me develop as a player,” Murphy explained. “Obviously, being two different coaches, their styles were different, but I think as a player you have to understand you won’t play for the same individual your whole career, so you have to be able to adapt, regardless of the person or situation.”

Things didn’t stay sunshine and roses for Murphy heading into his final junior season. During training camp, he suffered a major setback when he broke his right wrist, which sidelined him for the first half of the year. “Obviously, being injured sucks, and playing only 23 games my age-out year was unfortunate, but that’s how things work sometimes,” Murphy reflected.

Murphy saved his season from being a total loss by returning to the lineup in early 2025. He instantly picked up where he left off, racking up two first-period assists against the Philadelphia Rebels in his return. While he appeared in just under 40% of Maine’s games during the 2024–25 campaign, he remained highly efficient, recording 20 points split evenly between 10 goals and 10 assists. In the Robertson Cup playoffs, Murphy and Maine made another run to the Division Finals, but they ultimately fell short again, losing to the Rochester Jr. Americans in four games. Just like that, Murphy’s junior career was over.

He overcame a lot of adversity that season in Maine, but for Murphy, that time away from the ice helped him realize the discipline he would need as he began his West Point journey. “I learned a lot that year,” Murphy said. “Going home and recovering while everyone was either at college or still playing made me… realize the discipline I would need in life, especially at West Point, to achieve what I need to do.” At the rink, Murphy saw his biggest growth come from his time in the weight room during his rehab. “I saw a lot of growth off the ice physically because once I recovered, I was consistently in the gym, and I still am. On the ice, I feel as though I’ve gotten faster, stronger, and more capable from the training.”

As Murphy made his way to West Point, his path to the Academy wouldn’t be a linear one like many hockey recruits. In 2025-2026, Murphy attended the United States Military Academy Prep School, aka MAPS. That meant he would be away from competitive hockey for over a year.

“The prep school was definitely a challenge, and not being able to play the sport I love made it difficult sometimes,” Murphy explained. “But I was able to get a good base and understanding of what my next four years at West Point will look like. The prep school also made me more appreciative of my opportunity, not only to play hockey, but also to attend West Point. Prep prepared me academically and physically, for sure.”

Not being able to play hockey opened up an opportunity to play lacrosse during the spring semester, an experience Murphy will not forget. “I played lacrosse all year, and it was pretty special. I was able to make a lot of great friends and developed off-ice skills, along with taking some of that physicality from lacrosse to hockey, something that I think will really translate to the ice.”

Back home in Roseau for the summer, he is not taking his time on the ice for granted. At the prep school, Murphy was allowed to skate and shoot pucks at Tate Rink every weekend during the academic year. Now, during summer break, Murphy is on the ice every day and says, “My game feels good.”

With Reception Day and Beast Barracks around the corner, Murphy is holding onto a crucial piece of advice from current West Point players: “Discipline will outweigh motivation on the tougher days.” It is a mindset that perfectly encapsulates his journey so far. The transition from the small-town rinks of Roseau to the rigorous landscape of West Point is a leap few players are equipped to make. Yet, every detour on Murphy’s path—from grinding through a mid-season wrist rehab in Maine to trading his hockey stick for a lacrosse shaft at MAPS—has served as perfect preparation.

Murphy arrives at the Academy, not just with a polished junior hockey pedigree, but with a sharpened physical edge and a profound understanding of the work required to succeed at West Point. As a plebe this fall, Murphy brings the exact brand of selfless and disciplined leadership that Coach McKelvie is looking for in an Army hockey player. Ram pride is about to meet Army grit, and the rest of Atlantic Hockey should take notice.

Thomas Neu

• Hometown: Hartland, Michigan
• Team: Blackfalds Bulldogs, BCHL
• Position: Center
• Height & Weight: 5’10, 180 lbs
• Date of Birth: June 14th, 2005
• 2025-2026 Stats: 53 Games, 61 Points (27 Goals & 34 Assists), 66 PIMS
• Commitment: December 4th, 2025

Army had a lot of movement on the recruiting front this past calendar year. That opened roster spots for players aging out of junior hockey. One of those beneficiaries was Thomas Neu, who committed to the Black Knights this past December.

“Committing to West Point… was a very easy decision for me,” Neu explained. “The coaches treated me very well and the campus was beautiful. The opportunity to have a great education and become a part of the brotherhood eventually led me to finalize my decision.”

Describing himself as a “fast, playmaking center who can play both sides of the ice”, Neu should be a massive boost to the center depth next season for Army head coach Zach McKelvie.

Growing up in Hartland, Michigan, a suburb 50 minutes outside of Detroit. Neu played youth hockey at Comuware. He played four seasons in Plymouth, rising through the ranks, from 13U all the way up to the 16U team. But Neu decided to leave for his 18U season, joining Mount St. Charles Academy, the same renowned Rhode Island prep program where he played with two of his future teammates in junior and at West Point.

After his one season in New England, Neu transitioned to junior hockey in the North American Hockey League (NAHL). The jump from one level to another always presents its challenges to different individuals, and it was no different for Neu.

“I think the transition is bigger than most people think. The league was a lot harder; guys played hard, and I had to learn how to play my game at that level. I feel like every year I’ve gotten better and eventually learned how to dominate like I used to back in AAA.”

Over the next three years in juniors, Neu saw himself playing for three different teams. It’s not easy to change scenery, but Neu made the most of it. “My junior career was filled with many ups and downs, but ultimately, I learned a lot from those three years. It taught me how to play responsibly for the betterment of my team and gave me confidence in my game to move on to the college level.”

Through all the movement, Neu finally found himself a home in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) with the Blackfalds Bulldogs. It was only 33 games and 20 points (9 Goals & 11 Assists), but Neu left a lasting impression on his new club heading into the summer.

As a 2005-born player entering his age-out season, Neu returned to Blackfalds for one final kick at the can. The decision paid off immensely, as he enjoyed a breakout year in the BCHL and became an essential, all-situations contributor for the team.

Neu capped off his junior career with a massive final campaign, racking up 27 goals and 61 points in 53 games—an impressive 1.15 points-per-game pace. “Last year was a great year for me and our team in Blackfalds. I think the biggest thing for me was having the confidence I felt while on the ice,” said Neu. “I really found out what type of player I was. Additionally, off the ice, we had a very tight group, and I learned how to be a leader and role model for younger players on our team.”

On the power play, Neu scored seven goals and had 23 points on a unit that ranked 10th at 23%. But it was the penalty kill where Neu stood out. Not only did the Bulldogs have the #1-ranked penalty kill unit, but Neu also scored four shorthanded goals, tied for the third-most in the league, and recorded four assists, which ranked first in the league.

In recognition of his stellar season with the Bulldogs, Neu was named the team’s “Top Forward”, an award given to the forward who performed at the highest level during the 2025-2026 season.

When looking back at his stint in Blackfalds, Neu was quick to highlight the impact of head coach Ryan Tobler. “I loved Tobes,” Neu said. “He was so knowledgeable about the game; he had played it for a long time and played it very hard, being an enforcer throughout his career. He knew what it took to win hockey games. But more importantly, he was an outstanding guy, which made coming to the rink very enjoyable. I feel so lucky to have had him as a coach.”

With his commitment to the United States Military Academy, Tobler said that Zach McKelvie is getting a “high-impact” player next season at West Point. “We’re all extremely proud of Thomas. His compete level, commitment in practice, performance in games, and dedication to off-ice training have all paid off. Since joining the Bulldogs, he’s been a key piece of our lineup and has earned the full support of our staff and players. Army is getting a high-impact player and an outstanding young man.”

A bonus to Neu’s commitment is that he’ll get to fulfill that dream with two of his close friends and teammates in Blackfalds, Noah Mertz and Alex Bosland. Neu was the first of the trio to commit this past Winter, followed by Mertz a few weeks later and then Bosland this Spring.

Three junior players joining the same school is a rare sight, so was Neu peer recruiting? “Yes, of course, I was helping recruit Mertz and Bosland. I have known them for a couple of years now and became really tight with them because of it. We would talk about our excitement for West Point all the time, and I’m really glad they will be coming with me this fall.”

While almost every young hockey player dreams of hoisting the Stanley Cup, many also strive to earn a degree while playing the game they love. Neu described reaching the collegiate ranks as “a dream come true,” adding, “I feel ready to produce at the college level and want to bring a high competitive level to every practice and game this year.”

Playing at Tate Rink is not for everyone, but only for the select few who can handle the rigorous demands of being a cadet-athlete. As Neu prepares for four grueling, challenging, but ultimately satisfying years at West Point, he’ll look to become an impact player on and off the ice for the Black Knights as they aim to become a perennial threat in Atlantic Hockey.

Rhys Wallin

• Hometown: Wayzata, Minnesota
• Team: Des Moines Buccaneers, USHL
• Position: Left/Right Wing
• Height & Weight: 6’2.5, 178 lbs
• Date of Birth: August 3rd, 2005
• 2025-2026 Stats: 60 Games, 32 Points (12 Goals & 20 Assists), 28 PIMS, +/- +6
• Commitment: December 18th, 2025

We started in “State of Hockey”, and now that’s where we will end. The last plebe we’ll talk about is Rhys Wallin, from Wayzata, Minnesota. Wallin joined the class a week before Christmas, after decommitting from the University of Massachusetts earlier in this past season. Speaking on his commitment to West Point, the coaching staff and academics played a big role.

“The coaching staff played a major role in my commitment. I originally visited three years ago when Coach Riley was the head coach, and I also had the chance to meet Coach McKelvie; both were incredible to connect with. Beyond athletics, academics were a huge priority for me. I wanted a top-tier education and the opportunity to challenge myself with something new, and West Point felt like the perfect fit. On top of that, the campus is beautiful, and I loved learning about its rich history during my visit, which was fun.”

A native of Wayzata, Minnesota, Wallin uses his imposing 6-foot-3 frame to play a surprisingly cerebral game. “I’d say I’m more of a playmaker type of player; I would rather pass the puck than shoot it. I also am a big body on the ice and may seem more of a power forward as well, using my stick and going stick on puck is also one of my biggest strengths as a player.”

Following Minnesota tradition, Wallin went on to play three years of varsity hockey at Wayzata High. As a senior, he received an honor he once only dreamed of: being named a captain for the team he grew up watching.

“It was a dream come true. That’s all you really think about, honestly, being able to lead your team, especially the one you’ve grown up your whole life watching,” Wallin said. “Playing with the same guys for so many years growing up together. Being a leader to them as well as to the younger kids that are growing up in the association, being a role model for them. It was an honor to receive the leadership role on the team my senior year, and knowing that your teammates chose you for it and trust you to lead them. Overall, it meant the world to be chosen as a captain at Wayzata.”

Following the end of his high school career, Wallin got his feet wet in junior hockey an hour away from Wayzata, joining the St. Cloud Norsemen of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) for the final five games of the 2023-2024 season. It was a small sample size, but Wallin had a successful stint, scoring twice for the Norsemen.

Wallin made the jump to junior hockey full-time the following season. As a 2023 10th-round pick of the Tri-City Storm, he was able to sign a tender in the USHL. As a rookie, Wallin made a modest impact in the lineup, scoring six goals and 12 points. Wallin played in just 43 of the team’s 62 games. With it being his first year in “tier one” hockey, Wallin recalls it taking about a third of the season for him to settle into his game.

“I’d say the change was a lot,” he said. “The pace of play and competition was so much better and stronger; it took me a while to adjust to the speed and the systems my coaches in Tri-City put in place. It was about a third of the way through the season when it started to make a lot of sense to me. That’s when I understood that if I play consistently and the right way, I could start making other plays at the same time to elevate my game.”

The summer of 2025 presented a new challenge for Wallin, forcing him to face the cold reality of junior hockey for the first time in his career. On July 12th, Wallin was traded to the Des Moines Buccaneers for two 2026 draft picks. So how did he find out he was moving to Des Moines, Iowa? “It was weird, honestly,” Wallin said. “I was in the parking lot talking to my friends right after a skate. I realized I had missed a call from my head coach at the time, Marco Trevigno, and I called him back. He said I had been traded for a couple of draft picks, and that was that. Very professional, I’d say. It was a quick call… I was a little surprised, but then reminded myself it’s just business and that’s the way it works.”

In his age-out season in Iowa, Wallin excelled and was a productive player for the Bucs. He would go on to finish sixth in team scoring with 32 points (12 Goals & 20 Assists), while maintaining over half a point a game (.53 P/GP) in his second USHL season. Last season, Wallin saw massive growth throughout his game, and he credited that to maturing and playing a role for the team.

“The growth of my game came from maturing and realizing how to fit in and play my role. I tried to stay consistent every day, bringing the same intensity in practice as I do in games. This year was a lot easier to be productive, as I was on a line with Owen Tylec and Ryan Seelinger for the majority of the season. Playing with them was great; my job was simply to feed them the puck, go to the net, and be an option, allowing them to do what they do best.”

Wallin’s trade to the Buccaneers unlocked new opportunities and elevated his game. He developed significantly during his brief stint in Des Moines, a leap he credits directly to head coach Derek Damon and his staff.

“Playing under Coach Damon was very fun; he wanted to win very badly, and all of us players understood that and respected him for it. At the beginning of the season, I had a rough start, but as the season went on, I felt like he gained more trust in the game I was playing and believed in me more, which was very comforting. Overall, I loved Coach Damon and the rest of the staff; it was a very fun year and a blast to play for them.”

Now that his junior hockey career has wrapped up, Wallin is eager to begin his plebe year at Army—particularly the return to the classroom. “I’d say I’m looking forward to going back to school and learning,” Wallin said. “I haven’t been in school for a bit, so it will be fun to get back into the swing of things.”

Wallin is poised to make an impact not just off the ice, but on it, with a real opportunity to carve out a role in Head Coach Zach McKelvie’s system as a freshman. “I think that wherever I am in the lineup, whether it’s a top-6 role, a 3rd- or 4th-line job, [or] penalty killing as well, I can make an impact,” Wallin noted.

Looking at this incoming class, there’s a strong possibility of seeing four first-year players suited up for opening night. Wallin’s mindset is focused on winning from the very first puck drop, and he’s ready to embrace whatever assignment helps the team succeed.

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