SCHENECTADY, N.Y. – The Union College men's hockey coaching staff announced the addition of nine student-athletes for the 2021-22 season. The incoming squad includes five forwards, two defenseman, and two goaltenders. The class is composed of Cullen Ferguson (Binbrook, Ontario), Collin Graf (Lincoln, Mass.), Michael Hodge (Calgary, Alberta), Josh Phillips (Getzville, N.Y.), Thomas Richter (Greenwich, Conn.), Andrew Seaman (Winnetka, Ill.), Joe Sharib (Natick, Mass.), Caden Villegas (Plano, Texas), and Northeastern University (HEA) transfer Connor Murphy (Hudson Falls, N.Y.).

"I'd like to thank John Ronan for his tireless efforts in putting this class together," said head coach Rick Bennett. "We feel this incoming class has the right tangibles to be a very productive group in years to come. Each student-athlete's characteristics meet the staples of Union Hockey by demonstrating hard work, discipline, and consistent effort. Our coaching staff is excited to begin the journey with this incoming class."

Cullen Ferguson • 6-0 • 185 • Defenseman • Shoots: Left • Binbrook, Ontario. • Previous Team: Aberdeen Wings (NAHL)

Prior to Union: Played in 36 games for the Aberdeen Wings (NAHL) during the 2020-21 season…Scored 21 points (6g, 15a) and was a +33 during the regular season...Notched five assists in 11 playoff games…Named NAHL Defenseman of the Month in February 2021…Skated in 56 of 58 games for the Cowichan Valley Capitals (BCHL) in the 2019-20 season and registered 13 points (1g, 12a)…Played in five playoff games and registered one assist.

Why Union: "When I was choosing which school I wanted to further my education and hockey career at, Union felt like it was made just for me. Having small class sizes and the ability to build strong relationships was really important. Finding the balance of a good hockey program and a school that will provide a life changing education left me with an easy decision."

Ronan on Ferguson: "He is a left shot defenseman that is physical, skilled, and will be counted on to play in all situations. He was a key member of the Robertson Cup finalist and record setting Wings last season."

Collin Graf • 6-0 • 180 • Forward • Shoots: Right • Lincoln, Mass. • Previous Team: Boston Junior Bruins (NCDC)

Prior to Union: Skated in 42 regular season games for the Boston Junior Bruins (NCDC) and six playoff games in 2020-21…Placed fourth in the league in scoring with 54 points (19g, 35a) during the regular season…Tied for second in NCDC playoff scoring with 8 points (3g, 5a) in six games…Served as team captain for the 2020-21 season...Named NCDC All Star in 2020 and 2021 seasons…Registered 47 points (16g, 31a) in 49 regular season games in 2019-20 season.

Why Union: "I chose Union because of the excellent academics along with it being a great hockey program with a winning tradition. The small school size appealed to me. When I visited the campus and met the coaches, I knew Union was the place for me."

Ronan on Graf: "Collin is a high IQ, skilled forward with great playmaking abilities and finished 4^th in the NCDC scoring race, racking up 1.29 points/game last season." 

Michael Hodge • 5-8 • 157 • Forward • Shoots: Left • Calgary, Alberta. • Previous Team: Fort McMurray Oil Barons (AJHL)

Prior to Union: Played in all 16 games for the Fort McMurray Oil Barons in the 2020-21 season…Registered 29 points (10g, 19a) in 16 games…Served as Assistant Captain in 2020-21…Named Team MVP and was the team leading scorer for both the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons...Split time with the Trail Smoke Eaters and Alberni Valley Bulldogs of the BCHL during the 2018-2019 season, amassing 25 points (10g, 15a) in 53 regular season games and one point (1g) in four playoff games.

Why Union: "Union College provides its students with a world class education but in addition, it also has a prestigious hockey program. It has always stood out to me as a school where I could succeed both athletically and academically. When I was offered to continue my hockey career here, I was ecstatic. It was immediately the obvious choice for me and my family. I love the history of the school and the feeling that all the students have an impact on the legacy of the college."

Ronan on Hodge: "Michael is a highly skilled, speedy forward that is smart and competitive. He led the AJHL with 1.8 points/game, finishing with 29 pts in just 16 games."

Josh Phillips • 6-2 • 190 • Defenseman • Shoots: Right • Getzville, N.Y. • Previous Team: Minnesota Wilderness (NAHL)

Prior to Union: Split 2020-21 season between the Minnesota Wilderness (NAHL) and Sioux Falls Stampede (USHL)…Played in 46 regular season games with the Minnesota Wilderness, recording nine points (4g, 5a), and scored two points (2a) in three playoff games…Spent the 2019-20 season with the Sioux Fall Stampede, playing in 43 games and scoring 11 points (1g, 10a).

Why Union: "Union was the best fit for me due to its great hockey program and challenging academics."

Ronan on Phillips: "Josh is a right shot defenseman with size, good speed and is hard to play against. His 150 junior hockey games experience across the USHL, NAHL and OJHL will provide a solid presence on our blue line." 
 
Thomas Richter • 6-1 • 175 • Forward • Shoots: Left • Greenwich, Conn. • Previous Team: Penticton Vees (BCHL)

Prior to Union: Played in all 20 games for the Penticton Vees during the 2020-21 season and scored nine points (3g, 6a)…Skated in 56 of 58 games for the Prince George Spruce Kings (BCHL) and recorded 10 points (2g, 8a)…Appeared in 15 games and registered six points (2g, 4a), for the Salisbury School in the 2018-19 season.

Why Union: "Union embodies the perfect balance between a great education and the highest level of Hockey. The size of the school and the quality of the people makes it the perfect fit for me."

Ronan on Richter: "Thomas joins Union from one of the top programs in Canadian junior hockey, the Penticton Vees of the BCHL. Hailing from Greenwich, CT, Thomas is a left shot forward that is smart, skilled, skates well and can make plays."

Andrew Seaman • 5-10 • 170 • Forward • Shoots: Right • Winnetka, Ill. • Previous Team: Prince George Spruce Kings (BCHL)

Prior to Union: Skated for the Prince George Spruce Kings the previous two seasons…Ranked third on the team in scoring with 16 points (10g, 6a) in 17 games in 2020-21…Appeared in 56 of 58 games in the 2019-20 season, registering 16 points (3g, 13a)…Earned Spruce Kings most dedicated award in 2021…Attended Phillips Exeter Academy in 2018-19 and scored 27 points (16g, 11a) in 32 games.

Why Union: "I chose Union because of the combination of quality academics and elite hockey program. Experiencing the campus in person made it an easy choice for me."

Ronan on Seaman:  "Andrew is a right shot, fast and tenacious forward with a great scoring touch."

Joe Sharib • 5-11 • 165 • Goaltender • Catches: Left • Natick, Mass. • Previous Team: Connecticut Jr. Rangers (NCDC)

Prior to Union: Appeared in 21 regular season games posting a .907 save percentage and a 3.10 goals against average on the way to a 10-7-3 record with two shutouts…Played in four playoff games for the Jr. Rangers, going 2-2-0 with a 3.56 goals against average and .898 save percentage, and registering an assist.

Why Union: "I chose Union because of the small, tight knit community where students can excel in the classroom as well as having the resources to become the best person that one could possibly be. Aside from the school aspect, the hockey program here has a long history of providing players with excellent coaches and mentors that provide players the tools to achieve their highest potential by the time their years here come to an end."

Ronan on Sharib: "Joe is a poised, athletic goaltender that has excelled in prep school as well as in junior hockey across the USHL, NAHL and NCDC."

Caden Villegas • 5-8 • 165 • Forward • Shoots: Right • Plano, Texas • Previous Team: Tri-City Storm (USHL)

Prior to Union: Skated in 42 regular season games, registering 17 points (8g, 9a) and a +13 rating…Played in all 54 games for the Springfield Jr. Blues (NAHL) in 2019-20, scoring a team-leading 40 points (15g, 25a)…Named the most valuable player for Springfield.

Why Union: "I chose Union because of the beautiful campus and the opportunities it has to offer. From the exceptional education to the historic hockey program, I believe Union has the best of both worlds."

Ronan on Villegas: "Caden has high hockey IQ, very skilled and poised, and can play in all areas of the rink. He is a proven junior hockey producer across the USHL and NAHL."

Connor Murphy • 6-4 • 200 • Goaltender • Catches: Left • Hudson Falls, N.Y. • Previous Team: Northeastern University (HEA)

Prior to Union: Started 21 games in the 2020-21 season for Northeastern University (HEA), earning a 9-9-3 record with a 2.72 GAA and a .910 save percentage…Earned first career shutout with a 7-0 win over New Hampshire with 37 saves (1/13)…Spent the 2018-19 season with Carleton Place (CCHL), earning a 31-8-3 record and helping the team to a regular season title with his league-best 2.07 GAA.

Why Union: "I chose to transfer to Union College because I strongly believe it will provide me with the opportunity to achieve my goals in my hockey career and my education. Living less than an hour away from campus allowed me to watch Union games a lot as a kid and I always looked up to the team, hoping I could play for them one day. In addition to that, it was hard to say no to being a part of the Union College hockey culture and I hope I am able to benefit it in any way possible."

Ronan on Murphy: "Connor is a 6'4" goaltender that is athletic, competes and is coming off a season that saw him start all 21 games for Northeastern while posting a 2.70 GAA."