SCHENECTADY, N.Y. – Union College men's hockey coach Josh Hauge has announced the 11 newcomers who will be joining the Garnet Chargers for the 2025-26 season. The class, which is the largest for Hauge since his first season at the helm in 2022-23, is comprised of five transfer students and six first-years. Representing six states and two Canadian provinces, the well-balanced group comprises four defensemen, three forwards and three goaltenders who will look to make an immediate impact.

"This group brings a strong mix of skill, experience, and character to our program," said Hauge. "From high-end offensive talent and mobile defensemen to veteran goaltenders and hard-nosed competitors, each player adds something unique. What excites us most is their drive — they all play the game the right way and are committed to pushing our team forward. We believe this class will elevate our depth, raise our compete level, and make an immediate impact on Union Hockey."
 
Luke Buss • 5-10 • 185 • Forward • Shoots: Right • Columbus, Ohio • Nanaimo Clippers (BCHL) / University of Wisconsin (BIG 10)
 
Before Union: Attended the University of Wisconsin as a first-year … played in five games for the Badgers, making his collegiate debut against #19/20 Notre Dame (11/1) ... spent three years playing in the USHL and BCHL, finishing his time with the Nanaimo Clippers (BCHL) … averaged over a point per game for Nanaimo in 2023-24, scoring a team-leading 28 goals with 21 assists for 49 points in 48 contests … scored seven goals with 14 assists in 54 games for the Muskegon Lumberbacks (USHL) in 2022-23 and recorded 39 points (16 goals, 23 assists) in 53 games with the Vernon Vipers (BCHL) in 2021-22.
 
From Coach Hauge: "Luke plays the game the right way — he's responsible, competitive, and does the little things that help teams win. On top of that, he has the ability to score and make plays. We're excited to add him to our forward group and expect him to raise the level of competition every day."
 
Ollie Chessler • 5-11 • 175 • Defense • Shoots: Left • Watertown, Mass. • Bismarck Bobcats (NAHL)
 
Before Union: Played in 123 NAHL games over the last two seasons, starting off with the Oklahoma Warriors and finishing with the Bismarck Bobcats … played in all 13 playoff games in helping Bismarck to a 2025 Robertson Cup title after recording nine points in 26 regular-season games … registered 27 points in 84 games for Oklahoma in 2023-24 and 2024-25, serving as team captain in his final year … played 48 games for the Green Bay Gamblers (USHL) in 2022-23.
 
From Coach Hauge: "Ollie is a fierce competitor who defends with intensity and purpose. He's coming off a league championship and knows what it takes to win. He's a great teammate and the kind of defender opponents hate playing against. We're thrilled to add his edge and winning mentality to our lineup."
 
Tyler Dunbar • 6-1 • 195 • Defense • Shoots: Left • Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. • Lincoln Stars (USHL) / Colorado College (NCHC)
 
Before Union: Attended Colorado College as a first-year and sophomore … a two-time NCHC Distinguished Scholar-Athlete and All-Academic Team honoree … played in 31 games over two seasons, scoring one goal with one assist from the blue line … spent four years in the USHL, playing parts of four seasons with the Muskegon Lumberjacks before finishing with the Lincoln Stars … had 22 points in 36 games as an assistant captain for Muskegon in 2022-23 before moving to Lincoln, where he picked up nine points in the regular season and five points in nine postseason games … recorded seven goals and 27 assists in two full regular seasons with Muskegon in 2020-21 and 2021-22.
 
From Coach Hauge: "Tyler is a dependable presence on the back end and will be a staple in our defensive core. He plays with poise, composure, and a high hockey IQ. His veteran experience and calm under pressure will make an immediate impact on our lineup. He also brings a history of point production from his time in the USHL, and we're looking for him to take another step offensively this season."
 
Will Felicio • 5-10 • 175 • Defense • Shoots: Left • Holden, Mass. • Waterloo Black Hawks (USHL) / University of Michigan (BIG 10)
 
Before Union: Attended the University of Michigan as a first-year …played in 25 games as a rookie, scoring two goals with nine assists for 11 points … recorded four points in his first seven collegiate games, including his first assist in a win over #20 Notre Dame (11/9) and his first goal to help knock off #7 Western Michigan (11/29) … had seven points during a season-best four-game point streak, including back-to-back multi-point games against Penn State (1/31, 2/1) that earned him BIG 10 Third Star of the Week ... played 111 games over two seasons in the USHL, finishing with the Waterloo Black Hawks … recorded 14 goals and 43 assists for 57 points over two seasons … named to the USHL All-Rookie Team after registering 28 points (four goals, 24 assists) for the Madison Capitols in 2022-23, a USHL record for points by a 16-year-old blueliner … competed for Team USA at the 2023 Hlinka Gretzky Cup and the 2024 World Junior A Challenge.
 
From Coach Hauge: "Will is a dynamic player with high-end offensive ability. He's mobile, sees the ice extremely well, and plays the game with his head up. He's already had success on the national stage, and we're looking for him to take the next step by expanding his role and responsibilities this season."
 
Brayden Gillespie • 5-11 • 175 • Goalie • Catches: Left • Oakville, Ontario • Brampton Steelheads (OHL)
 
Before Union: Spent the last three seasons in the OHL, first with the Guelph Storm before finishing up with the Brampton Steelheads … went 8-2-1 with a 2.76 goals against average and .906 save percentage in 13 regular-season games with Brampton in 2024-25 … posted a 23-21-3 record with a 3.15 goals against average and .898 save percentage in his only full season with Guelph in 2023-24.
 
From Coach Hauge: "Brayden is an athletic goaltender with excellent lateral movement and a real competitive edge. He brings a wealth of experience from the OHL, having played in over 100 games, and we're excited for him to come in and compete for the net. He battles for every puck and brings the kind of intensity we value in our crease."
 
Brendan Holahan • 6-2 • 180 • Goalie • Catches: Left • New Canaan, Conn. • El Paso Rhinos (NAHL)
 
Before Union: Spent time with the New Mexico Ice Wolves ad the El Paso Rhinos of the NAHL in 2024-25 … went 7-7-0 with a 2.96 goals against average and .908 save percentage in 15 games with the Rhinos … posted a 15-1-0 record, 1.72 goals against average and .916 save percentage in 16 games with the Brooks Bandits (AJHL) in 2023-24. 
 
From Coach Hauge: "Brendan is a big, athletic goaltender who moves well and continues to grow his game. He's a hardworking, team-first player who brings a great attitude to the rink every day. We're excited to have him as part of our goaltending group and look forward to his continued development and impact on our team culture."
 
Cameron Korpi • 6-4 • 165 • Goalie • Catches: Left • South Lyon, Mich. • Tri-City Storm (USHL) / University of Michigan (BIG 10)
 
Before Union: Attended the University of Michigan as a first-year … earned a spot on the BIG 10 All-Freshman Team … went 7-6-1 with a 3.08 goals against average and .904 save percentage in 18 games (16 starts) … made a season-high 41 saves against Wisconsin (1/24) … four of his seven wins came over nationally ranked foes, including a 38-save effort in a 2-1 win over #2 Michigan State (2/7) ... spent his final year and a half of juniors with the Tri-City Storm (USHL) … went 26-13-1 with a 2.98 goals against average and .892 save percentage in 2023-24 … a three-time USHL Goaltender of the Week … helped the team to a pair of Clark Cup semifinal berths … played a total of 88 USHL games over four years, posting a 44-26-8 record and 3.09 goals against average, while going 21-6-2 with a .925 save percentage and 2.02 goals against average in two seasons in the NAHL.
 
From Coach Hauge: "Cameron was recognized as an All-Big 10 First Year Goaltender, and for good reason. He's big, mobile, and has a calm presence in the net. We're excited about his potential and expect him to be a key part of our goaltending tandem this season. He's earned everything through hard work, and we're looking forward to seeing him take another step."
 
Alex Laurenza • 5-9 • 160 • Forward • Shoots: Left • Woodbridge, Ontario • Austin Bruins (NAHL)
 
Before Union: Averaged over a point per game over the last two seasons with the Austin Bruins (NAHL), recording 51 goals and 73 assists for 124 points in 114 regular-season games … ranked second in the NAHL in scoring in 2024-25, potting 36 goals with 46 assists for 82 points in 55 regular-season games on the way to NAHL Forward of the Year honors … set program records for goals and points in a season and led the league by averaging 1.3 points per game … scored 24 goals and assisted on 25 for 49 points in 53 regular-season games with the Toronto Jr. Canadiens (OJHL) in 2022-23.
 
From Coach Hauge: "Alex has made an offensive impact everywhere he's played. He has a high hockey IQ and a natural ability to create offense. As he adjusts to the college game, we're looking for him to continue developing and grow into a consistent point producer at this level."
 
Etienne Lessard • 5-9 • 170 • Defense • Shoots: Right • Blainville, Quebec. • Lincoln Stars (USHL)
 
Before Union: Spent the 2024-25 season with the Lincoln Stars (USHL), scoring seven goals with 36 assists for 43 points in 61 regular-season games … ranked third in the USHL in scoring among blueliners and second in assists … an All-USHL Third Team selection and a two-time USHL Defenseman of the Week … split the 2023-24 season between the Cornwall Colts (CCHL) and the Vernon Vipers (BCHL), recording 50 points in 48 regular-season outings … competed for Team Canada East at the 2024 World Junior A Challenge, recording six points in six games.
 
From Coach Hauge: "Etienne is a very sound defender with the ability to break pucks out on his own and control the game from the back end. He's confident with the puck, defends well, and has the ability to jump into the play and create offense. He brings a dynamic element to our blue line that we're really excited about."
 
Troy Pelton • 6-1 • 185 • Forward • Shoots: Left • Clifton Park, N.Y. • Corpus Christi IceRays (NAHL)
 
Before Union: Spent the last two seasons with the Corpus Christi IceRays (NAHL), scoring 16 goals with 32 assists for 48 points in 79 games … recorded 36 points (11 goals, 25 assists) in 59 regular-season games in 2024-25, then chipped in four points in eight postseason contests.
 
From Coach Hauge: "Troy does things the right way — he's a tireless worker who competes hard every shift. He's a big, physical presence who isn't afraid to go to the tough areas and drive pucks to the net. As a local product, it's great to have him representing Union Hockey and bringing that edge to our forward group."
 
Carter Rose • 6-2 • 195 • Defense • Shoots: Left • Brasher Falls, N.Y. • Green Bay Gamblers (USHL) / Clarkson University (ECAC Hockey)
 
Before Union: Attended Clarkson University as a first-year and sophomore … played in 42 games over his two seasons, scoring one goal with two assists for three points … appeared in 25 games as a sophomore, including 11 of the final 12 games of the season, recording assists in wins over Quinnipiac (2/8) and Harvard (2/15) … named the team's Rookie of the Year as a first-year, scoring his first collegiate goal against Brown (1/20) ... spent two years with the Youngstown Phantoms and one year with the Green Bay Gamblers of the USHL … recorded eight goals and 21 assists for 29 points in 150 regular-season games over his three seasons, including a career-high seven goals and 15 points in his final year with Green Bay.
 
From Coach Hauge: "Carter brings a veteran presence and plays the game with intensity and purpose. He's an excellent skater who can close space quickly and thrives in tough, high-pressure situations. He embraces hard minutes, takes pride in defending, and will add both grit and poise to our blue line. We're excited about the impact he'll make in our D core from day one."
 
Union fans will get their first opportunity to see both the newcomers and their new home on Saturday, October 4 with a 5 p.m. faceoff against Army West Point. Season tickets for the 2025-26 season are still on sale at https://unionathletics.com/tickets. Single-game tickets for all Union home games will be available beginning on August 15.