FOURTY-SIX points on the year for Wyttenbach 🤯 #BobcatNation x #NCAAHockey
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Ethan Wyttenbach’s insane freshman season is worthy of the Hobey Baker Award
Photo credit: Sergei Belski/USA Today Sports
Feb 9, 2026, 12:00 ESTUpdated: Feb 8, 2026, 22:40 EST
Ethan Wyttenbach is on another planet.
There’s really no other way to describe what the 18-year-old has done in his freshman season with the Quinnipiac Bobcats. After notching a hat trick on Saturday, and a six-point weekend, the Roslyn, New York native now has 19 goals and 47 points in 30 games.
Those 47 points not only lead all freshman, but it leads all NCAA players, as does his 1.57 point-per-game pace. While he’s not the goal-scoring leader, those 19 goals are tied for fifth in all of the NCAA (second in freshman scoring).
Wyttenbach had a modest season with the United States Hockey League’s Sioux Falls Stampede in 2024-25, scoring 24 goals and 51 points in 44 games, tied for 14th in goals and 22nd in points. Granted, Wyttenbach’s 1.16 point-per-game pace was the seventh-best in the USHL last season.
Here’s the thing, 29 other teams passed on Wyttenbach, and 143 players were drafted before him. Yes, the Flames landed a freshman Hobey Baker candidate in the fifth round. Wyttenbach’s ascent is mind boggling, as he’s become a legitimate superstar potential-calibre player.
I was fortunate enough to tune into Quinnipiac’s game this past Friday, and Wyttenbach was immediately noticeable. He was winning puck battles, beat players with speed, and even embarrassed a Brown defender with his 16th goal of the season. That goal showcased a surgical release. Hell, Wyttenbach nearly scored his second of the game with a shot between the legs despite the defender water skiing him.
Admittedly, I missed Saturday’s game against Yale, but just watching the highlights of his hat trick, you can see the whole package – speed, hands, incredible release. Here was his second goal from Saturday’s game.
It’s been an incredible season for Wyttenbach, and he deserves the Hobey Baker (you can vote here). But what about next year? Realistically, there are three different options for the 18-year-old. He could remain at Quinnipiac for the 2026-27 season where he’ll surely be their star player.
Alternatively, Wyttenbach could transfer to a larger school, much like what Trevor Hoskin did before the 2025-26 season. Or, Wyttenbach can turn professional at the end of the season. He’s not quite ready for National Hockey League action, but surely he could make an impact for the American Hockey League’s Calgary Wranglers.
The most realistic option of the three is remaining with Quinnipiac, but there’s still a lot of season remaining, with six more regular season games, the end-of-season conference tournament, and the National Tournament. It’ll be interesting to see how Wyttenbach performs in high-pressure games toward the end of the season.
Ryley Delaney is a Nation Network writer for FlamesNation, Oilersnation, and Blue Jays Nation. She can be followed on Twitter @Ryley__Delaney.
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