University of Massachusets Athletics
University of Massachusetts Hockey Alumnus Cole O'Hara Makes NHL Debut With Nashville
April 16, 2026 | Hockey
NASHVILLE – Former University of Massachusetts hockey forward Cole O'Hara is set to make his National Hockey League debut tonight as the Nashville Predators take on the Anaheim Ducks in the 2025-26 regular season finale. The Richmond, Hill, Ontario native becomes the 29th Minuteman to reach the NHL and the 14th of Greg Carvel's UMass tenure.
O'Hara, who was selected by Nashville in the fourth round (114th overall) in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, signed a two-year entry-level contract last spring at the conclusion of his junior season at UMass. He finished his collegiate career with 86 points over 109 career games on 33 goals and 53 assists, seven power-play goals, one shorthanded tally, four game winners and a plus-minus rating of +20.
O'Hara enjoyed a breakout year for the Minutemen in 2024-25 nearly tripling his previous career high in points, tying James Marcou for the Division I program single-season record with 51 in 40 games this season, fourth all-time.
The First Team CCM/AHCA Hockey All-American totaled 22 goals and 29 assists and was +21 with seven power-play markers, one shorthanded goal and four game winners in 2024-25. His assists total tied for seventh in the UMass record book and ranked tied for 10th nationally, while he ranks 10th in in goals for a single-season in program history, 13th nationally in goals this season. He also was a First Team Hockey East All-Star and earned a spot on the New England All-Star team.
This season with the Milwaukee Admirals in the American Hockey League, O'Hara has posted 44 points on 19 goals and 25 assists over 65 games.
O'Hara, who was selected by Nashville in the fourth round (114th overall) in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, signed a two-year entry-level contract last spring at the conclusion of his junior season at UMass. He finished his collegiate career with 86 points over 109 career games on 33 goals and 53 assists, seven power-play goals, one shorthanded tally, four game winners and a plus-minus rating of +20.
O'Hara enjoyed a breakout year for the Minutemen in 2024-25 nearly tripling his previous career high in points, tying James Marcou for the Division I program single-season record with 51 in 40 games this season, fourth all-time.
The First Team CCM/AHCA Hockey All-American totaled 22 goals and 29 assists and was +21 with seven power-play markers, one shorthanded goal and four game winners in 2024-25. His assists total tied for seventh in the UMass record book and ranked tied for 10th nationally, while he ranks 10th in in goals for a single-season in program history, 13th nationally in goals this season. He also was a First Team Hockey East All-Star and earned a spot on the New England All-Star team.
This season with the Milwaukee Admirals in the American Hockey League, O'Hara has posted 44 points on 19 goals and 25 assists over 65 games.
Players Mentioned
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/ HockeyNewMass Minute; Onto TD Garden
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UMass IH | Broadcast Highlights vs Northeastern Hockey East QF | 03.14.26
Saturday, March 14
UMass IH | Post Game Press Conference vs Northeastern Hockey East QF | 03.14.26
Saturday, March 14
UMass IH | Coach Greg Carvel Post Game Press Conference vs Northeastern Hockey East QF | 03.14.26
Saturday, March 14