University of Massachusets Athletics
Massachusetts Hockey Adds Transfer John McNelis To 2026-27 Roster
June 22, 2026 | Hockey
AMHERST, Mass. – University of Massachusetts hockey has announced the addition of 5-10, 165 pound left shot forward John McNelis for 2026-27. The Potomac, Maryland, native will enter UMass as a sophomore after spending 2025-26 at Boston University. He joins forwards Egor Barabanov, Gavin Cornforth, Max Curran, Jasper Kuhta, Maxim Massé and Melvin Novotny, defensemen Samu Alalauri, Barrett Dexheimer and Mathieu Taillefer and goaltender Tobias Trejbal as the 11th newcomer for the Minutemen this fall.
"John is a transfer forward that brings speed, energy and offensive instinct to the lineup," said UMass head coach Greg Carvel. "His feet are always moving when he is on the ice, which makes him an effective player in all three zones. His combination of pace and work ethic will be a huge addition to our group."
During his freshman campaign with the Terriers, McNelis appeared in 19 games and posted five points on a goal and four assists.
Prior to playing collegiate hockey, McNelis spent three seasons in the United States Hockey League (USHL) and totaled 84 career points on 38 goals and 46 assists over 124 games. He finished the 2024-25 season with Cedar Rapids where he logged four goals and eight assists for 12 points in 19 games after notching 31 points (14g, 17a) in 34 games with Sioux Falls. In 2023-24 with the Stampede McNelis registered 38 points (18g, 20a) in 62 games and earned a spot on the USHL All-Rookie Second Team.
Representing Team USA, McNelis won gold at the 2024 World Junior A Challenge where he had three assists in five games and claimed bronze at the 2023 Hlinka Gretzky Cup.
"John is a transfer forward that brings speed, energy and offensive instinct to the lineup," said UMass head coach Greg Carvel. "His feet are always moving when he is on the ice, which makes him an effective player in all three zones. His combination of pace and work ethic will be a huge addition to our group."
During his freshman campaign with the Terriers, McNelis appeared in 19 games and posted five points on a goal and four assists.
Prior to playing collegiate hockey, McNelis spent three seasons in the United States Hockey League (USHL) and totaled 84 career points on 38 goals and 46 assists over 124 games. He finished the 2024-25 season with Cedar Rapids where he logged four goals and eight assists for 12 points in 19 games after notching 31 points (14g, 17a) in 34 games with Sioux Falls. In 2023-24 with the Stampede McNelis registered 38 points (18g, 20a) in 62 games and earned a spot on the USHL All-Rookie Second Team.
Representing Team USA, McNelis won gold at the 2024 World Junior A Challenge where he had three assists in five games and claimed bronze at the 2023 Hlinka Gretzky Cup.
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