Discover how DI transfers and talented recruits are transforming Division III hockey, fueling a surge in talent and popularity on the ice.
Recently, I broke down the Trickle Down Effect and its overall benefit to college hockey as a whole. Broadcasting at the Division III level this past season, I've seen firsthand how the Trickle Down Effect has specifically helped grow this tier of college hockey from a talent perspective. This talent influx comes via two forms: Division I Transfers and new commitments.
Players that may have not fit in at the Division I level for any number of reasons have come down to Division III and absolutely torched the competition. For this case study, I turn to Nikita Borodaenko.
Borodaenko was a solid producer in junior hockey with the USHL's Dubuque Fighting Saints. He earned a commitment to Merrimack College in the prestigious Hockey East Conference. Through 20 games over two seasons with the Warriors, Borodayenko earned just 3 points. In the summer of 2024 following Borodayenko's sophomore year, he transferred to the Division III University of Dubuque After arriving in Dubuque, Borodayenko commanded the offense for his junior and senior years. In back-to-back season, Borodayenko led the Spartans in goals, assists, points, and power play goals. He capped off his collegiate career being named a Second Team All American by the American Hockey Coaches Association and signing two ECHL amateur contracts.
This is far from the only example of a former Division I player Trickling Down to Division III and finding his form. Guys like Nick Ahern, Colby Browne, Kyle Furey and Roc Truman have all followed this trend line.
New commitments from potential Division I players have also fueled this rise in talent. I look at Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) freshman Charlie Fink. Fink had stints in the OHL and QMJHL, as more of a grinder and depth player. Under the rule change he is eligible for NCAA hockey.
His performances in the OJHL (Ontario Junior Hockey League) and NAHL (North American Hockey League) had him notching nearly a point per game from 2023-25. In my opinion, he could have potentially gone to smaller Division I program like a Robert Morris, Stonehill or Lindenwood with an unknown role on the roster. However, playing at MSOE has made Fink a top six stalwart finding his niche more and more as the 2025-26 season progressed. Players like Fink coming directly to Division III make college hockey a home for higher end talent.
Both Borodaenko and Fink are not exceptions, but trendsetters in this new landscape of NCAA Hockey. The Trickle Down Effect has given Division III a jolt in popularity. This benefits gifted players looking to continue their careers, and grows the college hockey at a grassroots level to new fans. A potential golden age of NCAA Hockey is on the horizon. It's a question of to what degree do we embrace it.