Union College's Ben Muthersbaugh is part of a freshman class making impressions early on in the 2024-25 College Hockey season. A look at 10 standouts thus far.
It is only Week 5 of the College Hockey season, but several freshmen have already emerged as standout performers.
This year's installment may not dominate quite like Hobey Baker-winner Macklin Celebrini did for Boston University a season ago.
However, that should not hinder anyone from being excited about this year's crop of players.
Here is a look at the top 10 freshmen players thus far.
Ben Muthersbaugh, F (Union College)
Muthersbaugh was expected to return to the USHL this season, but he obviously felt ready to make the leap.
The forward leads all freshmen in points (13) and shots on goal (36) and is tied for the NCAA lead with six goals.
Muthersbaugh has recorded four consecutive multi-point efforts, including a five-point night against Mercyhurst a couple of weeks ago.
The 20-year-old was named ECAC Hockey Rookie of the Week for the second consecutive week on Monday.
Trevor Hoskin, F (Niagara)
Hoskin has points in all but one game this season and extended his points streak to five games with a five-point weekend against Robert Morris.
The Calgary Flames draft pick is tied for the team lead with eight points on three goals and five assists.
Hoskin is tied with Muthersbaugh for most power-play goals (2) among first-year skaters.
Austin Burnevik, F (St. Cloud State)
Burnevik took a third year of development in the USHL last season and found his game.
The Anaheim Ducks draft pick already has seven points on three goals and four assists through his first seven games.
He has just two points (both assists) in his last two games as the schedule has gotten more challenging.
Cole Eiserman, F (Boston University)
Eiserman scored in three straight games to open his collegiate career, including a two-goal performance against UConn.
The New York Islanders draft pick is tied among all first-year skaters with three power-play goals.
Eiserman has five points on four goals and one assist through his first five games.
James Hagens, F (Boston College)
The projected No. 1 pick in the 2025 NHL Draft is off to a good start with the Eagles.
Hagens has six points on one goal and five assists and has found the scoresheet in all four games this year.
The NTDP product posted a big game against AIC two weeks ago, recording one goal and three points.
Rorke Applebee, G (Lake Superior State)
Lake Superior State has started the year with a 1-3-0 record, but Applebee has been one of the most impressive first-year goaltenders.
The 21-year-old owns a 1.67 goals-against average and a .948 save percentage, with one shutout in three games thus far.
Applebee notably made 37 saves on 39 shot attempts in an overtime loss against Michigan State to begin his collegiate tenure.
Michael Hage, F (Michigan)
Hage wrapped up a big second half in the USHL last year and was a first-round pick of the Montreal Canadiens in this year's draft.
The 18-year-old forward has four goals and three assists in his first six games, making his seven points the most on Michigan's roster.
Hage saw his five-game point streak end two weeks ago, and he will look to start another in Michigan's road test against Boston University this weekend.
Gavin Morrissey, F (Wisconsin)
Morrissey was a significant contributor to the Fargo Force's Clark Cup championship a season ago.
The 21-year-old forward has carried over that success with the Badgers.
He has seven points on two goals and five assists through his first six games.
Added, Morrissey is riding a two-game point streak going into Wisconsin's road trip against Notre Dame.
Hampton Slukynsky, G (Western Michigan)
The USHL's Goaltender of the Year is off to a good start in his new threads.
Slukynsky owns a 2.01 goals-against average and a .938 save percentage in two appearances for Western Michigan.
The Los Angeles Kings draft pick made 28 saves on 29 shot attempts in his debut against Ferris State.
Slukynsky followed that up with a 32-save performance in the Broncos' loss at Boston College.
Luke Ashton, D (Minnesota State)
Ashton has already been a significant contributor from the Mavericks' blue line.
The Columbus Blue Jackets draft pick has four points on one goal and three assists through his first eight games.
Additionally, Ashton leads all first-year skaters with a +8 plus/minus rating, tied for fifth nationally.
Honorable Mentions: Cullen Potter, F (Arizona State), Rainers Rullers, F (RPI), Max Lundgren, G (Merrimack), Iiro Hakkarainen (Western Michigan), Cameron Korpi, G (Michigan), Max Strand, F (Vermont)