James Hagens

James Hagens
Born (2006-11-03) November 3, 2006 (age 18)
Hauppauge, New York, U.S.
Height 5 ft 10 in (178 cm)
Weight 168 lb (76 kg; 12 st 0 lb)
Position Center
Shoots Left
NCAA team Boston College
NHL draft Eligible 2025

James Hagens (born November 3, 2006) is an American college ice hockey player for Boston College of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). He is considered a top prospect eligible for the 2025 NHL entry draft, and is widely projected to be the first overall pick,[1][2][3] and if so, will become the ninth American-born player to be picked first overall, and the first since Jack Hughes in the 2019 NHL entry draft.

Playing career

Hagens played for the USA Hockey National Team Development Program (NTDP) during the 2022–23 season, where he ranked second on the team in scoring with 26 goals and 40 assists in 43 games with the under-17 team. He also recorded seven goals and 12 assists in 17 games with the under-18 team.[4] He competed at the 2024 BioSteel All-American Game where he recorded a goal and an assist and was subsequently named the game's most valuable player (MVP).[5][6] During the 2023–24 season, he recorded 18 goals and 29 assists in 26 games for the NTDP in the United States Hockey League (USHL).[7]

Hagens committed to play college ice hockey for Boston College during the 2024–25 season.[8][9]

International play

Medal record
Representing  United States
Men's ice hockey
World U18 Championships
Gold medal – first place 2023 Switzerland
Silver medal – second place 2024 Finland

Hagens represented the United States at the 2022 World U-17 Hockey Challenge where he recorded eight goals and 13 assists in seven games and won a gold medal. His 21 points set a World U-17 Hockey Challenge record, surpassing the previous record of 18 points set by Colin White in 2014.[10][11]

He represented the United States at the 2023 IIHF World U18 Championships, where he recorded one goal and four assists in seven games and won a gold medal.[12][13]

Hagens was named to USA Hockey's selection camp roster for the 2024 World Junior Championships, where he was the youngest of 29 players invited,[14] and was one of the last players cut from the roster.[15]

Hagens again represented the United States at the 2024 IIHF World U18 Championships, where he led the tournament in scoring with nine goals and 13 assists in seven games and won a silver medal. He was subsequently named tournament MVP, and was also named to the media all-star team and was named best forward by the IIHF Directorate.[16] His 22 points set a IIHF World U18 Championship record, surpassing the previous record of 21 points set by Nikita Kucherov in 2011.[17]

Personal life

Hagens' brother, Michael, is also an ice hockey player committed to play at Boston College.[18]

Career statistics

Regular season and playoffs

Regular season Playoffs
Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM
2022–23 U.S. National Development Team USHL 31 17 23 40 24
2023–24 U.S. National Development Team USHL 26 18 29 47 20
USHL totals 57 35 52 87 44

International

Year Team Event Result GP G A Pts PIM
2022 United States U17 1st place, gold medalist(s) 7 8 13 21 8
2023 United States U18 1st place, gold medalist(s) 7 1 4 5 0
2024 United States U18 2nd place, silver medalist(s) 7 9 13 22 4
Junior totals 21 18 30 48 12

Awards and honors

Honors Year Ref
International
IIHF World U18 Championship best forward 2024 [16]
IIHF World U18 Championship most valuable player 2024
IIHF World U18 Championship media All-Star team 2024

References

  1. ^ Cosentino, Sam (October 16, 2024). "Sportsnet's 2025 NHL Draft Prospect Rankings: October Edition". Sportsnet.ca. Retrieved November 20, 2024.
  2. ^ Pronman, Corey (October 1, 2024). "NHL Draft 2025 top prospects: James Hagens leads first ranking of the season". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved October 25, 2024.
  3. ^ McKenzie, Bob (September 19, 2024). "James Hagens in pole position for top spot at 2025 NHL Draft". TSN. Retrieved October 25, 2024.
  4. ^ Kimelman, Adam (August 2, 2023). "Hagens impressing as youngest U.S. player at World Junior Summer Showcase". NHL.com. Retrieved January 16, 2024.
  5. ^ "John Mustard OT Tally Lifts Team White to 5-4 Win in 2024 Chipotle All-American Game". usahockeyallamericangame.com. January 15, 2024. Retrieved January 16, 2024.
  6. ^ Morreale, Mike G. (January 15, 2024). "5 things learned at 2024 USA Hockey All-American Game". NHL.com. Retrieved January 16, 2024.
  7. ^ "Eiserman, Hagens highlight Team USA roster at men's U18se". TSN.ca. April 24, 2024. Retrieved April 24, 2024.
  8. ^ Marinofsky, Evan (September 21, 2023). "James Hagens commits to Boston College, and other college recruiting news". hockeyjournal.com. Retrieved January 16, 2024.
  9. ^ Pronman, Corey (September 20, 2023). "James Hagens, potential No. 1 pick in 2025 NHL Draft, commits to Boston College". The Athletic. Retrieved January 16, 2024.
  10. ^ Schram, Carol (November 13, 2022). "Hagens And Eiserman Dazzle As Unbeaten USA Powers To World U-17 Gold". The Hockey News. Retrieved January 16, 2024.
  11. ^ "U17s Take First Place After 11-3 Win in Championship Game Against Canada Red". usahockeyntdp.com. November 13, 2022. Retrieved January 16, 2024.
  12. ^ "Team USA Captures Gold Medal at U18 Men's World Championship 30". teamusa.usahockey.com. April 30, 2023. Retrieved July 7, 2022.
  13. ^ Morreale, Mike G. (December 15, 2023). "Hagens, 17, driven to make U.S. roster for 2024 World Junior Championship". NHL.com. Retrieved January 16, 2024.
  14. ^ Earegood, Connor (December 16, 2023). "Youngest among USA World Junior camp invitees, James Hagens wants to earn his spot". The Hockey News. Retrieved January 16, 2024.
  15. ^ Ferrari, Tony (December 19, 2023). "2024 World Juniors Biggest Snubs: Andrew Cristall, James Hagens Among Omitted Players". The Hockey News. Retrieved January 16, 2024.
  16. ^ a b Jurewicz, Chris (May 5, 2024). "Hagens named tournament MVP". IIHF.com. Retrieved May 5, 2024.
  17. ^ Aykroyd, Lucas (May 4, 2024). "U.S goes for gold, Hagens sets record". IIHF.com. Retrieved May 5, 2024.
  18. ^ Sikes, Ryan (October 9, 2023). "Why Top Recruits, Brothers James And Michael Hagens Chose Boston College". flohockey.tv. Retrieved January 16, 2024.