Cole Hutson had the hockey world talking after scoring what many are calling the NCAA goal of the season on Tuesday night. The 18-year-old defender potted the unbelievable tally for no. 10 ranked Boston University in the third period of their showdown with no. 9 ranked UConn.
With both teams down a man and playing 4-on-4, Hutson received a drop pass at center ice and quickly made his way into UConn’s zone at the 10:05 mark of the period.
After being challenged by a Huskies defender in the right faceoff circle, Hutson put the puck between his legs to avoid the check. Then, while facing his own end, he passed the puck to himself around the defender, raced to the net, and finished blocker side on goaltender Tyler Muszelik.
The stunning goal drew out reactions from several big names in hockey.
“OH. MY. GOODNESS,” the official NHL account tweeted, reposting the video. “You’re going to want to see this goal by @Capitals prospect Cole Hutson…”
“SEE YOU ON SPORTSCENTER TONIGHT, HUTTY!” tweeted BU Men’s Hockey.
“Look at Cole Hutson!!!! #SCTopTen,” from ESPN’s John Buccigross.
“Cole Hutson is special, too,” The Athletic’s Scott Wheeler said.
Hutson now has 33 points (10g, 23a) in 31 games this season for the Terriers. The Washington Capitals prospect is riding a four-game point streak and has been on fire since returning from the 2025 World Juniors, where he became the first defender to ever lead the tournament in scoring. In his last 16 NCAA games, Hutson has recorded 23 points (8g, 15a).
The Missouri native ranks second among all freshmen in scoring, just four points behind Niagara forward Trevor Hoskin (37), who has played in two more games. Among all NCAA defensemen, Hutson ranks third behind sophomore defenders Zeev Buium (35) and Mac Gadowsky (35).
Hutson’s 1.06 point-per-game rate in his freshman season ranks 17th all-time among under-19 college defenders. He ranks well above current NHL names like Luke Hughes (0.95), Zach Werenski (0.86), Quinn Hughes (0.78), Charlie McAvoy (0.68), Jake Sanderson (0.68), Noah Hanifin (0.62), and Owen Power (0.62).
The Terriers have two more games remaining on their regular-season schedule. They’ll then enter Hockey East conference tournament play and, later, the NCAA Tournament. Once his season ends, Hutson will be eligible to sign an entry-level contract with the Capitals. Still, he’s more likely to return for another year in college as his older brother Lane Hutson did before joining the Montreal Canadiens.
