2026 ACAC Men's Hockey Rookie of the Year
Edmonton, AB (March 20, 2026) –
MEN'S HOCKEY ROOKIE OF THE YEAR, OWEN UNDERHILL:
The Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) is pleased to announce Owen Underhill of the SAIT Trojans has been selected as the 2026 ACAC Men’s Hockey Rookie of the Year.
Owen Underhill made an immediate and powerful impact in his first season of collegiate hockey, earning Men’s Hockey Rookie of the Year through his dominant presence and consistent offensive production. A first‑year student‑athlete enrolled in Fitness and Wellness Management, Owen quickly established himself as a difference‑maker on the ice. Throughout the season, he recorded 30 points, including 14 goals and 16 assists, currently third in the ACAC in goals scored. His ability to generate offense and contribute key moments set him apart as one of the conference’s top rookies.
Owen played a significant role in leading his team to the championship series, consistently stepping up in high‑pressure situations and delivering when it mattered most. His speed, strength, and confidence with the puck makes him a constant threat, and his offensive consistency helps drive the team’s momentum throughout the year. Despite being in his first collegiate season, Owen competed with maturity beyond his years, earning the trust of his teammates and coaches through his performance and reliability.
Beyond the statistics, Owen’s impact is defined by the standard he set from the moment he joined the program. He brings intensity, focus, and a competitive edge to every game, while continuing to develop as a student‑athlete both on and off the ice. His Rookie of the Year recognition reflects not only an outstanding debut season, but also the strong foundation he has established for continued success within the program.
“Owen Underhill made an immediate impact in the ACAC, bringing speed, consistency, and a relentless work ethic to his first season. Hailing from Blackville, NB and developing in the Maritime Junior Hockey League, he transitioned seamlessly to the collegiate level.
Known for his explosive speed, Underhill is a constant offensive threat, recording 30 points in 24 games while appearing in every contest. More importantly, his character sets him apart, he shows up every day with purpose, accountability, and a team-first mindset. He exemplifies what it means to be a Trojan, bringing professionalism, compete, and consistency both on and off the ice, making him a trusted presence in the lineup and a standard for those around him.” – Head Coach Tyler Drader
Owen Underhill is a first-year student-athlete from Blackville, New Brunswick enrolled in Fitness & Wellness Management.
This prestigious award will be recognized at the 2026 ACAC Men’s Hockey Championship.
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About the ACAC: The ACAC is the governing body for intercollegiate athletics in Alberta. Its mission is to provide competitive collegiate sport experiences, promote academic achievement and be a leader of sport development in Canada.
For more information on the ACAC, please visit our website: www.acac.ab.ca
For additional information, contact:
Mark Kosak, Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference
Chief Executive Officer
403-875-7329
markk@acac.ab.ca
Emily Peterson, Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference
Marketing & Communications Coordinator
emilyp@acac.ab.ca