Top-ranked Michigan faces hockey's future stars. This exhibition pits proven talent against aspiring NHL draft picks on Yost's legendary ice.
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — It is a matchup that has become a staple of the Ann Arbor hockey calendar, yet it never loses its luster. Tonight at 7:00 PM, the No. 1-ranked University of Michigan Wolverines (16-4) welcome the stars of tomorrow as the U.S. National Team Development Program (NTDP) Under-18 team invades a sold-out Yost Ice Arena.
While technically an exhibition, this game is far more than a friendly skate. For the Wolverines, it’s a chance to keep the blades sharp during the mid-season break. For the U18s, it’s a high-stakes audition in front of the very coaching staff and fan base many of them hope to play for in the coming years.
The State of the Wolverines
Michigan enters the second half of the season as the top team in the nation, sitting at No. 1 in both the USCHO poll and the NPI rankings. However, the roster the fans see tonight will look significantly different from the one that dominated the first semester.
- World Junior Absences: Michigan is currently without six key contributors away at the World Junior Championships, including superstar forward Michael Hage (Canada) and defenseman Asher Barnett (USA).
- Next Man Up: With Hage and captain T.J. Hughes unavailable, the spotlight shifts to Jayden Perron (18 points) and freshman standout Adam Valentini (17 points).
- Between the Pipes: With starting goaltender Jack Ivankovic also at World Juniors, freshman Stephen Peck is expected to get the nod. Peck has been solid in relief this season and will face a relentless barrage of speed from the NTDP forwards.
Scouting the Stars and Stripes
The NTDP U18 squad is a "who's who" of the 2026 NHL Draft. They arrive at Yost following a gritty 3-2 victory over Utica University earlier this week.
- Top Prospects: Keep an eye on Victor Plante and Sammy Nelson, who have led the offensive charge for the U18s this season.
- Blueline Strength: Defenseman A.J. Francisco is the engine of their transition game, leading the defenders in scoring.
- The "Yost Effect": For several players on the U18 roster, tonight is a "home" game of sorts—many are already committed to play for Michigan in the 2026-27 season.
Game Info & Keys to the Matchup
Matchup
US NTDP U-18 vs. #1 Michigan
Puck Drop
7:00 PM EST
Location
Yost Ice Arena, Ann Arbor
Streaming
B1G+
Radio
1050 WTKA
1. Special Teams Battle Michigan boasts the 3rd-best power play in the country (30.5%). Even with a depleted lineup, the Wolverines' systems are lethal. The U18s must stay out of the box to avoid being overwhelmed by Michigan’s puck movement.
2. Speed vs. Strength The U18s typically rely on elite skating and creative playmaking. Michigan, even with their youth, plays a more physical, "heavy" NCAA style. How the younger NTDP players handle the physical toll of Yost’s small ice surface will determine if they can pull off the upset.
3. The Atmosphere Yost Ice Arena is a daunting environment for any visitor. While the NTDP plays just down the road in Plymouth, the "Children of Yost" student section provides a psychological test that most 17-year-olds have never experienced.
"This game is a tradition for a reason. It's a great evaluation tool for us, and for the fans, it's a look at the future of the sport." — Michigan Hockey Preview