NTDP U18 Hockey Team Defeats West Point 3-1
The NTDP U18 squad secured a comeback victory against West Point behind a 42-save performance from goaltender Winters.
Updated on Oct. 25, 2026 in Hockey
Live Poll
Do you believe regional youth hockey programs provide sufficient development for aspiring competitive players?
The NTDP U18 hockey team defeated West Point 3-1 in a competitive matchup. The win was anchored by a strong defensive effort as goalie Winters turned away 42 shots throughout the game.
Why it matters
This victory demonstrates the depth and resilience of the NTDP roster as they prepare for international competition. It provides the team with critical momentum before they head to the Under-18 Five Nations Tournament.
Winters recorded 42 total saves for the NTDP, including 16 stops in the first period, while West Point netminder Crudale finished with 23 saves. The game remained tight until the final 92 seconds when an empty-net goal secured the 3-1 result.
The players
Winters
He is the goaltender for the NTDP U18 hockey team who recorded 42 saves in the victory over West Point.
DiCunzolo
He is an NTDP forward who scored the tying goal during the second period.
Willis
He is an NTDP player who scored the decisive game-winning goal in the third period.
Fitzhenry
He is an NTDP skater who registered the final goal of the game into an empty net.
Crudale
He is the goaltender for West Point who faced heavy pressure and recorded 23 saves.
The details
Adam Marshall opened the scoring for West Point in the first period, but DiCunzolo answered for the NTDP in the second. Willis netted the game-winner in the third period before Fitzhenry added the final goal into an empty net.
Timeline
The NTDP played West Point on October 24, 2026.
The U18 team plays Sweden on November 4, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This win reinforces the competitive development track of the USA Hockey National Team Development Program as players prepare for high-level international play. The victory helps solidify team chemistry ahead of the high-stakes Under-18 Five Nations Tournament in Switzerland.
The victory provides a significant boost for the NTDP as they finalize their lineup and rotation strategies for the upcoming international tournament. With 42 saves, Winters has established himself as a reliable anchor in the crease heading into the next series of games.
The takeaway
Maintaining defensive discipline under pressure remains a key objective for the team's continued success. Players and fans should note that consistent goaltending performance is often the deciding factor in tight, low-scoring games.
What happens next
The NTDP U18 team is scheduled to face Sweden in the Under-18 Five Nations Tournament on November 4, 2026.
Further reading
For more coverage on local ice sports and development teams, see Hockey.
Live Poll
Do you believe regional youth hockey programs provide sufficient development for aspiring competitive players?
