Hockey

L.J. Mooney makes a superb pass in his first NCAA game
Mathis Therrien
L.J. Mooney makes a superb pass in his first NCAA game
Credit: Twitter screenshot

Last night, several of the NCAA's top teams began their 2025-2026 seasons, with Gavin McKenna making his debut for Penn State University, among others. The highly probable first pick in the 2026 NHL draft scored his first two NCAA points, with two assists.

On the Montreal Canadiens prospects' side now, well, Michael Hage had a smashing debut with five points, including two goals.

But in addition to Hage, there was also another Habs prospect whose NCAA season was taking off, and I'm talking about L.J. Mooney. The Habs' fourth-round pick (113th overall) at the last draft was making his debut on the American college circuit, playing his first game with the University of Minnesota.

And for the occasion, Mooney quickly distinguished himself with a superb backhand pass from behind the net on his team's third goal, in a 6-3 win over Michigan Tech University.

It's a sequence that really shows the full range of talent and playmaking ability of Mooney, who, despite his small stature, aspires to a great career because of his offensive skills.

This kind of sensational, perfect pass is exactly the kind of play that could help Mooney make the NHL one day. Of course, we're still a long way from that, but with such flair and vision, the Habs prospect could make it to the NHL if he develops properly.

It will be very interesting to follow him this season, as he's part of a very good team, and has a big role to play despite the fact that he's a rookie. It's worth noting that another Habs prospect picked up an assist in this game, defenseman Luke Mittlestadt, a player the Habs organization likes a lot, we remember.

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– To read.

– For those interested.

– I think Vertstappen can do it.

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