Arizona State hockey will be returning several key players

TEMPE, Ariz. — The transfer portal has been wreaking havoc in college hockey the last several days, and Arizona State hockey has not gone unscathed. The Sun Devils have already lost key players like Tim Lovell, TJ Semptimphelter, and a few others to the portal. However, ASU announced several key players will be returning to Mullett Arena next season.

Arizona State hockey announces several key returners

Arizona State hockey announced this afternoon that four significant players will be returning next season.

Lukas Sillinger

Lukas Sillinger led ASU in points last year, breaking the program record by tallying 48. He also broke the program record for assists with 37. His 37 assists were good for second in all of college hockey at the end of the regular season (per ASU), and he finished tied for ninth in total points.

Sillinger was recognized for his elite play on the ice this season by being nominated for the Hobey Baker Award. The Hobey Baker Award is given annually to the top player in all of college hockey.

The ASU forward finished the season hot, scoring points in 11 of ASU’s last 12 games including a hat trick on March 9 against Alaska Anchorage.

Sillinger will look to carry that momentum into next season.

Ty and Dylan Jackson

Ty and Dylan Jackson are the most electric twins in college hockey. They both played crucial roles this season, despite fighting through injuries throughout the year. Ty spent 70 days on the sideline midseason and returned against Alaska Fairbanks on Feb. 9. He came back in style, and didn’t miss a beat. He went on to score six points in his first four games back.

Despite missing 15 games, Ty finished as a top-10 scorer for the Sun Devils with six goals and 12 assists.

Dylan also caught the injury bug in the 2023-2024 season but still finished the year with seven goals and four assists.

If the Jackson twins can stay healthy next season, it puts the Sun Devils in a very good spot.

Benji Eckerle

Benji Eckerle had a breakout campaign last year for Arizona State hockey. The Michigan native smashed his previous career high of points in a season, 8. In 2023-2024, Eckerle tallied 21, with 16 assists and five goals. He also tallied 22 blocks, which was third of the forwards on the team.

Coach Powers on their return

“Bringing back a line that when intact was absolutely electric is huge as we head into the NCHC,” said head coach Greg Powers in a press release. “While Dylan and Ty had tough years from an injury standpoint, when they were healthy they were by far two of our best offensive players. Returning a 48-point player in Lukas speaks for itself. I genuinely believe they will be one of the most dynamic lines in college hockey. Benji Eckerle is the glue to our lineup and his speed and tenacity will be invaluable in conference play. We couldn’t be more thrilled to have them all back for their fifth years of college hockey.”

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