100 Greatest College Hockey Players of All Time, Part 3 (50-26)

Our countdown of the greatest college hockey players of all-time continues, as John Morton profiles Nos. 50-26. Be sure to check out Part 1 and Part 2 for a look at the first 50 players on our list.

50. Bob Brown, D, Boston University (1970-1972)

Back when BU was in the ECAC, it recruited a defenseman from Toronto who was 19 at the time. Despite being a tad older than most recruited players, Brown quickly eliminated any concerns through prolific scoring from the blue line. In his first season from 1970-71, Brown contributed 60 points and captured his first All-American roster spot. More importantly, BU was able to capture a national title in 1971.

As an encore, Brown followed up that campaign with a 50-point season, another All-American award and back-to-back national titles. Despite staying at BU only two years, Brown’s record of success cannot be overlooked.

49. Craig Norwich, D, Wisconsin (1974-77)

In his college years, Norwich played for three seasons with the Badgers. He notched 45 points in 38 games during his freshman year, which garnered the attention of the Montreal Canadiens, who selected him 142nd overall in the 1975 NHL Entry Draft.

Out of his many accomplishments, which include 168 career points, Norwich is perhaps best known for being the first and only defenseman in NCAA history to lead a national championship team in scoring.

48. Ron Wilson, D, Providence (1973-77)

People recognize Wilson today as a coach, but he compiled one of the best collegiate resumes in history. Over his illustrious four-year career, he put up 250 points, the highest total for an NCAA defenseman. But despite Wilson’s individual success, his Friars were never able to advance past the quarterfinals of the ECAC tournament.

47. Murray McLachlan, G, Minnesota (1967-70)

McLachlan stands out because of two phenomenal seasons in 1968-69 and 1969-70. He was a two-time WCHA MVP during his short-lived collegiate career, and led the Gophers to a conference title in 1970.

46. Bill Watson, F, Minnesota-Duluth (1982-85)

Before the program’s first-ever NCAA title in 2011, Duluth diehards were relying on past memories of Bulldog hockey from the mid-’80s. They were thinking of that whole team, but no other player stood out more on that team than Watson.

Although Watson only played in 22 games his rookie year, he still managed 15 points. With increased playing time, he shined all the more in subsequent seasons, winning the 1985 Hobey Baker Award after scoring 49 goals and adding in 60 assists for 109 points in only 42 games. Perhaps more significantly, Watson led the Bulldogs to their first NCAA championship berth in 1984 and another Frozen Four appearance in 1985.

In a 2014 game against Denver, the Bulldogs retired Watson’s No. 14. He became the third Bulldog to receive that honor.

45. Joe Nieuwendyk, F, Cornell (1984-87)

Nieuwendyk was definitely a rare talent in his collegiate days, devoting his first spring semester to lacrosse. However, after being named the ECAC rookie of the year and drafted by the Calgary Flames, Nieuwendyk decided to narrow his focus to hockey.

As a sophomore, Nieuwendyk confirmed he made the right choice, as he was an ECAC all-star and first-team All-American. In his final season at Cornell, Nieuwendyk led the ECAC in scoring and was a finalist for the 1987 Hobey Baker Award.

44. Doug Palazzari, F, Colorado College (1970-74)

In terms of his college hockey talent, Palazzari was one of the best. He starred for Colorado College in the 1970s and was a two-time WCHA MVP. He also earned first-team All-American honors in 1971-72 and 1973-74. During the 1973-74 season, Palazzari recorded 79 points in only 32 games.

43. Herb Wakabayashi, F, Boston University (1966-69)

Wakabayashi led one of the more interesting in college hockey history. Although he was born in Ontario, he was ancestrally Japanese and even played in the Olympics for Japan. However, Wakabayashi made his name best known at BU, where he excelled as a playmaker.

In his sophomore season with the Terriers, Wakabayashi set a BU and ECAC record with 51 assists. He still owns the most career helpers in Terrier history with 90, and is their second-leading all-time scorer with 145 points.

42. Bob Brinkworth, F, Rensselaer (1961-64)

Brinkworth set the scoresheet on fire throughout his time at RPI. amassing 216 points over three seasons. During his sophomore year, Brinkworth had 41 goals, including nine hat tricks. He was the ECAC player of the year and an All-American after his junior and senior seasons.

Brinkworth was simply someone who made an impact on the scoresheet, but his lofty stats were not empty points. He led the Engineers to the Frozen Four in 1961 and 1964. RPI added Brinkworth to its Ring of Honor in 2009.

41. Lorne Howes, G, Michigan (1954-57)

Originally from Ontario, Howes distinguished himself among many Wolverine goaltenders by helping them capture back-to-back national titles in 1955 and 1956. In addition to being recognized as a first-team All-American, Howes was named to The Hockey News’ WCHA all-second team as part of the publication’s 50th anniversary in 1997.

40. George McPhee, F, Bowling Green (1978-82)

McPhee, who currently serves as the GM for the upcoming Las Vegas NHL franchise, is not often recognized as well as he should be among college hockey legends. But his position on this list attests to his on-ice talent.

During his tenure at Bowling Green, McPhee racked up many accolades, including the CCHA’s rookie of the year in 1979, second team all-CCHA in 1979 and the 1982 Hobey Baker Award.

39. Brian Gionta, F, Boston College (1997-01)

When one thinks of Gionta’s time at Chestnut Hill, there are certainly distinct memories of a five-goal game he recorded against rival Maine. However, Gionta was able to accomplish more in his BC career than one memorable game.

Gionta led the Eagles to four consecutive Frozen Fours and captured a national championship as a senior. Along the way, he was a first-team All-American as a sophomore, junior and senior, finished in the top 10 in Hobey Baker balloting in 1999 and 2000 and was a 2001 Hobey Baker finalist.

38. Mike Mottau, D, Boston College (1996-00)

When you think of hockey defensemen, analysts typically ascribe the words “offensive” or “defensive” to describe their style of play. For Mottau, excelling at both ends characterized his time at BC. Among his many statistical achievements include the fact that he is the all-time assists leader for the Eagles with 130. His 157 points are good for 21st on BC’s all-time scoring list.

In his senior year, Mottau was voted Hockey East’s best defensive defenseman as well as the recipient of the Walter Brown Award as New England’s best U.S.-born college player. He was named an All-American in his senior campaign and capped off his college hockey career with the Hobey Baker Award.

37. Rick Meagher, F, Boston University (1973-77)

Back in the mid-1970s, it was difficult to be a BU fan. Sure, the Terriers made it to the Frozen Four four straight seasons from 1974-77 but they never emerged victorious.

For a player of Meagher’s caliber, it was certainly frustrating considering his personal trophy case. He was named to the first and second all-ECAC teams twice apiece as well as the NCAA East All-American team three times. Meagher was one of those players who improved year after year, finishing his senior season with 80 points.

36. Jim Starrak, D, Colorado College (1948-51)

The Tigers have not captured a Frozen Four title since 1957. But when they were the standard-bearers, they were able to capture the 1950 championship thanks, in part, to Starrak. During his time in college, Starrak accumulated many honors such as a three-time All-American and a two-time All-NCAA tournament team member.

However, no individual award can compare to capturing that 1950 national title with a resounding 13-4 win over BU.

35. Dany Heatley, F, Wisconsin (1999-01)

In comparison to other college hockey phenoms, Heatley’s numbers may not rank near the top of the list. But that was because he only played for two years at Wisconsin.

In 36 games as a freshman, Heatley put up 56 points. During his sophomore year, he put up 57 points in 39 games. His sophomore output nearly doubled that of every Wisconsin teammate. At times, Heatley had to carry his team into the postseason, and overcoming that adversity contributed to his NHL success. For his contributions to the Badgers, he was a two-time All-American and a 2001 Hobey Baker top-10 finalist.

34. Greg Brown, D, Boston College (1986-87, 1988-90)

Brown preceded fellow standout defenseman Mottau and, like his successor, was a complete player for the Eagles. In addition to being a skilled defenseman, Brown compiled 120 points in 119 career games. In between, he pushed back his sophomore year to play for the 1988 U.S. Olympic team.

When he returned to BC, Brown was better than ever, winning back-to-back Hockey East MVP awards as an upperclassman. He was a top-10 finalist for the Hobey Baker in 1989 and a runner-up in 1990.

33. Bill MacFarland, F, Michigan (1953-56)

MacFarland served as the captain of the Michigan teams that captured back-to-back national titles in 1955 and 1956. He was also named to the national all-tournament team in 1955.

The Wolverines have honored MacFarland and teammate Willard Ikola with recognition in their Athletic Hall of Honor.

32. Mike Eaves, F, Wisconsin (1974-78)

Right from the moment he stepped on the ice, Wisconsin knew Eaves was special. He put up 54 points as a freshman season, then bounced back from a mild sophomore slide for back-to-back 80-point campaigns.

Eaves helped the Badgers capture the 1977 NCAA championship and ended his days with the Badgers as their all-time leader in points with 267 points in 160 games.

31. Red Berenson, F, Michigan (1959-62)

Berenson is part of Michigan’s storied history as a hockey program and he continues to impact it as their head coach. Back when he played for the Wolverines, Berenson was a force. Perhaps his most significant year was his final one in the maize and blue. During that season, Berenson led the Wolverines to a second-place finish in the WCHA and a third-place finish in the NCAA championship.

In that historic season, Berenson led the Wolverines with 70 points, including 43 goals and nine hat tricks, in only 28 games. The 43 goals and nine hat tricks are both Michigan records that may never be broken, even with his own coaching prowess.

30. Greg Johnson, F, North Dakota (1989-93)

To be an integral part of the Nashville Predators’ first season in the NHL is something that Johnson will always remember. Of course, being a part of the historic Fighting Hawks program will stand out as well. Johnson’s UND hockey transcript eclipses even likes of Zach Parise, T.J. Oshie and Jonathan Toews because of his all-around play that made his teammates better.

Johnson set his tone by appearing on the 1990 WCHA all-tournament team, then went on to be named an All-American in his next three seasons. He twice led the WCHA in assists, was a Hobey Baker top-10 finalist as a sophomore and junior and a Hat Trick finalist in his senior year.

29. Lane MacDonald, Harvard (1984-87, 1988-89)

To his teammates, MacDonald was one of the fastest players they have ever played with and he has remained that way until today. MacDonald is the leading goal-scorer in Harvard history with 111. He added 114 assists for 225 points in 128 games played.

MacDonald was a Hobey Baker top-10 finalist as a junior before skipping a season to play for the 1988 U.S. Olympic team. Upon returning to the Crimson, he captured the 1989 Hobey Baker and a national title while setting four school records and ranking in the top five in 11 other categories.

28. Bob Collyard, F, Colorado College (1968-71)

Although he only played three seasons, Collyard still ranks as one of the best players in Tigers history. He is a two-time All-American, with 48 points in 1969 and 57 in 1970. In his final season, he only played in 15 games, yet managed to score 30 points.

27. Scott Fusco, F, Harvard (1981-83, 1984-86)

While MacDonald has the most goals in Harvard history, Fusco has the most assists and points with 133 and 240, respectively, in only 123 games. During his prolific career, Fusco was a two-time All-American and ECAC MVP.

Fusco, like many other college players at the time, joined the U.S. Olympic team in 1984 before returning to Harvard to capture the Hobey Baker in 1986. His older brother, Mark, had also won the Hobey Baker before him, making them the only siblings to ever capture the honor.

26. Adam Oates, F, Rensselaer (1982-85)

Strangely enough, RPI’s assistant coach at the time, Paul Allen, found Oates while scouting another player and immediately offered him a position on the team. That decision was certainly wise, as Oates recorded 42 points in 22 games as a rookie. During his tenure at RPI, Oates led the team in assists each year.

Most notably, in 1983-84, Oates set school records in points with 83 and assists with 57. That year, he was the first RPI player to earn a spot on the All-American team since 1965. He broke his own school records with 91 points and 60 assists the following year.

Oates was a top-10 Hobey Baker finalist as a junior and led the Engineers to appearances in the national tournament in 1984, breaking a 20-year absence, then a championship in 1985.