Cole McKinney vs Western Michigan 10/23

Cole McKinney was a second-round pick of the San Jose Sharks in the 2025 Draft. McKinney is known for playing a two-way, mature game. Last season, he played 60 games with the USNTDP, scoring 27 goals and contributing 34 assists. McKinney is currently a freshman at the University of Michigan.

McKinney's stat line in the Wolverines' 4-0 win over defending champion Western Michigan on Friday, October 23, 2025:

0 goals, 0 assists, 1 SOG, 10/13 FOW

Three observations from McKinney's performance:

Cole McKinney Is A Bulldog

Although McKinney is only 6'1", 198 pounds, he is an absolute load. He doesn't just invite contact. He actively seeks it out. Western Michigan is a slightly older team than Michigan, with players who won the National Championship last season. McKinney does not care.

McKinney uses his physicality to try to slow down the defenseman. Although the defenseman slips by and gets the puck first, McKinney is back on him again. Then pursues the loose puck by knocking the defenseman out of the way and gets physical in the corner once again, and wins a 50/50 battle to get the puck to a teammate.