Pelletier, Seelinger, Simpson Named Forward of the Year Finalists
Published on April 15, 2026 under United States Hockey League (USHL) News Release
Ryan Seelinger (Des Moines Buccaneers), Alex Pelletier (Lincoln Stars), and Cooper Simpson (Youngstown Phantoms) have been named finalists for United States Hockey League (USHL) Forward of the Year, the league announced Wednesday. The award winner will be announced on Tuesday, April 21. The finalists were nominated and voted upon by team general managers.
Alex Pelletier, F, Lincoln Stars
Pelletier delivered one of the top offensive seasons in the USHL, tallying 48 goals and 37 assists in 59 games to rank among the league leaders in scoring. His 48-goal season tied Matt Coronato (Chicago Steel: 2020-21) for the second-most in USHL Tier-1 history. The Boston College commit and West Hartford, Conn. native averaged 1.44 points per game, most among skaters who played more than 10 USHL games, his 270 shots led the league by a wide margin, and his +17 rating was second-best among Stars forwards.
Ryan Seelinger, F, Des Moines Buccaneers
Seelinger followed up a strong rookie campaign with a breakout 2025-26 season, recording 68 points in 61 games to lead Des Moines in scoring. He finished the season tied for fifth in USHL scoring and sixth in goals, scoring 31. After posting 33 points in 62 games last season, the Miami commit and Downers Grove, Ill. native took a major step forward offensively, more than doubling his point total and averaging 1.11 points per game. His +26 rating tied for seventh best in the league.
Cooper Simpson, F, Youngstown Phantoms
Simpson led Youngstown with a standout offensive season, finishing second in the USHL and leading the Phantoms in scoring, recording 74 points with 34 goals and 40 assists in 61 games. Of his 74 points, 38 came on the Phantoms' second-ranked power play that clicked at 27.6%. After skating in only nine USHL games the previous season, the North Dakota commit made an immediate impact in a full-time role, helping power the Phantoms to an Anderson Cup-winning campaign. Simpson, a Bruins prospect and Shakopee, Minn. native averaged 1.21 points per game, showcasing a strong combination of scoring touch and playmaking ability.
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