With the 2025–26 season having finished in the Northern Hemisphere we thought we would take a brief look at the Australian players who were competing overseas. Today features part 5 of 9 Australians in the United States. The information is collected from Elite Prospects and so might not be fully comprehensive.
James McConnell (UT1HL profile): First season with North Shore Academy after spending 2024–25 with Tahoe Prep Academy. Playing in the United Tier 1 Hockey League’s (UT1HL) 16U Division, McConnell recorded three goals and two assists from eight games. In addition to playing in the UT1HL, he also competed in 60 games of 16U AAA competition, recording three goals and seven assists, and in 16 games in the 16U Division of the Elite Prospects Cup Series, recording three assists.
Hudson Mintern (Gamesheet profile): First season with the Nashville Jr. Predators after spending the last two with the Music City Marauders. Playing in 14U competition, Mintern competed in 45 games, recording 13 goals and 12 assists. He also made five appearances for Coast Elite Hockey in the U15 Division of the Kings of Spring Tournament.
Dexton Mozell (Neumann University profile): Fifth season with Neumann University. Playing in the NCAA’s Division III, Mozell recorded two goals and four assists from 25 games. He was also named on the 2025–26 honour rolls of the Eastern Athletic Communications Association and Middle Atlantic Conference.
Ruben Nalos (THF profile, UT1HL profile): First season with the Elmira Junior Aviators after spending 2024–25 with the New Jersey 87’s. Playing in the Tier 1 Hockey Federation’s 18U Division, Nalos competed in twenty games, recording six goals and twelve assists. He also made 14 appearances for Elmira in the United Tier 1 Hockey League’s 18U Division, recording three goals and eleven assists, and six appearances in the Elite Prospects Cup Series’ 18U Division, recording three goals and three assists.
Zachary Okabe (AHL profile, ECHL profile): Second season with the Kalamazoo Wings. Playing in the ECHL, Okabe recorded 19 goals and 37 assists from 65 games. He also made two appearances for the Abbotsford Canucks in the American Hockey League. Heading into 2026–27, Okabe has signed with HC Thurgau of the Swiss League.
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