GRAND FORKS, N.D. – Junior defenseman Jake Livanavage is one of six players named to the 2025-26 NCHC Preseason All-Conference Team, as announced by the league and selected by media members on Wednesday.
 
Livanavage led all players with 25 of a possible 30 votes to earn a place on the team, which is comprised of five different programs. He is the only player of the group to be named to last year's preseason team as well as 2024-25 All-NCHC First Team honors.
 
One of the top returning defensemen in the country, Livanavage is set to wear a letter for the first time in his collegiate career in 2025-26. The junior finished third on the team last season with 28 points and sat second on the squad with 24 assists while also leading the team with 68 blocked shots to earn a spot on the AHCA/CCM All-America Second Team.
 
He was dynamic in NCHC play as well, pacing the team with 21 points and 18 helpers to become only the fifth UND blueliner to earn a spot on the All-NCHC First Team and the first underclassman defenseman at NoDak to earn a first team recognition from a league since 2000-01.
 
 In 78 career games, the Phoenix, Ariz., native has nine goals and 48 assists for 57 points and is a communication major.
 
Media members voted for three forwards, two defensemen and one goaltender on their ballot with each vote worth one point. The top three vote-getters at forward, top two defensemen and highest vote-getting goaltender made up the preseason all-conference team. A total of 30 ballots were submitted by media members covering each team, as well as select national college hockey media.
 
On Thursday, the 2025-26 NCHC Preseason Poll will be revealed. It will first be counted down on the NCHC's X/Twitter account, @TheNCHC, beginning at 12:15 p.m. ET.
 
2025-26 NCHC Preseason All-Conference Team
F: Sam Harris, Denver, Jr. – 22 votes
F: Cullen Potter, Arizona State, So. – 19 votes
F: Max Plante, Minnesota Duluth, So. – 15 votes
D: Jake Livanavage, North Dakota, Jr. – 25 votes
D: Eric Pohlkamp, Denver, Jr. – 16 votes
G: Hampton Slukynsky, Western Michigan, So. – 21 votes
 
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