Cole McKinney

Cole McKinney
Born	(2007-03-16) March 16, 2007 (age 18) Lake Forest, Illinois, U.S.
Height	6 ft 3 in (191 cm)
Weight	185 lb (84 kg; 13 st 3 lb)
Position	Center
Shoots	Right
USHL team	U.S. NTDP
NHL draft	53rd overall, 2025 San Jose Sharks

Cole McKinney (born March 16, 2007) is an American ice hockey center for the U.S. National Development Team of the United States Hockey League (USHL). McKinney was drafted 53rd overall by the San Jose Sharks in the 2025 NHL entry draft.

Playing career

McKinney played two years with the U.S. National Development Team (NTDP). During the 2024–25 season, in his draft-eligible year, he led the team in scoring with 61 points. He recorded 27 goals and 34 assists in 60 games with the under-18 team, and added 15 goals and 11 assists in 23 games with the NTDP in the USHL. ^{[1] [2]} He was drafted in the second round, 53rd overall, by the San Jose Sharks in the 2025 NHL entry draft. ^[3]

He is committed to play college ice hockey at Michigan. ^{[4] [5]}

International play

Medal record
Representing   United States
Ice hockey
World U18 Championships
	2025 United States

McKinney represented the United States at the 2025 IIHF World U18 Championships, where he ranked third on the team in scoring with three goals and two assists in seven games and won a bronze medal. ^{[6] [7]}

Career statistics

Regular season and playoffs

				Regular season						Playoffs
Season	Team	League		GP	G	A	Pts	PIM		GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
2023–24	U.S. National Development Team	USHL		34	6	5	11	16		—	—	—	—	—
2024–25	U.S. National Development Team	USHL		23	15	11	26	18		—	—	—	—	—
USHL totals				57	21	16	37	34		—	—	—	—	—

International

Year	Team	Event	Result		GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
2025	United States	U18			7	3	2	5	2
Junior totals					7	3	2	5	2

References

1. Pope, Ben (June 1, 2025). "Chicago-area kids Cole McKinney, Asher Barnett carrying hockey friendship into and beyond NHL Draft". Chicago Sun-Times . Retrieved June 27, 2025.
2. Zuke, Ryan (June 28, 2025). "2025 NHL draft: Cole McKinney becomes second incoming Wolverine selected in 2nd round". MLive.com . Retrieved June 28, 2025.
3. Mielke, Mackenzie (June 28, 2025). "Cole McKinney picked by San Jose Sharks at No. 53 overall in the NHL Draft". The Michigan Daily . Retrieved June 28, 2025.
4. "Cole McKinney Commits to Michigan". chicagomission.com. August 9, 2023. Retrieved June 27, 2025.
5. "These Wolverines, Spartans are expected to be picked in NHL Draft". Detroit Free Press . June 26, 2025. Retrieved June 27, 2025.
6. McNeil, Kristy (May 6, 2025). "Four Wolverines Win Bronze Medal at U18 World Championship". MGoBlue.com. Retrieved June 27, 2025.
7. Jurewicz, Chris (May 3, 2025). "USA wins OT thriller for bronze". IIHF.com. Retrieved June 27, 2025.

External links

• Biographical information and career statistics from Eliteprospects.com , or  The Internet Hockey Database