OTTAWA, Ontario — Last season, James Hagens closely monitored Macklin Celebrini, the standout player chosen first overall in the NHL Draft. Hagens found Celebrini’s ability to maintain focus amidst significant scrutiny particularly impressive.
“He never let anything affect him,” Hagens stated. “You always saw him calm and collected, dedicated to improving every day. Everything eventually falls into place.”
Hagens adopted a similar mindset as he embarked on his freshman NCAA season at Boston College, facing high expectations himself. Currently at the 2025 world junior hockey tournament, the 18-year-old center has made a strong impression, compiling five goals and 15 assists over 16 games at Boston College before joining Team USA for the under-20 tournament.
Celebrini had an outstanding 2023-24 season, scoring 32 goals and managing 32 assists in 38 contests with Boston University. He not only led the Terriers to the Frozen Four but also won the coveted Hobey Baker Award for being the top player in U.S. college hockey, before being selected first overall by the San Jose Sharks.
Hagens harbors similar aspirations as he navigates the dizzying draft process ahead.
“I’ve never seen him worried at all,” noted Boston College associate coach Brendan Buckley. “He approaches everything with a smile, making it seem like he has no pressure. He blends in with the team.”
Buckley was especially impressed when he learned that Hagens took notes on how Celebrini maintained his composure throughout his attention-grabbing freshman year.
“He’s eager to take the initiative to improve,” Buckley added. “Some players might overlook the importance of those minor details, but they can significantly ease the journey.”
So far, at the world juniors, Hagens has recorded two goals and four assists in three games, playing alongside his NCAA teammates Ryan Leonard and Gabe Perreault.
“He understands his own capabilities and how truly talented he is,” Leonard stated, highlighting Hagens’ confidence. “He’s in a fantastic position.”
Standing at five-foot-11 and weighing 179 pounds, Hagens has enjoyed a successful career that includes stints with the U.S. National Team Development Program. However, he has faced disappointment, notably being cut from last year’s world junior team, which eventually won gold in Sweden.
“That experience fueled my determination to train harder and be ready for my next opportunity,” Hagens explained. “You have to earn every chance you get; nothing is handed to you.”
Hagens was also part of the American team that lost to Canada in the under-18 world championship final.
“That was tough,” he admitted, recalling going beyond Nikita Kucherov’s tournament record of 21 points. “It motivated everyone involved.”
U.S. coach David Carle has observed significant growth in Hagens since their last encounter a year ago.
“He’s developed physically and mentally over the past year and is much more prepared for the challenge ahead,” Carle remarked. “We’re counting on him.”
Hagens welcomes the pressure that comes with these expectations.
“It’s a privilege to be in a position where there’s pressure,” he stated. “You want to embrace those moments for you and your team. Instincts should guide you; you must be ready for anything.”
As the draft approaches, Hagens is aware of the competition he’ll face alongside fellow top Canadian prospects, including the injured 17-year-old defenseman Matthew Schaefer and 18-year-old forward Porter Martone. The Americans are set to face Canada on Tuesday night in the final game of group play.
Leonard, who captains the U.S. team, believes that competing with other top prospects can only enhance their motivation: “It gets me excited.”
