Cole Eiserman
Cole Eiserman (born August 29, 2006) is an American ice hockey left winger who plays college hockey for the Boston University Terriers in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).[1] Standing at 6 feet 0 inches tall and weighing 195 pounds, he shoots left and hails from Newburyport, Massachusetts.[1] Selected 20th overall by the New York Islanders in the first round of the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, Eiserman is regarded as one of the team's top prospects due to his elite goal-scoring ability and physical style of play.[1][2] Eiserman's junior career was marked by exceptional performance with the United States National Team Development Program (USNTDP), where he set the program's all-time goals record with 127 over two seasons from 2022 to 2024.[3] In 56 games with the USNTDP Juniors in the United States Hockey League (USHL), he recorded 53 goals and 78 points, showcasing his quick release and offensive instincts.[2] Transitioning to the NCAA as a freshman at Boston University in the 2024–25 season, he tallied 25 goals and 36 points in 39 games, earning a spot on the Hockey East All-Rookie Team after helping the Terriers reach the national championship game.[1][4][5] Internationally, Eiserman has represented the United States with distinction, contributing to gold medals at the 2023 IIHF World U18 Championship and the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship.[3] In the 2025 World Juniors held in Ottawa, Ontario, he played as a forward and added to his reputation as a clutch scorer.[3] As a sophomore in the 2025–26 season, Eiserman recorded 6 goals and 8 points in 8 games before sustaining a lower-body injury in late October 2025 during a game against the University of Connecticut; he returned to the lineup in mid-November 2025.[4][6][7]Early life
Family background
Cole Eiserman was born on August 29, 2006, in Newburyport, Massachusetts.[2] He is the youngest of five brothers in a family deeply immersed in hockey, with his parents, Bill Eiserman Sr. and Diane Eiserman, fostering an environment where the sport was a central household activity. Bill Eiserman, a former Massachusetts state trooper who retired in recent years, played college hockey as a defenseman for the University of Massachusetts Lowell during the 1986–87 season, appearing in games for the River Hawks and contributing to the team's competitive efforts in Hockey East.[8][9] The family's dedication to hockey extended beyond immediate parental involvement, creating a supportive network that encouraged all siblings to pursue the sport competitively from a young age.[10] Eiserman's cousin, Ed Hill, further exemplified the family's hockey lineage; Hill, a defenseman from Newburyport, was selected by the Nashville Predators in the second round (61st overall) of the 1999 NHL Entry Draft after playing in the Ontario Hockey League.[11][2] This connection to professional scouting and development reinforced the household's emphasis on skill-building and perseverance in hockey. Eiserman's four brothers—twin Caden, along with older siblings Christopher, William, and Shane—were all actively involved in competitive hockey at various levels, often sharing rinks and training sessions that honed their collective passion for the game.[10][2] Caden Eiserman, born on the same day as Cole, played alongside him in early youth leagues, while the older brothers' experiences provided mentorship and inspiration.[12] Among the brothers, Shane Eiserman stands out for his professional aspirations; born in 1995, he was drafted by the Ottawa Senators in the fourth round (100th overall) of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft after strong performances with the U.S. National Team Development Program and later at the University of New Hampshire.[13] The Eiserman household in Newburyport buzzed with hockey-related activities, from watching games to practicing shots in the backyard, shaping Cole's early exposure and commitment to the sport as a family-supported pursuit.[8] This environment naturally led to Cole's entry into structured youth programs, where his skills began to develop further.[10]Youth development
Cole Eiserman's early exposure to ice hockey came through his family in Newburyport, Massachusetts, where the sport was a constant presence in the household. His father had played the game, as had several uncles and cousins, immersing Eiserman in hockey from a young age and fostering a deep familial connection to the sport.[10][8] Eiserman began building his foundational skills in local Massachusetts youth leagues, notably with the Boston Junior Bruins, a prominent program that provided competitive play and skill development opportunities for young players in the region. This early participation honed his on-ice abilities, emphasizing fundamentals like skating, puck handling, and positional awareness as a budding forward.[2] At around age 14, Eiserman made the transition to the Shattuck-Saint Mary's prep school in Faribault, Minnesota, seeking more advanced training in a renowned elite youth hockey environment. This move marked a significant step in his progression, exposing him to higher-level coaching and competition designed to accelerate talent growth.[14][15] Throughout his youth development, Eiserman emerged as a left-shooting winger distinguished by his exceptional goal-scoring prowess, a trait evident from his initial local play and carrying forward into more structured programs. His instinctive shot release and positioning around the net became hallmarks of his style, setting the stage for his rise in competitive hockey.[1][16]Amateur career
Shattuck-Saint Mary's
Cole Eiserman enrolled at Shattuck-Saint Mary's, the renowned Minnesota-based prep school known for its elite hockey program, in 2020, transitioning from youth hockey in his native Massachusetts to compete at a higher level.[17] The 2020–21 season, during which he played for the 14U AAA team, unfolded amid the COVID-19 pandemic, with the program implementing strict health protocols to enable a full schedule of games despite widespread disruptions in youth hockey.[18] Eiserman's performance that season marked a breakout, as he tallied 97 goals and 57 assists for 154 points in 50 games, a scoring output that underscored the competitive intensity of Shattuck-Saint Mary's program, which has produced numerous NHL talents.[2] This exceptional production established him as one of the top young forwards in the country, building on his early youth foundations. At Shattuck-Saint Mary's, Eiserman honed his identity as a heavy shooter and offensive forward, particularly refining his sniper skills through an automatic release that allowed him to score from diverse angles and positions in the offensive zone.[2] His development emphasized quick, powerful shots off the pass, positioning him as a pure goal-scorer in high-stakes environments. Eiserman's talent shone brightest in key tournaments, notably the 2021 Chipotle-USA Hockey National Championships, where he dominated the Tier I 14U division with 14 goals and 9 assists for 23 points, leading all scorers and powering Shattuck-Saint Mary's to the national title.[15][19] This standout showing, combined with his regular-season dominance, directly facilitated his recruitment to the U.S. National Team Development Program following the season.[20]U.S. National Team Development Program
Cole Eiserman joined the U.S. National Team Development Program (USNTDP) in April 2022, where he competed for both the under-17 and under-18 teams during his two-year tenure.[20] His selection to the program followed a standout performance at Shattuck-Saint Mary's, highlighting his emergence as a prolific goal scorer at the national level.[21] In the 2022–23 season, Eiserman led the NTDP with an exceptional 69 goals and 104 points in 62 games across the under-17 and under-18 squads, establishing himself as one of the program's most dynamic forwards.[22] Over his full NTDP career spanning 119 games, he tallied a record-setting 127 goals, eclipsing the previous mark of 126 held by Cole Caufield from 2017 to 2019.[23] This achievement underscored his elite shooting ability and offensive instincts, with only three players in NTDP history—Eiserman, Caufield, and Phil Kessel—ever reaching the 100-goal milestone.[24] Through the NTDP's affiliation with the United States Hockey League (USHL), Eiserman appeared in 56 games, registering 53 goals and 78 points, including a league-leading 25 goals in 24 games during the 2023–24 season alone.[2] His USHL production further solidified his status as a top draft-eligible prospect. Initially committed to the University of Minnesota, Eiserman switched his pledge to Boston University in September 2023, signing a national letter of intent later that year.[25] This move positioned him to join a powerhouse program ahead of his collegiate debut. Eiserman's NTDP tenure culminated in his selection by the New York Islanders in the first round, 20th overall, at the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, where his goal-scoring prowess was a key factor in his evaluation.[26]College career
2024–25 season
Eiserman made his NCAA debut with the Boston University Terriers of the Hockey East conference during the 2024–25 season, marking the start of his collegiate career as a freshman forward. As the 20th overall pick by the New York Islanders in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, he faced elevated expectations but quickly adapted to the college level.[27][1] In 39 of the Terriers' 40 games, Eiserman recorded 25 goals and 11 assists for 36 points, leading all NCAA freshmen in goals scored while leading Boston University's goal-scoring for the season. His scoring prowess included a plus-7 rating and 27 penalty minutes, showcasing his offensive impact and physical presence on the ice. Missing just one game due to a minor injury, Eiserman's consistent play was instrumental in the Terriers' run to the NCAA Frozen Four, where they advanced to the national championship game before falling 6–2 to Western Michigan. He was named to the NCAA Championship All-Tournament Team for his performance.[28][1][29][30][31] Eiserman's standout freshman campaign earned him Hockey East All-Rookie Team honors in 2025, recognizing his rapid rise as one of the conference's top newcomers. He also received Hockey East Rookie of the Month accolades for October 2024 after a strong start with multiple multi-goal games.[27][27]2025–26 season
Eiserman began his sophomore season with the Boston University Terriers on October 4, 2025, scoring the team's first goal of the year on a power play in a 4-2 victory over LIU, contributing to an early offensive surge that highlighted his continued scoring prowess as a top-line forward. Over the opening seven games, he recorded six goals and two assists for eight points, pacing the Terriers in scoring and establishing himself as a primary offensive threat with his quick release and ability to capitalize on high-danger chances. Notable performances included a multi-goal effort in the season opener and three goals with an assist across a weekend sweep of Colgate in mid-October, where he fired 12 shots on net to underscore his aggressive shooting mentality. Building on his freshman-year foundation of 25 goals, Eiserman has refined his play to include more playmaking elements, assisting on key transitions while maintaining his role as the New York Islanders' top prospect.[32][33][34][35] Eiserman sustained a lower-body injury during a game against UConn on October 25, 2025, which sidelined him for four games. Boston University coach Jay Pandolfo noted the injury was less severe than initially feared. He returned to the lineup in mid-November 2025. Through his action, he has demonstrated growth in physical engagement and zone entries, adapting to increased defensive responsibilities while remaining a focal point of the Terriers' power play.[36][37][38]International career
Under-17 tournaments
Eiserman made his international debut with the United States under-17 national team at the 2022 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, held in Langley and Delta, British Columbia, from November 3 to 12. Representing USA Hockey during his time with the U.S. National Team Development Program (NTDP), he played a pivotal role in the team's tournament performance.[22] The United States captured the gold medal, defeating Canada Red 11-3 in the championship final.[39] Eiserman led all players in scoring with 12 goals and 20 points over seven games, showcasing his offensive prowess on the international stage.[40] His goal-scoring dominance, including multiple multi-goal games, underscored his early emergence as a key forward for the U.S. squad.[2]Under-18 tournaments
Eiserman made his debut at the IIHF World Under-18 Championships in 2023, representing the United States in Basel and Porrentruy, Switzerland. He recorded nine goals and two assists in seven games, tying for the tournament lead in goals and contributing significantly to the U.S. team's offensive dominance en route to a gold medal victory over Sweden in the final.[41] In the 2024 tournament held in Espoo and Vantaa, Finland, Eiserman again led the U.S. with nine goals and two assists over seven games, including a hat trick in the opening 9–0 rout of Slovakia and another natural hat trick in a 9–4 preliminary-round win over Finland. His scoring prowess, highlighted by seven power-play goals, helped propel the team to the gold-medal game, where they secured silver after a 6–4 loss to Canada.[42][43][44] Across both Under-18 tournaments, Eiserman's 18 goals in 14 games underscored his pivotal role in the U.S. national team's attack, establishing him as one of the premier young goal scorers internationally and building on his prior success at the Under-17 level.[1]World Junior Championships
Eiserman made his U-20 international debut at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championships, held in Ottawa, Canada, where he represented the United States as one of the tournament's youngest players at age 18. Selected for the roster following his standout performances in prior junior tournaments, he transitioned seamlessly from his freshman season at Boston University to the senior youth national team, contributing to Team USA's offensive depth. In seven games, Eiserman recorded three goals and four assists for seven points, including a multi-point effort (one goal and one assist) in the preliminary-round game against Canada where he scored once and added an assist on a power-play goal, and a goal in the 4-1 semifinal win over Czechia. His scoring touch helped Team USA secure a gold medal with a 4-3 overtime victory over Finland in the final, marking the program's first back-to-back titles and Eiserman's first championship at the U-20 level.Personal life
Family influences
Cole Eiserman comes from a family deeply immersed in hockey, with his parents, Billy and Diane Eiserman, providing unwavering support throughout his development and into his professional career. His father, a retired state trooper who played college hockey at UMass Lowell, has attended nearly every one of Cole's games, offering constant encouragement that motivates his performance on the ice.[8][45] Cole has described his family as his primary supporters, emphasizing how their presence at games and events strengthens his drive to succeed.[45] Eiserman's four older brothers—Caden (his fraternal twin), Chris, William, and Shane—have also played significant roles in shaping his career path, serving as both role models and active cheerleaders. All brothers have competed in hockey at various levels, fostering a competitive yet supportive household environment that extends to Cole's ongoing pursuits.[46] The family's hockey legacy includes Cole's uncle, Ed Hill, who was selected in the second round (61st overall) of the 1999 NHL Entry Draft by the Nashville Predators.[11] In particular, Shane Eiserman's professional journey has inspired Cole, as Shane was selected in the fourth round (100th overall) of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft by the Ottawa Senators after playing for the U.S. National Team Development Program and the University of New Hampshire, where he appeared in 125 games.[47] Shane transitioned to professional play in the ECHL with teams like the Norfolk Admirals and South Carolina Stingrays, accumulating 24 points in 38 games before retiring around 2020.[13] The Eiserman family's commitment is evident in their attendance at pivotal moments, such as the 2024 NHL Draft in Las Vegas, where relatives including cousins joined to celebrate Cole's selection by the New York Islanders as the 20th overall pick—marking the second brother to be drafted in the family.[48] This ongoing involvement continues at tournaments and college games, reinforcing Cole's focus amid the pressures of his emerging NHL career.[10]Education and interests
Eiserman enrolled at Boston University in the fall of 2024 as a freshman, joining the men's ice hockey program while pursuing his undergraduate studies as a student-athlete in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).[49] As a sophomore in the 2025–26 academic year, he balances rigorous coursework with the demands of Division I hockey, living in a campus dormitory alongside teammates such as Kamil Bednarik.[50] Specific details on his declared major remain undisclosed in public records, though his commitment to BU reflects a focus on holistic development amid his emerging professional hockey career.[8] Off the ice, Eiserman maintains an active and varied set of interests that complement his athletic lifestyle. He enjoys playing tennis and golf, activities that provide recreational outlets during downtime, and has previously competed in baseball and football during his youth.[8] Known among peers as a "funny kid" and engaging personality, he frequently participates in lighthearted pursuits like mini-sticks games with billet family members and follows New York Islanders games closely to stay connected to the NHL.[51][50] As a high-profile draft pick, Eiserman has also begun building a media presence through interviews and prospect spotlights, highlighting his approachable demeanor beyond the rink.[8]Career statistics
Regular season and playoffs
Cole Eiserman began his organized hockey career at Shattuck-Saint Mary's, where he demonstrated exceptional scoring ability at the youth and prep levels. In the 2020–21 season with the 14U AAA team, he recorded 97 goals and 57 assists for 154 points in 50 games.[2] The following year, playing for the 18U Prep team, Eiserman tallied 56 goals and 30 assists for 86 points in 53 regular-season games.[2] He appeared in two playoff games during the 2021–22 Prep Hockey Conference postseason, contributing 2 goals and 1 assist for 3 points.[2]| Season | Team/League | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | +/- | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020–21 | Shattuck-St. Mary's 14U AAA | 50 | 97 | 57 | 154 | 48 | — | — |
| 2021–22 | Shattuck-St. Mary's 18U Prep (USHS-Prep) | 53 | 56 | 30 | 86 | 44 | — | — |
| GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | +/- | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 0 | — | — |
| Season | Team/League | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | +/- | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022–23 | U.S. National U17 (NTDP) | 42 | 43 | 29 | 72 | 28 | — | — |
| 2023–24 | U.S. National U18 (NTDP) | 57 | 58 | 31 | 89 | 34 | +23 | 25 |
| Season | Team/League | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | +/- | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022–23 | NTDP Juniors (USHL) | 32 | 28 | 16 | 44 | 18 | +13 | — |
| 2023–24 | NTDP Juniors (USHL) | 24 | 25 | 9 | 34 | 6 | +6 | — |
| Season | Team/League | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | +/- | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024–25 | Boston University (NCAA) | 39 | 25 | 11 | 36 | 27 | +7 | 10 |
| 2025–26 | Boston University (NCAA) | 8 | 6 | 2 | 8 | 0 | -5 | 3 |
International
Eiserman has represented the United States in international youth and junior tournaments, accumulating 33 goals and 48 points in 28 games across U-17, U-18, and World Junior levels.[2]U-17 Tournaments (2022)
| Year | Tournament | GP | G | A | P | PIM | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | World U-17 Hockey Challenge | 7 | 12 | 8 | 20 | 4 | Gold medal (USA defeated Canada 4–0 in final)[52] |
U-18 Tournaments (2023–24)
| Year | Tournament | GP | G | A | P | PIM | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | IIHF World U18 Championship | 7 | 9 | 2 | 11 | 8 | Gold medal (USA defeated Czechia 4–1 in final)[41][53] |
| 2024 | IIHF World U18 Championship | 7 | 9 | 1 | 10 | 2 | Silver medal (lost to Czechia 3–2 in final)[54][42] |
World Junior Championships (2025)
| Year | Tournament | GP | G | A | P | PIM | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | IIHF World Junior Championship | 7 | 3 | 4 | 7 | 6 | Gold medal (USA defeated Sweden 3–1 in final)[55][56] |