Thayer Athletics is proud to announce that Brian McFadden ’27 has been selected by the Washington Capitals in the fifth round, 144th overall, of the 2026 NHL Draft. The standout defenseman becomes the latest Thayer hockey player to hear his name called on draft day, a moment that caps years of development within the Academy's program.

McFadden's path forward is already taking shape. He has committed to continue his hockey and academic career at Northeastern University, and has signed to play for the Chicago Steel of the United States Hockey League (USHL) ahead of his time in Boston.

McFadden becomes the 12th Thayer Academy alumnus to be drafted into the National Hockey League, extending the Academy's rich tradition of developing hockey talent at the highest level.

Among those alumni is Brooks Orpik ’98, who now works in player development for the Washington Capitals, the very organization that selected McFadden. Orpik, a longtime NHL defenseman himself, spent 15 seasons in the league before transitioning into his current front-office role, adding a full-circle connection to McFadden's selection.

Thayer Academy’s Van Whisnand ’62 Head Coach for Boys Varsity Hockey David Hymovitz ’92 P ’27 offered his thoughts on McFadden's achievement. “Our players and staff are very proud of Brian being selected in the NHL Draft. He has worked incredibly hard at his game and was a huge part of our team on and off the ice, as well as our Thayer community. We thank him and wish him nothing but the best as he continues onto the next step in his hockey career.”

McFadden's selection continues a proud tradition of Thayer hockey players advancing to the collegiate, junior, and professional ranks. As he prepares for his next chapter with the Chicago Steel and, eventually, Northeastern University, the Thayer Academy community will be cheering him on every step of the way.