As a kid growing up in Westchester County, New York, Bradley Whang dreamed of one day playing Division 1 college hockey. He’s now one giant step closer to achieving that goal.

After a successful season playing for Shattuck St. Mary’s 15U AAA team and putting up an astronomical 121 points in just 61 games, Whang announced in an Instagram post on August 6 his commitment to attend Yale.

“I’m incredibly proud and honored to announce my commitment to play Division 1 hockey and continue my education at Yale University,” he said in the post. Whang has since told the News. “I knew Yale was the right choice for me. The coaching staff has been amazing, and from the first time I visited, everything about the campus and the rink just felt right.”

For Whang’s parents, Helen and Eugene, the announcement reflects their son’s lifelong dedication to hockey and his education.

“This commitment means a lot to us because it acknowledges all the years of Bradley’s hard work and self-motivation,” Helen Whang told the News. 

During the 2022-23 season with the New Jersey Rockets 13U AAA team, Whang’s talents captured the attention of coaches at perennial hockey powerhouse Shattuck St. Mary’s in Faribault, MN, and earned him an invitation to attend the boarding school.

At just 14, Whang left home. The move quickly proved to be
the right decision for the Whang family as he developed into a top 2009 birth year player.

In his first season at Shattuck, the forward showed great promise notching 27 goals and 46 assists over 55 games. He went on to nearly double those numbers in his sophomore campaign this past season with 40 goals and 81 assists, good enough to land him second in scoring on the number two ranked 14U team in the country.

The 16-year-old brings a cerebral and fast game on the ice. Whang also has the ability to score with ease and be an excellent playmaker who can set up his teammates. His skills were on full display this summer when he was selected to represent New York State at the USA Hockey 16U National Player Development Camp.

When he became eligible to make a college commitment on Aug. 1, it didn’t take long for Yale to offer him a spot or for Whang to make a
decision.

“I’ve been to Yale’s campus a lot, and it still amazes me every time,” he told the News. “The atmosphere is so welcoming, and the history and tradition you feel just walking around make it a special place.”

For Whang’s parents, Yale also offered everything they wanted in a school for their son. “We love the academic rigor at Yale. Education is super important to us,” Helen Whang told the News. “And Yale is very close to where we live. Everything was just aligned. But most of all, we think he will be very happy there.”

When asked what Yale hockey fans can expect from him when he steps onto the ice at Ingalls Rink in a few years, Whang told the News: “A player who’s confident, competitive, and willing to do whatever it takes to help the team win. I play with a lot of energy, and I want to be the kind of teammate who makes everyone around me better.”

Until then, Whang has his sights set on another year of development at Shattuck St. Mary’s.

“My focus is on continuing to grow as both a hockey player and a student. I want to be ready to make an impact when I arrive and represent Yale the right way, both on and off the ice.”

After Shattuck, Whang already has the option of playing for the Des Moines Buccaneers of the United States Hockey League. The junior team drafted him in the third round this year.

Alternatively, he could opt to play juniors north of the border for the Brampton Steelheads who selected him in the Ontario Hockey League’s draft. Regardless of the path he takes, the Whang family can’t wait to see him wearing blue and white for the Bulldogs.

“We are excited to watch his game and see how he develops hockey-wise, academically, mentally, and emotionally at Yale,” Helen Whang remarked.

The Yale Men’s Hockey 2025-26 season begins on Nov. 2, when the Bulldogs will face Dartmouth on the road.

This article was written for the Yale Daily News’ 2025 Summer Journalism Program for high school students.