Boston College coach Greg Brown saw tremendous growth throughout Stiga’s freshman season, when the forward had 30 points (14 goals, 16 assists) in 36 games. He anticipates Stiga will continue to grow as he is leaned on to play a larger role as a sophomore.
“Teddy gives an honest effort every single day,” said Brown, who is also serving as an assistant for the U.S. “He never takes any drill off, and I think having that attitude and that consistent effort really paid off for him last year. I think he had a great season for us at BC and obviously to be able to cap off the World Juniors with the gold-medal game-winning goal is special thing that he’ll never forget.”
Stiga, selected by the Predators in the second round (No. 55) of the 2024 NHL Draft, recognizes the opportunity ahead of him in his second college season. His hockey IQ and skating ability, combined with his aptitude for making plays and finding the back of the net, already bode well for him.
This season, it will be about taking those skills to the next level, and about winning a third straight gold medal at the 2026 World Juniors, which will take place in St. Paul and Minneapolis from Dec. 26-Jan.5.
“I think it’s just kind of about honing in all my skills,” Stiga said. “The start of my college career it was definitely faster paced, but now that I’m used to that I should be able to have a really good start to the year and carry that throughout.
“This summer I’ve just been working on everything — getting bigger, faster, stronger. I know that’s a cliche answer, but it’s what I want and need to do to become a complete player. A better player.”