Josh Ravensbergen is taking the next big step in his hockey journey - and it’s a move that could shape his development in a major way. The San Jose Sharks’ 2025 first-round pick, selected 30th overall, is headed to Michigan State University for the 2026-27 season, as confirmed by Kevin Weekes.
This is a notable shift for the 19-year-old goaltender, who’s spent the past two seasons between the pipes for the Prince George Cougars in the WHL. Through 29 games this year, Ravensbergen has posted a .916 save percentage and a 2.67 goals-against average - solid numbers that speak to his consistency and poise in net. While he didn’t see game action for Team Canada at the World Juniors, just earning a roster spot at that level is a strong endorsement of his talent and potential.
What makes this move even more interesting is the evolving landscape of junior hockey eligibility. Thanks to recent changes, players from the WHL, OHL, and QMJHL can now maintain their NCAA eligibility - something that wasn’t possible in years past. That opens the door for players like Ravensbergen to pursue both elite competition and a college education, without having to choose one path over the other.
For San Jose, this is a long-term investment that’s trending in the right direction. Ravensbergen is already showing the kind of fundamentals and mental toughness you want in a future NHL goaltender. Now, he’ll get the chance to sharpen his game further in the NCAA - a league known for its structured systems, high-end coaching, and physical play that often mirrors the pro game.
Michigan State, meanwhile, is getting a promising netminder who’s already proven himself at the junior level. The Spartans will likely give him every opportunity to grow into a starting role, and if his WHL numbers are any indication, he’s more than capable of rising to the occasion.
This move doesn’t just represent a new chapter for Ravensbergen - it reflects a broader trend in player development. More and more prospects are taking advantage of flexible eligibility rules to craft a development path that suits their unique needs. For Ravensbergen, that path now runs through East Lansing.
And if he continues to build on what he’s already shown, the Sharks might just have something special brewing in their goaltending pipeline.