The Final A Ranking and after 13 weeks we still don’t have a clear #1 team which should make the playoffs very fun! Due to it being the last rankings usual format change here: a top 25 presented with shorter explanation, followed by a breakdown of each section including descriptions of every team. Let the Playoffs Begin!
1. Warroad (18-6-1)
Past Week Results: L 3-4 Bemidji, W 5-3 #10 Northern Lakes
Upcoming Schedule: Section 8A Playoffs
The Warriors dropped a tough one to a good Bemidji crew but did wrap up the season with a strong Top 10 road win over Northern Lakes to end the year. They are probably the least consensus #1 team to end the regular season in a long time and that’s not a shot at them just more how much parity exists in Class A. They will now try to get back to state for the fourth straight year and win that elusive State Title #5.
2. Hermantown (13-8-4)
Past Week Results: T 1-1 Grand Rapids
Upcoming Schedule: Section 7A Playoffs
The Hawks finished the year going (1-4-1) in their final 6 games and they were held to 2 goals or less in 5 of them. There are concerns here but they played such a tougher schedule than many in Class A and they will be the favorite in a tough 7A as until someone proves they can beat them when it counts they remain the king of the Northeast.
3. Hibbing/Chisholm (16-9-0)
Past Week Results: W 5-2 #4 Cloquet/Esko/Carlton, W 6-2 #14 Chisago Lakes
Upcoming Schedule: Section 7A Playoffs
Hibbing finished the season strong winning 4 consecutive games and in the final week they won two Top 15 games over CEC & Chisago Lakes. They move up in these final rankings and they will be a very scary #3 seed in 7A as we all eye the rematch at Amsoil vs the Hawks in less than a week!
4. Cloquet/Esko/Carlton (18-7-0)
Past Week Results: L 2-5 #3 Hibbing/Chisholm
Upcoming Schedule: Section 7A Playoffs
The Lumberjacks continued their late season drop as they were beaten on home ice soundly by Hibbing to end the year and to wind up here in the rankings. They did still get a #1 seed based on the overall season but they have not played well since they knocked off the Hawks but they have a road to the Section Final and will look to make the Tourney for the first time as a Class A team.
5. St Cloud Cathedral (15-8-2)
Past Week Results: W 4-3 OT #15 Mahtomedi
Upcoming Schedule: Section 5A Playoffs
The Crusaders had a dramatic comeback victory to end the regular season on a solid note. They enter the 5A sectional as the favorite even if they weren’t given the #1 seed by the 5A coaches as they went (8-2-0) since beating the Moose down the stretch. The Defending Champs will be a tough out in the playoffs as they attempt to get the repeat.
6. Monticello (21-3-1)
Past Week Results: L 2-5 Totino-Grace, W 3-2 #22 Alexandria
Upcoming Schedule: Section 5A Playoffs
The Moose lost in their test vs Totino-Grace, a team SCC just beat, but did bounce back to get the win over Alexandria. The overall SOS and head to head vs Cathedral and how both teams played down the stretch drops them here in the final ranking. They did benefit from a generous 5A Coaches vote and with the top seed they should be in the Section Final.
7. Delano (14-10-1)
Past Week Results: W 2-1 Litchfield/Dassel-Cokato, W 7-2 Mound Westonka, W 3-0 #8 Northfield
Upcoming Schedule: Section 2A Playoffs
Delano finished the year (7-1-1) and capped it off with a shutout road win over Northfield to leap up here. They had no bad losses on the year and they look to be playing their best hockey now. They will earn the #2 seed in Section 2A and they will try to get back to State for the first time since 2021.
8. Northfield (19-4-2)
Past Week Results: W 14-0 Faribault, L 0-3 #7 Delano
Upcoming Schedule: Section 1A Playoffs
The Raiders were able to win the Big Nine Conference for the 4th straight year and they will be the top seed again in Section 1A as they go for a three peat that they are the heavy favorite to win. The loss to Delano does sting but they do own wins over the other two 2A teams in Orono & MPLS to still have a good chance at the #4 State Tourney seed.
9. Minneapolis (15-7-3)
Past Week Results: L 3-5 Spring Lake Park/Conn Rapids
Upcoming Schedule: Section 2A Playoffs
The 612 crew dropped their season finale to SLPCR which doesn’t really affect much as far as these rankings are concerned. They should still be the top seed in Section 2A and they will have a good shot with a senior laden team to get back to the X for the 2nd time in four years but the road there will not be easy.
10. Northern Lakes (16-8-1)
Past Week Results: T 2-2 #11 Little Falls, W 10-0 Breckenridge/Wahpeton, L 3-5 #1 Warroad
Upcoming Schedule: Section 6A Playoffs
The Lightning went (12-5-1) after the start of the new year and are playing their best hockey of the year right now. They have bought into the defensive mindset of Coach Randolph and now as the #1 seed in 6A they will try to break through finally and get back to state for only their second ever appearance at State.
11. Little Falls (14-7-4)
Past Week Results: T 2-2 OT #10 Northern Lakes
Upcoming Schedule: Section 5A Playoffs
The Flyers finished the year by tying the Northern Lakes as those two played their second straight overtime game vs each other and are almost dead even based on Resume. They won the head to head vs Orono to land here. They can avenge one of their worst losses in the 5A Playoff Quarterfinal and they have a goalie who can steal a game or two.
12. Orono (12-10-3)
Past Week Results: W 9-3 Bloomington Jefferson, L 2-3 Champlin Park
Upcoming Schedule: Section 2A Playoffs
The Spartans split their final two games of the year vs AA competition. Orono is a dangerous team as they have been right on the cusp of the Top 10 all year and they have played all the top teams competitively they just haven’t won many of those games. They will be a very difficult 3 seed to knock out as they look to defend their Section 2A crown again.
13. East Grand Forks (10-13-2)
Past Week Results: W 2-1 OT #24 Thief River Falls, L 2-3 OT Roseau
Upcoming Schedule: Section 8A Playoffs
The Greenwave split a pair of overtime games this week winning the important one over TRF which gave them the #2 seed. Their best Class A win is over Mahtomedi to land here in the final ranking in what has been a disappointing year. However, all can be forgiven with a postseason run as they will host the 8A sectional as this is still a dangerous and talented team.
14. Chisago Lakes (14-9-2)
Past Week Results: W 5-4 OT Princeton, L 2-6 #3 Hibbing/Chisholm
Upcoming Schedule: Section 4A Playoffs
The Wildcats wrapped the season by sneaking by Princeton before falling to Hibbing on the road, not exactly inspiring. Chisago Lakes should be the top seed in 4A and will have a great chance to get back to the Tourney for the 1st time since 2014.
15. Mahtomedi (8-15-2)
Past Week Results: W 4-1 Hastings, L 3-4 OT #5 St Cloud Cathedral
Upcoming Schedule: Section 4A Playoffs
The Zephyrs showed again to end the regular season as bad as their record is and how down they have been they are still dangerous when they took SCC to overtime. However, their undisciplined nature cost them another win and they will turn their attention to trying to win Section 4A and they would be a very scary low seed in the Tourney.
16. Luverne (19-4-2)
Past Week Results: W 12-0 Windom, T 3-3 OT Minnesota River
Upcoming Schedule: Section 3A Playoffs
Roll Cards Roll wrapped up the regular season by winning the Big South Conference and securing the top seed in 3A. Now they will look to get revenge for last year’s upset but tying Minnesota River in the last regular season game is not a good omen.
17. Waseca (20-3-2)
Past Week Results: W 6-1 New Ulm, W 5-1 Dodge County, W 5-2 Marshall
Upcoming Schedule: Section 1A Playoffs
The Bluejays rattled off three more wins to end the year, earning a school record 20 wins for the regular season. The win over Dodge County should give them the #2 seed in Section 1A as they now look to make program history and advance to the first section Semifinal in school history this year and not stop there.
18. Proctor (13-11-1)
Past Week Results: L 7-4 Duluth Denfeld
Upcoming Schedule: Section 7A Playoffs
The Rails lost the regular season finale to Denfeld but they were then rewarded the #4 seed in 7A. They have tie ver Hermantown and took CEC to overtime during the year but they can’t afford to overlook a 17 win International Falls team in the Quarterfinal round
19. River Lakes (15-8-2)
Past Week Results: W 6-0 Willmar
Upcoming Schedule: Section 5A Playoffs
The Stars wrapped up a very nice regular season with a shutout win but then somehow were seeded #6 by some odd Section 5A Coaches Seeding. Talk about a tough road ahead. They will have to go on the road and beat Little Falls, SCC just to get to the section final now.
20. Detroit Lakes (9-13-3)
Past Week Results: W 4-2 #25 Fergus Falls
Upcoming Schedule: Section 8A Playoffs
The Lakers record is hideous but the resume allows them sneak back into the Top 20 to finish the year. They have wins over EGF, SR, TRF, FF and split with Alex to wind up here. They earned the #4 seed and will have a tough road ahead in 8A but they hope the tough schedule has prepared them for a run.
Next Five Notable Teams
Sauk Rapids (16-8-1)- The Storm won their season finale and then got a huge gift from the 5A Coaches as they somehow ended up with the #5 seed despite a resume that said otherwise. Regardless this is a scary low seed team and they won’t be a fun playoff draw.
Alexandria (12-13-0)- Alexandria locked up the #2 seed by sweeping the Otters and then played a Top 10 Moose group tough. This is a young team that got better all season and they will not give up their section 6A reign easily as they look to 4 peat in a few weeks.
Red Lake Falls (21-4-0)- The Eagles got swept by Crookston to end the year but were still able to hang on to the #3 seed in 8A, their highest in program history, and they will see if the third time’s the charm as they draw the Pirates again in the Quarterfinal Round of the Playoffs.
Thief River Falls (8-12-1)- The Prowlers ended once of their worst regular seasons in a long time dropping the finale to EGF but showed they are still a scary team as they took the Greenwave to OT. Now they hit the road for the playoffs for the first time since 2001.
Fergus Falls (12-13-0)- The Otters had a tough final week as they dropped games to rival #20 Detroit Lakes and #22 Alex to finish up the year. They do have the head to head win over Albert Lea who is next on ranking and they will be the #3 seed in 6A and could make a run.
BHS Class A 2024-25 Section Playoff Preview:
Below are the section previews; some of these seeds (1A, 2A, 3A & 4A) are projections as of now.
Section 1A Playoff Schedule
Play In 2/18 High Seed
QF 2/20 High Seed
SF 2/22 Rochester Rec Center
F 2/26 Rochester Rec Center
Section 1A Projected Seeding
1- Northfield Raiders (19-4-2)
2- Waseca Bluejays (20-3-2)
3- Albert Lea Tigers (16-7-2)
4- Rochester Lourdes Eagles (14-10-1)
5- Dodge County Wildcats (9-15-0)
6- Austin Packers (16-8-1)
7- Winona Winhawks (12-10-2)
8- La Crescent-Hokah Lancers (8-13-4)
9- Red Wing Wingers (2-21-2)
10- Faribault Falcons (5-18-1)
The Favorite- Northfield who is the two time defending Section 1A champion comes into this sectional looking like the heavy favorites again this year. Seniors Will Cashin & Griffin Kennelly and Junior Michael Steward give Northfield a trio of big time forwards that have led the way as the top line for most of the year. The Raiders though are built differently this year as their strength is their backend as they have a good blueline led by the best D pair duo in Southern Minnesota of Sophomore Ben Geiger & Junior Bridger Riley who are both elite defenders and they have some serious offensive flash and they are a match up nightmare for anyone in Section 1A. Goaltending has also been a strong spot as Senior Max Frank has taken his game to another level after winning the starting job last year. A more defensive sound group makes this maybe the best Raiders version we have seen and they will be very tough to stop from three peating in Section 1A.
The Challengers- Waseca the Bluejays came in as a preseason pick to make a big jump and contend this year in 1A. They have lived up the hype as they come in with an offense that is averaging 8.5 goals a game. Up front Seniors Brayden Hesch-Priebe & Hunter Anderson and Juniors Jude Gehring & Jayden Gehring and Sophomores Griffin Storey, Henry Huttemier, Cash Lynch & Otto Schoenrock all have double digit goals on the season. The questions do arise on the back end but defender Sophomore Beckett Srp leads the blueliners. In net Senior Carter Martens & Sophomore Josiah Schmidtke have split the net all year and been solid and this is a dangerous team but they have not played a very tough schedule and we will see how they do and if they can make a playoff run.
Albert Lea has put together a very strong year as they have won 15 games and appear to be prime contenders as always in Section 1A. The Tigers are led up front by Seniors Connor Pirsig & Samuel Stay who along with Junior Jacob Kolker & Sophomore Drake Sternhagen have all had double digit goal years and been very productive. Add to them defender Junior Zaden Brua who may be their best overall player and there is a strong nucleus of talent for Albert Lea. The real strength though is net as Senior Ledger Stadheim has played nearly every minute in net again this season and he will keep them in every game and make this a very dangerous team to face in Sections.
Dodge County beefed up the schedule this year and their overall record paid for it. However, a closer look will show that they have been very competitive in all their Section 1A games. They are led up front by the top player in Southern Minnesota as Senior Brett Ludvigsen has been fantastic again this year. Add to him the offensive depth of Senior Dylan Klomps, Junior Gabe Coshenet & 9th grader Camryn Koch and this team can score with anyone. The issue for them has been on the back end as Juniors Cooper Bebee & Dylan Allen lead a remade blue line and they have been struggling to get consistent goaltending but if they get that come section time watch out as this team could be dangerous.
The Dark Horse- Rochester Lourdes The Eagles have had a fantastic year as they have rebuilt their program back into contender status in Section 1A and they should not be overlooked. Senior Jack Roe along with a good young core of forwards in Juniors Owen Hoehn, Jack Phillips & Dom Troutman and Sophomores Nolan DuBois & Jaxson Keefe lead a good Eagles offensive attack. On the blueline Sophomores Vinny Harens & Charlie Kor lead the way and in net Junior Anton Ackley has been very solid and can steal a game when needed. This team is young but they have grown throughout the year and they could be a dark horse pick to arrive back in St Paul a year early in Section 1A.
Section Scary- Winona the Winhawks will be a scary low seed to face as they have shown like in their tie with top seed Nothfield on any given night they could be a problem to face. Up front Senior Aven Prodzinski & Trystan Hagen have led the way and put up very productive years. On defense Juniors Paxton Raymond & Myles Bruemmer have both been strong and added to the offense as well. In net Senior Damon Noland has the ability to stand on his head and this will not be a fund to draw in the Quarterfinal Round.
The Rest- Austin has had a fantastic year as they have won more games this year than in the last 5 years combined. This is another dangerous low seed that is led by Seniors Gavin Brekke, Gahvin Schaefer & Grady Carney up front and Junior Kyler Flanders & Sophomore Kade Overocker on the back end who are all having great years. La Crescent is a team that has gotten progressively better as the year has gone along and forwards Seniors Ethan Myhre & Alex Von Arx along with Junior Cooper Hill and defender Senior Mitch Reining lead the way and Goaltender Junior Charlie Wieser has playoff experience. Red Wing has had another tough year but Forward Senior Charlie Peterson and Defender Senior Tanner Jarmuz & Sophomore Marshall Turner have all had strong years. Faribault also had a tough year again as well but one brightspot is Junior Tommy Kunze who has scored plenty of big goals on the year and will look to become the schools all time leading scorer next year.
Section 2A Playoff Schedule
QF 2/19 High Seed
SF 2/22 St Louis Park Rec Center
F 2/26 St Louis Park Rec Center
Section 2A Projected Seeding
1- Minneapolis (15-7-3)
2- Delano Tigers (14-10-1)
3- Orono Spartans (12-10-3)
4- Providence Academy Lions (11-11-3)
5- Breck Mustangs (11-11-2)
6- Hutchinson Tigers (11-12-2)
7- Mound Westonka White Hawks (11-14-0)
8- Litchfield Dassel Cokato Dragons (8-17-0)
The Favorite- Minneapolis comes into the 2A Sectional looking for some revenge as they were ohh so close to State as the Section Runner up last year. This is a very talented and veteran team that has 12 seniors on the roster and they are full of experience and the 612 crew wants to get back to state for the 2nd time in 4 years. The strength of this team is upfront as they have some serious scoring power as Seniors Rory Kronick, Matthew Walsh, Nick Anderson & Johan Krasean and Junior Eli Milinkovich can all put the puck in the net and they have good depth offensively. They are led by their fantastic 9th Grader Wilson Lamberty & Senior Milo Black on the back end as both have had great years and chipped in offensively as well. In net they split time as Seniors Adam Lybeck & Griffin Simpson have rotated almost every game and both have had solid years. With all the seniors on this roster the time is really now or never for the boys from the city to get back to State as the 2A Favorite this year.
The Challengers- Orono is the two time defending 2A champion coming into the sectional and they are a top challenger to defend their title. They are much better than their record indicates as they have lost numerous tight games to the Top Class A teams this winter. They have been led up front by a pair of Seniors Trey Landa & Ethan Pagel and Juniors Jackson Knight & Rory Kvern, who have led the offensive effort all year and while they are not as deep as they have been in previous years there’s still plenty of offense here. On the blueline Junior Luca DeCubellis has been their leader as he has loads of experience and skill to help Orono get out their own end. In the net, Goaltender Senior Evan Schmidt has taken over as the main guy and he has been very consistent all year as the Spartans will look to make another trip to state.
Delano is the other main challenger here but in all honesty it’s been a disappointing year with all the talent they brought back. Trusting their coaching staff here to have the Tigers primed for a playoff run as they love to play their tight lock down structure which is annually built for playoff success. Seniors Mason Hargarten, Joseph McCabe & Bryce Peterson have led the way front along with Juniors Daniel Halonen, Brody Geislinger & Brady Kangas and 9th grader Lance Halonen for the Tigers offensive effort. The Tigers are always strong in their own end and Seniors Aaron Halonen & Markus Kangas have been the leaders on the blueline. In net they have rotated the starter spot but it would appear that Junior Evan Geyen has won the job and he has playoff experience from last year. This is a scary team that hasn’t quite reached its potential during the year but don’t count Delano out as they can definitely make a run.
The Dark Horse- Providence Academy one of the biggest surprise teams for most of the year they have shown in some results like tying Minneapolis and beating Gentry that they can beat anyone on a given night. However, injuries really derailed their season as they come limping into the playoffs now but this is still a team no one in Section 2A should overlook. The Lions are led by their duo of Sophomores Gavin Sattler & Will Stricker up front as they have scored a bunch of goals this year. Senior Jesse Varner has been the anchor on the back end but the goaltending has been a question mark all year. If they are healthy and can get some good tending watch out for this team over the next two weeks.
Section Scary- Hutchinson is a team that started the year (0-7-0) and with a few early departures they were left for dead. However, since Dec. 20th the Tigers are (10-4-1) and have shown they can be competitive with just about anyone and they won’t be a fun draw for a high seed to face. They are led by their trio of Seniors Manny Pearce, Emmett Reiter & Nathan Thode who do most of the heavy lifting offensively and in net Senior Lukas Heilman can stand on his head and make this a very scary team to face in the Quarterfinal round for whatever high seed draws them.
The Rest- Breck is another team that no one really wants to face as they have also had a strong second half to the year. The Mustangs Top line pair of Senior Ben Amato & Junior Garrett Trench have both had really good years offensively and defenseman Junior Cooper Klinck has been really strong on the backend but depth concerns is the big issue for the Mustangs. Mound Westonka was supposed to be the surprise team of the section this year but it’s been a ton of disappointment down the stretch instead. The Whitehawks have one Class A’s scariest offense with Juniors Liam Grant & Collin Hagen who have again had phenomenal seasons offensively but they have really struggled on the back end and keeping the puck out of their net. Litchfield Dassel Cokato came on strong in the middle part of the year and it looked on they could contend for the #4 or #5 seeds. However, they faded late in the year but Senior Kasey Melquist & Junior Anton Haataja have been carrying the load and they have taken a big step forward after last year’s struggles.
Section 3A Playoff Schedule
Play In 2/18 High Seed
QF 2/20 High Seed
SF 2/22 Gustavus
F 2/26 Gustavus
Section 3A Projected Seeding
1- Luverne Cardinals (19-4-2)
2- New Ulm Eagles (11-12-2)
3- Mankato West Scarlets (11-12-2)
4- Mankato East Cougars (9-16-0)
5- Minnesota River Bulldogs (11-13-1)
6- Marshall Tigers (11-14-0)
7- Worthington Trojans (7-18-0)
8- Windom Eagles (6-18-1)
9- Redwood Valley Cardinals (5-19-0)
10- Fairmont Cardinals (1-23-0)
The Favorite- Luverne comes in as the heavy favorite again this year to head to State for the 4th time in the last 11 years but as we know in Section 3A the #1 seed rarely gets out and last year Luverne was the only top section seed not to make the Section Final game. There is a lot to like about Roll Cards Roll as they have an explosive scoring lineup as the top line of Juniors Landyn Lais, Maddux Domagala & Blake Sauer along with Senior Blaik Bork, who anchors the 2nd line, have all had big offensive seasons. On the blueline Junior Jaxon Lais & Sophomore Ben Hartquist are the best defensive pair in Southwest Minnesota and are both having big years and there are plenty of scorers up and down the line up card. Junior Gavin Hoven has been excellent in net all seasons and Luverne will look to avenge last year’s upset loss and for a return trip to State for the 2nd time in the last 3 years.
The Challengers- New Ulm appears to be a top challenger to win Section 3A for a second straight year. The Eagles have gone through a little bit of rebuilding year but after a slow start to the season they have played good hockey down the stretch. The Eagles have plenty of firepower of their own in Seniors Ian Brudelie & Brecken Neuman who along with Sophomores Hunter Larson & Carson Uecker have put up good numbers all year and should be able to match up with the offense of the section favorite. They will need to be good on their own end and Senior Brody Wenner leads the defensemen and there are some goaltending questions but they are all still legit contenders to get to State.
Mankato West has struggled all season with consistency but don’t let the overall record fool you as this team will be a tough out in 3A. The Scarlets will look to Senior Jaeger Zimmerman and Sophomores Jakobe Tosch, Keaton Dorzek & Brodie Cox to lead the way offensively as they have done all winter long. On the blueline they are led by their big Sophomore Grady Schmidt who is having a big year from the backend. They will be in every game as Junior Mason Schreiber is one of the top goalie in Southern Minnesota in net and this is the team to watch out for as they have all the pieces to make a run in Section 3A.
Mankato East is looking to get back to State after falling short the last two years. The Cougars have had an up and down year but they have won some big games during the year they played a tough schedule to prepare for a playoff run. Seniors Jack Hansen, Junior Luke Lebens & Sophomore Braydon Arnoldy will need to lead the way as they have done all season. The key will be if they can get strong goaltending out of Senior Brody Kunst and if he can be strong in net this could be a very dangerous sleeper team to win Section 3A.
The Dark Horse- Minnesota River looks like the Dark Horse as the Bulldogs have shown flashes like in their wins over New Ulm & Mankato West that they can be dangerous in Section 3A. This is an explosive offensive team as they are led by Junior Riley Kamm and Sophomores Ryker Rehm & Maxwell Hollerich as all three had big years and really carried the offense. The issue has been getting consistent goaltending and they have rotated between 3 goalies but if they get good play in the net they will be a tough Quarterfinal opponent.
Section Scaries- Marshall is again this year is the Section Scary as a low seed and they are always a tough out come section time and even though it’s been a disappointing year this is a team not to overlook. The Tigers are led by their trio of Seniors Owen Renslow, Jacob Johnson & Luke Ehlers have had big years and Marshall has played well down the stretch and they will look to make another low seed playoff run just like they did last year.
The Rest- Worthington has improved and grown throughout the season. The Trojans have gotten big years out of their Seniors Spenser Nickel & Anthony Jimenez who have led the way up front and on the backend. Redwood Valley has had an improved year this winter and they got nice years from Seniors Kilen Cilek & Kooper Johnson. Windom has had a down year but they do have a bright spot in Goaltender 8th Grader Kole Espenson as he grows older he will make the Eagles very dangerous in years to come. Fairmont has had a tough season but Junior Klay Beemer has been a bright spot as the team’s leading goal scorer.
Section 4A Playoff Schedule
QF 2/19 & 2/20 Aldrich
SF 2/25 Aldrich
F 2/27 Aldrich
Section 4A Projected Seeding
1- Chisago Lakes Wildcats (14-9-2)
2- Mahtomedi Zephyrs (8-15-2)
3- Southwest Christian/Richfield Stars (9-14-2)
4- St Paul Academy Spartans (8-17-0)
5- Simley Spartans (11-14-0)
6- St. Paul Highland Park Scots (7-16-2)
7- South St Paul Packers (6-18-1)
8- Bloomington Kennedy Eagles (1-22-0)
The Favorite- Mahtomedi again even with all their struggles this year would still be considered the favorite to win 4A for the 7th time in the last 8 years. The Zephyrs have been a source of debate all year as to just how good this team is due to their lousy record and the lack of offensive output. If they are going to return to state as normal they will need Seniors Laken Decker, Winston Wright & Mac Appert to lead the way. They also have some younger talent as Sophomore Devin O’Donnell & Will Seevers along with 9th grader Brock Gutterman have been tasked with providing the limited scoring. The Zephyrs defensive core has also struggled most of the year but the future is bright with Junior Cody Loida along Sophomores Zach Zins & Trevor Rogosheske and 9th grader Ryker Dunbar all all learning on the fly this season and should be better for it next year. In net Senior Wes Strub has split time with Junior Jackson Chesak and both have been pretty good for the limited offense they get as far as support. This team does appear to be as vulnerable as they have ever been and it will be interesting to see if 4A can keep them out of the X in a few weeks for the first time in years.
The Challenger- Chisago Lakes has been in the 4A final two of the last 4 years and they sent a statement to the State and all of Section 4A that they are for real contenders when they upset Mahtomedi on the road just a few weeks ago. The Wildcats appear on paper to have what it takes to make a run in Section 4A and return to the Tourney for the 1st time since 2014. Up front Seniors Max Bobrowski, Alex Bever & Ben Kerkow along with Juniors Jacob Kletti, Austin Slettom & Landon Kerkow have all had good offensive campaigns. On the blueline they are led by Junior Max Koch who is an elite defender and offensive threat. In net they have split time but it appears they are going with Junior Shandley Corbin who has started the majority of the big games down the stretch. All the pieces are place along with a #1 seed the question is can the Wildcats win when it matters most over the next few weeks.
The Dark Horse- Southwest Christian/Richfield would appear to be the Dark Horse this year as they have had an up and down season but have shown at times there are enough pieces to make a run. Up front they have gotten scoring from Senior Paul Hornor, Junior Christian Greer & Sophomore Bennett Breuer and add to them an elite defenseman in Junior Tate Hardacre who is as good as them come in Class A on the blueline and he actually leads the team in scoring from the backend. Their X factor though for them will be goaltending as they have struggled to find the guys in net and rotated most of the year but if they can get one of them to get hot they are a potential upset pick to make a run in Section 4A.
Section Scary- St Paul Highland Park has had a disappointing year overall for the Scots but this could be a low seed to keep an eye on as they have shown they can play with the top seeds in 4A which is evidenced by tie with Chisago Lakes and low scoring game with Southwest Christian/Richfield during the year. They are led by their trio of Seniors Isaac Johnson, Leo Kirsch & Tommy Rust as this is a team that if it is fully healthy, has loads of experience and will be looking to atone for previous seasons playoff shortfalls.
The Rest- St Paul Academy again this year finds itself in the #4 vs #5 game and while it’s been a little bit of a disappointing year for the Spartans they have been tough vs 4A teams on the season. SPA just has not gotten much offense this year and if they want playoff success they will need that to change and they will look to Senior Ethan Peltier & Sophomore Brady Glenn who are the teams two leading scorers. Simley is another team that has been inconsistent throughout the year and faded a bit late due to injuries. They will need their duo of Seniors Tyler Letendre & Alex Miller healthy for the playoffs as they both have put up big numbers on offense. South St Paul will try to replicate last year’s low seed section upset but it appears to be a much taller task this year. In order for that to happen they will need big games from Senior Roddick Simons and Sophomores Jaxson Horning & Roman Knight who have led the team in scoring this winter. Bloomington Kennedy has had a tough year in their final campaign but if they want to create a little postseason magic they will look to Senior Mason Biermaier who has had a stellar year as the Eagles will try to prolong their program’s life for a few more weeks.
Section 5A Playoff Schedule
Play In 2/15 High Seed (BBL defeated Mora/Milaca)
QF 2/18 High Seed
SF 2/22 High Seed
F 2/26 Furniture and Things Community Event Center
Section 5A Seeds
1- Monticello Moose (21-3-1)
2- St Cloud Cathedral Crusaders (15-8-2)
3- Little Falls Flyers (14-7-4)
4- Pine City Dragons (14-10-1)
5- Sauk Rapids Storm (16-8-1)
6- River Lakes Stars (15-8-2)
7- Princeton Tigers (8-17-0)
8- Becker/Big Lake Eagles (9-15-2)
9- Mora/Milaca Mustangs (10-16-0)
The Favorite- St Cloud Cathedral will attempt to do something that has never been done in their programs history and while, yes, repeating as State Champs is one of those never been done things, before that they have to get back to State. At no time through their dominant run has Cathedral ever won three Section Titles in a row. In order to make that happen they will need their Seniors John Hirschfeld & Joey Gillespie to play big as they have of late as they are the scariest duo that you will see in all of Class A. They have gotten some depth scoring as the year has gone on from Seniors Jaeger Wood & Caden Johnson and 9th grader Bo Schmidt. On the blueline, Junior Griffin Sturm is one of the top defenseman in the state for all of Class A. Goaltender Junior Keaton LaGrande has taken over as the starter and they will need him to be solid in net. It all adds up to a scary team that is playing its best hockey now and it will be very difficult to knock off as the Crusaders in 5A.
The Challengers- Monticello comes in having had a fantastic regular season and they are led by their big line of Seniors Landen Scherber & Nathan Poeppel and Junior Ashton Stoll who have put up massive numbers for the Moose. Defensively though is where Monticello’s strength lies as they have given up a microscopic 1.64 goals a game, Senior Aidan Widmark and Juniors Brady McGriff & Levi Welle along with super Sophomore Nicklas Nelson are very smooth and are able to get the puck out of their own end efficiently and have also created offense from the backend and they are what makes this team so tough to play against. Goaltender Senior Logan Blahnik has stepped into the net and been excellent and all pieces are in place for Monticello to make a serious competitive run at a return trip to state.
Little Falls is the other main contender as they come into the playoffs having played the many of the best in Class A and are a tough and rugged group that will be hard to knock off in the 5A sectional. They are led by Seniors Ryan Oothodt, Joey Welinski, Luke Avery & Lucas Jendro who have done most of the scoring for a team that has had issues with scoring punch. They also have talented Junior Remi Chisholm who is a swiss army knife type player and can play both up front and on the blueline. The reason though to like this team is in net as Junior Izaak Kalis is as good as they come in Class A and he can steal a game or two for the Flyers and help them make a run back to St. Paul. Little Falls is a team that no one wants to face because of his ability to take over games.
The Dark Horse- Sauk Rapids is the darkhorse in Section 5A this year and they could make a run. The Storm have wins over teams like Alexandria & Thief River Falls and a tie with Little Falls on the year. The Storm is led by their tremendous line of Juniors Bryden Prelvitz & Elijah Fitch and Senior Vincent Murn who have put up video game-like numbers all year. Add to them Junior Chase Hiltner on the blueline who has big numbers of his own it gives the Storm a serious scoring punch to put a scare into teams
Section Scary- River Lakes has shown they can surprise teams as evidenced by their upset wins over ranked teams like Little Falls and Detroit Lakes during the year. The Stars are led up front by their star Senior Blake Schultz who along with Juniors Parker Welz & Jaiken Mackedanz have had big years offensively. Senior Jace Griffin has patrolled the blueline again this year and leads the defense as the Stars. Add in transfer from STMA goalie Junior William Robinson who has really stabilized the net and this team could be a real scary section team in 5A.
The Rest- Pine City is another tough team in the 5A playoffs. Senior Blake Painovich & Junior McCall Leger have put up good numbers offensively to and are dangerous vs anyone they play. Defensively Junior Brady Berglund has had a very productive year and the Dragons are a very dangerous team that has been able to play with teams and stay close in most games due to goalie Senior Aaron Rootkie and they could pull a shocker and make a section 5A run. Princeton has had a disappointing year overall but they have played good hockey down the stretch. If the Tigers are gonna do damage in the playoffs they will need their Seniors Lane Olson, Connor Stokke & Brody Kok up front and Dominic Patnode on the blueline to have a big postseason as they have led the way all year. Becker Big Lake has put together a good second half of the year as Junior Tate Spilde has put up huge numbers and the development of 9th grader Owen Zahler to allow the Eagles to be competitive. Mora/Milaca has also had a solid year and they get most of their offense from 8th grader Ty Stanchfield & Junior Mitchell Haase up front and they are led on the the back end by Senior Charlie Kritzeck who leads the team in scoring as defenseman not something you see much of but it has worked well for the Mustangs.
Section 6A Playoff Schedule
QF 2/18 High Seed
SF 2/22 MAC
F 2/27 MAC
Section 6A Seeds
1- Northern Lakes Lightning (16-8-1)
2- Alexandria Cardinals (12-13-0)
3- Fergus Falls Otters (12-13-0)
4- Breckenridge/Wahpeton Blades (9-15-1)
5- Prairie Centre North Stars (17-8-0)
6- Willmar Cardinals (8-16-0)
7- Morris/Benson Storm (9-15-0)
8- Wadena Deer Creek Wolverines (6-19-0)
The Favorite- Northern Lakes came into the season with high hopes and a legendary new legendary head coach. It took awhile to adjust but the Lightning have had a very nice year and this is a young and growing program that appears to be ready to break through and get back to state. Up front they have plenty of scoring punch as they are led by Seniors Drew Paulback, Easton Anderson, Jerome Martin & Wyatt Balmer along with Junior Jacob Peterson all have been productive this year. On the blueline Senior Preston Verness & Sophomore Grant Vershey lead a group of defenders who have really bought into the defensive hockey. The defense first approach can also be attributed to the revelation they have had in net as the Colorado transfer Goaltender Sophomore Sam Suja has been spectacular in net and has posted numerous shutouts and just been rock solid from them. They will need him at the top of his game if they want to break through in 6A but they are the favorite for their 2nd ever Tourney berth as we head into sections.
The Challenger- Alexandria comes into the 6A playoffs looking to four-peat and return to St Paul again. This is a really young team that does have its flaws as they have had struggles scoring at times this year but they have played strong hockey down the stretch and are looking to continue their run of 6A Titles. The Cards up front Juniors Evan Klimek, Charlie Bassen & Brody Berg and Sophomores Ehren Anderson & Grady Olson have come on strong for a young group of forwards. On defense they are led by Junior Niklas Schultz & Sophomore Grady Suchy who play big minutes and have provided stability in their own end. Senior Grady Loch & Junior Brady Schluter have shared the net this year and Alexandria is a team that has turned it on since Christmas time and they will not give up their Section 6A reign easily.
Fergus Falls is the other big challenger as while the Otter overall have plodded along with a .500 record they have shown they can play with the best of 6A. This is a well coached and structured team that could be a dangerous team and could make a surprising run in 6A. If they are going to do that they will need a big playoff performance out of their main core of Seniors Michael Schmidt, Aiden Schake, Adam Kennedy, Jack Welde & Brock Scheuerman to lead way both offensively and defensively as beyond those five depth has been pretty limited for the Otters but the duo of 9th graders Luke Johnson & Tanner Donaghue have been outstanding an prove a bright future for Fergus Falls. However, if this team really wants to make a run they will need big games out of goaltender Junior Holden Stenstrom to be very strong in net.
The Dark Horse- Breckenridge/Wahpeton has an extremely young team that took a big step forward this year and they earned home ice for the first time ever in program history for a Section Quarterfinal Game. If they can win this game while the term “Darkhorse” may be a stretch they could still make more program history by advancing to their 1st ever Section Semifinal Game. They are led up front by a trio of Sophomores Jaxson Lopez, Easton Neppl & Gracin Kaste who have all had big years for youngsters. On the blueline Junior Josh Hofman & Sophomore Matt Petersen lead the way for an improving defensive core. They are still looking for more consistency in net but Sophomore Cale Gilbertson has improved and grown as the year has gone along. There is alot to like about the “Baby Blades” as they look to go farther than any other team in history with such a young core.
Section Scary- Prairie Centre dealt with unspeakable tragedy losing a teammate at the start of the year but they have bonded together since and they would appear to be the best bet to make noise as a lower seed. The North Stars do have some good scoring up front as Senior Aiken Lambrecht underclassman Juniors James Rieland & Keegan Christians and 9th Grader Leyton Fuchs have all put the puck in the back of the net regularly on the year. However, on the blueline Junior Hagen Brunkhorst has led the way but depth has been the issue for this team but if they can play a tough hard nosed game in their own end they could pull an upset and reach the final four for the 2nd time ever in program history.
The Rest- Willmar was a once proud program that has really hit tough times over the recent years. There does appear to be optimism for the future as they are led by Junior Gibson Horyza and Sophomores Aden Jacobson & Luke Larson who all had double digit goals this season to give them hope for more competitive years in the future. Morris Benson has had a down just a year after making the Section Semis and looking like a program on the rise. The Storm go as 9th grader Connor Hadfield along with Junior Kye Suess & Senior Zach Wrobleski go as those three are catalysts to their attack and they will need to score often as they have struggled with consistency in the net. Wadena Deer Creek has done well just surviving another year as they rebuild from low numbers. The Wolverines will rely on their Trio of Seniors Cooper Ness, Carson Davis & Peyton Mithun to carry the load as they have done for much of the year.
Section 7A Playoff Schedule
Play In 2/15 High Seed (Moose Lake defeated Ely)
QF 2/18 High Seed
SF 2/22 Amsoil
F 2/26 Amsoil
Section 7A Seeds
1- Cloquet/Esko/Carlton Lumberjacks (18-7-0)
2- Hermantown Hawks (13-8-4)
3- Hibbing/Chisholm Bluejackets (16-9-0)
4- Proctor Rails (13-11-1)
5- International Falls Broncos (17-8-0)
6- North Shore Storm (10-15-0)
7- Greenway Raiders (8-16-1)
8- Moose Lake Rebels (13-11-0)
9- Ely Timberwolves (5-18-0)
The Favorite- Hermantown, yes I know they are the #2 seed, but I still am listing the Hawks as a favorite as they have won this section 10 of the last 11 years since moving back into 7A. They have had their struggles though this year at times and that is mainly due to a lack of scoring Senior River Freeman & Junior Ford Skytta have done their part but outside of that secondary scoring has been thin. Sophomores Mick Martalock & Alex Nicklin have picked it up in the second half of the year but scoring depth is the biggest concern here. Defensively, the Hawks have been rock solid as always as Senior Henry Peterson, Juniors Cayden Manion & Kyler Berg and Sophomore Gabe Swenson have been very strong in their own end. Goaltender Junior Bryce Francisco has been excellent in net as he has held the Hawks in numerous games this winter vs elite AA teams. All the ingredients are there for another Hermantown run to St Paul but there are more doubts than ever as the road will most likely have to go through two other Top 5 Class A teams to get there. Does anyone have what it takes to knock the Hawks out when it counts? We are about to find out.
The Challengers- Cloquet/Esko/Carlton the Lumberjacks have had a fantastic year and they have been at the top of the Class A Rankings all winter long. They were able to earn the #1 seed and now it’s time to see if they have what it takes to knock off the kings of 7A. They are led up front by their great line of Seniors Grady Knutson, Nikolas Gentilini & Bobby Thornton and defender Senior Karson Young on the backend as those four play mega minutes and are the keys to CEC’s attack. This team does have depth as well as Senior Hudson Snesrud and Junior Cole Painovich & 9th grader Brahm Snesrud & Jordan Sewell have all contributed well throughout the year.. In net they have rotated between Junior Jacob Iallonardo & Senior Jamis Halverson and they have both been rock solid and this team looks like they are built to make a long playoff run and potentially end the Hawks reign in 7A.
Hibbing/Chisholm is the other main contender and they came into the year with a ton of hype based on their youth hockey accolades and this was supposed to be the year they took off in High School. However, it really has been an inconsistent year for the talented Bluejakctes as they wound up with a #3 seed and just seemed to struggle to find that winning edge throughout the year. They do still have a bunch of talented youngsters as Senior Jace Kampsula and Juniors Tate Swanson, Kelin Elsner, Isaiah Hildenbrand, Benny Galli & 9th grader Cole Swanson lead the way up front and Sophomore Jackson Strukel, Junior Ethan Sundvall & 9th grader Whitaker Rewertz anchor the blueline. In the net Senior Rex Walli appears to be their guy in the big games at goalie. Again, there is so much talent up and down this lineup card and the time is now for them to put an uneven regular season behind them and play their best when it means the most and live up to their youth hockey hype.
The Dark Horse- Proctor again had themselves a very nice regular season and they are not a team that any of the high seeds want to face as they have a Tie with the Hawks and took CEC to overtime earlier this year. They are led by their trio of Seniors Tanner Ross, Austin Bryant & Caleb Lanthier who along with Junior Breckin Ross make up a good Rails attack. On the blueline Senior Cooper Annala has been great as he has been a leader and helped lead the revamped defensive core through some early season growing pains to become steady down the stretch. In net Senior Brayden Mclean took on the challenge of trying to fill the shoes of their elite netminder, who is now tearing up the USHL, and he was steady and got stronger throughout the year. This is a very solid Rails team that on the right night as they have already shown could pull a huge upset in what should be a great 7A Sectional Playoff.
Section Scary- International Falls the Broncos had a heck of a year and if you’re looking for a 7A team who might be able to crash the party at Amsoil as a lower seed look no further than the boys in purple. Juniors Anthony Yerxa & Will Yerxa along with Seniors Cooper Crandall & Asher Keep have put up some big numbers offensively that allow them to contend every night. Junior Kane Thompson in net is big and full of experience and on any night can steal a game. They nearly beat the Rails in the regular season and they will be looking for revenge in this one in what should be a good quarterfinal game.
The Rest- North Shore had a strong 2nd half push to move up the seed ladder late in 7A as Senior Ayden Althaus & 9th grader Kade Norman have led the way and they have become a much better team late in the year. Moose Lake had one of best seasons in recent memory and the Rebels should only have more success moving forward as beyond Senior Joe Olson they were led by Sophomore Chase Klavu & 9th grader Brayden Strand. Greenway struggled most of the year with a young team but Seniors Max Gangl & Hayden Clow have been a bright spot and will look to carry them in the playoffs. Ely had a tough year as they went through some rebuilding again but Sophomore Owen Marolt had a nice year and they will look to build around him moving forward.
Section 8A Playoff Schedule
Play In 2/15 High Seed (Bagley/Fosston defeated LOW & Park Rapids defeated KCC)
QF 2/18 High Seed
SF 2/22 EGF Civic Center
F 2/27 EGF Civic Center
Section 8A Seeds
1- Warroad Warriors (18-6-1)
2- East Grand Forks Greenwave (10-13-2)
3- Red Lake Falls Eagles (21-4-0)
4- Detroit Lakes Lakers (9-13-3)
5- Thief River Falls Prowlers (8-12-1)
6- Crookston Pirates (17-7-1)
7- Bagley/Fosston Eagles (15-10-0)
8- Park Rapids Panthers (9-17-0)
9- Lake of the Woods Bears (4-19-0)
10- Kittson County Central Bearcats (5-15-1)
The Favorite- Warroad the Warriors will be going for the four peat in Section 8A and they have been the top team all year in this section. Warroad was projected to be going through a” rebuild” year but instead it has has been a “reload” and they led all year by their top line of Senior Taven James, Junior Ryan Shaugabay & Sophomore Gavin Andersen to give them some needed depth Seniors Wyatt Hennum & Draydin Johnson have stepped up big and they will be needed if that want get back to state for a fourth straight year. On the Blueline Juniors Broden Hontvet & Sam Hard along with Sophomores Wesley Schreiner & Ryan Lee give the Warriors a good core to get them out of their own end and add some offensive punch. In net Sophomore Finn Hanson has emerged as the starter as the season went along and he has been excellent and Warroad would appear to have all the pieces to make a strong run to get back to state again in 8A.
The Challengers- East Grand Forks is the primary challenger to the Warriors 8A reign and they will try to beat Warroad by wearing out their top groups by using their depth. The Greenwave have used a more score by committee approach as Seniors Jace Van Eps, Hunter Varnson & Cooper Hills along with Juniors Tucker Lovejoy, Nolan Meulebrock & Sophomore Jace Panzer give the Greenwave a good two line attack of balance and depth up front. Seniors Cole Bies, Nick Corbett & Judd Pesch along with Sophomore Max Bies lead the blueline crew full of experience and toughness. If they can get some steady goaltending for all three games they will be a very dangerous team and tough out in 8A as the playoffs will be on their home ice.
Detroit Lakes started the season by becoming a top 10 team and upsetting EGF along the way. However, in the second half they faded and it’s largely due to their inability to find consistent offense but they did play a much tougher schedule to be better built for a playoff run. The Lakers are led by Juniors Easton Kennedy, Will Cymbaluk, Carter Whitworth & Sophomore Mason Deraney offensively and they also have Seniors Thomas Suckert & Jace Fields and Junior Hudson Pettit on the blueline who bring grit and physicality in their own end. Sophomore Griffin Lindberg has been outstanding in net all year and if the Lakers can get any type of goal scoring this could be a surprise team to make a run to the 8A Final.
Thief River Falls is the other member of the Big Three in 8A and while it’s been a down year and they have yet to be able to beat Warroad, EGF or DL this year they should always be considered a contender and they have played low scoring games with all three. The Prowlers are led by Sophomore Spencer Anderson & Senior Paul Anderson up front and defender Senior Rylan Leake on the back end. If TRF is really going to make a serious run and challenge to get out of 8A this year it will fall on the shoulders of Goaltender Junior Cooper Roff to steal some games which he is fully capable of doing because the Prowlers offense just has not been there in the biggest games this winter.
The Dark Horse- Red Lake Falls has had a record breaking year winning 20 games this season and showing that they can be a threat in 8A. In order to make program history and make their first ever Tourney the Eagles they will lean on their forward core of Senior Gavin Girdler, Juniors Kegan Schmitz & Riley Broden and Sophomore Boe Nelson along with defender Senior Brock Seeger on the blueline to continue to lead the dangerous RLF attack. This is a dangerous team that has shown it can win games and an opponent no one should overlook.
Section Scary- Crookston the Pirates didn’t quite meet preseason expectations but they could be a very dangerous low seed if you’re looking for an upset pick in the first round of 8A playoffs. Juniors Jay Reese, Garrett Fischer & Greyson Ecker lead the charge up front and Junior Tate Hamre is a big skilled defender to give them a nice core of talent to build around into next year. They have been very competitive in most of their games and they have tied DL and beat RLF so keep an eye on this 6 seed who will look to shock many and pull a big upset in the Quarterfinal Round.
The Rest- Bagley/Fosston had a very nice year this winter and the future is extremely bright as Sophomores Wyatt Gerbracht & Logan Dillich along with 9th grader James Palmer have had excellent years leading the team in scoring and giving them hope for the future. Park Rapids after a slow start to the year had a stronger finish The Panthers are led by Senior Kale Ravnaas & Cooper Brovold and Sophomores Finn Henry & Easton Brovold have been their scoring threats all winter. Kittson County Central has one of the smallest rosters in the state but they are making it work and the Bearcats have been led by Sophomores Eli Muir & Wyatt Samuelson. Lake of the Woods has had a tough year but Senior Brant Baron & Junior Dawson Canfield have both put together double digit goal seasons this winter
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