| 2024-25 | Stat |
|---|---|
| Record | 16–10–1 |
| Goals Per Game (GPG) | 3.78 |
| Goals Against Per Game (GAPG) | 2.93 |
| Power Play % | 21.1% |
| Penalty Kill % | 81.6% |
For the first time since the 2017–18 season, Maple Grove failed to hit the 20-win mark, finishing last year at 16–10–1. That is likely to change this winter, as the Crimson are eligible to return 67% of their scoring and bring back seven of their top eight scorers from a season ago. Leading the charge is Wyatt Kuznik, who posted 38 points in 27 games as a sophomore and has established himself as a player to watch in Class AA.
Lane Glende and Jaden Roueche also return after both reaching double-digit goals last season, giving Maple Grove a balanced attack. This is a group that can score in a variety of ways and will be counted on to drive the offense early while the rest of the lineup rounds into form. Expect a talented group of veterans and graduated bantams to carry their weight and then some up front.
Defensively, Maple Grove looks deep and experienced. Seniors Charlie Steenerson and Tommy Picconatto have both been gaining valuable reps in the Upper Midwest Elite League and will provide stability and leadership on the blue line. Meanwhile, Cole Forrest and Cole Anderson have stood out this fall and appear ready to take the next step in their development. Both play a reliable two-way game and bring offensive upside from the back end.
Replacing Zach Price in goal will be no small task, but that’s a challenge shared by many programs this year. Ryder Skanson, a senior, is eligible to return after seeing limited action last season and could step into a larger role, but expect a competition.
Maple Grove’s 2024–25 campaign ended with a Section 5AA Semifinal loss to Champlin Park, and the road back won’t be easy, even with Rogers leaving the section. Andover joins 5AA and a hungry group of other challengers are in the mix, the section will once again be tough. Still, with so much scoring returning and a solid veteran defensive corps, Maple Grove should be right back in the hunt as one of the top teams in Class AA.
*Again, this is just an early look at who could return. Nothing is guaranteed until they hit the ice on opening night.