It’s still early in the fall, but the 2025–26 season is quickly approaching. One program poised for a rebound is Minnetonka. This Skippers may not carry the same hype as the squad from a couple years ago, but the ingredients are in place for them to be a top Class AA contender this winter. After finishing last season 14-11-2 and bowing out in the Section 2AA Semifinals to Shakopee, Minnetonka looks ready to return to winning ways with the help of key transfers, emerging talent, and a strong young core.
A Look at the Numbers (2024–25)
- Record: 14-11-2
- Goals For: 105
- Goals Against: 69
- Power Play: 20.8%
- Penalty Kill: 86.7% (6th in AA)
Offensive Outlook
The Skippers are eligible to return 56% of their scoring from last year, and several players look ready to take on larger roles. Forwards Jordan Johnson and Ethan Sturgis have both impressed in the Upper Midwest Elite League and project as breakout candidates. Junior Liam Schultz is another steady contributor, bringing a dynamic skillset to the mix.
Last season’s leading scorer, Caden Lindsay, is currently skating in the NAHL with the Minot Minotauros, and while a return to high school hockey would make sense, that remains uncertain. Younger talents such as Dean Stevens and Cash Hardie could step into immediate roles after standout Bantam campaigns. Perhaps the biggest addition is Braydan Haffer, who comes over from Shattuck St. Mary’s 15O team after posting 70 points in 59 games. Haffer is expected to slide into a top-six role right away.
Offense, however, remains an area of focus. Last season the Skippers were held to two goals or fewer in 10 games, including three shutouts, and averaged just 3.88 goals per game. Remove their 13-goal outburst against Duluth East, and that number drops to 3.53, well below the mark of a top-tier Minnesota program. The power play also needs improvement after finishing at 20.8%. With greater depth, improved skill, and a promising influx of talent, this group should be better equipped to generate consistent offense.
Defensive Depth
If there’s one area that stands out immediately, it’s Minnetonka’s defensive corps. The challenge for the coaching staff may not be finding quality minutes, but rather figuring out how to distribute them among so much talent.
Transfer Tate Hardacre (Southwest Christian) has been one of the top players in the Elite League, blending physical play with offensive upside. He projects as a shutdown defender who could also finish among the team’s top three scorers, potentially solving some offensive concerns from the back end. His frequent Elite League partner, Gavin Karl (2008 DOB), has taken significant strides in his development and looks ready for a top-four role while also contributing on the power play.
Veteran leadership will come from seniors Cam Merrick and Danny Browning, while Eliot Schultz, Trent LaRoche, and Zach Markwell add depth and versatility. The future is also bright with rising 2010-born defenseman Mason Schemenauer, who was selected in the 2nd Round of the 2025 WHL U.S. Priority Draft and is already pushing for varsity minutes. His presence provides both immediate reinforcement and long-term promise for the Skippers’ blue line.
Goaltending
The biggest question mark for Minnetonka remains in the crease. With starter Ben Ferguson graduated after logging most of the minutes last season, the position is wide open. Seniors Chase Jerdee and Tyler Loch are eligible to return and will battle for the starting role. While uncertain now, history shows that most programs see someone emerge to solidify the position by midseason.
Early Outlook
While there are still questions about returning scorers and the goaltending situation, the foundation of this team is strong. With defensive depth, an influx of new talent, and a more skilled forward group than last year, Minnetonka looks ready to climb back into contention.
Expect the Skippers to be a constant presence in the AA top five this season, with the potential to make a serious run in sections and possibly a return trip to St. Paul in March.
Minnetonka is trending upward—and will be one of the programs to watch this winter.