The climb has been steady, but the wait may be over. St. Michael-Albertville has been inching closer to contender status, and this upcoming season might be the one where they fully arrive. With a returning core that plays with pace, toughness, and identity, the Knights have the look of a team ready to move from potential to performance.
By the Numbers: A Program on the Rise
| W | GPG | GAPG | PP % | PK % | |
| 24-25 | 11-15-0 | 3.46 | 4.08 | 28.6 | 76.4 |
| 23-24 | 5-21-0 | 2.19 | 5.69 | 7.4 | 58.5 |
Under Head Coach Sean Fish, the Knights made major strides last season, improving their win total by six, scoring nearly 1.5 more goals per game while allowing 1.6 fewer, and posting dramatic special teams gains. Their powerplay jumped more than 20 percentage points, while the penalty-kill improved by 18% (The powerplay increase topped out bold prediction). The statistical leap shows a team trending up, but numbers only tell part of the story.
Across the state this offseason, STMA players were active in development leagues, elite programs, and summer showcases, signaling a group that’s putting in the work and ready to elevate further.
Returning Core and Offensive Outlook
The Knights return their top four scorers from last season, including Tanner Esterberg and Braeden Waller, both sharpening their games in the Upper Midwest Elite League. The duo has star potential and will anchor the top power play unit, where they’re expected to generate heavy production. In total, STMA is projected to return roughly 80% of its scoring from last season, a major advantage in continuity and chemistry.
Depth will be a strength as well. Owen Volkenant, Henry Robinson, and Easton Monahan all played 18U AAA this fall, while Braylen Maciej competed in the Prep Elite League. They also boast a nice combination of returning veterans (Levi Antoine, Hunter Hansen, Brody Cheeley and Tyler Bechtold) and a group of quality bantams, giving the Knights a deep and balanced attack that can roll multiple lines and keep opponents under pressure.
Blue Line and Defensive Core
Defensively, Caden Clark and Wyatt Tauer bring valuable high school experience and have both looked strong in fall competition. Owen Verness stood out in the Prep Elite League, giving STMA a blend of mobility and physicality on the back end. The defense corps mixes seasoned returners (Dylan Faucher, Caleb Lee, and Colten McLellan) with promising young talent, a key ingredient for a team ready to take the next step.
Between the Pipes
In goal, Lucas Ingebrigtson and Ethan Johnson are both eligible to return. Ingebrigtson got the nod in last year’s section game and showed flashes of composure in big moments. Expect open competition in the crease once again, with young goaltenders pushing for minutes and providing depth at the position.
Outlook
St. Michael-Albertville is knocking on the door — and this might be the year they kick it down. With scoring returning, structure in place, and talent developing across all positions, the Knights have the makeup of a team ready to make noise in 2025–26. Their steady climb is turning into momentum, and the next step could be a breakthrough season.