After battling through Section 3 and earning a return trip to the Minnesota State High School Hockey Tournament, St. Thomas Academy enters 2025–26 with unfinished business. The Cadets graduated significant firepower up front, but they bring back, and add, enough high-end talent and experience to remain a top-10 team with legitimate state-tournament expectations once again.
| W-L-T | GPG | GAPG | PP % | PK % |
| 24-7-0 | 5.19 | 1.74 | 31.6 | 85.5 |
Forward Group: Depth Reloaded
Cole Braunshausen will lead the Cadets offensively after finishing second on the team last season with 56 points in 31 games. A smart, play-driving forward, Braunshausen has the ability to elevate the players around him. Breakout potential lies with Peter Murray, who is listed by NHL Central Scouting as a Player to Watch for the upcoming draft class. With more opportunity and top-unit usage, Murray could easily double his 24 points from a year ago.
While STA loses Michael Mikan to graduation, they gain his brother Will Mikan, who was outstanding in the Prep Elite League, finishing second in league scoring. His PEL linemates also had massive fall performances:
• Reed Smith – PEL scoring champion
• Bennett Knutson – 3rd in PEL scoring
That kind of chemistry arriving intact is a major advantage.
Add in Luca Pedri, who has been sharpening his game in the Elite League ahead of the season, and Lane Powers, a talented junior who will step into a larger role.
The offseason transfer additions push this group over the top.
• Maverick McKinnon (2010), MNHockeyLife Rising Star Award winner, joins from Forest Lake
• Aden Roy, playmaker transferring in from Holy Family
Both skated in the Elite League this fall and will contribute immediately.
A forward unit that initially appeared thinned out is suddenly stacked again, full of pace, skill, and finish. STA also have some other pieces that are coming up and have been added but will wait until we see the final roster to report on that.
Defense: Structure and Experience
On the back end, Cody Kronberg, Gus Olson, and Charlie Kwaters return to anchor a defensive core that helped STA finish with a 1.74 goals-against average last season, second best in Class AA. Mark Strobel’s defensive system is stable and stingy, and with the continuity and some experience still in place, expectations remain high for another elite defensive season. Several young defenders will battle for the remaining roster spots, and the internal competition should help the group push forward quickly.
Goaltending: Best Room in the State?
STA’s goalie room may be the deepest and most talented in Minnesota this season.
Early reports suggest three goaltenders are in consideration for the crease:
• Jacksyn Crary
• Christopher Sohovich
• Owen Ryan
Ryan, a 2011 birth year, performed well in the Upper Midwest Elite League this fall and backing up his prospect reputation. Whoever wins the starting role will have strong structure and a skilled defensive unit in front of them.
Outlook
The Cadets aren’t sneaking up on anyone and Section 3 will again be a gauntlet. They have proven leadership returning, major scoring talent arriving, and the defensive detail that annually makes them a threat. St. Thomas Academy has reloaded — and their path back to St. Paul is wide open.