Farmington has opened the season with one of the hottest starts in Minnesota high school hockey, sitting at 11-0-1 while averaging 5.33 goals per game and converting on 34.4% of its power-play opportunities. Already surpassing last season’s eight total wins, the Tigers are not just winning, they are doing so with consistency and control. While the schedule is about to become significantly more demanding, this early stretch has shown a clear shift in direction for the program, with Farmington closing out games and handling matchups that, in previous years, may have slipped away.
Offensively, the Tigers have been fueled by a balanced attack rather than reliance on a single line. Nine players are already in double-digit points, led by brothers Tanner Gylling (18 points) and Tegan Gylling (15 points), who have driven much of the pace and production. Farmington’s ability to generate offense from multiple units has made them difficult to match up against, forcing opponents to defend the entire lineup rather than keying on one or two primary threats. That depth, combined with an efficient power play, has been a defining feature of their start.
Behind the offense is a stabilizing presence in net. Senior goaltender Chris Bade continues to be one of the more reliable netminders in the state. Bade is 10-0-1 with a 2.05 goals-against average and a .918 save percentage, providing both performance and leadership. With over 50 high school games of experience and a career save percentage of .909, Bade gives Farmington confidence in close games and structure when protecting leads, an essential component for a team learning how to win consistently.
The foundation of this group also points to sustainability. Last season’s Bantam AA team qualified for the Bantam State Tournament, and that core is already making its presence felt at the varsity level. Isaac Draper and Joe Hambrecht have stepped in and contributed immediately, reinforcing the idea that Farmington’s success is not a one-off run but part of a broader developmental arc within the program.
The second half of the schedule will be the true measuring stick. With tougher opponents ahead, the Tigers’ unbeaten run will end, and adversity will come. However, the early returns suggest something different about this group. Farmington is playing with confidence, depth, and structure, traits that translate when the competition ramps up. If this team can navigate the upcoming stretch, absorb setbacks, and continue building, the Tigers may position themselves as a legitimate contender in 1AA sections. The coming months will reveal just how high this group’s ceiling truly is.