Five Seniors that Shouldn’t be Overlooked

These Five prospects don’t get the respect they deserve as they will be important to their team’s success and depth this season.

Laken Decker (Forward/2007/Mahtomedi High School)

Laken is a scrappy forward that is a plus skater. His powerful lower body makes him strong on his skates and tough to move. During recent viewings he has won a majority of his one-v-one battles by having no fear when approaching the scrum. The Zephyrs lost some firepower from last year and will look to Laken to step-up and be a leader.

Eddie Auran (Forward/2007/Two Rivers High School)

Two Rivers will be leaning on Auran heavily this season as he will be counted on to be the center piece of this team. Auran is a power forward with some soft hands that can control the puck. He’s able to cycle the puck around traffic while creating scoring chances for himself and linemates. Section 3AA will be unforgiving, and for the Warriors to have success, he will have to be at the top of his game. Auran scored 18 goals in 26 games last season and participated in the Elite League this fall.

Benny Rutzig (Forward/2006/Rosemount High School)

Benny is a glue guy that brings a lot of energy and skill to the table. Scored 20 points last season as a junior but a lot of what he contributes goes beyond measurable stats. During a recent viewing at the Map South Prep Preview Showcase he was active in all three zones while being an absolute hound on the puck, pressuring opponents into turnovers and errant plays.

John Kelly (Defenseman/2006/Hill-Murray)

Kelly would be a first pairing defenseman on a majority of the teams in Minnesota High School Hockey as he has some nice skills at the blueline. John has shown good composure while under duress and he possesses some explosiveness to gain zones with his feet. John and his Hill-Murray defensive counterparts are a talented group that will be very difficult to play against this season.

Ryan McPartland (Forward/2006/Chanhassen)

Ryan went from a role player to an important part of the state runner-up’s last season. The skilled forward is very slippery and difficult to track, weaving in and out of traffic while finding open ice. His passing is a major plus as he’s a player that makes his linemates better. McPartland scored 4 points in 3 games in the Minnesota State High School Hockey Tournament last season and will be one of the go to players for the Strom this season.

-These five are just a few seniors that will take big roles this season and have a chance to highlight their skills on the state’s biggest stage.