Rogers has been getting it done on special teams this season, leading Class AA in both penalty kill and power play, an edge that has consistently swung momentum in their favor.
The Rogers power play sits at an impressive 40.5%, making penalties against them especially costly. Defenseman Jayden Kurtz has been a key weapon from the point, leading the team with power-play goals and proving dangerous with his ability to get pucks through traffic. The unit moves the puck with pace, forces defensive rotations, and capitalizes on seams as they open. Cole Bumgarner has also stood out with his vision and anticipation, posting 11 points with the man advantage and consistently finding soft areas to create offense.
On the other side of special teams, Rogers’ penalty kill has been just as effective, killing off 40 of 44 chances (90.9%). The defensive group plays with structure and assertiveness, showing strong anticipation, getting into lanes, and disrupting plays early. Between the pipes, Tyler Bacon has been a stabilizing presence, backstopping the kill with composure, patience, and timely saves.
Beyond the numbers, Rogers’ special teams success is driven by habits that translate in tight games. Their units play with pace but remain composed, showing a clear understanding of spacing, timing, and situational awareness. They don’t rely on set looks alone, reads are made on the fly, lanes are attacked decisively, and pressure is applied immediately when possession changes. That adaptability, paired with discipline and structure, makes their special teams difficult to prepare for and even harder to slow down as games tighten late in the season.
At 15-4-1 entering the stretch run and section playoffs, Rogers profiles as a dangerous opponent. Steady defensive play, reliable goaltending, and elite special teams give them a formula that translates well in postseason hockey, and positions them as a strong contender in their push to return to the State Tournament.