Former Centennial High School standout Harper Searles has officially committed to the United States Air Force Academy, continuing a hockey journey defined by production, leadership, and steady progression.
Searles is currently skating with the Des Moines Buccaneers in the United States Hockey League, where he has recorded seven points through 45 games this season. While the raw numbers don’t always capture his full impact, Searles brings reliability, structure, and maturity to a competitive USHL lineup. His detail-oriented game and consistency have earned him trust in key situations.
Before making the jump to junior hockey, Searles authored one of the most productive high school careers in Centennial history. Across four varsity seasons, he piled up an impressive 199 points in just 95 games, including 73 goals and 126 assists. His blend of pace, vision, and playmaking instincts made him a consistent offensive driver and a player opponents had to account for every shift.
Searles helped lead Centennial to the 2024 Minnesota State High School Hockey Tournament, where he elevated his game on the state’s biggest stage and earned Class AA All-Tournament Team honors.
Leadership has remained a defining trait throughout his career. He wore the “C” for Centennial for three seasons, setting the standard both on and off the ice. That presence has continued in Des Moines, where he serves as an assistant captain, a testament to the respect he commands inside the locker room.
Originally selected in the fourth round of the 2021 USHL Futures Draft by the Chicago Steel, Searles has steadily climbed the development ladder. His participation in multiple USA Hockey summer development camps further reinforced his ability to compete and contribute at higher levels.
Now, with his commitment to Air Force, Searles’ path reflects both athletic accomplishment and academic excellence. His next chapter will combine Division I hockey with the opportunity to serve, a fitting destination for a player whose career has consistently been built on accountability, resilience, and leadership.