Ida Huber has been a strong backstop for the Wildcats who are looking to get back to the state tournament where they reached the title game last year before falling to champion Warroad, 5-2. (LPH FILE PHOTO)
Wildcats, led by strong defense, look to claw their way to another title chance
Warroad eyes fourth straight title while Orono and others look to break through
by Dain Solberg, Let’s Play Hockey
The Class A state title has been owned by the north the past three years with Warroad entering section playoffs not only as a 3-time reigning champion, but also as the No. 1-ranked team in the state.
Dodge County, meanwhile, is from the southern hemisphere in the State of Hockey and after losing to the Warriors in last year’s state title game, is looking to put a pin on the map for southern Minnesota hockey.
And they could do it. They have depth, good coaching and a great goaltender. More importantly, they are looking for some southern cooking. After a bitter defeat last year, they are hungry to not just get back to state, but to get back to that title game.
While the Wildcats have been able to put points on the board, it has been their ability to keep the puck out of the net that has led to their success. They have outscored opponents 92-21 thus far, a testament to their goaltender Ida Huber who has recorded 10 shutouts and posted a 0.82 goals against average and .959 save percentage.
She is on the back end of a strong blue line led by Alexa Van Straaten and Kylie Meyer. Both returned from last year’s second-place squad and see a lot of ice time.
“They play on our power play and penalty kill and log a lot of ice time,” said head coach Jeremy Gunderson.
Sopia Buesking, Claire Dixon, Josie Fulton, and Aydn Spreiter round out the defense.
“Nowadays so many D think they are forwards and our group understands that scoring is great, but we want them to play defense and be our quarterbacks with great break out passes and quality shots from the point,” said Gunderson.
Huber could be the different maker. She has been outstanding with 10 shutouts and has big game experience.
Dodge County is the heavy favorite in Section 1A and perhaps a strong favorite to get back to the title game in Class A. That southern cooking will take just the right recipe, however, to get past the strong metro and northern teams who have dominated Class A hockey since its inception in 2002.
Section 1A
No. 1 Dodge County (19-3-2)
The Wildcats have had a stellar season recording victories over section opponents Winona/Cotter and Simley. Dodge County has been led by Nora Carstensen who has recorded 39 points (13g/26a). In net, Ida Huber has totaled a .959 save percentage and 0.85 goals against average. They have the experience and talent to not just get through Section 1A, but to get back to the big dance at the X.
No. 2 Albert Lea (20-4-1)
Albert Lea has had a balanced attack with four players over 30 points. The Tigers have been led by Mika Cichosz who has recorded 58 points in 25 games. Between the pipes, Jayda Moyer has played 23 games recording a .954 save percentage and 0.97 goals against average.
No. 3 Simley (12-12-1)
Simley will finish the regular season facing No. 5 seed South Central High School. The Spartans offense has been led by Courtney Kurowski and Ella Sanders who combine for 80 points. In net, Makenzi Ries and Sydney Ries have split time. Sydney Ries owns an overall 10-11-1 record with a 2.90 goals against average combined with a .924 save percentage.
No. 4 Winona/Cotter (12-13-0)
Winona/Cotter has had a close to .500 season with the Winhawks most recent defeat over rival the Red Wing Wingers decisive 7-1 margin. Winona/Cotter has been led in offense by Kasja Kovala and Briar Rouleau who both are tied for the team-lead of 22 points. In net, Aliya Gricius owns a 9-11-0 record with a .919 save percentage. Gricius holds a 2.93 goals against average.
No. 5 Red Wing (1-24-0)
Red Wing has struggled both offensively and defensively this season posting just one win on the 2024-25 campaign. The Wingers have most recently fell to Winona/Cotter by a 7-1 score. Red Wing is led by Amelia Grove with 12 points, Peyton Nelson is a point shy of Grove with 11. In net, Jocelyn Mrozek owns a 1-23 record with a .797 save percentage.
Section 2A
No. 1 River Lakes (12-12-1)
River Lakes garnered the top seed despite a .500 record, mainly due to their strength of schedule. The Stars have a strong group of forwards and a top goalie to help lead them to the section playoffs with hopes of earning a coveted state tourney berth. They are led by 3-sport star Sophia Hess who has totaled 46 points (30g/16a). In net, Kaydence Roeske, a Minnesota State commit, owns a 12-12-1 record totaling a .930 save percentage combined with a 2.19 goals against average.
No. 2 Minnesota River (18-5-2)
Minnesota River has had a banner year just shy of the 20-win mark. MRHS battled to a 4-2 defeat against No. 3 seed the Hutchinson Tigers, making this section up for grabs as three of the six teams were at one time ranked in the Top 20. Minnesota River is led by McKenna Andresen (20g/15a) and Noelle Simonette (14g/ 19a). In net, Annika Magelee owns a 18-5-2 record with a stellar .938 save percentage combined with a 1.34 goals against average.
No. 3 Litchfield/Dassel-Cokato (10-15-0)
The Litchfield/Dassel-Cokato have posted a strong penalty-kill percentage which currently sits at 91.1 percent. They have been led by Lydia Schultz who has 28 points. In net, Kira Kuechle and Janelle Quast have split time between the pipes. Quast as a starter totals a .907 save percentage and 2.71 goals against average.
No. 4 Willmar (8-15-2)
Willmar has struggled at even-strength but flourished on the penalty kill posting a success rate at 88.9 percent. Offensively, Willmar has been led by Avery Olson who has tallied 32 points. In net, Erin Eilers totals a .931 save percentage combined with a 1.90 goals against average.
No. 5 Hutchinson (13-12-0)
Hutchinson is the No. 3 seed in this year’s section 2A playoffs. The Tigers come off a 4-2 win against No. 2 seed Minnesota River. Special teams have been the strong suit for the Tigers with a power play at 21.3 percent and penalty kill just above 80 percent (83.7). Elle Schweim and Addy Longie leed the team with 22 and 20 points, respectively. In net, Kaiden Fitterer leads the way with a .882 save percentage and 2.06 goals against average.
No. 6 Mankato West-Loyola-St. Clair (13-12-0)
Mankato West may have one of the best records for a team seeded last. The Scarlets most recently fell to the Northfield Raiders by a wide 7-3 margin. Mankato West is led by Penny Gorman who has 56 points (31g/25a), Maleah Giesen is second on the team in points with 45 (18g/27a). Between the pipes, Alayna Smith owns a 12-12 record with a 3.72 goals against average and a .882 save percentage.
Section 3A
No. 1 Marshall (20-3-2)
The Marshall Tigers have had a banner 20-win season. The Tigers most recently fell to No. 2-seed Luverne by a 5-2 margin leaving this section up for grabs. Marshall has the fortune of having the state’s top-scoring forward in Brooklyn Mauch with 45 goals and 78 points. Between the Pipes, Lily Stetler owns a 20-2-1 record, .907 save percentage and totals a 1.63 goals against average.
No. 2 Luverne (16-6-2)
With their recent win over Marshall, this is more of a 1 and 1A situation than a 1-2.The Cardinals have owned this section since 2020, although they have yet to win a state tournament game in that span, going 0-9, often due to tough first round match ups against metro squads. This year, Luverne has excelled on the special teams totaling a 24.0 percent on the power play. Offensively, Ellie Van Batavia with 44 points (22g/22a). In net, Emma Saarlos owns a 16-6-2 record while posting a .906 save percentage combined with a 1.92 goals against average.
No. 3 Fairmont (14-10-1)
Fairmont this season has been very successful on the penalty kill posting a percentage of 83.7. Fairmont is led by Alexis Haycraft who has totaled 38 points (19g/19a). Between the pipes, Alexis Sundeen has led the majority of the way with a .926 save percentage and 2.24 goals against average.
No. 4 New Ulm (10-13-2)
The Eagles blanked section foe No. 5 Windom Area by a 7-0 score. New Ulm has been led by Madalynn Olson who has recorded 23 points (10g/13a). The Eagles have strong goaltending in senior Ava Brennan who has appeared in 25 games where she recorded a .935 save percentage and 2.50 goals against average.
No. 5 Windom Area (7-16-2)
Windom Area has struggled through the 2024-25 Class A campaign recording just six victories. WAHS most recently fell to New Ulm 5-0. Windom is led by Reagan Haugen (16g/8a-40 pts) and Ella Dockter (5g/11a-16 pts) on the forward lines. In net, Fiona Robillard owns a 7-16-2 record, while also totaling a .892 save percentage and a 4.29 goals against average.
No. 6 Worthington/Fulda (5-16-1)
Worthington/Fulda will have an uphill battle as the No. 6 seed. WHS most recently fell to No. 2 seed Luverne by a 8-0 route, but finished their season with a 6-0 win over Prairie Centre. Madelyn Cummings has led No. 6 seeded Worthington/Fulda with nine points (three goals/six assists). Between the pipes, Macie Mahlberg has totaled 547 saves.
Section 4A
No. 1 Holy Angels (16-6-3)
Academy of Holy Angels has been a front-runner going into sections as the No. 4 ranked team in Class A, but will have their work cut out for them with Blake and South St. Paul also being Top 10 teams in the LPH Rankings.The Stars have been led by Taylor Lesnar who holds the team lead of 37 points. They may not have the star power that other teams do, but they have depth and are well coached. They have outscored opponents 112-38 and are blessed with a strong goalie in senior Zoe Rimstad who owns a 11-6-3 record with a .931 save percentage and 1.76 goals against average.
No. 2 South St Paul (18-7-0)
South St Paul has had a banner year, and will look to end a drought of making it to St Paul. The Packers most recently defeated section contender the No. 3 seed Blake 3-1. SSP is led by Alida Ahern who has recorded 51 points. All-around offensive defenseman Lily Pachl (19-21-40) is Harvard-bound and hopes to finish off her career in St. Paul. In net, Reagan Tracy owns a 18-6-0 record with a .913 save percentage and 2.33 goals against average.
No. 3 Blake (13-10-1)
The Bears play a tough metro schedule, as does Holy Angels and South St. Paul. They finished their season with a 1-0 win over Class AA Gentry Academy. They are 1-21 in the section, but did tie Holy Angels 1-1. They lost recently 3-1 to No. 2 seed South St. Paul. Blake has been led by Ella Bond who has 24 points. In net, Janie McGawn owns a 13-10-1 record with a .951 save percentage and 1.61 goals against average.
No. 4 Minneapolis (9-16-0)
Minneapolis has been led by Olive Carlson who has the team-lead of 35 points. In net, Josie Meidl owns a 6-15-0 record with a .858 save percentage and 4.49 goal against average.
No. 5 Chisago Lakes Area (9-15-1)
The Wildcats ended their season on a high note with a win over Hutchinson. Chisago Lakes Area is led by Lexi Smothers with 27 points. In net, Evi Reedy owns a 8-15-1 record with a .883 save percentage and 3.48 goals against average.
No. 6 Visitation (1-21-2)
Visitation has recorded only one victory and will receive the No. 6 seed in the section. The Blazers are coming off a 5-2 loss against Duluth. Rowan Murphy leads the team with 12 points. In net, Amelia Frederick leads in goal with 577 saves on the season.
Section 5A
No. 1 Orono (17-5-3)
On the cusp, built to win, and ready to make a run. The Spartans defeated Class AA power Andover by a score of 4-1 on Jan. 30, a good primer for the section playoffs. Orono is led by Zoe Lopez who has the team-lead of 47 points (30g/17a) and skilled forward Macy Rasmussen. In net, Vivienne Anderson owns a 12-5-3 record with a .944 save percentage and 1.71 goals against average. They have depth and experience and are amongst a handful of teams that wouldn’t surprise anyone if they hoisted the state championship trophy.
Zoe Lopez leads the Spartans in scoring.No. 2 Breck (16-6-0)
A former powerhouse who went through a bit of a downturn, Breck has had a banner year during the regular season and appears to be back in regular contention with the strongest of Class A programs. The Mustangs defeated Class AA Wayzata by a score of 7-2 on Jan. 30 and has garnered a strong 16-win season playing a relatively tough schedule. Breck is led by Taylor Hall who has the team-lead of 35 points (10g/25a). Mackenna Schleiman has lit the lamp a team-leading 23 times, giving the Mustangs a strong offense. In net, Clara Milinkovich owns a 17-6 record with a .934 save percentage and 1.80 goals against average.
No. 3 Mound Westonka/SW Christian (15-10-0)
Mound Westonka/SW Christian as the No. 3 seed in section 5A shows just how good this section is. MWHS most recently defeated Hutchinson 4-0, and like their section counterparts, play a strong metro schedule. They are led by Elli Lundquist who has the team-lead of 35 points (13g/22a). In net, Savannah Blohowiak owns a 10-6-0 record with a .925 save percentage and 1.76 goals against average.
No. 4 Delano/Rockford (11-10)
If Mound Westonka/SWC as the No. 3-seed shows how good the section is, Delano/Rockford as a No. 4 seed shows how deep it is. They have consistently been ranked in the top 12 all season amongst state teams.They are led by Mckenzie Perry who has the team lead of 51-points (31g/20a). Kayleigh Olson is second on the team with 50 points (18g/32a). In net, Savannah Geyen owns a 9-9-0 record with a .899 save percentage and 3.51 goals against average.
No. 5 Pine City Area (15-10)
Pine City Area most recently defeated Chisago Lakes Area 4-1, and is a team that is another testament to how good this section is. Not many 15-win teams are the No. 5 seed in a six-team section. Rhiannon Ashworth has put together a phenomenal senior season with 74 points (45g/29a). Jennae Szucs is second on the team with 48 points (20g/28a). In net, Iriss Sanftner owns a 12-9 record with a .882 save percentage and 4.29 goals against average.
No. 6 Princeton/Big Lake/Becker (7-17)
Princeton/Big Lake/Becker most recently fell to Litchfield/Dassel-Cokato by a final score of 4-0. The Tigers are led by Ava Prosser (6g/6a-12pts) and Izzy Skarohlid (8g/4a-12 pts). Naiya Hanson is third on the team with 11 points. In net, Alayna Boe owns a 2-10-0 record with a .914 save percentage and 3.97 goals against average.
Section 6A
No. 1 Fergus Falls (14-11-1)
Fergus Falls most recently routed Detroit Lakes by a decisive 12-0 score, and this will be a two-team race as both will face each other in the section final on Feb. 11. The Otters are led by Hannah Johnson who has the team lead of 34 points (16g/18a-34 pts), Averie Tonneson (13g/16a-29 pts) and Maggie Greenagel (13g/19a- 32 pts) have also had good offensive output. In net, Mia Olson owns a 12-9-1 record with a .886 save percentage and 2.73 goals against average.
No. 2 Northern Lakes (11-15)
Northern Lakes most recently defeated No. 4 Morris/Benson Area by a score of 7-0. The Lightning are led by Natalie Stueven who has the team lead of 26-points (14g/12a). Kambria Thompson is second on the team with 25 points (14g/12a). In net, Kayla Landt owns a 5-8-0 record with a .856 save percentage and 4.07 goals against average.
No. 3 Prairie Centre (2-20-1)
The Blue Devils are led by Natasha Ludwig who has the team lead of 15-points (11g/4a). Peyton Wessel is second on the team with five points (2g/3a). In net, Elsa Knoblauch has made 667 saves.
No. 4 Morris/Benson Area (0-19-2)
The Storm are led by Elizabeth Day who has the team lead of 5-points (4g/1a). Kennlee Koehler is second on the team with three points (2a/1a). In net, Ave Breuer owns a 0-16-2 record with a .901 save percentage and 3.66 goals against average.
Section 7A
No. 1 Proctor/Hermantown (18-6-1)
The Mirage recently skated to a 3-3 tie against No. 2 North Shore, but hope to get back to 2021 form when they claimed their program’s first state title. The Mirage don’t have a high-scoring offense, and are led by Jane Eckstrom (18g/9a) and Mya Gunderson (11g/16a) who both hold the team lead of 27 points. But they have depth and play good defense, allowing just 46 goals all season. Ella Kaups is third on the team in points with 20 points (9g/11a). In net, Neelah McLeod owns a 15-6-1 record with a .925 save percentage and 1.93 goals against average.
No. 2 North Shore (20-3-2)
North Shore most recently tied No. 1-seed Proctor/Hermantown on Jan. 30 inside Mars Lakeview Arena. The Storm are led by Nina Thorson who has 61 points (33g/28a), Berkley Hoff is second on the team with 52 points (28g/24a). Sarah Stauber is third on the team with 46 points (12g/34a). In net, Alexa Harrison owns a 15-3-1 record with a .906 save percentage and 1.80 goals against average.
No. 3 Rock Ridge (11-11-4)
Rock Ridge, most recently defeated International Falls by a score of 8-0. RRHS is led by Mayme Scott who has 54 points for the team lead (26g/28a). Natalie Bergman is second on the team with 35 points (22g/13a). In net, Nola Kwiatkowski owns a 10-8-4 record with a .910 save percentage and 2.92 goals against average.
No. 4 Moose Lake (11-14-0)
Moose Lake most recently fell to 8A No. 1 Warroad by a score of 4-0. The Rebels are led by Sandra Ribich who has 20 points for the team lead (11g/9a). Lily Ludwig (6g/5a-11 pts) and Hallie Klavu (5g/6a-11 pts) are tied for second in points with 11. In net, Mallory Hartl owns a 11-13 record with a .948 save percentage and 1.91 goals against average.
No. 5 Cloquet-Esko-Carlton (6-18-1)
The Lumberjacks are led by Brayley Merrier who has 16 points for the team lead (10g/6a). Brooke Koski (3g/8a) and Emma Parks (5g/6a) are tied for second in points with 11. In net, Izabella Strang owns a 6-14-2 record with a .902 save percentage and 2.69 goals against average.
No. 6 Hibbing/Chisholm (5-19-2)
The Bluejackets are led by Audrey Minor who has 21 points for the team lead (11g/10a). Kendal Gustavsson is second on the team with 21 points (11g/10a). In net, Bryjah Schnipkoweit owns a 5-19-2 record with a .886 save percentage and 3.73 goals against average.
Section 8A
No. 1 Warroad (20-3)
The three-time reigning champions are eyeing a fourth straight title, which would be, well, a dynasty of sorts. The Warriors enter section play as the No.1-ranked team in Class A and are certainly expected to get through Section 8A again. They are led by Jaylie French with 50 points (23g/27a). Katy Comstock is considered one of the top defensemen in the state and is second on the team with 36 points (10g/26a). In net, Payton Rolli owns a 22-3-0 record with a .943 save percentage and 1.13 goals against average.
Kaiya Sandy leads the Warriors in scoring. (LPH FILE PHOTO)No. 2 Crookston (13-10-1)
Crookston, most recently defeated Fort Frances (ON) by a final score of 4-3. The Pirates are led by Jocelyn Field with 40 points (18g/22a). Addison Fee is second on the team with 40 points (14g/11a). In net, Kambelle Freiije owns a 13-10-1 record with a .919 save percentage and 2.37 goals against average.
No. 3 East Grand Forks (10-14-1)
East Grand Forks, most recently blanked No. 5 Detroit Lakes by a score of 10-0 inside East Grand Forks Civic Center. The Green Wave are led by Blake Schultz who has the team lead of 53 points (33g/20a). Sophia Lukach is second on the team with 35 points (15g/20a). In net, Britlyn Rasmussen owns a 10-14-1 record with a .903 save percentage and 3.17 goals against average.
No. 3 Thief River Falls (8-12-1)
Thief River Falls, most recently skated to a 2-2 tie against the Cloquet Lumberjacks inside Ralph Engelstad Arena on Jan. 30. The Prowlers are led by Lila Dalager with 32 points (22g/10a). Kali Knudsen is second on the team with 30 points (11g/19a). In net, Faith Hartman owns a 4-6-1 record with a .857 save percentage and 4.01 goals against average.
No. 5 Detroit Lakes (7-16-0)
Detroit Lakes, most recently fell to No. 4 East Grand Forks 10-0. DLHS is led by Aurora Jabas who has 20 points (15g/5a). Kaydence Thorsteinson is second on the team with 18 points (15g/3a). Josie Stattleman is one point behind Thorsteinson with 6 goals and 11 assists. In net, Talyn Anderson owns a 7-15-0 record with a .875 save percentage and 4.19 goals against average.
No. 6 International Falls (3-16-1)
International Falls, most recently fell to Rock Ridge High School by a final score of 8-0. The Broncos are led by Addison Brown who has 9 points (6g/3a). Tirzah Carradice (6g/0a) and Lola Wade (1g/5a) are tied for second on the International Falls roster with six points. In net, Mara Pelland owns a 3-15-1 record with a .882 save percentage and 4.79 goals against average.
