From Mr. Hockey to Moorhead’s first state title,
Kraft’s journey now shifts to the WHL, Mankato, and beyond

by Rob Brent, Let’s Play Hockey

Mason Kraft cemented himself as a Moorhead icon last season when he captured the prestigious Mr. Hockey Award on the way to leading the team to its first state championship.

While Kraft’s season was one he and Moorhead will never forget, it wasn’t guaranteed, given the growing popularity of elite players forgoing their senior high school season to play in the junior ranks.

Kraft began his year in the USHL with the Sioux Falls Stampede, but he always planned on returning to Moorhead for a run at the state title.

“I decided to come back in the middle of October and started training with the guys. I always planned on coming back,” Kraft said. “I knew we had the group to win a state championship. We had a good coaching staff, and I knew it was a great place to come back to and develop.”

The decision proved to be the right one. Kraft exploded into a dynamic offensive talent with the Spuds, jumping from 15 goals and 25 assists as a junior to 46 goals and 49 assists during his Mr. Hockey-winning campaign.

His entire season was notable, but his playoff performance was something else. He logged two four-goal games, including a four-goal first period in the state championship against Stillwater.

The Spuds’ win was a landmark event for the hockey hotbed, which had appeared in eight title games without ever breaking through. For Kraft, delivering Moorhead its first championship was about more than just the players on the ice.

“It’s super special. It doesn’t happen without this community,” Kraft said. “Youth coaches, rink managers, families, so many people played such a big role. We were the players, but the state championship doesn’t happen without them.”

Kraft also used the moment to highlight the value of staying for a final year of high school hockey.

“If you ever have the option to stay or leave, I think you should always come back and play high school hockey and play one more year with your buddies,” Kraft said. “You never get this time back. There’s no better place in the country to play than Minnesota.”

His choice reflects a broader trend in player development. A data analysis of graduating seniors in 2021 and 2022 showed that 59 percent of players who left high school early reached Division I college programs by their third season after graduation. By comparison, 78 percent of elite-level players who stayed in their communities moved on to Division I by the same point.

With Kraft’s dream senior season in the rearview mirror, he’s now set up to continue making waves.

The talented forward is committed to playing his college hockey at the University of Minnesota-Mankato. Kraft spoke highly of the Mavericks’ coaching staff.

“The coaching staff there is the best in the country. They don’t even feel like coaches. They’re like my best friends. I like the plan and what they are creating down there. Luke Strand has done an unbelievable job,” Kraft said. “They were my first offer. I went on a visit early in my recruitment cycle. I believe in staying loyal to people who showed interest in me. And they really believe in me. They believe I can be an NHLer one day.”

When Kraft joins the collegiate ranks, he’ll be following in the footsteps of his father, Ryan Kraft.

Ryan played four seasons with the University of Minnesota before going onto a lengthy pro career that included seven games with the San Jose Sharks in 2002-03. Mason says that his father has been his biggest role model and the most important driver of his development.

“(My) Dad has been super huge for me. He’s on the ice two-to-three times a week with me. He’s a power skating coach so my skating has come a long way,” Kraft said. “He’s trying to help me get to that next level. He’s been the biggest piece to my development. He is one of the best hockey guys I know.”

Before suiting up for the Mavericks, Kraft will spend a season with the Wenatchee Wild in the Western Hockey League, where he’ll be joined by other Minnesota high school alums Cal Conway (Stillwater), Brandon Mickelson (Moorhead), Joshua Toll (Rosemount), Aiden Grossklaus (Woodbury) and Blake Vanek (Stillwater).

Kraft is eager to grow his game at the major junior level.

“I am looking forward to having a really good year there. With the Mankato staff, we’ve talked about all of my goals,” Kraft said. “Grow my 200-foot game and become more of a complete player. Become stronger and adapt to the pace of the WHL. It will be a lot faster, but I am looking forward to it.”

Of course, like any elite prospect, Kraft’s sights are set beyond juniors and college. His career goals are lofty.

“Play at the highest level. That’s everyone’s goal. It’s a marathon and not a sprint.”

Time will tell if Kraft makes the NHL, but he has every tool needed for a successful career. For now, he’s already written his name into Minnesota hockey history, and he did it by proving that sometimes the best step forward is staying with your team and community.