A closer look at the top teams as we head into the new year

by T R Holler, Let’s Play Hockey

As we head into the new year, we do so with a new No. 1 team in Class AA boys hockey. We also take a closer look at what makes these teams contenders as we head into 2025:

1. MOORHEAD – One of the best three-zone pass and fill teams we’ve seen in years. A team-built on precision, the Spuds are one of the most fluid teams we’ve seen in years. Defensively, they are adept at middle alley team defense and quick, simple breakouts. Well drilled and coached, no doubt with added guidance from asst. coach, Matt Cullen. Versus top competition the Spuds are putting on a clinic and worth the price of admission. Deep front and back, with five legit snipers in Mason Kraft, Zac Zimmerman, Ty Bergeson, Carver Hasbargen, and Brooks Cullen they also have balance in the D-zone with crafty Brandon Mickelson as a two-way threat. Calm, controlled and disciplined blue paint work provided by goalie Charlie Stenehjem rounds out the most complete MSHSL team to date. A January 4^th rematch on the tundra with St. Thomas will truly prove their lofty status.

2. HILL-MURRAY – Some will argue the first half of the season has provided a weaker schedule than others in the top 10, but a 9-0-1 record is an undefeated record -which no other team can claim. The Pio’s schedule tightens with tilts versus Minnetonka and St. Thomas on the horizon so we will see if the 6 goals for versus only 2 against holds true. Another deep, balanced squad under the usual tough and tumble tutelage of the MSHSL’s version of Gandalf, in Coach Lechner. Hill is led by three prime scorers in Boden Sampair, Chaz Lentz, and youngster Riley Zupfer. Dancing the blue line are savvy power play puck movers in Graham Greeder and Landon Cottingham, forming perhaps the best defensive tandem in the state. We smell the Ponies visiting the Pio’s in late February for the section hardware.

3. ST. THOMAS ACADEMY – Only one loss at the midway point to #1-ranked Moorhead so keep the hats on and chins skyward Cadets. Life is good. The Cadets are loaded in both zones, possess length, girth, and a relentless forecheck with new boss, Strobel directing the attack mentality. Rematch looms with the Spuds on the I-94 tundra so buckle up and follow Will Dosan, Cole Braunhausen, Michael Mikan and leading sniper in Park-CG transfer, Jackson Rudh. On the back, the Cadets are led by 3-year starter Patch Cronin and Brimsek candidate, Cody Niesen. Recently, Niesen has suffered a concussion, so if not cleared the Cadets have stellar backup in Jacksyn Crary, who proved himself in the Prior Lake/Tradition Holiday tourney.

4. EDINA – Loaded with soft skill talent, but a young team overall, albeit with last year’s tourney experience and title pedigree, there’s just something missing with the Hornet. It’s the lack of senior maturity, that controlled approach that limits penalties yet drives your forecheck. However, it might all be just the mad scientist in coach Curt Giles’ approach as he rounds the club into peak performance come the Ides of March. Outside of whirling dervish, Freddie Schneider, Edina is led by forwards Mason West, Casey Vandertop, Tucker Johnson, and Caleb Pittsley. In total, the Hornet has seven players in double digit scoring. #1 netminder, Chase Bjorgaard is currently on the mend with a lower body injury, so #2 Wyatt Spindler is manning the interim pipes. The annual January home and home with Hill-Murray will be the measuring stick. Entire team is solid, deep, and might go on another deep March run, but feels like they are a year away from sizing rings (again).

5. ROGERS – Ahh, yes…the Royals. The little engine that could is now the BIG engine that…well, we’ll see. With their formidable talent this is THE year to capture Section 5 and march to the X. Dynamic scorers in the duo of Parker Deschene and Mason Jenson light up scoreboards like Times Square on New Year’s Eve and are backed by pinching d-men in Nolan Geerdes and Jackson Smithknecht. If there is a spot that needs solidifying it would be in net where Wyatt Knott is growing game by game and simply needs consistency for a late season run that will fuel this teams hopes and dreams getting past Maple Grove. Fairly easy January on tap before the schedule shifts to a formidable February that should prep them for section and…beyond?

6. STILLWATER – Impressive as it gets in terms of stats, roster, and hope but zero wins versus the Top 10 with two notable losses within the Top 10 in Rogers and White Bear Lake by a combined 8-2 negative margin. Ouch. The scoring talent is abundant in studs like Brody Dustin, Blake Vanek and young phenom Luca Jarvis. However, the top two scorers are lesser-known seniors in Trey Fredenberg and Matthew Volkman. The back-end protectors are decent but lacking in star power and offensive threat. Once and IF the goalie situation is settled in the transfer eligibility case of goalie Cal Conway this will propel the Ponies to Aldrich for sectional final.

7. CRETIN-DERHAM HALL – Talent? Check. Depth? Check? Goalie? Check. Coaching? Check. The Raiders are a very good team, caught in a slight meander of tired legs amidst a busy late December slate. We predict the Raiders and Tommies to meet in the Section 3 finals and battle it out for state assuming they both dispatch of the up-and-coming Irish of Rosemount. Max Bennett, Nate Chorlton and newcomer Johnny Bloedow provide the scoring punch, but to date, the Raiders need more production from other veterans for needed depth. Jimmy Dodig leads the defense with his underrated cannon shot. Goalie Owen Nelson led the ’24 Fall Elite League in stats and has been stellar to date. Section 3 might prove fascinating to track later this year with Cretin, St. Thomas, and Rosemount all as legit Top 10 squads.

8. ROSEMOUNT – The Irish were absolutely rolling along with a record of 10-0 and then ran into previously winless Andover. Crushing wake-up call loss to the Huskies, who apparently have the potion for taming the Irish, but it is what it is. Good news is the Irish rebounded in strong fashion rattling off three in a row in dominating fashion including wins against Champlin Park and Lakeville South. Shakopee looms on nigh, January 7^th for the next test. Although Irish roster might not be full of known prospects, they go NINE players deep in double-digit scoring to date – most impressively led by Cade Sherman and Christian Garrity up front and perhaps the best ‘wheel and go’ defenseman in the state in Josh Toll, a true two-way contributor on back end. Sam Clements mans the net strong edges and angle positioning.

9. WHITE BEAR LAKE – Da Bears meandered a bit to date with mostly decent showings amidst a few clunkers to Rogers and Hill-Murray by a combined negative 8-2 total, which is ironically identical to Stillwater’s showing (see above). This further proves how closely lumped the teams from #6-10 truly are. Rest of schedule is a mélange of chaos between easy tilts and top matchups so they will be primed for sectional battles with likes of the Ponies and Pio’s to be sure. Only four players with double-digit scoring totals but led by Jack Stanius up front and the resilient veteran on back end in Will Distad. Newcomer, and perhaps the most talented Roed brother, Nash, has burst onto the scene as a freshman with a point-per-game average. Minding the twine is stellar veteran goalie, Leo Gabriel, one of the most calm, fundamental netminders in the MSHSL who proved his mettle during the takedown of Hermantown as he posted a .920 save % and 5-2 victory.

10. WAYZATA – Maybe the most ‘Wayzata’ team Wayzata has had in a few years. Sure, they always bring a strong forecheck and grind out wins, but they always seemingly had just enough firepower to elevate a favorable outcome. This year feels a bit down offensively, even for the Trojans. However, that means they are as balanced and deep as ever, but as witnessed to the recent Rogers loss, once they meet a team that can fly and deploy multiple snipers, the Trojans struggle to keep up. Having been outscored 13-5 to Rogers and Hill-Murray brings it all into focus. However, if you fall into their style of play, you will suffer an exhaustive loss. All that said, they are ironically, the only team to take down Moorhead, albeit in the first game of the season during the Turkey Trot opener. Shifty forward Eli Molde leads the scoring charge supported by defensive stronghold Finn de St. Hubert on the blue line.

LPH RANKINGS

12-31-24

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