Let’s take a deep dive at trending data, team overviews, and catalyst players

By T. R. Holler

Sectional playoffs provided many a thrill but perhaps none more so than last Friday’s double feature of Section 3AA between Cretin/Derham Hall vs. St. Thomas and the Section 4AA clash between Hill-Murray and Stillwater. On both sides of the metro, in the storied barns of Braemar and Aldrich, both tilts blew past fever-pitch level and stormed into double-overtime pucksanity.

In the end, St. Thomas and Stillwater move forward to the ‘X’ beginning with the Thursday, March 6 quarterfinals and culminating in the state final Saturday evening, March 8. It’s a nice mix of annual mainstays and a few newcomers with two first-timers in Rogers and Shakopee. Let’s take a deep dive at trending data, team overviews, and catalyst players so that you are deftly prepared for the armchair, barstool, or garage party tourney viewing sessions.

What a way to kick off the best sports month of the year – let’s drop the puck!

Andover Huskies (15-13) / MSHSL strength of schedule – #11

TRENDING DATA:

• After a horrendously unprecented winless start at 0-9, the Huskies plugged the leaks, reset the membranes, and dug deep after New Year’s Eve going 13-3 in 2025.
• The sled haulers, currently pulling a four-game win streak, are only 1-3 versus the state AA field. (Surprisingly, they still do not possess the worst record versus the AA field).
• Unlike the other squads at the ‘X’, Andover has zero scorers above the 40-pt. mark and only two players above 30 pts. in underclassmen Camden Langfeld and KJ Sauer.
• Leading scorers; Camden Langfeld – 12/19/31, KJ Sauer – 17/13/30, Chase Nadeau – 4/25/29.
• G – Cash Cruitt with a record of 15-13 but an impressive 2.14 GAA and .929 SP with 5 SO’s. Candidate for 2026 Brimsek Award.

 OVERVIEW:

The Huskies had an auspicious start to the ’24-’25 campaign with the sudden departure of senior goalie, Cal Conway, Stillwater, ironically Andover’s opponent in the state quarterfinals on Thursday, March 6 at 11AM as we digest brunch and mimosas at the St. Paul Hotel. Since the new year dawned the Huskies are 13-3 and enjoying a four-game win streak. Typical hard-nosed team defense, two-way play and relentless 200 ft. checking abound under HC, Mark Manney’s tutelage with this current run being no exception. Winger KJ Sauer has been the defacto leader-by-example, raising his game weekly after the calendar turned. Hard work and pack it in the center alley D backed by rising goaltending star in Cash ‘The Burglar’ Cruitt have righted the Huskies’ plane. Hey, when your HC used to pilot Air Force One? It’s easy to follow him and, most importantly, easier to BELIEVE you’re on the right flightpath.

WEEKEND WARRIOR: Junior goalie, Cash Cruitt. All things being equal coupled with a built-in insta-rivalry with former teammate and current Stillwater goalie, Cal Conway, Andover presents a defensive grind for the high-flying Ponies of Stillwater. Cruitt, if he plays calm under the big lights, will be the deciding factor as Stillwater will undoubtedly put many a puck on net with their parade of playmaking sharpshooters. Cruitt must utilize fundamental footwork, precise laterals and stay upright under pressure – all the while keeping at least one blade in the paint.

 Edina Hornets (20-6-2) / MSHSL strength of schedule – #1

TRENDING DATA:

• Some may say Edina meandered a bit this season during another gauntlet of a schedule and they wouldn’t be wrong, but the Hornets went 12-3-2 after the calendar turned.
• Albeit short, Edina is on a 3-game winning streak capturing their 4^th straight section 6 title but also owns a 1-4 record versus the AA state tourney field, ranking 2^nd
• The Hornet has twelve players scoring in double figures with four players surpassing the 40-pt. mark with leaders Casey Vandertop – 9/38/47, Mason West – 23/21/44, Caleb Pittsley – 20/22/42, Freddie Schneider – 13/28/41, and Tucker Johnson – 8/21/29.
• Now healthy, starting netminder, Chase Bjorgaard has only played a third of the season, but in those games, he guided the Hornets to a 9-0-1 record carrying a 1.58 GAA and an impressive .938 SP.
• Per above scoring leaders and goalie listed, there is not one senior among them, so expect a familiar sting next year as well. The Hornet only reloads, folks – deal with it.

OVERVIEW: A prototype Edina squad with depth scoring and solid defensive efforts but suffer from lack of senior leadership and the normal toughness/grit a senior-laden team tends to bring. Couple that deficiency with an unsteady regular season goalie rotation due to the Bjorgaard injury and six losses easily crept into the Hornets record this season. As much as they can get hot and are well-deployed under the bright lights of the X, this team feels a year away especially facing a formidable path just to reach a potential Saturday night final where you need to beat Rogers and Moorhead? Whoa. Buckle up, Hornets and we’ll see ya next year! Depth scoring and aggressive, physical play from the blue line will be key, not to mention a hot streak from a healthy Bjorgaard in the pipes. Perhaps, just a bit too tall an order.

WEEKEND WARRIOR: Centerman, Casey Vandertop is the catalyst that makes the Edina Hornets flow dropping dimes at will and mastering puck possession and power play success. The second and third lines pick up their pace when Vandertop thrives, he simply is the straw that stirs the drink and is Edina’s leading scorer with a whopping 4:1 assists-to-goals ratio. Smart, crafty, and wiry strong, Vandertop takes pride in a complete two-way game.

Lakeville South Cougars (18-9) / MSHSL strength of schedule – #22

TRENDING DATA:

• 14-2 in ’25 to date carrying an impressive 8-game winning streak.
• Cougars red flag is owning worst record at 0-4 versus the state AA field.
• Eleven players have reached double-digit scoring, with three above 40-pt. mark.
• Carter Ernst – 25/33/58, Jackson Ernst – 23/33/56, and Oscar Balkins – 16/25/41
• Starting goalie of average record has Carson Hauger at 14-9 and a low-brow GAA of 3.28 and SP of .872, however, at this critical juncture playoff run? In his last 4 games, Hauger is 4-0, with a 1.33 GAA and .936 SP…something is cookin’ in Cougar land?

OVERVIEW: The Cougars are a perennial state tourney visitor out of the less-than-stellar section 1 so many argue that a weaker strength of schedule catapults the Cougar year upon year. Ok, fine – it’s true. But year after year, there is talent out of LVS, some more than others, but here they are again led by the brothers Ernst with balanced, depth scoring, and team defense that doesn’t over-pinch and a goalie catching his stride at just the right time in Carson Hauger. One of the worst teams to play in a single elimination tourney? The team with nothing to lose who believes in themselves. We give you, the Cougars of Lakeville South.

WEEKEND WARRIOR: Winger Carter Ernst is an emerging talent and secret no longer. Younger brother of LVS mainstay Jackson Ernst leads the Cougars in scoring edging out his older brother by a mere two points but is now on the radar of both junior league and NHL scouts to be sure. Carter still tips more assists than goals which is always a good sign, but he must be relentless and fire at will. If Carter continues to roll he will inspire depth scoring down the lines and the Cougars will stay on the prowl. Neutralizing Moorhead transitions will be key, because without sustained, three zone checking efforts? It will be a long day for the Cougar.

Moorhead Spuds (26-2-1) / MSHSL strength of schedule – #6

TRENDING DATA:

• Currently ranked #1 in MSHSL 14-1-1 in ’25 and on a 3-game win streak only suffering a lone loss in OT at Hill-Murray undoubtedly suffering from ‘bus legs’.
• The Spuds possess the best and only undefeated record versus the AA field at 5-0-1.
• 12 players in double figures with five over the 40-pt. threshold and two players therein over the 70-pt. mark and Mr. Hockey candidate, Mason Kraft over 80!
• Mason Kraft – 37/47/84, Zac Zimmerman – 28/42/70, Ty Bergeson – 24/22/46,

Brooks Cullen – 20/22/42, and Brandon Mickelson – 7/33/40

• Stalwart goalie, Charlie Stenehjem posts a record of 25-2-1 with a 1.83 GAA and .913 SP versus states 6^th toughest schedule.

OVERVIEW: One of the state’s top 2 teams all season long, as the Spuds battled recently deposed Hill-Murray for those bragging rights. Now, the Spuds are the clear #1 ranked and tourney #1 seed for ’25 dance at the X and so the pressure mounts. A frequent visitor to St. Paul out of section 8, can the Spuds balanced, high-scoring attack coupled with swift two-way defenseman and unsung goalie capture their first ever state title? They should, they are the clear favorite and most balanced, fluid team on either end of the ice this tourney offers. Anything can and will happen, but we would be shocked if the Spuds are not in the title game Saturday night. They defend, score and transition with stealth precision and are as well-coached as any team in the state. So deep, a Mr. Hockey candidate and pedigreed names galore. Get it done, boys because if not now? When?

WEEKEND WARRIOR: Of course, the easy choice would be Stenehjem in net, as any team favored and in search of their first title would need a hot goalie, but our selection is agile defenseman, Brandon Mickelson. ‘The Mick’ is a junior defenseman rising up scouts’ charts as the top d-man in his class and a Reed Larson award candidate next season. After Rogers’ Nolen Geerdes, Mickelson is the most complete two-way d-man with dynamic upside in the O-zone setting up teammates or as the QB on the ruthless Spud power play. Smart, fundamental, instinctive neutralizer with a skies-the-limit future.

Rogers Royals (23-3-2) / MSHSL strength of schedule – #10

TRENDING DATA:

• 12-2-1 since the dawn of ’25 and 3 vics in a row and a 3-2-1 record versus AA field.
• An AA field 14 players in double-digit scoring (sharing the lead with Stillwater), 4 players over 40 pts, 2 over 70 pts and like Moorhead, 1 player at +80 pts.
• Mason Jenson – 42/43/85, Parker Deschene – 19/53/72, Keaton Weis – 28/31/59, Nolen Geerdes – 10/35/45, and Brock Cheslock – 17/22/39
• Wyatt Knott garnered a 20-3-2 record with a 1.98 GAA and .905 SP.

OVERVIEW: The highest number of double-digit scorers on a given roster in the AA field, most impressive. By-product of a light schedule? Wrong. The Royals played the 10^th toughest SOS in the MSHSL. They are simply deep and talented. Two strong d-man in Geerdes and Jackson Smithknecht backed by good overall d-corps depth that protect goalie, Wyatt Knott. Rogers’ real strength is the forwards who can skate like the wind, attack the forecheck and generate multiple opportunities off the cycle. And three of their wingers can absolutely snipe with accuracy and precision from high and low slots, off either foot and never stop. Jenson, Deschene and co. are hungry and if not this year, when? The Hornets have their hands full, and should Rogers emerge to face Moorhead in the state semi’s Friday night? Grab your popcorn!

WEEKEND WARRIOR: Our nod tips to d-man Nolen Geerdes. Arguably one of the top-3 two-way players in the entire state. Textbook neutralizer through both the neutral zone and in his own end with an active stick and quick sweep and wheel clears kickstarting the Royals’ attack.

Not overly physical, but he doesn’t have to be with his success in such a fundamental zen-like approach. Burgeoning O-zone contributor, deployable on all special teams and power play catalyst. The confident, calm demeanor is of a savvy NHL veteran, zero panic in his game.

Shakopee Sabers (22-5-1) / MSHSL strength of schedule – #20

TRENDING DATA:

• One of the more impressive runs overall with a 14-1 record in ’25 and 9 in a row!
• And 2^nd best record versus the AA field, coming in at 3-1.
• Scoring depth with 12 players in double figures, 4 over 40 pts and one player, Mr. Hockey candidate Cooper Simpson, at a whopping 77 pts!
• Cooper Simpson – 47/30/77, Cooper Siegert – 21/27/48, Nate Pederson – 15/32/47,

Tristin Wassengeso – 14/32/46

• Goalie Owen Lunneborg, has a 19-3-1 record with a 1.59 GAA and .922 SP.

OVERVIEW: Shakopee on opposite sides of the metro from Stillwater, but most closely mirrors the Ponies in roster makeup, strengths/weaknesses, and goalie performance is now on the map. This years’ Chanhassen if you will. Would not surprise many if Shakopee and Stillwater meet up in Friday’s semifinal slot. Shakopee is deep and balanced in scoring with a handful of snipers in Simpson, Siegert and Pederson, but perhaps must unsung is their quieter, yet solid D-corps in the likes of Jack Kultgen and Carson Steinhoff who bring size, grit and just enough of a scoring threat, especially on the power play to back teams off a bit from pinching and pressing. All this and a fleet-footed netminder with strong edgework laterals in Owen Lunneborg and you have the makings for a deep run at the X.

WEEKEND WARRIOR: Right out of the gate, the Sabers will have their hands full w/ the St. Thomas arsenal. It will be key for the Sabers to play defense first and using that to fuel the O-zone chances and then maintain puck possession. Driving this will be d-man Jack Kultgen acting as the goalmouth bouncer for Lunneborg and transitioning quickly with sweep and clear outlets. Moreover, the 6’3”/200 lb Kultgen needs to levy some physical dominance versus the aggressive net-front presence of the likes of the Cadets’ Will Dosan & Co. If Kultgen controls the action, asserts his physicality and just maybe, a few offensive stats? Look out for the sharp Saber-tooths.

Stillwater Ponies (22-5-1) / MSHSL strength of schedule – #4

TRENDING DATA:

• A healthy 16-2 in ’25 and 10 in a row and counting…
• However, a pedestrian 1-1 versus the AA field
• Five players above the 40-pt. mark and a whopping 14 players in double-digit scoring good for a share with Rogers for highest total in the entire AA field!
• Brody Dustin – 28/24/52, Blake Vanek – 21/29/50, Trey Fredenberg – 13/36/49, Matthew Volkman – 24/22/46, Luke Myers – 15/29/44, and Luca Jarvis – 20/19/39 just missing the 40-pt. mark.
• Andover transfer goalie has returned from transfer suspension and is the clear #1 netminder for the Ponies posting a 7-1 record with a stellar 1.10 GAA and .942 SP.

OVERVIEW: As mentioned, the Ponies mirror the Sabers in many ways; forward depth, team scoring depth and unsung, physical defenders all backed by stalwart play in net with hot goalies at the right time of year. Brody Dustin is the Ponies’ sparkplug playmaker backed by Vanek, Fredenberg, Volkman and the rest. The Ponies have the depth and are sound enough defensively especially with Cal Conway solidifying the net with razor-sharp precision and confidence. We see Stillwater and Shakopee facing off in the Friday semifinals so it will come down to the team with the most poise under the bright lights.

WEEKEND WARRIOR: Coin flip between rising star in sophomore sniper, Luca Jarvis and senior goalie, Cal Conway…hmm, know what? We are going with both players! All things being equal with five bona-fide scorers ahead of him countering the potential Shakopee attack, it’s Jarvis sneaking points late in games that could turn the tide and carry the Ponies forward with hard to match depth and size. Also, if Conway stays hot in net over his personal rival in Andover, then we could see a goalie take the reins of the ’25 tourney and capture a title.

St. Thomas Cadets (23-5-0) / MSHSL strength of schedule – #16

TRENDING DATA:

• 13-4 in ’25 with a bit of mid-February turbulence, but now on 3-game win streak
• 3-3 versus the AA field
• 13 players in double-digit scoring with 5 over the 40-pt. mark
• 4 of those 13 double-digit scorers are Edina born and bred pucksters.
• Jackson Rudh – 29/29/58, Cole Braunshausen – 21/35/56, Michael Mikan – 17/35/52,

Nico Russ – 19/23/42, and William Dosan – 24/17/41

• Sublime, Brimsek-worthy goalie, Cody Niesen is 21-4 with a 1.45 GAA and .928 SP

OVERVIEW: The Cadets were marching along as a top-three ranked squad for the first half of the season in dominating fashion before some late-season hiccups in mid-February. That happens, but most importantly, the Cadets straightened themselves out, learned and moved on. Sometimes this is a good set of events that propels teams in the playoffs. Opponents tend to focus on neutralizing leading scorer Rudh, leaving the door open for Braunshausen, Mikan and Russ. Goalie Cody Niesen has had a stellar three-year run at St. Thomas and should have a good tourney ahead of him if he stays disciplined and trusts the likes of steady Patch Cronin in front of him. Cronin, another three-year star is as calm and confident as they come playing a smart, crafty game, a coach-on-the-ice defensive leader. 

WEEKEND WARRIOR: The top scoring Cadets will get theirs, Cronin will be reliable as ever, and Niesen will be dominant in net relying on fundamentals and confidence. The separator here, is undoubtedly, forward Will Dosan. The rugged Bloomington native is a force when he grinds it out as he did in the section 3AA final versus Cretin/Derham Hall, leading the Cadets in scoring and netting the double-overtime, game winning goal. He can be an absolute bull but can also tend to fade at times. If Dosan bears down, grinds it out the full 200-ft. for 51 minutes per tilt at the X? The Cadets may march back to campus with some serious hardware and bragging rights.

2025 AA STATE TOURNEY PREDICTION:

Semifinals

Stillwater / St. Thomas

Moorhead / Rogers

Finals

Stillwater / Moorhead

2025 AA Champion

Moorhead

TR Holler is a regional scout.