A close look at who could be difference makers in section playoffs

by T R HOLLER

When the vulcanized rubber cracks the red line center ice the 2025 MSHSL sectional hockey playoffs begin the trek to the ‘X’ and now you will be prepared to enjoy the next three weeks dominating barstool banter and your brackets. We included players from each of the eight AA sections and a special nod to our top A players, albeit weighted toward upperclassmen who drive their team’s success, especially under the bright lights. Underclassmen listed as ‘UC’.

 PLAYERS TO WATCH

Cooper Simpson             L/RW               L          6’1”/170                              Shakopee

NoDak commit is still our top ranked MSHSL regional player in this ’07 NHL draft class. Dynamic release is key for this prepster now averaging over 2ppg over the last 3 seasons. If the Sabres can get past surging Eden Prairie in Section 2, they will do so on the back of team defense, netminder Owen Lunneborg and the missile snipes of Simpson. Simp is the most electric, pure sniper in the MSHSL – now, we just need to see it under the Ides of March bright lights. Early on, Shakopee was labeled “this year’s Chan” – well, we’re waiting for Simp to light the red lamp amidst all the other lights.

Mason Kraft             LW                   L          5’11”/190                           Moorhead

THE ‘spudstar’ of them all and legit Mr. Hockey contender. Nobody plays a more consistent, two-way game while leading his team in scoring. A tank on the wing with a 2:1 assist-to-goal ratio. Team leader. Giver. Does Kraft set the tone? Pffft…he IS the tone. Kraft will lead the Spuds to the title game on Saturday, March 8 barring a dramatic upset and a potential rematch with Hill-Murray would be ideal for us fans. The perfect Maverick in every way, that Mason sure is Krafty.

John Hirschfeld             C                      L          5’8”/160                 St Cloud Cathedral (A)

Has he already done all he can in MSHSL? Yes, but Cathedral celebrated his return to size a second ring out of competitive Class A. Scouts love Hirsch’s compete level which is unmatched in the MSHSL. Vermont commit already put up more than respectable numbers again, as SCC might have been sleepwalking during regular season, but now sections have dawned and its ‘state or bust’ mantra now rules the mindset. Hirsch plays an old school game that both newbies and rusty rubes will appreciate and admire.

Nolen Geerdes              D                     L          5’11”/165                               Rogers

Future Western Mich Bronco is an effortless skater, pristine puck mover and an icy calm QB on the PP. Fundamentally sound while dancing the blue line to tune of 8/32/40. Leads by example as consummate team player driving success of teammates before himself always letting his stalwart defensive efforts drive his O-zone success – a recipe that is hard to find these days. Probable Reed Larson award finalist. His leadership will guide Rogers to state, but they’ll need success in net to capture any hardware.

Boden Sampair           LW                   R          5’10”/181                        Hill-Murray

Quiet assassin that leads Pio’s in scoring at 2.64 ppg. Hold him in check for 50 minutes? He’ll burn you in the 51^st, just ask Moorhead. That’s right, the epic comeback and game-winning OT goal at Aldrich last Saturday was supplied by Sampair, capping his 3-point night. Relentless, shifty attacker with a high-velocity, cat-quick release catching many a ‘tender by surprise. Fun to watch his compete level and darting attacks.

Brent Solomon             RW                  R          5’11”/165                    Champlin Park

Led the Fall Elite League in points as a crafty two-way player versus the state’s best. Held production well versus Shattuck and USNTDP-U17s. Future Bucky Badger had another stellar year for an albeit plodding C-Park squad, with 51 pts for over 2ppg. C-Park could surprise in sections and set up a potential match with Rogers if only they can glide past the ‘Grove – to do so, Solomon will need to go on an absolute tear.

Henry Lechner                LW                   R          6’2”/205                           Holy Angels

200 pts in the books at start of senior year? One can argue SOS all they want, but 200 pts is two hundred points! Tommie recruit is a leader, grinder, and playmaker heading to Section 6AA playoffs as the state’s leading scorer with 44/46/90 for a whopping 3.6ppg avg! Digest that a bit folks…kid averages nearly 4 pts per game! Lechs will pace the Stars amidst the annual gauntlet of Section 6AA playoffs, but we look for them to grab a sneaky upset along the way.

Brody Dustin                    C/L/RW           R          5’9”/170                              Stillwater

Stillwater leading returning scorer and #1 set-up man. Terrific motor with three-zone pace. Fire-hydrant strong with a sturdy base that fuels his two-way efforts. Drives the play, creates opportunities galore for his ‘mates and finishes with aplomb. Worker bee with an edge. Has good support system in Blake Vanek, Luca Jarvis & Co. and now two options in net. In Dusty we trust to lead the charge at Aldrich vs. the Pio’s for section title. Should be epic.

Mason Jenson                         C/LW               L          5’9”/161                      Rogers

Future Buckeye is team pacesetter and dynamic scorer with an impressive 40/41/81 at a 3.24 ppg clip. If Rogers doesn’t win Section 5 this year? They never will. We are going to hold to this statement. It’s the Royals for the taking with a terrific front line, depth scoring and solid defensive efforts from Geerdes and Smithknecht. They get relative steady play in net, and they can book rooms in St. Paul. One shaky night between the pipes though? And it’s off to Sanibel Island…again. Let’s get this done, Mase!

Zac Zimmerman (UC)                L/RW               R          5’11”/185              Moorhead

Smart playmaker, craft of a grizzled veteran. The true gem of a sophomore class who picks up from Mason Kraft as another pure driver of defensive efforts fueling offensive success with 60 pts! Should he return next year as a Spud will be among top 3-ranked Minny players and would be in-line for a Mr. Hockey nod, but alas only a junior next year! Yeah, Zim is that good. When you’re the second leading scorer on the best team in state, playing the 6^th toughest SOS as a sophomore? Yeah, you’re that good. Buckle up and enjoy the show.

Mason West (UC)                C/LW               R          6’5”/207                        Edina

A 6’5” gliding condor on the ice has his legs under him and can facilitate the playmaking, or wind up for a high-dot slapper, but should be spending more time in front of the net to screen and wear down defenders, especially as the bumper on the PP. With his reach and borrowing Zuccarello’s stick he can reach for a Braemar Dog from the bench. When West lights it up, Edina feasts, but if West doesn’t turn the switch, Edina struggles down the line. A very young junior by birthdate, West has an enormous ceiling and will need to scrape his head against it for Edina to make a 4^th consecutive trip to state.

Taven James             C/LW               L          5’10”/176          Warroad (A)

Slippery playmaker and finisher. Great vision, consistent effort, and total team player, albeit of average size. If on a top metro team would be a superstar night in and night out just due to higher media coverage/ease of exposure. James is smart with greasy attack drives to tune of 22/33/55. That’s our “Jammin” Taven James.

Carter Casey (UC)                   G                     L          6’2”/174         Grand Rapids

Not Brimsek eligible but makes list regardless. Possesses a silky goalie toolbox. Quick-twitch athlete with strong, quick, textbook laterals. Will rival Slukynsky ’23 draft status chatter when his time comes. Rumored to be headed to USHL next fall, so this is last run for Casey and the ‘Hawks. If Casey stays hot, he will carry the ‘Hawks to the X, but getting through Rock Ridge and surging Andover won’t be easy like Sunday morning.

Nate Chorlton (UC)             LW/RW           L          5’9”/170                Cretin D-H

CC recruit is a waterbug playmaker and reminds us of Stillwater’s Brody Dustin in style and tenacity. June ’08 birthdate will still pace Cretin like no other. As balanced a team as Cretin is (again) it’s the quick, relentlessly charging efforts of the likes of Chorlton and newcomer, Jonny Bloedow. So fun to watch…in fact, also reminds us of a bit of another former Raider who started out at CC…one of our faves in centerman, Matthew Gleason.

Graham Greeder               D                     L          5’10”/162                        Hill-Murray

Not the biggest defender, but one of the steadiest eddies out there with great leadership on a stalwart squad that never quits. Maybe one of the two most reliable defenders in the state. Not only Hills leading scoring d-man, but Hills 4^th leading scorer overall with 11/26/37 over 23 games. So smart and steady, a classic sweep and wheel defender who doesn’t make mistakes, kind of Top Gun’s ‘Iceman’ of Minny defenders.

Carter Ernst (UC)                LW/RW           L          6’/155                         Lakeville South

Yes, older bro Jackson is still on LVS, but Carter? Nosed out team scoring lead by just three points over Jackson, 54-51, so it IS the Brothers Ernst show to be sure and the Coogs also have eleven players in double figures. Ok, maybe it is a ‘down year’ in LVS and it’s a near forgone conclusion that they will win Sec 1, but if taken lightly, they could play upset maker in St. Paul. Balanced scoring, used to the lights and caroms at the ‘X’? Hmmm…don’t sleep on the Coogs. They’ll make you Ernst it for sure!

Cody Niesen                 G                     L          5’10”/162       Thomas Academy

Could be a finalist for the Brimsek Award, but needs to close out a great season with a march to the X to erase the recent blips at end of the regular season for the Cadets. Niesen, when he is on, may be the state’s best ‘tender of the twine with 18 wins, .925 save % and 1.54 GAA. Impressive given the Cadets’ 16^th-rated SOS. However, the most impressive stat? Eight shutout vics! WOW. Quick-twitch, natural athlete with sublime calm and textbook angles. One could list a handful of Cadet forwards or D-men here, but it’s the star goalie that is the key if they want to capture their first AA title.

Chase Klute                       LW/RW           L          6’1”/201                         Eden Prairie

Only their 3^rd leading scorer, but still averages over a PPG, but its about MORE than just points. Klute is a 200ft phenom who plays hard no matter the situation, opponent, or score. He simply never stops and might be the best forechecker/backchecker combo forward in the state who is conveniently deployed on all special teams. Lunch pail grinder we would take on our team all day, every day.

Casey Vandertop (UC)                    C                      L          5’10”/162                                  Edina

Sure, there are plenty of stars at Edina who get more hype, but ‘CV Top’ is Edina’s leading scorer and best playmaker. Plays solid D, wins majority of his faceoffs and dishes dimes at a pace 4x as often than he tickles the twine and that’s on purpose folks. He is a joy to watch as he simplifies the game while raising his teammates up. In truth, he is Edina’s most complete player. If CV TOP ever gets selfish? Grab yourself a calculator.

Junior Podein                        LW/RW           R          5’7”/142                       Benilde S-Ms

Western Michigan recruit is diminutive, but floats like a butterfly and stings you like a bee with effort and production. Shjon’s offspring is the ultimate catalyst who can get off a shot in traffic or bury the breakaway with shifty deception. Albeit by just one point, Junior led the Red Knights in scoring with a balanced effort at nearly 2 ppg. If Junior thrives in transition during Section 6 playoffs – there could be quite a few private schools convening in St. Paul.

T.R. Holler is a regional amateur scout covering the Upper Midwest