On April 4th, the Minnesota State High School League announced playoff section realignments for the 2025–2026 and 2026–2027 seasons. Among the most significant changes came in Class A, Section 2A, which saw major movement.
Litchfield Dassel-Cokato was removed, while Blake, St. Louis Park, Southwest Christian-Richfield, and Waconia were added. To say this section is a meat grinder is an understatement — whichever team emerges will have truly earned it.
Over the next week, we’ll dive into each team in this revamped Section 2A. First up: the Blake Bears, who shift from Class AA’s Section 6 into the small school postseason field of section 2A.
Blake is coached by a veteran staff featuring Rob McClanahan, Geoff Discher, Zach Doerring, Clay Knutson, Jay Phillips, and JT Wyman. They’re coming off a strong 2024–2025 campaign, finishing with a 19-7-0 record before falling to Academy of Holy Angels 5–2 in the Section 6AA playoffs.
Now competing in Class A, the Bears aim to build on that success — but they’ll need to replace key seniors while leaning heavily on a deep returning core.
The Bears’ top returning scorer, Erickson exploded for 52 points (23G–29A) in 24 games, (2.17 points per game) He’ll be the go-to weapon on Blake’s top line and power play.
Bell was another offensive force last year, recording 39 points (19G–20A) His reliability in all zones and special teams experience make him a key two-way forward.
The Bears’ top returning defenseman, Bisbee tallied 20 points (6G–14A)
Jack Mark (#9, Sr.) – 18 points
Eli Crosby (#12, Sr.) – 15 points
Max Vinar (#26, Sr.) – 14 points
George Mark (#6, So.) – 9 points
Charlie Moore (#2, Sr.) – 9 points
Theo Liddicoat (#5, Jr.) and Jimmy Hughes (#21, Sr.)
The Bears lose a handful of high-impact seniors who were central to last year’s success:
Grant Matushak (#10) – 38 points
Kellen Matushak (#7) – 34 points
Finn Woerner (#11) – 16 points
James Thornton (#20) and Riley Canfield (#23) –
Blake also loses Fuzz Aafedt (#35) — one of the premier goalies in the state. Aafedt logged 22 starts with a .924 save percentage, 2.43 GAA, and 4 shutouts, giving the Bears a consistent edge in net.
With Aafedt graduating, and without knowing who will be enrolling in school next season the starting job appears to be heading to Jake Iwan (#30, Jr.), who made 6 appearances last season. He posted a 3.93 GAA and .864 SV%, along with one shutout. If he can rise to the challenge with more minutes, Blake will remain dangerous.
Blake enters their first Class A season with a strong returning group led by Erickson, Bell, and Bisbee. Their top-end skill, special teams depth, and experienced blue line give them a solid foundation.
The biggest question mark is goaltending — but if Iwan can step up or we see a transfer in and they provide consistency, Blake has the potential to make a serious run in Section 2A.
Watch for this team to be in the thick of things come playoff time. And don’t be surprised if Joe Erickson turns in one of the best offensive seasons in the state.
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Check out the History of Blake High School Hockey Here:
