The Delano Tigers enter the 2025–26 campaign looking to build off a strong foundation of returning talent. With several top contributors graduating, including offensive leader Joseph McCabe and veteran presence Bryce Peterson, this year’s squad will look to a deeper, younger core to maintain momentum and push for postseason success.
Halonen returns as Delano’s top scorer with 38 points (13G, 25A) in 27 games last season. A crafty forward with vision and playmaking instincts, he’ll be the centerpiece of the Tigers’ offense and a fixture on the power play.
Lance had a breakout freshman season with 29 points (13G, 16A) and quickly became a reliable scoring threat. With a year of experience under his belt, he could emerge as one of the most dangerous young forwards in the section.
Kangas contributed 18 points (9G, 9A) last season and brings valuable senior experience. Look for him to play a top-six role while anchoring special teams and mentoring younger forwards.
A strong offensive defenseman, Wollak racked up 16 points (1G, 15A) as a freshman. His puck movement and vision from the point will make him a key piece on the power play and breakout transition game.
Geislinger logged 13 points (8G, 5A) and plays a physical game. With an increased role this year, expect him to step into a power forward role and help generate offense around the crease.
Perlich added 12 points (4G, 8A) and was a dependable presence down the lineup. He’ll likely see an expanded role and can help drive secondary scoring.
A steady stay-at-home defenseman, Oja added 10 points last season and will be vital in tough matchups and late-game situations.
Several returners with varsity minutes could play larger roles in 2025–26:
Mason Mattson (#8, F, Jr.) – Played 10 games with 2 points; could move up the lineup
Lincoln Hargarten (#15, F, Jr.) – Physical and gritty, ready for more minutes
Grant Bruett (#7, F, So.) – High-upside young forward with speed
Luke Robertson (#3, D, Sr.), Jonny McCabe (#19, F, Jr.), Dylan Nelson (#21, F, Jr.), and Bennett Halonen (#22, D, So.) all add experienced depth
Geyen returns as the Tigers’ No. 1 goalie after a solid junior season where he posted a 13-6-0 record, 2.85 GAA, and .892 save percentage with 2 shutouts. His size (6’3″) and composure make him a major asset between the pipes.
Both saw limited action last year. Janiga logged 9 appearances and Truax looked sharp in two games. Either could challenge for more crease time, but the net is Geyen’s to lose.
Delano may have lost some firepower, but they return a strong senior core in Daniel Halonen, Kangas, Perlich, Geislinger, and Oja, supported by exciting young talent like Lance Halonen and Wollak. The pieces are in place for this group to compete deep into the season.
The team’s success may hinge on how well the younger forwards develop and whether Geyen can hold down the net through another full season. If those things fall into place, expect Delano to be a serious factor in the Class A playoff picture.
See the history we have compiled for Delano here.
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