The Hutchinson Tigers are entering a new era as they say goodbye to some of their top seniors — including offensive catalyst Emmett Reiter, veteran scorers like Nathan Thode and Manny Pearce, and starting goalie Lukas Heilman.
But there’s no shortage of excitement in Hutch. A deep junior class returns, a wave of promising bantams is set to make the jump, and opportunity is everywhere on this reloading roster.
A steady force on the back end, Lien contributed 24 points (5G, 19A) while playing big minutes and logging power play time. He’ll now take on top-pair duties and a leadership role as one of Hutch’s most experienced skaters.
A dynamic forward who tallied 15 points (9G, 6A), Campbell brings scoring punch and can slot in anywhere in the top six. With more touches expected, he could double that production this season.
Witte added 3 points in 26 games last year and will look to step up into a more regular shift and possibly penalty kill time.
Wacek logged 25 games and chipped in offensively while gaining valuable varsity experience. Expect him to grow into a shutdown and puck-moving role on the second pairing.
With 4 points last season, Hantge looks ready to jump into a middle-six role. He has the speed and motor to be a key part of the Tigers’ forward rotation.
Logan Hagstrom (#27, F, Jr.), Dawson Schunk (#3, F, Sr.), and Jonas Vesely (#19, F, Sr.) all return with varsity time and will compete for more ice this year.
Griffin Hutchins (#16, D, Sr.) and Griffin Neppl (#18, D, Sr.) return as depth defensemen with upside to eat more minutes.
Elliott Ladwig (#21, F, Sr.) and Aiden Silge (#14, D, Sr.) are steady depth options and could emerge as senior leaders for younger skaters.
With starter Lukas Heilman graduating, the crease is wide open for competition.
In limited minutes last season (3 GP), Borstad posted a 2.40 GAA and .857 SV%. He enters the fall as the likely front-runner for the starting job.
Saw very limited action (1 game), but his size and age make him a candidate to challenge for the starting role.
Look for the Tigers to evaluate early and potentially lean on both netminders as the season unfolds.
Perhaps the most exciting storyline for Hutchinson is the influx of a highly regarded group of bantam players. Several could step in immediately to fill scoring gaps left by graduating seniors.
This group is expected to provide:
Forward scoring depth
Speed and skill in transition
Defensive reinforcements as older players graduate
It wouldn’t be surprising to see multiple freshmen or sophomores make varsity debuts before winter break.
While the Tigers lose significant firepower with the graduation of Reiter, Thode, and Pearce, the core of Lien, Campbell, Wacek, and Hantge offers a solid foundation to build on.
Success in 2025–26 will hinge on:
How quickly the bantam players adjust to varsity speed
Borstad, Winn or another goalie taking command in net
Emerging scorers filling the offensive gap
This is a program in transition, but if the youth movement clicks, Hutchinson could surprise teams in Class A and develop into a serious threat by playoff time.
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