Stillwater will need to reload following last season's spectacular run

Stillwater Ponies Reload After State Runner-Up Finish

The Stillwater Ponies came within a goal of a state title, falling 7-6 to Moorhead in an unforgettable Class AA championship game. With a strong senior core and a deep playoff run, the Ponies showed they were among the state’s elite. As they turn the page to 2025–26, the focus shifts to who’s moving on, who returns, and how they might reload for another deep run.

🏒 Graduating Seniors – Key Departures

The Ponies will say goodbye to several impact players:

Trey Fredenberg (61 pts) – Dynamic playmaker with vision and physicality.
Brody Dustin (59 pts) – Clutch scorer and emotional leader.
Matthew Volkman (59 pts) – Consistent offensive engine.
Blake Vanek (58 pts) – Power forward with game-breaking ability.
Luke Myers (48 pts) – Crafty and creative forward.
Carson Kingbay, Rylan Lord, Conor McGlynn, John Karkula, Alex Oehlke, Luke Geisbauer, and Cal Conway (1.48 GAA, .937 SV%, 5 SO) are also among the 12th graders graduating.

These departures include two senior goalies and four of the team’s top five scorers.

🔁 Returning Core – Who’s Back

Despite the losses, the Ponies bring back a strong group of experienced players:

Luca Jarvis (51 pts) – A powerful scoring forward entering his junior season.
Jonas Kohn (31 pts) – Big, mobile defenseman returning as a senior leader.
Tate Batchelor (23 pts) – Smart and efficient from the blue line.
Cal Grilz, Jack Taube, Wyatt Wells, Ben Chard, Ryan Rees, Luca Frascone, and others form a solid foundation.
Goalie Gavin Bajda (.895 SV%, 2.25 GAA) had strong numbers in limited action and could take the reins next season.
There is some talent coming from the Bantam AA team that could plug into the Varsity Roster.

✅ Notable Wins in 2024–25

Stillwater built momentum throughout the season with several signature victories:

🔥 5-0 vs. Andover – Dominant performance in the state quarterfinals.
🔥 4-0 vs. St. Thomas Academy – Shutout win in the semifinals.
🔥 4-3 OT win vs. Hill-Murray – Section 4AA championship thriller.
🔥 Wins over Minnetonka, Woodbury, and Centennial during the regular season showed their depth and consistency.

🧊 Outlook for 2025–26

Stillwater will need to find answers in net and up front after heavy graduation losses. However, with a rising junior class led by Jarvis and Kohn and a deep pipeline of underclassmen, the Ponies should remain competitive in Section 4AA.

Have something for us? Our email is always open: ftphockey@gmail.com

Check out the NHL Theme Green Biscuit, perfect for off ice training, on Amazon

Slides like a real puck on ice – the NHL-themed Green Biscuit is perfect for off-ice stickhandling drills on asphalt, concrete, or sport courts.

✅ Why the Green Biscuit is a Must-Have:

🏒 Slides like a real puck – ideal for off-ice training on any hard surface
🟢 Pick your NHL team – available with official logos for all your favorite clubs
🚫 Not for shooting – designed specifically for stickhandling & passing
💪 Improve your hands – perfect for toe-drags, saucer passes, and one-touch training
🔄 Match your style – also available in “Snipe” and “Combo” versions for shooting