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As the 2025–2026 Minnesota high school hockey season approaches, several underclassmen fowards have distinguished themselves with exceptional performances in the previous season. Here’s a look at five standout players from across the state to watch in the upcoming season:​

🏒 Tate Swanson – Hibbing/Chisholm Bluejackets (Class 1A)

Tate Swanson emerged as a dynamic offensive force for the Hibbing/Chisholm Bluejackets during the 2024–25 season. In 31 games, he tallied 22 goals and 42 assists, leading his team with 64 points. His playmaking ability and vision on the ice were instrumental in guiding the Bluejackets to their first Section 7A title since 2011. ​MN Boys’ Hockey Hub+1MN Boys’ Hockey Hub+1Duluth News Tribune

Swanson’s impact was particularly notable during the state tournament. In the quarterfinals against Luverne, he opened the scoring just 1:20 into the game and added another goal early in the second period, contributing to a commanding 7–0 victory. His performance throughout the tournament earned him a spot on the Class A All-Tournament Team.​Minnesota State High School League

Recognized for his exceptional play, Swanson was named the 2025 Duluth News Tribune All-Area Player of the Year. His leadership and consistent performance have solidified his reputation as one of the top forwards in Minnesota high school hockey.​Duluth News Tribune+2Duluth News Tribune+2Duluth News Tribune+2

As he enters his senior year, Swanson is poised to continue his development and leadership, providing a strong offensive presence for the Bluejackets. His experience and skill set make him one of the top forwards to watch in Minnesota’s Class 1A hockey scene.​

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🏒 Maddux Domagala – Luverne Cardinals (Class 1A)

Maddux Domagala emerged as a dynamic offensive force for the Luverne Cardinals during the 2024–25 season. In 30 games, he tallied 35 goals and 40 assists, leading his team with 75 points. His playmaking ability and vision on the ice were instrumental in guiding the Cardinals to the Class A state tournament. ​Minnesota Hockey Life+1MN Boys’ Hockey Hub+1

Domagala’s impact was particularly notable during the postseason. In the Section 3A championship game against Mankato West, he contributed two assists, including one on a power-play goal that sparked Luverne’s comeback victory. His performance throughout the tournament earned him recognition as one of the top players in the state. ​Worthington GlobeYouth Hockey Hub

Recognized for his exceptional play, Domagala was named to the Youth Hockey Hub’s Class A/AA State Tournament Top-50 Players list. His leadership and consistent performance have solidified his reputation as one of the top forwards in Minnesota high school hockey.​Youth Hockey Hub

As he enters his senior year, Domagala is poised to continue his development and leadership, providing a strong offensive presence for the Cardinals. His experience and skill set make him one of the top forwards to watch in Minnesota’s Class 1A hockey scene.

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🏒 Landyn Lais – Luverne Cardinals (Class 1A)

  • Class Year: Junior (11th Grade)

  • Height/Weight: Not publicly listed

  • Shoots: Left

  • 2024–25 Stats: 30 GP, 30 G, 37 A, 67 PTS, 10 PPG, 9 PPA, 24 PIM ​MN Boys’ Hockey Hub

Landyn Lais emerged as a dynamic offensive force for the Luverne Cardinals during the 2024–25 season. In 30 games, he tallied 30 goals and 37 assists, leading his team with 67 points. His playmaking ability and vision on the ice were instrumental in guiding the Cardinals to the Class A state tournament. ​

Lais’s impact was particularly notable during the postseason. In the Section 3A championship game against Mankato West, he contributed a goal, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure. ​

Recognized for his exceptional play, Lais was among the top scorers in the state, with a remarkable 2.23 points per game average. His leadership and consistent performance have solidified his reputation as one of the top forwards in Minnesota high school hockey.​MN Boys’ Hockey Hub

As he enters his senior year, Lais is poised to continue his development and leadership, providing a strong offensive presence for the Cardinals. His experience and skill set make him one of the top forwards to watch in Minnesota’s Class 1A hockey scene.

🏒 Drew Paulbeck – Northern Lakes Lightning (Class 1A)

  • Class Year: Senior (12th Grade)

  • Height/Weight: Not publicly listed

  • Shoots: Left

  • 2024–25 Stats: 30 GP, 38 G, 23 A, 61 PTS, 6 PPG, 8 PPA, 2 SHG, 5 GWG MN Boys’ Hockey Hub​

Drew Paulbeck emerged as a dynamic offensive force for the Northern Lakes Lightning during the 2024–25 season. In 30 games, he tallied 38 goals and 23 assists, leading his team with 61 points. His playmaking ability and vision on the ice were instrumental in guiding the Lightning to the Class A state tournament.​

Paulbeck’s impact was particularly notable during the postseason. In the Section 6A semifinals against Breckenridge/Wahpeton, he scored four goals and added an assist in a commanding 7–2 victory. He continued his stellar performance in the section final against Alexandria, netting two goals to propel the Lightning to a 4–3 win and secure their spot in the state tournament. ​Legacy Hockey+2Pine and Lakes+2MN Boys’ Hockey Hub+2MN Boys’ Hockey Hub

Recognized for his exceptional play, Paulbeck was among the top scorers in the state, with a remarkable 2.03 points per game average. His leadership and consistent performance have solidified his reputation as one of the top forwards in Minnesota high school hockey.​

As he graduates, Paulbeck leaves behind a legacy of excellence and leadership at Northern Lakes. His experience and skill set have made him one of the top forwards to watch in Minnesota’s Class 1A hockey scene.​

🏒 Henry Lechner – Academy of Holy Angels Stars (Class 2A)

Henry Lechner has been a cornerstone for the Academy of Holy Angels Stars, demonstrating remarkable consistency and resilience on the ice. In the 2024–25 season, he maintained an impressive offensive output, recording 95 points over 27 games, including six power-play goals and five shorthanded goals. His ability to contribute significantly to both the offensive and defensive aspects of the game has been instrumental in the Stars’ competitive performance.​MN Boys’ Hockey Hub+5Legacy Hockey+5Youth Hockey Hub+5

Notably, Lechner showcased his prowess in a game against Roseau, where he recorded a hat trick and two assists, contributing to a 7–3 victory. His agility and quick decision-making have consistently kept the Stars in contention, even against formidable opponents.​

As he prepares to continue his hockey career at the University of St. Thomas, Lechner leaves behind a legacy of excellence and leadership at Holy Angels. His experience and skill set make him one of the top forwards to watch in Minnesota’s Class 2A hockey scene.​

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