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:​

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

• Class Year: Junior (11th Grade)

• Height/Weight: 5’9″, 174 lbs

• Shoots: Left

• 2024–25 Stats: 31 GP, 22 G, 42 A, 64 PTS

• Notable Honors: 2025 Duluth News Tribune All-Area Player of the Year​

Tate Swanson emerged as a dynamic offensive force for the Hibbing/Chisholm Bluejackets during the 2024–25 season. In 31 games, he had 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.  ​

Swanson’s elite play 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

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Maddux Domagala – Luverne Cardinals (Class 1A)

• Class Year: Junior (11th Grade)

• Height/Weight: 5’10”, 165 lbs

• Shoots: Left

• 2024–25 Stats: 30 GP, 35 G, 40 A, 75 PTS 

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 key in guiding the Cardinals to the Class A state tournament. ​

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 started Luverne’s comeback victory. His performance throughout the tournament earned him recognition as one of the top players in the state.

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.​

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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 

Landyn Lais emerged as a strong 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 was a key factor in guiding the Cardinals to the Class A state tournament. ​

Lais’s strengths was particularly notable during playoffs . 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. ​

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Ty Stanchfield – Mora/Milaca Mustangs (Class 1A)

• Class Year: 8th Grade (2010 DOB)

• Position: Forward

• Shoots: Left

• 2024–25 Stats: 26 GP, 15 G, 19 A, 34 PTS 

• Notable Honors: MHR Peak Performer (February 2025)

Ty Stanchfield emerged as a offensive force for the Mora/Milaca Mustangs during the 2024–25 season. In 26 games, he tallied 15 goals and 19 assists, leading his team with 34 points.

Stanchfield’s strengths as a younger player were particularly seen during critical moments. In an overtime victory against Greenway, he scored the game-winning goal, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure. His performance throughout the season earned him recognition as a February 2025 MHR Peak Performer. ​

Recognized for his exceptional play, Stanchfield was among the top-scoring eighth-grade players in Minnesota, with a remarkable 1.31 points per game average. His leadership and consistent performance have solidified his reputation as one of the top young forwards in Minnesota high school hockey.​

Camden Langfeld – Andover Huskies (Class 2A)

• Class Year: Junior (11th Grade)

• Height/Weight: 5’11”, 165 lbs

• Shoots: Left

• 2024–25 Stats: 30 GP 12 G 25 A 37 PTS. 24 SOG

Camden Langfeld has been a key contributor to the Andover Huskies’ offensive lineup. Known for his agility and playmaking abilities, Langfeld has demonstrated consistent performance on the ice. His vision and hockey IQ allow him to create scoring opportunities and support his teammates effectively.​

As he enters his Seinor year, Langfeld is expected to take on a more prominent role, providing leadership and experience to the Huskies. His continued development will be crucial to Andover’s success in the highly competitive Class 2A division.​Elite Prospects

Eli Milinkovich – Minneapolis (Class 1A)

• Class Year: Junior (11th Grade)

• Height/Weight: 5’11”, 170 lbs

• Shoots: Right

• 2024–25 Stats: 28 GP, 20 G, 24 A, 44 PTS

Eli Milinkovich emerged as a dynamic offensive force for Minneapolis during the 2024–25 season. In 28 games, he tallied 20 goals and 24 assists, leading his team with 44 points.

Milinkovich’s strengths were notable during critical moments. In a game against Delano, he scored two goals and added an assist, contributing to a 4–2 victory.

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Jacob Peterson – Northern Lakes Lightning (Class 1A)

• Class Year: Junior (11th Grade)

• Height/Weight: 5’11”, 185 lbs

• Shoots: Left

• 2024–25 Stats: 31 GP, 15 G, 14 A, 29 PTS

Jacob Peterson emerged as a quick offensive force for the Northern Lakes Lightning during the 2024–25 season. In 27 games, he tallied 14 goals and 12 assists, totaling 26 points.

Peterson was particularly crucial  in a game against Alexandria Area, he contributed to the team’s 4–3 victory, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure. ​

Recognized for his exceptional play, Peterson was among the top scorers on his team, with a consistent points-per-game average. ​

Benny Galli – Hibbing/Chisholm Bluejackets (Class 1A)

• Class Year: Junior (11th Grade)

• Height/Weight: 5’11”, 190 lbs

• Shoots: Left

• 2024–25 Stats: 31 GP, 15 G, 20 A, 35 PTS ​

Benny Galli emerged as a powerful offensive force for the Hibbing/Chisholm Bluejackets during the 2024–25 season. In 27 games, he tallied 13 goals and 14 assists, totaling 27 points. ​

Galli’s impact was particularly notices during a game against Mahtomedi, he scored the game-winning goal in overtime, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.

Bo Schmidt – St. Cloud Cathedral Crusaders (Class 1A)

• Class Year: Sophomore (10th Grade)

• Position: Forward

• Height/Weight: 6’0″, 175 lbs

• Shoots: Right

• 2024–25 Stats: 31 GP, 18 G, 18 A, 36 PTS​

Bo Schmidt has been a dynamic offensive force for the St. Cloud Cathedral Crusaders. In the 2024–25 season, he tallied 18 goals and 22 assists over 28 games, leading the team in points. His quick hands and on-ice vision make him a constant threat in the offensive zone. Schmidt’s ability to perform under pressure was evident in the state tournament, where he contributed crucial goals in tight matchups.

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Cole Swanson – Hibbing/Chisholm Bluejackets (Class 1A)

• Class Year: Sophomore (10th Grade)

• Position: Forward

• Height/Weight: 6’0″, 174 lbs

• Shoots: Left

• 2024–25 Stats: 28 GP, 20 G, 34 A, 54 PTS​

Cole Swanson emerged as a key contributor for the Hibbing/Chisholm Bluejackets. In his sophomore season, he notched 12 goals and 15 assists, showcasing his offensive instincts and playmaking abilities. Swanson’s agility and puck control make him a challenging opponent, and he’s expected to take on an even larger role in the upcoming season.

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Brody Nordby – New Ulm Eagles (Class 1A)

• Class Year: Junior (11th Grade)

• Position: Forward

• Height/Weight: 5’11”, 154 lbs

• Shoots: Right

• 2024-2025 Stats: 27 GP, 16 G, 20 A, 36 PTS

Brody Nordby has been a key offensive contributor for the New Ulm Eagles. Known for his scoring ability and playmaking skills, Nordby demonstrated his offensive prowess during the 2024–25 season. In a notable performance, he scored four goals in a commanding 14–0 victory over Fairmont, showcasing his ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities.

Nordby’s impact was also noticed in critical games. In the Section 3A semifinal against Mankato West, he netted New Ulm’s sole goal in a 3–1 loss, highlighting his capacity to perform under pressure. ​

His consistent performance throughout the season earned him recognition as a Big South Conference All-Conference selection, underscoring his status as one of the top forwards in the league.

🏒 Preston Deragisch – Sartell-St. Stephen Sabres (Class 1A)

• Class Year: Junior (11th Grade)

• Position: Forward

• Shoots: Left

• 2024–25 Stats: 25 GP, 13 G, 9 A, 22 PTS

Preston Deragisch showcased his offensive prowess during the 2024–25 season, tallying 13 goals and 9 assists over 25 games. His consistent scoring ability and playmaking skills make him a key player for the Sabres as they look forward to the upcoming season.

Logan Rustad – Elk River/Zimmerman Elks (Class 2A)

• Class Year: Sophomore (10th Grade)

• Position: Forward

• Height/Weight: 5’11” 155 lbs

• Shoots: Left

• 2024–25 Stats: 27 GP, 14 G, 26 A, 40 PTS ​

Logan Rustad demonstrated his playmaking abilities during the 2024–25 season, contributing 4 goals and 12 assists in 12 games. His vision on the ice and ability to set up teammates make him a valuable asset for the Elks’ offensive lineup.​

Tristan Kriech – Elk River/Zimmerman Elks (Class 2A)

• Class Year: Junior (11th Grade)

• Position: Forward

• Height/Weight: 6’5″ 180 lbs

• Shoots: Right

• 2024–25 Stats: 27 GP, 22 G, 19 A, 41 PTS ​

Tristan Kriech had a breakout season, leading the Elks with 22 goals and 19 assists. His scoring touch and offensive instincts position him as one of the top forwards to watch in the upcoming season.​

Cole Braunshausen – St. Thomas Academy Cadets (Class AA)

• Class Year: Junior (11th Grade)

• Position: Forward

• Shoots: Right

• Height/Weight: 5’9″, 170 lbs

• 2024–25 Stats: 31 GP, 22 G, 38 A, 60 PTS

• Notable Honors: Named among the Top 50 Players in the Class A/AA State Tournament by Youth Hockey Hub ​

• Cole Braunshausen emerged as a pivotal offensive force for the St. Thomas Academy Cadets during the 2024–25 season. His consistent performance, averaging over two points per game, underscored his ability to influence the game’s outcome significantly. Braunshausen’s playmaking skills and scoring touch were instrumental in the Cadets’ successful campaign.

Throughout the season, Braunshausen demonstrated versatility and resilience, contributing both in even-strength situations and on special teams. His leadership on and off the ice set a standard for his teammates, and his dedication to the game was shown in every shift.​

His performance has caught attention from higher-level programs, and he is expected to be a key player to watch in the upcoming season.​

Garrett Fischer – Crookston Pirates (Class A)

• Class Year: Junior (11th Grade)

• Position: Forward

• Shoots: Left

• Height/Weight: 6’2″, 185 lbs

• 2024–25 Stats: 27 GP, 29 G, 27 A, 56 PTS ​

Garrett Fischer emerged as a dominant offensive force for the Crookston Pirates in the 2024–25 season. His combination of size, skill, and hockey IQ made him a constant threat on the ice. Fischer’s ability to find the back of the net and set up teammates was key in the Pirates’ offensive success.​

Throughout the season, Fischer showcased his scoring ability, leading the team with 29 goals. His 27 assists highlight his vision and unselfish play, making him a dual threat in the offensive zone.

Cazimiro “Caz” Carlson – Rock Ridge Wolverines (Class AA)

• Class Year: Junior (Class of 2026)

• Position: Forward (Center/Right Wing)

• Shoots: Right

• Height/Weight: 5’9″, 165 lbs

• 2024–25 Stats: 27 GP, 23 G, 31 A, 54 PTS

• Notable Honors: Named to the Duluth News Tribune All-Area Second Team

• NAHL: Watertown Shamrocks

Caz Carlson emerged as a pivotal offensive force for the Rock Ridge Wolverines in the 2024–25 season. Leading the team with 53 points, including 21 goals and 32 assists over 27 games, Carlson’s playmaking abilities and scoring touch were key in the Wolverines’ successful season .

One of Carlson’s most memorable moments came in a thrilling overtime victory against Hermantown, where he netted the game-winning goal, solidifying a 1–0 win for Rock Ridge . His performance in high-stakes situations underscored his value to the team and his clutch capabilities.​

Beyond his on-ice achievements, Carlson is recognized for his dedication to both athletics and academics. A multi-sport athlete, he also participates in baseball, football, and track, all while maintaining great academic performance, including honors in physics and chemistry .​

As he approaches his senior year, Carlson’s leadership and skill set position him as a player to watch, with aspirations to advance to collegiate and professional levels.

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