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

🥅 Izaak Kalis – Little Falls Flyers (Class 1A)

• Class Year: Junior (11th Grade)

• Height/Weight: 5’11”, 176 lbs

• Catches: Left

• 2024–25 Stats: 26 GP, 15–7–4 record, 2.64 GAA, .926 SV%, 0 shutouts

• Career Stats: 51 GP, 30–17–4 record, 2.56 GAA, .927 SV%, 4 shutouts​Legacy Hockey

Kalis has been a cornerstone for the Little Falls Flyers, demonstrating remarkable consistency and resilience between the pipes. In the 2024–25 season, he maintained a stellar .926 save percentage over 26 games, facing a substantial 946 shots and making 876 saves. His ability to handle a high volume of shots with composure has been instrumental in the Flyers’ competitive performance.​

Notably, Kalis showcased his prowess in a game against Detroit Lakes, where he made 56 saves on 58 shots, leading to a 2–2 tie. His agility and quick reflexes have consistently kept the Flyers in contention, even against formidable opponents.​MN Hockey Hub+1Legacy Hockey+1

As he enters his junior year, Kalis is poised to continue his development and leadership, providing a strong backbone for the Flyers’ defense. His experience and skill set make him one of the top goaltenders to watch in Minnesota’s Class 1A hockey scene.​

🥅 Sam Clements – Rosemount Irish (Class 2A)

• Class Year: Junior (11th Grade)

• Height/Weight: 6’1″, 154 lbs

• Catches: Left

• 2024–25 Stats: 26 GP, 22–4–0 record, 2.36 GAA, .891 SV%, 4 shutouts​Rosemount High School Hockey

Sam Clements has been a cornerstone for the Rosemount Irish, demonstrating remarkable consistency and resilience between the pipes. In the 2024–25 season, he maintained a solid .891 save percentage over 26 games, facing a substantial 560 shots and making 499 saves. His ability to handle a high volume of shots with composure has been instrumental in the Irish’s competitive performance.​Rosemount High School Hockey

Notably, Clements showcased his prowess in multiple games, including a 28-save shutout against Lakeville South and a 23-save performance in a 4–1 victory over Prior Lake. His agility and quick reflexes have consistently kept the Irish in contention, even against formidable opponents.​

As he enters his junior year, Clements is poised to continue his development and leadership, providing a strong backbone for the Irish’s defense. His experience and skill set make him one of the top goaltenders to watch in Minnesota’s Class 2A hockey scene.​

🥅 Cash Cruitt – Andover Huskies (Class 2A)

• Class Year: Junior (11th Grade)

• Height/Weight: 6’4″, 179 lbs

• Catches: Left

• 2024–25 Stats: 30 GP, 15–15–0 record, 2.33 GAA, .923 SV%, 5 shutouts​MN Boys’ Hockey Hub

Standing at an imposing 6’4″, Cash Cruitt has been a formidable presence between the pipes for the Andover Huskies. In the 2024–25 season, he faced a substantial 906 shots, making 836 saves, and maintained a stellar .923 save percentage over 30 games. His ability to handle a high volume of shots with composure has been instrumental in the Huskies’ competitive performance.​

Cruitt’s agility and quick reflexes have consistently kept the Huskies in contention, even against formidable opponents. Notably, he recorded five shutouts during the season, showcasing his ability to dominate games and provide a strong last line of defense. ​MN Boys’ Hockey Hub

As he enters his junior year, Cruitt is poised to continue his development and leadership, providing a strong backbone for the Huskies’ defense. His experience and skill set make him one of the top goaltenders to watch in Minnesota’s Class 2A hockey scene.

🥅 Chase Bjorgaard – Edina Hornets (Class 2A)

• Class Year: Junior (11th Grade)

• Height/Weight: 6’0″, 210 lbs

• Catches: Left

• 2024–25 Stats: 20 GP, 11–1–1 record, 1.81 GAA, .929 SV%, 2 shutouts​X (formerly Twitter)MN Boys’ Hockey Hub

Chase Bjorgaard has been a cornerstone for the Edina Hornets, demonstrating remarkable consistency and resilience between the pipes. In the 2024–25 season, he maintained a stellar .929 save percentage over 20 games, facing a substantial 338 shots and making 314 saves. His ability to handle a high volume of shots with composure has been instrumental in the Hornets’ competitive performance.​

Notably, Bjorgaard showcased his prowess in a game against Rogers during the state tournament, where he made 23 saves on 24 shots, leading to a 2–1 victory. His agility and quick reflexes have consistently kept the Hornets in contention, even against formidable opponents. ​MN Boys’ Hockey Hub

As he enters his junior year, Bjorgaard is poised to continue his development and leadership, providing a strong backbone for the Hornets’ defense. His experience and skill set make him one of the top goaltenders to watch in Minnesota’s Class 2A hockey scene.

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🥅 Sam Suja – Northern Lakes Lightning (Class 1A)

• Class Year: Sophomore (10th Grade)

• Height/Weight: 5’10”, 170 lbs

• Catches: Right

• 2024–25 Stats: 30 GP, 19–9–1 record, 2.17 GAA, .914 SV%, 8 shutouts​Legacy Hockey+4Elite Prospects+4Elite Prospects+4MN Boys’ Hockey Hub

Sam Suja emerged as a formidable presence between the pipes for the Northern Lakes Lightning during the 2024–25 season. Over 30 games, he maintained a commendable .914 save percentage and a 2.17 goals-against average, recording eight shutouts. His performance was pivotal in leading the Lightning to the Section 6A championship and a berth in the Class A state tournament. ​MN Boys’ Hockey HubPine and Lakes+1Brainerd Dispatch+1

Notably, Suja delivered a standout performance in the Section 6A final against Alexandria, making 42 saves in a 4–3 victory, showcasing his ability to excel under pressure. His agility and composure in high-stakes situations have earned him recognition as one of the top goaltenders in Minnesota high school hockey. ​Pine and Lakes+1Brainerd Dispatch+1SI

As he enters his sophomore year, Suja is poised to continue his development and leadership, providing a strong backbone for the Lightning’s defense. His experience and skill set make him one of the top goaltenders to watch in Minnesota’s Class 1A hockey scene.

🛡️ Cole Bies – East Grand Forks Green Wave (Class 1A)

• Class Year: Junior (11th Grade)

• Height/Weight: 6’2″, 202 lbs

• Shoots: Left

• 2024–25 Stats: 31 GP, 7 G, 17 A, 24 PTS

• Notable Honors: Second Team All-Section 8A ​MaxPreps.com+1MaxPreps.com+1Legacy HockeyKROX

Standing at an imposing 6’2″ and weighing 202 pounds, Bies brings a commanding presence to the blue line. His combination of size, strength, and hockey IQ makes him a formidable force in both defensive and offensive situations.​

In the 2024–25 season, Bies showcased his offensive capabilities, tallying 7 goals and 17 assists over 31 games. His ability to contribute on the scoreboard, coupled with his defensive responsibilities, underscores his versatility as a two-way defenseman. ​

Bies’s standout performance came during the state semifinals against Hibbing, where he recorded 2 goals and an assist, leading East Grand Forks to a 7–5 victory. His leadership and clutch play were instrumental in propelling the Green Wave to the Class A championship game. ​Minnesota Hockey Life+1Grand Forks Herald+1

Recognized for his exceptional play, Bies earned Second Team All-Section 8A honors, reflecting his status as one of the top defensemen in the region. ​KROX

As he enters his senior year, Bies is poised to continue his development and leadership, providing a strong backbone for the Green Wave’s defense. His experience and skill set make him one of the top defensemen to watch in Minnesota’s Class 1A hockey scene.

A lot of Class 1a and 2a in this list – DM me @followthepuck on instagram if you are interested on the top goalies of EACH section.

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