2025–26 Minnesota High School Hockey: Section 2A Team-by-Team PreviewMinnesota High School Hockey, Section 2A gets even tougher

Section 2A Team Previews for 2025–26 Minnesota High School Hockey Season

With the Minnesota State High School League revamping some Minnesota High School Hockey Playoff sections, we take a bit of a dive into Class A Section 2 which prior to the change was a juggernaut, and after the changeup has become an absolute meatgrinder. The team that comes out of this section the next two seasons is going to have to earn it! By the way Orono is the two time defending champion of this section.

🟧 St. Louis Park Brings Firepower to Section 2A

St. Louis Park shifts from Section 6AA to Class A’s Section 2A for 2025–26, bringing a potent blend of skill and grit.

Key Returners:

Marty Hirte (F, Sr.) – 39 points
Jack Betzer (D, Sr.) – 35 points
Owen Anklam (D, Sr.) – 20 assists
Leo Schmoll (D, Jr.) – 20 points
Liam McCoy (F, Jr.), Ollie Culp (F, Sr.)

Goaltending:

Parker Jirik (Jr.) – .932 SV%, 1.29 GAA

Outlook: Despite key graduations, the Orioles boast a strong defensive core and a goalie ready to take the reins. Expect them to be competitive from day 1 in their new Class A section.

Check out the St Louis Park Boys Hockey History here.

🔷 Southwest Christian/Richfield: New Era Begins

With former NHLers Eric Staal and Hunter Warner behind the bench, the Stars begin an exciting new chapter.

Key Returners:

Tate Hardacre (D, Sr.) – 42 points
Bennett Breuer (F, Jr.) – 34 points
Christian Greer (F, Sr.) – 28 points
Carter Miedema (F, Sr.), Rowan Forpahl, Vinny Ferrara, Dylan Trebil, Luke Dore

Goaltending:

Hudson Tucker (So.) – .870 SV%

Outlook: A strong returning group on defense and up front gives this team a competitive foundation. Goalie development will be key to postseason success.

🟡 Providence Academy Lions: Young Core Ready

Despite key senior departures, Providence returns a deep junior class ready to lead.

Key Returners:

William Stricker (F, Jr.) – 36 points
Gavin Sattler (F, Jr.) – 31 points
Jay Anderson (F, Sr.), Eliot Carlson, Mason Carlson, Isaac Socolofsky
Chase Carlson (D, Jr.), Josh Wilson (D, Sr.), Romeo Sweet (D, Sr.)

Goaltending:

Owen Villagomez (Jr.) – .846 SV%
Noah Duerr (Sr.), Kaden Martin (Sr.) – .872 SV%

Outlook: With scoring depth and goalie competition, Providence is poised to take a leap in 2A.

🔵 Orono Spartans Eye Fourth Straight State Trip

The Spartans return a loaded core aiming for another deep playoff run.

Key Returners:

Jackson Knight (F, Sr.) – 62 points
Rory Kvern (F, Sr.) – 44 points
Luca Decubellis (D, Sr.), Lachlan Hoffman (F, Sr.), Ryan De Lange, Nicholas Nugent, Connor Mallak

Goaltending:

Maxwell Lewin (Sr.) – .902 SV%, 2.39 GAA

Outlook: Orono remains a title contender with high-end skill and solid goaltending.
Check out the Orono Spartans boys hockey History here.

🏈 Mound Westonka White Hawks: Offense Returns

A top-heavy returning offense positions the White Hawks to make noise.

Key Returners:

Collin Hagen (F, Sr.) – 49 points
Liam Grant (F, Sr.) – 40 points
Logan Hill, Beckett Poikonen, Wesley Foley
Noah Huesmann, Griffin Olson, Theodore Johnson, Luke Sunnarborg

Goaltending:

Kaleb Halonen (Sr.) – .854 SV%
Joshua Biehl (Sr.) – .938 SV%

Outlook: If defense develops and goalies step up, this high-scoring team could make a run.

Check out the Mound/Westonka Boys Hockey History Here.

🏡 Minneapolis Rebuilding but Dangerous

After a narrow loss in the Section 2A Final, Minneapolis returns a solid mix of veterans and promising youth.

Key Returners:

Eli Milinkovich (F, Sr.) – 42 points
Rory Kronick (F, Jr.) – 33 points
Wilson Lamberty (D, So.), Milo Black, Jack Shroat, Oliver Kutzer, Aaron Murphy, Owen Deyoung

Goaltending:

Griffin Simpson (Sr.) – .898 SV%

Outlook: If new faces step up and Simpson excels, Minneapolis could return to the title game.

Check out the Minneapolis Boys Hockey History Here.

🐅 Hutchinson Tigers Reload with Bantam Talent

Despite graduating their top offensive weapons, Hutchinson’s deep junior class and bantam influx promise upside.

Key Returners:

Hudson Lien (D, Sr.) – 24 points
Grady Campbell (F, Jr.), Charlie Wacek, Jack Hantge, Clayton Witte

Goaltending:

Weston Borstad (Jr.) – 2.40 GAA
Konnor Winn (Sr.)

Outlook: Young, energetic, and eager to prove themselves, Hutchinson may surprise late in the year.

Check out the Hutchinson Tigers Boys Hockey History here.

🐅 Delano Tigers: Senior Core Looks to Lead

Delano brings back a deep and balanced lineup, anchored by senior forwards and a strong goaltender.

Key Returners:

Daniel Halonen (F, Sr.) – 38 points
Lance Halonen (F, So.) – 29 points
Brady Kangas, Brody Geislinger, Jackson Wollak (D, So.), Jacob Perlich, Connor Oja

Goaltending:

Evan Geyen (Sr.) – .892 SV%, 13-6-0 record

Outlook: This team has the pieces for a strong Class A run if the younger players develop quickly.

Check out the Delano Tigers boys hockey history here.

🏋️️ Blake Bears Transition to Class A

Blake moves from AA to A and instantly becomes a contender in Section 2A.

Key Returners:

Joe Erickson (F, Sr.) – 52 points
Landon Bell (F, Sr.) – 39 points
Axel Bisbee (D, Jr.), Jack Mark, Eli Crosby, Max Vinar, George Mark, Charlie Moore, Theo Liddicoat, Jimmy Hughes

Goaltending:

Jake Iwan (Jr.) – 3.93 GAA, .864 SV%

Outlook: Goaltending is the x-factor, but Blake has enough top-end skill to contend right away.
Check out the Blake Boys Hockey History Here.

Waconia Wildcats

Waconia comes back to section 2A after 2 years in Class AA, (big schools). Our scouting report on them is still pending however they have some rebuilding to do after losing the top for scorers from last season in Charles Junge, (31 pts), Drew Puchner, (28 pts), Michael Babcock, (16 pts) and Kaden Herman and his 14 points. They will also have to replace leading goalie Brody Butler who went 15-9-0 last season and posted a 2.68 GAA and ..908 save %. We would not be shocked to see the Wildcats make some noise in playoffs as 2 years of AA hockey will pay off, but they have a tough road ahead of them in this newly revamped Minnesota High School Hockey Section.

Final Thoughts

Section 2A is shaping up to be the most competitive in years. With powerhouses like Orono and Blake joined by surging programs like St. Louis Park, Delano, and Minneapolis, the path to the state tournament will be brutal. Each of these teams has the talent and structure to make a run — the question is: who rises at the right time?

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