2025–26 Minnesota Section 6AA Boys Hockey Preview: Team-by-Team Breakdown

Armstrong Cooper Gears Up for 2025–26 After Competitive Season in Section 6AA

The Armstrong Cooper Wings will return to Section 6AA in 2025–26 with a battle-tested core and something to prove after a rollercoaster 2024–25 campaign. Despite finishing below .500, the Wings played in several tight contests and nearly pulled off an upset in the section quarterfinals against Edina.

With a group of experienced juniors returning and several key producers graduating, this season marks a turning point for the program.

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🧊 Key Graduating Seniors

Armstrong Cooper will have to replace a significant portion of its offensive production and both goaltenders. Six seniors played pivotal roles last year:

• Lewis Majkozak (F) – 25 points in just 18 games, including 3 PPGs. A skilled, efficient scorer who will be tough to replace.

• Logan Gatti (D) – Led the team with 21 assists and served as a steady power play quarterback.

• Luke Weisjahn (F) – Posted 13 goals and 22 points. A high-motor forward who produced in all situations.

• Mac Murphy (F) – Contributed 19 points in all 26 games. A consistent second-line presence.

• Dawson Franke (F) – Chipped in 14 points, providing middle-six scoring and grit.

• Noah Gorgos (D) – A physical defenseman who played in all but two games.

• Braeden Cooper (G) and Ryan Melsha (G) – Both goalies graduate, leaving a key question mark in net. Melsha logged over 1,100 minutes last season with a .881 SV%.

This senior class provided much of the team’s scoring depth, leadership, and special teams strength.

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🔁 Key Returning Players to Watch

Despite the graduation losses, the Wings retain a promising group that logged heavy minutes last season:

• Brady Northrup (F, Sr.) – Top returning scorer with 28 points (13G–15A), including 4 power play goals. A reliable playmaker who will lead the top line.

• Niklas Anderson (F, Jr.) – Finished with 21 points and showed great potential as a sophomore.

• Tate Gladney (F, Sr.) – Smart, physical forward who tallied 14 points and adds leadership value.

• Hobey Skulstad (D, Sr.) – Limited to 12 games, but scored 13 points. He could become the team’s top blueliner.

• Tanner Cassidy (D, Sr.) – Recorded 17 points and will be vital in both ends.

• Lucas Wodtke, Jacob Pangarakis, Nolan Wigfield, and Dallas Bentzen will bring energy and experience in depth roles.

The biggest unknown will be in goal, where the Wings will need a new starter to step up, likely from the JV ranks.

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📊 2024–25 Season Recap: Competitive But Inconsistent

Armstrong Cooper finished the season 9–15–1, but that record doesn’t reflect how competitive the team was. They played in nine games decided by one goal, including:

• ✅ Wins over Providence Academy (4-1), Spring Lake Park (4-3), and Osseo (4-1, 4-2)

• 🟰 A tie against Anoka (2-2)

• ❌ One-goal losses to Roseau (3-2 OT), Hopkins (5-4 OT), St. Michael-Albertville (5-4 OT), and Edina (4-3) in the section quarterfinal

They also notched a dominant 10-1 win over Irondale and shut out Lake of the Woods 7-0 in the Roseau Holiday Classic.

However, they struggled defensively in stretches, allowing 4+ goals in 10 games and falling to top-tier programs like Andover (0-4), Rogers (0-8), and Holy Angels (1-9).

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🏒 2025–26 Outlook in Section 6AA

The Wings will once again face one of the toughest playoff brackets in Minnesota hockey. Section 6AA includes perennial powers Edina, Wayzata, and Benilde-St. Margaret’s, as well as improving programs like Holy Angels, Hopkins, and Buffalo.

If Armstrong Cooper can find consistency in net and build chemistry around Northrup, Anderson, and Cassidy, they could surprise some people in a wide-open second tier of the section.

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🔥 Final Thought

Armstrong Cooper has the potential to be a dark horse in 6AA next year. While they’ll miss the scoring of Majkozak and the steady goaltending of Melsha, the returning group has grit, speed, and enough experience to stay competitive every night.

With tighter defense, special teams improvements, and a reliable goalie stepping up, the Wings could build off last year’s close games and turn them into wins when it matters most.

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Benilde-St. Margaret’s Looks to Reload After Strong 2024–25 Season

Benilde-St. Margaret’s enters the 2025–26 campaign coming off a 21-win season that ended just shy of the Section 6AA championship game. With a high-powered offense, disciplined defense, and a core of underclassmen ready to take on bigger roles, the Red Knights will look to stay among the section’s elite — even with several major names moving on.

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🎓 Key Players Lost to Graduation

The Red Knights lose a highly productive senior class that powered much of the team’s offensive and defensive success:

• Junior Podein (F) – A dominant force up front, Podein scored 30 goals and 55 points, leading the team in goals, points, power-play production (7 PPG, 9 PPA), and shorthanded scoring (4 SHG). He now heads to Western Michigan the defending NCAA Hockey Champion.

• Cam Kirschner (F) – Dynamic and consistent, he tallied 46 points (17G–29A) while leading the team in assists.

• AJ Ulrich (F) – Contributed 20 points and four power-play goals in all 27 games.

• Dylan Popehn (F) – Posted 18 points and brought physicality to the top six.

• Taylor Salmon, Christian Beck, Noah Johnson – Depth forwards who chipped in timely goals.

• Carter Callan (D) – A top-four defenseman with 20 points and heavy minutes in all situations.

• Peyton Mulheran (D) – A steady presence on the blue line with 13 points in 25 games.

• Matthew Perreault (G) – Went 4-0 in 7 appearances as part of a solid three-goalie rotation.

This class provided veteran leadership, special teams scoring, and big-game experience — especially in section and holiday tournament play.

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🔁 Returning Players: Red Knights Still Loaded

Despite the senior departures, Benilde’s cupboard is far from empty. Several top contributors return, including two of the team’s highest-scoring underclassmen:

• Mason Minor (D, Sr.) – The offensive blueliner returns after notching 39 points (10G–29A), second only to Podein in total points, committed to Minnesota State Mankato.

• Keegan Davis (F, Sr.) – A 17-goal scorer and power-play threat, Davis will likely be the go-to weapon up front.

• Nick Johnson (D, Sr.) – Recorded 18 points and should anchor the second pairing.

• Connor Timmins (F, Jr.) and Tyler Kirschner (F, Jr.) – Each posted 16 points and will see expanded top-six roles.

• Grayson Quirk (F, Sr.) – Tallied 10 points in 22 games and could slide into a key scoring role.

• Mason Smith and Ben Palmer provide additional defensive depth.

In goal, Christopher Dean (Sr.) returns after starting 21 games and posting a 16–5–0 record with a 2.15 GAA, .899 SV%, and 4 shutouts. He’ll be among the top goalies in the section next season.

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📊 2024–25 Season Recap

The Red Knights finished the year 21–6–0, highlighted by a dominant December and an impressive January stretch:

• ✅ Wins over top programs like Gentry Academy (2-0), Andover (3-2 OT), Eden Prairie (4-2), Hermantown (3-2), and Grand Rapids (4-2)

• 🏆 Captured all three games at the Premiere Holiday Classic, including a 6-2 win over Shakopee and a 5-2 win over Holy Family

• ❌ Suffered close losses to elite teams including Edina (2-4), Wayzata (2-3), and Hill-Murray (2-4)

• 💥 Racked up dominant wins over Chaska (11-0, twice), Chanhassen (7-1), and New Prague (9-2)

The season ended in the Section 6AA Semifinals, falling 5-2 to Wayzata after a quarterfinal win over rival St. Louis Park.

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🏒 2025–26 Outlook: Still a Section 6AA Power

Benilde-St. Margaret’s should once again be a serious contender in Section 6AA. While Podein and Kirschner leave big holes to fill offensively, the return of Dean in goal, Minor and Johnson on the blue line, and Davis up front gives BSM a strong foundation at all three levels.

They’ll have to go through a deep section field that includes Edina, Wayzata, Armstrong Cooper, Rogers, and Holy Angels, but the Red Knights are more than capable of making another deep playoff run.

Look for younger players like Charlie Awsumb, Decker Dahlof, and Bergen Kopischke to take bigger roles and keep the program’s pipeline strong.

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🔥 Final Thought

Benilde-St. Margaret’s may lose some star power, but with a proven goalie, strong defense, and skilled forwards returning, this team isn’t going anywhere. If the next wave of scorers steps up early, the Red Knights could be right back in the mix for a section title — and maybe more.

Buffalo Faces Tall Task in Section 6AA After Challenging 2024–25 Season

The Buffalo Bison will face a steep climb in the 2025–26 Minnesota high school hockey season, entering a stacked Section 6AA after a rocky 2024–25 campaign. While there were flashes of offensive upside and a few clutch wins, consistency eluded the Bison throughout the year, and they now look to rebuild after graduating their top scorers and key leaders.

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🎓 Key Graduating Players

Buffalo will lose much of its top-line firepower and veteran presence to graduation, including four of its most productive forwards:

• Harvey Ylitalo (F) – Buffalo’s offensive engine. Ylitalo led the team with 21 goals and 37 points, accounting for over a quarter of the team’s total scoring. He also chipped in on special teams with 5 PPGs and 4 SHGs.

• Brandon Rodenwald (F) – Another critical senior, Rodenwald tallied 33 points (16G–17A) and was a reliable finisher and power-play contributor.

• Blake Beckman (F) – Depth forward with 8 points who brought size and energy to the bottom six.

• Gavin Dahle, Coy Meyer, Luke Berard, Cooper Murphy, Kaleb Schult, John Manuel (G) – Each brought experience, with Manuel starting half the games in net.

This graduating class provided nearly 60% of the team’s goals, making their absence a significant gap heading into next season.

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🔁 Key Returners for 2025–26

Despite the losses, the Bison do return a group of younger players who saw regular varsity minutes and now must take a major step forward:

• Cooper Dalbec (F, Jr.) – The top returning scorer with 22 points (8G–14A). He’ll likely be a go-to option on the first line and power play.

• Russell Ylitalo (F, Jr.) and Evan Hinnenkamp (F, Jr.) – Both notched 18 points apiece and showed solid vision and offensive instincts.

• Braylen Dahl (D, Jr.) – A mobile puck mover with 6 points who played all 26 games.

• Graydin Limke (D, Sr.) – Big-bodied, physical presence on the back end at 6’3”, 205 lbs.

• Latham Johnson (F, Sr.) – A regular faceoff contributor who will likely center a checking line.

• Drew Lindquist, Charlie Rosso, Nolan Rumsch, Aubrey Baker (G) – Role players who saw action last year and will compete for more responsibility this season.

In net, Aubrey Baker and Logan Preugschas are both back after splitting duties last season. Each posted save percentages just above .830, but both faced high shot volumes and defensive breakdowns — an area Buffalo will need to improve if they hope to compete.

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📉 2024–25 Season Recap: Tough Sledding, Brief Bright Spots

Buffalo finished with a 6–20–0 record, a mark that includes just three wins after December. The season began with a pair of strong outings:

• ✅ 6-3 win over Brainerd

• ✅ 5-1 victory vs. Chaska

• ✅ 8-1 blowout of Osseo

• ✅ 4-3 OT win over St. Cloud

• ✅ 6-1 win against Bloomington Jefferson

• ✅ 3-2 OT road win at Monticello

But the second half of the season was brutal, especially during a 10-game stretch in January and February where Buffalo allowed 6+ goals in seven games. They fell twice to both Edina and St. Michael-Albertville, and gave up 8+ goals in four different games.

The year ended in the Section 8AA Quarterfinals, where the Bison were overwhelmed by Bemidji in a 10-1 loss.

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🏒 2025–26 Outlook: New Section, Steeper Challenge

If last season was tough, this winter might be even tougher. Buffalo moves into Section 6AA, arguably the most competitive group in the state, featuring perennial juggernauts like:

• Edina

• Wayzata

• Benilde-St. Margaret’s

• Rogers

• Holy Angels

• Armstrong Cooper

• Hopkins

The path forward will require rapid development from underclassmen, more consistent goaltending, and a blue line that can handle the pace of play in the metro’s top tier.

Still, Buffalo’s younger core gained valuable experience last season, and with a full summer of development, this could be the foundation for a stronger, more competitive Bison team in 2025–26.

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🔥 Final Thought

The road ahead won’t be easy for Buffalo, but every program goes through transitional years. With Dalbec, Hinnenkamp, and R. Ylitalo leading the charge — and better structure on defense — this group has the tools to start climbing back toward competitiveness in the state’s most demanding section.

Edina Returns a Loaded Lineup in 2025–26 as Section 6AA Favorites

The Edina Hornets were already a powerhouse in 2024–25 — winning Section 6AA and finishing third in the Class AA State Tournament. But if you thought that was their peak, think again. Assuming the Hornets return their entire starting lineup, including Mason West, Freddie Schneider, Caleb Pittsley, and Casey Vandertop, this should make them a favorite to repeat as section champs — and a serious contender to win it all at Xcel.

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🏆 2024–25 Recap: Deep Run, Big Wins, More to Come

Edina finished last season with a 22–6–3 record, winning marquee matchups and dominating their section:

• ✅ Took down heavyweights like Benilde-St. Margaret’s, Minnetonka, Holy Angels, Hill-Murray, and Grand Rapids

• 🏆 Captured the Section 6AA title, defeating Armstrong Cooper, Holy Angels, and Wayzata

• 🥉 Earned 3rd place at the State Tournament, with an OT win over Rogers and a bounce-back victory over St. Thomas Academy

Their season featured incredible depth, strong special teams, and shutdown goaltending — and now, nearly all of that experience returns.

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🔁 Returning Star Power for 2025–26

This might be the most complete returning roster in Minnesota.

💥 Forwards

• Mason West (F, Sr.) – A dynamic scorer with a heavy shot and elite finishing touch. 27 goals, 22 assists, 49 points last season. One of the most dangerous players in the state — and he’s only getting better.

• Casey Vandertop (F, Sr.) – Edina’s primary setup man. Also finished with 49 points, including 40 assists — a vision-first playmaker who elevates everyone around him.

• Freddie Schneider (F, Sr.) – Smooth and creative, Schneider tallied 44 points and was lethal on the man advantage with 5 PPGs.

• Caleb Pittsley (F, Sr.) – Quietly put up 21 goals and 43 points, with the highest shooting percentage on the team (70%). An underrated threat.

• Tucker Johnson (F, Sr.), Alex White (F, Sr.), and Bode McConnell (F, Jr.) round out an elite top-nine with physicality, scoring touch, and two-way ability.

🧱 Defense

• Sam Peckham (D, Sr.) – Led the D-core in points (25) and power play assists (9). A puck-moving leader with poise under pressure.

• Brady Mullmann (D, Sr.), Dylan Dubuc (D, Sr.), and Aidan Gordan (D, Jr.) provide physicality and structure on the blue line.

🧤 Goaltending

• Chase Bjorgaard (Sr.) – Posted an 11–1–1 record, 1.81 GAA, and .929 SV%, making a strong case as one of the best returning goalies in the state.

• Wyatt Spindler (Sr.) – Nearly as good, with an 11–4–1 record, 2.01 GAA, and .913 SV% across 17 starts.

Most teams would be lucky to have one elite netminder — Edina has two.

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🎓 Departures

Compared to most top-tier programs, Edina’s list of departures is short:

• Casey Mason (F), Joe Cepek (F), Quintin Schaefer (F)

• Charlie Velner (D) and Robbie Hoch (D)

All were role players who added value, but the Hornets’ core remains fully intact.

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🏒 2025–26 Outlook: State Title or Bust?

With four of the top five scorers returning and arguably the best goalie tandem in Minnesota, Edina doesn’t just look like the favorite in Section 6AA — they might be the team to beat statewide.

The rest of the section — including Wayzata, Benilde-St. Margaret’s, Holy Angels, and Rogers — will challenge them, but Edina’s combination of elite scoring, mature leadership, playoff experience, and shutdown defense gives them an edge that’s tough to match.

If Mason West returns from the USHL and plays the full season, it’s very possible this team runs the table.

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🔥 Final Thought

Edina isn’t rebuilding. They aren’t even reloading. They’re returning with a vengeance — deeper, faster, and more experienced than ever. With Mason West, Casey Vandertop, and Freddie Schneider leading the way, the Hornets will enter 2025–26 not just aiming for Xcel — but looking to finish on top of the podium once again.

Check out the Edina Hornets Boys Hockey History Here.

Hopkins Looks to Reload After Senior-Led Surge in 2024–25

Hopkins enters the 2025–26 boys hockey season with a reset ahead. After a senior-heavy roster pushed them to 10 wins and multiple exciting finishes, the Royals now shift to a younger core in a very difficult Section 6AA field. With standout scorer Weston Schenkelberg and nearly the entire top nine graduating, the question for Hopkins isn’t just who will step up — it’s how fast they can adapt.

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🧊 2024–25 Recap: Strong Start, Senior Impact

Hopkins finished with a 10–16–0 record, including several impressive wins:

• ✅ Beat Buffalo, Irondale, Minnesota River, and Armstrong Cooper in December

• ✅ Rolled to wins over Proctor, Osseo, Owatonna, and Dodge County

• ❌ Fell in Section 6AA Quarterfinals to Wayzata, 6-2

The Royals played in five one-goal games and three overtime contests, proving they could compete — but their senior class carried much of the weight.

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🎓 Key Graduating Players

Hopkins loses an outsized chunk of its scoring and leadership:

• Weston Schenkelberg (F) – An electric forward who finished with 26 goals, 17 assists, 43 points and a 1.65 PPG average. He accounted for over 25% of the team’s goals.

• Brady Tersteeg (F) – A reliable finisher with 16 goals and 28 points.

• William Swenson, Sam Odegard, Zander Brown, Greyson Hatlestad, William Anderson, Olin Jackson, Cooper Reece – All regular forwards, most of whom played all 26 games.

• Jack Wilcox (D) and Wyatt Petersen (D) – Both blueliners contributed offense and stability, combining for 22 points.

• Isaac Winkler (G) – The starting goalie for all 26 games. Logged over 1,300 minutes with a .895 SV% on over 1,000 shots.

This class leaves behind not just production, but nearly all of the team’s experience and special teams players.

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🔁 Returning Players for 2025–26

Hopkins will lean heavily on its upcoming junior and sophomore classes in 2025–26. A few returners have the potential to step into bigger roles:

• Kirill Udaltsov (F, Sr.) – Top returning scorer with 32 points (8G–24A). A strong puck distributor who will need to become a primary playmaker.

• Madden Brown (F, So.) – Impressive as a freshman with 11 goals and 23 points. If his development continues, he could be a breakout star.

• William Hoiska (F, Jr.) – Added 15 assists and showed strong offensive instincts.

• Dylan Caspers, Garrett Lochner, Benjamin Knight, Baylor Paul, Noah Carr – All saw regular ice time and will need to anchor the new supporting cast.

On defense, Noah Carr, Garrett Lochner, and Benjamin Knight return, while the goaltending position is completely open with Winkler’s graduation. A new starter will have big skates to fill behind a relatively green blue line.

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🏒 2025–26 Outlook: Rebuild Mode in Section 6AA

Hopkins now enters a transitional year in one of the toughest sections in Minnesota. Section 6AA features:

• Edina (defending champs)

• Wayzata

• Benilde-St. Margaret’s

• Rogers

• Holy Angels

• Armstrong Cooper

• Buffalo

Competing with that group will be difficult — especially with so much offensive production and goaltending experience graduating.

Still, with a few skilled forwards like Udaltsov and Madden Brown, the Royals have building blocks. A competitive showing in close games and strong defensive structure could help them pull off upsets as the younger roster matures.

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🔥 Final Thought

Hopkins took big strides in 2024–25 thanks to a high-scoring senior class and workhorse goaltending. Now, with nearly the entire core turning over, the Royals face a true rebuild. But there’s talent in the pipeline — and if their next wave adjusts quickly, Hopkins could still make noise in the second half of the season.

Holy Angels Faces Life After Lechner, But Depth and Momentum Remain

The Academy of Holy Angels enters the 2025–26 season fresh off one of its most dominant campaigns in recent memory. The Stars racked up 20 regular-season wins, rolled through much of their schedule, and reached the Section 6AA semifinals. But now comes the next chapter — one without Henry Lechner, one of the top players in the state and now committed to the University of St. Thomas.

While Lechner’s departure leaves a massive void, Holy Angels still returns a deep and battle-tested core with the potential to stay near the top of Section 6AA.

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🏆 2024–25 Recap: Explosive Offense, Elite Record

The Stars finished with a 23–4–1 record, highlighted by:

• ✅ Statement wins over Roseau, Bemidji, Duluth East, St. Louis Park, Wayzata, and Hudson (WI)

• 🏒 A perfect January stretch including a win over Wayzata and a 10-1 rout of Breck

• ❌ A tight 5-2 loss to Edina in the Section 6AA Semifinals after cruising past Blake in the quarters

Holy Angels averaged nearly 7 goals per game during their 15-game midseason win streak and proved they could compete with the state’s best.

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🎓 Key Departures: The Lechner Era Ends

There’s no sugarcoating it — the Stars are losing one of Minnesota’s most productive and impactful high school hockey players.

• Henry Lechner (F) – Finished with an eye-popping 96 points (46G–50A) in 27 games, along with 8 PPGs and 4 SHGs. A dominant force every night, Lechner could change the game in a single shift.

• Bennet Arro, Logan Ciresi, William Anderson, Charlie Clements, Jake Nelson, Murray Stebbins – All seniors who contributed up front or along the blue line.

• Jack Wilcox and Wyatt Petersen (D) – Provided size and senior leadership on the back end.

• Goaltender Luke Marsalek – Started 25 games and posted elite numbers: 20–4–1, 1.90 GAA, .930 SV%, and 3 shutouts. A huge presence in net that won’t be easily replaced.

This graduating class accounted for over 40% of the team’s goals and most of their special teams units.

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🔁 Key Returners for 2025–26

Despite the big losses, Holy Angels has talent and experience coming back — including several players who played top-six minutes and will now step into starring roles.

🔥 Forwards

• Cole Cheeseman (F, Sr.) – One of the state’s most dangerous returning forwards. Had 65 points (26G–39A) and was excellent on the power play.

• Lincoln Ayers Assad (F, Sr.) – Scored 30 goals and 57 points, showing elite finishing ability and speed.

• Gabe Perron (F, Sr.) – Tied Cheeseman for second in points with 57 (12G–45A), quarterbacked the power play and created offense with ease.

• Avi Kasargod (D, Sr.) – Logged heavy minutes and chipped in 48 points, including 8 on the power play.

• Teddy Lechner (D, Jr.), Oscar Buckland (F, Jr.), and Bennett MacKenzie (F, So.) – All posted double-digit points and will be asked to take on larger offensive roles.

• Oliver Perron, Will Swanson, Carter Hunsaker – Young forwards who saw regular ice time last season.

🧤 Goaltending

• George Sill (Jr.) – Played two games, going 2–0 with a .911 SV%.  We assume he will likely take the reins in net and has big shoes to fill.

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🏒 2025–26 Outlook: Still a Threat in Section 6AA

Even without Lechner and Marsalek, the Stars are far from a rebuild. With three 50+ point scorers returning — Cheeseman, Assad, and Perron — they’ll still have one of the most explosive offenses in the section.

Their biggest tests will come from Edina, Wayzata, Benilde-St. Margaret’s, and Rogers, but if their defense can tighten up and goaltending stays solid, Holy Angels is built to remain in the upper tier of Section 6AA.

The Stars may not be as top-heavy as last year, but they’re deeper than most programs and have the scoring to hang with anyone.

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🔥 Final Thought

Replacing a player like Henry Lechner is nearly impossible — but Holy Angels doesn’t need to replicate his production to stay dangerous. With Cheeseman, Perron, and Ayers Assad all capable of leading the way, and young talent ready to break out, this team has the firepower and swagger to chase another section title. Don’t count the Stars out — they’re still shining bright.

Check out the Holy Angels Boys Hockey History Here.

Rogers Rebuilds After Historic Season and State Tournament Debut

The Rogers Royals made program history in 2024–25, winning 25 games, cruising through the Section 5AA bracket, and earning their first-ever trip to the Class AA State Tournament. But as they enter Section 6AA this winter — Minnesota’s most competitive section — they’ll have to do it without the senior class that built that legacy.

Rogers graduates four Division I commits, including their top scorers and defensive anchors, making this a true transition year for the Royals.

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🏒 2024–25 Recap: Dominant from Start to Finish

Rogers finished with a 25–4–2 record, with high-profile wins over:

• Andover, Minnetonka, White Bear Lake, Lakeville South, and Wayzata

• 🏆 Swept all three games at the Premiere Holiday Classic

• 🥇 Won the Section 5AA title, beating Osseo, Blaine, and Champlin Park

• ❌ Fell in a 2-1 OT thriller to Edina at the State Tournament, followed by a 7-4 loss to Lakeville South

This was the most successful season in Rogers hockey history, built on elite depth, a relentless forecheck, and top-tier special teams.

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🎓 Graduating Class: Four Division I Commits Depart

The Royals lose an incredible senior core that powered last year’s historic run:

🧊 Division I Commits

• Mason Jenson (F) – Ohio State University
  88 points (44G–44A), team leader in goals and assists. Game-changer with elite hands and offensive vision.

• Parker Deschene (F) – Lindenwood University
  74 points (19G–55A), led the team in assists and power play setups.

• Nolen Geerdes (D) – Western Michigan University
  46 points from the blue line, including 3 PPGs and 35 assists. Anchored the top pair.

• Jackson Smithknecht (D) – Colorado College
  Massive 6’5” defender with 18 assists, shutdown ability, and leadership on the back end.

Other key graduates include:

• Keaton Weis (61 points) – A lethal scorer with 29 goals and 7 power-play tallies

• Jake Vukich, Kellen Branton, Connor Sundberg – All strong two-way contributors

• Jayden Kurtz, Brady Sorrentino – Key defensemen who logged big minutes

• Wyatt Knott (G) – Started 28 games, going 21–5–2 with a 2.15 GAA and .897 SV%

Combined, this class accounted for over 70% of the team’s scoring.

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🔁 Returning Core for 2025–26

Even with the star-studded graduation list, Rogers still has a strong foundation:

• Brock Cheslock (F, Sr.) – 17 goals and 39 points. Will be leaned on for first-line production and leadership.

• Avenir Belous (F, Sr.) – Registered 25 points and brings high-effort play each night.

• Matthew Hauser (D, Sr.) – Most experienced returning defenseman (25 points), now expected to anchor the blue line.

• Hudson Kottke, Cam Lubke, Caleb Nikle, Tyler Bacon (G) – All saw varsity action and will take on larger roles.

Expect Tyler Bacon to step into the starting goalie role after posting a 1.00 GAA and .905 SV% in limited action last season.

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📍 Welcome to Section 6AA

Rogers now joins a new neighborhood — Section 6AA, home to:

• Edina (defending champ)

• Wayzata

• Benilde-St. Margaret’s

• Holy Angels

• Armstrong Cooper

• Hopkins

• Buffalo

This move comes at the exact time Rogers is graduating its most talented group ever. The margin for error will shrink dramatically — every game in Section 6AA is a grind.

But the program’s confidence and culture have never been stronger.

See the Rogers Royals Boys Hockey History here.

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🔥 Final Thought

Rogers isn’t starting over — they’re simply reloading. While losing four Division I commits in one offseason is a tall task for any team, the Royals return with experienced role players ready to lead, plus a system that breeds competitiveness.

Wayzata Reloads for Another Deep Run in Loaded Section 6AA

Wayzata has built a reputation as one of Minnesota’s most consistently competitive high school hockey programs — and the 2024–25 season was no exception. The Trojans battled through a deep schedule, won playoff games over Hopkins and Benilde-St. Margaret’s, and reached the Section 6AA Championship for the second straight year.

Though they came up short against Edina, the pieces are in place for Wayzata to remain a top contender in 2025–26, thanks to a strong returning core, smart defensive structure, and experienced goaltending.

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🏒 2024–25 Recap: Battle-Tested and Balanced

Wayzata finished with a 17–7–4 record, with several quality wins and close calls against the state’s best:

• ✅ Beat Moorhead, Minnetonka, Lakeville South, Andover, and Edina

• 🏒 Tied White Bear Lake, Eden Prairie, and Edina again in February

• ❌ Fell to Rogers (8-3) and Grand Rapids, but rebounded with playoff wins over Hopkins and Benilde before losing to Edina in the Section 6AA final, 4–1

The Trojans played one of the most demanding schedules in the state, preparing them well for what’s ahead.

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🎓 Key Graduates

Wayzata will lose several veteran contributors heading into 2025–26:

• Colin Bierman (F) – 24 points, including 4 PPGs. Reliable forward who brought energy every night.

• Torii Schmidt (F) and Max Luedtke (F) – Key depth scorers with a combined 28 points.

• Nolan O’Connell (F) – Big-bodied winger (6’4”) who added 18 points.

• Carson Clark (D) and George Ericson (D) – Smart, steady defensemen who logged heavy minutes.

• Finn De St. Hubert (D) – A Yale commit, finished with 25 points and led the team in assists from the blue line. His vision and puck movement were elite.

• Sammy Swan (G) – Played 7 games, posted a .905 SV% and 2.86 GAA, and served as a reliable backup.

This group brought poise and maturity — and while their numbers weren’t flashy, they were crucial to Wayzata’s system.

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🔁 Returning Core: Talented and Experienced

The good news? The Trojans return a big chunk of their top scorers, including several underclassmen poised to break out.

🔥 Forwards

• Eli Molde (F, Sr.) – Led the team in scoring with 36 points (12G–24A) and showed excellent creativity and speed.

• Jackson Hendricks (F, Jr.) – Another double-digit scorer (23 points) who brings high offensive upside.

• Christopher Pyle (F, Sr.), McCoy Kurtz (F, Jr.), Kruz Sauer (F, Jr.), and Tommy Colmenero (F, Sr.) – All finished with 14+ points and played key roles in the top nine.

• Drew Peterson and Tate Roeder (Sr.) – Reliable depth forwards who will now be leaned on for production.

🧱 Defense

• Jake Nawrocki (D, Jr.), Ben Turek (D, Jr.), and Maddox Balon (D, Jr.) – Return with valuable varsity experience.

• Ryder Alstead (D, Jr.) – A steady skater with a strong breakout pass.

🧤 Goaltending

• Ryan Pellinger (G, Sr.) – Started 25 games and posted a .899 SV%, 2.74 GAA, and 13 wins. With a year under his belt and solid playoff experience, Pellinger gives Wayzata an edge between the pipes.

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📍 2025–26 Outlook: Always Dangerous

Wayzata’s blueprint hasn’t changed — a defensively responsible, smart, and physical team that wears opponents down. While the loss of D1 commit Finn De St. Hubert (Yale) and several seniors will sting, the Trojans are returning a deeper scoring core than most and a battle-tested goalie in Pellinger.

In Section 6AA, they’ll once again be in the thick of things with:

• Edina (defending champ)

• Benilde-St. Margaret’s

• Holy Angels

• Rogers

• Armstrong Cooper

• Hopkins

• Buffalo

They may not open the season as the favorite — but no one wants to face Wayzata in February.

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🔥 Final Thought

Year after year, Wayzata proves that structure and consistency win hockey games. With their top scorer returning, reliable goaltending, and a deep junior class ready to step up, the Trojans will once again be a nightmare matchup come playoff time. Don’t be surprised if they’re right back in the section 6AA title game in late February.

🏆 SECTION 6AA POWER RANKINGS – PRESEASON (2025–26)

🥇 1. Edina – The Favorite (Again)

Why:

• Defending section champs

• Likely return of Mason West, Casey Vandertop, Freddie Schneider, and Caleb Pittsley gives them arguably the best top line in the state

• Goaltending duo (Spindler & Bjorgaard) is among the most reliable

• Elite depth, coaching, and culture

Ceiling: State title contender
Floor: Section Finalist at worst

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🥈 2. Benilde-St. Margaret’s – Most Balanced Roster

Why:

• Returns top D-man Mason Minor, dynamic scorers like Keegan Davis and Charlie Awsumb, and strong depth throughout

• Goaltending is a question, but their top-6 is nearly intact

• Had the firepower last year, just lacked playoff polish

Ceiling: Section champ
Floor: Section semifinal exit

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🥉 3. Wayzata – Deep, Structured, Dangerous

Why:

• Returns leading scorer Eli Molde and strong support (Hendricks, Pyle, Colmenero)

• Ryan Pellinger is back in net after a solid season

• Smart, defensive-minded team that thrives in tight games

Ceiling: Section Finalist
Floor: Section quarterfinal win but upset possibility

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🔥 4. Rogers – A Reload, Not a Rebuild

Why:

• Huge losses: 4 D1 commits and elite scorer Mason Jenson

• Still returns Cheslock, Belous, Hauser, and solid coaching

• Goalie spot is less proven, but culture remains strong

Ceiling: Section semifinalist
Floor: Early playoff exit due to inexperience

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⚔️ 5. Holy Angels – Offensive Firepower, But Lechner is Gone

Why:

• Losing Henry Lechner (St. Thomas) is massive

• Still return Cole Cheeseman, Lincoln Ayers Assad, and Gabe Perron

• Defensive depth and goaltending need to step up to stay in top tier

Ceiling: Section semifinal upset win
Floor: Quarterfinal disappointment if depth falters

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🏒 6. Armstrong Cooper – Trending Up

Why:

• Return Brady Northrup, Niklas Anderson, Tate Gladney — all double-digit scorers

• Lost some key seniors, but have a strong junior class

• Could sneak up on people

Ceiling: Win a playoff game
Floor: First-round exit

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📉 7. Hopkins – Replacing Scoring

Why:

• Lose top three scorers (Schenkelberg, Tersteeg, Udaltsov)

• Return some young pieces but little proven scoring

• Defense and goaltending were shaky last year

Ceiling: Compete with mid-tier teams
Floor: Early playoff blowout

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🚧 8. Buffalo – Long Road Ahead

Why:

• Graduates 4 of top 5 scorers

• Goaltending struggled (both had GAAs over 5)

• Will need a youth movement and major growth to compete in 6AA

Ceiling: Stay competitive in some regular-season games
Floor: Heavy section loss in round one

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🏆 PREDICTED SECTION 6AA BRACKET

Quarterfinals:

• (1) Edina vs. (8) Buffalo → Edina wins big

• (4) Rogers vs. (5) Holy Angels → Rogers in a tight one

• (3) Wayzata vs. (6) Armstrong Cooper → Wayzata pulls away late

• (2) Benilde vs. (7) Hopkins → Benilde dominates

Semifinals:

• Edina over Rogers

• Benilde over Wayzata (OT)

Final:

• Edina over Benilde
  (Experience, top-end talent, and goaltending carry the Hornets again)

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🔮 Section 6AA Champion Prediction: Edina

They have everything — top scorers, proven defense, elite goaltending, and coaching. Unless someone gets hot at the perfect time, it’s Edina’s section to lose, much to the dismay of everyone who doesn’t like the cake-eaters, they will be very good assuming everyone returns.