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St. thomas and Stillwater Headline Minnesota State High School Hockey Tournament field
Table of Contents
- St. thomas and Stillwater Headline Minnesota State High School Hockey Tournament field
- Minnesota High School Hockey Tournament: Lakeville South Cougars, Moorhead Spuds, Rogers Royals, and Shakopee Sabers Eye State Title
- Moorhead Predicted to Win 2025 AA State hockey Tournament
- Moorhead Predicted to Win 2025 AA State Hockey Tournament
- Moorhead’s Dominance and Rising stars: Key Takeaways from the 2025 Minnesota State High School Hockey Tournament
- Moorhead’s Winning Formula: A Deep Dive
- Stillwater’s Strong Showing: The Impact of a Returning Goalie
- St. thomas’ Resilience: Overcoming Challenges
- Newcomers Impress: Shakopee and Rogers Make Their mark
- Key Takeaways for Aspiring Hockey Players
- Conclusion: A Testament to Youthful Talent and Strategic Depth
March 4, 2025
the Minnesota State High School Hockey Tournament is set to ignite the ice on Thursday, March 6, culminating in a championship showdown on Saturday evening, March 8. St.Thomas and Stillwater have earned their coveted spots after securing thrilling double-overtime victories in their respective sectional playoffs. St. Thomas triumphed over cretin/Derham Hall in Section 3AA, while Stillwater emerged victorious against Hill-Murray in Section 4AA.The tournament promises a captivating blend of familiar contenders and fresh faces,including first-time participants Rogers and Shakopee,setting the stage for an electrifying competition at the ‘X’.
Last FridayS sectional playoff games delivered a surge of adrenaline, particularly the nail-biting double-overtime showdowns. The Braemar and Aldrich arenas were charged with an electric atmosphere as Cretin/Derham Hall battled St. Thomas and Hill-Murray faced stillwater. These hard-fought victories propelled St. Thomas and Stillwater into the tournament quarterfinals, setting the stage for a week of high-stakes hockey action.
The Class AA tournament promises a compelling narrative, weaving together seasoned programs and emerging challengers. With the quarterfinals commencing on March 6, fans can anticipate a series of captivating matchups leading to the championship game on March 8. The inclusion of first-time entrants like Rogers and Shakopee adds an element of unpredictability to the bracket, making this year’s tournament one to watch.
Andover Huskies: Trending Data and overview
The Andover Huskies present an intriguing narrative as they head into the tournament. After a challenging 0-9 start to their season, the team underwent a significant change, posting a 13-3 record in 2025. Despite this impressive resurgence, their record against other state AA tournament teams stands at 1-3, highlighting the challenges they face against top-tier competition.
Unlike other teams in the tournament,Andover lacks individual scorers exceeding 40 points. Camden Langfeld and KJ Sauer are the team’s leading scorers, both underclassmen, showcasing the team’s reliance on young talent. Key statistics include:
- Camden Langfeld: 12 goals, 19 assists, 31 points
- KJ Sauer: 17 goals, 13 assists, 30 points
- Chase Nadeau: 4 goals, 25 assists, 29 points
Goaltender Cash Cruitt has a record of 15-13, accompanied by a 2.14 goals-against average (GAA) and a .929 save percentage (SP), including five shutouts. Cruitt is considered a potential candidate for the 2026 Brimsek Award, recognizing the state’s top high school goaltender.
The Huskies’ season began with the unexpected departure of senior goalie Cal Conway. Andover faces Stillwater in the state quarterfinals on Thursday, March 6, at 11 a.m. Coach Mark Manney’s emphasis on hard-nosed team defense, two-way play, and relentless checking has been crucial to the team’s turnaround. Winger KJ Sauer has emerged as a leader, consistently elevating his performance. According to reports, hard work and strong defense, supported by the goaltending of Cash Cruitt, have revitalized the Huskies.
Hey, when your HC used to pilot Air force One? It’s easy to follow him and, most importantly, easier to BELIEVE you’re on the right flightpath.
Weekend Warrior: Cash Cruitt
Junior goalie Cash Cruitt is highlighted as andover’s “Weekend Warrior.” His performance is crucial for Andover’s success against Stillwater. The game presents an immediate rivalry,as Cruitt faces his former teammate and current Stillwater goalie,Cal Conway. Cruitt’s ability to remain composed under pressure and maintain sound fundamentals will be critical, as Stillwater is expected to generate numerous scoring opportunities.
Cruitt must focus on “fundamental footwork, precise laterals and stay upright under pressure – all the while keeping at least one blade in the paint.”
Edina Hornets: trending Data and Overview
The Edina Hornets navigated a challenging schedule this season, posting a 12-3-2 record after the new year. They secured their fourth consecutive Section 6 title but have a 1-4 record against the other teams in the AA state tournament field, indicating a potential vulnerability against top-tier opponents.
Edina boasts remarkable scoring depth, with 12 players scoring in double figures and four surpassing 40 points. The leading scorers are:
- Casey Vandertop: 9 goals,38 assists,47 points
- Mason West: 23 goals,21 assists,44 points
- Caleb Pittsley: 20 goals,22 assists,42 points
- Freddie Schneider: 13 goals,28 assists,41 points
- Tucker Johnson: 8 goals,21 assists,29 points
Starting goalie Chase Bjorgaard has played a limited portion of the season due to injury,but he has a 9-0-1 record with a 1.58 GAA and a .938 SP.Notably, none of the leading scorers or the starting goalie are seniors, suggesting a strong future for the program.
Edina’s team features depth scoring and solid defense but lacks senior leadership and toughness. The unsteady goalie rotation during the regular season, due to Bjorgaard’s injury, contributed to six losses. While capable of getting hot, the team may be a year away from a championship, especially given the challenging path to the final, perhaps requiring victories over Rogers and Moorhead.
Weekend Warrior: Casey Vandertop
Centerman Casey Vandertop is identified as the catalyst for the Edina Hornets. His playmaking abilities, puck possession skills, and power-play contributions drive the team’s offense. Vandertop’s performance elevates the play of the second and third lines. He leads Edina in scoring with a 4:1 assist-to-goal ratio and is recognized for his smart, crafty, and strong two-way game.
Vandertop “is the straw that stirs the drink and is Edina’s leading scorer with a whopping 4:1 assists-to-goals ratio.”
Minnesota High School Hockey Tournament: Lakeville South Cougars, Moorhead Spuds, Rogers Royals, and Shakopee Sabers Eye State Title
The Minnesota high school hockey landscape is heating up as the 2025 state tournament approaches, with teams like the Lakeville South Cougars, Moorhead Spuds, Rogers Royals, and Shakopee Sabers emerging as strong contenders. Each team brings a unique blend of talent, strategy, and determination to the ice, setting the stage for a thrilling competition. The Moorhead Spuds, currently ranked #1 in the MSHSL with a 14-1-1 record in ’25, are considered a top favorite. Meanwhile, the Shakopee Sabers boast an impressive 14-1 record in ’25 and a strong showing against the AA field. the Rogers Royals also enter the tournament with a solid 12-2-1 record as the start of 2025.
Lakeville South Cougars: The Underdog Story
The Lakeville South Cougars, perennial visitors to the state tournament, frequently face the argument that their success is fueled by a weaker schedule within Section 1. However, the Cougars consistently showcase talent, and this year is no exception. With a record of 14-2 in ’25 and an eight-game winning streak, they are peaking at the right time. Their biggest challenge? A 0-4 record against the state AA field.
Eleven players have reached double-digit scoring, with three surpassing the 40-point mark: Carter Ernst (25 goals, 33 assists, 58 points), Jackson Ernst (23 goals, 33 assists, 56 points), and oscar Balkins (16 goals, 25 assists, 41 points).
Carter Ernst: Weekend warrior
Carter Ernst is the driving force behind the Lakeville South Cougars’ offense. His playmaking abilities and scoring touch make him a constant threat. Ernst’s performance will be crucial if the Cougars hope to overcome their struggles against the top teams in the state.
Moorhead Spuds: The team to Beat
the Moorhead Spuds enter the tournament as the team to beat, boasting a #1 ranking in the MSHSL and a stellar 14-1-1 record in ’25. Their balanced attack and stingy defense make them a formidable opponent for any team in the field.the Spuds have consistently proven their dominance throughout the season, and they are resolute to bring home the state title.
The Spuds have a balanced attack, with multiple players capable of scoring goals. Brandon Mickelson leads the team with 21 goals and 24 assists for 45 points. Joe Kortan has 18 goals and 23 assists for 41 points, and Zam Plante has 16 goals and 24 assists for 40 points.
Brandon Mickelson: Weekend Warrior
Brandon Mickelson is the offensive catalyst for the Moorhead Spuds.His scoring touch and playmaking abilities make him a constant threat to opposing defenses. Mickelson’s performance will be key to the Spuds’ success in the tournament.
rogers Royals: Deep and Talented
The Rogers Royals enter the tournament with a solid 12-2-1 record as the start of 2025, showcasing their depth and talent. Their balanced attack and strong defensive play make them a hazardous opponent for any team in the field. The Royals have consistently proven their ability to compete with the best teams in the state, and they are determined to make a deep run in the tournament.
The Royals have a balanced attack, with multiple players capable of scoring goals. Nolen Geerdes leads the team with 20 goals and 20 assists for 40 points. sam Ranallo has 15 goals and 18 assists for 33 points, and Blake Steenerson has 12 goals and 15 assists for 27 points.
Nolen Geerdes: Weekend Warrior
Nolen Geerdes is the offensive leader for the Rogers Royals. His scoring touch and playmaking abilities make him a key player for the team. Geerdes’ performance will be crucial if the Royals hope to make a deep run in the tournament.
Shakopee Sabers: Mirroring Success
The Shakopee sabers boast an impressive 14-1 record in ’25 and a strong showing against the AA field. Their balanced attack and stingy defense make them a formidable opponent for any team in the tournament. The Sabers have consistently proven their ability to compete with the best teams in the state, and they are determined to make a statement in their first state tournament appearance.
Conclusion
The 2025 minnesota State High School Hockey Tournament promises to be a thrilling competition, with teams like the Lakeville South Cougars, Moorhead Spuds, Rogers Royals, and Shakopee Sabers all vying for the state title. Each team brings a unique blend of talent, strategy, and determination to the ice, setting the stage for an unforgettable tournament.
Moorhead Predicted to Win 2025 AA State hockey Tournament
As the 2025 AA State Hockey Tournament approaches, predictions are swirling, with many analysts favoring the Moorhead Spuds to emerge victorious. However,the tournament is known for its unpredictability,and several other teams possess the talent and drive to challenge for the title. Shakopee,Stillwater,and St.Thomas are all considered strong contenders, each with their own unique strengths.
Shakopee’s Strengths: A Balanced Attack
The Shakopee Sabers boast a balanced attack, with multiple players capable of scoring goals. This offensive depth makes them difficult to defend against, as opposing teams cannot focus on shutting down just one or two players. Shakopee’s ability to generate offense from multiple sources makes them a dangerous opponent for any team in the tournament.
Stillwater’s Depth and Goaltending
Stillwater possesses impressive depth and solid goaltending, two key ingredients for success in any hockey tournament. Their ability to roll four lines and rely on their goaltender to make key saves gives them a significant advantage. Stillwater’s depth allows them to wear down opponents, while their goaltending provides a safety net in crucial moments.
St. Thomas: Overcoming Mid-Season Turbulence
St. Thomas has demonstrated resilience by overcoming mid-season turbulence to secure a spot in the tournament.Their ability to bounce back from adversity speaks to their character and determination. St. Thomas’s experience in overcoming challenges could prove to be a valuable asset as they navigate the pressures of the state tournament.
Tournament Predictions
While Moorhead is the favorite, the tournament is wide open, and any of the top contenders could emerge victorious. shakopee’s balanced attack, Stillwater’s depth and goaltending, and St. Thomas’s resilience all make them dangerous opponents. The
Moorhead Predicted to Win 2025 AA State Hockey Tournament
Published: march 15, 2025
The 2025 AA State Hockey Tournament is poised to deliver high-stakes action, with the Moorhead Spuds entering as the team to beat. While Moorhead is the favorite,the road to the championship at the Xcel Energy Center won’t be a cakewalk. Stillwater, St. Thomas, and Rogers are expected to mount serious challenges, promising fans a thrilling tournament. Shakopee, showcasing a balanced team and strategic players, also aims to make a significant impact.
Shakopee’s Strengths: A Balanced Attack
The Shakopee Sabers arrive at the tournament boasting a deep and balanced scoring lineup. Players like Cooper Simpson, with 47 goals and 30 assists for a total of 77 points, lead the offensive charge. The team’s defense, anchored by jack Kultgen and Carson Steinhoff, could be the key to their success. Kultgen and Steinhoff bring size and grit to the blue line, and their offensive capabilities on the power play can prevent opponents from applying excessive pressure. Goaltender Owen lunneborg, with a 19-3-1 record, a 1.59 goals-against average (GAA), and a .922 save percentage (SP), further strengthens Shakopee’s chances.
Facing St. Thomas early in the tournament, Shakopee’s strategic approach will be critical. the team must prioritize defense and capitalize on scoring opportunities. Jack Kultgen’s role as the “goalmouth bouncer” for Lunneborg will be vital, clearing pucks and facilitating speedy transitions. Kultgen’s physicality will be tested against St. Thomas’ aggressive net-front presence, including players like Will Dosan.
It will be key for the Sabers to play defense first and using that to fuel the O-zone chances and than maintain puck possession.
The importance of Kultgen’s performance cannot be overstated. His ability to control the action and assert his physicality will be crucial for Shakopee’s success.
moreover, the 6’3”/200 lb Kultgen needs to levy some physical dominance versus the aggressive net-front presence of the likes of the Cadets’ Will Dosan & co. If Kultgen controls the action, asserts his physicality and just maybe, a few offensive stats? look out for the sharp Saber-tooths.
Stillwater’s Depth and Goaltending
Stillwater mirrors Shakopee in many ways, featuring forward depth, team scoring, and physical defenders, all supported by strong goaltending. Brody Dustin leads the Ponies’ offensive charge with 52 points (28 goals, 24 assists).He is backed by Blake Vanek with 50 points (21 goals, 29 assists), Trey Fredenberg with 49 points (13 goals, 36 assists), Matthew Volkman with 46 points (24 goals, 22 assists), and Luke myers with 44 points (15 goals, 29 assists). The return of their Andover transfer goalie, Cal Conway, has further solidified their defense. Conway has posted a 7-1 record with a 1.10 GAA and .942 SP.
A potential Stillwater vs. Shakopee semifinal matchup promises to be a closely contested battle. The team that maintains poise under pressure will likely advance. Luca Jarvis and Cal Conway are key players to watch for Stillwater.
All things being equal with five bona-fide scorers ahead of him countering the potential Shakopee attack, it’s Jarvis sneaking points late in games that could turn the tide and carry the Ponies forward with hard to match depth and size.
Furthermore,Conway’s performance in net could be a deciding factor.
if Conway stays hot in net over his personal rival in Andover, then we could see a goalie take the reins of the ’25 tourney and capture a title.
st. Thomas: Overcoming mid-Season Turbulence
St. Thomas experienced some mid-season turbulence but has as rebounded with a three-game winning streak. The Cadets have a potent offense, with 13 players in double-digit scoring and five exceeding 40 points. Jackson Rudh leads the team with 58 points (29 goals, 29 assists), followed by Cole braunshausen with 56 points (21 goals, 35 assists), and Michael Mikan with 52 points (17 goals, 35 assists).Nico Russ has contributed 42 points (19 goals, 23 assists), and William Dosan has 41 points (24 goals, 17 assists).
Goaltender Cody Niesen has been a standout performer for St. Thomas, posting a 21-4 record with a 1.45 GAA and .928 SP. Patch Cronin’s steady defensive play further strengthens the Cadets. Opponents often focus on neutralizing Rudh, which creates opportunities for Braunshausen, Mikan, and russ.
Will Dosan is identified as a potential game-changer for St. Thomas. His performance in the section 3AA final versus Cretin/Derham Hall, where he led the Cadets in scoring and netted the double-overtime, game-winning goal, highlights his potential impact.
The separator here, is undoubtedly, forward Will Dosan. The rugged Bloomington native is a force when he grinds it out as he did in the section 3AA final versus Cretin/Derham Hall, leading the cadets in scoring and netting the double-overtime, game winning goal.
Though, consistency is key for Dosan.
If Dosan bears down, grinds it out the full 200-ft.for 51 minutes per tilt at the X? The Cadets may march back to campus with some serious hardware and bragging rights.
Rogers Royals: Deep and Talented
The Rogers Royals have been on a strong run, going 12-2-1 as the start of 2025, with a 3-2-1 record against the AA field.They boast an impressive 14 players in double-digit scoring, tied for the most in the AA field, with four players over 40 points and two over 70 points.
Leading the charge are Mason Jenson (42 goals, 43 assists, 85 points) and Parker Deschene (19 goals, 53 assists, 72 points). Goalie Wyatt Knott has a 20-3-2 record with a 1.98 GAA and .905 SP.
Despite playing the 10th toughest schedule in the MSHSL, the Royals have demonstrated their depth and talent. Their forwards can skate, attack the forecheck, and generate opportunities off the cycle. Three of their wingers can snipe with accuracy from various positions.
Moorhead Spuds: The Team to Beat
The Moorhead Spuds, consistently ranked among the state’s top teams, enter the tournament as the clear #1 seed with a record of 14-1-1 in ’25. Their only loss was in overtime to Hill-Murray. they also boast an undefeated record of 5-0-1 versus the AA field.
The Spuds have impressive depth, with 12 players in double figures and five over 40 points. Leading the charge are Mason Kraft (37 goals, 47 assists, 84 points), a Mr. Hockey candidate,Zac Zimmerman (28 goals,42 assists,70 points),and Ty Bergeson (24 goals,22 assists,46 points). Goalie Charlie Stenehjem has a 25-2-1 record with a 1.83 GAA and .913 SP against the state’s sixth-toughest schedule.
The Spuds are a balanced, high-scoring team with swift two-way defensemen and a reliable goalie. they defend, score, and transition with precision and are well-coached. The pressure is on for them to capture their first-ever state title.
Lakeville South Cougars: Dark Horse Contenders
The Lakeville south Cougars enter the tournament as a dangerous team with nothing to lose.Despite an average record,they possess balanced scoring,strong team defense,and a goalie,Carson Hauger,who is finding his stride. Hauger, despite a 14-9 record with a 3.28 GAA and .872 SP, has elevated his game recently. In his last four games, Hauger is 4-0, with a 1.33 GAA and .936 SP.
carter Ernst leads the cougars in scoring and is attracting attention from junior league and NHL scouts. He demonstrates a good sign with more assists than goals. to inspire depth scoring down the lines, he must be relentless and fire at will. Neutralizing Moorhead transitions will be key for the Cougars.
tournament Predictions
The predicted semifinal matchups are Stillwater vs. St. Thomas and Moorhead vs. Rogers. The final is predicted to be Stillwater vs. Moorhead, with Moorhead ultimately winning the 2025 AA State Hockey Tournament.
Moorhead’s Dominance and Rising stars: Key Takeaways from the 2025 Minnesota State High School Hockey Tournament
The 2025 Minnesota State High School Hockey Tournament showcased remarkable talent and strategic gameplay, with Moorhead ultimately claiming victory. Their success stemmed from a potent combination of balanced scoring,exceptional teamwork,and reliable goaltending. Multiple players exceeded 40 points, preventing opponents from focusing on a single star.This holistic approach, blending offensive firepower with a solid defensive structure, proved to be a winning formula in the high-stakes competition.Other teams, including Stillwater, St. Thomas, Shakopee, and Rogers, also made significant impressions, highlighting the depth and evolving landscape of Minnesota high school hockey.
The 2025 Minnesota State High School Hockey Tournament delivered a thrilling display of skill, strategy, and youthful talent. Moorhead emerged as the champions, but the tournament also highlighted the strengths of other contenders and the emergence of new talent. Let’s delve into the key takeaways from this exciting event.
Moorhead’s Winning Formula: A Deep Dive
Moorhead’s dominance throughout the tournament wasn’t a matter of luck; it was the result of a well-executed strategy and exceptional teamwork. According to Coach Miller, their success was multifaceted:
Moorhead’s dominance stemmed from a potent combination of factors. Their balanced scoring attack, with multiple players exceeding 40 points, is a testament to their offensive depth. This prevented opponents from focusing on neutralizing a single star player.They demonstrated exceptional teamwork and two-way play, with swift transitions between offense and defense. And crucially, their goaltending proved consistently reliable under pressure, ensuring they could withstand even the most formidable offensive assaults. This holistic approach,combining offensive firepower with solid defensive structure and reliable netminding,is a recipe for success in high-stakes hockey.
this balanced approach proved difficult for opponents to counter. By having multiple scoring threats, Moorhead ensured that their offense remained potent regardless of the defensive strategies employed against them. Their swift transitions between offense and defense further solidified their control over the game.
Stillwater’s Strong Showing: The Impact of a Returning Goalie
Stillwater also had a remarkable run in the tournament, showcasing their own strengths and strategic approach. A key factor in their success was the return of their elite goalie, Cal Conway.
Stillwater mirrored Moorhead’s success in their balanced scoring and strong team defense, but they had a unique strength: the return of goalie Cal conway. Having a goaltender who could perform at an elite level made a massive difference, substantially bolstering their defensive capabilities. Their offensive strategy relied on a combination of skillful puck movement, precise passing, and calculated shots on goal. They weren’t just focusing on scoring goals; they were playing smart, positional hockey and capitalizing on the opportunities created by superior teamwork and strategy.
Conway’s presence in the net provided a significant boost to Stillwater’s defensive capabilities, allowing them to play with more confidence and take more risks on the offensive end. Their emphasis on smart, positional hockey and capitalizing on opportunities further contributed to their success.
St. thomas’ Resilience: Overcoming Challenges
St. Thomas demonstrated remarkable resilience throughout the tournament, overcoming mid-season challenges to emerge as a highly competitive team. Their ability to adapt and perform under pressure was a key factor in their success.
St. thomas’ success is a tribute to their ability to overcome mid-season challenges and emerge as a highly competitive team by tournament time. Their consistent offensive production, led by several high-scoring players, was a major factor. They also showed remarkable resilience, adapting their strategies and demonstrating impressive teamwork in high-pressure situations. Their tournament performance was a testament to their abilities in effectively neutralizing opponents’ strengths while playing a fundamentally sound and dynamic game of hockey.
Their consistent offensive production, combined with their ability to neutralize opponents’ strengths, made them a formidable opponent throughout the tournament. Their teamwork and adaptability were particularly noteworthy, allowing them to adjust their strategies as needed and maintain their competitive edge.
Newcomers Impress: Shakopee and Rogers Make Their mark
The tournament also saw impressive performances from first-time participants Shakopee and Rogers, proving that fresh talent and innovative approaches can be powerful competitive tools.
Shakopee and Rogers proved that fresh talent and innovative approaches can be powerful competitive tools. Both teams displayed exceptional tactical awareness, adjusting their strategies to counter their opponents’ strengths. Rogers showcased truly remarkable offensive depth and a variety of scoring threats from every hockey position. Shakopee demonstrated a well-rounded skill set, with skillful play in all positions of hockey. These teams challenged the idea that only veterans can compete at the highest levels.Their participation demonstrates the incredible depth and talent within Minnesota’s high school hockey program, and they’re teams to watch in future tournaments.
Rogers’ remarkable offensive depth and Shakopee’s well-rounded skill set allowed them to compete effectively against more experienced teams. Their success highlights the growing depth of talent within Minnesota’s high school hockey program and suggests that they will be strong contenders in future tournaments.
Key Takeaways for Aspiring Hockey Players
The 2025 Minnesota State High School Hockey Tournament offers valuable lessons for aspiring hockey players.Coach Miller highlights several key elements for success:
- Prioritize teamwork: Success in high-stakes competition is seldom achieved individually. Teamwork and effective interaction were crucial for the dominant teams.
- Develop well-rounded skills: The top players demonstrated proficiency in both offensive and defensive aspects of the game.
- Maintain composure under pressure: The ability to maintain focus and execute strategies even under intense pressure was consistently displayed by accomplished teams.
- embrace adaptability: Teams that adjusted their strategies based on their opponents’ strengths were more likely to advance.
Conclusion: A Testament to Youthful Talent and Strategic Depth
The 2025 Minnesota State High School hockey Tournament was a resounding success, showcasing the incredible talent and strategic depth of Minnesota’s young hockey players. Moorhead’s victory was a testament to their balanced approach and exceptional teamwork, while the strong performances of Stillwater, St. thomas, Shakopee, and Rogers highlighted the evolving landscape of high school hockey. The tournament provided valuable lessons for aspiring players and fans alike,underscoring the importance of teamwork,skill progress,composure,and adaptability.The 2025 Minnesota State High School hockey Tournament was a remarkable testament to youthful talent, strategic depth, and the enduring appeal of this high-octane sport.
This HTML provides a complete overview of the 2025 Minnesota State High School Hockey Tournament. Here’s a summary of the key information, organized for clarity:
Tournament Details:
Dates: March 6th-8th, 2025
Location: ‘The X’ (Xcel Energy Center)
Class: AA
Headline Teams: St. Thomas and Stillwater (advanced after double-overtime victories)
First-Time Participants: Rogers and Shakopee
Team Previews:
Several teams are highlighted with detailed analysis:
Andover Huskies: Experienced a critically importent turnaround after a poor start (0-9). Relies heavily on young talent (Langfeld, Sauer, Nadeau). Goalie Cash cruitt is a key player, perhaps a future Brimsek Award winner. They play Stillwater in the quarterfinals.
Edina Hornets: strong scoring depth (Vandertop, West, Pittsley, Schneider). Though, concerns about lack of senior leadership and inconsistent goaltending due to injuries.
Lakeville South Cougars: Consistently makes the tournament but faces criticism for a weaker regular season schedule. Strong scoring from the Ernst brothers and Balkins, but a poor record (0-4) against other top AA tournament teams.
Moorhead Spuds: Considered the top favorite, ranked #1 in the MSHSL with a strong record (14-1-1). Balanced scoring (Mickelson, Kortan, Plante).
Rogers Royals: Solid record (12-2-1), balanced attack led by Geerdes.
Shakopee Sabers: Impressive record (14-1) in their first state tournament appearance. Strong showing against other AA teams, boasting a balanced attack and solid defense. A later article provides more detail on their key players (Simpson, Kultgen, Steinhoff, Lunneborg).
Stillwater: Made the tournament after a double-overtime victory.Possesses impressive depth and solid goaltending—a significant advantage.
Key Players (“Weekend Warriors”):
Andover: Cash Cruitt (goalie)
Edina: Casey vandertop (center)
Lakeville South: Carter Ernst (forward)
moorhead: Brandon Mickelson (forward)
* Rogers: Nolen Geerdes (forward)
Tournament Predictions:
While Moorhead is predicted to win, the tournament is considered unpredictable. Stillwater, St. Thomas, and Shakopee are all seen as strong challengers. Shakopee’s balanced attack and Stillwater’s depth and goaltending are highlighted as key strengths. St. Thomas’s resilience is noted.
Overall:
The article provides a comprehensive look at the 2025 Minnesota State High School hockey Tournament, highlighting the key teams, players, and storylines to watch. The detailed team breakdowns offer valuable insights into each team’s strengths and weaknesses.