MN Hockey Mag Special Tournament Edition

Inside:
Class 2A preview
Class 1A preview
State tourney trivia

Welcome to the 2015 Minnesota Boys High School Hockey Tournament!
Welcome
Each year, more than 100,000 fans flock to the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota to enjoy the best
high school hockey in the world. A total of 16 teams participate in two classes for the state championship
each season and this year will be as competitive as ever. This tournament preview guide is in its seventh
year and is co-sponsored by the MNHockeyMag.com. We provide you with the most in-depth coverage in
this program book, online, and on the radio at Sports Radio 105 the Ticket.
Editor Tim Kolehmainen from Breakdown Sports Media has his finger on the pulse of high school hockey
and each year provides a high-end yearbook that highlights every high school hockey program in the state.
His work spans other sports that include volleyball, basketball, and baseball.
He is joined by Pete Waggoner who is the voice of high school hockey on Sports Radio 105 The Ticket in
creating this book. His writing can be viewed online at MNHockeyMag.com and he also hosts the popular
“On the Ice Radio Show” with Chad Graff from the St. Paul Pioneer Press every Saturday morning on The
Ticket at 9am during the hockey season. Waggoner is a three-time Emmy Award winning and web producer
in the high school hockey world.
Kolehmainen and Waggoner’s work can also be viewed in the St. Paul Pioneer Press and online at
TwinCities.com. This book takes a look at the 16 teams that qualifed for the state tournament and provides
key information on each team as well as delivers a historical perspective on tournaments of past seasons.
In partnership with all of our sponsors, this book was made possible under the direction of Scott Tiffany,
owner of MinnesotaHockeyMagazine.com.
Be sure to follow your team online at the MNHockeyMag.com for live scoring, stories, images, and live playby-play
this weekend. Stop by the MNHockeyMag.com booth at the Let’s Play Hockey Expo and also enjoy
the “On the Ice Radio Show” that will air live from the Sports Radio 105 the Ticket booth at the Expo Saturday
morning from 9am-11am.
A special thanks to Jim Hoey for his trivia from Puck Heaven, Minnesota State Boys HockeyTournament
Trivia book. With over 1200 questions, it was a challenge to boil it down to the top twenty.
Thanks goes out to our faithful audience for supporting our magazine. With content from award
winning providers and under the direction of Executive Editor Brian Halverson and Jeff Wegge directing
photography, the site has over 1,000 pieces of great content from over 60 different sources. A special thanks
to our regular contributors Waggoner and Kolehmainen along with the likes of Hal Tearse, Bruce Brothers,
Dave Schwartz and Kyle Oen. The tech side and social media is led by Bill Rossini with assistance from
Zach Halverson. All of our team has a passion for hockey.
I would also like to thank my family for allowing me to pursuit my dream and create this site. It has
taken thousands of hours and would not be possible without your support. Finally, this would not be
possible Without the support of our sponsors. Please do check out what they have to offer and tell them
MNHockeyMag.com sent you.
Please check us out. If you like what you see please tell others, and if you don’t, please tell me.
Cover photo by Jordan Doffing \ Cover design by Paul Roff
Team profiles by Pete Waggoner, Content Sports Management
and Tim Kolehmainen, Breakdown Sports Media
Interior design by Tim Kolehmainen, Breakdown Sports Media
Scott Tiffany
President & Founder
MinnesotaHockeyMagazine.com
scott.tiffany@minnesotahockeymagazine.com
715.222.6460
2015 Minnesota state high school boys’ hockey tournament guide
3

Class 2A
2015 CLASS 2A Bracket
Bemidji
Quarterfinals
No. 2 — Edina
Duluth East
11 a.m., March 5
Xcel Energy Center
No. 3 — St. Thomas Academy
Hill-Murray
1 p.m., March 5
Xcel Energy Center
6 p.m., March 5
Xcel Energy Center
No. 1 — Lakeville North
No. 5 — Eden Prairie
8 p.m., March 5
Xcel Energy Center
No. 4 — Blaine
Semifinals
6 p.m., March 6
Xcel Energy Center
8 p.m., March 6
Xcel Energy Center
Championship
7 p.m., March 7
Xcel Energy Center
Third Place
4 p.m., March 7
Xcel Energy Center
Consolation
10 a.m., March 6
Mariucci Arena
12 p.m., March 7
Mariucci Arena
12 p.m., March 6
Mariucci Arena
4
2015 Minnesota state high school boys’ hockey tournament guide

LAKEVILLE NORTH
The Lakeville North Panthers carved through
regular season, South Suburban Conference
and sectional play enroute to compiling a
perfect 28-0-0 record.
In doing so, Lakeville North has positioned itself as a sure-fire top
seed in this year’s Class 2A tourney. With a swagger and confidence,
the Panthers have turned aside their opponents with a blend of
offensive hockey and an even more impressive defensive brand.
Lakeville North gained a top notch goaltender in junior Ryan
Edquist (26-0-0, 1.30, .940) who transfered from Shattuck St. Mary’s.
He has allowed just 33 goals against this year while the team has only
been scored on 35 times in 28 games. It is the Panthers ability to shut
teams down that is impressive and they are led by a group of Division
I athletes and defensemen in seniors Jack Sadek (Minnesota),
Jack McNeely (Nebraska-Omaha), Angelo Altavilla (Nebraskabaseball),
and hulking 6-5 Luke Seper. It is a group
of four that shut things down defensively with terrific
structure and a high compete level in their own zone.
As a group, they are allowed the freedom to create
when things tranistion offensviely and subsequently
open things up for the talented forwards.
Led by a pair of Mr. Hockey semifinalists in senior
twins Jack Poehling (34-35-69), Nick Poehling
(32-31-63) and sophomore brother Ryan Poehling
(15-32-47), the Panthers have more weapons to draw on offensviely
Jack Sadek
with junior Max Johnson (17-30-47), sophomore Henry Enebak
(21-21-42), and junior Taylor Schneider (15-23-38).
Add a power play that connects at 35 percent and a penalty kill that
stifles at 91 percent and the Panthers have all the elements needed to
win a championship: special teams, goaltending, offensive skill, depth,
and coaching.
— Pete Waggoner
28-0-0
Quick Facts
Section: 1AA
Conference: South Suburban
Past State Appearances: 2002, 03, 04
(as Lakeville), 2006, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15
Head Coach: Trent Eigner
Home Rink: Ames Arena
Road to the X
Date Opponent W-L-T
Nov. 25 at Farmington W 6-5
Dec. 4 EDINA W 3-1
Dec. 9 APPLE VALLEY W 7-0
Dec. 11 BURNSVILLE W 4-1
Dec. 13 at Grand Rapids W 3-0
Dec. 18 at Rosemount W 5-3
Dec. 20 LAKEVILLE SOUTH W 4-1
Dec. 23 at Hill-Murray W 4-3
SPORTS AUTHORITY (Dec. 29-31)
Dec. 29 Moorhead W 10-1
Dec. 30 Benilde-St. Margaret’s W 4-2
Dec. 31 Wayzata W 3-2
Jan. 3 at Eagan W 2-0
Jan. 8 PRIOR LAKE W 7-4
Jan. 10 at Eastview W 6-0
Jan. 13 DULUTH EAST W 2-1
Jan. 15 SHAKOPEE W 6-2
Jan. 17 FARMINGTON W 6-0
Jan. 22 at Burnsville W 3-0
Jan. 24 at Apple Valley W 7-1
Jan. 29 ROSEMOUNT W 6-0
Jan. 31 at Lakeville South W 8-2
Feb. 5 at Prior Lake W 4-1
Feb. 7 EAGAN W 7-3
Feb. 12 EASTVIEW W 5-1
Feb. 14 at Shakopee W 9-0
SECTION 1AA PLAYOFFS
Feb. 19 DODGE COUNTY W 14-0
Feb. 21 Rochester Century W 10-0
Feb. 26 Farmington W 6-1
2015 Minnesota state high school boys’ hockey tournament guide
Tim Kolehmainen / Breakdown.zenfolio.com
LEADERS
# Name Gr G-A-Pts
3 Jack Poehling 12 34-35-69
7 Nick Poehling 12 32-31-63
4 Ryan Poehling 10 15-32-47
6 Max Johnson 11 17-30-47
21 Henry Enebak 10 21-21-42
# Name Gr GAA SV%
31 Ryan Edquist 11 1.30 .940
Puck Heaven trivia
Q What Lakeville High goalie made
111 saves in his three starts as the
Panthers finished sixth in the 2004
Class AA tourney and later won a
Division III title as a collegian?
5

EdinA
The Edina Hornets earned their ninth straight
trip to the state tournament and are in search
of their third consecutive state title.
In earning back-to-back state titles, the Hornets were the first
Class 2A team to accomplish that feat since Bloomington Jefferson
won the last of its three in 1992-93. Edina is in position to add to the
school district state record of 12 titles. Edina matched Roseau’s nine
consecutive state bids (1961-1969) and is just three section titles away
from tying Eveleth’s record of 12 straight (1945-1956).
In the two-class era, the next closest teams have delivered no more
than six straight appearances, a feat that propels Edina to the elite in
the history of Minnesota High School Hockey.
Senior Dylan Malmquist (28-43-71) delivered another steady
two-way performance and elevates his game come playoff time. He
has a tag team partner in Minnesota recruit junior Garrett Wait
(23-48-71) who has taken on a big piece of the scoring load. Edina’s
success goes beyond the big two, with depth
through four lines and three sets of defense. Nine
players have tallied 20 points or more on the season.
Senior goaltender Kobi Boe (21-1-2, 1.68, .914)
has been a rock in goal. The althletic goaltender has
fierce competitive streak and gives his team a chance
to win every time out. He has help from the blue line
with a pair of seniors in Ben Foley (5-15-20) and
Garrett Wait
Paul Meyer (4-18-22), both with big frames and an offensive touch.
Edina is scoring at an alarming rate entering the tournament with
154 goals scored while allowing just 48 against. Its power play has
shown steady improvement and the Hornets may have the best
coaching staff in high school hockey led by Curt Giles. His team has
found its groove when it matters most and a potential three-peat is in
the Hornets sight.
— Pete Waggoner
24-1-2
Quick Facts
Section: 2AA
Conference: Lake
Past State Appearances: 1973, 74
Champs, 77, 78 Champs, 79 Champs
(as Edina East), 1981 (as Edina West),
1955, 56, 57, 60, 62, 67, 68, 69 Champs,
70, 71 Champs, 72, 82 Champs, 83,
84 Champs, 87, 88 Champs, 89, 95,
96, 97 Champs, 98, 2000, 07, 08, 09,
10 Champs, 11, 12, 13 Champs, 14
Champs, 15
Head Coach: Curt Giles
Home Rink: Braemar Ice Arena
Road to the X
Date Opponent W-L-T
Nov. 21 Holy Family W 11-0
Nov. 22 at Wayzata T 3-3
Nov. 25 CHAMPLIN PARK W 10-1
Nov. 29 at Centennial W 5-0
Dec. 2 CRETIN-DH W 7-2
Dec. 4 at Lakeville North L 1-3
Dec. 6 ROSEMOUNT W 5-1
Dec. 18 GRAND RAPIDS W 8-3
Dec. 19 ELK RIVER W 6-3
Dec. 20 EDEN PRAIRIE W 4-3
Dec. 27 BURNSVILLE W 3-0
SCHWAN CUP GOLD (Dec. 29-31)
Dec. 29 Minnetonka T 3-3
Dec. 30 Duluth East W 7-1
Dec. 31 Hill-Murray W 3-1
Jan. 3 at White Bear Lake W 3-2
Jan. 10 HILL-MURRAY W 6-3
Jan. 17 WAYZATA W 6-3
Jan. 22 HOPKINS W 8-4
Jan. 24 at Minnetonka W 6-2
Jan. 29 at Eden Prairie W 5-0
Jan. 31 at Holy Angels W 7-3
Feb. 5 at Wayzata W 8-0
Feb. 7 at Hopkins W 6-2
Feb. 12 MINNETONKA W 3-2
Feb. 14 EDEN PRAIRIE W 3-0
SECTION 2AA PLAYOFFS
Feb. 21 BLOOM JEFFERSON W 7-2
Feb. 25 Burnsville W 10-1
Tim Kolehmainen / Breakdown.zenfolio.com
LEADERS
# Name Gr G-A-Pts
20 Dylan Malmquist 12 28-43-71
17 Garrett Wait 11 23-48-71
16 Parker Mismash 12 19-23-42
19 Matt Masterman 12 23-13-36
7 Casey Dornbach 11 11-19-30
# Name Gr GAA SV%
1 Kobi Boe 12 1.68 .914
2015 Minnesota state high school boys’ hockey tournament guide
7

St. Thomas Academy
The Saint Thomas Academy Cadets qualified for
their ninth state tournament appearance and
first in the Class 2A this year.
With five Class 1A state championships to their credit, the Cadets
will make a bid to add to their impressive trophy list with a Class 2A
crown this year. This team is on the short list of state title contenders
this year and posted a 24-4-0 record in qualifying.
Leadership and discipline go hand in hand when discussing the
Cadets and this team has plenty of senior leadership. Consider 14
players returned from last year’s team that fell short in the Section 3AA
final to bounce back with a solid season. Their puck possession style
yields plenty of high octane transitional hockey and scoring chances.
Leading the blue line is four-year varsity letter winner Seamus
Donohue (5-34-39) who has commited to play hockey at the
Unversity of Air Force. He provides experience, toughness and
offensive skilll that rubs off on the rest of team.
Offensively, the Cadets have a trio of seniors who fall in the ‘been
there done that’ category and can score. Senior
Alec Broetzman (35-31-66) lit up the section
playoffs (6-4-10) in leading his team to the state
tournament. Senior Christiano Versich (24-42-66)
is an explosive offensvie player who is committed to
play college hockey at Colorado College, while senior
Peter Tufto (30-42-72) has delivered 20 multi-point
games.
There is plenty of offensive depth to create matchup issues for
opposing teams in the tournament.
Seamus Donohue
The Cadets have senior goaltender Matt Snow (17-3-0, 1.92, .912),
who has carried the load in the playoffs and has been a steadying
influnence for the Cadets. One thing is certain, the Cadets will bring
and energtic fan base and will have a game plan to execute with a
chance to win each game at the Xcel Energy Center this weekend.
— Pete Waggoner
24-4-0
Quick Facts
Section: 3AA
Conference: Metro East
Past State Appearances: 1999, 2005,
06 Champs, 07, 08 Champs, 11 Champs,
12 Champs, 13 Champs, 15
Head Coach: Tom & Greg Vannelli
Home Rink: St. Thomas Ice Arena
Road to the X
Date Opponent W-L-T
Dec. 3 at Rosemount W 6-2
Dec. 6 at Holy Angels W 11-4
Dec. 11 HASTINGS W 9-0
Dec. 13 at Minnetonka W 5-4
Dec. 18 HENRY SIBLEY W 11-0
Dec. 20 TARTAN W 6-4
Dec. 23 at Wayzata W 4-3
SCHWAN CUP GOLD (Dec. 29-31)
Dec. 29 Duluth East W 4-1
Dec. 30 Minnetonka W 9-3
Dec. 31 Burnsville W 3-0
Jan. 6 at Benilde-St. M W 4-3
Jan. 8 MAHTOMEDI W 8-1
Jan. 10 SOUTH ST. PAUL W 7-0
Jan. 13 BENILDE-ST. M L 3-4
Jan. 15 at North St. Paul W 9-1
Jan. 17 HILL-MURRAY L 2-3
Jan. 20 TOTINO-GRACE W 10-1
Jan. 22 at Simley W 9-2
Jan. 27 CRETIN-DH W 5-2
Jan. 31 at Tartan W 5-1
Feb. 3 at Mahtomedi L 3-5
Feb. 7 at Hill-Murray W 4-2
Feb. 11 BRECK W 3-1
Feb. 12 at Hastings W 7-2
Feb. 14 at Holy Family L 1-3
SECTION 3AA PLAYOFFS
Feb. 19 APPLE VALLEY W 7-2
Feb. 21 Rosemount W 8-2
Feb. 26 Eastview W 3-1
Tim Kolehmainen / Breakdown.zenfolio.com
LEADERS
# Name Gr G-A-Pts
19 Peter Tufto 12 30-42-72
20 Christiano Versich 12 24-42-66
21 Alec Broetzman 12 35-31-66
9 Will Jerry 11 21-22-43
17 Seamus Donohue 12 5-34-39
# Name Gr GAA SV%
35 Matt Snow 12 1.92 .912
Puck Heaven trivia
Q What St. Thomas Academy
players both scored twice in a 5-1
win over Duluth Marshall in the Class
A title tilt in 2008?
2015 Minnesota state high school boys’ hockey tournament guide
9

Hill-Murray
The Hill-Murray Pioneers had a full year to
contemplate their Section 4AA ouster last year
at the hands of the Stillwater Ponies.
It didn’t sit well with the Pioneers, from the coaches to players, as
they were considered state title contenders last season. The same
scenario confronted them this year, a section final against the Ponies,
who were looking to make their second straight state tournament
appearance. By defeating the Ponies 4-0 the Pioneers were able to
move on to their next chapter of the 2015 season.
Earning a 21-7-0 record is an impressive season for the Pioneers
but winning and advancing to state is what they do. This is their 26th
appearance, including their third trip in four seasons. A staple for
the Pioneers over the years has been excellent coaching, sound and
disciplined play, and quality senior leadership.
Offensively the Pioneers are led by senior Zach Mills (23-21-44)
who notched two goals in the section final and has been in his share
of big games for the Pioneers. He has help in the form of two veteran
blue liners in seniors Davis Zarembinski (7-19-
26), who moves the puck and defends, and Jacob
Olson (8-20-28), who will be moving on to Harvard.
Super soph Marko Reifenberger (19-21-40) is in
the midst of a terrific season and has plenty of upside
to his game that keeps opponents on their toes.
Over the years, the Pioneers have always delivered
stability in the goal and this season is no different
Jacob Olson
with sophomore Jake Begley (11-2-0, 1.39, .925) grabbing the reigns
in the post season with three wins and two shutouts.
Hill-Murray is a team with plenty of post season experience that
comes with expectations. Each state tournament year, the Pioneers
are in the mix on semifinal Friday making them reverent as a state
tournament title contender every year and many times, the Pioneers
meet and exceed those expectations.
— Pete Waggoner
21-7-0
Quick Facts
Section: 4AA
Conference: Metro East
Past State Appearances: 1975, 76, 77,
78, 79, 80, 83 Champs, 84, 85, 86, 87,
88, 91 Champs, 92, 93, 97, 99, 2000,
02, 06, 07, 08 Champs, 09, 10, 12, 13, 15
Head Coach: Bill Lechner
Home Rink: Aldrich Arena
Road to the X
Date Opponent W-L-T
Nov. 22 BURNSVILLE W 3-2
Dec. 6 at Benilde-St. M W 5-3
Dec. 9 HIBBING/CHISHOLM W 4-1
Dec. 13 MAHTOMEDI W 5-1
Dec. 16 at Blaine L 3-4
Dec. 18 SOUTH ST. PAUL W 7-2
Dec. 20 MAPLE GROVE W 3-0
Dec. 23 LAKEVILLE NORTH L 3-4
SCHWAN CUP GOLD (Dec. 29-31)
Dec. 29 Eden Prairie L 2-3
Dec. 30 Eastview W 5-1
Dec. 31 Edina L 1-3
Jan. 3 NORTH ST. PAUL W 9-1
Jan. 6 at Wayzata W 2-1
Jan. 8 HASTINGS W 6-1
Jan. 10 at Edina L 3-6
Jan. 15 at Tartan W 2-1
Jan. 17 at St. Thomas Acad. W 3-2
Jan. 22 at Henry Sibley W 7-0
Jan.24 at Mahtomedi L 0-4
Jan. 29 SIMLEY W 4-1
Jan. 31 at White Bear Lake W 2-1
Feb. 5 at Hastings W 7-0
Feb. 7 ST. THOMAS ACAD. L 2-4
Feb. 12 TARTAN W 7-1
Feb. 14 MOORHEAD W 2-1
SECTION 4AA PLAYOFFS
Feb. 21 North St. Paul W 5-0
Feb. 24 Mounds View W 5-2
Feb. 27 Stillwater W 4-0
Tim Kolehmainen / Breakdown.zenfolio.com
LEADERS
# Name Gr G-A-Pts
14 Zach Mills 12 23-21-44
22 Marko Reifenberger 10 19-21-40
18 Jacob Olson 12 8-20-28
7 Davis Zarembinski 12 7-19-26
12 Tyler Nowak 12 8-13-21
# Name Gr GAA SV%
1 Jake Begley 10 1.39 .925
Puck Heaven trivia
Q What brother duo were
mainstays for Hill-Murray in 1991 as
they won their second state title?
2015 Minnesota state high school boys’ hockey tournament guide
11

BLAINE
The Bengals have not lost since January 2 and
that was a 2-1 loss at the hands of defending
Class 1A champion East Grand Forks.
Since then, the Bengals are among the hottest teams in high school
hockey delivering a 16-0-1 record outscoring their opponents 86-29.
It is the first time since 2011 that the Bengals (22-5-1) represent the
Section 5AA and it is their 11th appearance in school history.
They are looking to add a second state title this season and may
very well have the pieces in place to make it happen under first-year
head coach Chris Carroll. The Bengals are making it happen after
graduating 15 players from last year’s roster.
They have a trifecta of offensive talent in junior Riley Tufte
(27-32-59) who is committed to Minnesota-Duluth, junior Luke
Notermann (26-29-55), and senior Easton Brodzinski (30-21-51)
who carries the family goal-scoring tradition with an impressive 30
goal campaign.
Most of the offensive production comes from a deep batch of
forwards and the blue line is anchored by a steady
group of defensemen. Senior Ryan McArthur (4-
11-15) at 6-foot-5 and 195 pounds uses his size to his
benefit. Junior Tanner Vescio (3-8-11) is another
big frame on the back end that keeps the puck
moving and defends well for the Bengals. Junior
goaltender Jon Kallestad (12-2-1, 2.21, .920) took
over regular chores in the post season and has not
Riley Tufte
lost since the East Grand Forks game. He split the season with junior
Ridge Gerads (10-3-0, 2.15, .914).
Blaine has the ability to earn its second state title in school history
with scoring depth, solid defensive play, steady goaltending, and
power play that sizzles at over 30 percent. When added up, those
elements equal success.
— Pete Waggoner
22-5-1
Quick Facts
Section: 5AA
Conference: Northwest Suburban
Past State Appearances: 1992, 96, 99,
2000 Champs, 06, 07, 08, 09, 10, 11, 15
Head Coach: Chris Carroll
Home Rink: Fogerty Arena
Road to the X
Date Opponent W-L-T
Nov. 28 ROSEAU L 2-4
Nov. 29 MOORHEAD W 3-2
Dec. 5 at Totino-Grace W 6-1
Dec. 6 at Maple Grove L 4-5
Dec. 11 CENTENNIAL W 5-4
Dec. 13 at Elk River L 4-5
Dec. 16 HILL-MURRAY W 4-3
Dec. 18 CHAMPLIN PARK W 8-1
Dec. 20 at Anoka L 1-3
Dec. 23 at Eden Prairie W 8-3
Jan. 2 at East Grand Forks L 1-2
Jan. 8 ANDOVER W 2-1
Jan. 10 MAPLE GROVE W 5-4
Jan. 15 at Centennial W 3-2
Jan. 17 ELK RIVER W 6-4
Jan. 20 BENILDE-STM W 5-2
Jan. 22 at Champlin Park W 3-0
Jan. 24 ANOKA T 3-3
Jan. 27 at Irondale W 6-0
Jan. 31 at Andover W 3-2
Feb. 3 OSSEO W 5-0
Feb. 5 DULUTH EAST W 7-6
Feb. 7 COON RAPIDS W 9-1
Feb. 9 at Armstrong/Cooper W 5-0
Feb. 13 SPRING LAKE PARK W 8-2
SECTION 5AA PLAYOFFS
Feb. 19 Coon Rapids W 6-0
Feb. 21 Maple Grove W 2-1
Feb. 26 Centennial W 8-1
2015 Minnesota state high school boys’ hockey tournament guide
Tim Kolehmainen / Breakdown.zenfolio.com
LEADERS
# Name Gr G-A-Pts
27 Riley Tufte 11 27-32-59
17 Luek Notermann 11 26-29-55
22 Easton Brodzinski 12 30-21-51
12 Jesse Slawson 12 8-22-30
36 Alex Penn 11 9-12-21
# Name Gr GAA SV%
32 Jon Kallestad 11 2.21 .920
Puck Heaven trivia
Q An all-tourney forward for
Blaine’s AA champions in 2000, what
player scored three goals and two
assists for the Bengals that year and
has played for both Colorado and
Washington in the NHL?
13

Eden Prairie
The Eden Prairie Eagles delivered on one of
their goals this year and that was to represent
the Section 6AA as back-to-back champions.
That feat has not been accomplished for 15 years when Edina last
worked it in 1996 and 1997. Graduating 13 seniors that included a pair
of Mr. Hockey semifinalists from last year’s state tournament team did
not deter coach Lee Smith’s program as the Eagles skated to an 18-9-0
record this year.
Senior goalie Shaun Durocher (14-7-0, 2.70, .904) provided
stability in goal that allowed the Eagles to build their team from the
net out.
It doesn’t hurt to have a pair of high-end Divsion I recruits on the
offensive end, either: junior Michael Graham (23-23-46) who is
committed to UMD, and sophomore whiz Casey Mittlestadt (24-
26-50pts), who is committed to the University of Minnesota. The
saying for the Eagles is that the small things lead to big things and the
team is following through on that promise.
With a combination of returning players, junior
varsity players, and incoming bantams the Eagles’
glue has been a team first approach and leadership
provided by their three captains. Seniors Andy
Aguilar (1-15-16), Brady Schoo (4-10-14) and
Graham. The defensive corps is anchored by Aguilar
and Schoo and they are joined by a well rounded
defenseman in junior Louie Roehl (0-5-5).
Michael Graham
Each season provides lessons learned by a team that is beginning
to make a habit of punching its ticket to St. Paul with four trips in six
years. They have two state titles to their credit over that time and have
delivered as much highend-next level talent as any program in high
school hockey. The Eagles are well coached and will be prepared for a
deep run this year.
— Pete Waggoner
18-9-0
Quick Facts
Section: 6AA
Conference: Lake
Past State Appearances: 1992, 99,
2001, 03, 09 Champs, 11 Champs,
14, 15
Head Coach: Lee Smith
Home Rink: Eden Prairie Community
Center
Road to the X
Date Opponent W-L-T
Nov. 25 at Maple Grove W 8-3
Nov. 29 PRIOR LAKE W 2-1
Dec. 4 EASTVIEW W 5-3
Dec. 6 at Farmington W 3-0
Dec. 9 at Cretin-DH W 4-3
Dec. 12 BENILDE-STM L 1-2
Dec. 18 Elk River W 6-3
Dec. 19 Grand Rapids W 6-1
Dec. 20 at Edina L 3-4
Dec. 23 BLAINE L 3-8
SCHWAN CUP GOLD (Dec. 29-31)
Dec. 29 Hill-Murray W 3-2
Dec. 30 Burnsville L 4-5
Dec. 31 Minnetonka L 4-7
Jan. 9 at Cloquet-E-C W 5-1
Jan. 10 at Duluth East W 4-2
Jan. 15 at Wayzata L 2-4
Jan. 17 MINNETONKA L 2-4
Jan. 22 at Bloom. Jefferson W 7-1
Jan. 24 at Hopkins W 6-5
Jan. 29 EDINA L 0-5
Jan. 31 WAYZATA W 3-1
Feb. 3 at Benilde-StM W 5-0
Feb. 5 at Minnetonka W 4-1
Feb. 12 HOPKINS W 7-5
Feb. 14 at Edina L 0-3
SECTION 6AA PLAYOFFS
Feb. 21 Benilde-StM W 1-0
Feb. 25 Minnetonka W 2-1
Tim Kolehmainen / Breakdown.zenfolio.com
LEADERS
# Name Gr G-A-Pts
11 Casey Mittlestadt 10 24-26-50
16 Michael Graham 11 23-23-46
20 Marc Sullivan 12 7-19-26
8 Riley Argetsinger 12 10-15-25
12 Nolan Sullivan 10 10-13-23
# Name Gr GAA SV%
1 Shaun Durocher 11 2.70 .904
Puck Heaven trivia
Q What Eden Prairie forward was
all-tourney in both 2009 and 2011 as
the Eagles claimed Class AA titles
both years?
2015 Minnesota state high school boys’ hockey tournament guide
15

Duluth East
The Duluth East Greyhounds pulled another
rabbit out of their hat and rallied from a 3-0
deficit against Elk River/Zimmerman.
The ‘Hounds make their 22nd state tournament appearance while
knocking off the No. 1 seed in the Section 7AA final. It marks the
seventh consecutive season the Hounds (14-10-4) have qualified and
is the second longest running string only to Edina’s nine straight in
Class 2A.
A productive power play has been the calling card for the ‘Hounds
over the years yet this year they hovered around 15 percent during
the regular season. When push came to shove and it mattered the
most, the Duluth East power play numbers spiked to 25 percent in
the section playoffs and it was key to their advancing. Coach Mike
Randolph is a secret weapon behind the bench and will always have
his team ready no matter the situation.
Despite an 0-5-0 record against the tournament field, the ‘Hounds
will be well coached and as is the case each year, have the potential to
take the game incrementally, The ‘Hounds will always
possess the puck creating opportunities and never
be overwhelmed by the situation.
Senior goalie Gunnar Howg (10-6-4, 2.46, .904)
is 5-0-1 in his last six games and picked his game up
a notch when it mattered the most. Senior Nick
Altmann (14-13-27) and Ash Altmann (10-14-24)
are both big frames that can use their size to their
Nick Altmann
advantage. Both stand over six feet and have utilized it in all aspects
of the game well.
Scoring goals has not been a premium for Duluth East. Yet, it is
the experience of seven straight trips that can give Duluth East and
advantage against the field and a number of younger players that
have had deep runs to state tournament finals at the youth level that
make this team a dangerous threat in St. Paul.
— Pete Waggoner
14-10-4
Quick Facts
Section: 7AA
Conference: Independent
Past State Appearances: 1958, 60
Champs, 61, 64, 75, 91, 94, 95 Champs,
96, 97, 98 Champs, 2000, 03, 04, 05, 09,
10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15
Head Coach: Mike Randolph
Home Rink: Heritage Arena
Road to the X
Date Opponent W-L-T
Nov. 29 at Wayzata L 0-3
Dec. 4 SUPERIOR, WI W 4-3
Dec. 6 at Andover T 2-2
Dec. 11 CLOQUET-E-C W 3-1
Dec. 13 ST. MICHAEL-ALBT. W 4-3
Dec. 16 at Centennial L 3-5
Dec. 18 CAMBRIDGE-ISANTI W 4-0
SCHWAN CUP GOLD (Dec. 29-31)
Dec. 29 St. Thomas Academy L 1-4
Dec. 30 Edina L 1-7
Dec. 31 Eastview L 1-3
Jan. 2 at Hopkins W 4-3
Jan. 5 at Duluth Denfeld W 4-3
Jan. 8 GRAND RAPIDS L 1-5
Jan. 10 EDEN PRAIRIE L 2-4
Jan. 13 at Lakeville North L 1-2
Jan. 15 APPLE VALLEY W 3-2
Jan. 17 at Roseau W 2-1
Jan. 20 FOREST LAKE W 6-2
Jan. 24 MAPLE GROVE W 4-1
Jan. 27 at Anoka L 3-5
Jan. 31 at Elk River T 1-1
Feb. 2 at Cloquet-E-C T 1-1
Feb. 5 at Blaine L 6-7
Feb. 10 at Lakeville South W 2-1
Feb. 14 MINNETONKA T 4-4
SECTION 7AA PLAYOFFS
Feb. 17 ANDOVER W 3-0
Feb. 21 Grand Rapids W 3-2
Feb. 26 Elk River W 5-4
Tim Kolehmainen / Breakdown.zenfolio.com
LEADERS
# Name Gr G-A-Pts
19 Nick Altmann 12 14-13-27
26 Ash Altmann 11 10-14-24
21 Luke Dow 11 8-12-20
27 Brian Bunten 12 6-12-18
24 Ryan Peterson 11 8-8-16
# Name Gr GAA SV%
31 Gunnar Howg 12 2.46 .904
Puck Heaven trivia
Q What Duluth East goalie gave up
just three goals in three games in the
1997 Class AA tournament?
2015 Minnesota state high school boys’ hockey tournament guide
17

Bemidji
Bemidji ended a 29-year state tournament
drought with a win in the Section 8AA final,
but the Lumberjacks aren’t content yet.
Bemidji isn’t expecting to get a seed in the Class 2A field, but that
doesn’t mean the Lumberjacks don’t deserve one. It’s tough to pick
out a team that has been playing better defensively the last month.
Since losing back-to-back games to Class 1A powers East Grand
Forks and Hermantown in mid-January, the Lumberjacks have allowed
only three goals in their last 10 games — seven of them shutouts.
Bemidji swept through the Section 8AA playoffs with three shutouts in
three games, all anchored by senior goaltender Grant Tharaldson
(16-2-2, 1.28, .928).
The last time Bemidji was at the state tournament was in 1986,
when the Lumberjacks were led by Mr. Hockey George Pelawa.
Senior Jake Leitner (22-25-47) scored his team-leading 22nd goal
with just 2.6 seconds left in the second period of the Section 8AA final
against Moorhead — the proverbial straw that broke
the Spuds’ backs. Leitner and younger brother Nick
Leitner (7-8-15), a junior defenseman, have likely
been hearing stories of the good old days from their
mother, Melissa, who was a senior in high school the
last time Bemidji was at the state tournament.
The Lumberjacks are a tough and hard-hitting
team, but one that has used its speed to its
advantage. Underclassmen Brady Tatro (13-21-34), Rocky
Copiskey (10-23-33) and Josh Lusby (13-12-25) also scored
Jack Lietner
double-digit goals this year, as did rugged junior power forward Jack
Johnson (12-9-21) and sophomore Alex Pollock (10-10-20).
Bemidi is both young and talented. It may not be another 29 years
before the Lumberjacks are back at state. But first, they have some
further business.
— Tim Kolehmainen
23-3-2
Quick Facts
Section: 8AA
Conference: Mariucci
Past State Appearances: 1972, 73, 74,
76, 85, 86, 2015
Head Coach: Wade Chiodo
Home Rink: Bemidji Community Arena
Road to the X
Date Opponent W-L-T
Nov. 20 at St. Cloud Apollo T 1-1
Nov. 25 GRAND RAPIDS L 4-7
Dec. 2 at Moorhead W 4-2
Dec. 5 ST. CLOUD TECH W 5-1
Dec. 9 WARROAD W 5-0
Dec. 11 at Thief River Falls W 3-2
Dec. 13 at Monticello/AML W 4-0
Dec. 16 EAST GRAND FORKS W 2-1
Dec. 20 at Brainerd W 4-1
Dec. 23 at Roseau W 3-2
HERITAGE CLASSIC (Dec. 29-31)
Dec. 29 St. Louis Park W 5-1
Dec. 30 Owatonna W 5-1
Dec. 31 Duluth Denfeld W 4-2
Jan. 3 at Sartell-St. Stephen W 3-1
Jan. 6 CROOKSTON W 10-0
Jan. 13 MOORHEAD W 3-0
Jan. 15 at East Grand Forks L 1-4
Jan. 17 HERMANTOWN L 1-6
Jan. 20 SAUK RAPIDS-RICE W 8-0
Jan. 24 at Alexandria W 4-0
Jan. 29 ROSEAU W 4-1
Jan. 31 at River Lakes W 7-0
Feb. 6 at Warroad T 1-1
Feb. 10 BRAINERD W 11-1
Feb. 13 THIEF RIVER FALLS W 3-0
SECTION 8AA PLAYOFFS
Feb. 17 MONTICELLO/AML W 6-0
Feb. 21 BRAINERD W 6-0
Feb. 25 Moorhead W 2-0
2015 Minnesota state high school boys’ hockey tournament guide
Tim Kolehmainen / Breakdown.zenfolio.com
LEADERS
# Name Gr G-A-Pts
5 Jake Leitner 12 22-25-47
19 Brady Tatro 10 13-21-34
16 Rocky Copiskey 11 10-23-33
13 Josh Lusby 11 13-12-25
23 Michael Forseth 12 7-18-25
# Name Gr GAA SV%
30 Grant Tharaldson 12 1.28 .928
Puck Heaven trivia
Q What Bemidji goalie was the
starter for the 1986 Lumberjacks
team that won the consolation title?
(Hint: he is the son of a college
coach with a top-10 career win total).
19

Champions
Past state champions
1940-1949
YEAR CHAMPION runner-UP
1945 Eveleth (11-0-0) Thief River Falls
1946 Roseau (23-4-0) Rochester
1947 St. Paul Johnson (34-1-0) Roseau
1948 Eveleth (15-0-0) Warroad
1949 Eveleth (13-0-0) Williams
1950-1959
YEAR CHAMPION runner-UP
1950 Eveleth (22-0-0) Williams
1951 Eveleth (19-0-0) St. Paul Johnson
1952 Hibbing (12-2-0) Eveleth
1953 St. Paul Johnson (29-2-0) Warroad
1954 Thief River Falls (20-0-0) Eveleth
1955 St. Paul Johnson (26-1-2) Minneapolis Southwest
1956 Thief River Falls (19-1-0) International Falls
1957 International Falls (23-2-0) Roseau
1958 Roseau (22-4-1) St. Paul Harding
1959 Roseau (30-0-0) Minneapolis Washburn
1960-1969
YEAR CHAMPION runner-UP
1960 Duluth East (23-3-0) St. Paul Washington
1961 Roseau (21-3-2) South St. Paul
1962 International Falls (23-2-1) Roseau
1963 St. Paul Johnson (24-2-1) International Falls
1964 International Falls (22-3-1) St. Paul Johnson
1965 International Falls (26-0-0) Bloomington
1966 International Falls (26-0-0) Roseau
1967 Greenway (20-4-2) St. Paul Johnson
1968 Greenway (23-3-0) South St. Paul
1969 Edina (26-1-0) Warroad
1970-1979
YEAR CHAMPION runner-UP
1970 Minneapolis Southwest (24-0-1) Edina
1971 Edina (22-2-3) Roseau
1972 International Falls (22-3-1) Grand Rapids
1973 Hibbing (22-4-2) Alexander Ramsey
1974 Edina East (24-0-0) Bemidji
1975 Grand Rapids (23-4-0) Minneapolis Southwest
1976 Grand Rapids (22-5-0) Richfield
1977 Rochester John Marshall (25-2-0) Edina East
1978 Edina East (25-1-0) Grand Rapids
1979 Edina East (22-4-0) Rochester John Marshall
1980-1989
YEAR CHAMPION runner-UP
1980 Grand Rapids (21-5-0) Hill-Murray
1981 Bloomington Jefferson (17-8-1) Irondale
1982 Edina (22-4-0) White Bear Mariner
1983 Hill-Murray (28-0-0) Burnsville
1984 Edina (21-4-1) Bloomington Kennedy
1985 Burnsville (24-1-1) Hill-Murray
1986 Burnsville (20-5-1) Hill-Murray
1987 Bloomington Kennedy (25-1-0) Burnsville
1988 Edina (21-5-1) Hill-Murray
1989 Bloomington Jefferson (25-3-0) Rochester JM
1990-1999
YEAR CHAMPION runner-UP
1990 Roseau (26-2-0) Grand Rapids
1991 Hill-Murray (22-6-0) Duluth East
1992 - I Bloomington Jefferson (25-2-2) Moorhead
1992 - II Greenway (16-12-0) Rosemount
1993 - I Bloomington Jefferson (28-0-0) Hill-Murray
1993 - II Eveleth-Gilbert (14-14-0) Lake of the Woods
1994-AA Bloomington Jefferson (26-1-1) Moorhead
1994-A Warroad (24-4-0) Hibbing
1995-AA Duluth East (25-3-0) Moorhead
1995-A International Falls (20-7-1) Totino-Grace
1996-AA Apple Valley (27-1-0) Edina
1996-A Warroad (24-4-0) Red Wing
1997-AA Edina (25-3-0) Duluth East
1997-A Red Wing (28-0-0) Warroad
1998-AA Duluth East (25-3-0) Anoka
1998-A Eveleth-Gilbert (22-6-0) Hermantown
1999-AA Roseau (27-1-0) Hastings
1999-A Benilde-St. Margaret’s (26-2-0) East Grand Forks
2000-2009
YEAR CHAMPION runner-UP
2000-AA Blaine (21-5-2) Duluth East
2000-A Breck (24-3-1) Warroad
2001-AA Elk River (29-1-1) Moorhead
2001-A Benilde-St. Margaret’s (22-9-0) Rochester Lourdes
2002-AA Holy Angels (26-4-0) Hill-Murray
2002-A Totino-Grace (27-2-1) Red Wing
2003-AA Anoka (25-4-1) Roseville Area
2003-A Warroad (28-1-1) Simley
2004-AA Centennial (30-1-0) Moorhead
2004-A Breck (28-1-2) Orono
2005-AA Holy Angels (26-3-1) Moorhead
2005-A Warroad (27-0-2) Totino-Grace
2006-AA Cretin-Derham Hall (27-4-0) Grand Rapids
2006-A St. Thomas Academy (24-5-1) Duluth Marshall
2007-AA Roseau (28-2-0) Grand Rapids
2007-A Hermantown (29-0-1) Duluth Marshall
2008-AA Hill-Murray (27-3-1) Edina
2008-A St. Thomas Academy (26-5-0) Duluth Marshall
2009 AA Eden Prairie (28-3-0) Moorhead
2009 A Breck (27-3-1) Warroad
2010-current
YEAR CHAMPION runner-UP
2010 AA Edina (23-6-2) Minnetonka
2010 A Breck (29-2-0) Hermantown
2011 AA Eden Prairie (23-5-2) Duluth East
2011 A St. Thomas Academy (25-6-0) Hermantown
2012 AA Benilde-St. Margaret’s (25-6-0) Hill-Murray
2012 A St. Thomas Academy (26-5-0) Hermantown
2013 AA Edina (25-6-0) Hill-Murray
2013 A St. Thomas Academy (27-2-2) Hermantown
2014 AA Edina (26-4-1) Lakeville North
2014 A East Grand Forks (28-2-1) Hermantown
20
2015 Minnesota state high school boys’ hockey tournament guide

All Time scoring leaders
Leaders
Season
POINTS
135 – Ben Hanowski, Little Falls, 2009
131 – Aaron Broten, Roseau, 1979
125 – Jared Festler, Little Falls, 2008
120 – Neal Broten, Roseau, 1978
112 – Scott Lecy, Rochester JM, 1977
111 – Ben Hanowski, Little Falls, 2007
111 – John Pohl, Red Wing, 1997
108 – Jeremy Erickson, Wdna-DC, 1994
107 – John Pohl, Red Wing, 1998
106 — Aaron Broten, Roseau, 1978
103 – Justin Kloos, Lakeville South, 2012
102 – Dave Spehar, Duluth East, 1995
102 – Sam Wenner, LSH/SP/TCU, 2015
102 – Chaz Smedsrud, Luverne, 2015
101 – Joey Benik, St. Francis, 2009
100 – Beau Hanowski, Little Falls, 2008
100 – Dave Spehar, Duluth East, 1996
100 – TJ Oshie, Warroad, 2005
100 – Blake Wheeler, Breck, 2004
GOALS
73 – Ben Hanowski, Little Falls, 2009
71 – Jared Festler, Little Falls, 2007
65 – Joey Benik, St. Francis, 2009
63 – Josh Cisar, Moose Lake, 2012
61 – Scott Lecy, Rochester JM, 1977
61 – Mike Haedrich, SP Monroe, 1973
60 – Jeremy Erickson, Wdna-DC, 1994
60 – Henry Boucha, Warroad, 1969
58 – Sam Wenner, LSH/SP/TCU, 2015
58 – Dave Spehar, Duluth East, 1995
56 – Tim Sheehy, International Falls, 1966
55 – Dewey Wahlin, SP Johnson, 1984
54 – John Pohl, Red Wing, 1997
54 – Dave Spehar, Duluth East, 1996
54 – Zach Lehrke, Park Rapids, 2008
54 – Troy Riddle, Benilde, 1999
54 – Joey Benik, St. Francis, 2010
53 – Brock Nelson, Warroad, 2010
52 – Grant Besse, Benilde, 2012
52 – Tom Biondich, Int’l Falls, 2002
51 – Eriah Hayes, LaCrescent, 2007
51 — Phil Hoehne, Dul Cathedral, 1967
ASSISTS
88 – Aaron Broten, Roseau, 1979
78 – John Pohl, Red Wing, 1998
77 – Neal Broten, Roseau, 1978
71 – Ben Hanowski, Little Falls, 2007
65 – Jamie Langenbrunner, Cloquet, 1993
63 – Chaz Smedsrud, Luverne, 2015
62 – Justin Kloos, Lakeville South, 2012
62 – Ben Hanowski, Little Falls, 2009
62 – T.J. Oshie, Warroad, 2005
60 – Beau Hanowski, Little Falls, 2007
59 – Nick DeCenzo, Hibbing/Chlm, 2011
59 – Ricky Litchfield, Mankato West, 2008
59 – Drew LeBlanc, Hermantown, 2007
59 – Anders Lee, Edina, 2009
Career
POINTS
405 – Ben Hanowski, Little Falls, 2009
378 - John Pohl, Red Wing, 1998
304 - Dave Spehar, Duluth East, 1996
283 – Joey Benik, St. Francis, 2010
282 – Gino Guyer, Greenway, 2002
273* – John Mayasich, Eveleth, 1951
272 - Grant Besse, Benilde, 2013
269* – Aaron Broten, Roseau, 1979
269 – Corey Carlson, TH/Greenway, 2003
264 - TJ Roo, Totino-Grace, 2013
257 – Nate Breden, Silver Bay, 2006
256 – John Peterson, Holy Family, 2015
253 – Jake Johnson, Dul Denfeld, 2008
252 – Danny Mattson, Holy Angles, 2009
250 – Bruce Aikens, Rochester JM, 1978
250 - Garrett Hendrickson, Virginia, 2011
249 – Andy Sertich, Greenway, 2002
247 – Chaz Smedsrud, Luverne, active
247 – Jared Festler, Little Falls, 2008
241 – T.J. Oshie, Warroad, 2005
240 – Eriah Hayes, LaCrescent, 2007
POINTS
196 – Ben Hanowski, Little Falls, 2009
175 – Joey Benik, St. Francis, 2010
170 – Corey Carlson, TH/Greenway, 2003
166 – Dave Spehar, Duluth East, 1996
163 - Grant Besse, Benilde, 2013
144 – John Pohl, Red Wing, 1998
137 – Jeremy Erickson, W-DC, 1994
136 – Jared Festler, Little Falls, 2008
136 – Bruce Aikens, Rochester JM, 1978
134 – Matt Ambroz, NP/M-L, 2005
134 – Eriah Hayes, LaCrescent, 2007
133 – Jonah Rydberg-Sauter, PC/R, 1999
131 - Scott Lecy, Rochester JM, 1977
127 – Garet Chumley, Camb-Isanti, 2007
127 - Scott Lynch, North St. Paul, 1979
121 — Spencer Naas, BSM/Blake, 2014
119 – Dalton Klegstad, Kittson CC, 2015
117 – Gino Guyer, Greenway, 2002
115 - Phil Hoene, Duluth Cathedral, 1967
ASSISTS
234 – John Pohl, Red Wing, 1998
209 – Ben Hanowski, Little Falls, 2009
165 - TJ Roo, Totino-Grace, 2013
165 – Gino Guyer, Greenway, 2002
164 – Aaron Broten, Roseau, 1979
163 – Danny Mattson, Holy Angels, 2009
155 – Chris Locker, Duluth East, 1996
151 – Andy Sertich, Greenway, 2002
149 - Garrett Hendrickson, Virginia, 2011
148 – Nate Breden, Silver Bay, 2006
148 – Beau Hanowski, Little Falls, 2008
146 – John Peterson, Holy Family, 2015
146 - Chaz Smedsrud, Luverne, active
144 – Jake Johnson, Dul Denfeld, 2008
142 - Dan Labosky, Benilde, 2013
138 – Dave Spehar, Duluth East, 1996
Mr. Hockey winners
2015: TBD
2014: Avery Peterson — Grand Rapids
2013: Grant Besse – Benilde-St. Margaret’s
2012: Justin Kloos – Lakeville South
2011: Kyle Rau – Eden Prairie
2010: Nick Bjugstad -- Blaine
2009: Nick Leddy – Eden Prairie
2008: Aaron Ness - Roseau
2007: Ryan McDonagh - Cretin-Derham Hall
2006: David Fischer - Apple Valley
2005: Brian Lee - Moorhead
2004: Tom Gorowsky - Centennial
2003: Nate Dey - North St. Paul
2002: Gino Guyer - Greenway
2001: Marty Sertich - Roseville
2000: Paul Martin - Elk River
1999: Jeff Taffe - Hastings
1998: Johnny Pohl - Red Wing
1997: Aaron Miskovich - Grand Rapids
1996: Dave Spehar - Duluth East
1995: Erik Rasmussen - St. Louis Park
1994: Mike Crowley - Bloomington Jefferson
1993: Nick Checco - Bloomington Jefferson
1992: Brian Bonin - White Bear Lake
1991: Darby Hendrickson - Richfield
1990: Joe Dziedzic - Minneapolis Edison
1989: Trent Klatt - Osseo
1988: Larry Olimb - Warroad
1987: Kris Miller - Greenway
1986: George Pelawa - Bemidji
1985: Tom Chorske - Mpls Southwest
Puck Heaven trivia
On each of the team
pages (except Edina)
within this preview
guide, there is a
trivia question in the
lower right corner,
taken with permission
from the book “Puck
Heaven: Minnesota
State Boys’ Hockey
Tournament Trivia”
written by Jim Hoey.
Answers to the questions may be
found on the MNHockeyMag.com
website, along with information on
how to order Jim’s book.
Can you get all 15
questions correct?
2015 Minnesota state high school boys’ hockey tournament guide
21

Class 1A
2015 CLASS 1A Bracket
New Ulm
Quarterfinals
No. 2 — Mahtomedi
New Prague
11 a.m., March 4
Xcel Energy Center
1 p.m., March 4
Xcel Energy Center
No. 3 — East Grand Forks
Spring Lake Park
6 p.m., March 4
Xcel Energy Center
No. 1 — Hermantown
No. 5 — St. Cloud Apollo
8 p.m., March 4
Xcel Energy Center
No. 4 — Breck
Semifinals
11 a.m., March 6
Xcel Energy Center
1 p.m., March 6
Xcel Energy Center
Championship
12 p.m., March 7
Xcel Energy Center
Third Place
9 a.m., March 7
Xcel Energy Center
Consolation
10 a.m., March 5
Mariucci Arena
10 a.m., March 7
Mariucci Arena
12 p.m., March 5
Mariucci Arena
22
2015 Minnesota state high school boys’ hockey tournament guide

New Prague
When New Prague opened up its defense
of a Section 1A title with seven straight
victories this winter, all looked well.
But the Trojans lost four of their next five games, scoring one or
fewer goals in three of them. Suddenly, a repeat section title didn’t
appear such a sure thing. Coach Chris Lonke had to get his veteran
team back to what earned its first-ever state berth the year before —
strong defense in front of goaltender Conner Wagner (19-8-0, 2.13,
.912). New Prague responded with back-to-back shutouts of North St.
Paul and Litchfield/Dassel-Cokato and proceeded to run roughshod
through the rest of the Section 1A slate. In nine section games, the
Trojans were a perfect 9-0-0, outdistancing the field and earning the
top seed.
Senior defensive captain Casey Busch (5-14-19) anchors the blue
line. He’s a smooth-skating defenseman who plays in all situations,
along with athletic shut-down defender Jake Klein (1-6-7).
Of course, scoring goals in bunches didn’t hurt
either. Led by junior Alex Gregor (31-24-55), a
rugged and aggressive player with state tournament
experience, the Trojans finished off the regular
season with 23 goals in three games and added 14
more in the section playoffs. It’s a right time for the
offense to get hot, with a tough quarterfinal matchup
against defending Class 1A champion East Grand
Forks up first at the X.
Conner Wagner
Beyond Gregor’s team-high 31 goals, only two other Trojans scored
in double-figures, however, senior Ben Witt (13-31-44) and junior
Zach Davis (16-24-40).
With back-to-back state tournament appearances now in Lonke’s
pocket, he’s building a powerhouse at New Prague. The next step is to
improve on last year’s surprise third-place finish.
— Tim Kolehmainen
20-7-0
Quick Facts
Section: 1A
Conference: Wright County
Past State Appearances: 2014, 15
Head Coach: Chris Lonke
Home Rink: New Prague Community
Center
Road to the X
Date Opponent W-L-T
Nov. 21 at St. Cloud Cathedral W 6-2
Nov. 29 NORTHFIELD W 3-2
Dec. 2 at Red Wing W 3-2
Dec. 4 MANKATO WEST W 6-0
Dec. 9 at Holy Family W 3-2
Dec. 11 ROCH. LOURDES W 2-1
Dec. 16 WACONIA W 3-1
Dec. 18 ORONO L 0-2
Dec. 20 at Hermantown L 1-6
Dec. 23 ALBERT LEA W 5-0
SSP PREMIER TOURNEY (Dec. 26-29)
Dec. 26 Bloom. Jefferson L 0-3
Dec. 27 Hastings L 3-4
Dec. 29 North St. Paul W 6-0
Jan. 6 at Litchfield/DC W 10-0
Jan. 13 DELANO L 1-7
Jan. 16 MOUND-WESTONKA W 6-1
Jan. 20 at Hutchinson W 3-2
Jan. 22 at Waconia W 6-0
Jan. 27 at Orono L 1-2
Jan. 30 LITCHFIELD/DC W 3-1
Feb. 3 HOLY FAMILY L 1-8
Feb. 5 at Delano L 1-4
Feb. 7 at Rochester Lourdes W 3-2
Feb. 10 at Mound-Westonka W 7-0
Feb. 13 HUTCHINSON W 13-3
SECTION 1A PLAYOFFS
Feb. 19 ROCH. LOURDES W 2-1
Feb. 21 Faribault W 8-4
Feb. 25 Northfield W 2-1
2015 Minnesota state high school boys’ hockey tournament guide
Tim Kolehmainen / Breakdown.zenfolio.com
LEADERS
# Name Gr G-A-Pts
10 Alex Gregor 11 31-24-55
8 Ben Witt 12 13-31-44
7 Zach Davis 11 16-24-40
14 Ryan O’Rourke 12 7-15-22
5 Casey Busch 12 5-14-19
# Name Gr GAA SV%
1 Conner Wagner 12 2.13 .912
Puck Heaven trivia
Q In what year was the first
Minnesota state boys’ high school
hockey tournament conducted and
what city and building hosted the
inaugural event?
23

Breck
Last February, Breck was upset in the Section 2A
final by Orono, ending the Mustangs’ five-year
state tournament run under coach Les Larson.
Larson saw it as a wake-up call to his talented — but young —
team, many of whom returned this winter. Larson knew the Mustangs
could be a strong group, and he expected them to grow into the role
this year.
Mission accomplished, as Breck returned to the X after a one-year
hiatus.
But it wasn’t easy. Delano took the Mustangs to double overtime in
the section final before junior Will Blake (12-21-33) lifted a wrister
into the net, ending the game and setting off a wild celebration for
Breck.
This year’s edition of the Mustangs is a different unit than past
state title contenders, however. Junior Chase Ellingson (25-21-46)
led the ‘Stangs in goals and points, but was one of just four players
with double-digit goals. Breck isn’t the same highpowered
offense of past years, but it is very, very
good defensively.
Led by senior goaltender Stephen Headrick
(21-7-0, 1.29, .931), the Mustangs were one of the
stingiest defensive teams in the state, only once
allowing more than three goals in a game. With nine
shutouts and eight more games with just one goal
Chase Ellingson
allowed, opponents struggled to generate much offense against the
Mustangs.
With 11 state appearances and four state championships in the
past 21 years, Breck is as close to a juggernaut as you may find. Can
this year’s edition earn another state title for the western Twin Cities’
private school? With the top five leading scorers this year set to return,
it could be time for another great run at Breck.
— Tim Kolehmainen
21-7-0
Quick Facts
Section: 2A
Conference: Independent Metro
Athletic
Past State Appearances: 1994, 96, 97,
2000 Champs, 04 Champs, 09 Champs,
10 Champs, 11, 12, 13, 15
Head Coach: Les Larson
Home Rink: Anderson Ice Arena
Road to the X
Date Opponent W-L-T
Nov. 25 DELANO W 6-1
Nov. 29 at Duluth Marshall L 0-2
Dec. 2 at Holy Family W 7-4
Dec. 5 at East Grand Forks L 1-4
Dec. 6 at Thief River Falls W 2-1
Dec. 9 MAHTOMEDI L 1-3
Dec. 11 at Chanhassen W 6-0
Dec. 20 HOLY ANGELS W 4-1
SCHWAN CUP SILVER (Dec. 29-31)
Dec. 29 Mounds View W 3-1
Dec. 30 Lakeville South W 4-0
Dec. 31 Centennial L 0-1
Jan. 3 at Providence Acad. W 6-0
Jan. 6 ST. PAUL ACADEMY L 1-3
Jan. 8 at Minnehaha Acad. W 4-1
Jan. 10 MOORHEAD L 2-3
Jan. 13 PROVIDENCE ACAD. W 13-0
Jan. 15 at St. Cloud Cathedral W 3-2
Jan. 17 at Totino-Grace W 6-0
Jan. 20 at Blake W 2-0
Jan. 22 at St. Paul Academy W 5-2
Jan. 24 at Rochester Lourdes W 7-0
Jan. 27 ROGERS W 4-1
Jan. 29 at St. Michael-Albrtvl W 4-2
Feb. 11 at St. Thomas Acad. L 1-3
Feb. 14 BLAKE W 5-0
SECTION 2A PLAYOFFS
Feb. 20 Waconia W 16-1
Feb. 24 Blake W 5-0
Feb. 26 Delano W 3-2
Tim Kolehmainen / Breakdown.zenfolio.com
LEADERS
# Name Gr G-A-Pts
8 Chase Ellingson 11 25-21-46
17 Tyler Scott 11 18-15-33
26 Will Blake 11 12-21-33
25 Dalton Weigel 10 4-22-26
11 Austin Heidemann 10 12-14-26
# Name Gr GAA SV%
39 Stephen Headrick 12 1.29 .931
Puck Heaven trivia
Q What present NHL player scored
two hat tricks in Breck School’s 2004
“A” title drive?
2015 Minnesota state high school boys’ hockey tournament guide
25

New Ulm
While all salivated at the high-powered
offense in Luverne, New Ulm quietly
emerged from Section 3A again.
Can we say it now? New Ulm just knows how to get it done in the
playoffs under coach Erik Setterholm. A member of the Eagles’ first
state tournament team in 1992, Setterholm has led his alma mater
back to St. Paul four times in the last six years, often upsetting higherranked
teams.
The Eagles won a pair of high-scoring games to close out the
section playoffs, beating Hutchinson 6-5 in overtime in the semifinals
and upending top-seed Luverne in the final, 7-5. That closed out a
three-game run in Section 3A in which the Eagles scored a total of 32
goals. Call it the fun bunch.
Seniors Colin Huffman (26-36-62) and Brandon Helget (26-
36-62) lead the powerful New Ulm offense at St. Paul, although both
trail junior Ethan Kraus (33-19-52) in the goal-scoring category. As
a team, New Ulm averaged 5.76 goals per game in
the regular season, but have found the sledding a bit
tougher at state during the last six years.
New Ulm is still searching for its first quarterfinal
victory in St. Paul and drew No. 2 seed Mahtomedi
this time around.
For the Eagles to get the job done, they’ll have to
tighten up on the defensive end. The job will fall to
Ethan Kraus
seniors Lucas Heiderscheidt (3-12-15) and Alex Stark (4-11-15)
and sophomore Bayler Kraus (3-11-14).
Notice a familiar family name?
In addition to Ethan and Bayler, Brach Kraus anchored the Eagles in
goal the past few years, but senior Matt Berkner (17-6-2, 2.31, .907)
earned the starting gig vacated by Brach and has done well to get
New Ulm back to state for the first time in three years.
— Tim Kolehmainen
18-8-2
Quick Facts
Section: 3A
Conference: Big South
Past State Appearances: 1992, 2010,
11, 12, 15
Head Coach: Erik Setterholm
Home Rink: New Ulm Civic Center
Road to the X
Date Opponent W-L-T
Nov. 20 at Worthington W 13-1
Dec. 4 MARSHALL L 3-4
Dec. 9 at Redwood Valley W 7-0
Dec. 11 FAIRMONT W 10-0
Dec. 12 HUTCHINSON T 5-5
Dec. 16 at Albert Lea L 0-4
Dec. 18 at Waseca W 6-0
Dec. 22 at Windom Area W 11-0
Dec. 23 at LSH/St. Peter/TCU W 5-4
FERGUS FLLS TOURNEY (Dec. 29-31)
Dec. 29 Fergus Falls L 0-4
Dec. 30 West Fargo, ND W 5-3
Dec. 31 Morris/Benson W 8-2
Jan. 2 at Luverne L 1-8
Jan. 6 REDWOOD VALLEY W 12-0
Jan. 10 LITCHFIELD/DC T 3-3
Jan. 13 WORTHINGTON W 15-1
Jan. 15 ROCH. LOURDES L 2-5
Jan. 20 LSH/ST. PETER/TCU L 5-6
Jan. 22 at Marshall W 3-2
Jan. 24 at Willmar L 2-3
Jan. 27 WINDOM AREA W 7-0
Jan. 30 LUVERNE W 5-2
Feb. 5 at Fairmont W 6-1
Feb. 7 MOUND-WESTONKA L 3-4
Feb. 12 WASECA W 7-0
SECTION 3A PLAYOFFS
Feb. 19 WILLMAR W 9-1
Feb. 21 Hutchinson W 6-5
Feb. 25 Luverne W 7-5
2015 Minnesota state high school boys’ hockey tournament guide
Tim Kolehmainen / Breakdown.zenfolio.com
LEADERS
# Name Gr G-A-Pts
10 Colin Huffman 12 26-36-62
5 Brandon Helget 12 26-36-62
11 Ethan Kraus 11 33-19-52
9 Wyatt Peterson 12 10-36-46
17 Jonny Kopacek 12 18-11-29
# Name Gr GAA SV%
33 Matt Berkner 12 2.31 .907
Puck Heaven trivia
Q Among the 16 teams that
qualified for the 1992 state
tournament (Tier I and Tier II), how
many schools were making their first
tourney appearance?
27

Mahtomedi
Mahtomedi returned 15 players from last
year’s team and parlayed that to its eighth
state appearance and first since 2010.
Of the group of returning players, six of the top eight scorers
returned for the Zephyrs this year providing key experience and depth
in clutch times. They fired off a 24-2-2 record on the season that
included wins over a pair of Class 2A tournament teams in Hill-Murray
and St. Thomas Academy.
Balance and depth are key to championship runs and coach Jeff
Poeschl believes that is a strength of his team.
“I don’t recall having as deep of a team that we have this year,” said
Poeschl. ” It is a balance of depth and work ethic that are returning
with the kind of leadership we will have with this group. It should be
fun.”
Junior Jack Becker leads his team (25-35-60) offensively and had
a monster sectional tournament amassing (3-9-11). Adding to their
depth offensively is senior Kellen Campbell (17-
23-40) junior Jack Heinsch (19-19-38), and Joe
Forciea (12-22-34) lead 10 players who have earned
20 points or more on the season.
Junior goalie Will Swanson (24-2-2, 2.24, .910)
leads team in the net and they are a club with a
considerable amount of underclassmen to the cusp
of their first ever state hockey championship.
As Poeschl stated, the pride in Mahtomedi hockey is not known
much outside of their school district, but it is alive and well inside.
Jack Becker
“There is a tremendous amount of pride, tradition, and loyalty to the
hockey program and community in general. If you are not from here
you probably don’t know that.”
The state of hockey may very well be getting to know that in a lot
more intimate detail this state tournament weekend.
— Pete Waggoner
24-2-2
Quick Facts
Section: 4A
Conference: Metro East
Past State Appearances: 1992, 94, 97,
98, 2001, 09, 10, 15
Head Coach: Jeff Poeschl
Home Rink: St. Croix Recreation Center
Road to the X
Date Opponent W-L-T
Nov. 29 CRETIN-DH W 7-5
Dec. 2 SC CATHEDRAL W 7-1
Dec. 4 St. PAUL ACADEMY W 3-1
Dec. 9 at Breck W 3-1
Dec. 11 NORTH ST. PAUL W 8-0
Dec. 13 at Hill-Murray L 1-5
Dec. 16 at Chisago Lakes W 6-0
Dec. 23 ROSEVILLE W 3-2
PERPICH CHALLENGE (Dec. 29-31)
Dec. 29 Grand Rapids W 5-3
Dec. 30 Hibbing/Chisholm W 5-4
Dec. 31 Virginia/MIB W 5-3
Jan. 3 HENRY SIBLEY W 13-1
Jan. 6 at Duluth Marshall T 2-2
Jan. 8 at St. Thomas Acad. L 1-8
Jan. 10 at Tartan W 1-0
Jan. 13 at Holy Angels W 10-4
Jan. 15 at South St. Paul W 3-1
Jan. 17 at Simley W 9-2
Jan. 22 HASTINGS W 7-1
Jan. 24 HILL-MURRAY W 4-0
Jan. 27 STILLWATER W 8-2
Jan. 31 at Hastings T 4-4
Feb. 3 ST. THOMAS ACAD. W 5-3
Feb. 7 TARTAN W 3-1
Feb. 10 BLAKE W 5-2
SECTION 4A PLAYOFFS
Feb. 20 Henry Sibley W 14-4
Feb. 25 South St. Paul W 7-0
Feb. 27 St. Paul Academy W 5-2
Tim Kolehmainen / Breakdown.zenfolio.com
LEADERS
# Name Gr G-A-Pts
27 Jack Becker 11 25-35-60
5 Kellen Campbell 12 17-23-40
22 Jack Heinsch 11 19-19-38
7 Joe Forciea 11 12-22-34
17 Sam Krawczyk 12 11-21-31
# Name Gr GAA SV%
35 Will Swanson 11 2.24 .910
Puck Heaven trivia
Q Which Mahtomedi brothers
were all-tourney in the 1994 Class A
tournament as the Zephyrs copped
third place?
2015 Minnesota state high school boys’ hockey tournament guide
29

spring Lake Park
One team is making its first-ever appearance in
the state tournament this week and is plenty
excited about its trip — Spring Lake Park.
The Panthers advanced to the X by allowing just two goals in three
Section 5A tournament games, including a 5-0 shutout of defending
section champion Chisago Lakes in the final. Coach Tom Benson’s
team didn’t receive a seed at the state tournament, but the Panthers
should be a dangerous bunch after a full season of play in the tough
Northwest Suburban Conference, which included Class 2A qualifier
Blaine.
As showcased by its showing in the section tournament, Spring
Lake Park’s strength is its defense, anchored by seniors Noah
Bormann (7-6-13) and Zach Crawford (1-6-7) and juniors Zach
Benson (4-18-22) and Sawyer Fisher (4-4-8). Bormann is a big and
physical defenseman, while Crawford is a team captain and true leader
in the locker room. Benson, the son of the head coach, recovered last
year from missing nearly two years with a torn ACL
and has been a stalwart on the blue line.
That group supports junior goaltender Aaron
Furlano (16-10-1, 2.98, .903), who stopped 57
of 59 shots in the section tournament. Already a
three-year starter, he’s a veteran who isn’t fazed by
tournament play.
Offensively, the Panthers rely on seniors
Jacob Nystrom
Jacob Nystrom (28-28-56) and Deven Sunell (23-31-54), who
combined for 51 of the team’s 134 goals. Nystrom has good wheels
and a toughness about his game, while Sunell sees the ice well and
involves his teammates in the play. Sunell is also a leader who has
been anchoring the team the past three years. A true glue player, he
represents what Spring Lake Park hockey stands for — playing tough
and playing together.
— Tim Kolehmainen
16-11-1
Quick Facts
Section: 5A
Conference: Northwest Suburban
Past State Appearances: 2015
Head Coach: Tom Benson
Home Rink: Fogerty Arena
Road to the X
Date Opponent W-L-T
Nov. 29 at Proctor W 8-2
Dec. 4 ANDOVER L 3-5
Dec. 6 at Mora/H-F W 7-2
Dec. 9 ELK RIVER L 2-10
Dec. 11 COON RAPIDS W 7-1
Dec. 13 at Osseo W 11-3
Dec. 18 HOPKINS L 4-7
Dec. 20 at Armstrong/Cooper W 3-2
Dec. 23 PRINCETON W 6-1
SCHWAN CUP OPEN (Dec. 29-31)
Dec. 29 Minneapolis W 5-3
Dec. 30 Luverne L 3-4
Dec. 31 Irondale W 6-4
Jan. 3 IRONDALE W 3-1
Jan. 6 at Chisago Lakes W 6-3
Jan. 8 at Totino-Grace L 2-5
Jan. 15 at Coon Rapids W 6-1
Jan. 17 OSSEO W 5-2
Jan. 24 ARMSTNG/COOPER L 5-6
Jan. 29 at Irondale W 5-3
Jan. 31 TOTINO-GRACE L 2-3
Feb. 3 at Champlin Park T 2-2
Feb. 5 MAPLE GROVE L 1-4
Feb. 7 at Anoka L 3-4
Feb. 9 CENTENNIAL L 0-3
Feb. 13 at Blaine L 2-8
SECTION 5A PLAYOFFS
Feb. 19 PINE CTY/RUSH CTY W 12-0
Feb. 21 PROVIDENCE ACAD. W 6-2
Feb. 26 Chisago Lakes W 5-0
LEADERS
# Name Gr G-A-Pts
10 Jacob Nystrom 12 28-28-56
18 Deven Sunell 12 23-31-54
16 Connor Gagnon 11 11-29-40
3 Luke Turnquist 11 15-17-32
2 Mitchel Bentfield 10 7-17-24
# Name Gr GAA SV%
35 Aaron Furlano 11 2.98 .903
Tim Kolehmainen / Breakdown.zenfolio.com
Puck Heaven trivia
Q What are the only three cities
to host the boys’ state hockey
tournament?
2015 Minnesota state high school boys’ hockey tournament guide
31

St. Cloud Apollo
Saint Cloud Apollo was just the fourth seed in
Section 6A, yet earned the fifth-seed in the
state tournament — an indication of how
tough the section was this winter.
The top teams in the St. Cloud-area based section knocked heads
all winter, beating each other from time to time. But only one emerged
from the section tournament, and that proved to be a defensivelysound
St. Cloud Apollo squad.
The Eagles are making their second state tournament appearance
in three years, but only their third all time. That said, several of this
year’s key players have played at the X.
Much of Apollo’s hopes rides on the capable shoulders of junior
goaltender Nick Althaus (20-4-2, 1.47, .917), already a multi-year
veteran of varsity hockey. He’s a big goaltender who plays with an
aggressive style, something that suits coach Pete Matanich’s club
well. Apollo will play close to the vest, forcing errors
from its opponents while taking advantage of
opportunities offensively.
The Eagles allowed just 1.36 goals per game on
average during the regular season, including 17
times either shutting out the opponent or allowing
one goal. Since starting the year with a 1-2-2 record,
the Eagles have won 21 of 23 games while allowing
more than two goals just once. That’s impressive.
Junior defenseman Tanner Breidenbach (10-25-35) not only
leads Apollo on the blue line, but was also the leading point getter.
Nick Althaus
Senior Jason Omann (18-15-33) and juniors Gino Lucia (17-15-32)
and Brandon Bissett (17-9-26) are in a three-way race for the goalscoring
lead entering the state tournament.
Apollo will be a tough out at state, thanks to a strong defense and
goaltending. But can the Eagles get enough scoring to advance?
— Tim Kolehmainen
22-4-2
Quick Facts
Section: 6A
Conference: Central Lakes
Past State Appearances: 1984, 2013,
15
Head Coach: Pete Matanich
Home Rink: St. Cloud MAC
Road to the X
Date Opponent W-L-T
Nov. 20 BEMIDJI T 1-1
Nov. 25 PROVIDENCE ACAD. W 6-1
Dec. 4 at Alexandria T 4-4
Dec. 9 SC CATHEDRAL L 1-2
Dec. 11 at Fergus Falls L 3-5
Dec. 20 ROCH. LOURDES W 2-0
GRANITE CITY CLASSIC (Dec. 29-31)
Dec. 29 Sartell-St. Stephen W 2-1
Dec. 30 St. Cloud Tech W 8-0
Dec. 31 Sauk Rapids-Rice W 5-0
Jan. 3 at Northern Lakes W 3-1
Jan. 6 BRAINERD W 6-2
Jan. 8 at River Lakes W 8-1
Jan. 10 ORONO W 3-1
Jan. 13 WILLMAR W 4-1
Jan. 15 at Sauk Rapids-Rice W 4-2
Jan. 16 at Prairie Centre W 7-0
Jan. 20 ALEXANDRIA L 1-2
Jan. 22 at Sartell-St. Stephen W 2-0
Jan. 27 FERGUS FALLS L 0-2
Jan. 29 at St. Cloud Tech W 2-1
Jan. 31 VIRGINIA/MIB W 3-0
Feb. 3 at Brainerd W 4-1
Feb. 5 LITTLE FALLS W 7-2
Feb. 10 RIVER LAKES W 6-1
Feb. 12 at Willmar W 7-3
SECTION 6A PLAYOFFS
Feb. 17 SARTELL-ST. STPN W 2-1
Feb. 21 at Alexandria W 4-2
Feb. 26 at St. Cloud Cathedral W 4-2
Tim Kolehmainen / Breakdown.zenfolio.com
LEADERS
# Name Gr G-A-Pts
7 Tanner Breidenbach 11 10-25-35
13 Jason Omann 12 18-15-33
17 Gino Lucia 11 17-15-32
14 Grady Ewing 12 6-21-27
21 Brandon Bissett 11 17-9-26
# Name Gr GAA SV%
32 Nick Althaus 11 1.47 .917
Puck Heaven trivia
Q What coach, who was an
assistant to Willard Ikola for 20
years, returned to his hometown
to coach and led one of the city’s
schools to state in 1984?
2015 Minnesota state high school boys’ hockey tournament guide
33

Hermantown
For the past five years, Hermantown has played
for a championship on the final day of the
season — and five times has finished second.
Is six times the charm? The Hawks are back at the Class 1A
tournament again, this time as the top overall seed after another
impressive regular season. Hermantown is riding a 23-game unbeaten
streak (22-0-1) into the tournament and have rarely had an opponent
come within three goals in almost three months.
Colorful coach Bruce Plante is a media favorite at the tourney for his
“no punches pulled” approach to interviews. But ending a tournament
without the inevitable runner-up questions must be high on his
bucket list.
He certainly has the team to close the deal this winter. The Hawks
seemingly have no weaknesses, with solid goaltending, a deep
defensive corps, and multiple scoring lines.
It starts up front with high-scoring seniors Ryan Kero (29-37-
66) and Nate Pionk (31-32-63) and junior Cole
Koepke (20-22-42). Pionk is a great skater with
vision who has moved up to No. 6 on the school’s
career scoring list, while Kero has a great motor that
never quits. Koepke rounds out the unit with great
skills around the goal. Parker Hawk (10-17-27),
Jesse Jacques (9-16-25) and Kyle Amundson
(11-17-28) add plenty of offense from the second line.
Ryan Kero
Defensively, the Hawks have arguably the best top tandem in Class
1A in junior Wyatt Aamodt (10-29-39) and Eric Gotz (2-24-26).
One question dogging the Hawks entering the season was
what to do in goal with the graduation of both regulars. But junior
Luke Olson (21-1-1, 1.51, .932) has been soiid since day one. His
emergence has made the Hawks the clear top seed and perhaps even
end a five-year run of runner-up finishes.
— Tim Kolehmainen
25-2-1
Quick Facts
Section: 7A
Conference: Lake Superior
Past State Appearances: 1994, 98,
99, 2001, 06, 07 Champs, 10, 11, 12,
13, 14, 15
Head Coach: Bruce Plante
Home Rink: Hermantown Arena
Road to the X
Date Opponent W-L-T
Nov. 28 at Wayzata L 3-4
Nov. 29 at Roseville W 4-3
Dec. 2 CLOQUET-E-C W 8-0
Dec. 5 ORONO W 7-2
Dec. 6 HOPKINS L 1-2
Dec. 11 at Duluth Denfeld W 3-1
Dec. 13 at Thief River Falls W 8-2
Dec. 20 NEW PRAGUE W 6-1
Dec. 23 at Eveleth-Gilbert W 7-2
HILLTOPPER CLASSIC (Dec. 29-31)
Dec. 29 Notre Dame, WI W 4-2
Dec. 30 Duluth Marshall W 6-2
Dec. 31 East Grand Forks W 3-0
Jan. 3 INT’L FALLS W 11-1
Jan. 6 GRAND RAPIDS W 10-2
Jan. 9 at St. Cloud Cathedral W 5-2
Jan. 16 DULUTH MARSHALL W 5-2
Jan. 17 at Bemidji W 6-1
Jan. 20 at Proctor W 10-0
Jan. 23 at White Bear Lake W 4-2
Jan. 27 VIRGINIA/MIB W 5-1
Jan. 29 at Cloquet-E-C T 3-3
Jan. 31 at Rogers W 8-2
Feb. 6 BRAINERD W 10-0
Feb. 10 at Superior, WI W 3-0
Feb. 12 at HIbbing/Chisholm W 5-4
SECTION 7A PLAYOFFS
Feb. 19 VIRGINIA/MIB W 10-0
Feb. 21 Hibbing/Chisholm W 6-1
Feb. 25 Duluth Marshall W 4-0
Tim Kolehmainen / Breakdown.zenfolio.com
LEADERS
# Name Gr G-A-Pts
7 Ryan Kero 12 29-37-66
6 Nate Pionk 12 31-32-63
27 Cole Koepke 11 20-22-42
5 Wyatt Aamodt 11 10-29-39
21 Kyle Amundson 12 12-16-28
# Name Gr GAA SV%
32 Luke Olson 11 1.47 .930
Puck Heaven trivia
Q What Hermantown junior forward
led Class A in scoring in 2007 as
the Hawks copped their first title by
going unbeaten (29-0-1)?
2015 Minnesota state high school boys’ hockey tournament guide
35

East Grand Forks
East Grand Forks won its first state
championship last winter, anchored by a tough
defensive corps that shut down opponents.
A year later, some of the names have changed, but the story stays
the same for the Green Wave and coach Tyler Palmiscno. Gone are a
quartet of defensemen who logged plenty of ice time last winter, but
a host of returning forwards and goaltenders Josh Weber (16-3-0,
1.51, .925) and Garrett Lieberg (7-1-0, 1.80, .920) have the Green
Wave right back at the state tournament.
East Grand Forks is still stingy defensively, even with a new group
of blueliners leading the way. The Green Wave allow just 1.67 goals
per game, paced by the pairing of seniors Nathan Peabody (2-
15-17) and Reed Hjelle (1-1-2). Hjelle talied his first career goal in
the Section 8A final against Thief River Falls, in fact, it was the gamewinner.
Much of the Green Wave’s experience is on their forward lines,
particularly the top trio of senior Dixon Bowen (25-
31-56), and juniors Tanner Tweten (19-23-42) and
Grant Loven (11-17-28). Bowen is a North Dakota
recruit who with his next point will set the all-time
single-season scoring record at EGF. He’s an explosive
forward who is responsible in all three zones. Tweten
is a strong power forward with good hands, while
Loven is a versatile player with good skills. They
Dixon Bowen
complement each other well and form a formidable top line.
But the Green Wave aren’t just a one-line team, not with seniors
Reed Corbid (11-18-29), Jace Pesch (8-17-25) and Austin
Monda (9-8-17) anchoring the second line.
The defending state champions aren’t the favorites this year,
earning the No. 3 seed behind Hermantown and Mahtomedi, but it
wouldn’t be wise to count them out.
— Tim Kolehmainen
23-4-0
Quick Facts
Section: 8A
Conference: Mariucci
Past State Appearances: 1971, 80, 82,
98, 99, 2001, 02, 13, 14 Champs, 15
Head Coach: Tyler Palmiscno
Home Rink: East Grand Forks Civic
Center
Road to the X
Date Opponent W-L-T
Nov. 25 at Park Rapids W 4-1
Nov. 28 at Totino-Grace W 6-4
Nov. 29 at St. Cloud Cathedral W 6-2
Dec. 2 at GF Central, ND W 6-3
Dec. 4 GF RED RIVER, ND L 0-5
Dec. 5 BRECK W 4-1
Dec. 9 CROOKSTON W 3-0
Dec. 16 at Bemidji L 1-2
Dec. 19 WARROAD W 6-2
HILLTOPPER CLASSIC (Dec. 29-31)
Dec. 29 Delano W 5-3
Dec. 30 Superior, WI W 5-0
Dec. 31 Hermantown L 0-3
Jan. 2 BLAINE W 2-1
Jan. 10 GF CENTRAL, ND W 4-2
Jan. 13 ROSEAU W 8-0
Jan. 15 BEMIDJI W 4-1
Jan. 20 at Thief River Falls W 4-1
Jan. 22 at GF Red River, ND W 4-1
Jan. 27 at Crookston W 6-3
Jan. 29 KITTSON CENTRAL W 3-1
Jan. 31 at Warroad W 3-0
Feb. 3 at Moorhead L 1-3
Feb. 6 at Roseau W 6-0
Feb. 10 at Thief River Falls W 2-1
SECTION 8A PLAYOFFS
Feb. 19 PARK RAPIDS W 4-0
Feb. 21 Detroit Lakes W 3-2
Feb. 26 Thief River Falls W 4-3
Tim Kolehmainen / Breakdown.zenfolio.com
LEADERS
# Name Gr G-A-Pts
22 Dixon Bowen 12 25-31-56
19 Tanner Tweten 11 19-23-42
20 Reed Corbid 12 11-18-29
29 Grant Loven 11 11-17-28
7 Jace Pesch 12 8-17-25
# Name Gr GAA SV%
30 Josh Weber 12 1.51 .925
Puck Heaven trivia
Q What East Grand Forks player
had four goals and three assists in
the Class A tourney in 1998 as the
Green Wave claimed the consolation
title?
2015 Minnesota state high school boys’ hockey tournament guide
37

Prospects
Tourney top prospects
Over the Boards looks at top college prospects on display this week at the X
1. Riley Tufte - Blaine
uuJr. F, 6’4, 205 - Minnesota-Duluth
Towering junior with vision and high-end ability who
scored 59 points this season.
2. Casey Mittelstadt - Eden Prairie
uuSo. F 5’11, 188 - Minnesota
A wicked shot and a great offensive skillset helped
Mittelstadt become the Eagles top point-getter in his first
season of Varsity hockey.
3. Garrett Wait - Edina
uuJr. F 6’1, 170 - Minnesota
A skilled playmaker who scores a ton of goals, Wait took it
to another level this season.
4. Ryan Edquist - Lakeville North
uuJr. G 5’11, 170 - Minnesota
Poised, fundamentally tough-to-beat goaltender has yet to
be beaten this season.
5. Ryan Poehling - Lakeville North
uuSo. F 6’1, 185 - St. Cloud
The youngest of Lakeville’s Poehling brothers can make a
lot happen with his rangy frame and very effective play on
the puck.
6. Jack Sadek - Lakeville North
uuSr. D 6’3, 185 - Minnesota
The imposing, athletic Mr. Hockey finalist has become
one of the Gopher’s most prized recruits with an aggressive,
consistently impressive game in all three zones.
7. Dylan Malmquist - Edina
uuSr. F 5’10, 180 - Notre Dame
One of the best pure playmakers in high school with
tenacious play, off-the-charts hockey sense and finishing.
8. Michael Graham - Eden Prairie
uuJr. F 6’2, 195 - Minnesota-Duluth
Big forward is a threat on the powerplay and a tough
defensive assignment five-on-five with his ability to make
something out of nothing.
9. Mikey Anderson - Hill-Murray
uuFr. D 5’11, 185 - Minnesota-Duluth
For a freshman, his no-nonsense style of play, poise with
the puck and general versatility around the sheet make him a
very useful piece of the puzzle.
10. Christiano Versich - St. Thomas Academy
uuSr. F 5’9, - Colorado College
Leads a loaded Cadets forward corps into the fray with
relentless work ethic and playmaking.
HM by Class
Seniors: Other than the Lakeville’s
Jack and Nick Poehling (St.Cloud), who
bring offense and an edge to the action
whenever they take the ice, Hill-Murray
defender Jacob Olson (Harvard) and
Jack McNeely are two of the best in high
school hockey. St. Thomas Academy’s
Peter Tufto, East Grand Forks’ Dixon
Bowen, Edina’s Henry Bowlby and
Hermantown’s Nate Pionk are all
forwards that add a lot of value every
shift. Spring Lake Park’s Jacob Nystrom
is quick with scoring ability.
Juniors: Lakeville North’s Max Johnson
follows the mold of the Poehlings and
gets his on the scoresheet. Bemidji’s
Josh Lusby is a natural scorer who
gets better every year. Duluth East’s
Ash Altmann and Blaine’s Luke
Notermann are crucial to their teams
finding success. Tanner Tweten of East
Grand Forks is a strong power forward
with good hands and scoring ability.
Hermantown has a pair of top junior
defensemen in Wyatt Aamodt and Eric
Gotz. Mahtomedi’s Jack Becker is
another big and strong power forward,
while Apollo’s Tanner Breidenbach is an
offensive defenseman. Chase Ellingson
of Breck is an explosive skater.
Sophomores: Edina’s Clayton Phillips
(defense) and Ben Copeland (forward)
are quick, smart playmakers with a
lot of potential. Hill-Murray’s Marko
Reifenberger is coming into his own
as a big-time scorer for the Pioneers.
Brian Hurley (Ohio State) is an imposing,
talented member of the Cadets defense.
Ryan Sandelin of Hermantown, the
son of UMD coach Scott Sandelin, is
a strong and powerful forward. Breck
forward Mitch Matchlitt has dynamic
speed and offensive ability.
Freshmen: Luke LaMaster is a towering,
rangy defenseman with a lot of potential.
Dylan Mills is similarly sized, a big,
capable forward with vision and Edina’s
Sammy Walker is small but lights-out
offensively.
See the full article on the
MNHockeyMag.com website.
— Jasper Kozak-Miller
overtheboards.net
38
2015 Minnesota state high school boys’ hockey tournament guide