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Moorhead Spuds (26-2-1) / MSHSL strength of schedule – #6
TRENDING DATA:
- Currently ranked #1 in MSHSL 14-1-1 in ’25 and on a 3-game win streak only suffering a lone loss in OT at Hill-Murray undoubtedly suffering from ‘bus legs’.
- The Spuds possess the best and only undefeated record versus the AA field at 5-0-1.
- 12 players in double figures with five over the 40-pt. threshold and two players therein over the 70-pt. mark and Mr. Hockey candidate, Mason Kraft over 80!
- Mason Kraft – 37/47/84, Zac Zimmerman – 28/42/70, Ty Bergeson – 24/22/46, Brooks Cullen – 20/22/42, and Brandon Mickelson – 7/33/40
- Stalwart goalie, Charlie Stenehjem posts a record of 25-2-1 with a 1.83 GAA and .913 SP versus states 6th toughest schedule.
WEEKEND WARRIOR: Of course, the easy choice would be Stenehjem in net, as any team favored and in search of their first title would need a hot goalie, but our selection is agile defenseman, Brandon Mickelson. ‘The Mick’ is a junior defenseman rising up scouts’ charts as the top d-man in his class and a Reed Larson award candidate next season. After Rogers’ Nolen Geerdes, Mickelson is the most complete two-way d-man with dynamic upside in the O-zone setting up teammates or as the QB on the ruthless Spud power play. Smart, fundamental, instinctive neutralizer with a skies-the-limit future.
Lakeville South Cougars (18-9) / MSHSL strength of schedule – #22
TRENDING DATA:
- 14-2 in ’25 to date carrying an impressive 8-game winning streak.
- Cougars red flag is owning worst record at 0-4 versus the state AA field.
- Eleven players have reached double-digit scoring, with three above 40-pt. mark.
- Carter Ernst – 25/33/58, Jackson Ernst – 23/33/56, and Oscar Balkins – 16/25/41
- Starting goalie of average record has Carson Hauger at 14-9 and a low-brow GAA of 3.28 and SP of .872, however, at this critical juncture playoff run? In his last 4 games, Hauger is 4-0, with a 1.33 GAA and .936 SP…something is cookin’ in Cougar land?
WEEKEND WARRIOR: Winger Carter Ernst is an emerging talent and secret no longer. Younger brother of LVS mainstay Jackson Ernst leads the Cougars in scoring edging out his older brother by a mere two points but is now on the radar of both junior league and NHL scouts to be sure. Carter still tips more assists than goals which is always a good sign, but he must be relentless and fire at will. If Carter continues to roll he will inspire depth scoring down the lines and the Cougars will stay on the prowl. Neutralizing Moorhead transitions will be key, because without sustained, three zone checking efforts? It will be a long day for the Cougar.
