A Rankings for 2/15/26 and Section Preview

[ClassAGuy]

We have reached the end of the regular season! As usual, this means a format change in these rankings, with 1-25 listed out before walking through each section. Seedings are speculative for some and will be adjusted if things come out in a different order.

BHS Hockey Class A Final Ranking
1. Hibbing/Chisholm (21-2-2)
2. Hermantown (16-5-4)
3. Sartell (22-3-0)
4. Warroad (19-5-1)
5. Mahtomedi (14-9-2)
6. Delano (19-4-2)
7. Northfield (21-3-1)
8. Blake (16-7-2)
9. Cloquet/Esko/Carlton (13-12-0)
10. Breck (18-6-1)
11. Detroit Lakes (15-9-1)
12. St Cloud Cathedral (14-11-0)
13. Monticello (17-5-3)
14. International Falls (22-1-2)
15. Waseca (19-5-2)
16. Northern Lakes (14-10-1)
17. East Grand Forks (10-13-2)
18. Luverne (21-4-1)
19. Mankato West (16-7-2)
20. Chisago Lakes (14-8-3)
21. Orono (9-12-4)
22. St Louis Park (11-11-3)
23. Proctor (12-12-1)
24. Rochester Lourdes (16-6-2)
25. Pine City Area (16-8-1)

2026 Class A Section by Section Playoff Previews
Section 1A Seeding
1- Northfield Raiders (21-3-1)
2- Waseca Bluejays (19-5-2)
3- Dodge County Wildcats (16-8-1)
4- Rochester Lourdes Eagles (16-7-2)
5- Albert Lea Tigers (16-9-0)
6- Winona Winhawks (12-13-0)
7- Red Wing Wingers (10-15-0)
8- La Crescent-Hokah Lancers (12-13-0)
9- Faribault Falcons (4-20-1)

Playoff Dates & Locations :
Play In 2/17 High Seed
QF 2/19 High Seed
SF 2/21 Rochester Rec Center
F 2/25 Rochester Rec Center

Favorite
Northfield:The Raiders enter the Section 1A playoffs as the 3 time deafening champs down south and are again the favorites to win this section. They are led by Sr. Michael Steward & Soph. Miles Kennelly up front, and Sr. Bridger Riley has been a rock on the backend. Goaltender Sr. Gavin Winter has put together an excellent year in net, and there just are not many weaknesses on this team as they have been dominant down south again, as they are unbeaten vs Section 1A teams and have not lost a section game since 2022, making an upset seem unlikely.

Challengers
Waseca: The Bluejays have been waiting for this group to get to high school for years, and now their time has arrived to make some program history and get to State for the first time ever. They have plenty of skill up front, Sr. Jude Gehring and Jrs. Griffin Storey, Otto Schoenrock & Henry Huttemier have put up monster numbers all year. Sr. Jackson Dahl is a playmaker from the back end, and Goalie Jr. Josiah Schmidtke is typically at his best in the biggest games. This program has never been to Section Final, so making the jump to State seems large, but all the ingredients are here for a serious southern playoff run.

Rochester Lourdes: The Eagles are the under-the-radar team here as they will be playing in their home city, and this crew came very close to State last year. They play a very defensive game as they are only giving up 1.50 goals a game. Scoring is a concern, but Srs. Jack Phillips & Owen Hoehn, along with Jr. Jaxson Keefe, will look to make that a non-factor. They have a blueline led by veterans Srs. Owen Barclay & Vinny Harens. Then add to them Goaltender Sr. Anton Ackley, who has been a brick wall all year. Don’t overlook this group, as they showed last year, they know how to win playoff games, and they are a year older and ready to break through again in Section 1A.

The Dark Horse
Dodge County: The Wildcats have put together an impressive year. This was a young team coming into the season that has really grown up over the second half of the year. They are led up front by Sr. Gabe Coshenet, who teamed with Soph. Camryn Koch & 9th grader Nolan Steele make a very potent trio that is difficult to stop. For them to make a run through this year, the key will be in their own end, and they will need a big effort from Goaltender Jr. Wes Wegner, who has been at his best late in the year, which is a big reason why this is a dark horse to win Section 1A this winter.

Section Scaries
Albert Lea: The Tigers have quietly put together a nice year, and they are a program that is no stranger to having Section 1A playoff success. Up front, they have scoring as Sr. Jacob Kolker, Jr. Drake Sternhagen & Soph. Casey Ulve have put up big numbers all winter long. On the blueline, Sr. Zaden Brua is as good as they come and one of the top defenders in all of Section 1A, who can change the game from the back end. The front-end talent is here to pull an upset or two in Section 1A.

Winona: The Winhawks cooled off a bit down the stretch, but this is still a scary low seed that won’t be a fun or easy matchup. They have gotten added scoring this year with the transfer from California in Jr. Brennan Hines, and the coach's son, defender Sr. Paxton Raymond, has been their top player and leader all year. The reason though not to overlook this team is in net as goaltender Sr. Seth Watkins won't blow you away with his numbers, but he has the ability to steal a game nightly.

The Rest of Section 1A
Red Wing: The Wingers have had a resurgent year as they were able to win double-digit games and be much more competitive this winter. Sophs. Brody Peterson & Carter Sloan have been as good as they were advertised coming up from the youth and have given this team some much-needed scoring and some optimism as they look into the future for years to come.

La Crescent-Hokah: The Lancers have put together another solid year as they were able to hover around .500 all year and be competitive on most nights. Up front, Srs. Cooper Hill, Asher Voves & Cooper Johnston give them leadership and scoring, and Sr. Charlie Wieser gives them experience in net to make this team not an easy out come playoff time.

Faribault: It’s been another tough year for the Falcons as they played a very young lineup nightly and took some lumps as their group learned high school hockey. Sr. Thomas Kunze is the straw that stirs the rink here and Goaltender 9th grader CJ Callan has grown up throughout the year.

Section 2A Seeding
1- Delano Tigers (19-4-2)
2- Blake Bears (16-7-2)
3- Breck Mustangs (18-6-1)
4- St Louis Park Orioles (11-11-3)
5- Orono Spartans (9-12-4)
6- Minneapolis (11-12-2)
7- Providence Academy Lions (10-13-2)
8- Waconia Wildcats (10-10-5)
9- Westonka White Hawks (10-14-1)
10- Southwest Christian/Richfield Stars (8-15-2)
11- Hutchinson Tigers (5-20-0)

Playoff Dates & Locations:
Play In 2/17 High Seed
QF 2/19 High Seed
SF 2/24 SLP Rec Center
F 2/26 SLP Rec Center

Favorite
Delano: The Tigers were able to take on nearly every team in 2A during the regular season and came away unbeaten, making them the favorite to win this deep and tough section. Srs. Daniel Halonen & Brady Kangas, along with Soph. Lance Halonen lead the Tiger attack up front, and Sr. Connor Oja, Jr. Dylan Nelson & Soph. Jackson Wollak have been a steady trio on the blueline. In net, getting Sr. Evan Geyen back from injury was a huge boost late in the year. This team has all the pieces to not only get back to state for the first time in 5 years, but to do some real damage if they get there!

Challengers
Blake: The Bears dropped back down into Class A this year, and they have been a Top 10 team all season long. Their lone section loss was an OT heartbreaker to Delano, and they will be looking for a chance to avenge that result in the playoffs. They are a veteran team and up front, Srs. Joe Erickson & Landon Bell lead a deep and talented offense. Jr. Axel Bisbee is an elite defender who can add to the offense. In net Jr. Jake Iwan has improved as the year has gone on. Blake has been consistent all year and has the talent and experience to make a playoff run.

Breck: The Mustangs had a resurgence this year as a new coach and some top-end transfers breathed some life into this Class A blueblood program. Offensively, Srs. Garrett Trench & Eli Milinkovich have been electric all year and Soph. Colten Crook provides great secondary scoring. On the blueline, Srs. Cooper Klinck & Erik Larson are as good as they come in this section. Goaltender Sr. Mac West plays his best in the biggest games, and they only have OT losses to Delano, Blake & Orono, so they know they can play with 2A’s best and get back to State!

The Dark Horses
Orono: The 3 time defending Section Champs being a dark horse speaks to the depth of this section. The Spartans had a rough year compared to their normal standard, but they played better late. Srs. Jackson Knight & Rory Kvern are a dangerous duo up front, and Sr. Max Lewin in the net can steal a game when needed, as he has faced a lot of rubber this year. Never count out the heart of a champion, as they won’t be an easy out in 2A.

St Louis Park: The Orioles had an up-and-down year but have shown glimpses, like their win over Chanhassen & tie with Benilde, that they have the talent to compete at a high level. The trio of Srs. Marty Hirte & Owen Anklam, and Jr. Leo Schmoll are as good as any top end in 2A. The key will be in net as they will need Sr. Parker Jirik to be at his best, and this group can make a run

Section Scaries
Providence Academy: The Lions are a very scary low seed as they got healthy in the 2nd half of the year and showed they will be a scary draw for any top seed. Sr. Jay Anderson and Jrs. Gavin Sattler & Will Stricker can score in bunches, and goalie Sr. Owen Villagomez can stand on his head to pull an upset bid.

Minneapolis: The 612 crew struggled late in the year, but they have more than enough talent to pull a section upset or two, and they will be another scary draw. Jr. Will Ackerman & Soph Ryan Mullen lead the offense and Soph. Wilson Lamberty is a very talented defender. They have the talent to put scare and potentially make a run back to the 2A Title game for a 3rd year.

Waconia: The last time the Wildcats were in 2A, they pulled the #7 seed stunner, so don’t be shocked if they are able to do it again this year. They quietly put together a nice year and Srs. Maxwell Kelley & Devon Stifter lead a hard-nosed group that will not be an easy draw for whatever top 2A seed they get.

The Rest of Section 2A
Westonka: The Whitehawks have a great offense as they are led by Srs. Liam Grant & Collin Hagen, and 9th grader Ronan Childers came on strong late in the year. They will score with anyone, but the key for them is how well they can defend.

Southwest Christian/Richfield: It’s a transition year for the Stars with a new coach and culture this winter. If they want any shot of a playoff run, though, they will need to get a great effort from the goalie tandem of Sophs. Hudson Tucker & Lance Dore, who both had nice seasons in the net this winter.

Hutchinson: It was a rebuilding year for the Tigers as they had a tough year. They did improve nightly and will look to be at their best now. Senior Hudson Lien has been the heart and soul of this young team as they look to finish the year on a good note.

Section 3A Seeding
1- Luverne Cardinals (21-4-1)
2- Mankato West Scarlets (16-7-2)
3- Mankato East Cougars (11-13-1)
4- Minnesota River Bulldogs (10-12-3)
5- New Ulm Eagles (14-11-0)
6- Marshall Tigers (7-18-0)
7- Fairmont Cardinals (7-13-0)
8- Windom Eagles (8-16-1)
9- Redwood Valley Cardinals (6-17-0)
10- Worthington Trojans (2-23-0)

Playoff Dates & Locations :
Play In 2/17 High Seed
QF 2/19 High Seed
SF 2/21 Lund Center, Gustavus
F 2/25 Lund Center, Gustavus

Favorite
Luverne: Roll Cards Roll will look to do something that has not been done in 3A in a very long time, and that is repeat as Section Champs. They have the firepower up front to do it as Srs. Maddux Domagala & Landyn Lais and Jr. Will Bergmann & Soph. Mallachi Domagala gives them scoring on two lines. On the blueline, Sr. Jaxon Lais and Jrs Ben Hartquist & Ricky Rogers give them stability in their own end, and goaltender Sr. Gavin Hoven is battle tested and has led his team to state before. The talent and experience are in place for a repeat.

Challenger
Mankato West: The Scarlets have been building all season long as they enter the playoffs looking for revenge for last year's double OT heartbreak. They have found a very productive top line in Jrs. Jakobe Tosch, Keaton Dorzek & Brodie Cox, who lead the way offensively. Defensively, Jr. Grady Schmidt & 9th grader Brooks Baukol are excellent in their own end and can add to the scoring. On top of all that, they have goaltender Sr. Mason Schreiber, who is more rested this year and ready to go on a run. This team is locked and loaded for redemption.

The Dark Horse
Mankato East: On paper, this section appears to be a two-team race, but if there is a dark horse, it just might be the Cougars. They have had their moments this year and look to be the best of the rest in 3A. Srs. Luke Lebens & Landen Haglin, along with Jrs. Zach Lang & Braydon Arnoldy give them good scoring depth to be able to make a run. The key for East is goaltending, as they haven’t found the consistency that will be needed to make a deep run, but that's what makes the playoffs fun, as there is now a chance for someone to step up and take the net.

Section Scaries
Minnesota River: The Bulldogs feel like the scary team in 3A that is lurking and ready to make the accustomed Cinderella run. This section is known for playoff chaos and top seeds not making the Section Final game, and this could be the team that makes that happen this winter. Srs. Riley Kamm & Eian O'Keefe lead the way, but like others in this section, they will need a guy to step up in the net for them to make a surprising run, which the talent is very capable of on this roster.

New Ulm: The Eagles have played better down the stretch and are a team not to overlook, as they have won plenty of 3A titles and have the top-end firepower to put scare into the top seeds in 3A. Jrs. Hunter Larson & Carson Uecker, along with 9th grader Jaxon Saenz, give New Ulm more than enough talent to upset someone, and they could make a surprising run back to State a year earlier than they expected coming into the year.

The Rest of Section 3A
Marshall: The Tigers have had a tough year, but they always seem prepared by their coaching staff to be a tough out come playoff time. If they want to make a magic run this year, look for Jr. Jacob Allen to be a big reason why, as he is the engine of this team and will be the one they need producing.

Fairmont: The Cardinals had one of their better seasons in recent memory, and now they will look to have a strong finish in the playoffs. They are led by their scoring duo of Srs. Klay Beemer & Gavin Kester who are the keys to this team making any kind of potential playoff run.

Windom: The Eagles are playing a very young team that is growing up as the year goes along. They are led by 9th graders Daniel Staples & Nash Dietz up front, and in the net, it's a fellow 9th grader, Kole Espenson, who is already a veteran at the varsity level. While they are most likely not gonna make a run this year, keep an eye on this group in the upcoming years.

Redwood Valley: Another bird team down in SW Minnesota, as this group of Cardinals also had an improved year, while the record doesn’t show it, they were much more competitive in games this season. Jrs. Sam Klabunde & Landon Stoneberg have been their leaders, and there is optimism here as they have a roster that will return almost everyone next year.

Worthington: It has been a difficult year for the Trojans as an injury in the net left them having to put a player in the net at times this winter, which made it difficult to break in a young team. Despite those hardships, Jr. Dominic Pavelko had a very good year, and newcomer Soph. Hunter Heitkamp was strong on the back end for building blocks for next year.

Section 4A Seeding
1- Mahtomedi Zephyrs (14-9-2)
2- Chisago Lakes Wildcats (14-8-3)
3- Irondale Knights (14-10-1)
4- Hastings Raiders (12-12-1)
5- South St. Paul Packers (11-13-1)
6- Tartan North Titans (10-15-0)
7- Simley Spartans (8-17-0)
8- Osseo Orioles (4-21-0)
9- St. Paul Hockey (4-18-2)
10- St. Paul Academy Spartans (1-23-0)

Playoff Dates & Locations :
Play In 2/17 Aldrich Arena
QF 2/19 & 2/20 Aldrich Arena
SF 2/24 Aldrich Arena
F 2/26 Aldrich Arena

Favorite
Mahtomedi:The Zephyrs are looking to win their 9th 4A Title in the last 10 years in a dominant decade. On paper, they look like the heavy favorite to do just that. They have scored more this year thanks to Jr. Devin O'Donnell and Sophs. Vinny Redpath & Brock Gutterman. On the blueline is another strength as Srs. Henry Sampair & Cody Loida, and Soph. Ryker Dunbar lead a deep and veteran defensive core. Goalie Sr. Jackson Chesak has good experience in net, and this is a well-coached and loaded lineup, and it will take a pretty big upset not see this team back at State as they look to be playing on Friday again.

Challenger
Chisago Lakes:The Wildcats have been trying to knock down the door and return to State for the 1st time in over a decade, but they’ve come up just short with multiple Section Runner Ups. Now they’ll look to not have the same fate this year, and they have the top-end talent to get back to St Paul. Forwards Srs. Jacob Kletti, Colton Horak & Austin Slettom are all able to score big goals, and defender Sr. Max Koch is a high-end player who can defend well and also add to the rush. The talent level is on this roster to make the first Tourney run since 2014

The Dark Horses
Irondale: The Knights were a big winner in the offseason when they were allowed to drop down to Class A this winter. They have taken advantage and had a nice year and went unbeaten in Section 4A play, but they did not play Mahtomedi or Chisago during the year. They’ve gotten great years from Sr. Logan Forrest, Jr. Calvin Urdahl, and 9th grader Bodie Inselman on offense, and Sr. Rylan Remore is a 4-year veteran and a great defenseman. This is a group that could definitely surprise and be one game away from State, and then anything can happen.

Hastings: It's been an exciting winter for the Raiders as they were able to host Hockey Day Minnesota and bring some national exposure to their program. Now they will look to end the year with a stunning appearance at State. Don’t overlook this team as they have the talent to make a dark horse run, and they are led by Sr. Finn Zaruba & Jr. Jonas Schauer up front and Sr. Luke Niederkorn on the back end. This is a veteran lineup filled with upperclassmen, and they will not want to see their season come to an early end and will be a tough out in 4A.

Section Scaries
South St Paul: The Packers have been all over the place this year as they have been a streaky team very hot then very cold. If you get the good version of SSP, watch out, as they could be a scary upset surprise like they were two years ago. Leaders Jrs. Roman Knight & Jaxson Horning were freshmen on that upset minded team, so they know what it takes to pull a shocker here.

Tartan/North:The Titans have not had the year they envisioned, but they will still be a very scary draw for any of the top seeds. Scoring goals has been an issue for this team at times this year, but the reason they are scary in the net as goalie Jr. Nathan McGuire can steal a game, and he’s at his best when he is getting lots of shots, and this won't be a fun draw for anyone in 4A.

Simley: The Spartans always felt like they were a year away from being a contender, but they have shown they will be a scary draw this year. Jrs. Aiden Fischbach & Daniel O'Shea, and 9th graders Noah Schwab & Sawyer Husemann, lead a young team that has shown they can be dangerous, and if you catch them on the wrong night, they could pull an upset with the right draw.

The Rest of Section 4A
Osseo: The Orioles knew it was going to be a major rebuild this year, and it's been just that for them. They unfortunately also had some injuries to the very small core of returners they had. Overall, they have battled through it and gotten better, and Sr. Zach Nunn has been their leader & main guy most of the year.

St Paul: It was a transition year for the 651 crew as they had the task of bringing together two programs in Highland Park and Johnson, and overall, they had their ups and downs, which was to be expected with such a big merger. They have gotten good years from their older players as Srs. Gavin Olsen & Evan Shipp have led the way as they create a new culture in St Paul.

St Paul Academy: It has been a very difficult year for the SPA, as they just have not been able to find much success on the ice this winter. The Spartans have played a lineup that has been filled with inexperience, but a bright spot has been Sr. Louie Berthiaume & 9th grader Judd Berthiaume, who are two of the four total Berthiaumes on the roster and their leaders overall.

Section 5A Seeding
1- St Cloud Cathedral Crusaders (14-11-0)
2- Monticello Moose (17-5-3)
3- Pine City Area Dragons (16-8-1)
4- Sauk Rapids-Rice Storm (13-11-1)
5- Litchfield Dassel Cokato Dragons (12-12-1)
6- River Lakes Stars (10-15-0)
7- Becker/Big Lake Eagles (11-14-0)
8- Princeton Tigers (3-22-1)
9- Mora/Milaca Mustangs (7-19-0)

Playoff Dates & Locations :
Play In 2/14 High Seed
QF 2/17 High Seed
SF 2/21 High Seed
F 2/25 Furniture & Things Community Event Center

Favorite
St Cloud Cathedral: The Crusaders were supposed to be in a rebuilding year, but they turned it into a reload instead, and they went unbeaten in Section 5A play in the regular season. They get most of their scoring from their top line of Jr. Eli Van Heel, Soph. Bo Schmidt & 9th Grader Brandan White. On the Blueline Sr. Griffin Sturm & Soph. Talen Ruprecht lead the D-core that steadily improved throughout the year. In net Sr. Hunter Moreland has been good once they finally gave him the starting job. This group grew up as the year went along, and they appear to be primed to win their 4th straight 5A title.

Challenger
Monticello: The Moose are trying to get over the Cathedral hump as they have seen their season end to the Crusaders the last 3 straight years. This is a group built on defense, but they have had issues scoring in bigger games. They will need Srs. Ashton Stoll & Carter Lemke and Soph. Clyde Middleton to have a big playoff. If they can get scoring watch out as their blueline led by Jr. Nicklas Nelson and Srs. Brady McGriff & Levi Welle are as good as any in Class A. Jr. Nolan Wurm has been strong in net, and this group can definitely be one to get back to State and fulfill their lofty preseason expectations.

The Dark Horses
Pine City Area: The Dragons have again put together a strong season and they have set themselves up well to make a playoff push now. This is a rugged group that is not much fun to play against, and they will make you earn every inch of ice. They are led by Srs. McCall Leger, up front, and Brady Berglund on the blueline. This team was oh so close to pulling off the big playoff upset last year, and they will look to make a dark-horse run to the 5A title this winter now as they are a gritty group.

Sauk Rapids-Rice: The Storm came into the year looking like they could potentially be a Top 20 team, but things got off to a rocky start, and after hitting rock bottom in mid-January, this team has been on a serious hot streak heading into the playoffs. They are led by their trio of Srs. Bryden Prelvitz, Elijah Fitch & Chase Hiltner, who lead a very veteran top-end group that can play with any in the section. The key for them will be finding some depth and getting goaltending, but if they get that, this could be a team to make a surprise run in Section 5A.

Litchfield Dassel Cokato: The Dragons were thrilled when they got to move out of Section 2A and into 5A this offseason, and now they have a real chance to make a playoff run. They have some real firepower up front, as Sr. Anton Haataja and Sophs. Brody Berggren & Landon Corbin have all been filling the net this year. The key for them will be staying composed and not going to the box because 5 vs 5, they are a tough team and could give anyone a game in this section on the right night.

Section Scary
River Lakes: The Stars have underachieved for most of the year, as they have some serious talent on this roster, but have just not quite put things together on the ice for far this year. That makes them the ideal fit for the 5A Section Scary because they have the talent of a top seed, and at any moment they could put it all together and cause playoff havoc. If that is going to happen, look for Srs. Parker Welz, Eric Paulson & Isaac Blaschko to play a starring role and for Sr. Will Robinson to stand on his head in the net, which he is very capable of doing.

The Rest of Section 5A
Becker/Big Lake: The Eagles have had a very good year as they were able to get one of, if not the highest, seed in program history. They played many teams close in 5A and shouldn’t be overlooked. They are led by Sr. Tate Spilde & Soph. Owen Zahler, who have both had very good years again. Now they will aim to try and do something they have never done, and that is win a Quarterfinal playoff game and get to the Semifinal round.

Princeton: The Tigers have had a very difficult year this winter as they just have not been able to score goals, as they only have 28 total on the year, and it's just very hard to win games with that kind of lack of production. Defenders Sr. Luka Miller & Jr. Carter Nelson have been strong on the back end, but again, if they want any shot of a playoff upset, scoring will be key.

Mora/Milaca: The Mustangs had a decent start to the season, but they’ve struggled late in the year. There is reason to feel good, though, in Mustang Country, as they are led in scoring by three underclassmen in Jr. Jacob Szucs and 9th graders Ty Stanchfield & Noah Donaghue, to give them hope for the future

Section 6A Playoff Seeding
1- Sartell Sabres (22-3-0)
2- Northern Lakes Lightning (14-10-1)
3- Fergus Falls Otters (9-15-0)
4- Little Falls Flyers (6-18-0)
5- Prairie Centre North Stars (19-6-0)
6- Willmar Cardinals (11-14-0)
7- Breckenridge/Wahpeton Blades (10-13-1)
8- Morris/Benson Storm (10-15-0)
9- Wadena Deer Creek Wolverines (4-22-0)

Playoff Dates & Locations :
Play In 2/14 High Seed
QF 2/17 High Seed
SF 2/21 MAC Arena
F 2/26 MAC Arena

Favorite
Sartell: The Sabres come into the 6A playoffs looking like they are about to make some program history as they are the heavy favorite to win this Section and get to State for the 1st time ever. They’re led by a tremendous top line, of Sr. Brayden Klande and Jrs. Devin Jacobs & Preston Deragisch have been unstoppable all year. On the blueline Jrs. Isaac Mentzer & Collin Otto are mobile and point producing defenders and in net Jr. Brody Potthoff has stepped up and filled the starter's role well. There just aren't holes on this deep team that looks primed to make some history over the next few weeks.

Challenger
Northern Lakes: The Lightning are the reigning 6A Champs, and they will not give up their title easily as they have a solid core of Juniors that have grown up throughout the year, and they will look to try to get back to the tourney for back-to-back years. On offense, Jrs. Josiah Reier, Parker Fulton & Waylon Katterhagen lead the charge and have been scoring goals all year. On the back end, Jrs. Bodie Nybakken & Kyler Rikala can add to the offense as well. The real reason though to have fear of Northern Lakes is in net as goaltender Jr. Sam Suja can stand on his head and on any given night steal a game, making them a factor to win 6A again this winter.

The Dark Horses
Fergus Falls: The Otters will not wow you with their record, but they have been pretty tough vs the rest of the pack in 6A this year. They have been relying on their duo of Sophs. Luke Johnson & Tanner Donaghue to lead the way for a young team that has had its ups and downs. Why they get mentioned as a dark horse, though, is because in the net, they have a veteran in Sr. Holden Stenstrom who can steal some games for them.

Little Falls: The Flyers have had a very difficult year as they have been playing an inexperienced and young lineup nightly that has had to learn varsity hockey on the fly. They have played one of the tougher schedules in the section, so their record can be a bit deceiving, but the issue for them all year has been scoring goals, as they’ve had a punchless attack most of the season. They still are a tough draw as they have Sr. Remi Chisholm up front, who is one of the top players in 6A and net Sr. Izaak Kalis can take over a game if he gets hot for a week. Watch out, 6A!

Section Scary
Prairie Centre: The North Stars have had themselves a great year as they have been able to win 19 games and have shown they can beat the best of the rest in 6A on most nights. They have an explosive offense that has put up big numbers all year, and if Prairie Centre is going to make a run, look for Sr. James Rieland, Jrs. Leyton Fuchs & Alex Trierweiler, and 9th grader Bentley Ritter to lead the way as they have all put up big numbers and they could put a scare into a top seed in 6A

The Rest of Section 6A
Willmar: The Cardinals just have never really been able to put things together this year after a really good stretch at the start of December, and they have had a tough time late in the year. However, don't overlook Willmar as they were the surprise of the Class A playoffs last year when they made a run as a 6 seed. The leaders of that team, Sr. Gibson Horyza and Jrs. Luke Larson, Aden Jacobson & Max Garberding are all back and know what it takes to make a low seed playoff run.

Breckenridge/Wahpeton: The Blades got off to a terribly slow start this year, which was shocking considering all the talent they brought back from last year’s 6A Semifinal team. However, they caught fire late in the year, but unfortunately they will enter the playoffs on a cold streak. They have a very good top line as Jrs. Easton Neppl, Jaxson Lopez & Gracin Kaste can take over most games they play, and if they can get a lead, watch out, as they have shown, like in their upset of Little Falls, they can compete and beat the majority of teams in this section.

Morris/Benson: The Storm have played better hockey of late after they got off to a slow start to begin the season. They have steadily improved this year and are led by Sr. Kye Suess, Jr. Hunter Westerman, and Soph. Connor Hadfield, who have all put together good years to give them a dangerous attack nightly.

Wadena Deer Creek: The Wolverines continue to build back up their program that almost went extinct a few years ago. They played a young team again this winter and had their struggles, but their leading scorers are Soph. Hudson Hathaway & 9th grader Cole Sundby, which foreshadows a brighter future soon.

Section 7A Playoff Seeding
1- Hibbing/Chisholm Bluejackets (21-2-2)
2- Hermantown Hawks (16-5-4)
3- Cloquet/Esko/Carlton Lumberjacks (13-12-0)
4- Proctor Rails (12-12-1)
5- International Falls Broncos (22-1-2)
6- Greenway Raiders (12-12-0)
7- North Shore Storm (6-15-1)
8- Ely Timberwolves (8-14-0)
9- Moose Lake Area Rebels (1-22-0)

Playoff Dates & Locations :
Play In 2/14 High Seed
QF 2/17 High Seed
SF 2/21 Amsoil Arena
F 2/25 Amsoil Arena

Favorites
Hibbing/Chisholm: The Blue Jackets are looking to make it back-to-back trips to State, but this team has bigger goals than just a 7A title as they aim to bring home to their town some State Title hardware in a few weeks. In order to make that dream come true, the hardest step might come just getting out of their own section, but the talent is oozing from this roster. On offense, Srs. Tate Swanson & Isaiah Hildenbrand, along with Soph. Cole Swanson are electric every time they touch the ice. On defense, Sr. Ethan Sundvall, Jr. Jackson Strukel & Soph Whitaker Rewertz have put up big numbers of their own. In net Sr. Gavin Lamphere has been steady, and everything is here for this group to make a run and repeat as 7A Champs.

Hermantown: The Hawks come into the 7A playoffs looking for redemption after last year saw them not only not make state, but they missed the Section Final for the first time in decades. They have had a chip on their shoulder all winter, and now is the time to make amends. They have gotten great scoring from their trio of Jrs. Beau Christy, Micklain Martalock & Kole Lendzyk, and Soph. Paxon Madill has come on strong late in the year. On the blueline, Jr. Gabe Swenson is as good a defender as you can find, and in net Sr. Bryce Francisco has been stout all year, but this team has been battling key injuries and their overall health will be key as they’re limping into the playoffs.

Challenger
Cloquet/Esko/Carlton: The Lumberjacks last year had their hearts broken in overtime as the #1 seed. Now this year, they will look to get revenge as they have a team to play spoiler in 7A. They get their scoring from Srs. Luca Gentilini & Conor Sullivan, and Soph. Jordy Sewell. The strength of this team is on the back end, as defenders Sr. Cole Painovich & Soph. Brahm Snesrud lead a deep and tough blueline. If you can get around them, then you have to solve goalkeeper Sr. Jacob Iallonardo, and this is a team that will be a nightmare to face

The Dark Horse
International Falls: When was the last time you saw a #5 seed in Class A come in with 22 wins? That's the world we are living in, Section 7A this year. The Broncos had a wonderful year, and while there are skeptics due to the strength of the schedule, the talent is real, and The Falls are looking to make a run like the old days. Srs. Anthony & Will Yerxa, Zach Youso, and Soph. Brodie Baldwin has all put up video game-like numbers this year, and they have got great goaltending from their tandem of Srs. Caleb Joslyn & Kane Thompson, which will allow them to stay in games even against the best offenses that Section 7A has to offer. Don’t count out the purple & gold to make a run.

Section Scary
Proctor: The Rails are the scariest team in Section 7A, as they showed earlier this winter when they pulled the upset of the year in Class A, knocking off the top-ranked Hawks. They fear no one and have some great young talent to play with anyone in this section. Their leader is Sr. Breckin Ross, who has been great this year, but they also have an exciting core of young talent, headlined by Soph. Rafe Giswold and 9th graders Jax Hardy & Drew Yost give this Proctor team confidence that on any night they can beat anyone, and the future is very bright for this program. This will not be a fun team to draw for any top seed.

The Rest of Section 7A
Greenway: The Raiders put together a decent year, and they proved that they were the best of the rest in 7A. They got some great leadership from Seniors Bryce & Brayden Nielsen, and they have a good young core to build around in Sophs. Evan Woodman & Aiden Fillman, and goaltender Soph. Blayne Kelley, that should have this Iron Range community excited, as there is a wave of good talent coming in and some better years ahead.

North Shore: The Storm went through a total rebuild this year as they had to replace almost every point from their lineup last year due to graduation and transfers. They were able to find a way to scratch out some wins as the year went along, in large part due to their goaltending as Soph. Dax Krech faced lots of shots all year, but was able to hold them in games.

Ely: The Timberwolves put together a solid year, as they always have low numbers to work with, but they did a nice job putting a decent team on the ice this year. They were able to get good seasons from Sr. Rhett Johnson and Jrs. Owen Marolt & Sean Merriman, as they each were very productive to help carry what was a young team to a more competitive than expected year.

Moose Lake: It was a very challenging year for the Rebels, as after one of their best seasons in recent memory, they had one of their most difficult this year. Nothing seemed to go right for this team that had issues defending. The bright spots were Jr. Chase Klavu & Soph Brayden Strand, who both had good years.

Section 8A Playoff Seeding
1- Warroad Warriors (19-5-1)
2- East Grand Forks Greenwave (10-13-2)
3- Detroit Lakes Lakers (15-9-1)
4- Thief River Falls Prowlers (11-12-1)
5- Crookston Pirates (15-9-1)
6- Bagley/Fosston Flyers (18-7-0)
7- Red Lake Falls Eagles (15-11-0)
8- Park Rapids Area Panthers (12-14-0)
9- Kittson County Central Bearcats (5-18-0)
10- Lake of the Woods Bears (3-20-0)

Playoff Dates & Locations :
Play In 2/14 High Seed
QF 2/17 High Seed
SF 2/21 Ralph Engelstad Arena, TRF
F 2/26 Ralph Engelstad Arena, TRF

Favorite
Warroad: The Warriors have been the clear favorite in 8A all year as they went unbeaten vs the section and enter this year’s playoffs looking for redemption. This is a team loaded with elite skill, speed, and talent, and they, as always, have their big line in Sr. Mooney Shaugabay, Jr. Gavin Andersen & 9th grader Roderick Jackson, who are challenging for anyone to contain. The blueline is loaded as well as the Hontvet brothers, Sr. Broden & 9th grader Ayven, and Sr. Sam Hard leads a loaded back end. Then add that in net Jr. Finn Hanson is a game changer himself, and Warroad looks primed to be back at State

Challengers
East Grand Forks: The Defending State Champs had another slow start to the year. However, they found their game in the 2nd half, and if they are fully healthy, they’ll look to repeat as Section 8A Champs again. As noted, health is key, and they need Sr. Tucker Lovejoy & Jr. Jace Panzer healthy to give them scoring. Defensively, Jr. Max Bies & Ryan Clauson are their two main blueliners, and both can add scoring punch. They also have goalie Jr. Noah Schindele, who knows what it takes to go on a championship run, and this group will be a tough out in 8A

Detroit Lakes: The Lakers have been building a program that wants to upset the hierarchy of the Big Three in Section 8A. This year's group might just be the one to help them take that next step that they have been so close to having in recent years. They get great leadership and scoring from Srs. Easton Kennedy & Will Cymbaluk, who lead their attack. On the back end, Sr. Hudson Pettit and the Walter brothers, Soph. Bauer & 9th grader Rhett have also been key and added to the scoring. In net, they have goaltender Jr. Griffin Lindberg, who at any moment can steal a game. All the pieces are in place for this group to break through and make a serious deep run in 8A.

The Dark Horse
Thief River Falls: The Prowlers are looking to restore some of their former glory as they have not lived up to the program's typical standards lately. This current group had a dreadful start to the season, but played much better as the season went along. They have a large Junior class, and Jr.s Spencer Anderson & Hudson Brouse lead the charge as they do the majority of their scoring. On the Blueline, 9th grader Beckem Johnson is a budding star, and he gives their overall attack more versatility. This is a team that will be playing on its home ice throughout the 8A playoffs, and they will look to arrive at State a year early.

Section Scaries
Crookston: The Pirates are looking to recreate the same playoff magic from last year, as they were one of the few low seeds to make the Semifinal round. There is good reason to believe they could do the same thing again this year, as they have their trio of Srs. Garrett Fischer, Jay Reese & Greyson Ecker, who can all put up big numbers and were the catalysts of their upset run a year ago, so they could easily provide a scare again this year.

Bagley/Fosston: The Flyers have had an excellent year, and looking at the youth of their roster, they should only be better next year. However, they want to make a run in the present, and they will be another scary draw for a top seed in 8A. They have a potent top line as Jrs. Logan Dillich & Wyatt Gerbracht and Soph. James Palmer have had big years, and if they can be buzzing in the playoffs, this won't be a fun matchup for anyone.

The Rest of Section 8A
Red Lake Falls: The Eagles came into this year off a record-setting year, and they appeared to be well on their way to another one early. However, a late season fade saw them fall back into a lower seed, and the path is now a difficult one. If they want to shock everyone and make a run, they will need big games from Srs. Coby Knott & Dennis Lanctot, who have been their leaders all winter long.

Park Rapids: The Panthers were going through a rebuilding year this winter, but they did play better hockey late in the year. They have a lineup full of underclassmen and Jrs. Finn Henry & Easton Brovold have been their leaders all season long for a team with a bright future ahead.

Kittson County Central: The Bearcats always field a team with a low-numbered roster, as they are one of the smallest schools in the state with hockey. They don't have much depth but Jrs. Eli Muir & Jaxton Hemmes both had strong years to lead the way.

Lake of the Woods: It has been a struggle for the Bears all year as they are another team dealing with the constraints of a tiny roster. Sr. Dawson Canfield has been a bright spot, though, as he has been a good leader and producer for LOW all winter.

[ClassAGuy]

Legacy Hockey Class A Final Rankings (2/16/26)
1. Hibbing/Chisholm
2. Hermantown
3. Warroad
4. Mahtomedi
5. Delano
6. Sartell
7. Northfield
8. Blake
9. Monticello
10. Breck
11. Cloquet/Esko/Carlton
12. St. Cloud Cathedral
13. Northern Lakes
14. East Grand Forks
15. International Falls
16. Waseca
17. Detroit Lakes
18. Luverne
19. Rochester Lourdes
20. Chisago Lakes.

[ClassAGuy]

PageStat Class A Final Regular Season Ranking
1. Hermantown
2. Hibbing
3. Warroad
4. Sartell
5. Mahtomedi
6. Delano
7. Cloquet
8. Blake
9. Northfield
10. East Grand Forks
11. Breck
12. St Cloud Cathedral
13. Mankato West
14. Monticello
15. Northern Lakes
16. Detroit Lakes
17. Waseca
18. St Louis Park
19. Chisago Lakes
20. Orono

[ClassAGuy]

LPH BHS Hockey Class A Official Final Ranking
1. Hibbing/Chisholm (21-2-2)
2. Hermantown (16-5-4)
3. Sartell (22-3-0)
4. Warroad (19-5-1)
5. Mahtomedi (14-9-2)
6. Delano (19-4-2)
7. Northfield (21-3-1)
8. Blake (16-7-2)
9. Cloquet/Esko/Carlton (13-12-0)
10. Breck (18-6-1)
11. Detroit Lakes (15-9-1)
12. St Cloud Cathedral (14-11-0)
13. Monticello (17-5-3)
14. Waseca (19-5-2)
15. Northern Lakes (14-10-1)
16. East Grand Forks (10-13-2)
17. International Falls (22-1-2)
18. Luverne (21-4-1)
19. Mankato West (16-7-2)
20. Chisago Lakes (14-8-3)